Search found 801 matches

by jane1
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lifelong renter looking to become first time (cash) homebuyer - do I need agent? Or only lawyer & inspector?
Replies: 23
Views: 2279

Re: Lifelong renter looking to become first time (cash) homebuyer - do I need agent? Or only lawyer & inspector?

Thank you all. Based on your recommendations, we will use on agent.
Any reason to not do all cash? Any advantage to doing, say, 60% down & 40% mortgage?
by jane1
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lifelong renter looking to become first time (cash) homebuyer - do I need agent? Or only lawyer & inspector?
Replies: 23
Views: 2279

Lifelong renter looking to become first time (cash) homebuyer - do I need agent? Or only lawyer & inspector?

Hi, We have been lifelong renters but, for a variety of reasons, I am looking to buy a primary home (condo or townhouse), most likely all cash. I'd like Bogleheads wisdom in advising me of the process & what type of team I should assemble to help me. State: FL Payment: All cash (unless you tell me we should get a mortgage at these rates even if we can afford to pay cash) I am researching Zillow, Realtor.com, highrises.com & other sites to narrow down my choices & will be contacting the Listing Agents to show us the properties We probably would need someone to make a legal written offer. And someone to negotiate. Would that be a real estate lawyer? How do we find one? We have Metlife Legal that probably covers some of the costs W...
by jane1
Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TaxAct doesn't handle Roth conversions correctly
Replies: 9
Views: 937

Re: TaxAct doesn't handle Roth conversions correctly

I haven't done it yet for 2023, but for past years, TaxAct has handled Roth conversions and 8606 correctly. It might be how you entered the details within the software?
by jane1
Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's the best non-Vanguard brokerage to hold Vanguard ETFs, a Roth and a Solo-401k?
Replies: 14
Views: 1461

Re: What's the best non-Vanguard brokerage to hold Vanguard ETFs, a Roth and a Solo-401k?

Be aware of how the Settlement Fund works at each firm. I like the Vanguard MM settlement fund (~5% yield). Schwab pays almost 0% and you need to remember to keep moving cash into a MM from time to time.
viewtopic.php?t=400657

Schwab has zero fees on the Vanguard ETFs. I believe same with Fidelity (& Vanguard). For Vanguard MF, Vanguard may be the best option. Not sure about MF transaction fees in Schwab & Fidelity.
by jane1
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I quit or slog through
Replies: 62
Views: 7630

Re: Should I quit or slog through

I'd say - Retire.
Your mental health (& hence the impact on long term physical health) are not worth doing something your really really dislike. You have enough savings & decent SS.
With your portfolio, you should be able to manage your income in certain years to get decent premium tax credit for health insurance, so the healthcare costs won't be as high as your estimate.
by jane1
Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21855

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

Another book that might be worth checking out "The Solo Ager Estate Plan: Trust and Estate Essentials for Single, Childless Seniors" by Anthony S. Park
https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Ager-Estate ... QGYP&psc=1
by jane1
Wed Jan 24, 2024 11:25 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43352

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

Wish you a very happy 100th birthday Taylor! Thank you for your contributions in helping me and numerous others in their Bogleheads journey.
by jane1
Wed Jan 24, 2024 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will related issue
Replies: 79
Views: 7355

Re: Will related issue

Do you know if the will was properly executed per PA state laws? For instance, signed by Person A in the presence of 2 witnesses who also signed it?
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/le ... =0&chpt=25

Would the other witness support you if the Original Will doesn't surface?
by jane1
Mon Jan 15, 2024 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago Vacation
Replies: 56
Views: 4748

Re: Chicago Vacation

How long is your trip? There is so much free stuff to do in Chicago that you won't get bored even without the CityPass. It is amazingly vibrant in the summer. If you guys enjoy or don't mind walking, there are walking paths everywhere and lot of them are very pleasant, along the lake, river, parks, etc. You can rent bikes, take Uber or bus/El. Don't bother with driving/parking. You can also buy multi-day CTA passes. Mostly you will be doing 1-3 mile rides, so Uber might be better option for 4. It has been a few years since I lived/visited, so things may have changed post-covid. It is my favorite city (for 4-5 months of the year!). July will have lots of festivals, events, music happening throughout. Just writing about it is making me think ...
by jane1
Mon Jan 15, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Beating the market too easy?
Replies: 51
Views: 6839

Re: Beating the market too easy?

