Search found 5431 matches

by carolinaman
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax brackets etc assuming TCJA sunset no new laws
Replies: 24
Views: 2416

Re: tax brackets etc assuming TCJA sunset no new laws

Your assumptions seem valid except my understanding is that 2017 tax brackets will be adjusted for inflation as will standard deduction and personal exemptions based on 2017 law. I analyzed my projected 2024 return against the 2026 taxes and it was not as bad as expected. I will be near the top of the 25% MFJ rates whereas we are currently in 22% bracket with a fair amount of headroom.

I have based all of my tax planning on the TCJA reverting to 2017 inflation adjusted rates because that is the current law.
by carolinaman
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much long term care might you need?
Replies: 31
Views: 2266

Re: How much long term care might you need?

Morningstar has some good data on long term care in this article by Christene Benz:

https://www.morningstar.com/personal-fi ... 23-edition
by carolinaman
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?
Replies: 30
Views: 2987

Re: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?

jebmke wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:02 pm VTI pays a dividend each quarter so those would be reportable income on your 1040. Whether it gets taxed depends on the complete tax return.
The VTI dividend is about 2% and is treated as a LTCG, at least for me. I have VTI in taxable and Roth and think it is a great holding either place.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1503

Re: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

In your situation, Roth conversions to benefit your children as heirs seems inconsistent with your desire to contribute more than your RMD amount to charity. If you plan to continue to make QCDs in excess of your current RMDs, I don't think it would make sense to lower your RMDs even further by a Roth conversion. Yes agreed - you need to have somewhat of a goal for the funds before you try and optimize that goal. Having the two goals of charity and also inheritance for heirs is not a poroblem but they need to be assigned a relative value or maybe a % to figure out an optimized approach. My primary goal was to reduce my TIRA balance to avoid taxes, especially with expiration of the TCJA in 2026. Is your tax-deferred account now low enough t...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15075

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Will sellers and buyers (not realtors) have access to the MLS listings or something similar? That could change selling and buying of real estate.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1503

Re: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

In your situation, Roth conversions to benefit your children as heirs seems inconsistent with your desire to contribute more than your RMD amount to charity. If you plan to continue to make QCDs in excess of your current RMDs, I don't think it would make sense to lower your RMDs even further by a Roth conversion. Yes agreed - you need to have somewhat of a goal for the funds before you try and optimize that goal. Having the two goals of charity and also inheritance for heirs is not a poroblem but they need to be assigned a relative value or maybe a % to figure out an optimized approach. My primary goal was to reduce my TIRA balance to avoid taxes, especially with expiration of the TCJA in 2026. Second, provide a tax free inheritance for ou...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which fixed income investment to choose
Replies: 2
Views: 440

Which fixed income investment to choose

We have a 55% equity/45% fixed AA although target is 50/50. I am planning to reduce equity to target and use some MM funds to invest in fixed income. Most of our fixed is in CDs, a couple of ETF bond funds and MM.

I am considering deferred annuities, secondary TIPs and treasuries. All in the 3 to 5 year range. Based upon Fidelity website, projected yields are in the 4.5% to 5% range and TIPs yield around 2% plus inflation.

I do not currently have any TIPs and am leaning towards that, but open to your suggestions.

Thanks for your replies.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1503

Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

I am 79 and DW is 81. I retired at age 66. Upon retirement, we had 89% of our investments in IRAs. I considered Roth conversions but decided not to do so at that time. However, a few years ago I decided to do large Roth conversions every year to benefit our two children as heirs. I went to the top of IRMAA tier 2 and we have paid that premium in Medicare B and D every year since. We have done QCDs every year since the TCJA took effect because it was more tax advantageous. Our annual QCDs are now larger than our RMDs which means we do not have to do RMDs anymore. Also, our IRAs are only 15% of our investments. This year I am doing a Roth conversion up to top of IRMAA tier 1, thus not incurring any premium in 2026. I want to maintain enough f...
by carolinaman
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6492

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

GaryA505 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:11 pm
trugs wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:54 pm There is a greater chance that a Fidelity advisor, more so than a Vanguard advisor, will push you to invest in something expensive that you would be better off without. It just happened to me. viewtopic.php?t=426480

If you don't mind, and can recognize and resist the advice, you could do ok at Fidelity.
I don't mind the calls from Fidelity. My standard response is, "I don't need anything, thanks".
They call me about once a year. It makes me feel loved. :wink:
I do not mind a soft sell regarding investments. There may be something I should consider. It is better than the deafening silence at Vanguard. I know enough to stick to my plan.
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6492

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

I was a longtime Vanguard customer, but recently switched to Fidelity due to multiple customer service issues. So far I have been very pleased. I have an account team for any needs or issues, but they have not been pushy or salesy.

