Search found 205 matches

by gtg970g
Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much term life would you get?
Replies: 23
Views: 2404

Re: How much term life would you get?

You may find that 15 and 25 year term polices are more expensive because fewer companies offer them so less competition.
by gtg970g
Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare coverage of covid PCR testing for travel
Replies: 14
Views: 1725

Re: Medicare coverage of covid PCR testing for travel

I'm not sure about Medicare coverage but I had to answer yes to the following question for the test to be covered by my private insurance.

"Are you seeking a COVID-19 test because of high transmission rates and difficulty maintaining recommended social distancing?"

Previously, when I answered no to this and all other questions CVS notified me I would have to pay out of pocket.
by gtg970g
Thu Jul 14, 2022 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird feeder attracting rats!
Replies: 40
Views: 3083

Re: Bird feeder attracting rats!

Moths also love birdseed. Never again will we have birdseed, just not worth it.
by gtg970g
Fri Jun 24, 2022 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to get a Signature Guarantee for TreasuryDirect authorization form
Replies: 94
Views: 23946

Re: How to get a Signature Guarantee for TreasuryDirect authorization form

Trying to piggyback off of this thread. We tried registering for an account at Treasury Direct a few weeks back for my wife but were told we will need to complete the form with Medallion Signature Guarantee. Since that time we remembered that her credit was frozen so we believe that may be why they could not verify her identity instantly. Does anyone have experience with unfreezing credit and then maybe calling in to see if they can rerun the verification?
by gtg970g
Fri Jun 24, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasonable cost of life insurance?
Replies: 60
Views: 3670

Re: Reasonable cost of life insurance?

This month alone, 4 carriers have lowered their term rates for most applicants. Last month there were at least 5, including one of this month's (a second decrease). There have been no increases. Inflation doesn't hurt term rates. It's an intangible product. There is no raw material cost, no oil used, no supply chain bottlenecks. It costs no more to manufacture and distribute than it did before today's Inflation. Right. Statements about inflation generally impacting the cost of most goods and services have no bearing on insurance at all. I think inflation would have an impact on some lines of insurance but not others. For example it is now more expensive to repair cars and houses so I would expect premiums for those lines to increase. I wou...
by gtg970g
Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasonable cost of life insurance?
Replies: 60
Views: 3670

Re: Reasonable cost of life insurance?

A good life insurance agent should know underwriting standards for companies they sell and be able to get you the best rates based on your individual circumstances. It would be reasonable to reapply but you should talk to an agent about when to reapply and to what company you should apply through.
by gtg970g
Tue May 31, 2022 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any baseball experts? 6yr old son is interested in playing -- tips on technique? etc?
Replies: 37
Views: 2977

Re: Any baseball experts? 6yr old son is interested in playing -- tips on technique? etc?

Teach them to catch properly, no basket catches. Also try to get them to throw without short-arming the ball. Lots of helpful youtube videos on both. Playing catch with my son us one of our favorite activities but until the kid can catch it is challenging.
by gtg970g
Fri May 27, 2022 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Zelle fraud
Replies: 62
Views: 8365

Re: Zelle fraud

One precaution I take is I do not install money transfer apps on my phone. I also don't let my computer remember me when using the sites on my laptop so 2FA will always be required. With young children Venmo or PayPal is used regularly for small contributions for school and activity purposes.
by gtg970g
Thu May 19, 2022 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody Have Kids with Speech Disorders?
Replies: 35
Views: 3738

Re: Anybody Have Kids with Speech Disorders?

I second the recommendation to contact your local school district for an evaluation. If eligible your child will be able to receive free services through the school district. Eligibility does not depend on assets or income.
by gtg970g
Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ti 84 or Ti 89 calculator?
Replies: 31
Views: 5394

Re: Ti 84 or Ti 89 calculator?

It's been a long time since I've had to use these calculators but the Ti 89 does have significantly more functionality for calculus work. These calculators will have high resale value (every year new students enter calculus and need a calculator) or if your child pursues engineering they may get many years of use from them.
by gtg970g
Mon Aug 16, 2021 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mentally Ill son, help now and help later.
Replies: 113
Views: 16287

Re: Mentally Ill son, help now and help later.