Also keep in mind the impact of taxes on the portfolio. Easy to get into some of these positions, but getting out with tax implications is where lot of people fail. A stock that had a great run up, will at some point have slower growth, level off or go down. Will you want to sell it at some point to lower portfolio risk and invest elsewhere? Watch the bite Uncle Sam takes. Some of my picks from years ago have done very well (& some terribly). Example: Stock A $10000 -> $3000 Stock B $10000 -> $50000 If I want to sell Stock B, I reduce my after-tax portfolio value significantly. Or keep holding it since you don't want to pay taxes now. Rinse & repeat a few times over a decade and you will see you can't beat passive investing. Don't f...
by jane1
Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “You’ll know when the right time is to retire”
Replies: 69
Views: 9767

Re: How did you decide to retire?

I decided to retire when I found I was not finding time for myself, time to travel, eat healthy and do things I enjoy. Instead my health was suffering from stress, lack of good sleep and office politics.
I also saw people in their 40s & 50s getting diagnosed with serious conditions, saw the not great quality of life of parents/relatives in their 70s/80s who were no longer able to do the things I would have liked to do post-retirement.
So it was an easy decision. If I had a low-stress job that I absolutely loved or a part-time or seasonal job, I may have considered working longer.
by jane1
Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UK Trip Estimate
Replies: 104
Views: 9669

Re: UK Trip Estimate

Based on the level of comfort, luxury, activity, group size, personalization, you can choose your tours. Below is an example of a high activity and not high-end tour, but gives you an idea of costs & itinerary of a group tour similar to yours. I haven't been on any of his tours, but Rick Steves books & videos are very popular with American tourists visiting Europe. https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/england/best-england-tour https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/scotland/best-scotland-tour IMO, 50K without international flights or food (except BF incl in B&B) is crazy high! By comparison we spent a month in London this summer and spent <10K incl flights. If you want to do some self-learning, you can buy a guide-book (Rick Steves, Fodor...
by jane1
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help - simple tax issue - IRS says I owe $14k from 2021 (sold stock)
Replies: 27
Views: 3810

Re: Help - simple tax issue - IRS says I owe $14k from 2021 (sold stock)

Married, filing jointly Taxable income of just over $200k. As I look at my vanguard statement, summary of proceeds, our proceeds were $133k of stock with a cost basis of $71k and a net gain of $62k. ... [deleted] When I look at the form TurboTax provides as our actual tax filing, none of these numbers are present, which I figured was because we were below threshold for both surcharge tax and capital gains tax with a $62k net gain from selling long term holdings. If we are below the threshold for capital gains and the surcharge tax (are we?) I don't understand what additional tax they say we owe, as the bulk of it ($9k) is "1040 line 16" (total tax) and no proposed change to our income tax. Not sure what you mean by "below th...
by jane1
Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What sort of mover should I hire?
Replies: 11
Views: 1382

Re: What sort of mover should I hire?

You can hire "Moving Labor" from UHaul to help load & unload on both sides
https://www.uhaul.com/MovingHelp/
& you can rent/drive the appropriate size UHaul on your own

These type of boxes are useful and easy to pack/move
https://www.costco.com/greenmade-27-gal ... 05525.html

Or just hire any of the moving companies which will load, move, unload & bring furniture pads, dolly, and have insurance. Probably expect to pay ~$1000-1500 (assuming half of typical 1-bedroom apt) based on location & how much stuff you need to move.

Movers can even bring boxes, packing stuff & do the full packing, if you want full service, but that will cost quite a bit more.
by jane1
Tue Jan 09, 2024 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?
Replies: 38
Views: 5469

Re: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?

Istanbul: 4 days
Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale: 3-4 days
Cappadochia: 2-3 days
You will have to take internal flights (to Izmir & Goreme/Cappadochia) to cover so much ground in 9-10 days. Or pick just one of the other 2 areas in addition to Istanbul.
by jane1
Sat Dec 30, 2023 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

Re: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

[1] includes a link to IRS Pub. 525 [2], which seems relevant to your situation: "If, at the time the option was granted, the option price per share was less than 100% (but not less than 85%) of the FMV of the share, and you dispose of the share after meeting the holding period requirement, or you die while owning the share, you must include in your income as compensation the lesser of: - The excess of the FMV of the share at the time the option was granted over the option price, or - The excess of the FMV of the share at the time of the disposition or death over the amount paid for the share under the option." Thank you for the references & links. I hadn't seen the IRS examples before. My read on why you do not need to repor...
by jane1
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

Re: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

HomeStretch wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:55 pm ^^^ This.

