Search found 2230 matches

by RubyTuesday
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?
Replies: 16
Views: 1504

Re: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?

Thus far, all the Social Security break even calculators I've seen only factor in the amount of the benefit when calculating the break-even date. It seems obvious to me that while the benefit increases substantially when one waits to collect, there is nonetheless an opportunity cost in terms of the money that is withdrawn from one's portfolio while waiting. For instance, if I'm withdrawing $3,200 per month for expenses today, then collect Social Security at 62 in 17 months and, net of taxes, withdraw $1,800 less from my portfolio, that's (obviously) $1,400 I'm no longer withdrawing from my portfolio. Even invested conservatively over a 19-year period (roughly the break-even period for collecting at age 70), that's going to add a good numbe...
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2507

Re: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday

From the link that drk posted above there are Investability Screens (summary chart on page 11) that include things like market cap, FSO/TSO percent (float shares outstanding divided by total shares outstanding), etc.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2507

Re: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday

prd1982 wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:52 pm When are the initial investors (SPAC sponsors) allowed to sell? If I were going to buy it, i would surely wait to see if these folks unload a lot of their shares.
I read that Mr. Trump has a 6 month lockup, but I don’t know if the restrictions are consistent for all investors.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2507

Re: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday

drk wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:19 pm VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, whose methodology is publicly available (p. 49):
DE-SPAC TRANSACTIONS
New corporations (C-corps) created via de-SPAC transactions (e.g., a Blank Check Company (SPAC) merges with a private
company) will be considered for index inclusion at the next regularly scheduled quarterly ranking.
As for shorting, well, you're asking in the wrong place.
Thanks DRK. So from what you posted, DJT would be considered for index inclusion at the next quarterly ranking?

I suppose any concern I may have to holding this company may be mooted by the tiny exposure it will represent. I may go to the trouble to see how much of this I own after it gets included in the index.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2507

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday

I do not envy moderators with this news story out. Let’s try not to get this locked immediately. Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG), in partnership with Digital World Acquisition Corp., has announced the completion of their business combination. Starting Tuesday, TMTG's common stock and public warrants are expected to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbols "DJT" and "DJTWW," respectively. To keep this actionable, my initial questions: - Now that it will be trading, will it be included in VTI (Vanguard Total US). I recall someone identified that SPACs are not in the index, but this is no longer a SPAC, correc...
by RubyTuesday
Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230188

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Common Mergansers (hens and drakes) on French Broad River in NC. These are considered rare here. Also a second year immature Bald Eagle roosting above the river. 2 red tailed hawks and 2 red shouldered hawks soaring.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 04, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement update
Replies: 15
Views: 2968

Re: Retirement update

Back of the envelope numbers - ignoring inflation. -Your wife retires in 2 years at age 62 with a retirement planning window of 30 years (age 92). So, overall, 32 years for planning purposes. -2 years at $5,000/month + 4 years at $7,000/month + 26 years at $3,000/month = $3,625/month average, or $43,500/year. -$43,625/$970,000 = 4.48% per year. This is more aggressive than the "4% rule". Why are you dividing by 970k which is less than 1/2 their portfolio? Wouldn’t the withdrawal rate be more in the 2% range? Because OP wants the $970k to fund retirement, leaving the rest untouched. In reality I am with you - OP should have no concerns. Not a crime to dip into the other $1.2M if needed. :oops: I should read more carefully!
by RubyTuesday
Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement update
Replies: 15
Views: 2968

Re: Retirement update

wanderer wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:31 pm Back of the envelope numbers - ignoring inflation.
-Your wife retires in 2 years at age 62 with a retirement planning window of 30 years (age 92). So, overall, 32 years for planning purposes.
-2 years at $5,000/month + 4 years at $7,000/month + 26 years at $3,000/month = $3,625/month average, or $43,500/year.
-$43,625/$970,000 = 4.48% per year. This is more aggressive than the "4% rule".
Why are you dividing by 970k which is less than 1/2 their portfolio?