The group home idea seems like a lovely fantasy. I'd love to have my son move to such a place if such a place existed. They can exist. Having a good fit seems important. One family member went through a couple different homes before they gained insight into the dynamics that would make for a successful living situation. In this case, having physically active more energetic younger people around was the key. I think the fantasy part is that there will be one solution good for all time. It will likely require a few shifts along the way. Publicly funded living arrangements for disabled adults are very state specific. Some provide ample in-home help, others fund large institutions, and some may fund group homes. This is something we will likel...
by gtg970g
Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Saving too much in tax deferred
Replies: 64
Views: 9734

Re: Saving too much in tax deferred

northtexan wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 5:48 pm

We have about 210k in tax deferred and about 250k in after tax:
125k in roth
85k in traditional ira and 401k
I'm confused by this summary. Traditional IRA & 401k is tax deferred savings. What types of accounts are the 210k you mention as being "tax deferred"?

I would second the recommendation for Roth ladders. Also consider that tax brackets will increase with inflation. in 20 years the 22% bracket will begin at a much higher income level than it does today. To project future taxes you really need to project future tax brackets by taking inflation into account.
by gtg970g
Sun Aug 08, 2021 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to fix labor shortage at work?
Replies: 29
Views: 2487

Re: How to fix labor shortage at work?

I haven't read all the responses but in healthcare where a significant amount of the workforce is female maternity benefits are huge. A competing healthcare conglomerate advertised their maternity benefits on billboards on the arterial roads surrounding where my wife works. My wife's employer offers no maternity benefits. Obviously this suggestion is very region specific since some municipalities require paid maternity and/or paternal leave.
by gtg970g
Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Self-Insuring for Long Term Care
Replies: 189
Views: 16641

Re: Self-Insuring for Long Term Care

Not vouching for the source (https://mylifesite.net/blog/post/so-ill-probably-need-long-term-care-but-for-how-long/), merely passing along what it says regarding duration in this context: "In summary, it is not uncommon for someone to receive care at home for several months or longer, followed by a two and a half year stay in an assisted living facility, with almost 60% then requiring a nursing home stay of somewhere between nine months and a little over two years. All combined, this is a total of approximately 4-5 years of long-term care. In this scenario, the total cost could easily exceed $300,000, depending on the cost of care in your region. "This is daunting considering that it would be in addition to the approximately $245...
by gtg970g
Wed Jul 21, 2021 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement rate Increases
Replies: 29
Views: 3303

Re: Medicare Supplement rate Increases

Zero premium Medicare Advantage plans make money from the co-pays , in addition to restricting you to in-network. Which one is cheaper---not in the past, but in the future? Just predict exactly how sick you're going to be and you'll be able to figure it out. MA providers make money by government reimbursement by head count. The government pays them $x per person that is somehow risk adjusted and the insurance company provides coverage that is as comprehensive or moreso than medicare. Healthier people are better off with a MA plan if they are happy with the doctors and facilities in the plan. Med Supp (especially plan G) is going to see consistent price increases year to year so if you are healthy it is worth price shopping every few years....
by gtg970g
Wed Jul 21, 2021 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account
Replies: 32
Views: 2872

Re: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account

One advantage of the grandparent funding the SNT is the IRA stretch is still available and also Roth accounts do not have to be exhausted in 10 years. Assuming there is enough money we would like a portion of our parent's retirement funds to go into our son's SNT. I will have to look into this more. My dad originally thought to fund using a smallish IRA my mom has, but his financial advisor told him it's not the best move, I'm not entirely clear on the reasoning. It's definitely a situation specific decision. For instance if my mom were to die within the next 10-15 years we would definitely want to direct some of the IRA to the SNT since my wife and I will still be working and our marginal tax rate will be high and we'll be required to wit...
by gtg970g
Wed Jul 21, 2021 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account
Replies: 32
Views: 2872

Re: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account

I'm not a lawyer. We do have 17 year special needs son. Our estate plan is a revocable living trust, and within the RLT creates a special needs trust, if necessary, upon both wife and I passing. The same could be accomplished with trusts created in the will. We used an RLT for ease of designation for our parents who may pass on legacy. We don't plan to create a SNT now. I talked to a guardianship lawyer and she didn't think it was necessary. I also had talked to a estate planning / elder law attorney and he didn't think it was necessary. We have instructed our parents to the extent their legacy is passed on to us, do it directly to the RLT, not to minor children. I can think of no advantage to leaving directly to a child's trust, unless th...
by gtg970g
Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strategies for making offers on home
Replies: 61
Views: 5583

Re: Strategies for making offers on home

Normchad wrote: Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:16 pm
I haven’t bought a house in 10 years, so I am ignorant here.

