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Brantley

Bumping this post. Again, I’d like to get folks thoughts on why this seems to be a topic that I do not see much discussion on in the media, on the web, in finance journals, etc. The cost of supplemental insurance is fairly high. I understand there is large variability in that cost. I ran this by a f...

Brantley

Question - is there any benefit to having a 529 with the parent as the owner vs the kid as it relates to FASFA, or any other reasons? I have setup an account with myself as the owner with the fidelity MA 529 (MA resident). Is it optimal to leave it like this? Personally, I can't imagine why I would...

Brantley

Hi folks,

Question - is there any benefit to having a 529 with the parent as the owner vs the kid as it relates to FASFA, or any other reasons?

I have setup an account with myself as the owner with the fidelity MA 529 (MA resident). Is it optimal to leave it like this?

Brantley

TedSwippet wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 25, 2019 2:00 pm

Brantley wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 25, 2019 1:48 pm
You may be a good candidate for Vanguard PAS
Unlikely. The topic author is a US nonresident alien, and so won't even be eligible to open a Vanguard US account in order to become a Vanguard client.

interesting - I didn’t know that. Any comparable options outside the US that are low cost?

Brantley

You may be a good candidate for Vanguard PAS

Brantley

1) How have you evaluated the performance of your previous advisor? Curious to know what you were benchmarking against. No, I must admit I have not, but should of. Ok this is absolutely critical. Many of your perceptions of the out performance of your advisor may not match reality if you are not su...

Brantley

Might have missed it; but, why if you are in Europe do you invest mostly in the US? My consultant was in US and he was managing his clients in US. I think it makes more sense to invest in US as it has more stable longevity than EU. A 90 / 10 portfolio will take a hit in a recession. All the time. A...

Brantley

A 4rth direction if you care to take it. Post for a portfolio review and get comprehensive input from forum portfolio experts. Portfolio Review Request https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6212 Sounds like a good idea. Do I post it in this section at "Personal Investments"? I would ...

Brantley

Thanks - I did my research before buying the policies and understand how they work. However, I’m looking to see how people view the concept in general, as well as my other questions. Sorry. Your original post left much to interpretation as other replies provided reflect. You might want to edit the ...

Brantley

OP, did you have any specific questions about supplemental disability insurance? Only what is in my original post. Trying to take people’s temperature on the subject. I have a friend who is in investment management who didn’t see any value in it. FIL who is generally financially savvy and mostly a ...

Brantley

I searched this site and found this post suggested To my knowledge, the top-tier carriers are Guardian, Principal, Standard, and Ameritas. Guardian is considered the best if you can get it. I don't know of any general way to rank the others. My policy is with Standard, and I've had a good experienc...

Brantley

Hey folks, Who here has a supplemental private disability policy on top of your employer policy? I do not see many recent posts on the site, and limited coverage on news sites. Seems to be topic not very much talked about. Wife and I have a policy through Principal and the Standard. Employer policie...

Brantley

I'm on the verge of finishing a refinancing and am still feeling apprehensive about it. Wanted to get a gut check from those more informed from me. I have a jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage at 4.475% (roughly $620,000). The new rate would be 3.865%, dropping monthly payments by about $230. We plan to u...

Brantley

Can you clarify the arrangement with the 401k and the plan? Is this money manager through your employer? I just want to make sure we understand what we’re working with. For example, I have an option of paying fidelity to manage my 401k. Otherwise it is self managed (no AUM).

Brantley

TexasPE wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:17 pm

an independent broker that could shop around across many policies
+1. Why spend the time to call insurance companies when a broker can do the legwork for you?

any suggestions on the area, or where to find one?

Brantley

Any suggestions on insurance carriers for Santa Clara area in CA? Need auto and renters.

Brantley

I bought my first home a year ago. Since then, rates have been on a steady decline (from what I gather). Read quite a few historical posts on this front. I’m currently on a 30yr fixed at 4.625%. While I don’t try to time the market with investments, I’m tempted to play cat and mouse while watching ...

Brantley

I bought my first home a year ago. Since then, rates have been on a steady decline (from what I gather). Read quite a few historical posts on this front. I’m currently on a 30yr fixed at 4.625%. While I don’t try to time the market with investments, I’m tempted to play cat and mouse while watching ...