Wouldn’t the withdrawal rate be more in the 2% range?
by RubyTuesday
Tue Feb 20, 2024 5:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1543
Views: 119211

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

Why have uninvested $ in an IRA? Unless you're intentionally putting a cash allocation there? One reason would be if you are keeping some of your emergency fund in a Roth. Wouldn't make a whole lot of sense to do that with a Robinhood IRA that has a 5 year hold before the bonus is clawed back. Money is fungible. If you have your emergency funds in IRA locked up for 5 years and need the cash, you just sell something (stocks, etc.) in a taxable account, use that for your emergency, and then exchange IRA funds into what was sold. Your AA stays the same and no IRA withdrawal. That wasn't the point. You lose the 3% RH bonus if you withdraw from it. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to keep an emergency fund in a Roth if you aren't intending ...
by RubyTuesday
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1543
Views: 119211

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

tj wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 9:28 am
corduroysuit wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 9:24 am
Why have uninvested $ in an IRA? Unless you're intentionally putting a cash allocation there?
One reason would be if you are keeping some of your emergency fund in a Roth.
Wouldn't make a whole lot of sense to do that with a Robinhood IRA that has a 5 year hold before the bonus is clawed back.
Money is fungible. If you have your emergency funds in IRA locked up for 5 years and need the cash, you just sell something (stocks, etc.) in a taxable account, use that for your emergency, and then exchange IRA funds into what was sold. Your AA stays the same and no IRA withdrawal.
by RubyTuesday
Fri Feb 16, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3496

Re: Basement remodel started without a permit

Paying someone seldom provides leverage. And you don’t need leverage you need a permit.
by RubyTuesday
Fri Feb 16, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for IRS guidelines on if compensation for participating in a clinical trial is taxable if under $600
Replies: 16
Views: 1167

Re: Looking for IRS guidelines on if compensation for participating in a clinical trial is taxable if under $600

The NIH is not the IRS and their website editor is not a tax expert.

It’s taxable but not reported …

You get to decide where you take you tax advice
by RubyTuesday
Wed Feb 14, 2024 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10286

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

When I was unable to work, I got paid because my employer paid me sick time, vacation time, etc. They could do this because their business model was profitable even when providing these employee benefits.

Small businesses really should try to price their services such that they can absorb lost fees when sick, vacationing, or weather cancels.

That said, if it were me:
- I cancel, I pay for sure
- I reschedule, I tip extra for the inconvenience
- If they cancel, and they are trusted, valued, or in demand, I probably pay.
- If they are not, I may not, but would probably tip some amount next time based on time between deeper cleanings.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?
Replies: 111
Views: 8664

Re: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?

Top 3 reasons for replacing a car:
3. Free SiriusXM trial expires
2. Volkswagen Settlement buyback for diesel vehicles
1. Ash tray full
by RubyTuesday
Mon Feb 05, 2024 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?
Replies: 146
Views: 13101

Re: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?

For most workers, real wages are up during the recent periods of high inflation (see St Louis Fed and Bureau of Labor Statistics for details).

You’ve gotten raises, have they not kept up with your personal rate of inflation? i.e. Can you not maintain your savings rate and pay your increased expenses?
by RubyTuesday
Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time
Replies: 143
Views: 15061

Re: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time

3.5 % real is a pretty high discount rate for modeling.
Open Social Security generally uses the real yield of the 20yr TIPS, currently around 1.9%. Higher discount rates favor earlier claiming.

20yr TIPS is probably the best risk free rate to use for an inflation protected benefit like SS.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Registering new car with daughter JTWRS okay?
Replies: 2
Views: 362

Re: Registering new car with daughter JTWRS okay?

Often lawsuits are filed against both the driver and the owner of a vehicle. So make sure you’re ok with that (liability insurance). And if you do it make sure the title explicitly has JTWROS, not just the two names. You don’t want to end up owning 50% of the car.

You’re describing JTWROS with daughter. For those considering titling cars as JTWROS with a spouse, also consider potential risk to other “entireties” property that would be protected from claims brought against one spouse in some states (e.g. NC).
by RubyTuesday
Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: William Bernstein latest book on investing
Replies: 34
Views: 5550

Re: William Bernstein latest book on investing

Beachbum KL wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 1:06 am From the latest book , The Four Pillars of Investing by William Bernstein…

“When you’ve won the retirement game, stop playing it with the money you need to pay the rent and groceries.
I suggest at least 10 years’ worth of basic expenses; 20 years or 25 years is even better.
Take whatever risk you like with what assets you have beyond this”

Does anyone thinks that this strategy is too conservative ?
What does he suggest you do with the money you’re not playing with?

