Search found 732 matches
- Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mega Thread on Speed of 2023 Tax Refunds
- Replies: 52
- Views: 6124
Re: Mega Thread on Speed of 2023 Tax Refunds
FYI for anyone who has not received their Fed return in a timely manner. Create an account with the IRS and check for any notifications. I did this after waiting a month for my return. IRS claims they sent me a letter asking for verification. I did not receive this letter so requested they resend it. Apparently, I need to wait three weeks for the letter. :annoyed Whole thing is just bizarre and frustrating. Hope this post saves someone time waiting around for IRS to follow up if you’re in a similar situation. Thanks for this. I am in a similar situation, e-file return was submitted on 02/26/24 and still no refund. I checked my account for notifications but there do not appear to be any. My return shows as being in process, hopefully there ...
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mega Thread on Speed of 2023 Tax Refunds
- Replies: 52
- Views: 6124
Re: Mega Thread on Speed of 2023 Tax Refunds
FYI for anyone who has not received their Fed return in a timely manner. Create an account with the IRS and check for any notifications. I did this after waiting a month for my return. IRS claims they sent me a letter asking for verification. I did not receive this letter so requested they resend it. Apparently, I need to wait three weeks for the letter. :annoyed Whole thing is just bizarre and frustrating. Hope this post saves someone time waiting around for IRS to follow up if you’re in a similar situation. Thanks for this. I am in a similar situation, e-file return was submitted on 02/26/24 and still no refund. I checked my account for notifications but there do not appear to be any. My return shows as being in process, hopefully there ...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:46 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Where to cap 529 contributions?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 5027
Re: Where to cap 529 contributions?
Agree with the previous poster, I'd prefer to be a little underfunded than overfunded in the 529 plan since I can cover the shortfall from other sources. When I started my plan 10 years ago, my aim was to have enough for 3 years of in state tuition + room & board. I'm currently sitting at 2 years.
However, recent tax law changes involving converting a portion to a Roth IRA have made me less concerned about overfunding the 529 than I was when I started.
However, recent tax law changes involving converting a portion to a Roth IRA have made me less concerned about overfunding the 529 than I was when I started.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Are We in a Stock Market Bubble? (Ray Dalio)
- Replies: 132
- Views: 15781
Re: Are We in a Stock Market Bubble? (Ray Dalio)
The word “bubble” has really been overused. At this point, it almost has no meaning. It seems everybody is callling everything a bubble now. I don’t think we’re in a bubble. We may be a market that is overvalued. We may see meager future returns. But I doubt that we’re in an actual bubble, that would “pop” with unexpected suddenness, and tank the market by 50% or more, and stay there for a long long time. Maybe the market is just “swole”. Like things are swell, but maybe a bit over inflated, swole as the bros might say. Unlike any of the pundits though, I know, and freely admit that I’m a smooth-brained dummy. And I don’t know anything. And having that level of self awareness is a powerful thing. Agreed. In real life and on TV these days, ...
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: another 5500ez penalty tale - $210,000
- Replies: 131
- Views: 23885
Re: another 5500ez penalty tale - $210,000
This thread serves as an excellent PSA for solo 401(k) holders and I appreciate the bump. I'm inching my way closer to the $250K threshold and with my 1099 NEC work winding down, I'm starting to think I should just shut the plan down now rather than deal with the potential nightmares.
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099-NEC payment timing issue
- Replies: 15
- Views: 904
Re: 1099-NEC payment timing issue
I don't have an answer other than to just report it in 2023, that's what I would do as a sole proprietor but yeah it can be annoying to have to follow-up and explain the discrepancy.
On the flip side, I report income from several organizations that do not file 1099s on my behalf because my compensation is less than $600 per org. Not once I have ever been asked to explain those "surpluses" of income. Funny how I never get asked about those.
On the flip side, I report income from several organizations that do not file 1099s on my behalf because my compensation is less than $600 per org. Not once I have ever been asked to explain those "surpluses" of income. Funny how I never get asked about those.
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 1:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Total Verizon
- Replies: 6
- Views: 898
Re: Total Verizon
I've been with Total by Verizon for a few years and have had zero service issues that I can recall. I was on Verizon for many years as well. I cannot tell a difference between the two.
