Search found 3384 matches

by J295
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Google Sheets Help Needed
Replies: 4
Views: 354

Re: Google Sheets Help Needed

Thank you both. I will check these out.
You are helping an old 🐕 learn new tricks!
by J295
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Google Sheets Help Needed
Replies: 4
Views: 354

Google Sheets Help Needed

I have a document with 4500 rows and 6 columns to which I am continuously adding rows of new data. This is sheet one.

In a separate sheet, sheet 2, I’d like to draw in those rows that contain certain data. For example, there are 70 rows in sheet 1 that at someplace contain the name Smith, and I want the new sheet 2 to be able to import the data from each of those rows, exactly as it appears. I will do the same thing with the name, Jones, Johnson, etc.

I don’t simply want to copy and paste, I want this to happen automatically and be updated on sheet two as I continuously update sheet one.

Can you point me in the right direction for a function(s)?
by J295
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mental health or Money: navigating the OMY question
Replies: 48
Views: 4796

Re: Mental health or Money: navigating the OMY question

In my case I checked out leaving more on the table 10+ years ago. Would absolutely do it again. YMMV.
by J295
Sat Mar 02, 2024 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65, even with a well-planned budget?
Replies: 66
Views: 6330

Re: Even with a well-planned budget, does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65?

OP. do you have information that “coverage” under an ACA plan is not as robust as non-ACA coverage?

Certainly the deductible, co-pays, network, etc can be different, but I haven’t seen data indicating material coverage discrepancies.
by J295
Sat Mar 02, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gifts to grandchildren
Replies: 6
Views: 913

Re: Gifts to grandchildren

Perhaps someone knows the answer to this question, which I think is pertinent: will these funds be counted as funds of the grandchild when financial aid applications are completed?
by J295
Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65, even with a well-planned budget?
Replies: 66
Views: 6330

Re: Even with a well-planned budget, does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65?

It’s location specific, but in our case ACA HD bronze plan has been quite satisfactory. Our coverage with the ACA started approximately 10 years ago following early retirement. We manage MAGI so our annual premium after PTC is $0. Relatively high deductibles, co-pays, etc. are not a financial concern for us; although as luck would have it our out-of-pocket medical is averaging about $3000 per year.

OP —- using the Kaiser calculator, what are your net premiums for the gold plan you are considering, and how about for silver and bronze plans?

When we were making our plans we refused to let the health insurance tail wag the retirement dog.

Good luck.
by J295
Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need to choose a new brokerage firm: Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Replies: 35
Views: 4484

Re: Need to choose a new brokerage firm: Vanguard vs. Fidelity

Fido 42 years
VG 15 years
Clearly prefer Fido
by J295
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Review of 3.5M portfolio and plan for retirement in one year.
Replies: 27
Views: 5755

Re: Review of 3.5M portfolio and plan for retirement in one year.

To the comment about losing out on approximately $1M by not waiting until 62 - is that based on the lost earnings during that time? I will be in a similar position to the OP. Thanks Twindad57. I believe that number is likely based on missed earnings coupled with non-COLA/increased pension amounts. Are you planning to retire early 'with money on the table'? Or, is your situation good enough? No wrong choice here, I suppose. My situation is very similar to OP. Federal employee, MRA 57. $4M net worth. Not sure I want to work beyond 57, though the lost earnings weighs on me since I will have twin 16 year olds, with college looming. Yes, it is a tougher call with heirs. It can certainly feel like you are taking something away from them by not m...
by J295
Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seller finance rental vs sell out right
Replies: 12
Views: 914

Re: Seller finance rental vs sell out right

You state you are comfortable with the seller financing risks.

Retired now but after 30 years as a creditor’s rights lawyer I personally would not seller finance this sort of transaction.

Ymmv.
by J295
Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transfer from Morgan Stanley to VG
Replies: 14
Views: 1115

Re: Transfer from Morgan Stanley to VG

Your decision to transfer in kind is fine. I did not follow that route when handling my parents account. I had MS liquidate all except about 10 highly appreciated equity investments. The tax consequences to MS liquidating were modest, and there were no extra fees as they were included in the wrap fee. There were a number of positions in various odd lots, and it just made more sense to do it this way for us. Also, had no trouble obtaining documentation of the transactions to give to the accountant.
by J295
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Living Will or Trust: When Primary Concerns are Child Predeceasing You & Ease of Work for Executor or Successor Trustee
Replies: 15
Views: 1699

Re: Living Will or Trust: When Primary Concerns are Child Predeceasing You & Ease of Work for Executor or Successor Trus

Here’s what our family did …

Revocable trust with pour over will. Outright to kids on second death and if child pre-deceases last survivor of you then his/her share in trust for GC.

