Search found 423 matches

by ABQ4804
Fri Jan 05, 2024 12:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 579
Views: 39978

Re: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

5538.38 please!
by ABQ4804
Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Grandparent 529 question re: how to pay school
Replies: 5
Views: 782

Re: Grandparent 529 question re: how to pay school

Depends on the institution where the 529 is located, but some allow sending the funds directly to the college, if you know the student’s college ID number. Check the distributions section of the 529 account.
by ABQ4804
Tue Jan 10, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting an IRA [running out of time in life]
Replies: 57
Views: 4144

Re: Starting an IRA [running out of time in life]

Do NOT empty our your TSP!! It has the G fund which is stable value, never goes down in value. You can keep it as part of your bond allocation; many of us do. Many investors are envious of the TSP for just that reason. I think those advising you to roll it over are not aware of the value of the G fund. Hope this is helpful.
by ABQ4804
Sat Jan 07, 2023 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tracking your net worth. Now is a good time to start.
Replies: 99
Views: 13996

Re: Tracking your net worth. Now is a good time to start.

We’ve been using the Net Worth worksheet from Finish Rich author David Bach, for about 20 years. It’s easy and comprehensive, includes home and car values, money lent as well as investments. Nice to see the net worth grow each year. I think it was in the back of one of his larger format books.
by ABQ4804
Sun Jan 01, 2023 9:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 672
Views: 41027

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

5804.33, again! Always optimistic and remember there was some math involved for this estimate last year
by ABQ4804
Wed Aug 10, 2022 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying first house - Checklist
Replies: 19
Views: 1718

Re: Buying first house - Checklist

Strongly recommend tagging along on the inspection, and listening to inspector, what is standard condition for that age house, safety issues to fix right away, alternative solutions, how this house’s condition compares to others the same age. Yes, most of that is in the report, but we’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, prioritized and learned alternatives from inspectors (8 moves so far!). Hope this is helpful.
by ABQ4804
Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!
Replies: 172
Views: 29627

Re: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!

Sounds great!!! Thanks for all your hard work on this, Christine and team. Let’s remember it is an all volunteer effort.

The Wednesday afternoon event is a real plus, especially to those attending for the first time. Also, we have not had a banquet before, but it is always stimulating and fun talking around a table with other people who actually know what you mean when you mention a Roth or asset allocation 😊

Edited to remove incorrect opinion on refunds
by ABQ4804
Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:01 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️
Replies: 264
Views: 19643

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

Taylor,
Happy Birthday! I so appreciate your generosity, wisdom, thoughtfulness and humility. Many of us are now enjoying our “houses that Jack built,” and passing on our Boglehead knowledge to the next generation.
Best wishes :happy
by ABQ4804
Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest
Replies: 664
Views: 34555

Re: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest

My “calculation” is 4146.78
Best wishes and hugs to the gentle, kind, brilliant and inspiring Taylor Larimore 💜
by ABQ4804
Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 688
Views: 37072

Re: OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

My crystal ball 🔮 says 2913.63

Thanks, Taylor and Ralph!
by ABQ4804
Tue Oct 08, 2019 1:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WAIT LIST IS AVAILABLE.
Replies: 121
Views: 33162

Re: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WAIT LIST IS AVAILABLE.

imnontrad wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2019 9:48 pm For those who want to go and are on the waiting list -
To the best of my knowledge, there really is no such thing.
Imnontrad, so sorry you cannot attend, as I bet you were delighted to get one of the coveted spots. The wait list does indeed get used. I have also had to cancel before, and the registration fee becomes a tax-deductible donation to the John C. Bogle Financial Literacy Foundation. The next person on the wait list is of course thrilled that a spot opened up, and pays their individual registration also. It’s an all volunteer conference team, so they need a simple process.