TIPS ladder, Nominal bond funds, MM Funds, mattress?
by RubyTuesday
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?
Replies: 122
Views: 14455

Re: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?

123 wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 9:58 pm
Zagnificent wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 3:31 pm ...how can I implore them to fall back on their E/O Policy or Insurance Fraud Policies (which they presumably have)?...
Sadly, an insurance company generally doesn't take out the checkbook unless things are on the path to litigation. It may take a preliminary letter from your new attorney or an actual court filing for your closing attorney to invoke the protection provided by his insurance policies (if any). Your recovery should, of course, include replacement of the lost funds as well as legal expenses.
as well as legal expenses and interest.
by RubyTuesday
Thu Feb 01, 2024 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Friend's CPA insisting they sign "Consent to Use Xpitax" - help!
Replies: 22
Views: 2572

Re: Friend's CPA insisting they sign "Consent to Use Xpitax" - help!

Most likely the data never leaves US servers. The international team likely is using remote desktop type access, basically like seeing images of the data. So they could write stuff down, but what value is the info, other than your address and ssn (which are not required to do the important work)?
by RubyTuesday
Wed Jan 31, 2024 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.
Replies: 35
Views: 2732

Re: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.

Reduce or eliminate the monoculture grass lawn and replace with native grasses/wildflowers (meadows). More diversity and habitat is good for everything. Less weed killer and fertilizers, also better for everything. Less mowing, good for you.

Lots of good information available online.
by RubyTuesday
Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13590

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

If it were me, I would do the before and after blower door test because I would just want to know if the airsealing made a big difference in air leakage. It’s a nice side effect that it may keep the sealing crew honest.
by RubyTuesday
Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Changing I bond registration in gift box
Replies: 6
Views: 922

Re: Changing I bond registration in gift box

renter wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 12:55 am
RyeBourbon wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:02 pm I believe you need to create a new registration, then assign it to the bonds.
Thanks. I have created a new registration. How do I assign the gift to the new registration? Can it be done online?
You cannot change registration of bonds in gift box. The registration can be changed by the owner AFTER delivery of the gift.

Hopefully the future recipient will be amenable to changing the beneficiary!
by RubyTuesday
Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Changing I bond registration in gift box
Replies: 6
Views: 922

Re: Changing I bond registration in gift box

RyeBourbon wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:02 pm I believe you need to create a new registration, then assign it to the bonds.
You cannot change registration of bonds in gift box. The registration can be changed by the owner AFTER delivery of the gift.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Jan 28, 2024 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Efficient Strategy using Tax-deferred, Roth, and Taxable accounts
Replies: 106
Views: 12989

Re: Tax Efficient Strategy using Tax-deferred, Roth, and Taxable accounts

longinvest wrote: Sun Aug 06, 2023 7:17 pm
smartinvestor2020 wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:49 pm Roth assets should have the highest return followed by tax deferred assets followed by taxable assets.
Smartinvestor2020, here's some reading which might lead to a different conclusion: post 1 (data 1) and post 2 (data 2).

Hint 1: Ignoring risk, when analyzing asset location strategies, is a mistake.

Hint 2: A mirrored allocation strategy delivers outcomes which are consistent with the chosen asset allocation, before and after tax, regardless of future asset returns, future tax law changes, and future investor circumstance changes.

Enjoy!
^^^ This
by RubyTuesday
Sun Jan 28, 2024 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to distribute inheritance cash with siblings
Replies: 21
Views: 3203

Re: How to distribute inheritance cash with siblings

I don’t think there’s a gift here.

Hopefully one of the estate attorneys who post here will weigh in.

While the sister is listed as joint and survivor on the account, and could probably keep the money, she likely has no basis in the account and could probably treat it as an estate asset. Transfer it to an estate account and distribute it per the will.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion
Replies: 904
Views: 241952

Re: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion

Exchme wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:44 pm longinvest was one of the stalwarts giving correct advice on this issue that made me prove to myself that I had messed up. Once you see the math, you can't unsee it, but the frequency that I see people touting the idea of "tax efficient" portfolios that don't realize the extra risk is disheartening.