I prefer trusted capable family member to facilitate outright distribution on second death (as trustee) to adult children— and if there is pre-decease child so there will be a trustee for GC I prefer corporate trustee.

Also GDPA and POA Health Care docs as part of plan.
by J295
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Downsides of being a trustee of irrevocable trust
Replies: 22
Views: 2850

Re: Downsides of being a trustee of irrevocable trust

Are there minor children who are beneficiaries of the trust?
by J295
Wed Feb 14, 2024 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial planning for dementia
Replies: 12
Views: 1801

Re: Financial planning for dementia

My father is currently at a memory care facility. Fortunately, he and my mother had the foresight to purchase a Long Term Care insurance policy, which covers his monthly cost. Without that, they would likely be facing some financial hardships. Based upon my family history, I also purchased a LTC policy for myself at an age where one might not consider purchasing such a policy. My rationale was that I didn't want to take a chance of being un-insurable (this was before my father was diagnosed, but after other family members on his side of the family HAD been diagnosed). The reason I purchased it is for many of the reasons stated. As others have rightly pointed out, the range of outcomes is very wide. I did not want to expose my family to the...
by J295
Wed Feb 14, 2024 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is my CPA nickel and diming me?
Replies: 18
Views: 2935

Re: Is my CPA nickel and diming me?

This detail seems reasonable, and appropriate to charge for in an hourly arrangement.

And as to your question, on whether or not you would typically see these entries, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that many firms only state: “Bookkeeping Services $xxx”
by J295
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone Moving from 100% stocks?
Replies: 47
Views: 5720

Re: Anyone Moving from 100% stocks?

100% equity is a wild ride. We did it from 1979 through 2013. The allocation changed upon early retirement, not due to market conditions. My personal belief is market conditions should, as a general rule, not impact a 100% equity commitment.

I believe I have the saying correct: It’s time in the market, not market timing that’s important.

Good luck.
by J295
Thu Feb 08, 2024 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any tips as I enter agreement with senior facility for mom's care?
Replies: 21
Views: 2389

Re: Any tips as I enter agreement with senior facility for mom's care?

If you can develop a relationship with one or two of the team members you may find that valuable.
by J295
Thu Feb 08, 2024 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TOD Time to Complete
Replies: 17
Views: 1382

Re: TOD Time to Complete

nalor511 wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2024 6:35 pm TOD at Fidelity took 3 weeks or so
My TOD at Fidelity took a few mouse clicks and keystrokes. Probably no more than three minutes, including primary and contingent beneficiaries.
by J295
Mon Feb 05, 2024 12:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Individual Stocks Like NVDA and TSLA
Replies: 20
Views: 2025

Re: Individual Stocks Like NVDA and TSLA

bg5 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 12:06 pm Good Afternoon,

I am and old investor [….] So being 43 [….] but maybe I am just getting old :)
Replying because as a 64-year-old I got a good chuckle out of you describing yourself as “old”! Not sure where that leaves me with my senior status. Have a great week.
by J295
Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel recommendation at Siem Reap, Cambodia
Replies: 15
Views: 905

Re: Hotel recommendation at Siem Reap, Cambodia

We highly enjoyed Templation in January 2023.

Consider your own on call tuk-tuk driver and a private tour guide for temples.
by J295
Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting a Solo 401k
Replies: 4
Views: 492

Re: Starting a Solo 401k

Fidelity has been excellent for our sole proprietorship solo 401k.

Numerous online calculators available to determine maximum amounts for employer and employee contributions (plus any catchup, if applicable).

Assuming a solo 401k at Fidelity, no separate third-party administrator needs to be engaged.

Generally, no Form 5500 filing required when the balance is below $250,000.

A new federal EIN is required when setting up the solo 401(k).
by J295
Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust
Replies: 86
Views: 9849

Re: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust

goingup wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:15 pm The portfolio advice on this forum is scalable, whether your portfolio is $100k or $10 million.

The real estate advice is not. Selling a $500k house is different than a $5m one.

OP- find the best known, high end agent in your area. Find one, two or three of them. Negotiate your best deal and let him/her use their network to bring you qualified buyers for a quick close.
This. Particularly true for a unique high end location.
by J295
Thu Jan 25, 2024 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring early: Health Insurance
Replies: 97
Views: 11245

Re: Retiring early: Health Insurance

Retired early. ACA high deductible bronze coverage for myself and spouse past 10 years. Premiums typically $0 after premium tax credit, although in a couple years around $1000 for the year. Have spent about $30,000 out of pocket the past 10 years on HSA eligible items. Ymmv.
by J295
Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance co. Refuses to pay assisted living facility
Replies: 24
Views: 2906

Re: Insurance co. Refuses to pay assisted living facility

Rex66. Not sure what you think I’m wrong about, but that’s ok as I don’t want to derail the thread with any back-and-forth between you and I. Perhaps it’s just our language that is not connecting with each other. Or maybe I’m wrong about something.