I hope you have a meaningful time with your family, and maybe you will be able to attend the conference in a future year. Best wishes.
by ABQ4804
Mon Sep 30, 2019 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving the TSP [for current participants]
Replies: 587
Views: 92806

Re: Improving the TSP [for current participants]

MichDad, that’s really disappointing to hear! The TSP board must have taken the lowest bid for their software update and new options. Thanks for posting your experience, which allows the rest of us to plan ahead and not expect relatively prompt transfers.
by ABQ4804
Fri Sep 27, 2019 4:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The Simple Magic of Investing in a Three-Fund Portfolio"
Replies: 22
Views: 4632

Re: "The Simple Magic of Investing in a Three-Fund Portfolio"

I think the 3-fund portfolio was developed way before the lifestyle or target date retirement funds, so at that time the options were either the few balanced funds available, or develop your own 3-fund combo, set it and forget it. Now with the lifestyle and target date funds available, there are certainly more options for a low-cost, balanced investment portfolio 💼.
by ABQ4804
Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The Simple Magic of Investing in a Three-Fund Portfolio"
Replies: 22
Views: 4632

Re: "The Simple Magic of Investing in a Three-Fund Portfolio"

Nice article, Taylor. Thank you for being one of our mentors.
Best wishes 😊
by ABQ4804
Sat May 25, 2019 11:45 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: MEMORIAL DAY
Replies: 26
Views: 3964

Re: MEMORIAL DAY

Thank you, Taylor. Reminds me of my dad‘s memorial service at the National Cemetery, where he was appreciated once again.

And the line in the video, “clean up all the problems that our politicians start,“ resonates for me.
by ABQ4804
Sat Apr 27, 2019 11:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why I don't think I should get long term care insurance right now
Replies: 164
Views: 15707

Re: Why I don't think I should get long term care insurance right now

Markcoop, I think your math error is in applying the 5% inflation rider to your PREMIUM. My understanding is that inflation rider only applies to you COVERAGE. Annual premiums stay the same each year, unless raised for everyone in your class of coverage. That’s the advantage of buying LTC earlier, with lower premiums, plus maybe not qualifying medically in your 60’s. Hope this is helpful.
by ABQ4804
Mon Apr 22, 2019 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Assisted living and nursing home expenses
Replies: 27
Views: 2279

Re: Assisted living and nursing home expenses

I also recommend moving her closer to you or another family member NOW, while she is still able to be moved. It’s not just to watch out for staff, but to witness her needs or declines, encourage participation in activities, chat with her doctors and staff, offer suggestions for favorite foods, clothes, outings if appropriate. And to express appreciation to staff regularly. It’s amazing how much you will learn in a visit vs. a phone call.
by ABQ4804
Thu Apr 11, 2019 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TaxAcT - PSA on gouging
Replies: 14
Views: 1793

Re: TaxAcT - PSA on gouging

Do Taxhawk, freetaxusa and HRBlock software allow you to preview your forms before you pay? Or toggle back and forth from input to view forms? That was one of the advantages of TaxAct.
by ABQ4804
Thu Apr 11, 2019 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WAIT LIST IS AVAILABLE.
Replies: 121
Views: 33162

Re: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN ANNOUNCEMENT

Wovenhearts, you will probably want a rental car to make best use of your time. I sent you a PM
by ABQ4804
Thu Apr 11, 2019 10:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WAIT LIST IS AVAILABLE.
Replies: 121
Views: 33162

Re: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN ANNOUNCEMENT

Yay, I got in! Living on the West Coast, I thought I may miss out on an early morning announcement, so very happy to participate and share and gain wisdom with other Bogleheads.

Thank you so much Mel and team, for your unending dedication to Jack’s principles. I really hope Taylor can attend also. See you in October.
by ABQ4804
Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Resident of WA, selling Oregon home: do I pay additional taxes such as WA excise tax?
Replies: 7
Views: 1442

Re: Resident of WA, selling Oregon home: do I pay additional taxes such as WA excise tax?