Brantley

If you go to online-only banking, do you have a plan for how you are going to get a medallion signature guarantee when you need one? Serious question, when have you ever needed a Medallion signature guarantee in recent times? I have a local brick and mortar bank that I've used the Medallion signatu...

Brantley

Hey all, Figured I would give a six month check in on the house. We are loving the house and the neighborhood. From a savings perspective, we have kept 401k contributions low at the match, however are maxing out both HSAs. Trying to save as much for some near term house expenses, including some lan...

Brantley

Hey all, Figured I would give a six month check in on the house. We are loving the house and the neighborhood. From a savings perspective, we have kept 401k contributions low at the match, however are maxing out both HSAs. Trying to save as much for some near term house expenses, including some land...

Brantley

I use mint for daily net worth and to monitor expenses and account balances, and I use excel for a basic monthly cash flow tracker to ensure I have sufficient funds to pay cc’s and other bills, as well as a net worth calculation that I update every so often.

Brantley

Thank you both! Good points. If I discontinue contributing to 529, can the balance in the account be rolled over to any other accounts without incurring fees? Or, it has to remain untouched to be used only for educational expenses? utah UESP Also, as I accessed by ROTH IRA account for transfer to t...

Brantley

Thanks! What is TSM? Is it total stock market index fund? Would you operate one separate from your retirement account? You are correct - this is a total stock market index fund. Since your son is 9, and you have more of a 9 year horizon, you may want to be more conservative. You can look at vanguar...

Brantley

But first, you need to determine if you were/are eligible to contribute to Roth IRA for 2018. If not, if you have already contributed, that will need to be fixed. Have you already contributed? How about an estimate of your total income for 2018? Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I contri...

Brantley

Ok - I still have these questions and suggestions 2) Why do you have $200k in cash and CDs? Are you intending to spend that soon? I see you have a house already. You should invest most of this. 4) You are behind on retirement savings. I’d focus on increasing HSA and/or 401k savings before funding th...

Brantley

I have a few questions and thoughts: 1) Are you married? If so, can you update with your spouses info 2) Why do you have $200k in cash and CDs? Are you intending to spend that soon? I see you have a house already. You should invest most of this. 3) Are you total assets right? Doesn’t add up 4) You ...

Brantley

I have a few questions and thoughts: 1) Are you married? If so, can you update with your spouses info 2) Why do you have $200k in cash and CDs? Are you intending to spend that soon? I see you have a house already. You should invest most of this. 3) Are you total assets right? Doesn’t add up 4) You a...

Brantley

I’ve successfully booked Southwest flights using Ultimate Rewards points by the following process: 1. Search for flights on Southwest website, selecting “pay with points” option. 2. Get to screen listing total points and 9/11 taxes due 3. Open a new tab. Logon to Chase UR website. 4. Transfer only ...

Brantley

I’ve successfully booked Southwest flights using Ultimate Rewards points by the following process: 1. Search for flights on Southwest website, selecting “pay with points” option. 2. Get to screen listing total points and 9/11 taxes due 3. Open a new tab. Logon to Chase UR website. 4. Transfer only ...

Brantley

Have a heat pump system with electric baseboard as backup. No gas on street. 2,200 square foot split level home in Massachusetts. Duct work runs through ceiling throughout upstairs with air handler in the attic. Only one duct/vent in basement, and as such gets colder in the winter. Finished basemen...

Brantley

Can I hop into this thread? Have a heat pump system with electric baseboard as backup. No gas on street. 2,200 square foot split level home in Massachusetts. Duct work runs through ceiling throughout upstairs with air handler in the attic. Only one duct/vent in basement, and as such gets colder in t...

Brantley

Choose one the HDHPs and max out HSA at least for a year. It'll set you up well when baby shows up down the line. Hard to advise on which plan as you don't detail the premium cadence on her plan options ( weekly, monthly, etc ??) Are you inferring we should both be on one plan rather than each on o...

Brantley

Since the delivery of the baby is both predictable and major expense I would plan everything in that context. Pick the plan that will make that expense the cheapest for you and covers the hospital you wish to have the baby at and after that is done switch back to HDHP given your young age and appar...

