Search found 589 matches

by Diogenes
Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of getting an Apple Watch
Replies: 82
Views: 11754

Re: Thinking of getting an Apple Watch

I’m an Apple person, but the watch screams ‘tech-geek.’ For fitness I use a Fitbit Flex 2, at about $50. Low profile, tracks my fitness program including swimming, and vibrates if I get a call so I can pull out the iPhone. I don’t want anything flashy where I travel to, and the screen would be a liability in the weight room. I also don’t like workout distractions such as texts or scrolling information. That can wait.
Charge lasts twice as long.
by Diogenes
Tue Mar 27, 2018 4:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FB
Replies: 356
Views: 42995

Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?

FTC investigation but probably won’t amount to much . I hope this doesn’t go away soon in media . And people need to demand some accountability. protagonist, Thank you for the detailed response. My point is that the danger of Facebook is not because of the information that it has on any one of us—but because the sheer scope and depth of that information is a great danger to our society. The 2016 election is one such example of what can happen but more will come. Relying on individuals in lock down accounts, remain vigilant, and keep one step ahead of Facebook’s tech shenanigans will not work. I have more to say but it delves into the political so I will refrain. More has already come, this is not new. Make sure you go back further than 201...
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to Take Social Security (again...)
Replies: 62
Views: 10423

Re: When to Take Social Security (again...)

I plan to take SS as soon as I can, and not wait. I completely understand that idea that I could spend more of my own money from 63-70, and let the SS benefit grow. But spending down my own nest egg more than normal from 63-70, because I assume nothing will change with Social Security, is also a risk. +1 It’s certainly not a ‘no-brainer’ to delay taking SS and instead spend down your portfolio. More complicated than that. For those whose income level already discourages Roth conversions, the choice is: 1. Spend more of your own money sooner, and depend more on government payments later in life, or 2. Keep more of your own money around longer, which you have full control over. In either case, reducing spending early in retirement so you can...
by Diogenes
Sat Mar 24, 2018 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Offshore Asset Protection
Replies: 9
Views: 1229

Re: Offshore Asset Protection

Please provide more details.

What assets do you hope to protect, and from what? Where exactly ‘offshore?’

Has this been pitched to you, and by whom?

Do you have any experience with investing or living overseas?

_D_
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 22, 2018 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FB
Replies: 356
Views: 42995

Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?

pejp wrote: Thu Mar 22, 2018 1:15 pm I'm 35 so literally everyone I know is on facebook. I was on it for a few years, but deleted my account completely 4 years ago and haven't looked back. I genuinely think we have an impending mental health crisis due to social media and cell phone addiction.
+1

It’s fascinating from a psychological perspective how people apparently do things just to list them on social media.
My college kid told me that ‘Facebook is for old people.’
I’ll pass.
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2018 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE UPDATE 9-3-18
Replies: 116
Views: 42040

Re: 2018 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE SOLD OUT

Mel Lindauer wrote: Mon Mar 19, 2018 12:14 pm
The videos are online right here in the wiki and have been since we started recording the sessions a number of years ago. Seek and ye shall find!
Excellent! How long after the conference are they usually posted?
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 19, 2018 11:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2018 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE UPDATE 9-3-18
Replies: 116
Views: 42040

Re: 2018 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE SOLD OUT

Any chance of a video of the main presentations that we can view later? Especially for those of us that don't live in the States most of the time?

Add it to the Wiki maybe??

_D_
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 19, 2018 1:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Federal court tosses out fiduciary rule
Replies: 60
Views: 8497

Re: Federal court tosses out fiduciary rule

What the popular press always ignores in these articles is the underlying separation of powers issues in cases like this one. The press writes as if the judges are making a policy call. Often, the case is not about what the policy should be, but who should be making that call. The dispute here, boiled down, is whether that decision can be made by the (here, previous) executive, or must be made by Congress (or, by Congress's decision not to act, a decision in and of itself). The court here decided along the latter lines. If Congress had itself passed a fiduciary rule, that would be a completely different set of facts. peseta This is of course exactly the issue. In the ruling, the 5th Circuit is not saying it's bad to have this protection at...
by Diogenes
Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spoke to a financial advisor yesterday - what do you think he's up to?
Replies: 81
Views: 11070

Re: Spoke to a financial advisor yesterday - what do you think he's up to?