However, since they were bought out by Verizon, the rates have gone up for new customers and we are only grandfathered into the existing plan through (I think) November 2024. Regardless, I'm thinking about switching even sooner since it appears that there are cheaper plans out there. I pay $62 per month including taxes for 2 lines and 30 gb of shared data. It looks like US Mobile and some others have better deals out there and I'd rather get this over with sooner than have to deal with the looming increase.
However, since they were bought out by Verizon, the rates have gone up for new customers and we are only grandfathered into the existing plan through (I think) November 2024. Regardless, I'm thinking about switching even sooner since it appears that there are cheaper plans out there. I pay $62 per month including taxes for 2 lines and 30 gb of shared data. It looks like US Mobile and some others have better deals out there and I'd rather get this over with sooner than have to deal with the looming increase.
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3021
Re: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan
Yep, I don't think there's any great option out there. I was talking to a dentist friend of mine and he said dental insurance is like the opposite of health insurance. With health plans, you typically pay your deductible first then have potentially unlimited coverage. With dental plans, typically a nominal amount is covered up front and then everything else is out of pocket.DesertGator wrote: ↑Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:48 am All dental insurance sucks. 100% - no exceptions. Don't buy it.
- Mon Jan 15, 2024 9:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Calling Ocean Engineers: What is happening to my cruise ship?
- Replies: 86
- Views: 11936
Re: Calling Ocean Engineers: What is happening to my cruise ship?
Same with reddit. I enjoy the subreddits for each cruise line.HomeStretch wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 2:34 pm You might also try posting this question on the Boards over at cruise critics. There are sub-forums for each cruise line.
- Fri Jan 05, 2024 4:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rule of 55 Workaround
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1852
Re: Rule of 55 Workaround
Another option - if you are able to establish a solo 401K, for example if you are a sole proprietor and have earned income, I think you could essentially stop working, ie retire at 55 and withdraw from the solo 401K without paying the penalty. What is nice about that is you can dictate how much or how little you would work until age 55.
- Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Plumber's Auger - Clogged Shower Drain
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5908
Re: Plumber's Auger - Clogged Shower Drain
I have this issue about once a year as well. I got tired of calling a plumber and use a wet/dry vacuum and it has worked every time.
- Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:38 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Was JB anti-ETF??
- Replies: 32
- Views: 3569
Re: Bogle on ETFs
+1.PersonalFinanceJam wrote: ↑Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:34 am This is one of those endless debates on the forum which will probably not have a real conclusion. You've been given some good searches and reference material. There really isn't going to be a "right" answer. It's going to be best for you to review the material and make your own judgement call on what's best for you.
It always amuses me how much this topic gets discussed. The reality is for the vast majority, it really won't make a material difference one way or the other. The most important thing is to save and invest over a long period of time.
- Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How much are you down\up from the top set in 2021?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 12090
Re: How much are you down\up from the top set in 2021?
I am up 2% since 2021. Note: Nov 2023 was terrific -- up 7% in that 1 month! No new money going in. VTI is down about 5.8% from all time high of $242.92 on 1/3/2022. I'm curious to know how bogleheads using boglehead investing strategies are break even, let alone up many percentage points. The OP meant without additional contributions or withdrawals, otherwise feedback on up/down is arbitrary. You say no new money going in. So you've beat VTI by 7.8%? Yeah, I was starting to wonder how so many are up by a lot when I'm still down. For example, I just looked at my balance in a Roth IRA that has had no new money and I am down 5.67% from 12/31/2021. It is invested solely in Vanguard Balanced Index Fund, but other accounts invested more aggress...
- Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:23 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4765
Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Bumping this for 2024. My family has been with GEHA HDHP for several years and have been very happy. However, starting in 2023, my wife has been seeing an out-of-network therapist to the tune of $230 every other week and that has put a wrinkle in things. I am hoping this will start to go down, but I cannot accurately forecast this. I discovered that these out of network costs do not apply to our in network deductible (and vice versa). All of our other family medical costs are in network, so we're paying 100% out of pocket for these out of network charges and it's not quite high enough to reach the out-of-network deductible. Now that it's open season I went through all of the federal HDHP plans and discovered the following passage in the Ca...
- Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4765
Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Has anyone else been in a similar predicament and considered Carefirst HDHP over GEHA HDHP? Anything I'm missing? I cannot speak for the comparison of the two, but we are a Carefirst HDHP family and hit our deductible this year. We remain satisfied with it, and have never run into an issue with finding doctors in network. When we have to go out of network it's never been a problem, either. Carefirst is extremely common in the areas where the Carefirst HDHP is offered and I dont hear many complaints. May I ask, how does the HSA work with Carefirst? With GEHA, the funds are deposited at HSA Bank and then you can transfer funds to a brokerage account at Schwab to invest. It looks like HSA funds are deposited at an account at Carefirst? Are yo...
- Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4765
Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Has anyone else been in a similar predicament and considered Carefirst HDHP over GEHA HDHP? Anything I'm missing? I cannot speak for the comparison of the two, but we are a Carefirst HDHP family and hit our deductible this year. We remain satisfied with it, and have never run into an issue with finding doctors in network. When we have to go out of network it's never been a problem, either. Carefirst is extremely common in the areas where the Carefirst HDHP is offered and I dont hear many complaints. May I ask, how does the HSA work with Carefirst? With GEHA, the funds are deposited at HSA Bank and then you can transfer funds to a brokerage account at Schwab to invest. It looks like HSA funds are deposited at an account at Carefirst? Are yo...
- Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:25 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4765
Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Bumping this for 2024. My family has been with GEHA HDHP for several years and have been very happy. However, starting in 2023, my wife has been seeing an out-of-network therapist to the tune of $230 every other week and that has put a wrinkle in things. I am hoping this will start to go down, but I cannot accurately forecast this. I discovered that these out of network costs do not apply to our in network deductible (and vice versa). All of our other family medical costs are in network, so we're paying 100% out of pocket for these out of network charges and it's not quite high enough to reach the out-of-network deductible. Now that it's open season I went through all of the federal HDHP plans and discovered the following passage in the Car...
- Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Price for HVAC system
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2726
Re: Price for HVAC system
I can't speak for the current Rheem lineup but my Rheem is close to 30 years old and still going strong. When I first moved into my house 12 years ago, the AC technician told me that Rheems last a really long time and I should expect a lot more life out of it. My neighbor two doors down also has a similarly aged Rheem still in operation.
I doubt any furnace or AC produced today is built to last 30 years though.
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Iphone vs Android
- Replies: 181
- Views: 11123
Re: Iphone vs Android
That's funny. I think of my Google Pixel 5a more like a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. It does everything that I want it to do very well and reliably, at a great price. As another poster mentioned, the price range of Android phones is greater than iPhones, so to me it ranges from like a Chevy Spark to a Lexus LS 500.
- Mon Jun 26, 2023 10:24 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Behavioral warning bells
- Replies: 120
- Views: 19030
Re: Behavioral warning bells
Good list overall, but I don't think this one is particularly common, at least among Bogleheads who tend to have a relatively high degree of financial literacy.
- Sun Jun 18, 2023 9:19 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Disappointed in TSP
- Replies: 85
- Views: 9293
Re: Disappointed in TSP
Wow, I hadn't been paying attention and did not realize this was the case. Yeah, not terrible but no longer the standout plan it once was.
- Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?
- Replies: 180
- Views: 12328
Re: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?
Sometimes my wife accidentally turns it off and then I get annoyed when I discover mid-drive that it's not on.
I love it and would not purchase a car without it.
I love it and would not purchase a car without it.
- Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:56 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
- Replies: 112
- Views: 16719
Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
$870 this year and I am very happy about the direct deposit option. We use the card for all of our purchases at Costco, restaurants and travel.
We should be over $1,000 next year since I recently booked 2 big trips through the Costco travel website.
We should be over $1,000 next year since I recently booked 2 big trips through the Costco travel website.
- Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Starting first Roth conversion this year. Any reason for opening a new account?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 438
Starting first Roth conversion this year. Any reason for opening a new account?
As part of my plan to transition to semi-retirement, my household income will be reduced in 2023 and for the first time we should end up in a lower (12%) tax bracket before doing any Roth conversions. At the beginning of the year I switched my wife's 2023 TSP contributions from traditional to Roth and I will be shifting my contributions as a sole proprietor from traditional to Roth in my solo 401(k). I am projecting that we will still have some space left in the 12% bracket to convert from traditional to Roth IRA (I may also convert some in the 22% bracket, but that's another topic). Due to my early retirement and possible depletion of taxable funds down the road, there is a chance I may need to withdraw Roth conversion contributions at som...
- Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HSA - deduct from paycheck vs contributing yourself
- Replies: 34
- Views: 8312
Re: HSA - deduct from paycheck vs contributing yourself
Maybe it wasn't clear from my wording, but I was specifically referring to the portion of income above the cap.muel87 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:52 amWhy would being over the cap eliminate your FICA tax savings on your first $160,000 of income? When you are over the cap, you just stop paying more tax, but the first $160k is still taxed at 6.2%.keystone wrote: ↑Wed Dec 21, 2016 3:21 pmMI_bogle wrote:
If you deduct from payroll, you do not pay the nearly 8% FICA tax. A guaranteed return of about 8% is what you'd be missing out if you contributed outside of your payroll to lump sump invest
Unless your income puts you over the social security income cap, in which case your savings would be 1.45% in medicare tax.
- Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:10 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why does ophthalmologist only schedule annual exams?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2564
Re: Why does ophthalmologist only schedule annual exams?
Do you know the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists? Optometrists test you for glasses, can write the prescription for glasses or contacts and can provide them to the patient (or the patient can go elsewhere for the purchase). Prescriptions for glasses or contacts are usually only good for two years, then you need to see an optometrist again for a new prescription. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, focus on the health of your vision/eyes and can do surgery or write prescriptions for prescription eye drops (none of which an optometrist can do). They don’t care about contacts or glasses. Depending on your overall health or your specific eye health, you may need to see them once a year or more. If your vision is important ...
- Thu Dec 01, 2022 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2900
Re: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
Your question is timely as I recently booked a Royal Caribbean cruise. Cruise Compete will likely quote you a better price or more onboard credits. I have used them in the past with good success except for my last cruise. I went with the best bid and the agent supposedly had 99% positive reviews. The issue was that I never received my onboard credits. After the cruise I contacted the travel agent and they informed me that it was the cruise line's fault. I contacted the cruise line repeatedly and never heard back. I still to this day don't know who was at fault. This time around I compared the major sites and decided to go with Costco. Between the Costco Shop Card and the 2% Executive membership credit, they were more or less competitive wit...
- Fri Aug 19, 2022 9:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Toyota Highlander or one year old Lexus SUV?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 7147
Re: New Toyota Highlander or one year old Lexus SUV?
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/2022-lexus-rx-vs-2022-toyota-highlander-comparison I would get the Lexus for sure, but that's just me. I find it much more refined and comfortable. +1 Come back in 10-12 years or 250,000 miles and ask about what car to get next. IMHO, your RX350 will last that long and be reliable. Good luck. If the implication here is that Highlanders aren't usually reliable it may be worth your time to check out the table in this article https://www.iseecars.com/cars-people-keep-longest-study Highlander is #2 in top vehicles original owners keep for 15 years or longer. The Highlander is a great vehicle... however I wouldn't trust any vehicle from any brand built in 2022 (and likely 2023) due to the quality ass...
- Tue Aug 09, 2022 3:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Cellphone carrier
- Replies: 170
- Views: 16748
Re: Boglehead Cellphone carrier
My wife and I have have been on a 2 line plan with Total Wireless (Verizon MVNO) the last couple of years. $60/mo and 30 gb of shared data. Service has been flawless and zero gimmicks. Perhaps not the cheapest plan out there, but the plan works very well for us.
I know Visible is popular but I had issues with texts not being sent and received. It appeared to be some type of fluky issue with Pixel 3 phones and Visible at the time. I discovered others were having similar issues through various forums and it seemed like Pixel phones were the common denominator.
I know Visible is popular but I had issues with texts not being sent and received. It appeared to be some type of fluky issue with Pixel 3 phones and Visible at the time. I discovered others were having similar issues through various forums and it seemed like Pixel phones were the common denominator.
- Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:53 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Taxable much better than 529 for certain scenarios?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3279
Re: Taxable much better than 529 for certain scenarios?