Maybe another way I could state this is that I would not accept a claim denial by a long-term insurance carrier without exhausting remedies for reversal if I believed the denial was erroneous. And, in my experience, processing a long-term care insurance claim required material effort and diligence.
by J295
Fri Jan 19, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance co. Refuses to pay assisted living facility
Replies: 24
Views: 2906

Re: Insurance co. Refuses to pay assisted living facility

Most likely she doesn’t qualify for benefits Did a health care provider determine she couldn’t do 2 ADLs? If it’s just you guys felt she would be better there then no they don’t pay. Frankly the facility she is at likely knows if she would qualify. I have no idea, of course, whether the person here does or does not qualify. However, I would most certainly not assume that it is “most likely she doesn’t qualify for benefits .” My parents had long-term care insurance with well-known national company for more than 20 years. When it came time to make claims and collect benefits the process with the insurer was unreasonably difficult (and time consuming), and in fact benefits were not paid until after I began copying in the state insurance depar...
by J295
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I pay cash for our investment home?
Replies: 15
Views: 1689

Re: Should I pay cash for our investment home?

Does your 4% cash on cash return factor in value of depreciation deduction/tax savings.
by J295
Mon Jan 15, 2024 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Short trip to Japan, recommendations?
Replies: 10
Views: 1272

Re: Short trip to Japan, recommendations?

You may consider teamLab Planet in Tokyo. We enjoyed it.

Our Japan time last year included Tokyo, Kyoto (bullet train from Tokyo), Hiroshima (afternoon), Hakone.

I have a Japan “here’s some places we like” document, prepared by our son, who lives in Asia, and his various friends that you might find helpful. If so, send me a PM.

Don’t know where else you’re going, but we love Asia. Have fun.
by J295
Mon Jan 15, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Aren't you an above-average investor?
Replies: 169
Views: 17518

Re: Aren't you an above-average investor?

I have no interest in beating the market. Ymmv.
by J295
Mon Jan 15, 2024 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Beating the market too easy?
Replies: 51
Views: 6654

Re: Beating the market too easy?

Fooled by Randomness.
by J295
Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Investing Policy Statement
Replies: 19
Views: 2589

Re: My Investing Policy Statement

To give you a point of reference, our AA was 100% equity until early retirement, then 60% equity down 1% per year until we reached 50% equity where we are now. For your consideration… 1. Your proposed rebalancing twice a year is fine, but according to the Vanguard white paper once a year is fine also. 2. You might consider a cooling off period in your IPS before permitting you to change your AA. For example, if you determine to make a change, you mentally commit to it, but then require a 90 day waiting period before the final decision can be implemented. 3. Having lived through some economic speed bumps with 100% equities during my investing career, I’d suggest that maintaining 100% equities can be challenging so prepare yourself to put on ...
by J295
Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Re: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

Nowizard wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 8:37 am We have spent considerable effort in trying to reduce AGI without success.

Tim
Fwiw we have reduced our MAGI materially but we are in a situation where the following are available

HSA contributions
Solo 401k contributions
by J295
Tue Jan 09, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Re: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

No capital losses, but appreciate you sharing running bum. Good username!
by J295
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Re: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

Silk McCue wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:21 pm
J295 wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:06 pm
All income is SSDI

Not privy to plan choice. Has an insurance advisor. Assume due to deductible and OOP amounts (has significant medical expenses).
“The maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $3,627 in 2023 and $3,822 in 2024. Dec 19, 2023”

That’s $45,864 per year. Why would they need to reduce MAGI under these circumstances?

Cheers
To increase ACA PTC (and as applicable cost sharing)
by J295
Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Re: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

Silk McCue wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 11:51 am
Silk McCue wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:42 am There is no way to do so based upon the circumstances shared. Why is this an issue if they are only receiving SSDI? What specific problem is trying to be solved? Is Silver the optimal plan for them from a cost standpoint.

Cheers
I will ask again as it goes to the core of the question.

In addition, how much is SSDI per year and what other and how much taxable income are they receiving/taking/generating each year.

Why a Silver plan versus a cheaper Bronze?

Cheers
All income is SSDI

Not privy to plan choice. Has an insurance advisor. Assume due to deductible and OOP amounts (has significant medical expenses).
by J295
Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Re: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

Thank you for comments.
Not yet 24 months on disability
by J295
Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I Crazy? Every Account is SP500 Index
Replies: 61
Views: 10168

Re: Am I Crazy? Every Account is SP500 Index

On the response that termed it “aggressive,” that seems like a reasonable statement.