If you don’t have an inspection contingency, what would happen if your inspector found a $40K foundation problem? I just don’t know.
Buyer can still walk away during due diligence, at least here in GA. Not having an inspection contingency indicates that you aren’t going to nickel and dime the seller and are only interested in potential major issues. We’re going through this right now and unfortunately a major issue was found (structural support for back of house is insufficient). Not sure what’s going to happen yet.
by gtg970g
Tue Jul 20, 2021 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account
Replies: 32
Views: 2872

Re: Mechanics of funding a special needs trust account

We are in NJ as well. I may be misinterpreting the SNT language but thought it needed to be funded upon creation. I have a call in to the attorney who did our documents to clarify. We had opened a 529 for him before ABLE account came into being so I never really looked it to it. Will do some further reading, but I thought there was an upper balance that could be reached that would disqualify some benefits. Our attorney here in the state of GA advised us to attach $10 to the trust in order to technically fund it. Other than the $10 the trust will not have any assets until our death or perhaps the death of one of our parents. We will likely use an ABLE account for our son once he turns 18. The ABLE account and trust both have a place in the ...
by gtg970g
Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Summer child care ideas?
Replies: 32
Views: 3516

Re: Summer child care ideas?

Great ideas so far. If you or spouse’s parents are available a week with grandparents could be a possibility. I always loved visiting my grandparents when I was younger and now that I’m a parent I can see how my parents likely enjoyed it as well.
by gtg970g
Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Tax credit
Replies: 83
Views: 8530

Re: Child Tax credit

We haven't received ours yet either and received all stimulus checks without any issue. 3 kids ages 0, 6, & 8. I didn't receive mine via direct deposit either (despite my stimulus checks getting directly deposited). Logged on to the IRS CTC website and it showed that the check is in the mail for July. I was able to switch August-Dec to direct deposit. Not sure why it defaulted to paper check but it was easy to switch to direct deposit. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal Just checked and ours was setup for paper check too. Now that I think about it we did get one of the stimulus checks via mail because we had taxes due for 2020 instead of a refund so maybe that's why we were still getting paid via pape...
by gtg970g
Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Tax credit
Replies: 83
Views: 8530

Re: Child Tax credit

Rainier wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:12 am Anybody else not receive theirs by direct deposit today?

I am eligible and have bank instructions on file with the IRS. I also use a bank that posts transactions very quickly.
We haven't received ours yet either and received all stimulus checks without any issue. 3 kids ages 0, 6, & 8.
by gtg970g
Wed Jul 14, 2021 9:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard buys Just Invest.....
Replies: 75
Views: 10805

Re: Vanguard buys justinvest.....

This is a very forward thinking acquisition. Competitors will acquire or develop similar capabilities and try to pick off Vanguard clients by offering this extra service.

I may be the exception but I would absolutely use this service if it was offered for a reasonable price. Not for the TLH but to help balance a very old stock portfolio where selling and starting over would incur a massive tax cost.
by gtg970g
Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did dividend stock funds provide "downside protection" in 2020?
Replies: 237
Views: 20637

Re: Did dividend stock funds provide "downside protection" in 2020?