Thanks for the reminder! Yes, this is precisely why it's better to underfund the 529 than overfund it.livesoft wrote: ↑Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:36 am Earn $4,000 and put into a taxable account. Use it to pay at least $4,000 of QHEE. Get the AOTC and get a tax-credit of $2500 provided that you have a Federal income tax liability of an appropriate amount and your AGI is below a specified limit. So $2500 return on $4000 is tough to come by even in a 529 plan investment.
So that's a description of a "certain scenario."
- Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:21 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Taxable much better than 529 for certain scenarios?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3279
Re: Taxable much better than 529 for certain scenarios?
We plan to pay for our kids college but have contributed to a taxable account over a 529 because we don't get a state tax break, want to reach FI first, don't want certain strings attached, aren't 100% sure we'll pay for it/kids will go to college... We have ample retirement tax advantage space which we maxed for a number of years plus built up a taxable account (instead of a 529). I know we've had some small tax drag on the account, but we've also been able to tax loss harvest effectively, so it's probably close to a wash. Are you maxing out retirement accounts? If not, then it is more advantageous to save for college expenses in tax advantaged retirement accounts than in taxable even if you have ample retirement savings. As you've said, ...
- Tue May 17, 2022 10:02 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Any you doing any Adjustments to your 100% Vanguard Total Bond ETF Position?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4049
Re: Any you doing any Adjustments to your 100% Vanguard Total Bond ETF Position?
Nope. I'm staying the course and my total portfolio is roughly 35% in a combination of Total Bond/Total International Bond.
It seems like almost every time I have visited this site in the last few months I come across a thread by someone who mentions they recently shifted some things around in their bond portfolio. I ponder for a few seconds whether I should be making a similar move and then realize that a) I don't have any good ideas about what kind of move to make and b) I wouldn't know when it's a good time to move back to total bond. So I stay put.
It seems like almost every time I have visited this site in the last few months I come across a thread by someone who mentions they recently shifted some things around in their bond portfolio. I ponder for a few seconds whether I should be making a similar move and then realize that a) I don't have any good ideas about what kind of move to make and b) I wouldn't know when it's a good time to move back to total bond. So I stay put.
- Fri Apr 01, 2022 1:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Life Strategy Funds
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1670
Re: Life Strategy Funds
Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. Yes, my LS fund in in a tax-deferred/IRA fund. I researched it as well as others and chose it for some of the reasons you have suggested. I'm a middle-of-the-road person, I don't have to earn the most but don't want to be the worst either. I also wanted something that my heirs might have an easier time messing with when my time comes to meet the other Bogleheads in the sky. Guess I just wanted some reassurance that this fund is still ok. I know Vanguard messes with funds sometimes. Thanks again, Julyguy I'm a big fan. I have 100% of my Solo 401K in VSMGX. My wife and I have Roth IRAs at Fidelity and put 100% in AOR (iShares Core Growth Allocation) which is very similar. I do the 3 fund portf...
- Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 6294
Re: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?
That's what my wife and I will likely be doing. We've had great success with the budget versions, she's on the 3a and I'm on the 4a. Also nice that Google usually gives a credit for trade-ins of previous versions. I'm a little concerned about the fingerprint sensor though, from the comments here and reviews I've read, it doesn't sound good. The 6a is rumored to have the same fingerprint sensor on the display as the 6.MikeWillRetire wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:44 am If you can wait, the Pixel 6a is expected in the early summer. It is rumored to be about $400.
- Fri Feb 18, 2022 8:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Replace parts of 20 year old furnace or buy new?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 4234
Re: Replace parts of 20 year old furnace or buy new?
I replaced the control board on my Rheem about 7 years ago when my furnace and A/C were already 20 years old. It's been working great since then. I know eventually my 27 year old furnace and A/C will need to be replaced, but I'm glad I chose the repair route.
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: You can retire early … how did you do it?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 13321
Re: You can retire early … how did you do it?
I really disliked the article but at least the discussion is a lot more interesting.
Age 47 and consider myself 25% retired now and will possibly fully retire in the next year or so. Early retirement was a massive priority for me since I graduated college, way before FI was a thing. I don't know if I would say any of these were extreme measures but a few of the most important things I did were:
-Strived to be an above average performer at work to remain continuously employed and well compensated
-Sought out employers with above average 401K benefits (i.e. generous defined contribution)
-Always maxed tax advantaged accounts
-Invested any bonuses I received along the way
And yes, finding a spouse who will continue to work is a huge plus!