The final straw with Vanguard was dealing with an offshore call center which lacked competency and was difficult to communicate with. There were 2 big pluses with Fidelity. First, they have local offices in Charlotte for in person meetings, and I have a rep/customer service team I can contact for issues which can be a big plus for complex issues. Vanguard had neither.
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14913

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

I usually keep around $1,000 and usually have about $100 in wallet. I use it mainly to replenish my wallet. I rarely use cash and rarely go to ATM. Once it gets low, I replenish from an ATM.
by carolinaman
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 9916

Re: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

I have been on original Medicare since 2011 after retiring at age 66. I think it is great for seniors. I have had few issues with it. Billing is straightforward. Medical practices know how to bill it and there are very few billing errors. I have had a lot of doctors since retiring. My PCPs keep retiring on me. I also have several specialists. I have never been turned down to be a patient because of Medicare. You may be getting that confused with Medicaid which many doctors do not accept. I never considered MA because I do not like that approach where you are limited to a specific pool of medical providers and you do not have control of whether or not to use a specialist or get treatment for something. I have heard horror stories of people w...
by carolinaman
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?
Replies: 133
Views: 15487

Re: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?

Deciding where to live solely on cost of living is crazy. The quality of life and having the things you value most are more important, IMO. Obviously, many people have been priced out of CA due to uber high real estate prices. But if you can afford it and prefer what it offers, why not CA?

FWIW, I live in Eastern US, although I have visited CA many times and always enjoyed it.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nursing homes, Medicaid and credit freezes
Replies: 4
Views: 679

Re: Nursing homes, Medicaid and credit freezes

The nursing home likely do a credit check. I do not know why Medicaid would do a credit check. They will do a financial needs assessment to determine eligibility for Medicaid. If the person qualifies, Medicaid will pay the nursing home the Medicaid rate which is lower than Medicare.

In my mother's case in VA, they required me to sell her home and reimburse Medicaid from the home sale proceeds.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Fidelity Investment Centers (brick & mortar branches) issue cashiers/bank checks for clients?
Replies: 4
Views: 671

Re: Do Fidelity Investment Centers (brick & mortar branches) issue cashiers/bank checks for clients?

You can transfer money from Fidelity to your bank electronically and have your bank issue a bank check. Fidelity will also wire money to companies. I have never done that but I understand there is no charge.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity advice
Replies: 67
Views: 8019

Re: Fidelity advice

I recently transferred my Vanguard account to Fidelity. I have met with my rep twice, once in person and a second time by phone. She has not been pushy or overtly salesy either time. I have been extremely pleased with my Fidelity experience so far.

I was a Fidelity customer for many years before consolidating everything to Vanguard. I never experienced anything like you have described. Fidelity has always been very helpful to me.

Your experience seems weird and very atypical of Fidelity. I suggest talk with your account rep about this.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5190

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

I've used both and prefer Costco. I loved my boutique audiologist, but she offered nothing above what Costco offers. Costco's trial/return period are insanely generous. +1. I totally agree that Costco is the way to go. They offer the latest technology and their service is very good. I used an audiologist at an EENT practice for my first HA. It was ok but very expensive. I decided to try Costco and am now on my 3rd pair with them. There was no discernible difference in capability and service between the 2 practices. You will get the same or similar aids at Costco for 1/2 to 1/3 the price. The Costco aids may have a different brand name but have the same technology as the high priced HAs. The boutique HA stores try to make you think that Cos...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach
Replies: 57
Views: 6473

Re: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach

The discussion piqued my interest because I am a Fidelity Investments customer. It is not clear from either article how the breach was accomplished and they seem unsure of what data was lost, although potentially it covers a lot of personal information, including SSNs.