It's anticdotal but I believe relevant to this conversation. I think it's important to understand how many less informed investors view dividend paying stocks. Many of these investors view dividend paying stocks as less risky income generating assets. They don't understand that the underlying stock value falls by the amount distributed to shareholders. A short story about my mom's investments. My mom has many dividend paying stocks she inherited from her parents and grandparents. Many of these holdings predate index funds or the invention of the 401k. She viewed holding ~30 dividend paying stocks as a conservative portfolio. Because she did not diversify until age 68 she is stuck with substantial dividend paying stocks in her taxable accoun...
by gtg970g
Thu Jun 24, 2021 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated Tax Payments question
Replies: 8
Views: 1355

Re: Estimated Tax Payments question

Related question. If a taxpayer decides in July they want to do a large Roth conversion will there be an underpayment penalty if they split the tax cost between 3rd and 4th quarters?
by gtg970g
Wed Jun 16, 2021 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: creating balanced portfolio with individual stock heavy taxable account
Replies: 24
Views: 2875

Re: creating balanced portfolio with individual stock heavy taxable account

Thinking about this a bit more, I'd be more worried about the risks associated with holding individual stocks than with the overall allocation not resembling the broad market in general. Hold an allocation long enough (as presumably your mom has already) — even an extreme one — and it's likely its performance will begin to converge with many other allocations. (See signature line. :wink: ) But the added risk of holding individual stocks doesn't go away. I went through the equivalent exercise with my mom a while ago, though the stakes were far, far lower. The first thing that surprised me at the time was how strong a value tilt the portfolio had, similar to what was typically advocated here at the time, once all the stocks and other fund ho...
by gtg970g
Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: creating balanced portfolio with individual stock heavy taxable account
Replies: 24
Views: 2875

creating balanced portfolio with individual stock heavy taxable account

I'm looking for some advice on tools which could help me manage my retired mom's investment portfolio. She has a unique situation in that out of $4M about half is pretax and half after tax and the after tax portion has a significant amount of unrealized capital gains. I will outline below. Age: 68 Tax Filing Status: Single Earned Income: none (retired) IRA (traditional) 2.5M Taxable brokerage acct: 1.7M (~1M unrealized gains) Expenses: 60k a year Marginal tax bracket: 24% (projected to remain 24% with RMDs) Target AA: 75/25 Her after tax account is heavily invested in ~30 dividend paying stocks and I would like to change her pretax investments to compliment the after tax account if possible. She is definitely overweight railroads, pharmaceu...
by gtg970g
Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Market for new cars right now
Replies: 14
Views: 2832

Re: Market for new cars right now

How would one go about seeing how much new cars were selling for 2+ years ago? It's hard to tell if you're overpaying without that reference point. We're in the market for an Odyssey or Sienna but could wait if we think things could cool off within the next 6-12 months.
by gtg970g
Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?
Replies: 593
Views: 84604

Re: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?

Corporate office of a F500 company. We have been ratcheting up capacity in the office from 10% - 30% and now 50%. The exepectation is that everyone will be back 5 days a week come September. There are a couple of specific groups that will get some remote work flexibility, but for the vast majority we will have no hybrid system. I expect this will cause moderate to severe turnover issues in at least a few departments (mine, specifically, which sucks because I don't really want to replace half my team). I think it will be interesting to see how the WFH policies evolve over time. Now that employees know that WFH can be done it's going to be hard to put the cat back in the bag. My impression is that mid-career professionals are the most resist...
by gtg970g
Fri May 28, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?
Replies: 593
Views: 84604

Re: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?

My office has been partially back in the building since March and they are talking about forcing everyone back shortly but haven't given a date. I know multiple people planning to leave if they are not offered an opportunity to WFH. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out.
by gtg970g
Mon May 17, 2021 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Appeal Property Taxes
Replies: 7
Views: 787

Re: Appeal Property Taxes

You probably need to find houses that sold in 2020 if the assessment was as of 1/1/2021. Houses sold in 2021 would not factor into the assessment. At least that's the way it is where we live.
by gtg970g
Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about SSI benifits and Insurance pay out
Replies: 10
Views: 1092

Re: Question about SSI benifits and Insurance pay out

It's not what you asked about but wouldn't your sister qualify for Medicaid as a SSI recipient. Medicaid should cover prescription medications. She may also qualify for other programs which could be helpful due to her status as an SSI recipient. Lastly, if your sister was disabled prior to age 22 she should be able to go onto SSDI based upon her parent's income. This could increase her payment amount. You definitely need to talk to an attorney who specializes in Special Needs Law.
by gtg970g
Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unicorns pay no federal tax!
Replies: 57
Views: 7571

Re: Unicorns pay no federal tax!