Age 47 and consider myself 25% retired now and will possibly fully retire in the next year or so. Early retirement was a massive priority for me since I graduated college, way before FI was a thing. I don't know if I would say any of these were extreme measures but a few of the most important things I did were:
-Strived to be an above average performer at work to remain continuously employed and well compensated
-Sought out employers with above average 401K benefits (i.e. generous defined contribution)
-Always maxed tax advantaged accounts
-Invested any bonuses I received along the way
And yes, finding a spouse who will continue to work is a huge plus!
- Sat Jan 08, 2022 8:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Close to 50? What’s Your Risk Tolerance?
- Replies: 133
- Views: 15212
Re: Close to 50? What’s Your Risk Tolerance?
Age 47 and roughly 60/40. I have been at this allocation since 40ish and will probably continue with it for life. I'm a huge fan of Vanguard Lifestrategy Moderate Growth and just moved my entire Roth IRA at Fidelity to iShares Core Growth Allocation (AOR) which has a similar allocation.
It suits me just fine, not too risky so that I would panic in a crash and not too conservative where I would feel like I'm missing out in a bull market.
It suits me just fine, not too risky so that I would panic in a crash and not too conservative where I would feel like I'm missing out in a bull market.
- Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My estimated SS benefits have gone down.
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2853
Re: My estimated SS benefits have gone down.
Yes, an income decline is the most likely culprit.
- Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: ETF Market or Limit order
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2063
Re: ETF Market or Limit order
I always did market orders for ETFs like VTI and never had an issue.
The last two days I have been converting my Roth IRAs to AOR and I feel like I have been going through the same thing as the OP. It's thinly traded and I was a little hesitant to place a large market order so I tried going the limit order route, using the ask price as my limit price, but the price kept bouncing around and my orders weren't getting filled. I finally put in a limit price above the ask price and it went through after a few minutes. If I have to do this again, I think I will just split my order into chunks and test the waters with one market order at a time.
The last two days I have been converting my Roth IRAs to AOR and I feel like I have been going through the same thing as the OP. It's thinly traded and I was a little hesitant to place a large market order so I tried going the limit order route, using the ask price as my limit price, but the price kept bouncing around and my orders weren't getting filled. I finally put in a limit price above the ask price and it went through after a few minutes. If I have to do this again, I think I will just split my order into chunks and test the waters with one market order at a time.
- Fri Dec 24, 2021 2:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: A gold coin for Christmas
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3220
Re: A gold coin for Christmas
I love the idea. I sure would have been thrilled with one or several of these in my youth. I still have all of the Kennedy halves that I received as gifts 35+ years ago.
- Fri Dec 17, 2021 8:59 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What was the best and the worst advice you ever received on Bogleheads.org?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 22526
Re: What was the best and the worst advice you ever received on Bogleheads.org?
Best: Filing tax returns for minor annually at 0% or low 10% tax rate to reduce tax liability in the future (sscritic) Could you elaborate on this please? By "filing tax returns" do you mean selling appreciated shares owned by the minor to harvest the gain while in a low tax bracket? Good question! :sharebeer Yes, that would be a reasonable suggestion. I recently had reason to give a sum of money to a young person and gave them appreciated stock that they could sell within the 0% cap gains tax rate. A young couple that might for some reason have no income in a year have an $80,000 plus standard deduction head-room there. Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. My son was recently gifted money to buy shares of stock and I hadn't even t...
- Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:01 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What was the best and the worst advice you ever received on Bogleheads.org?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 22526
Re: What was the best and the worst advice you ever received on Bogleheads.org?
Could you elaborate on this please? By "filing tax returns" do you mean selling appreciated shares owned by the minor to harvest the gain while in a low tax bracket?Grt2bOutdoors wrote: ↑Thu Dec 16, 2021 10:08 am Best: Filing tax returns for minor annually at 0% or low 10% tax rate to reduce tax liability in the future (sscritic)
- Sat Dec 11, 2021 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: One Fund Portfolio - VSMGX (AOR) vs VGSTX
- Replies: 46
- Views: 5137
Re: One Fund Portfolio - VSMGX (AOR) vs VGSTX
I agree Star fund is kind of a goofy fund. If it were me I'd go with VSMGX (this is exactly the fund I use in my 401k).
