Search found 120 matches
- Thu Dec 06, 2018 11:03 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Retirement planning--how many years of cash equiv should I aim to have?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2435
Re: Retirement planning--how many years of cash equiv should I aim to have?
Keeping a few months expenses in cash makes sense to me just for simplicity. If you could also have a situation where additional funds will be needed, like for your first seven years of retirement until you start Social Security then having those funds invested in something like a CD ladder also ma...
- Thu Dec 06, 2018 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Retirement planning--how many years of cash equiv should I aim to have?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2435
Re: Retirement planning--how many years of cash equiv should I aim to have?
We have 5 years in cash. Yes, that is not the best use of the money. Yes, it reduces our overall return. Yes, it is much longer than any historical recession or market downturn. However, we do not need a very high rate of return to maintain principle and still grow the portfolio. Our needed annual w...
- Mon Dec 03, 2018 4:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement itch- when did you get it?
- Replies: 145
- Views: 14697
Re: Retirement itch- when did you get it?
Retirement might get harder for those who are close to satisfying their financial plan. Once you realize you can afford to go, it gets tough going to work. When I was 57, working hard and accomplishing a lot ( in my mind anyway) at work, I realized - especially with the help of my Boston Bogleheads ...
- Mon Nov 12, 2018 7:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: [Financial] Habits of the Rich
- Replies: 222
- Views: 29829
Re: [Financial] Habits of the Rich
The themes within this thread are awesome. Add one more? Work your butt off. Even though I made good money doing what I did for a "living", I also worked a part time job for about 15 years of my adult life, arranging things around the family schedule. Work ethic is a huge factor in getting rich slow...
- Mon Oct 01, 2018 7:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Asphalt driveway replacement
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2084
Re: Asphalt driveway replacement
We recently (April 2018) redid our 24 year old wavy, cracked and bumpy asphalt driveway similar in design to yours. We have a high water table in the area which contributed to the mess. We are in southern NH. Several people have used the company and loved them Our contractor tore everything out. He ...
- Fri Sep 07, 2018 2:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Good place to have a will done
- Replies: 6
- Views: 776
Re: Good place to have a will done
We just had all of the fundamental estate planning documents done; will; legal proxy, medical proxy, etc. I was reluctant to spend the expected $2500 documents but their importance is paramount. I asked a friend who had his will done by a local lawyer who also happens to be involved with town govern...
- Tue Aug 07, 2018 2:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Another CD Ladder Thread
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2828
Re: Another CD Ladder Thread
We cannot predict the future with regard to rates other than we are in the point of the economic cycle where rates will continue to rise. How much and how often is, of course, unpredictable but they will go up for the short term. Another factor is the demand / supply of CDs in that market. I suspect...
- Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: RMDs based on 1986 life expectancy versus today?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2239
Re: RMDs based on 1986 life expectancy versus today?
Netpilot I was lazy in calculating those numbers. All I was trying to highlight is that due to advances in medicine and other factors, people can expect to live longer. Alohajoe, My point about the tax revenue is that while it does not represent a large portion of the overall budget, it is still add...
- Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: RMDs based on 1986 life expectancy versus today?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2239
RMDs based on 1986 life expectancy versus today?
Just looking for a discussion here. 1. As we know, RMDs are mandated in the year after one turns 70.5. From what I know, this was included as part of the 1986 Tax Reform changes. 2. In 1986, the life expectancy for women was 78 and for men, 71. 3. In 2017, that life expectancy is now 81 and 79, resp...
- Fri Jun 15, 2018 9:06 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: RMD Law Alterations?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 419
RMD Law Alterations?
Just looking for a discussion here. 1. As we know, RMDs are mandated in the year after one turns 70.5. From what I know, this was included as part of the 1986 Tax Reform changes. 2. In 1986, the life expectancy for women was 78 and for men, 71. 3. In 2017, that life expectancy is now 81 and 79. 4. B...
- Thu May 10, 2018 8:01 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Got a Question for the Experts Panel at the Bogleheads Conference?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 10481
Re: Got a Question for the Experts Panel at the Bogleheads Conference?
Hi and thanks for asking. As a teacher of Personal Finance, I have always taught my students that long term financial gain will occur via stock bonds mix. I use the rolling 30 year backtesting to portray the value on investing long term. The students' eyes widen. However, given algorithmic trading, ...
- Thu Feb 01, 2018 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New or used vehicle for new graduate with job?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 1811
Re: New or used vehicle for new graduate with job?
First off, congratulations to you and your son. Graduating from college is no small feat especially in civil engineering. The fact that he already has employment is another point worth acknowledging. Our soon to be 23 year old has a BS and will be getting her MS in June so she is in a similar condit...
