Search found 14174 matches

by stan1
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Take Social Security Now?
Replies: 47
Views: 2337

Re: Take Social Security Now?

Is it advantageous to take S/S now if it would allow us to not draw from out IRA/Roth? This would also allows us to be more comfortable with a higher percentage in stocks in our AA. Maybe, could you give us more information like your ages, whether you and spouse are healthy or less so. Do you have pensions or other retirement income? Do you have taxable accounts that are generating income? I would plan to leave Roth accounts to your heirs. Traditional IRA accounts will have RMDs. Personally, with no other information than what you've given I would withdraw from Traditional accounts (after 59.5) and take SS around 67 to 70 if I thought I would live into my 80s or 90s. But there is no way to optimize the future. There is no way to predict wh...
by stan1
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aruba restaurants
Replies: 16
Views: 951

Re: Aruba restaurants

Not to hjiack the thread, but somewhat related is there a nice resort on the island (sort of like a Four Seasons) with a nice beach or pool area? Either walkable to some restaurants or more isolated.

We've only been on cruise ships as a day stop.
by stan1
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP loans don't seem like that bad of an idea
Replies: 20
Views: 1616

Re: TSP loans don't seem like that bad of an idea

I think TSP loans can be an exception for some, not all, TSP participants in specific situations. If you are a disciplined saver and are using the TSP loan for short term liquidity it can be a reasonable choice. I mentioned it to a friend several years ago who needed cash for a home down payment and work on the house before he moved in, he later thanked me and said it was very helpful.

However, I would not speculate the way OP is proposing.
by stan1
Sun Mar 24, 2024 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22588

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

Bought our current home without a buyers agent to start. Went to open house on a Sunday and stated to the sellers agent we are willing to make full cash offer right now at 2 pm and will have paper work faxed over by 10 am at open of business hours Monday morning (next day). Sellers agent asked who was our agent. I informed them we have no agent right now but will find one in the next 1 hour. I asked the sellers agent if they knew anyone wanting to make a 1% commission and I will take 2% rebate for the 3% buyers fee or I would just go to Redfin and get an agent. Shocker the sellers agent found someone with 30 minutes and gave,me the number. We bought the home and were able to negotiate from cash to a finance (as we were approved for well ab...
by stan1
Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Off-market home purchase - best practices?
Replies: 33
Views: 1971

Re: Off-market home purchase - best practices?

This is a challenging legal question, you need to consult with an experienced local attorney who works with a lot of landlords including eviction work. Everything is local.
by stan1
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
Replies: 24
Views: 2039

Re: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard

How much extra tax do you owe because of the error? This is one where there would definitely be declining marginal utility of additional effort over a small amount. I know there is also the principle of correctness and not wanting to pay more tax than required.
by stan1
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry or Passport renewal First?
Replies: 7
Views: 1137

Re: Global Entry or Passport renewal First?

Passport first. Is this a GE renewal or first time application for OP? First time GE applications can run over a year due to backlogs, it does not seem to be a priority program. Some get through fast, others take longer.

For many people now that the Mobile Passport Control app is available there is less need for GE. MPC gets you through electronically, experience may vary by airport, staffing, and how they decide to operate the day you arrive.
by stan1
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5278

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

Pro tip: It's not necessary to accept all the default timing values on the contract. For example, instead of 7 or 10 days for the inspections, write in on the blank 14 or 20 days. It takes time to locate and get proper inspections done, and one can lead to another (e.g., a potential structural issue might come up). That will help reduce the need for contract extensions. Works better in a buyers market than a sellers market. If there are other offers the seller might move on to someone who will take the 7 or 10 day inspection. When I'm selling a house I want it to close fast. Offer price is important to me as a seller, but so is eagerness to close. I'm looking for the buyer who will waive inspections because they love the house, not the buy...
by stan1
Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5278

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

rkhusky wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:05 pm
We called a listing agent when we first started looking at houses. She thought it was a bit strange, but she showed us the house anyway. We got our own agent after that.
What year was that? Today it is pretty common for a buyer to look at houses on the internet then call the listing agent in most places, but there are variations in local customs.
by stan1
Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Controling Assets From the Grave
Replies: 31
Views: 3634

Re: Controling Assets From the Grave

Can you trust each other to follow the other's wishes? However, there are things that come up unexpectedly, you don't want to box the surviving spouse in especially if they live a lot longer. For example, a charity can stop operating or change in a way that your spouse knows you would disapprove of and then makes the decision not to gift money to them.