With 3 kids and daycare expenses we expect to have a negative tax liability this year due to tax code changes. We gross about 150k but max our 401ks & HSAs. Also max Roth IRAs but that doesn't help with reducing tax liability.
by gtg970g
Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lemonade *Life* Insurance - claims paying ability / credit rating
Replies: 13
Views: 1441

Re: Lemonade *Life* Insurance - claims paying ability / credit rating

It is not uncommon for insurance carriers to have an entirely separate entity with approval to sell in NY. This is likely the case for Lemonade.
by gtg970g
Mon Apr 12, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS Delivery issues
Replies: 42
Views: 4622

Re: USPS Delivery issues

Cousin Eddie wrote: Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:02 pm I've tried a phone but I never can get a quality scan. Probably my cheapie cell phone doesn't help with that. I'll probably take it to a family member and use there scanner.

Thanks for the suggestion though.
Try using a black matte background. I actually use a cast iron skillet as a background when taking pictures of checks to deposit via mobile app.
by gtg970g
Mon Apr 12, 2021 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Claims Processing Question
Replies: 22
Views: 1877

Re: Medicare Claims Processing Question

I assume Blue Cross covered meds while he was with them. Once he gets a Part B supplemental plan , he also needs a Part D Drug Plan , unless the supplemental insurance covers drugs. Both the Part B supplemental plan and the Part D drug plan can be changed online during open enrollment each year from October 15 to December 7, and they will take effect the following January 1. This is not entirely accurate and is state dependent. In most states Medicare supplement plans can be purchased at any time during the year but underwriting will be required. If someone was previously declared disabled it is unlikely they will pass underwriting so they will likely be with the plan they choose for life. Part D should be re-evaluated annually like stated...
by gtg970g
Sat Apr 10, 2021 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help deciding on health insurance. COBRA vs Private
Replies: 20
Views: 1798

Re: Need help deciding on health insurance. COBRA vs Private

Could you go into medical and pay cash at your current drs? Where we live most pediatric physicians accept medicaid.
by gtg970g
Fri Apr 02, 2021 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did anyone mail in their taxes this year? Have you gotten a refund or does the IRS give you a status?
Replies: 6
Views: 612

Re: Did anyone mail in their taxes this year? Have you gotten a refund or does the IRS give you a status?

I mailed in my 1041 about a month ago and three check was just cashed this week. Not sure if it had been "processed" since I believe the check clearing doesn't indicate they have processed the return. Unfortunately you can't check the status of a1041 online.
by gtg970g
Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS sends federal tax return to state tax office
Replies: 22
Views: 3770

Re: USPS sends federal tax return to state tax office

DIFAR31 wrote: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:38 pm
I really wish that Free File Fillable Forms supported the 1041 and associated forms/schedules.
Same. We have a small trust with just dividends and occasionally capital gains and the software would cost more than the tax due most years.
by gtg970g
Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skip $10.5k Dependent Care FSA to get $8k Child Care Tax Credit @ 50% daycare expenses in 2021?
Replies: 130
Views: 18645

Re: Skip $10.5k Dependent Care FSA to get $8k Child Care Tax Credit @ 50% daycare expenses in 2021?

Unless they automatically adjust tax withholdings due to the changes in tax law I'm going to have to make some pretty significant changes to our withholding. We may have already overpaid our tax for this year if we can claim this $8k child care credit and get the increased dependent tax credit for our 3 kids.
by gtg970g
Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Signed
Replies: 71
Views: 9897

Re: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Signed

WoodSpinner wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:33 pm Here is the Kitces analysis for the American Rescue Plan....

https://www.kitces.com/blog/the-america ... d-to-know/

Lots of changes that actually apply to the 2020 Tax Filling. Its going to get interesting--especially if you have already filed.

WoodSpinner
Yep. We received some unemployment this year so are just going to wait until the IRS sorts everything out.
by gtg970g
Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reactions to Microsoft hack?
Replies: 14
Views: 1983

Re: Reactions to Microsoft hack?