For an ESPP with a discount and lookback, I don’t see how you could have negative W-2 income. Or at least I have not run into this when administering similar ESPP plans. Any market loss on the sale of the ESPP shares would be captured in the brokerage Form 1099-B.
I don't know if there is a lookback. I know that my purchase price is much higher than FMV on Purchase Date. Perhaps they will report W2 income as difference between "Est Cost Basis" and my "Purchase Price", so $80-$68 in the example.

If you look at what happened to shares of travel companies (say airlines) between 1/1/2020 & 3/31/2020, you will see examples where stock price dropped dramatically in that quarter.
by jane1
Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

Re: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

If I typically have significant Capital Loss carryover to offset all gains (& will end up with -3000 on Capital Gains/Loss on my 1040 to offset ordinary income), would it matter whether it is a qualifying or disqualifying disposition? Or LT or ST gain? Would it all be a wash (perhaps across multiple years tax returns)?

Another way of asking this question, is the total income (compensation + capital gains/loss) from ESPP sale, that is subject to taxes identical in all Scenarios (A, B, C) in the OP? Only the split between W2 (compensation income) & LT/ST CG is different based on the holding period? I want to make sure there are no scenarios where I will be double-taxed or not be able to take a loss.
by jane1
Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

Re: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

Most lookbacks can only improve things. You get either the current set price or the previous set price, whichever is lower. Many of us here on the forum who have participated in ESPP sell them as soon as shares hit our account. Then we take the proceeds and move them into our taxable brokerage account and purchase whatever our IPS calls us to purchase. It's what I did for years before retiring. Plenty of risk with my employers by just continuing to get a paycheck from them. No need to add more by investing in them as well. Cheers. I do know, in my case described above, that I paid a lot more per share than the FMV on the Purchase Date. I don't know if there is a lookback or not in the plan. Don't see the Plan Document in the ESPP brokerage...
by jane1
Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

Re: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

Most lookbacks give you the better of a price at purchase or an earlier price. I would not participate in your ESPP as described, especially for a stock that tanked 60%. Are you sure your numbers are all correct? You describe a calculation, but then state you don't understand how the purchase price is calculated. Yes, the numbers are correct. I don't participate in ESPP, but at this stage still hold shares from earlier participation. Need to figure out how these work since we have to sell these, handle taxes for this one as well as another ESPP. The ESPP online account shows the following numbers (for each quarter). I gave example for one of the quarters. Actual values are different, but close. Grant Date Purchase Date Grant Date FMV Purch...
by jane1
Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?
Replies: 14
Views: 1286

ESPP taxation: is negative income possible on W2?

ESPP plan with 15% discount. Guessing this one has a lookback period given how my purchase price was calculated? Price on Grant Date (1/1): $100 Price on Purchase Date (3/31): $40 Est Cost Basis: $80 [^^ edit: note I have edited this term from Average price (entire quarter) since I don't really know how this number is calc] My purchase price: (1-0.15)*80 = $68 Yes, I was too busy at work & didn't (still don't) understand how purchase price is calculated. Let's say I sell at $120. What would the split between W2 income & ST/LT Gain/Loss be for the different scenarios of 2 yr from grant & 1 yr from purchase date? Scenario A (< 1 yr from purchase date & <2 yr from grant date): W2 income would be ____ ; ST Gain would be ____? Sc...
by jane1
Mon Oct 30, 2023 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mail in passport renewal
Replies: 80
Views: 11302

Re: Mail in passport renewal

jane1 wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:05 pm One more data point -
Mailed for renewal via USPS Priority Mail on 9/12 (regular processing)
Appl received & check cashed on 9/18
Status still says In Process (6 weeks already)
Sent to Texas
Keeping fingers crossed
Looks like my passport finally got shipped today! Expected delivery in a couple of days. So 6 weeks Application Recd to Renewed Passport shipped (~7 weeks total door-to-door)
by jane1
Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mail in passport renewal
Replies: 80
Views: 11302