Not good!

https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/13/ ... rica_leak/

https://www.securityweek.com/fidelity-i ... em%20(IMS).
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure
Replies: 63
Views: 4441

Re: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure

That is a high premium for this home value. We pay about the same for a home worth 3.5x the cost. Have you shopped your coverage around ? Did you increase the deductible to the max ? If your home is seriously damaged such as in the case of fire, you probably won't be able to sell the lot without some cleanup/demolition costs. Don't assume you would collect a full $125k for the lot. If you cancel your homeowner's, your umbrella might also be cancelled. Check with your insurer. It is a really bad idea to go without liability insurance for your home, IMO. +1. I agree. I could cover my loss from savings, but I think it is better to have homeowner's insurance. I suggest shopping all of your policies (home, auto and umbrella) and see which is be...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 9916

Re: Your Original Medicare Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

I have been on Medicare for 13 years, along with govt supplement that includes prescriptions. Medicare and supplement have worked fine. I have issues with prescriptions a couple of times due to formulary changes. Things eventually worked out, but it took a while. I have never had a problem with doctors accepting Medicare. The long lead time for specialists is common but often can be circumvented if your need is more urgent. I will never consider Advantage plans. I have heard too many horror stories by people who are delayed or denied urgent care. The sucker play Advantage plans use is paying for services that Medicare does not cover. But their limitations, especially in choice of doctors and denial/delays of services are of much greater con...
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4111

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

My wifes 3.0T 2018 Audi Q7 had audicare which covered the first 5 years of scheduled services. Now she is due for her 6 year/60k service, but that service is probably going to be more expensive than the entire first 5 years of service combined, I think I only paid 900 dollars for the audicare package which covered all her services up to this point Anyway her car only has 38k miles, so we always have been getting the service based on time (1 year/10k miles whichever comes first) as the manual specifies 60k service is new spark plugs, accessory v belt, air filter, cabin filter and oil change. I'd guess the dealership wants 1k or more, unless there is another audicare package available (couldn't find anything) There is an independent place th...
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversion during retirement question
Replies: 51
Views: 5715

Re: Roth conversion during retirement question

Whether to do Roth conversions or not depends mostly on their tax bracket now and after the RMDs begin. Medicare part B and D premiums can be increased if someone has $1 more of MAGI. This is referred to as IRMAA premium. IRMAA has different tiers of premiums depending upon your MAGI. In order to determine whether it makes sense or not becomes a "what if" spreadsheet analysis of your income now with its tax liability, the impact of Roth conversions versus your taxable income impact of reduced RMDs due to prior Roth conversions. If you are uncomfortable doing the analysis, you can get a CFP or similar person to assist you. It would be overkill to get a CPA for that. If you are concerned about taxing of SS which does occur at a fair...
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Leaving EJ. Bank vs FA vs Credit Union for Dummy
Replies: 6
Views: 612

Re: Leaving EJ. Bank vs FA vs Credit Union for Dummy

I recently moved our money to Fidelity and am pleased so far. They have a great website and I like the security options they offer. I do not intend to use their AUM service which believe is around .9%. However, I do have an account rep team who has offered advice and options and is my go to resource if I have issues. If you are looking at a low cost AUM model, Vanguard is your best choice.
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1512
Views: 167391

Re: Does Vanguard offshore its CS?

CS tends to follow the same scripts wherever they happen to be located, so I care about whether or not those scripts lead to me getting the help I need, not the accent reading the script. CS should be in the country the company is incorporated in, and its reps should speak English, in this case. In its efforts to save money, Vanguard is costing itself much. For me, it boils down to 3 things: how well you can communicate with them, how competent they are and what they can do for you. My recent experiences with Vanguard CS reps were they were difficult to communicate with, did not seem to be very competent and were very limited in what they could do. For example, they were not allowed to send me a form via email. They had to make a back offi...
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Medicare Advantage to Medicare Original
Replies: 9
Views: 1437