Brantley

Choose one the HDHPs and max out HSA at least for a year. It'll set you up well when baby shows up down the line. Hard to advise on which plan as you don't detail the premium cadence on her plan options ( weekly, monthly, etc ??) Are you inferring we should both be on one plan rather than each on o...

Brantley

Choose one the HDHPs and max out HSA at least for a year. It'll set you up well when baby shows up down the line. Hard to advise on which plan as you don't detail the premium cadence on her plan options ( weekly, monthly, etc ??) Are you inferring we should both be on one plan rather than each on o...

Brantley

dm200 wrote: ↑
Wed Oct 24, 2018 4:06 pm
I might also consider which parent's insurance will be used for your child(ren) when you have them. Over the years, the rules and employer practices have changed about this - so I would be prepared well ahead of time.

Based on the details of the plans - which plan would you consider?

Brantley

Brantley - I manage the medical plans for a large employer for a living. We get your first question all the time. The coverage (i.e., what is covered) and the rates charged for various procedures should be identical within each employer's plan (your and your wife's) regardless of whether you pick a...

Brantley

Hi folks, I am looking for some advice for the upcoming enrollment period to choose my insurance plan. My spouse and I are ~30, both employed, and are thinking about having kids in the next few years. We recently purchased a home in the suburbs. When we do have kids, my wife expect to continue worki...

Brantley

Hi folks, Wife and I married in July of 2017. Since then, she has been contributing to an HSA through her employer's insurance, and I have been contributing to an FSA through my employer's insurance. I just realized this is a no-no. Can someone confirm my interpretation below is right? All contribu...

Brantley

Hi folks, Wife and I married in July of 2017. Since then, she has been contributing to an HSA through her employer's insurance, and I have been contributing to an FSA through my employer's insurance. I just realized this is a no-no. Can someone confirm my interpretation below is right? All contribut...

Brantley

I went through the process and tried NYC and Philadelphia. Here's my $.02. 1) Go physically to see diamonds. It's difficult to ascertain the 4Cs, fire, imperfections, etc. online. The light needs to hit the diamond. If you are uneducated about the process, as most buyers are, go in person because y...

Brantley

I agree with most of the previous posts in that $15k is way too much but if you decide to go down that path do lots of research on diamonds and learn how to use a jeweler’s microscope. It is a common practice for jewelers to sell flawed diamonds for an inflated price. At the very least you might be...

Brantley

Well, you have about $45k liquid to play with. If you spend $15k on the ring, that leaves you $30k for the wedding and downpayment for your home. The problem with a $15k ring is that the expectation is that much higher for the wedding. Your spending is on the high side (back to my comment on entert...

Brantley

Great job saving! You are in great shape. I think $15k on a ring is reasonable. Ensure you shop around and you may be able to get a better deal. Jewelers can always recreate a design. I would also ensure you look closely at what dropping down in quality does to the price, and whether you can even no...

Brantley

I have sincerely enjoyed reading this thread. Brantley - congratulations on your big purchase. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us. Please do keep us updated - bogleheads advice could be helpful in many ways as you enter this next phase of your financial life. Thanks alpinegoat. R...

Brantley

Congratulations on the home purchase. I hope it all works out for you. Did the in laws come through with the 200k down payment? We landed on them contributing to renovations down the line rather than cash up front and buying a house closer to the $1M range. Most of the houses I saw in the $1M range...

Brantley

We put an offer in on a home over the weekend that was accepted in Needham .... We were able to get a lower interest rate than I was expecting (4.25%) and this is certainly a forever home (~2,200 sq ft, 2 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath). Hopefully all goes well with the process, but I will check ...

Brantley

Hey all, I have an update. We put an offer in on a home over the weekend that was accepted in Needham, and the inspection went perfectly today. We really lucked out as Needham was a ghost town and there were very few people at the open house. We were able to get the house below asking, and did not h...

Brantley

I've been using the Capresso 565 for years. Fabulous grinder. Not really made for swapping out beans though. You'd have to tilt the grinder and pour out the beans to do that. The grind is adjustable from course to powdery fine. It has a numbered timer so once you figure out which number produces th...

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