Search found 2635 matches

by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to fix sewer back up?
Replies: 28
Views: 1622

Re: How to fix sewer back up?

So I bought a house in 2021. About 3 months into the purchase, we noticed sewer coming out through the basement toilet and bathroom. We have been using a plumber at least 4-5 times per year and recently draino monthly. Today I woke up with 0.5 inches of sewer in my bathroom. Very frustrating.... We live in a small town and there is only one plumber here who does any sewer work. There is just nobody even to get a second opinion and I doubt anybody would travel 2 hours to our town. Plumber told me that he is weekly in this neighborhood and that from what it looks like many houses were built with improper incline from the main sewer line in the street. As for my house he thinks there is additionally very little incline on the portion of the s...
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Roof - Exterior Design Ideas
Replies: 7
Views: 672

Re: New Roof - Exterior Design Ideas

NorthCenter wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:43 am I'm planning to replace my shingle roof and it's an opportunity to change the exterior design of the house. I'm looking for suggestions on a new color scheme for the roof/gutters and trim work. Do you have nay suggestions or can point me to a more appropriate forum to get suggestions ideas? Wife is thinking of a dark brown roof and dark brown trim for a more modern aesthetic with more contrast. Not open to changing the color of the exterior stucco (it's in good shape and that's too much work).

https://imgur.com/a/FQg9uDC
https://imgur.com/a/FQg9uDC
I've sent you a PM with some very specific pointers regarding your roof. Not appropriate to share publicly
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 81
Views: 9537

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

"Prepared" can be subject to all interpretations... that can lead to disasters. I was thinking more someone who were NOT involved in heavy stuff (addictions, healthcare or got stolen), was not poor to begin with, nor cases in which their company pension went kaput. I know about VPW, SWR..., I don't really need more details about them (I understand their benefits). The reason why I ask is because I saw quite a few sources mentioning that 2.7% or 3.3% is now the new 4%, including Morningstar in 2021 but possibly amended that later. I can understand the flexibility of probabilities, but I wonder if there are actual & recent real-life cases proving their point , or if it a strategy to get more $ from investors. This might include...
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 25
Views: 2757

Moving in retirement.

We built our dream home many years ago. Between 10-20 acres. Retired now. Mid 50s/mid60's couple. We are well able to tend to what we have, but as we age we have a little bit of concern that we have bitten off more than we can chew. Lots of flower beds, gardening, farm needs. We have begun talking about moving, able to go anywhere, within reason. If we moved, it would be a major upheaval. We could make for a simpler retirement life, make it such that we could get up and go travel a lot more easily. Currently farm needs keep us travelling long periods at once. It is enjoyable, but it as if our hobbies and interests are our master. For those that moved after retirement, why? Was it tough to leave behind things you had built and dreamed about?...
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4070

Re: Utilities cost?

primetime wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:32 am Yes, I'm wondering how that compares to national average.
You show a lot more math and figures than the national average.
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007568

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

For those asking questions, there is a fidelity official reddit, I've seen reps come answer questions and be helpful

https://www.reddit.com/r/fidelityinvestments/
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

Hey y'all first I wanted to say thank you for all the replies, it has given me a lot to think about. I also wanted go apologize for some confusion in my initial post and follow up, I don't think I did a good job of being clear. I will blame it on posting too close to bed time. Few quick comments on what I have read so far and will try to reply to. 1. The home was a new construction build we bought early last year, with the bait stations installed by the pest control company. Thinking now, I don't there is any risk with identifying the company. It is Home Team Pest Defense. At the end of January/Beginning of February of this year, a tech came out and performed a check of the bait stations. I was unavailable at the time to watch and discuss ...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

Kudos to Schwab for detecting and stopping the fraud. You suffered no harm, no financial damage. I think you are suffering based upon internal expectations. Perhaps the issue is just the "need" for a physical card. I had a fraud issue on a GS issued apple credit card. I was outside working on a project when they alerted me. I called, five minutes later had a new CC, easy peasy. Tap to pay is awesome. My understanding of things is that there is better fraud protections using CCs compared to debit cards. I doubt that the person helping on the phone for a fraud issue actually has a new debit card machine on hand along with international overnight and secure shipping at the ready. They probably put in the order, it goes to a vendor, ...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

tldr: Put in modest effort to educate yourself and DIY or find someone you trust and have them handle things. I am a former national company sales person for termite and pest control, former commercial licensed to apply the same. Current restricted pesticide applicator for private use in my state. 1. There is a significant difference between subterranean termites and the kind that require fumigation. I have near zero understanding of the fumigation type other than having HIGH confidence that they are not what the OP is having issues with in NC. 2. Termidor can be DIY, certainly in NC. Read the label, do what it says. It is the law. You will end up doing exactly what the company does. 3. Termite bait stations are not something we used many ...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