Re: Medicare: Medicare Advantage to Medicare Original

Check with USAA. I have a friend who switch from her employer provided supplement to one of their medigap plans without any underwriting verification.
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2311

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

My son used pressure treated lumber that was cured for my deck. It is grade A with very few imperfections. More expensive, yes, but a really good product. It can be painted or stained immediately and looks great. He does not buy from big box stores. In fact, that product is not available at big box stores.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whether we need a tax expert, or a financial advisor, or both, and how to find one/them
Replies: 21
Views: 1408

Re: Whether we need a tax expert, or a financial advisor, or both, and how to find one/them

What OP stated is not an overly complex tax issue but it is important to do thorough research. I think a good CFP would be fine. A CPA would be overkill.

However, I encourage you to do your own research first. If you have been doing your own taxes this is probably something you could do on your own, and BHs is a great resource to answer questions for you.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental crowns
Replies: 58
Views: 6682

Re: Dental crowns

Kenkat wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:44 pm I’d plan on something in $1200-1400 range based on fairly recent experience albeit not in SWFL. That’s a standard crown on an existing tooth - no root canal or implant included.
+1. Similar range for Charlotte area
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA help
Replies: 12
Views: 1515

Re: IRMAA help

I have been aggressively doing Roth conversions the past few years because of the concern of rollback of the 2017 tax cuts in 2026 based upon current tax laws.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Security Options
Replies: 5
Views: 837

Re: Fidelity Security Options

rbslos36 wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:49 am Fidelity offers two security options--2FA and Symantec VIP. Would you recommend that both be used or is one sufficient?
New Fidelity customer here. I chose Symantec which is more secure than just 2FA. I also use voice authentication for phone calls. I also locked my account to prevent unauthorized transfer of assets.
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

.... In order to use an authenticator and PM, does the website you are accessing have to support authenticator or is SMS sufficient..... So let me tell you what I do. I do have Yubikeys, but I also use an authenticator app. On my authenticator app I have my password manager, Dropbox and Google/Gmail. Once I am in my PM, I then authenticate on the site the most secure way that site allows. For example, Chase and Apple want to authenticate their way. Most are sadly SMS with no software or hardware option, but I have my Verizon account locked down as hard as possible with a SIM lock. .......I saw a long list of 2FA websites and I was surprised at how few supported a software solution which I assume is needed for authenticators. ....... I do u...
by carolinaman
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Thanks for everyone's responses. I have been doing a lot of security research. I definitely am going to get a password manager, most likely 1Password. I would like to use an authenticator app too, but I am unclear as to how they exactly work. In order to use an authenticator and PM, does the website you are accessing have to support authenticator or is SMS sufficient. I saw a long list of 2FA websites and I was surprised at how few supported a software solution which I assume is needed for authenticators. Sorry if this is a little vague but I am hoping someone will explain exactly how this all works. I do use Symantec's authenticator with one website that requires it. I also use MS Authenticator for another app. I am open for whatever works...
by carolinaman
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

....Thanks UM70 for your suggestions. Are you saying I should drop Microsoft and/or Outlook? I am not clear on your comment. You're welcome. No, I think Microsoft and Outlook are fine, personally, I use them exclusively on my PCs. I just think it's wise to steer your online activity to a new Microsoft/Outlook account(s). As time goes on and it's convenient close the Microsoft/Outlook account that the hackers are aware of. For them, it's a known entry point if they can figure out how to get in. They won't know the userID of your other and/or new Microsoft/Outlook account(s). As a personal example, this afternoon I went and checked the account activity page of my Microsoft account that was exposed last May. I stopped checking after seeing mo...
by carolinaman
Sun Feb 18, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Tubes wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:54 am A lot of us have our last 4 digits out there on the dark web, so asking for the first 5 was alarming.

My CC has been skimmed or hacked a few times. My CC processing company always calls. I always tell them I'll call back using the ph number on my card. On my last hack, the lady was really nice, she said: "Yep, understand. Talk to you soon." I called back and got her. We had a good laugh.