- Wed Jan 31, 2018 2:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New or used vehicle for new graduate with job?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 1811
Re: New or used vehicle for new graduate with job?
First off, congratulations to you and your son. Graduating from college is no small feat especially in civil engineering. The fact that he already has employment is another point worth acknowledging. Our soon to be 23 year old has a BS and will be getting her MS in June so she is in a similar condit...
- Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Disney visit
- Replies: 28
- Views: 4140
Re: Disney visit
We have gone approximately 30 times since the 3 children were very youngand are going again in mid March. We have stayed on property and off. Our typical stay is 2 weeks and most often has been through our timeshare process where we have multiple bedrooms, baths and a full kitchen. You can go to a P...
- Fri Jan 19, 2018 9:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?
- Replies: 188
- Views: 25284
Re: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?
Disenchanted? No, three years in and it is still a very, very enchanting lifestyle. Yesterday I: Got up at 615 to see the previous night's beautiful snowfall at sunrise. Never would have seen it while commuting to work in the dark. Read some bogleheads, cnn, looked at email, looked at email from pos...
- Fri Jan 19, 2018 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Family Balance and Children's Athletics
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2979
Re: Family Balance and Children's Athletics
The key word in this topic is..."children". I coached my son in hockey for many years. Here are some numbers: Most teams have 15 players per team. Total 30 players not including goalies The games were 36 minutes long which equals 2160 seconds If each player were to touch the puck an equal amount of ...
- Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2018 Retirement Checklist.
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3346
Re: 2018 Retirement Checklist.
Ditto on the medical. Ask your dentist to max out any work that is needed to take advantage of coverage. Glasses if you have vision coverage.
Max out any retirement contributions in order to reduce income AND assure company match to the max.
Good luck and congratulations!!
Max out any retirement contributions in order to reduce income AND assure company match to the max.
Good luck and congratulations!!
- Sat Jan 06, 2018 6:19 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: DD just got married !
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4744
Re: DD just got married !
Congratulations.
You are really wonderful parents to do that for your daughter. What a great way for them to start their life together.
You are really wonderful parents to do that for your daughter. What a great way for them to start their life together.
- Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Social Security at age 62 perhaps?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 6452
Re: Social Security at age 62 perhaps?
Thanks for the replies so far. I have discussed this with DW and we have some serious discussions and planning to do before making a decision. Several points: 1. We are not trying to maximize the overall payout. As pointed out, there is no way to plan the dates of our deaths. 2. Probably my biggest...
- Tue Jan 02, 2018 4:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement / financial modelling tools
- Replies: 6
- Views: 902
Re: Retirement / financial modelling tools
Let's say it is the year 2014 and you are asking these questions before the most recent tax changes were approved. Things change. Firecalc has always been - if I recall - a decent "far off in the future" tool. does it give you the details you are looking for? No. But it does help you prepare to ask ...
- Fri Dec 29, 2017 11:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Plow Guy Raised Rates
- Replies: 112
- Views: 10836
Re: Plow Guy Raised Rates
Is he doing a good job?
Is he doing more than the prior plow guy did? Less?
Does he come three times per storm versus the prior plower who maybe came once or twice?
Whether he honors the prior owner's price or not, the guy needs to be a more tactful business person.
Is he doing more than the prior plow guy did? Less?
Does he come three times per storm versus the prior plower who maybe came once or twice?
Whether he honors the prior owner's price or not, the guy needs to be a more tactful business person.
- Tue Dec 26, 2017 4:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Prepaying 2017 real estate taxes
- Replies: 4
- Views: 661
Re: Prepaying 2017 real estate taxes
I prepaid my next year's property taxes today. My town allowed it up to the level of the previous tax year. As far as I can tell, prepayments will be allowed to be included on year ending 2017 federal tax returns. If not, then I prepaid early. No great loss, despite the $9200 utility. If so, I saved...
- Mon Dec 25, 2017 1:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 651
- Views: 65662
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
I have been a test shaver for a major razor company for nearly 25 years. I have enough blades to last me for several years.
I gave multiple blades to my son today - probably worth $100.
I gave multiple blades to my son today - probably worth $100.
- Sun Dec 24, 2017 12:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Looking for advice on retirement withdrawals
- Replies: 5
- Views: 813
Re: Looking for advice on retirement withdrawals
You mention that your standard deduction for 2018 will be 6350.
I believe it might now be 12000
I believe it might now be 12000
- Sat Dec 23, 2017 10:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2018 HELOC Rules, Foreign tax credit, ACA tax
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1307
Re: 2018 HELOC Rules, Foreign tax credit, ACA tax
I'm not sure this is the case.