If the concern is that spouse remarries and leaves money to their new spouse I guess I'd just not worry about this. If the new spouse provides care and is compassionate why not leave them some money? If new spouse is just out for money you'll be gone and won't know that happened.

Sometimes we thrive on complexity; simple is often good enough.
by stan1
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age to tell child about family's finances
Replies: 74
Views: 6100

Re: At what age to tell child about family's finances

Details: About five years before you/spouse need (or want assistance) with financial affairs including taxes, investments, etc. You may say never, but realistically this can happen in 80s and hopefully we have self awareness to know we need help. Many of us have done this with our parents. Generalities: Kids already know. They know your occupations, may know your income in specific or generalities, they know the value of your home on Zillow, maybe they've seen some statements or tax returns around the house. They may know you've received inheritance. They know what you buy, and they also know if you are living below your means (peer groups). If this is an amount that reaches to generational wealth (I'll toss out $10M but anyone could pick a...
by stan1
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overnight in a DC Hyatt March 2025
Replies: 13
Views: 1595

Re: Overnight in a DC Hyatt March 2025

joetro29 wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:59 pm This would be March 30-31 2025.
You are very much doing some advance planning. I would look at rates over the next year as you finalize your plans.
by stan1
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion for TSP
Replies: 15
Views: 1302

Re: Roth Conversion for TSP

Do I have to wait until retirement to do roll over of TSP into IRA? As it is not a conversion, it should not be treat as a taxable event, correct? In lieu of S&P 500 Index, I would like to put a portion of the asset in certain ETF whenever they are on sale. For example, energy ETFs go on sale once in a while. In addition, REIT sector is on sale now so I can either do an ETF or cherry-pick the best of breed from a successful REIT ETF. There have been some changes in TSP but I can't figure out if there is a benefit to use that and TSP platform is for the bogleheads of all bogleheads and I lost that luxury sometime back so I need to be more strategic with it as I am with my brokerage accounts. TSP is good for market cap weighted investors...
by stan1
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 48
Views: 4437

Re: funeral preparations

Quote from NYT 3/16/24 article: ..."The amount of decisions that have to be made within 24 to 72 hours to put on a funeral, especially if you aren't prepared or have pre-arrangements, is shocking"... So, I'm still kicking. What can I do to "prepare" for my funeral--which will be a cremation? Talk to your relatives about what you'd like at your funeral service. One important point is that the funeral is really for the living, so its a chance for family members to get together to remember someone but its also an opportunity for people to see each other who may have gone their separate ways for many years. My mom wanted to be cremated. We went with a direct cremation and did not have a service which was her preference. Cos...
by stan1
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion for TSP
Replies: 15
Views: 1302

Re: Roth Conversion for TSP

You have to roll over funds from the TSP to an IRA account. Then you can do Roth conversions if that is to your benefit. You cannot do Roth conversions in the TSP.
by stan1
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 16
Views: 1640

Re: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

This one is advertising $81 per night with "free shuttle". https://www.google.com/travel/search?g2lb=2503771,2503781,2504511,4258168,4284970,4291517,4814050,4874190,4893075,4899571,4899572,4965990,72277293,72302247,72317059,72406588,72414906,72421566,72458066,72462234,72467704,72469155,72470440,72470899,72471280,72472051,72473841,72483525,72484736,72485656,72485658,72486593,72494250,72498532,72510103,72511833,72512134,72513419,72513513,72523972,72524709&hl=en-US&gl=us&ssta=1&q=hotels+near+dulles&ts=CAESCAoCCAMKAggDGhwSGhIUCgcI6A8QAxgTEgcI6A8QAxgUGAEyAhAAKgcKBToDVVNE&qs=CAEyE0Nnb0k3XzcwOS1iOXZLQXVFQUU4CkIJCW8__W7u80AuQgkJTh9Yx0V4Zm1CCQkndb3_RET2aw&ap=aAG6AQhvdmVydmlldw&ictx=111&ved=1t:196188 Of c...
by stan1
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Caribbean island in January/February
Replies: 19
Views: 1713

Re: Caribbean island in January/February

Any Four Seasons. Should not have to worry about chair hogs.
by stan1
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 120
Views: 9450

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

madbrain wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:11 pm
stan1 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:07 pm Attorneys. A little from document review work before the sale; a lot from the lawsuits after the sale.
That sounds about right :)
But it's not easily actionable investment advice.
Ok, LegalZoom ticker LZ and private equity owners of attorney groups (been reported for several years as the "next big thing")
by stan1
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 120
Views: 9450

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

Attorneys. A little from document review work before the sale; a lot from the lawsuits after the sale.
by stan1
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22588

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

Dual agency (buyer represented by listing agent) is going to become very popular and more state laws will be passed about that in the future. Agents will try to add more disclaimers to contracts so they don't get sued. Parties to sales will sue the agent and other party more often. Eventually there will be more state laws on dual agency, and in states like California with an easily accessible electorate initiative process we could see dueling initiatives from special interest groups like attorneys as has been done with auto insurance and kidney dialysis. Insurance costs for agents will go up.