Re: Mail in passport renewal

One more data point -
Mailed for renewal via USPS Priority Mail on 9/12 (regular processing)
Appl received & check cashed on 9/18
Status still says In Process (6 weeks already)
Sent to Texas
Keeping fingers crossed
by jane1
Thu Oct 26, 2023 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse about to loose job, should she quit instead
Replies: 35
Views: 6248

Re: Spouse about to loose job, should she quit instead

Contact an employment attorney who works on behalf of employees. First session is typically free. You will be glad you did.
by jane1
Wed Oct 18, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Old 401k combine in Fidelity?
Replies: 3
Views: 340

Re: Old 401k combine in Fidelity?

If Old 401k has good investing options (with the low fees, expense ratios), there should be no compelling reason to move it to the new.
I would not move to IRA. You might decide to do Backdoor Roth IRA at some point. 401k also offer protections (ex. from creditors) that IRA don't.
by jane1
Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possible to switch auto + home + umbrella after a few days of the current policy effecitve date?
Replies: 4
Views: 782

Re: Possible to switch auto + home + umbrella after a few days of the current policy effecitve date?

I believe they will refund you pro-rated amount. But call them & check if that will be the case for all 3. You will obviously want to make sure your new providers rates are not just estimated, but that rates will be valid once underwritten as well. And they do carry all 3 insurances instead of passing it on to a third party for umbrella or homeowner.

If you go back to your pre-Geico provider, they likely won't give you the long-term customer discount, etc. even if you were away for only a few days.
by jane1
Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggest South Beach Hotel Pre-Cruise
Replies: 9
Views: 1458

Re: Suggest South Beach Hotel Pre-Cruise

There are free shuttles/trolleys around Miami Beach. Anywhere you stay around South Beach can get you around easily. All areas are quite safe (you might see occasional homeless but quite harmless). South Pointe Park & Pier, Ocean Rd, Lincoln Rd are popular with tourists.
You can also consider staying in Downtown Miami (close to Bayside Marketplace). Some beautiful views of Biscayne Bay from downtown. Your hotel might have a free shuttle to the cruise port.
Which hotel you choose would depend largely on your budget and how many hours you will have in the Miami area.
by jane1
Wed Aug 09, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Details on mail forwarding when out of US...
Replies: 8
Views: 908

Re: Details on mail forwarding when out of US...

We did this a while back (out of the country for almost a year) - put our stuff in storage and changed address for most accounts to a sibling's address in another state (State2). What we did: - set everything to electronic, all bills to autopay - sign up for USPS informed delivery - for auto related address, we gave mailing address of a local friend (which is where we also left our car & keys) In our case, state2 tax dept sent us a letter saying we should be paying state2 income tax. We wrote them a letter back with the true situation, that our residence is state1, we continue to pay taxes in state1 (don't recall but we may have shared first page of state1 tax return) and that only our mailing address is state2. Also that we hadn't phys...
by jane1
Fri May 19, 2023 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best options for calling/data plan for European travel
Replies: 23
Views: 1993

Re: Best options for calling/data plan for European travel

Not sure of your age but tmobile has plans for 55+ that are inexpensive (comparable to prepaid) and offer a lot of benefits.
We have used tmobile worldwide and in most countries in Europe without problem. Just land, switch on and carry on with data/maps/browsing/email and text. For calls we either do wifi calling (free) or use WhatsApp calling (which uses data, so again free).
We get free inflight wifi too. And Netflix, etc. So totally worth the price.
by jane1
Sun Mar 12, 2023 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free Oscars Streaming?
Replies: 11
Views: 1162

Re: Free Oscars Streaming?

Antenna connected to your TV can get free local ABC channel. Or sign-up for free trial.
https://fortune.com/2023/03/12/how-to-w ... tart-time/
YouTubeTV: After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $65.
Sling TV: The seven-day free trial has disappeared.
DirecTV Stream: will run you $70 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV: There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $70–$100.
by jane1
Fri Mar 10, 2023 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting without 2 weeks notice or a new job
Replies: 116
Views: 13112

Re: Quitting without 2 weeks notice or a new job

Consider speaking with an employment lawyer... given she doesn't want to stay at that place. They can advice about hostile work environment, harassment. Been in a very similar situation. HR is no friend. Document, take notes (pen & paper).
Consider FMLA and look for a job while off.
Expect career trajectory will take a temporary hit. Unfortunate, but the law offers little protection for employees. No amount of money is worth the stress.
by jane1
Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone fly Emirates lately?
Replies: 19
Views: 2248

Re: Anyone fly Emirates lately?