tldr: Put in modest effort to educate yourself and DIY or find someone you trust and have them handle things. I am a former national company sales person for termite and pest control, former commercial licensed to apply the same. Current restricted pesticide applicator for private use in my state. 1. There is a significant difference between subterranean termites and the kind that require fumigation. I have near zero understanding of the fumigation type other than having HIGH confidence that they are not what the OP is having issues with in NC. 2. Termidor can be DIY, certainly in NC. Read the label, do what it says. It is the law. You will end up doing exactly what the company does. 3. Termite bait stations are not something we used many ...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

tldr: Put in modest effort to educate yourself and DIY or find someone you trust and have them handle things. I am a former national company sales person for termite and pest control, former commercial licensed to apply the same. Current restricted pesticide applicator for private use in my state. 1. There is a significant difference between subterranean termites and the kind that require fumigation. I have near zero understanding of the fumigation type other than having HIGH confidence that they are not what the OP is having issues with in NC. 2. Termidor can be DIY, certainly in NC. Read the label, do what it says. It is the law. You will end up doing exactly what the company does. 3. Termite bait stations are not something we used many y...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc] Hey everyone! DW and I are coming up on our 1 year anniversary in our home and I am trying to see what people's experiences are with termite warranty claims. Our current company is national that is charging $380 for the annual renewal and uses bait stations. The national company did an inspection last month and said they found termites within the stations, but didn't really provide any detail or any type of report. When they called to talk about renewal a few weeks ago, the rep said he saw that they came out, but nothing was noted which fills me with confidence. After getting four quotes, I think we have narrowed it down to the final two. Our home is on a concrete slab, with the house be...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1885

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

bendix wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:33 pm Termidor is basically Fipronil and I would avoid that in my home. Not that I`d have any education or deep knowledge in this field, but just from trying to suss out which pesticides are more harmful to humans than others. Now, I dont know if there´s anything other than Fipronil effective against Termites as I havent been worried about it yet. I would see if I find something with Avermectin or Ivermectin as I`ve read this isnt all that poisonous for humans.
Are you eating dirt from the treatment area?
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Applying for loans in retirement...
Replies: 21
Views: 2212

Re: Applying for loans in retirement...

digglersdirk wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:10 am Random tidbit to add: a former landlord had an investment property. While employed, the bank considered rental income when she applied for a refinance, but when she was retired they no longer considered rental income. This was true at nearly every mortgage lender and bank. She was sadly forced to sell her investment property because she just couldn’t refinance (despite considerable cash flow).

Had she refinanced 6 months earlier, she’d still own that property.
There has to be more to this story. Cash flow considerable = keep the property. Inadequate cash flow = sell the property.
Sounds like a poor business person.
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Applying for loans in retirement...
Replies: 21
Views: 2212

Re: Applying for loans in retirement...

Lemonaid56 wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:13 pm So here is something we've never encountered.
I was applying for a small loan today. DW just retired last year and I am getting a tiny disability paycheck from work. So when the loan guy asks about income it hits me that it does not look like we have any money.
On teh contrary we are and will be fine financially for a taime so we have plenty set aside.
How do you handle loans when you aren't collecting SS or a pension yet and are living on what you've saved? When they ask about income I need to know what to say.
What did you say?
What was the response?
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

Kudos to Schwab for detecting and stopping the fraud. You suffered no harm, no financial damage. I think you are suffering based upon internal expectations. Perhaps the issue is just the "need" for a physical card. I had a fraud issue on a GS issued apple credit card. I was outside working on a project when they alerted me. I called, five minutes later had a new CC, easy peasy. Tap to pay is awesome. My understanding of things is that there is better fraud protections using CCs compared to debit cards. I doubt that the person helping on the phone for a fraud issue actually has a new debit card machine on hand along with international overnight and secure shipping at the ready. They probably put in the order, it goes to a vendor, t...
by 4nursebee
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Ok, so yesterday the adviser called to ask KYC questions, requested copy of drivers license and wanted social security numbers. These were given mid day, nothing further. Very frustrating when it literally takes minutes to open an account online with major firms.
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

I think the executor is providing the death certificate. There are or were about 10 different accounts that were TOD. Some IRAs, some annuities, and taxable accounts. 8 of them have already been distributed. The other two are with this advisor. Has anybody (hopefully executor) received funds from this "advisor?" If you are the only beneficiary for this particular account, it might be more complicated. I do not know if there is a time limit on how long it can take. I'd consider 10-60 days reasonable after they (the advisor's company) had received all paper work in good order. We had one company that was going to send us a check if we did not do something, and do it properly, to their standards, within 90 days. That would have resu...
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

dknightd wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:24 am
4nursebee wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:38 am
I agree except do not have any death certificates. Executor also an heir, providing one form from one heir easier than everyone doing the same.
You might want to get a copy of the death certificate. Just in case. . .
Yes, we have asked.
Seeing the executor in person in a month, will try again then
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Direct Indexing Adventure
Replies: 180
Views: 36097

Re: Direct Indexing Adventure

Thanks for this topic.