I think there are a couple of big details that people are missing - a) He's offering his services for free and will provide fund selection advice in vanguard if thats what we want. In this situation, I really do think he's providing an employee with a _free_ service. If this is the case, he should be able to provide the names of the recommended funds without seeing your personal financial information and your detailed investments. Ask him for that and post those fund names here. The ‘since you are an employee, we can manage your money’ is a red flag. Why would he do this, and take time to pitch you? Likely he would manage anyone’s money who walked in the door. Most professionals would wish to keep an arms-length from staff. Most employees ...
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Care by Volvo - what are your thoughts?
Replies: 30
Views: 6308

Re: Care by Volvo - what are your thoughts?

It's another leasing deal, lots of threads about those here. Leasing is usually not a good deal for an individual, although it appeals to those who want a new car every couple of years. You're renting it, doesn't belong to you. If you can, why not just pay cash and shop around for better insurance prices?

You're 70, time to treat yourself to what you want. No reason you shouldn't try it since it's just 2 years if you are uncomfortable with the purchase. I've never run into (unintended pun...) a 70-year-old who is leasing a car other than for business reasons, do they have an upper age limit on renewals?

Last Volvo I bought came with 5 years of total service anyway. Good cars, minimal service needs. Good resale value.
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 15, 2018 1:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Expat: Variable Annuity as Pension Scheme
Replies: 7
Views: 860

Re: American Expat: Variable Annuity as Pension Scheme

Something seems odd here. I can understand a foreign employer having a limited number of investment choices for a pension plan. However if they merely told you to check Annuity.com that would suggest either they have nothing set up, or they do but are using that site just as an example for you to start with. More research is necessary, ask for the details. It would be highly unlikely if they have nothing arranged but would still require you to buy an annuity from a U.S. business (did you mean immediateannuity.com?). If they are just matching, but have no formal program, why would they care what investment vehicle you select? Is it perhaps a teaching job or other such company? There are also different tax consequences to you, depending on th...
by Diogenes
Wed Mar 14, 2018 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Huge special assessment on Condo?
Replies: 60
Views: 9413

Re: Huge special assessment on Condo?

Its a very conservative board.. they would rather not have a special assessment. They've raised the HOA dues by 10% each year over the last 5 years to start building up the reserves. That being said, the HOA reserves are still underfunded (at 30%) at the moment according to the reserve study. According to the study, the building needs repiping, reclad of the siding and window replacements. Altogether this will cost about 60K in a special assessment for my unit. They will likely need an assessment to fix the plumbing over this year. They are planning to defer the siding and window replacement recommendations from the reserve study until the reserves have built up over time from HOA dues. At the moment my inclination is to go ahead with buyi...
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question
Replies: 119
Views: 11921

Re: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question

wrongfunds wrote: Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:57 pm
WoW2012 wrote: Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:10 am Paying the new, higher premium works out to her "losing" less than three-tenths of one percent return on her portfolio. Most reasonable people would think it makes sense to sacrifice three-tenths of one percent of a return on your portfolio in order to avoid losing hundreds of thousands.
Why should the comparison be made with the portfolio size percentage return? Why not compare it with "hundreds of thousands" that is being protected with this insurance. I believe it is disingenuous comparison that you have been doing,
+1
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estate Planning - Letter of final instructions
Replies: 5
Views: 1052

Estate Planning - Letter of final instructions

For those highly organized Bogleheads, below is a good link to download a fairly decent template for a Letter of Final Instructions.