Sounds as if you have been an Oregon resident since you purchased the home in 2017, and you have probably been paying Oregon income tax for 2017 and 2018, right?
by ABQ4804
Fri Apr 05, 2019 6:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2019 Boglehead Contest Update--with leaders
Replies: 2
Views: 481

Re: 2019 Boglehead Contest Update--with leaders

It’s fun to check! About a month ago I found I was #2, and should have taken a screenshot. Now happily I have moved down in rank, because the market has continued to gain. Good news for all of us 💰, for now!
Thanks Taylor and Ralph, for this fun competition.
by ABQ4804
Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: $480K, no job, special needs kids, what to do?
Replies: 52
Views: 7131

Re: $480K, no job, special needs kids, what to do?

I agree with pursuing IHSS, In-Home Support Services through your county aging and disability services department. It’s not just for elderly adults. Look on your county website and start phoning and ask for that program. We have friends in Sacramento with a severely disabled adult child, in her late 20s, and the mom is still getting the IHSS monthly payment to care for her daughter at home. This is a married couple with middle class income from husband’s work. Best wishes!
by ABQ4804
Mon Mar 18, 2019 10:30 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE DATES
Replies: 35
Views: 13471

Re: 2019 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE DATES

Thank you Mel, and your team. Our hearts and prayers are with your teammate and their family, grieving their loved one’s passing.
by ABQ4804
Wed Jan 16, 2019 6:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82094

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

Amen! Another middle-class family here, now financially secure, thanks to Jack Bogle’s principles, integrity and unwavering campaign for low fees, index funds and giving the common person a fair shake. It was a gift to meet you, shake hands and thank you in person at a Bogleheads conference, Jack. RIP
by ABQ4804
Fri Jan 11, 2019 12:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2019 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST [Entry deadline has passed]
Replies: 701
Views: 35694

Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2019 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

Rarvesen, thank you for supporting all of us in putting together this fun contest! Entry deadline has passed, let the fun of our “calculations” begin.
by ABQ4804
Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving the TSP [for current participants]
Replies: 587
Views: 92806

Re: Improving the TSP [for current participants]

MichDad, thanks for posting the meeting notes here; I wouldn’t hunt them down on my own. One item of interest to me is on page 4 where it says there will no longer be a deadline for full withdrawal/withdrawal plan at age 70.5. This reads as good news to me; hopefully it means we can start our RMDs from our choice of IRAs, more flexibility for us!
by ABQ4804
Mon Dec 31, 2018 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Happy New Year Do you have plans?
Replies: 37
Views: 2587

Re: Happy New Year Do you have plans?

Celebrating with neighbors
by ABQ4804
Mon Dec 31, 2018 3:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "pjtallman" Wins The 2018 Boglehead Contest
Replies: 12
Views: 2178

Re: "pjtallman" Wins The 2018 Boglehead Contest

Thank you Taylor, for running this fun Boglehead contest every year and announcing the winners! And my congratulations to anyone who made it in the top 10 during the crazy 2018!
Best wishes💰!
by ABQ4804
Thu Dec 27, 2018 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 1k check for 9 month old son?
Replies: 44
Views: 3951

Re: What to do with 1k check for 9 month old son?

Bmelikia, yes, Vanguard Star fund is a good choice; that’s what we used. It would be set up as Sonny Bmelikia – a minor. You can endorse the check for him as Rick Boglehead recommended above and mail it in. Note that your son will have full access to the funds at age 18, which is still pretty young. He may decide to splurge on a shiny car rather than what you recommend. Enjoy those baby years!
by ABQ4804
Sat Dec 22, 2018 1:19 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: My Christmas Present To You
Replies: 109
Views: 17721

Re: My Christmas Present To You

Many blessings to you and your family, Taylor. And may you have a joyous Christmas with the Belgian family members. We love you 💜!
Alisa
by ABQ4804
Sun Oct 28, 2018 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If On Medicare Before SS, How Do You Pay?
Replies: 64
Views: 8251

Re: If On Medicare Before SS, How Do You Pay?