Emirates is a great airline - friendly, great customer service, comfortable. Typically pricier compared to other airlines. I flew them a few months back. Beats most US airlines. Only downside is that one doesn't have as many options to earn miles in FF programs from US carriers, when flying Emirates. Although with recent partnership with United, there will be some limited options.
https://united.mediaroom.com/2022-09-14 ... -Agreement
by jane1
Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trying to understand Florida auto insurance
Replies: 36
Views: 3163

Re: Trying to understand Florida auto insurance

I feel your pain. My auto insurance in FL has been rising at an alarming rate with each renewal. I am told it is due to FL being favorable for lawsuits. In some areas most billboard ads are from law firms!
by jane1
Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When Relocating Out-of-State, Do Real Estate agents Help Find Rentals?
Replies: 11
Views: 1466

Re: When Relocating Out-of-State, Do Real Estate agents Help Find Rentals?

Varies city to city even in the same state. I went through this 3 times in past few years. In some cities, real estate agents get commission equivalent to 1 month rent (paid by landlord), other places it might be $50! Even with low commission some might do it if you could be a potential buyer in the future. At the very least they might sign up to start sending you email with MLS listing meeting your rental criteria.
Zillow, realtor.com, apartments.com, PadMapper are sites you should research. Use city-data to research neighborhoods. Or ask here!
by jane1
Thu Sep 15, 2022 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a recruiter ask about my current salary?
Replies: 48
Views: 4781

Re: Can a recruiter ask about my current salary?

Say something like "At this stage I am focused on the kind of work I get to do, how I can add value to the company and the type of colleagues/skills/learning... etc ... salary is one aspect of the compensation package, you (the recruiter) know the market better than I do... it is in the early stages, perhaps we can discuss my salary expectations once there is mutual interest...". Choose portions of the above that suit your style.

State laws dictate if it is illegal for potential employers to demand your current salary. Most employers will only reveal title and dates of employment.
by jane1
Tue Sep 13, 2022 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks with iphones, what's the best way to move pictures
Replies: 31
Views: 3154

Re: Folks with iphones, what's the best way to move pictures

Do you use iCloud to backup photos? Are you using "Shared Albums"? Perhaps you have a setting somewhere related to syncing that is locking the photos and hence you have trouble deleting? Steps for how I download: Default format in Settings is HEIC (optimize storage). I have changed to JPG (compatibility). These will be saved as JPG files in the selected folder. 1. Connect your iOS Device to your Mac using the iphone cable. You might have to do the "handshake" between devices to permit transfer. 2. Launch Image Capture on Mac (this preserves the photo date, size, etc nicely whereas photos app on Mac is a bit more difficult for transfer). 3. Choose a Destination - Within Image Capture, change the folder name to desired loc...
by jane1
Sat Aug 13, 2022 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate *rental* market
Replies: 54
Views: 9693

Re: Tales from this insane real estate *rental* market

It is a crazy market. Last year we lost multiple bids (in Miami area), even after bidding 10-20% above listing price. A friend in NYC area recently got a >25% increase.

Which websites do landlords and/or tenants use for rental listings by owner (not apartment complex)?
I have used Zillow, Trulia, etc but don't get responses to my messages for showings/tours.

Agents in Orlando area apparently don't get a commission on rentals so they are not interested in helping with any scheduling, even though they are willing to set me up with daily emails of their MLS search results.
by jane1
Tue May 31, 2022 10:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bummed. Tropical storm likely for South Florida this weekend. Looking to cancel our trip
Replies: 17
Views: 3323

Re: Bummed. Tropical storm likely for South Florida this weekend. Looking to cancel our trip

It is still a few days out. Some of these forecasts aren't quite accurate. I remember 2 years back in S. FL, even 2 days out, we were all ready for a big hurricane, with employers giving days off. And on the day that was forecast to be the hurricane, I was sitting on the balcony, it was all sunny, waiting for it to arrive! You might get lucky. Although, rain might still be a strong possibility.
by jane1
Sun May 22, 2022 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimate taxes for relocation benefits
Replies: 18
Views: 1507