I would just say for future reference:
- Don't respond to texts
- Don't use their phone number in the text
- DO call your CC company directly, even if they call you
Excellent advice. Thanks
by carolinaman
Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

HereToLearn wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:51 am To the OP,

Perhaps this recent story will make you realize that you are not alone in falling prey to these scams.

https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-s ... rants.html
That was an amazing story. I cannot see how a free lance finance writer for the NYTimes would fall for that. But then, I have my own foolish, sad story.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

I would be sure to look into any security procedures that might be offered by your state or local tax authorities where you have an account. I was pleasantly surprised to discover my state had special steps I could take with them to protect my account after I learned that my personal info was compromised in the Medicare data breach in 2023. I would also recommend beginning the process of retiring the Microsoft account you have for your Outlook account . In the meantime I would be sure to periodically check recent activity on your account just in case someone has managed to gain access. Here's the link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/what-is-the-recent-activity-page-23cf5556-4dbe-70da-82c8-bb3a8d8f8016 Thanks UM70 for y...
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

I believe this circumstance will not be enough to get you a new SSN, that's generally for severe demonstrated loss already occurred. You can also freeze your Chexsystems report to prevent opening new bank accounts with your information, lock your SSN with E-Verify to prevent someone working under your identity, and there is a smaller, fourth credit bureau called Innovis you can freeze as well. Make online accounts for all these identity-related services you can to preempt any fraudulent attempts to create an account with your info: credit bureaus, IRS, SSA, USCIS (E-Verify), Chexsystems. edit to add: use multi factor identification everywhere you can in addition to strong password hygiene. Use a hardware key like Yubikey or authenticator l...
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4477

Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Last Tuesday I received a text message alerting me to a possible fraudulent charge on my CC. It asked me to call an 866 number which I did. The person identified himself as a Wells Fargo security specialist. He seemed very authentic and told me of a 2nd fraudulent charge. After some time, he transferred me to a 2nd person. In the course of the 2 conversations, I disclosed date of birth, email address and the 2nd guy asked for first 5 digits of SSN. I thought that to be odd but gave it to him, before I realized what I did. I immediately hung up and called Wells Fargo security. The scammers charged $626 against my CC which WF declined. There was no other fraudulent activity but WF canceled my CC and checking account. I met with WF branch pers...
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Safest way to pay bills electronically
Replies: 72
Views: 6099

Re: Safest way to pay bills electronically

If there is no additional charge, we use the credit card. But every single bill is on auto pay, either direct to bank, or CC. It's ben at least three years since the last business finally set up auto pay. (water bill). Even house taxes! Every vendor sends a notice about up coming charge ,often a week before hand, as well as confirmation. Have never had a problem. And all credit cards are pay in full, so no interest, and a nice little set of cash back rewards (last yr @ 600.) so nice to not worry about it, as we travel quite a bit. +1. My experience as well. The only problem I had was having my checking account compromised with a stolen paper check and then having to notify all payors of my new account number. It was tedious, but worked.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 10, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To Roth or not to Roth ...
Replies: 18
Views: 2113

Re: To Roth or not to Roth ...

There is a sunset to the Trump tax cuts after 2025. Without intervention by Congress, tax rates will revert back to 2017 tax rates, which were considerably higher. I have no idea which way this will play out, but there is a real possibility rates will revert back to 2017. This has inspired me to do Roth conversions because I think it is fair to say tax rates will likely not be any more favorable for a long time.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 3946

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

Serve on the board of 2 retiree associations, volunteer work at church.
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1512
Views: 167391

Re: Switched to Fidelity due to terrible service from Vanguard

+ 1000 I worked for multiple fund managers, brokers and a major bank in my long career. In my IT career I interacted with people at firms where I did NOT work, though common IT needs (industry conferences, vendor references). Worked for some of the largest fund managers but spoke to people at Vanguard and Fidelity a few times. The relentless pursuit of cost cutting is destroying the industry no doubt. I had almost 4 decades in the industry, and literally had experience automating almost every aspect of how a fund or broker operates. I was a go to person for the last 20-25 years of my career, speaker at industry conferences, subject matter expert in many functions. I retired earlier than I really wanted to because I was sick if the relentle...
by carolinaman
Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a used car: what's your limit?
Replies: 65
Views: 6215

Re: Buying a used car: what's your limit?