I also agree with the nobody knows nothing philosophy and the past may not repeat itself. Having said that, the Star fund is not a terrible all in one fund choice.
I also agree with the nobody knows nothing philosophy and the past may not repeat itself. Having said that, the Star fund is not a terrible all in one fund choice.
- Fri Dec 10, 2021 9:04 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: TSP: G and F fund
- Replies: 48
- Views: 8054
Re: TSP: G and F fund
That's exactly what I do with my wife's TSP, a 50/50 split between G and F, it seemed like a good compromise.RamblinDoc wrote: ↑Mon Apr 20, 2020 1:43 am If you can’t decide and either seem reasonable, consider going 50:50 (G:F) for your desired bonds. Then, you’ll only be half wrong in retrospect.
- Thu Dec 09, 2021 12:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is it okay for 30% of IRA in one fund?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1201
Re: Is it okay for 30% of IRA in one fund?
I don't think many here would have any concerns with 100% of their retirement assets in one fund, if it were the right fund given their asset allocation.
I think what the advisor said in this instance makes sense given the expense ratio of 0.7%. If the stock/bond allocation is a concern, you could very likely find a much cheaper fund with a suitable stock/bond allocation. I know it's not exactly 70/30, but something like Vanguard Balanced Index Fund for instance.
I think what the advisor said in this instance makes sense given the expense ratio of 0.7%. If the stock/bond allocation is a concern, you could very likely find a much cheaper fund with a suitable stock/bond allocation. I know it's not exactly 70/30, but something like Vanguard Balanced Index Fund for instance.
- Wed Dec 08, 2021 12:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Stolen vehicle recover systems.
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1392
Re: Stolen vehicle recover systems.
My dad left the keys in his car On purpose? I live in a fairly upscale area and the cops are constant sending reminders to not leave your keys in the car as that’s the case in the majority of car thefts here. I always just assumed insurance fraud, but what do I know? That said, I left the doors to my house unlocked for an entire year, even on vacation. So I’m clearly not concerned. Ditto. I checkout the local crime report and in over 90% of the thefts, the car was unlocked and the keys were left inside. I don't understand how this happens so regularly. On the neighborhood discussion boards, most of the car theft talk revolves around the fear that car thieves can hack your key fob, but every now and then our local police representative chim...
- Tue Dec 07, 2021 2:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Solo 401k: Worth contributing?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2587
Re: Solo 401k: Worth contributing?
Hello, I have a side gig generating 12k per year income. I already contribute max to my workspace 401k plan. Therefore, I can only contribute employer portion of Solo 410 which 20% of income. Not sure it is worth contributing 2400 pre-tax per year. Is it hard to set up and manage Solo 401k at Fidelity? If I dont contribute to it, I will be putting it in a Brokerage account. If Solo 401k is easy to mange, I could send 2400 over there instead of my Fidelity Brokerage. We are in 24% tax bracket and contribute 75k pretax to various retirement plans. Yes, I would say in your case it is probably worth it, especially if you think this side gig will continue. I have mine through Vanguard and it was easy to setup and maintain, I can't imagine Fidel...
- Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:25 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
- Replies: 3617
- Views: 568496
Re: Officially a 3 comma club member....you too can do it
Is this the 1st billionaire on Boglehead?HomeStretch wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:17 am Congratulations, how did you accumulate a $1 billion portfolio? I don’t believe many can achieve that.
- Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:15 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Gravy train ride over ? Time to reevaluate asset allocation
- Replies: 259
- Views: 34778
Re: Gravy train ride over ? Time to reevaluate asset allocation
Hi I feel that the the huge returns we have been enjoying last 10 years will be ending . Is it time to reassess one’s asset allocation? I was 60/40 and let it drift to 75/25 due to greed and to take advantage of the roaring market . But now am planning to dial down back to my target 60/40 I feel that especially those who have been investing <10 years and are 100% stocks may have a rude awakening and realize they do not have the stomach for 100% stocks ;this happened to me in 2008 when I went through the crash I graduated college in 1996 and like many here, I experienced two very major market drops (>50%). The first one didn't shake me because I was young and relatively poor, but 2008 left a similar impression on me as it did for you as I s...
- Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Take money out of Roth or Traditional IRA
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1168