Home equity of any kind is no longer tax deductible. In other words, no grandfathering.
It comes back to life in 2026 but is gone for now.
Can anyone verify this for the OP, please?
Home equity of any kind is no longer tax deductible. In other words, no grandfathering.
It comes back to life in 2026 but is gone for now.
Can anyone verify this for the OP, please?
- Fri Dec 22, 2017 6:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?
- Replies: 266
- Views: 25634
Re: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?
The TRJA puts $1700 in our pocket.
- Fri Dec 22, 2017 10:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: A meal with friends yields a financial revelation
- Replies: 95
- Views: 13579
Re: A meal with friends yields a financial revelation
TheTimeLord, First off, what a nice feeling for you! Your dream and concept of financial independence has been realized. Ahhh. Like most of us, we knew that living below our means, saving, investing properly and so on would result in an accumulation of wealth. Also, like many of us, that manifestati...
- Tue Dec 19, 2017 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Stamp inheritance
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3386
Stamp inheritance
We recently received several books of collector type of postal stamps from a relative whose spouse recently passed away. There is no emotional link to the stamps and we think we received them just as a way for the spouse to get rid of the stamps or to make us feel as if we were remembered. There are...
- Sat Dec 09, 2017 1:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does this happen to you? Educating friends about personal finance
- Replies: 104
- Views: 7529
Re: Does this happen to you? Educating friends about personal finance
I'm the OP. This has turned into an interesting way to spend a snowy Saturday in the Northeast. Getting 6" in southern NH. First, yes some of it may be my own ego. One of my friends is an expert on home electronics. When I asked him what should I buy when we upgraded last Spring, I followed his expe...
- Sat Dec 09, 2017 8:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does this happen to you? Educating friends about personal finance
- Replies: 104
- Views: 7529
Does this happen to you? Educating friends about personal finance
Does this happen to you? While not an expert, like all of you, I have acquired a lot of personal financial knowledge over time. I do not know everything but I do know about 99% of what I need to know for someone in my age group and financial stage (two years retired). I have several friends at my ag...
- Sat Dec 09, 2017 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Save all this money, what do you splurge on?
- Replies: 193
- Views: 20194
Re: Save all this money, what do you splurge on?
Splurging is very personal. For us, we bought a really nice television ( is that still the term?) and a terrific sound system to go with it - all under the watchful eye of a close and knowledgeable friend who installed them. While we have had good televisions over the years, a complete, high-end sys...
- Sat Jul 08, 2017 11:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Last 80 minutes of my career
- Replies: 64
- Views: 12354
Re: Last 80 minutes of my career
Bikechuck,
Congratulations.
You are going to love Sundays.
Congratulations.
You are going to love Sundays.
- Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Stamp Value
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1247
Stamp Value
I was recently given several large books of postage stamps by a family member for helping clean out a house. There are literally thousands of stamps in these books representing a variety of US and international types. I have absolutely no knowledge of stamps, have no emotional attachment to them and...
- Sun Feb 26, 2017 4:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Did I make a big mistake here? [Tax on Roth distribution]
- Replies: 2
- Views: 565
Did I make a big mistake here? [Tax on Roth distribution]
In 2016, during which I was aged 60, I converted $26k from a Traditional to roth IRA. At the time, I paid $2600 in federal income tax as I was assuming we was going to be well under 15% tax bracket. Then later on in the year, I had $8k of the $26k sent to me in the form of a distribution. In other w...
- Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:32 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Schwab "Consultants" Vs. Vanguard PAS
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1524
Re: Schwab "Consultants" Vs. Vanguard PAS
Like chw, I'd endorse the Schwab counselor. I have experienced everything chw has but have also sat down with the the consultant several times. I too recently received my personal report and it was extremely detailed specifically for my wife and I. We have about 2/3 of our retirement portfolio with ...
- Wed Dec 21, 2016 5:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: what to do with a giant popcorn container
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1888
Re: what to do with a giant popcorn container
Hi, A couple of more options? I use them for: 1. I fill it with sand fr use on the driveway when it ices up. 2. This is not an ash bin container but when our outside in ground firepit fire dies down, I use the bins to hold the ahses. 3. We had to ship a fragile item once and used the bin as an inter...
- Fri Dec 09, 2016 1:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thoughts on getting out [of job]
- Replies: 42
- Views: 7951
Re: Thoughts on getting out [of job]
Hi, I am the OP of this now old post and thought it might be worthwhile to file an update. The purpose of this update is not to bring you up to speed, but more to let others who may be struggling from similar circumstances aware of some of the decisions we made and what resulted. One of the more pro...
- Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:59 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: "5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Retirement"
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3161
Re: "5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Retirement"
Hi, Every year, I visit my Schwab folks where I have most of my retirement savings. The visit is free and I use the time to ensure I'm knowledgeable about my understanding of the laws, tax changes, etc. No advertisement here but they have always been great to bounce things off of. Last week was my 2...
- Sun Nov 27, 2016 12:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Take the money or hold out?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3329
Re: Take the money or hold out?
I'd sell. You appear to be in an emotional constraint more than a financial one. You're talking at most $2k. You are already getting a better deal than you could have otherwise received. Think of it like a stock - you're making money on the deal. Do you really want to risk losing the offer in order ...
- Wed Jun 01, 2016 6:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Condo for daughter - treat as investment property?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1446
Re: Condo for daughter - treat as investment property?
WHY did you originally buy the property as 3 co-owners? WHY do you now want to buy?? her out and charge rent? Are you trying to take advantage of tax breaks or help your daughter own stable housing? Your motives may be contradictory here. What were your wife's motives and your daughter's? To all, t...
- Tue May 31, 2016 12:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Condo for daughter - treat as investment property?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1446
Condo for daughter - treat as investment property?
First, thanks to everyone who has posted in the past. Every day I log on, I learn something new. In August, 2015, I bought a condo for my oldest daughter. The condo had just come on the market and we had to pay cash. It was a terrific deal. The property has hoa fees of $360 per month and taxes at ro...
- Wed May 25, 2016 10:15 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Can I just let my money compound now?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 7337
Re: Can I just let my money compound now?
So, as you've heard by now, the answer is no. But, you also deserve congratulations. $100k is a terrific start to someone at 25 years of age especially when you consider the national averages, etc. Do the math. If you have $100k now and can continue to save on a similar pattern, you'll be extremely ...
- Wed Feb 18, 2015 7:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Inexpensive golf in orlando / kissimmee
- Replies: 3
- Views: 523
Re: Inexpensive golf in orlando / kissimmee
Thanks. I have been quoted as low as $12 for a round with a cart. I've played the course before and it's okay- not Pebble Beach but I'm not a Pebble Beach player either. I cannot book online yet but rates are being quoted for play this week and there are options for very little money. I'll go to gol...
- Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Inexpensive golf in orlando / kissimmee
- Replies: 3
- Views: 523
Inexpensive golf in orlando / kissimmee
Hi, My wife and I are planning a few weeks of vacation in the Orlando / Kissimmee area in March and we are looking for inexpensive golf in the area. Some courses seem to be very expensive while there are others where you can play for less than $25. We are looking for places in the $25 or less range....
- Sat Feb 14, 2015 5:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Private School Financial Aid Question
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2464
Re: Private School Financial Aid Question
After completing the "Personal Financial Statement (PFS)" and realizing that we weren't going to qualify for need based aid, we didn't send in our tax returns and W-2s. Should we have sent them in? How do you apply for merit based aid? As odd as it sounds, you should file your w2s. If nothing else ...
- Sat Feb 14, 2015 4:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Private School Financial Aid Question
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2464
Re: Private School Financial Aid Question
No. We did not require them to pay for high school. they are required to pay for some of their college. The $10k refers to college.
- Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Private School Financial Aid Question
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2464
Re: Private School Financial Aid Question
Just some recent history. The price tag of a year in college is like the MSRP of a car. Rarely does anyone pay that amount. There are primarily two types of aid provided to students; need and merit. There is a whole other range of financial aid offered to you in the forms of loans etc. Need is based...
- Wed Feb 04, 2015 6:10 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Milestone >$100k in my retirement investment portfolio
- Replies: 30
- Views: 4352
Re: Milestone >$100k in my retirement investment portfolio
Physicsgal, Congratulations. You did a great job over the last 4 years. As others have mentioned, soon your interest will be generating $100k per year. ( Well, not soon but it will happen). The last 4 years have been banner times so I'm glad you got in when it started. Make sure you set realistic go...
- Sun Jan 25, 2015 8:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 400ft Driveway - How do I plow the snow?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 31423
Re: 400ft Driveway - How do I plow the snow?
Hi, This is just my perspective. Looking forward to the 2 feet coming this Tuesday? On top of the mere 6 inches we just got? Using plows in the past has eaten up our grass, taken out several irrigation sprinklers and chewed up sections of the driveway. I hate paying $60 for about an hour's worth of ...
- Sun Jan 11, 2015 11:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What will be the biggest investment surprises of 2015?
- Replies: 84
- Views: 11760
Re: What will be the biggest investment surprises of 2015?
The Cubs will win the World Series.