It will change, but the system is not going to settle out as status quo with buyer paying for an independent realtor or attorney for most people.
by stan1
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Quick question? Does it make sense to park cash, (SS deposits, emergency fund and near term spending), in Cash Plus or within one of the available MM funds? If you are in a state with income tax you may want to put cash into treasury money market fund so you don't pay state tax on that income. You may get a somewhat higher yield with the money market account right now, but it is a little less convenient than CP because you have to go in and move money around. If I was using CP as a regular bill pay account (right now I am not) I'd probably keep about one month's liquidity in CP and move the rest to money market fund if there was a reason I did not want to move it into my taxable investing account. Some people might go in and move money bet...
by stan1
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?
Replies: 63
Views: 5822

Re: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?

Usual spots people consider include:
Reno, Las Vegas, Utah, Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Boise, Spokane, Colorado front range (Colorado Springs to Ft. Collins)

None of those are Mediterranean climates though (not coastal).
by stan1
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting off cruise ship a day early
Replies: 20
Views: 3371

Re: Getting off cruise ship a day early

OP, I love your signature quote:
K.I.S.S........so easy to say so difficult to do.
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California Turbo Tax Desktop - Options Missing
Replies: 12
Views: 824

Re: California Turbo Tax Desktop - Options Missing

All of that can be entered in the software although the initial data entry is under the federal tab it carries over to state. State only addresses changes.

I'd always recommend using the TT interview questions and the user interface that comes with it, that will guide you through all of the necessary steps. The reason is tax laws are complicated and sometimes there are extra steps that the software will guide you through. When that's done use the forms view to review what's been entered.
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

rjicsjjw wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 2:50 pm List of institutions where forum members report Cash Plus routing/account number pair is invalid:
Treasury Direct
Bank of America - some customers with both a credit card and a checking account cannot pay by ACH from another bank
Comcast/Xfinity
Target Red Card
Internal Revenue Service (routing number not recognized by Direct Pay)

Add to the list
PSE&G
Thanks for the addition I will add it. You are the first to report it.
PSE&G is an electric and gas utility serving New Jersey correct?
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
Replies: 69
Views: 6944

Re: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS

I wonder if we are starting to see a trend: people with larger accounts get assigned more experienced PAS advisors?
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MMF FDIC vs CD
Replies: 11
Views: 1018

Re: MMF FDIC vs CD

Sure, if you can buy a CD for 5.5% and think interest rates won't go up over the next 11 months you would come out ahead.

CD interest is fully taxed by state; US government obligation interest is not taxed by states which is one factor favoring treasuries for residents of some states.

I view FDIC insurance and US treasury interest to be the same level of security. Both are backed by "full faith and credit of the US Government". If that simple statement stops being true we have very serious problems.
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

In Quicken I get an extra downloaded transaction that I just delete. Which transaction are you referring to? Is there a reason you delete it? Vanguard has implemented CP as a limited function brokerage account, and that's the way it shows up in Quicken as an investment account type. I have it set up in Quicken so the Cash Plus "brokerage account" has a linked checking account (Quicken feature that's been there for decades that I also use for my Fidelity CMA). With CP I just track the cash balance in the linked checking account, although technically to Vanguard every bill pay is actually a sell out of Cash Plus then a payment to the biller. I'm not tracking buys/sells of Cash Plus and do not have a security set up in Quicken calle...
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Medicine
Replies: 79
Views: 12302

Re: Concierge Medicine

Over all, I don't think concierge medicine has a future and the urgent/immediate care facilities will eat their lunch. Its a nice way for an experienced and good physician to slow down and take a section of their patients with them to ride into retirement....but I would never buy into it if I would not know the doctor up front, so its a closed system IMO Some people who have the means to pay will choose a higher end experience through concierge with a physician than urgent/immediate care with a NP/PA. Not all; some. Just like some people willingly buy business class airfare even when coach will get them to the destination at the same time. There are people who could afford business class who fly in coach anyways. Then some people who would...
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How best to make up for the failure to file a tax return
Replies: 38
Views: 2726

Re: What free tax filing software allows one to attach a statement when e-filing?

mjhfx1 wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:44 am
stan1 wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:36 am At this point, I would wait to see if they contact him rather than potentially complicating matters by submitting paper returns that may cross in the system. The IRS will let him know what amount is due.