Anything missing?

https://boomerbaggage.com/letter-final-instructions/
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 08, 2018 11:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question
Replies: 119
Views: 11921

Re: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but there is another alternative. If you are a 71 year old widow, and not already in a retirement community situation, you need a plan on where you are going to live out your remaining golden years. I suggest you look into CCRCs with "Life care". The community, rather than an insurance company, essentially insures the tail risk of the unlikely event of you running out of money for long term care. plannerman That's exactly the plan DW and I have. Still in good health so we'd qualify for entry. Doing site visits right now. Actually, our desire not to use up the kids' "potential" inheritance is more a factor than running out of money. Of course that's personal. Until I found out ...
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 08, 2018 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question
Replies: 119
Views: 11921

Re: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question

pintail07, you are correct. There is no cap on the maximum benefit per a call I just made to my LTCi company. Can you tell me more about the cost of a one time payment for an asset based plan, with lifetime benefits, and most of the premium returned if no claims? If I renew my policy this year, unchanged, current coverage is $7,330.03/month ($87,960.36/yr) x 5 years ($439,801.55/maximum benefit). Here are the numbers if the following parameters are changed: --Reduction of benefit period from 5 to 3 yrs, holding monthly payout and 5% inflation growth the same ($263,881.08 Maximum Benefit in 2018). Premium in 2018: $3,584.16 -- in 2019: $5,304.24 -- Change elimination period from 90 days to 365 days with all other parameter unchanged: 2018 p...
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 08, 2018 3:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental plans
Replies: 21
Views: 3149

Re: Dental plans

Unfortunately, Dental plans (unless subsidized by an employer) are really prepayment schemes, much the same as the current state of LTCI.
The only real difference is the size of the $ and the fact that significant commissions are paid to those that argue for (and sell) LTCI.
In the past, that wasn't always so, but the companies must make money.

Your Mom is likely better off paying cash as others have said. If money for that is a problem, there may be options for low-cost work at dental schools, and other clinics, depending on her location and income. Suggest checking with a local Senior Center.
by Diogenes
Wed Mar 07, 2018 1:23 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: [Virtual online chapter - Master thread]
Replies: 138
Views: 50551

Re: [Virtual online chapter - Master thread]

For those of us that live a few time zones away from the U.S will there be a way to replay it?
by Diogenes
Tue Mar 06, 2018 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question
Replies: 119
Views: 11921

Re: Another "Should I self-insure" for LTC Question

The OP can afford to post-pay LTCI, if she happens to need it. The salient facts to consider are not what has already been paid to the insurance company, but what you can avoid paying in the future if you discontinue the policy. If the maximum benefits are $450K, and you have $2.4M, why would you want to live the yearly uncertainty paying rising premiums for something you likely will never need anyway? If you do need it, write the check, you are only risking $450K max, and realistically far less. Most strong advocates for purchasing or keeping these policies in face of continual premium increases frequently have a dog in the hunt. Some are selling it for a commission, or have a spouse that sells it for a commission. That would be the first ...
by Diogenes
Tue Mar 06, 2018 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses
Replies: 413
Views: 233094

Re: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses

Interesting and detailed post. A 1-2 paragraph executive summary might be useful to stick on the refrigerator. A couple of questions: 1. Why is a Morphine shot in the ER so much more? Why should it be? 2. Why are the ER visits in the U.S. so much more than in most other first-world countries? 3. How many patients in the ER actually pay these amounts? For example, if an illegal alien shows up with no medical coverage, what do they pay? Who pays the rest? Discouraging someone who needs urgent care is not the answer, as you noted. Having a person triage themselves at a stressful time likewise is not workable. So what's the best solution? 1. Because we can. Business isn't about "what should be," it's about charging what you can. Why ...
by Diogenes
Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Emergency Medevac - costs and options
Replies: 35
Views: 4369