Our work email was down all of Friday afternoon to implement the fix. It was nice to have an afternoon free from email.
by gtg970g
Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: resisting login security measures
Replies: 16
Views: 1877

Re: resisting login security measures

I share your frustration with getting others to take basic security precautions. I set up Lastpass for my mom but she refuses to use it. Literally every time she logs into an account she has to change the password because she doesn't recall it and refuses to use a password manager. This new password is then not updated in Lastpass so when I inevitably have to login (I help with a few of her accounts such as cell phone and TV/internet) the password does not work and she cannot remember what she changed it to. So I change the password, notify her, update it in LastPass and dream of the day when she will figure out that a password manager makes life SO MUCH EASIER.
by gtg970g
Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best State and National Parks in the Southeast
Replies: 54
Views: 5432

Re: Best State and National Parks in the Southeast

Iporante wrote: Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:52 pm Cumberland Island National Seashore backcountry is amazing, but takes a lot of planning.
This. We've camped in November and February at Cumberland Island and it's great. I would not camp there in the summer.
by gtg970g
Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is Amex Blue Cash preferred card still worth keeping?
Replies: 51
Views: 5395

Re: Is Amex Blue Cash preferred card still worth keeping?

hayhayday wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 5:47 pm You could buy a $500 gift card at the supermarket a couple times a year and use it to pay other bills if you wont hit the 6k. You can also downgrade and they may give you a bonus offer to upgrade back later rinse\repeat.
We also use the card to buy Amazon gift cards which has the added benefit of providing us with cheap gas due to extra fuel points. We've had $1.00 off every gallon of gas bought since March and we fill both cars in one trip. Only filling up about every six weeks now that we no longer have to drive to work.
by gtg970g
Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wedding
Replies: 78
Views: 6135

Re: Wedding

Get married before the vaccine is widely distributed and you will save a bundle. Ok I'm kidding, but only partially. If you are not a big wedding person it might actually be a good idea.
by gtg970g
Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I can’t bring myself to spend as much as my first new car on roller shades
Replies: 34
Views: 2993

Re: I can’t bring myself to spend as much as my first new car on roller shades

I know nothing about motorized window coverings but would be concerned if the only way to raise and lower them was through a proprietary app. It seems it would be best if an old fashioned remote control was also included in case the app is discontinued for one reason or another.
by gtg970g
Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance as a Tool For Estate Planning
Replies: 46
Views: 3153

Re: Life Insurance as a Tool For Estate Planning

morbo wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 1:50 pm What sort of permanent policy? A quick online quote shows that for a 60 year-old male in perfect health, a $2 million whole life policy would run about $79k / year.

UL would be a terrible choice, so I assume you don't mean that. Maybe $30k would be in the ballpark for a guaranteed no-lapse universal life? I didn't get a quote for that.
I'm seeing about $32k annual premium for a GUL policy. A second to die policy will be cheaper but not half the price.
by gtg970g
Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance as a Tool For Estate Planning
Replies: 46
Views: 3153

Re: Life Insurance as a Tool For Estate Planning

BruDude wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 1:32 pm
An irrevocable trust does not move assets out of the estate, you are still using the same exemption levels, otherwise someone with a $1 billion estate could just put $990 million into an irrevocable trust to pay no tax. An irrevocable life insurance trust keeps the life insurance benefit from being part of the taxable estate.
An irrevocable trust absolutely does remove assets from the estate. You can invest in anything within the trust and the amount can grow larger than the exemption amount and will not be considered a part of one's taxable estate among passing.
by gtg970g
Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Making a minor a beneficiary on retirement/taxable accounts
Replies: 4
Views: 374

Re: Making a minor a beneficiary on retirement/taxable accounts

dred pirate wrote: Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:58 am When reviewing my account beneficiaries, I have my primary beneficiary my wife, but as our secondary beneficiary - we had our parents (these were done before the birth of my daughter). I changed it to our daughter, but are there any issues with this? What does everybody do? set up a trust? etc?

thanks!
We have a testamentary trust setup within our will which will be funded if both my wife & myself die. It is secondary beneficiary on most accounts and life insurance policies. Without a trust the minor would come into possession of the property at age 18 or 21 depending on state.