I think son's tax advisor/preparer should foot the bill for him if the IRS does follow up.
We (parents) were the informal advisors, so we were the guilty party. Hoping the penalty is not too high! Luckily, his state tax remains zero.
Yes, I figured you were which is why I suggested that you cover it for him.
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to have a productive conference as a sponsor and as an attendee?
Replies: 6
Views: 709

Re: How to have a productive conference as a sponsor and as an attendee?

These events are to build and maintain relationships. So you'd meet with existing customers and talk about what they want to talk about and what you want them to hear. Depending upon circumstances you might invite customers to a hospitality suite or after party. For new customers, you would talk to them personally and try to understand their needs. Build a relationship so they follow up. Make personal contacts and follow up after the event. If you are going as a support engineer then coordinate with your sales team in advance on what they want you to do. A lot depends on what you are selling. Sales of multi-million dollar equipment is very different than hundred dollar pumps. If you have not done this before talk to your supervisor and co-w...
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How best to make up for the failure to file a tax return
Replies: 38
Views: 2726

Re: What free tax filing software allows one to attach a statement when e-filing?

At this point, I would wait to see if they contact him rather than potentially complicating matters by submitting paper returns that may cross in the system. The IRS will let him know what amount is due.

I think son's tax advisor/preparer should foot the bill for him if the IRS does follow up.
by stan1
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How best to make up for the failure to file a tax return
Replies: 38
Views: 2726

Re: What free tax filing software allows one to attach a statement when e-filing?

How much is the penalty? IRS computers aren't going to read and understand your note. It is likely no human will touch it.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vendor unable to challenge customer's reversal of credit card charge
Replies: 29
Views: 3797

Re: Vendor unable to challenge customer's reversal of credit card charge

Businesses take this into account in the prices they charge. Back in the day there were bounced checks and counterfeit cash notes. It's a cost of doing business.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

anagram wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:34 pm
stan1 wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:24 pm
pascalwager wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:43 pm If the routing number problems are resolved, I may reconsider Cash Plus.
The routing number problems are only associated with a few billers: Xfinity/Comcast, B of A credit cards, US Treasury, and Target Red Card. No one has reported any others.
IRS DIrect Pay also.
Yes, the IRS is the largest bureau in the US Treasury but yes I should have called out IRS Direct Pay and Treasury Direct.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

pascalwager wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:43 pm If the routing number problems are resolved, I may reconsider Cash Plus.
The routing number problems are only associated with a few billers: Xfinity/Comcast, B of A credit cards, US Treasury, and Target Red Card. No one has reported any others.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

pascalwager wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:13 am In the past, my credit card got locked every time I left my home area. Now I don't even try to use it away from home.
I do have one credit card that does this (Navy Federal). They still want you to notify them when you travel to another state! I also have cards at Chase, Cap One, B of A, and Amex. None of those require notification of international travel any more, let alone travel to another state. For obvious reasons I leave the Navy Federal card at home when I travel.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
Replies: 101
Views: 16779

Re: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

Mr. Rumples wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:56 am My concern is what happens if they go "belly up" or services degrade.
There are month to month communities as well which will work fine for many people. What is your age? Do you have children nearby who are willing to assist if the need is there to include helping you move if needed? Yes you might want to be fully independent and not be a burden, but many of us did in fact help our parents as they grew older and needed assistance.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inherited IRA optimal investment
Replies: 12
Views: 1219

Re: Inherited IRA optimal investment

I don't think there is a universally optimal approach. If you are over 70.5 you can take QCDs from an Inherited IRA which you might want to do. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, so in many situations the optimal approach would be to manage your tax bracket if possible keeping withdrawals at 24% or below. Sometimes people have variable income due to bonus or being out of workforce. Also watch for ACA, IRMAA, and NIIT cliffs or changes in state of residence if those are factors but at some point you just have to take the income.