Re: Emergency Medevac - costs and options

We therefore also add MedJetAssist. We use the annual policy although there is a "per trip" policy. This kicks in if you are admitted as an inpatient (not ER or Observation) at least 150 miles from home. Thus, the annual policy for us, as it then includes all trips (at least 150 miles) for business/family as well. What is different about this policy is that YOU, the insured, get to decide to be medevac'd home, to the hospital of your choice. No need for beancounters to get involved, and no need for the always awkward local medical staff decision that they aren't well enough prepared to care for you, etc. I can provide another strong recommendation for MedJetAssist coverage, and have had an annual 360 policy for some time. My rese...
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 05, 2018 9:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reuters-" Special Report: Fidelity puts 6 million savers on risky path to retirement"
Replies: 48
Views: 8561

Re: Reuters-" Special Report: Fidelity puts 6 million savers on risky path to retirement"

Reuters is known for clickbait articles, usually from one end of the spectrum.
They want to attract you to read. Nothing particularly newsworthy in the story, just an eye-catching headline.
Each of us is responsible for our own 'path to retirement,' not one brokerage house, no matter how they structure their funds.
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has the home we wanted just become 20% more expensive due to tax reforms?
Replies: 62
Views: 8722

Re: Has the home we wanted just become 20% more expensive due to tax reforms?

At the same time your after tax income is now higher, so you should be able to afford the higher payment. Or you can think about it another way. Your home price/costs did not change, but your taxes did. Your SALT deductions are down, but your tax rates/brackets have adjusted favorably. Whether your total tax burden went up or down is something you might (or might not) want to calculate. You have high property taxes so you could be in the group of taxpayers in certain states who will see a net higher income tax burden under the new law. Nothing is static. Soon the Fed will raise rates again, and you could see that as causing your house to get more expensive also. It's good advice not to consider taxpayer subsidies in the purchase of your ho...
by Diogenes
Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: dad insists on gifting me all his money- help!
Replies: 23
Views: 5242

Re: dad insists on gifting me all his money- help!

Kudos to you for trying to sort through options, as you try to do the right thing. It sounds like your Father is a man of some means. As such he shouldn't need to worry about things like trying to get Medicaid (taxpayers) to pay for his possible nursing home care. That's a well-known type of scam and probably is not really the way he would want to end up anyway. It's designed for those that need it, he doesn't. A reputable eldercare lawyer is certainly the way to go to start. There are other considerations besides the money that both of you could use advice on. Your Father should be involved and in the driver's seat of course as long as he can be. That includes the lawyer's plan, especially if he would like to go with a trust of some kind w...
by Diogenes
Fri Mar 02, 2018 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses
Replies: 413
Views: 233094

Re: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses

Interesting and detailed post. A 1-2 paragraph executive summary might be useful to stick on the refrigerator.
A couple of questions:

1. Why is a Morphine shot in the ER so much more? Why should it be?
2. Why are the ER visits in the U.S. so much more than in most other first-world countries?
3. How many patients in the ER actually pay these amounts? For example, if an illegal alien shows up with no medical coverage, what do they pay? Who pays the rest?

Discouraging someone who needs urgent care is not the answer, as you noted. Having a person triage themselves at a stressful time likewise is not workable. So what's the best solution?
by Diogenes
Thu Mar 01, 2018 2:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase sapphire reserve versus BOF premium rewards
Replies: 48
Views: 9705

Re: Chase sapphire reserve versus BOF premium rewards

Every experience I've had with BofA in the past 30 years has been negative, so it would take a great deal to try them again for anything. My CSR has been fantastic for the reasons already stated, travel credit, points, Global Entry, and especially Priority Pass. Priority Pass alone is worth the card fee. My only issue is that like most cards, it is very U.S. centric. Orientated for business travelers and vacationers, not so much for expats. Some of the side benefits (medevac, car rental coverage, etc) have a time limit. Fully understandable why just not so convenient... My only other wish is that is was a chip+pin for purchases. CSR has exceptional customer service, and since the effective cost is far less than $0 per year since no balances...
by Diogenes
Tue Feb 27, 2018 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Flexible Retirement Planner
Replies: 45
Views: 10485