It's a very seductive idea that there's a free lunch somewhere, but it just isn't so.
And the issue insidious, also showing up in threads discussing timing of Roth conversions, e.g. conversions in Jan vs Dec of the year, conversion when market is down, etc.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Roth conversion
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Roth conversion

Any difference is (largely) an illusion based on not tax adjusting your asset allocation.
by RubyTuesday
Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HR Block Deluxe wants to charge me $39.95 for the State program
Replies: 64
Views: 6056

Re: HR Block Deluxe wants to charge me $39.95 for the State program

There is no place to enter state withholding tax. It asks for health insurance premiums paid, but there is no place to enter that information. I just started working on a draft of my returns using H&R Block Deluxe + State. One thing I found was that some of the inputs needed for the state return are entered and pulled from the Federal return, even if not needed for the federal return. My example is estimated state income tax payments. They get entered in the itemized deduction section of the federal return. Since I am not itemizing, I had not gone through that interview process in detail and they were not getting to the state. I expanded the state form and saw it noted they came from the federal portion. Could this be why some of your ...
by RubyTuesday
Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43333

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

For he’s a jolly good fellow
For he’s a jolly good fellow
For he’s a jolly good fellow
Which nobody can deny!

Happy Birthday Taylor!
by RubyTuesday
Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charitable donation limit on taxes?
Replies: 23
Views: 1989

Re: Charitable donation limit on taxes?

IRS Publication 526 Has some good and relevant examples.

RT
by RubyTuesday
Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Timing Month of Retirement
Replies: 33
Views: 2488

Re: Timing Month of Retirement

Depending on where you work and your specific benefits, there could be a lot to consider. Review all your benefits and any publications or resources from your employer targeting retirement. As an example, State Governments often have interesting plan provisions related to termination. - unused vacation and sick time. Some employers may pay for unused benefits, or may allow use for increasing credited service for pension, etc. Some of these may be subject to a max/capped benefit. - in some cases these payments may be deferred into retirement plans or used to pay for retiree medical on pre-tax basis. - in some cases calendar year may have impact on how these payments can be made - if you retire end of year, unused vacation pay may be received...
by RubyTuesday
Sun Jan 21, 2024 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10635

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

Have you watched “Neighbors”
That is not a balloon
More seriously, it definitely is a safety concern. I would try to locate a developer or neighborhood association (or the university) that may buy the property or advocate with more influence.
by RubyTuesday
Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guest sleeping options
Replies: 39
Views: 5684

Re: Guest sleeping options

Inflatable mattress in your office FOR YOU and they sleep in your bed. When you have larger budget upgrade?
by RubyTuesday
Sun Dec 03, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safely selling stuff
Replies: 31
Views: 4747

Re: Safely selling stuff

FB marketplace.

Most things brought to front porch and deal completed outside.

Large items I let folks come inside. I will admit I kept alarm key fob which has panic button in pocket and left wallet in bedroom.

Never had any problems other than occasional no shows and fake profiles asking me to contact outside of facebook by mobile.
by RubyTuesday
Sun Nov 26, 2023 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230188

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Lots of waterfowl arriving to the local lake hotspot
Ring-necked duck
Ruddy duck
Horned grebe
Pied-billed grebe
American coot
Gadwall
Ring-billed gull
Belted Kingfisher

And in nearby yards
Hairy woodpecker
Red-bellied woodpecker
Northern flicker
Tufted titmouse
Carolina chickadee
Carolina wren
White-breasted nuthatch
Song sparrow
Cedar waxwing
by RubyTuesday
Fri Nov 10, 2023 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Indices....??
Replies: 7
Views: 951

Re: Inflation Indices....??

This research index may be useful (or at least of interest) for your purposes. Consumer Price Index for Americans 62 years of age and older, or R-CPI-E The BLS calculates a research price index called the Consumer Price Index for Americans 62 years of age and older, or R-CPI-E. The R-CPI-E is used by those interested in measures of price change specifically based on the spending patterns of the elderly (as defined in the construction of this index). Official uses of the R-CPI-E have been considered by other government agencies, but not implemented due to the limitations noted below. Limitations There are several limitations of this research price index which must be considered and understood by potential users of the data. Because of the li...
by RubyTuesday
Tue Nov 07, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein on TIPS, asset allocation, and four deep risks
Replies: 189
Views: 30423