If you are viewing this as a windfall that is not essential to your retirement plan then speculating in a single stock or ETF can always be done as a choice.
by stan1
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: McQ in the Wall Street Journal
Replies: 12
Views: 2057

Re: McQ in the Wall Street Journal

I love this quote on the "Law of Conservation of Wall Street Profit:
McQuarrie points to what he calls “the law of conservation of Wall Street profit: If we’re not going to make it one way, we’ll make it in another way.”
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: University California reducing pension payout for contingent annuitants
Replies: 19
Views: 3796

Re: University California reducing pension payout for contingent annuitants

I'm not clear who this impacts with the term "contingent annuitant", is this a spouse or someone else such as an adult child someone might name?
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Vanfan22 wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:06 pm
stan1 wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:51 am Are you referring to emails? I guess I figure a few too many is better than not enough.
In Quicken I get an extra downloaded transaction that I just delete.
Yes emails...I don't want to get an email about every transaction; ideally like a savings account I would only get a monthly statement. Realize this is technically a brokerage account but was hoping it might work differently.
Actually I want to get notified about every transaction in any account, it helps me monitor for fraud.

If something comes in I don't recognize I can be on the phone to the financial institution's fraud reporting line as soon as possible not 30 days later, and hopefully able to stop something before it gets worse.
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69442

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Are you referring to emails? I guess I figure a few too many is better than not enough.
In Quicken I get an extra downloaded transaction that I just delete.
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AARP/UHC Medigap policies
Replies: 40
Views: 3331

Re: AARP/UHC Medigap policies

All I can do is offer one data point. My mom had AARP medigap from 65 to 89. It worked very well through several stays in rehabilitation hospitals and eventually in coordination with hospice. Several hospital staff members told us "this is a good one, she is fortunate to have it".

Unfortunately her independent living community allowed insurance salesmen to roam the halls. The quote from one of them repeated by my mom was "You have a good plan, I would not move you off it" implying that he was an ethical salesman.

Of course this was a plan offered to her in 1998 .... not sure if that's still what is offered.
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry
Replies: 81
Views: 10123

Re: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry

arcticpineapplecorp. wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:19 am He also wrote:
Act as if every broker, insurance salesman, mutual fund salesman and financial advisor you encounter is a hardened criminal.

source: https://www.etf.com/docs/IfYouCan.pdf
It's a strong personal opinion, but people also need to have a plan. We have some people on this forum who are planning to hand over a complex portfolio to a spouse (possibly in 80s and in declining health) hoping for the best. Fear of requesting help from children or finding someone who can assist spouse needs to be higher priority for some. A dose of realism is needed. Avoid binary thinking that it has to be done only by self/spouse or someone who is a criminal.
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Projecting FI number. How much to add for health insurance?
Replies: 10
Views: 1101

Re: Projecting FI number. How much to add for health insurance?

When you get closer (within 5 years) I'd recommend using a tool like Pralana Gold, New Retirement, Maxifi etc. to get more precision. If you are years away I think your 3%, 3.5%, and 4% estimates are perfectly fine. More than five years out expect lots of changes to rates of return, inflation, tax laws, and other laws too. Focus on accumulation not spend down until you are within 5 years of making a decision. Also, if you are planning to continue to earn some W-2 or 1099 income after you quit this job factor that in. I do not assume these days that when people say they want to FIRE that they mean they (and spouse) will never work again. It has become a very emotional term for something people aspire to and the internet is full of jargon lik...
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Option to elect for 22 vs 26 pay periods: thoguhts?
Replies: 16
Views: 1528

Re: Option to elect for 22 vs 26 pay periods: thoguhts?

This won't make a difference in your financial outcomes over your life. If you like to be hands on it gives you something innocuous to keep you occupied rather than something dangerous like day trading. Personally I'd do the 26 since my bills are monthly and not worry about moving small amounts of money around from higher yielding accounts to checking accounts. Or just get a higher yielding bill pay account and be done with it.
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA strategies
Replies: 6
Views: 649

Re: Inherited IRA strategies

Your deceased relative was generous, but they passed their tax bills down to you. Hopefully their tax rates weren't lower than yours. I would not wait until the last year(s) if doing so would bump you into even higher tax rates. Spread it out to stay in your current tax rate. Since you have good income it sounds like you would reinvest the proceeds back into a taxable account. If you do that plan on doing tax loss harvesting if there is a market decline. If you want to buy NVDA, TSLA or a popular newly issued ETF, for example, to see what happens I guess you could. Gains are taxes as ordinary income, and you can't offset losses. If the account value is not moving the needle on your retirement planning I'd just be done with it. I inherited $...
by stan1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting Vanguard website to work for me
Replies: 11
Views: 1340

Re: Getting Vanguard website to work for me

Try Edge browser, then try Firefox. If they work then I'd do a clean deinstall/re-install of Chrome. If Edge and Firefox also don't work let us know.