Re: The Flexible Retirement Planner

Just tried to use it (downloaded version) on a Mac. It prompted some unusual security certificate warnings and a Java warning about the product requesting 'unrestricted access' which the warning said would also include the webcam and microphone.
Not sure why that would be, but it caused me to decide not to run it.
by Diogenes
Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Atlantic Article: This Is What Life Without Retirement Savings Looks Like
Replies: 26
Views: 5814

Re: Atlantic Article: This Is What Life Without Retirement Savings Looks Like

Thanks for the article, although it seems to be a somewhat boiler-plate heart-string play. Also, not sure there are really more in this situation than in previous generations as implied. Doubt it. This could be included in a portfolio of articles for the 20-30 year-olds to read about the consequences of failing to plan, thinking that SS is the answer. For those like the women profiled, of course sympathy and a hand-up are in order. That's why there is Section 8, SS, and...family. Many though who are are at the end of the boomer generation never understood (or chose to ignore) why it was a bad thing to be house poor, buy a new car every 2 years, and to use the 401K as a piggy bank. They are now complaining that their only income will be SS, ...
by Diogenes
Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance
Replies: 149
Views: 13428

Re: Long term care insurance

WoW2012 wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2018 5:18 pm
Dinosaur Dad wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2018 5:14 pm I found this article very helpful in illustrating some of the considerations:

http://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/w ... insurance/

If all long-term care policies were like the policy described in that article, then I would "self-insure" too.
Fortunately, most LTCi policies are NOTHING like the policy he used for his "analysis".
There are so many false statements and half-truths in that article, I don't know where to begin.
Wow12, the article seems well done and the Morningstar second article he links to even better.
What specifically is false? Do you know of an article that illustrates that and why self-insurance is not a good option?
Do you sell LTCI by chance?
by Diogenes
Fri Feb 23, 2018 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance
Replies: 149
Views: 13428

Re: Long term care insurance

WoW2012 wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2018 12:12 pm
maineminder wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2018 10:54 am I tried to re-create your numbers and I believe what you plunked in was a policy that paid a 5 year payout @ 200/day with an ACI of 5%, but you only got benefits for 2.2 years.

If you want to compare apples to apples, you may want to pick a policy that pays out closer to your 2.2 year estimate. Not sure what you'd conclude but you'll find that your premiums will be much lower.
His mistake was that he forgot to calculate how much the benefits would increase each year due to the 5% ACI (Automatic Compounding Increase).
I see your point. But as we can't predict other things compounding either, like the increases in premiums over 20 years, or the earnings on keeping the $200K at Vanguard for 20 years, I elected to just keep it simple.
by Diogenes
Fri Feb 23, 2018 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance
Replies: 149
Views: 13428

Re: Long term care insurance

maineminder wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2018 10:54 am I tried to re-create your numbers and I believe what you plunked in was a policy that paid a 5 year payout @ 200/day with an ACI of 5%, but you only got benefits for 2.2 years.

If you want to compare apples to apples, you may want to pick a policy that pays out closer to your 2.2 year estimate. Not sure what you'd conclude but you'll find that your premiums will be much lower.
You're right. I changed it to the 3-year payout and revised the numbers. Thanks!
by Diogenes
Fri Feb 23, 2018 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance
Replies: 149
Views: 13428