What are your longer term plans with this account?
I am curious what happens to short term vs long term harvesting as the year progresses.
As much TLH short term as you have done, it seems like you will be soon capped at 3k? What is the benefit for a long term larger account if one does not have short term gains?

We need this for international also, not excluding anything.
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax loss harvesting and buying like funds
Replies: 12
Views: 893

Tax loss harvesting and buying like funds

Just had a zoom meeting with Fido rep. We are expecting a follow up email discussing tax management strategies such as tax loss harvesting. We know and accept that if we sold SPY ETF and bought it back within 30 days that we do not get tax loss harvesting benefits. But what about if we sell SPY when/if the market is down, and then buy something similar like VTI? Can we harvest losses yet capture any move up without market timing? Or does the IRS not allow this based upon moving into a similar fund?

Thank you.

If allowed, does anyone do this?
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Nate79 wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:10 am I dont think you need an executor to provide a death certificate for a TOD account. The beneficiary/family members can handle that themselves.
I agree except do not have any death certificates. Executor also an heir, providing one form from one heir easier than everyone doing the same.
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

CAsage wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:12 pm I had thought that any account with a true TOD designation does NOT go through probate, and the will or executor has nothing to do with it. The beneficiaries should directly work with the brokerage. Or get their own lawyer, or take it up the customer service chain at Stonex (not Stonewall???). (that was a joke). Seriously, if there is a TOD - nothing to do with executor. Vanguard did this for me in days.
I think the executor is providing the death certificate.

There are or were about 10 different accounts that were TOD. Some IRAs, some annuities, and taxable accounts. 8 of them have already been distributed. The other two are with this advisor.
by 4nursebee
Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

avalpert1 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:40 pm What type of assets are in the account? It is possible it could be some sort of illiquid fund (real estate, hedge funds, etc.) that have limited periods for distributions and they have to wait for that.
The assets are in stocks and bonds.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

snackdog wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:00 am Set up a conference call with Executor and slow advisor. Be clear on your issues and get an agreed timeline for resolution. Follow up. These things can take months or even years depending on what is happening.
Thanks.

I don't get it. The advisor said last week it would be last week. Then last week he said Monday. I hate the over promise under deliver way of doing things. It is the advisor that set the expectation up.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

increment wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:15 am
Geologist wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:24 am The asset manager has no legal reason to respond to you. What you need to do is "push the executor along".
Does OP mean "everything else that was TOD/POD" (i.e., this account is TOD/POD), or "everything else was TOD/POD" (i.e., this account is not TOD/POD)? If this account is TOD/POD, then the situation is the opposite and the asset manager may have no legal reason to respond to the executor.
The account in question is TOD
All the other TOD accounts are in our bank already.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Geologist wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:24 am
4nursebee wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:19 am
Geologist wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:11 am If you aren't the executor, what authority do you have to "push things along"?
I have no idea hence asking here.
They have said they would email us stuff two different times and not come through.
I had been assuming you were the executor. Only the executor has legal authority over the estate. The asset manager has no legal reason to respond to you. What you need to do is "push the executor along".
Thanks.
We know the executor. In what manner can they push along things?

And, how long can they take?
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Geologist wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:11 am If you aren't the executor, what authority do you have to "push things along"?
I have no idea hence asking here.
They have said they would email us stuff two different times and not come through.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

billfromct wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:59 am How long has it been since you originally asked for the transfer & provided all the required documents?

bill
I think the executor of the estate has been handling this. The executor is family and has a long standing trusting relationship with the person. Other firms had paperwork January 30 so this fellow should have had it also.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:01 am Can you go to the actual broker house who holds the accounts? So for example, your financial advisor does trades and transfers but the funds are held at a place like Schwab. Go directly to Schwab who has brick and mortar offices and in person do your own transfers. Be sure to have your paperwork from the court appointing you as executor and the death certificate. With these, you should be able to control the account. While there, you can rescind the ability for the financial advisor to do anything.
It is thru a firm called StoneX, does not appear to be a place with nearby offices.
by 4nursebee
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3081

How long after death to transfer assets

Some flavor of an asset manager is being real slow allowing access to funds. Everything else TOD/POD has been paid out. This financial pro has provided two times for when email paperwork for docusigning opening accounts in order to transfer funds from deceased, both of those time frames have now come and gone. This same advisor has two complaints on file. We think they compensated based upon percent of assets.