Re: William Bernstein on TIPS, asset allocation, and four deep risks

I buy a TIPS maturing in 2040 to use for 2040 expenses in my IRA. It matures in 2040...doesn't mean I have to withdraw 10K from my IRA that year. That's all I'm saying. What do you do with that money if it is not spent? Pretend interest rates are 1% nominal, TIPS are negative, and they will unknowingly spike to 10% in the 2040 near future. What is the correct duration of this money you did not spend when you already have a ladder for future years expenses? You either: 1) Spend the money like clockwork, each year, with tax and benefit consequences 2) Introduce interest rate risk Pick one. You forget that money is fungible. You don’t have to spend from the IRA if you don’t want to. Spend from another source and replace what you sold with fun...
by RubyTuesday
Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Blackrock Retirement Income Guide
Replies: 48
Views: 8123

Re: Blackrock Retirement Income Guide

On BH, it is common to assess the inflation risk of income annuities (SPIAs) in a vacuum. But by not having to cover as much longevity with bond principal, annuitization enables a portfolio with a lower allocation to fixed income. This reduces portfolio inflation risk, and the SPIA reduces sequence of return risk despite the higher equity allocation that boosts expected return. Broad common stocks are not an inflation hedge. Stock performance during inflationary regimes, which in some cases can be long lasting, depends on the type of inflation, price elasticity, and other economic factors. Even more importantly, stock returns during inflationary periods react to monetary policy regime. The factors you note, price elasticity, etc., impact i...
by RubyTuesday
Mon Oct 09, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My Dream Annuity by Nathan Dutzmann
Replies: 93
Views: 9140

Re: My Dream Annuity by Nathan Dutzmann

If you can't get a true CPI-indexed annuity, prudence suggests getting a 3%-annual-increasing annuity. Not as good but much better than nothing. And, just as with the CPI-indexed annuity, you will be confronted with the reality that the annuity is going to pay out quite a lot more, and therefore is going to cost quite a lot more. But the annual-increasing annuity is providing you with what you need, and the level annuity isn't. I’m not able to work through the analysis at this time, but something just doesn’t feel quite right about buying a 3% annual increasing annuity. My thinking is influenced by two concerns: - if you are buying this to cover a certain amount of liabilities, you have to pay much more (today) for the 3% increasing annuit...
by RubyTuesday
Mon Oct 09, 2023 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery for solar system
Replies: 59
Views: 5384

Re: Battery for solar system

Enphase now has released and is shipping their new 5p battery. Industry leading power now (older versions were not very competitive in my opinion). I have four Enphase 5ps (20 kWh) being installed for whole home backup this fall on new construction. Enphase IQ 5p Battery Power rating: 3.84 kW Energy capacity: 5.0 kWh Peak output power: 7.68 kW (3 seconds), 6.14 kW (10 seconds) Just as an FYI to those considering- the output power is fairly low on that. Not enough to run a central a/c unless you are running multiples. But it is larger than a power wall. You wouldn’t run a central a/c on one 5kWh battery. These 5p batteries should be thought of as high power building blocks. The number installed will be based on highest power loads (continuo...
by RubyTuesday
Mon Oct 09, 2023 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery for solar system
Replies: 59
Views: 5384

Re: Battery for solar system

Enphase now has released and is shipping their new 5p battery. Industry leading power now (older versions were not very competitive in my opinion). I have four Enphase 5ps (20 kWh) being installed for whole home backup this fall on new construction. Enphase IQ 5p Battery Power rating: 3.84 kW Energy capacity: 5.0 kWh Peak output power: 7.68 kW (3 seconds), 6.14 kW (10 seconds) Just as an FYI to those considering- the output power is fairly low on that. Not enough to run a central a/c unless you are running multiples. But it is larger than a power wall. You wouldn’t run a central a/c on one 5kWh battery. These 5p batteries should be thought of as high power building blocks. The number installed will be based on highest power loads (continuo...
by RubyTuesday
Sun Oct 08, 2023 5:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [New] CA tax hike next year for high earners
Replies: 101
Views: 10246