Re: Estimate taxes for relocation benefits

1. Check the relocation policy if they will gross-up (lot of companies don't) and ask HR. They will likely explicitly mention if they do gross-up. 2. Understand how they gross-up. Some will use the same gross-up formula for everyone (irrespective of your tax bracket) 3. If you are in a higher tax bracket, do adjust your W4 & state withholding, so you don't under withhold. Just like you would normally do If you end up with say, 20K in actual expenses and company grosses it up to 25K, but you are in the 35+5% tax bracket, you will think of it as 25K*(1-0.4)=15K of the 20K actual expense was paid by your company & 5K is out of your pocket. Your company could easily choose to reimburse you 20K (without grossing up) and in that case, com...
by jane1
Sun Apr 10, 2022 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: GEICO Umbrella: Significant Increase in Premium
Replies: 247
Views: 43942

Re: GEICO Umbrella: Significant Increase in Premium

We had seen significant increases in Geico umbrella premiums (>3x over 2-3 yrs with no claims) a few months back. Switched auto & umbrella to State Farm, after having been a long-term Geico customer. But hated State Farm's processes & online tools. Switched back to Geico for Auto. But went with Electric Insurance for Umbrella at lower premiums.
https://eic.electricinsurance.com/coverages/umbrella
by jane1
Sat Feb 26, 2022 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Foreign Tax Paid statement for 2021 is gone
Replies: 23
Views: 3642

Re: Vanguard Foreign Tax Paid statement for 2021 is gone

I had the same question. I did the following. Example for VNGRD TTL INTL STK (VTIAX) Fgn Source Inc Tot 90.34% Fgn Source Inc Qual 64.50% I actually have to go "Detail for Dividends and Distributions" in the Consolidated 1099 to find the following for VNGRD TTL INTL STK (not my actual numbers). In this case there were only Qualified and Nonqualified Dividends 1000 Total Dividends & distributions (VTIAX_DIV) -56.10 Total Foreign tax withheld (VTIAX_FTW) To get the following (needed for Form 1116) Foreign income = VTIAX_DIV * Fgn Source Inc Tot = 1000 * 90.34% = $903.4 QDI eligible foreign income = VTIAX_DIV * Fgn Source Inc Qual = 1000 * 64.50% = $645.0 You have to repeat this for each fund & sum them all to enter in Form 1...
by jane1
Mon Jan 17, 2022 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Walmart Plus worth the $98 per year?
Replies: 27
Views: 6880

Re: Is Walmart Plus worth the $98 per year?

We have done Walmart grocery delivery a few times. Our nearest walmart is >10 miles away, so saves driving time, gas and time wandering the aisles looking for items in the store and standing in checkout line. I like the fact that the price is the same in-store or for delivery. And of course their prices are lower than the local supermarkets. I can also order small quantities (just like in the store). This is not often the case with instacart, costco online prices. Ability to order dairy items, frozen items, fresh vegetables, etc from a saved lists & specifying substitutions is helpful. They have done a pretty decent job with the user-interface. There have been several cases where they charged me for the weight (per my order), but the ac...
by jane1
Sat Dec 25, 2021 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to relocate for remote work and travel?
Replies: 61
Views: 7139

Re: Where to relocate for remote work and travel?

Condos come with significant ongoing Association Fees. TH too. In Miami high-rises expect ~$1000 monthly association fee for a 1200-1500 sq ft condo. Property taxes, mortgage, insurance, maintenance, etc are separate. Inventory of 3Bd condos is somewhat limited in the Miami area.
Do use Zillow to get an understanding of the real estate market.
by jane1
Thu Dec 23, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricky work situation - advice needed
Replies: 42
Views: 5014

Re: Tricky work situation - advice needed

Curious why so many replies assume that OP's spouse is "wife". More so when OP is a MrsO. There are biases (or assumptions) here too :( Tough situation. IMO, if everyone takes the easier way out, discrimination will never end! Decide based on personal situation - stage in the career, type of job/field, how easy is it to get a comparable job, financial needs (kids, mortgage, loans), long-term impact on career), how much risk can you assume currently. Don't start with HR. But document all relevant conversations/actions involving boss - handwrite on paper, date/time, context and specific comments, tone, how spouse felt. For now, work enthusiastically, make sure spouse gets exposure to others (preferably boss' boss), they know about s...
by jane1
Tue Nov 16, 2021 11:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella liability - is it necessary?
Replies: 135
Views: 45525

Re: Umbrella liability - is it necessary?