Re: Long term care insurance

Still scratching my head about these LTCI policies. It was suggested that one of the best available now are group policies, such as what is available to Federal employees or former workers. Makes sense as a measuring stick. Most private plans are likely not as good. Just took a look at that website (https://www.ltcfeds.com) to see how it would shake out, and the costs/benefits look like this: Example (60-year-old): $200/day max benefit, 90-day waiting period, inflation protection ACI - 5%, lifetime max $219K Yearly premium $3294. Assuming a claim at age 80, the person would have paid in $66K. With the 90-day waiting period, claiming the max per day, the first year the policy would pay $54K, the second and full year $72K, in today's dollars....
by Diogenes
Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expat Living
Replies: 58
Views: 9572

Re: Expat Living

Has anyone here retired outside of the U.S.? If so, what have been the pros and cons of doing so? Learning about your experiences would be very interesting. I encourage you to read expat forums for practical information about places you may be interested in. I've been an expat for a dozen years and early on discovered the dramatic difference between visiting places as a tourist and actually living there. Someone visiting for a week, or month or two, simply doesn't have the perspective you are looking for. Rely on people that actually live as expats, on the local economy. Also, be wary of generalizations about the quality of life, quality of healthcare, etc. Don't make the change because you think the grass is always greener. If you're olde...
by Diogenes
Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USAA 41% More For Car Insurance
Replies: 43
Views: 4831

Re: USAA 41% More For Car Insurance

What I really like about USAA is how amenable they are to folks living overseas. I'm only in the States a couple of months per year. They easily change the auto policy to a 'storage policy' when the vehicles are on trickle chargers when I'm away, and it's a fraction of the normal rate.
Not sure if GEICO and others do that.
by Diogenes
Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?
Replies: 266
Views: 30480

Re: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has resulted in the most significant tax savings I have seen in longer than I can remember.

It's great!!
by Diogenes
Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:38 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Retiring abroad. Move taxable/checking accounts to Schwab?
Replies: 36
Views: 9441

Re: Retiring abroad. Move taxable/checking accounts to Schwab?

in_reality wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 6:46 am
Trav wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 6:25 am How did Vanguard know that you were living abroad? Couldn't you just use a US address and then a VPN from abroad?

Vanguard had some trouble with my account (missing assets) and was calling my US address which was the telephone number on record. My brother's wife didn't like the calls because of a sleeping baby and so I gave Vanguard a non-US number to call and said I was traveling. Again, the places I'd been prior was happy to file a foreign mailing address and phone number along with the permanent US address.
Suggest Google Voice. Phone problem solved!
by Diogenes
Sat Feb 17, 2018 2:56 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Retiring abroad. Move taxable/checking accounts to Schwab?
Replies: 36
Views: 9441

Re: Retiring abroad. Move taxable/checking accounts to Schwab?

Also I would recommend getting a local currency bank account wherever you go and use a company like Transferwise to move cash. Much better rate than letting the bank do it in most cases. This is a good idea. Have you also looked at Interactive Brokers? They're easy to deal with as an expat and also good for buying/holding and transferring foreign currency. The Peso is quite unstable as you know, so you may want to send funds only as needed. I've had normal Schwab accounts and never had any issues with the last 10 years overseas. The only small problem I ran into was with Fidelity. They asked for a medallion signature guarantee to set up a standing wire order. You can only get that in the States, it's not available in Europe or anywhere els...
by Diogenes
Sun Feb 11, 2018 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving a rental car in Western Europe
Replies: 46
Views: 3010

Re: Driving a rental car in Western Europe

I’ve driven for some years in Central and Eastern Europe as an expat. If you are talking about a few week vacation, it’s not worth it to see the larger cities usually visited by tourists. Also not the way to go to travel between those cities, as the trains or budget airlines are far more convenient. Years ago as a student I used a Eurail pass for two, not sure I would suggest it now as a means of saving money. If you plan to get out of the major cities and the usual tourist stops, a car is useful. GPS a must. Driving is not difficult, but with a family of 4 it depends on your adaptability to distractions. Depends also on what countries you plan to visit. For example, France is a delight to drive through(not Paris), but be prepared for autom...
by Diogenes
Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CCRC advice needed [Continuing Care Retirement Community]
Replies: 28
Views: 2750