How long can the finance guy string us along?
Are we able to do anything to control this such as going to the firm that handles trades?

We worry about what is going on with the money, if it is even there...
by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Replies: 107
Views: 21179

Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!

After reading through the posts on this forum, I can't help but feel like I may be the only one in my mid-40s with a relatively modest net worth of less than $400,000 (and income of a bit less than $130K). If you're in a similar situation, I'd love to hear from you and know that I am not alone! I was 41 when our oldest of 3 started college (2007). Our household income was $106k, net worth including home/business was around $200k (guess but close). Youngest of 3 graduated college in 2015. Our HHI had gone up to about $180k during that interval. With the last of the kids out of college we took all that money formerly going toward education (no 529s for us) and paid off the house over 2 years, then we took all that money and ramped up savings...
by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement Investment Advice
Replies: 31
Views: 3126

Re: Retirement Investment Advice

Where do you live? Who are your accounts with? I agree with the asking portfolio questions format being needed. I'd suggest your assets could be 4x after the desired 15-20 working years, EXCEPT the vehicles you are invested in seem very conservative. Start by reading 100 of the greatest investment books! Comparison is the thief of joy. Thank you. 1) I stay in New York State 2) Accounts with BofA and yes they are conservative. So what should I do to make them moderate or aggressive ? 3) Where I can find the investment books ? Start with your library? https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Suggested_reading Book stores? Just read everything you can find. I think you in general need to start with low cost stock based ETFs or mutual funds. After read...
by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Replies: 107
Views: 21179

Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!

My late bloomer story is a bit of rags to riches. Zero to hero I matured late, Spent time nearly homeless, took food stamps for a month and had a "blue card" for free medical care in PA due to having no money. Dabbled in many things I had no right to survive. Moved when family gave me a leg up. I was tired of being single, but the kind of person I'd want to marry would not have been interested in me. So in my late 20's, with the help of many motivational/success books (now seen as common sense) I set out with several goals. Slept on the floor for about a year, worked 2-3 jobs, went to university, then graduate/professional school. Dropped out, sulked for a bit, went to community college for a practical and useful degree. Approachi...
by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement Investment Advice
Replies: 31
Views: 3126

Re: Retirement Investment Advice

Where do you live?
Who are your accounts with?
I agree with the asking portfolio questions format being needed.
I'd suggest your assets could be 4x after the desired 15-20 working years, EXCEPT the vehicles you are invested in seem very conservative.
Start by reading 100 of the greatest investment books!

Comparison is the thief of joy.
by 4nursebee
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Outlet Covers
Replies: 48
Views: 3696

Re: Electrical Outlet Covers

DIY with wall paper or contact paper?
Or buy from replacements?
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: new mid/upper range hotels
Replies: 7
Views: 1021

Re: new mid/upper range hotels

Tru is smaller rooms, tough to spread out and read or fix a meal. Surfaces look more durable, easier to clean.

Lots of Hampton we see are renovating as they have reached some 20 yr contract point.
by 4nursebee
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Retired: Start Roth Conversions For IRA or Not?
Replies: 39
Views: 5307

Re: Newly Retired: Start Roth Conversions For IRA or Not?

Our Fido advisor suggested Roth conversions might benefit our estate but not us. We would pay the taxes and someone else would get the benefit. No kids here so that is likely not a conversion to take.

3-4 years ago out Fido advisor said our rmds would be large. A 7 or 8 year annuity gave us more to spend now, tide us over until social security, and lower rmd impact later. Perhaps annuitize some portion of ira to give you a guarantee and lower rmds?

Age 66 male in my state pays ver 7% per yr on 1M. Taxes paid on annuitity payments count towards rmds
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 605671

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

Longinvest, is there a way to use the spreadsheet with 100/0 stock/bond? Regardless of the view on being too risky, many people don't allocate to bonds even during withdrawal... Even more so now with the new papers that have come out regarding bonds. If not, is there a way on the next update to allow for that? Thank you! I think, if you make a copy of the VPW accum and retire spreadsheet, that it can be done. Normally this is done in the top left of the page for "Info for 2024" but this only goes to 90% stocks. Scroll down a bit to ratios, and you can make it 100% stocks. I'm not seeing the ratios section. Is there anyway you can guide me to it a bit more detailed? I truly appreciate it, kind stranger. Update: I figured out what ...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social security approval
Replies: 15
Views: 2041