Pay with HSA funds - Medicare insurance premiums are approved expense.
by ABQ4804
Tue Aug 14, 2018 8:37 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Portland, Oregon
Replies: 161
Views: 94362

Re: Master Thread for Portland, Oregon

Mikey, this thread is current - read the Portland meeting schedule 4 posts above yours.
by ABQ4804
Sun Jul 29, 2018 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much emergency cash when retired?
Replies: 24
Views: 2124

Re: How much emergency cash when retired?

Do you have long-term care insurance? You are only in your 70s, I would leave a lot more than $200K for your future care and paying caregivers; one can run through $200K pretty quickly! Don’t know where you live, but having $800K equity tied up in a house is huge in most locations; your equity is locked up. Looking forward to reviewing additional answers; as this is a very good question.
by ABQ4804
Sat Jul 28, 2018 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Addition Finance
Replies: 48
Views: 3882

Re: Home Addition Finance

Hopefully you can be patient, stay put and pay off the family student loan in the next couple years as others have suggested. During this time, another more attractive house on your dream street may come on the market, and you could just sell and move rather than the hassle of remodel. Someone else will likely buy your place for the same reasons you did. Good luck!
by ABQ4804
Sat Jul 28, 2018 12:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA & AARP = Travel Benefits?
Replies: 27
Views: 7782

Re: AAA & AARP = Travel Benefits?

Our family also uses AARP exclusively for best car rental prices, at least domestically. Make car reservation months in advance, then check website again right before travel; often there’s a price drop and you can make a fresh reservation. 🚙
by ABQ4804
Fri May 04, 2018 11:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 167
Views: 20178

Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

Victoria, today you have overcome "bad breath"
and are again in 1st place!
Congrats!
by ABQ4804
Fri Apr 27, 2018 5:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 167
Views: 20178

Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

Victoria, you have now been overtaken by “badbreath”...
by ABQ4804
Tue Apr 03, 2018 9:49 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Portland, Oregon
Replies: 161
Views: 94362

Re: Master Thread for Portland, Oregon

Welcome, rynlee! Meetings are quarterly, 2nd Tuesdays of March, June, Sept and December. So pencil in June, and the member who organizes will post the announcement in this thread. I’ve learned some nugget of financial strategy at each meeting. Sometimes there is a presentation, and our routine is to go around the table and allow each person to ask for feedback on one question, if they desire. Hope to see you next time!
by ABQ4804
Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Pay Off My Mortgage When I Retire?
Replies: 49
Views: 5466

Re: Should I Pay Off My Mortgage When I Retire?

MichDad, curious what you decided now that you approach that retirement finish line. Are you paying off the $22K mortgage?
by ABQ4804
Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Single People and Retirement Question
Replies: 148
Views: 27908

Re: Single People and Retirement Question

The challenge of traveling as a solo woman, especially in mideastern countries, is not as much about sexual harassment as cultural biases.
by ABQ4804
Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford to move to a lower paying career?
Replies: 53
Views: 7553

Re: Can I afford to move to a lower paying career?

Yes on #2 if wife also supports. The teaching position will be important - a shot in the arm and new option for you, or as a transition to full retirement whenever you choose. Yes, you have enough $ to retire now, but the teaching position gives you some structure and identity rather than just jumping into full retirement. Meaningful volunteer work is actually hard to find in our late 50’s. Keep us posted, and good luck!
by ABQ4804
Mon Jan 29, 2018 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Retiree Health Care with/Medicare
Replies: 209
Views: 29758

Re: Federal Retiree Health Care with/Medicare

Maybe this has already been mentioned, but Medicare B premiums can be paid with your HSA account savings, if you have one. That can help a retiree’s cash flow.
by ABQ4804
Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 167
Views: 20178

Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

2822.69 is my random guess - already submitted using the new 2018 form, to spreadsheet.
by ABQ4804
Fri Dec 29, 2017 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 711
Views: 59158

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

It’s nice to have grossly underestimated the stock market gains and been one of the losers this year! Landed in about the middle of the pack. Thank you Taylor for organizing this for us again.