Re: CCRC advice needed

You are about to sign a complex legal contract affecting: (1) your medical care for the rest of your life, (2) your housing for the rest of your life, and (3) all or most of your financial assets & income for the rest of your life. Sign NOTHING without first consulting with a good lawyer who specializes in elder law. This is very good advice. I can’t imagine anyone who would consider giving any institution control over their entire financial life without getting the best unbiased advice first. Asking the question here is a good first step. Now it’s time for the others, and to task the professionals. Don’t be rushed into anything. You both worked hard for your assets throughout your lives. Later, it would be interesting to hear the stor...
by Diogenes
Sat Jan 27, 2018 1:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Age-based allocation when you don't need the money?
Replies: 22
Views: 2544

Re: Age-based allocation when you don't need the money?

Good thoughts.
Well, currently I’m at 65/35. Reasonable to continue into my 60’s? Spending more isn’t an option as I’ve found I don’t want more stuff, and already travel a great deal.
The suggestion to move more into Roth’s is good, but my tax bracket makes that a wash at best.

Goals? Recently nearly paid cash for an overseas second home, but decided to still lease instead because of issues with the market/political situation there. Will use QCD, and only wish to leave a modest estate to one adult child.

Other goals would simply be to leave things on automatic so I need only check in once a year.
Having 10 years of expenses in bonds, as was also suggested, seems too much given pension/annuities. But also don’t I want to be careless.

_D_
by Diogenes
Fri Jan 26, 2018 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to claim Social Security: two reasons not to wait
Replies: 108
Views: 19573

Re: When to claim Social Security: two reasons not to wait

I stumbled upon this article today in my web travels: http://danielamerman.com/va/BenefitAge.html Making optimal decisions about when to claim Social Security benefits is of vital importance. For a person of retirement age with average savings, this choice may be more important than any other aspect of financial planning when it comes to the standard of living in retirement – yet, much of the information available is overly simplistic. This analysis looks at the claiming decision on four different levels, to better capture the tradeoffs involved and the impact that different choices can have. Whereas I see much Boglehead discussion about the benefit to waiting until age 70 to claim, I don't see much discussion of 'hold harmless' and trust ...
by Diogenes
Fri Jan 26, 2018 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stats on When People Take Social Security
Replies: 240
Views: 27122

Re: Stats on When People Take Social Security

True, but by waiting to claim SS at 70, while meanwhile spending more of your own portfolio, you are choosing to be more dependent on future government payments.
Some may not like that, for various reasons.
by Diogenes
Fri Jan 26, 2018 8:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Age-based allocation when you don't need the money?
Replies: 22
Views: 2544

Age-based allocation when you don't need the money?

Much of the prevailing wisdom has an increase in the bond percentage of a portfolio as you approach retirement. Some advocate 'keeping your age in bonds.' This must be customized to many factors. But if you have other stable inflation-adjusted income (pension, other annuities, etc) that cover say 150 percent of your estimated expenses, not including SS, at retirement, how would that wisdom change? You don't need to worry about the withdrawal rate as you don't need regular withdrawals. RMD's will be forced on you even with QCD's, but regardless of that. With a significant portfolio, would it then be reasonable to stay at 65 stocks/35 bonds in the three-fund portfolio in your 60's and beyond? Set it and forget it? Would it be wise to do so? W...
by Diogenes
Wed Jan 24, 2018 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which tropical Island to Retire to ?
Replies: 61
Views: 7304

Re: Which tropical Island to Retire to ?