Re: Social security approval

Once an online application is complete, how long does approval of social security take? Do they email you or does payment just appear in the bank? How quickly they process your application appears to be affected by how far in advance of your desired start date you applied. If you apply months in advance, your application sits in the queue for a long time until you are getting close to your benefit start date. (See 22twain's timeline above.) If you apply closer to your desired benefit start date, it will be prioritized and processed more quickly. I'm not suggesting waiting until the last minute, but rather just setting expectations that applying very far in advance doesn't allow you to get through the process more quickly. Some people are r...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas dryer - safe to tinker?
Replies: 10
Views: 748

Re: Gas dryer - safe to tinker?

If the advice given here prompts a darwin award, do the advice givers get honorable mentions?
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 605671

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

Long Invest, have you ever considered (or maybe done already) a youtube type video where you go through the tables and explain how to plug and play things? Explain the most common questions for people? There are easy to use programs that allow you to capture a computer screen as long as it has a microphone. This is one I've used in a previous incarnation: https://screenpal.com/

Perhaps see if the BH illuminati will let you put it on their youtube page?

I could do one myself real easy, but I only pay attention to about half of the things, I'm sure you could do a better job.
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 605671

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

rcmoormt wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:01 am Longinvest, is there a way to use the spreadsheet with 100/0 stock/bond? Regardless of the view on being too risky, many people don't allocate to bonds even during withdrawal... Even more so now with the new papers that have come out regarding bonds.

If not, is there a way on the next update to allow for that?

Thank you!
I think, if you make a copy of the VPW accum and retire spreadsheet, that it can be done. Normally this is done in the top left of the page for "Info for 2024" but this only goes to 90% stocks.

Scroll down a bit to ratios, and you can make it 100% stocks.
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity advice
Replies: 67
Views: 8016

Re: Fidelity advice

Some of my investments are at Fidelity, most are at Vanguard. Fidelity representatives called me and my wife over and over again, including 4 times last week, wanting to talk about my investments. I recalled that a number of years ago, they told me about mega backdoor Roths, which I had been unaware of, and have since used, so why not talk to them? They scheduled two remote 1 hour conferences. In the (second) zoom meeting with a vice-president of Fidelity today, they explained that because I am a qualified investor, many additional opportunities are open to me. I do not have to settle for the 5% interest offered on standard bonds. I can get 11% lending to private companies! At no additional risk! And they can offer me a structured leverage...
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure
Replies: 63
Views: 4438

Re: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure

As a former landlord I considered doing this. I figure that storm blown roofs were the main risk. I could have saved $5,000 per year for 4 properties, have $50,000 roof fund after 10 years, enough to do all the roofs.

It would require significant legal implications, asset protections, and perhaps other insurance products. Too much work, better to have an insurance firm to help fight legal issues.
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?
Replies: 51
Views: 4427

Re: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?

SurferLife wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 2:36 am For health reasons, it’s sauna everyday. There’s a multitude of research that shows enormous benefits that are easy to find on pubmed.

I remember my father having a hot tub and while it was enjoyable, it was a pain to maintain. I have a sauna now and after having had one for the last 4 years, I’ll never go without one again.

Our sauna came in really handy when we had a toxic exposure event and we conducted a sauna detox protocol. It really helped our family out A LOT.
Thanks for sharing, but this seems to go down the path of health/medical claims I'd rather avoid and keep the topic OPEN. Hence the stress on this in the first post in how one feels.
by 4nursebee
Fri Mar 08, 2024 2:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social security approval
Replies: 15
Views: 2041

Social security approval

Not disability.

Once an online application is complete, how long does approval of social security take? Do they email you or does payment just appear in the bank?

Thank you.
by 4nursebee
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4745

Re: about Norway rats

What part of your body are they nibbling on at night?
by 4nursebee
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Lower networth meetings with Fidelity/Schwab/Vanguard
Replies: 8
Views: 1350

Re: Lower networth meetings with Fidelity/Schwab/Vanguard

My opinion is there is far too much emphasis on the investing/managing money aspect of savings and far too little on the actual budgeting/planning/taxes side of the equation by anyone associated with the investment firms. That includes Vanguard. All of the big 3 have their low cost advice services which are more call center oriented hybrid robo advisers who will help someone manage the investments and provide minimal guidance based on their pre-built models. If you want a more personalized touch it costs more or requires more assets and it still may not be the advice someone actually needs. In my opinion instead of large books that can be off putting it's better to start with "If You Can" and see if that gets them started. Maybe ...