Re: Huge CA tax hike next year for high earners

https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/payroll-tax-hike-disability-insurance-18408708.php Posting this so folks can incorporate this into their budgeting. The uncapping of this tax is a huge deal to higher earners. I estimate our family will owe $4k more due to this tax hike. This also effectively increases the maximum marginal tax rate for CA high earners. The maximum marginal rate is now: 37% Federal + 2.35% Medicare + 13.3% CA Income + 1.1% CA SDI = 53.75% Congrats, you must be earning a lot of income* for a capped tax of 0.9% changing to an uncapped 1.1% tax to cost an extra $4k. Is this really a huge deal to higher earners? When uncapped it was a bigger deal to lower earners. Uncapping at least makes this a much more progressi...
by RubyTuesday
Sun Oct 08, 2023 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery for solar system
Replies: 59
Views: 5384

Re: Battery for solar system

Enphase now has released and is shipping their new 5p battery. Industry leading power now (older versions were not very competitive in my opinion). I have four Enphase 5ps (20 kWh) being installed for whole home backup this fall on new construction. Enphase IQ 5p Battery Power rating: 3.84 kW Energy capacity: 5.0 kWh Peak output power: 7.68 kW (3 seconds), 6.14 kW (10 seconds) Just as an FYI to those considering- the output power is fairly low on that. Not enough to run a central a/c unless you are running multiples. But it is larger than a power wall. You wouldn’t run a central a/c on one 5kWh battery. These 5p batteries should be thought of as high power building blocks. The number installed will be based on highest power loads (continuo...
by RubyTuesday
Sat Oct 07, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery for solar system
Replies: 59
Views: 5384

Re: Battery for solar system

Enphase now has released and is shipping their new 5p battery. Industry leading power now (older versions were not very competitive in my opinion). I have four Enphase 5ps (20 kWh) being installed for whole home backup this fall on new construction.

Enphase IQ 5p Battery
Power rating: 3.84 kW
Energy capacity: 5.0 kWh
Peak output power: 7.68 kW (3 seconds), 6.14 kW (10 seconds)
by RubyTuesday
Thu Oct 05, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Example of bond fund not returning estimated yield (or anything near it) after stated duration
Replies: 5
Views: 845

Re: Example of bond fund not returning estimated yield (or anything near it) after stated duration

Not commenting on the accuracy of any of your numbers, but wanting to point out that you are always exposed to the fund’s duration risk if you continue to hold. If this is a relatively constant duration fund, the duration risk does not go down because you held it for the duration.

If it was a duration of 5 years at day one, and it’s still a duration of 5 years after 5 years, an interest rate change late in the period will have the effect you would expect from a fund with duration of 5 years.

If you wanted a declining duration risk you should have bought an individual bond and held to maturity or used funds of different durations and rebalance your funds to target a declining duration.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Oct 02, 2023 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does the salary I report to credit card companies matter?
Replies: 35
Views: 5333

Re: Does the salary I report to credit card companies matter?

I mostly ignore it, if possible, dismissing the window. As I’m retired, my income is whatever it needs to be, so if I can’t dismiss the window I put a round number like 0, 100k, or 120k.

I’ve always assumed it’s related to the Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations for banks, but not sure.
by RubyTuesday
Mon Sep 25, 2023 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell Me About Your Fabulous Stove
Replies: 89
Views: 10123

Re: Tell Me About Your Fabulous Stove

Alan S. wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2023 4:51 pm We have a Jenn Air dual fuel downdraft.

The control panel fails every 3 years, which amounts to 5 times now. We have had an electrical contractor verify that there are no issues with the electrical lines from the breaker box to the over.

Seems like the consistency of these failures suggests there is an undiagnosed problem.
We had similar issues with Jenn Air.

We’re now in process of building new home and will use a Wolf induction cooktop for much better indoor air quality. Induction has even better temp control and power than the large gas burners.

For oven we’re going with Miele CombiSteam Oven and Speed Oven.

If we were looking for new slide in range, I would explore Miele, LG, Bosch, and GE ranges with induction cooktop
by RubyTuesday
Sat Sep 23, 2023 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Property Theft From Friends Car
Replies: 21
Views: 3117

Re: Property Theft From Friends Car

dadjunk wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:13 pm My granddaughter just had her laptop and ipad stolen from her friends care while they were at a restaurant. Anyone know which insurance should cover this?
Maybe Mutual of Grandma or Grandpa will cover the loss. Early holiday gift?