Depends on your priorities. Being from CA, I would never think of retiring anywhere there. Taxes, taxes, and only going to get worse. I have chosen to maintain a presence in a zero income tax state, while living most of the time overseas. Gives one time to figure it out. Rent where ever you go first. Islands, including very developed places like Hawaii have their drawbacks. After living in Hawaii for 5 years, I wouldn’t retire there either. The world is a big place, something for everyone. If you do head overseas, just keep a good medevac policy. I recommend MedJetAssist, and have retained them for years. How does MedJetAssist work if one is retired overseas (meaning, no longer a USA resident)? Also, at least for USA-based policies, after ...
by Diogenes
Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Work-out schedule for those in 60s
Replies: 78
Views: 9910

Re: Work-out schedule for those in 60s

Trying to ramp it up a bit.

Currently swim 2x wk 2200 - 2500 meters in outdoor 50 meter salt water pool
Run 3x wk 8-10k
Weights and elliptical 3x, 2 double with run
Walk minimum 12000 steps a day. I live in a coastal city so it’s amazing how easy that is.
Long hike in the mountains every 2 weeks.
by Diogenes
Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which tropical Island to Retire to ?
Replies: 61
Views: 7304

Re: Which tropical Island to Retire to ?

Depends on your priorities.
Being from CA, I would never think of retiring anywhere there. Taxes, taxes, and only going to get worse. I have chosen to maintain a presence in a zero income tax state, while living most of the time overseas. Gives one time to figure it out.
Rent where ever you go first. Islands, including very developed places like Hawaii have their drawbacks. After living in Hawaii for 5 years, I wouldn’t retire there either. The world is a big place, something for everyone.
If you do head overseas, just keep a good medevac policy. I recommend MedJetAssist, and have retained them for years.
by Diogenes
Mon Jan 22, 2018 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New tax law and changes to paycheck
Replies: 20
Views: 2888

Re: New tax law and changes to paycheck

Looking at making changes to the quarterly payments. Following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, my bill will decrease about $5K!
Nice! It will go back into the business, but still very positive and significant.
by Diogenes
Sat Jan 20, 2018 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stats on When People Take Social Security
Replies: 240
Views: 27122

Re: Stats on When People Take Social Security

It's simple really, when I look at my specific cash needs right now and my short-term income streams. It's all about matching. The income stream from SS will be very useful to me now, and in the future. It meets my needs. Better than the alternatives. But the incremental monthly payments from waiting until age 70 (we're not talking thousands MORE per month of course), will not add as much benefit at that stage of my life. 8 years of payments starting now is material to me. Getting 75% more per month later, by waiting until 70, is not material to me . Those additional dollars (the 75% more), to me, are not life-changing and have no potential to be. Getting 8 years of the lower amount sooner is. For me it's more about matching income needs a...
by Diogenes
Mon Jan 15, 2018 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stats on When People Take Social Security
Replies: 240
Views: 27122

Re: Stats on When People Take Social Security

It’s amusing to hear the theory that those that take SS before 70 do so because they “don’t get it.” There are many BH’s who certainly “get it” and still plan to have at least one of the couple take it at 62 or FRA. In my case, having my spouse claim at 62 will enable us to continue minimal reduction from our investments. Claiming at 66 would of course be more, but would take her 8 years until 74 to just break even. I’ll let mine ride until 70 since we don’t need the extra money. Since we are already well over the income that makes Roth conversions attractive due to pensions,that wasn’t a factor either. We prefer to keep our own money as long as possible (which can be passed in the estate, unlike future SS) and not rely on a promise from th...
by Diogenes
Sat Jan 13, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How does everyone keep track of your portfolio?
Replies: 211
Views: 32943

Re: How does everyone keep track of your portfolio?

Excel seems a bit too cumbersome for me, and I don’t plan to use something like Personal Capital where they would have my account info.
I have had good luck with Financial Engines, https://financialengines.com/
You can get access through various means, including Schwab or Fidelity, even if you aren’t employer-sponsored. Easy to add accounts and investments without including account numbers or login info. If it were to be hacked, which everything has been or will be, not a problem since they have none of my personal info. I access it easily from any device, and it’s always updated.
They also don’t contact you to sell advice or management services, and it doesn’t obligate me to a particular investment firm.