It depends on the model you are interested in. If you are looking at late model Hondas or Toyotas or others that have a very high resale value, you are probably better buying new. We bought a 2007 Toyota Avalon limited in 2010 with 30k miles and the same 2019 model in 2022 with 19k miles. Unlike most Toyotas, the Avalon does not hold its value as much. However, they are great luxury cars that are close cousins to the Lexus. We got a great deal in 2010 and a pretty good deal in 2022 considering the car market at that time. Both were certified vehicles with 12k bumper to bumper warranties. Conversely, I always buy Camrys and will buy new because there is very little difference in price. If you use a used car site like Cargurus, you may find a...
by carolinaman
Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recently laid off from FAANG, should I go work for a non-profit or try to stay?
Replies: 65
Views: 9251

Re: Recently laid off from FAANG, should I go work for a non-profit or try to stay?

Since you asked, my opinion is take the non profit job. It will give you the WLB you desire, you will still have a stimulating job, and you will have time with your young children (they are only young once).

FWIW, I did a similar thing. I was a SR VP with a fast growing tech company. After 5 years, I was ready for more WLB and family time. I had a good opportunity with a local govt but would take a 33% pay cut. I took the govt job and feel it was the best time for me. 35 years and later and 13 years into retirement, I know it was the right move.

Best wishes.
by carolinaman
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1512
Views: 167391

Re: Switched to Fidelity due to terrible service from Vanguard

There are other important things in the world than low fees, customer service is a big one that I can think of. It does seem cheaper to offshore call centers, sometimes this works okay and sometimes it does not. It depends upon their English language proficiency, their competence, and their authority to solve problems. The company that I work for uses a couple of virtual employees in the Philippines partly because it was hard to hire people here for those jobs, these virtual employees do a fine job. As I have called companies that I do business with, sometimes I get overseas call centers, sometimes the experience is just fine and other times it is problematic. I have been a Fidelity customer for nearly 40 years and have been pleased with t...
by carolinaman
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1512
Views: 167391

Re: Vanguard service issues: Account transfer

[This thread has been merged into this on-going discussion. Moderator Pops1860] Another anecdote about Vanguard service: On Dec. 5, 2023, I initiated a transfer of a matured CD at Penfed.org to my Vanguard rollover IRA. Vanguard provided me the needed form, already filled in. I checked the form and it was complete. I had to get a medallion signature guarantee. I did and I mailed the form in. Two weeks later I received a message from Vanguard about a problem. I called. They said they couldn't read the scan of the form I sent because information was missing, such as my address and account number. It wasn't missing. I have a copy of the form and it is complete. Apparently, their scanner failed. They couldn't find the original form I sent in. ...
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 01, 2024 7:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Echoes of Dot Com Bubble?
Replies: 230
Views: 23994

Re: Echoes of Dot Com Bubble?

Let me start by saying that I didn't live through the dot.com era as an investor (I was too young, and clueless about markets). So I never experienced the euphoria, the growing wall of worry, the painful downfall, etc. of that period. Today, I hear/read stories in which people say this 'feels' a lot like the dot.com era from 1998-2000. I'm in no position to assess the validity of that sentiment, however. So I come here to my financial peeps to get a reality check on this. In what ways is today's market (including investor sentiment, greed level, valuations, etc.) similar to and/or different from 1999? Let me ask you this: 1) What would you do if there's >90% chance of a big crash? Sell everything and hold cash in MM? 2) What would you do i...
by carolinaman
Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deferred Fixed Annuities
Replies: 8
Views: 1105

Re: Deferred Fixed Annuities

Thanks Stinky. You provided a wealth of information, and I appreciate your willingness to answer my questions. The only question I have right now is about maturation of MYGAs. I will potentially have MYGAs maturing in IRAs, Roth, and taxable accounts. Apparently, it can get tricky about renewals or receiving cashout at maturity. Is that correct? How do I mitigate that? I am 79 and wife is 81. One of my goals is to simplify our investments by consolidating multiple accounts into our Fidelity account. We have CDs at multiple CUs maturing at different times. I can handle that just fine, but it will be more complicated for someone coming behind me. I realize this approach may result in not getting the best rates, but that is a tradeoff I am wi...