We were “aggressive” with 100% equities until early retirement.

It occurred to me that the “swan” notion of “sleep well at night” to stress test your allocation is often used, and while that is one reasonable qualifier I will tell you that in our experience we did not sleep well at night while riding out various difficult markets, including particularly the great recession, which was quite stressful. We just gritted our teeth and kept putting one foot in front of the other, not really knowing how it would all turn out.
by J295
Mon Jan 08, 2024 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?
Replies: 13
Views: 1861

Reducing MAGI when only income is SSDI?

Friend (single) has a silver plan under the ACA, so no HSA available. No capital gain losses. Only income is SSDI.

I am not aware of any actions he can take to reduce MAGI — if you are aware of any please advise.
by J295
Sat Jan 06, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Enormous Property Tax Increase
Replies: 66
Views: 9656

Re: Enormous Property Tax Increase

If you’re not satisfied with the information your assessor provides then follow the local requirements and file an appeal
by J295
Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)
Replies: 64
Views: 7587

Re: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)

Fwiw we have the Lexus dealership changed the SUV oil every 10,000 miles. Currently at 145,000 miles
by J295
Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Closing a CD at Synchrony Bank is painful
Replies: 7
Views: 1236

Re: Closing a CD at Synchrony Bank is painful

Just one datapoint here, but past experience with Ally dealing with a wire was highly inadequate.
by J295
Sun Dec 31, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Cash Management Account vs. regular brokerage account services
Replies: 11
Views: 2406

Re: Fidelity Cash Management Account vs. regular brokerage account services

Had acounts at Fidelity for over 40 years. The brokerage account satisfies all of our needs. I added another account recently and called and discussed with them the precise issue you’re asking about, and then opened the new account as a brokerage. Give them a call if uncertain.
by J295
Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you view portfolio risk differently when you retired
Replies: 32
Views: 3806

Re: Do you view portfolio risk differently when you retired

Transitioned out of full-time work in my peak professional earning years at age 53, in 2013. Went from 30+ years of 100% equity down to 60% and gradually move that to the current 50%.

We had “enough” when I transitioned, and due to market gains and fortuitous circumstances, we have more now 11 years later. For quite some time now I have been indifferent to portfolio size and that has been intentional.

Some might enjoy the Tolstoy fable, “How Much Land Does a Man Need?”
by J295
Fri Dec 29, 2023 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For people who handle their parents finance, how much detail do you omit
Replies: 14
Views: 2700

Re: For people who handle their parents finance, how much detail do you omit

My widowed mother is 88 and very astute. She will not run out of money unless the US Government completely defaults on its obligations. I am her POA and her Trustee. I pay all bills, etc., and investments are on autopilot (stock index funds and treasury ladder). I have two sisters, and our family is extremely tight. I provide a one page financial narrative each month to mom and sisters. It provides a 30,000 foot view of assets -- it generically states $X in stocks and $Y in cash/bonds without naming funds, brokerages, etc. The report notes any material changes or events in the past month, and pending matters/items to monitor. Sometimes she will ask me how much something cost (how much do we pay for XYZ), but for the most part she has no que...
by J295
Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA before medicare
Replies: 43
Views: 5359

Re: ACA before medicare

We’ve been on ACA coverage since its inception due to early retirement, and it has been satisfactory for us. We did not have need for counselor. Ymmv.
by J295
Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]
Replies: 393
Views: 43397

Re: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]

Six family members play every day. We are located in three different states, and one foreign country. We post our results by 7 AM central time on a group thread and have a nice little chat each day. Keep us well connected.
by J295
Fri Dec 15, 2023 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If rates drop on TBills, MMFs etc., what are you going to invest in?
Replies: 43
Views: 7170

Re: When rates drop on TBills, MMFs etc., what are you going to invest in?

Our non-equity investments will remain the same per our IPS
by J295
Wed Dec 13, 2023 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for charity doing international work
Replies: 26
Views: 2652

Re: Suggestions for charity doing international work

Imprint Hope

Constru Casa

If interested in either or both I can put you in touch with the charity founder now living in Uganda (IH) or a friend who has been materially involved in CC and at one time lived there.
by J295
Fri Dec 08, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle for a Year
Replies: 26
Views: 2910

Re: Vehicle for a Year

Thanks again everyone

Additional fact clarification inserted as an edit in the original post
by J295
Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle for a Year
Replies: 26
Views: 2910

Re: Vehicle for a Year

These are very helpful. Thank you all.