El Greco wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 10:13 am Fortunately, he had an Umbrella policy which supplied a battery of lawyers to defend him through the many hours of depositions and court appearances he had to make. In the end, the insurance company settled for $100K just to make the whole thing go away. My friend payed nothing. If he hadn't been insured, the legal costs alone would have cost him tens of thousands of dollars.
He is very happy he had an Umbrella Policy and continues to have one
Curious if the auto policy would also defend (with their lawyers) since it is the primary policy before Umbrella kicks in? So if one has, say 300K in liability coverage on auto policy anyway, shouldn't the auto insurance company be motivated to defend you?
by jane1
Tue Nov 16, 2021 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance huge rate hike in FL
Replies: 24
Views: 3796

Re: Umbrella insurance huge rate hike in FL

Svensk Anga wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2021 9:58 pm I'm in Florida. Auto insurance with Progressive and umbrella with American Strategic. My umbrella hasn't gone up much: it has always been expensive compared with what others report here.

An expensive component of the umbrella is insurance for uninsured/underinsured motorists. I suggest you check if you have that and decide if you want to keep it.
I don't have uninsured/underinsured on auto or umbrella. Rates are without it.
by jane1
Tue Nov 16, 2021 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance huge rate hike in FL
Replies: 24
Views: 3796

Umbrella insurance huge rate hike in FL

Have others seen such a significant jump in Umbrella Insurance? in FL with Geico $1M coverage.
CA (multiple years): $170
FL (2020-2021): $340
FL (2021-2022): $550
Car insurance annual premium is ~$650 (500K/500K &100K). Renter's is ~$150. No property.
I could increase the limits on the Auto & Renter's policy and cancel Umbrella. I spoke with Geico about the reason for the steep hike and they said it is for everyone in FL due to all the lawsuits!

Have others seen such jumps? Any reason not to cancel Umbrella with such premiums (while increasing auto & renter's liability limits)? Any other tips?
by jane1
Thu Nov 11, 2021 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cellphone capabilities across the globe?
Replies: 19
Views: 1341

Re: Cellphone capabilities across the globe?

We have had t-mobile for years and use it wherever we travel, almost as if nothing has changed. Awesome for whatsapp, email, hotel/airline apps, maps, basic browsing & texting. Hotels have WiFi and you can use T-mobile WiFi calling for phone calls too (or calls are inexpensive anyway). You can buy a high-speed pass, if you need, although I have never needed it. I have used in numerous countries (on all continents) and for dozens of trips. I like the fact that I don't need to change anything. T-mobile also gives free 1 hour in-flight wifi + unlimited texting on gogo wifi enabled airlines/flight (delta, alaska, etc). I am not associated with t-mobile, except for a being a satisfied customer. I don't think you want to deal with hassle to s...
by jane1
Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poor annual performance review - what to do?
Replies: 110
Views: 12653

Re: Poor annual performance review - what to do?

Start documenting (handwritten, data / time, specific incidences)
Don't bother to go to boss' boss unless you meet regularly and they know your work directly (not directly through your boss).
If you go to HR, put everything in writing, including asking for a 360 feedback / review.
Suggest speaking with an employment lawyer (who deals with employee side). Typically free first session.
Look for another job

Could there be age, gender, race or other discrimination? Or retaliation for something you said / did?
Boss is probably feeling threatened of you. Maybe (s)he was asked to "retire" and their way to protect the job is by getting rid of competent people.

Feel free to DM me.
by jane1
Wed Sep 15, 2021 9:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Locked and merged threads on proposed budget, Roth, etc.
Replies: 279
Views: 34070

Re: Democrats Propose Eliminating Mega Backdoor Roth

Not just Mega Backdoor Roth but also Backdoor Roth. It appears the proposal is to start in 2031. And would apply to those with income >400K. So hopefully middle class won't be impacted much?