Search found 10389 matches

by mhalley
Wed Mar 27, 2024 12:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kindle Users--Please help
Replies: 24
Views: 1393

Re: Kindle Users--Please help

I read on a kindle device, so no experience with a fire tablet, but apparently you can pay money to remove ads from a fire tablet. This video explains how, it was $15 in the example.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RSIT7XIc9I0
by mhalley
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security Question
Replies: 6
Views: 882

Re: Social Security Question

Colas are applied whether or not you have started SS benefits. My understanding is that colas that have gone into effect are reflected on your statement. https://cannonfinancialstrategists.com/wp-content/uploads/How-COLAs-Affect-SS-Benefits.pdf https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/do-online-social-security-benefit-estimates-reflect-2022-cola Social Security benefit statements don't include any future projected cost of living (COLA) increases, but they do include COLAs that have already gone into effect at the time the statement is issued. Social Security can change their policies with regard to what they post on their website at any time, though, so you should check with them if you have questions about your benefit statements. What I can t...
by mhalley
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: unmarried with joint mortgage, can 1 deduct all interest?
Replies: 5
Views: 680

Re: unmarried with joint mortgage, can 1 deduct all interest?

If it’s paid from a joint tax account,then technically she is only allowed to deduct half the interest. Will the irs check this? I dunno.
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-expe ... ing-house/
Paying Expenses From a Joint Account
If you co-own your home with a spouse or partner and pay expenses from a joint account, the IRS says you should split your deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest equally—assuming you decide to itemize deductions and you file separate tax returns.
IANAL
by mhalley
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Debt in Collections
Replies: 7
Views: 1113

Re: Medical Debt in Collections

Part of the negation needs to be they will remove the hit to your credit. Having it In writing is a must.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 21, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap Plan G: Any Reason To Not Shop Soley By Price?
Replies: 23
Views: 1731

Re: Medigap Plan G: Any Reason To Not Shop Soley By Price?

Some plans start out low but put you in a pool that will result in higher annual increases than others as you age. So price is not the sole thing you should look for when shopping. Remember also there is no guarantee in a year that you will meet medical underwriting to change plans/companies. Also, some plans have poor customer service and problems paying bills on time. Also beware companies with no long term history of medigap insurance who are just getting into the business.
by mhalley
Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why
Replies: 89
Views: 5024

Re: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why

I started out on plan g but was not happy with the large yearly increases. I decided to switch to plan N after watching some videos of various medical scenarios and what your out of pocket expenses would be.
5 days seems egregious, esp as Medicare only pays for 3 days of observation. I understand there is a class action lawsuit going on due to this.
https://www.connecticare.com/content/da ... dicare.pdf
by mhalley
Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which typie of Fidelity account?
Replies: 26
Views: 1858

Re: Which typie of Fidelity account?

You a buy anything including higher yielding mm funds in the cma account. I think you have to have a large amount in the Fido brokerage to get atm fee reimbursement. For a low $ account, I would go cma.
by mhalley
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why
Replies: 89
Views: 5024

Re: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why

Check out some of the YouTube channels that go over the differences between the plans. Here’s one to get u started.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MWrNhZW8Z ... Nlcg%3D%3D
by mhalley
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L
Replies: 16
Views: 1547

Re: Pointers for Buying 2024 Honda Odyssey EX-L

I sold my car to carvana for more than the dealer would give on my trade in. It was pretty painless. You will generally get more from local or something like carvana than a dealer. Remember to count the state tax savings in the deal because a trade in reduces the sales tax on the new car in some states.
Another option is to go to caredge and post the deal on their forum to get an opinion.
by mhalley
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: OpenSocialSecurity Spousal Benefits question
Replies: 4
Views: 932

Re: OpenSocialSecurity Spousal Benefits question

The WEP calculation is complicated. I would file at HER fra just to make sure she receives anything she might be eligible for.
by mhalley
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5402

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

Glad to see someone else that uses the sketchers as indoor slippers. I have a couple pair that are my outside shoes and a pair I use for slippers indoors. Every time I’ve purchased house slippers they are too big or too small. And the sheerling lined ones are too hot.
I also have some crocs with a canvas upper that I alternate with the sketchers that are comfy.
https://www.crocs.com/p/mens-santa-cruz ... ar&cid=261
by mhalley
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gift from Foreigner Parents
Replies: 3
Views: 643

Re: Gift from Foreigner Parents

IANAL
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... 52Dtaxable.)&ved=2ahUKEwj6xdbWiPCEAxW7tokEHQs-AOEQFnoECBIQBQ&usg=AOvVaw1WroAINFRkKgNHskbN_rTf
No, the US does not have a foreign gift tax, unlike the foreign inheritance tax. If you receive a gift from a foreign person, the gift is not subject to taxation. However, if the value of the gift exceeds certain thresholds, you must report it to the IRS. (It will remain non-taxable.)
by mhalley
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: what does the "11" mean in this video?
Replies: 8
Views: 1234

Re: what does the "11" mean in this video?

I think it represents that the stockholder has 10% of the company PLUS 10% of earnings. So it is represented as 10 plus 10% of 10 = 11.
It is worded awkwardly
by mhalley
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Score: 805 - Should I close old Credit Cards?
Replies: 12
Views: 1976

Re: Credit Score: 805 - Should I close old Credit Cards?

You should def have more than one credit card. You could have one credit card cancelled by the bank suddenly for no reason, or lose one and not have it while the new one is being mailed, or some other problem when the card is rejected. As they have no fees, no need to cancel. Just buy a tank of gas or something twice a year with them to keep them in good standing. If they used infrequently the chance of fraud is very low. I have no advice on the overseas part.
by mhalley
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Retired--Should I rollover my 403b?
Replies: 1
Views: 418

Re: Newly Retired--Should I rollover my 403b?

If you are concerned about inflation you should increase your stock allocation. https://www.forbes.com/sites/qai/2022/09/14/tips-vs-the-stock-market-comparing-historic-returns-in-times-of-high-inflation/?sh=5a94c93d1eb9 TIPS have been around since the late 1990s, and they have performed well during that time. But they haven’t offered far superior returns compared to other types of fixed-income securities. For example, from 2002 through 2021, U.S. bonds returned 4.33%, and global bonds returned 4.43%. Since 2000, the Vanguard TIPS fund (VIPSX) has returned 4.83%….. Choosing whether to invest in the stock market or TIPS can be enormously challenging and depends on many factors unique to your financial situation. If you have money that you can...
by mhalley
Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Removing "managing" from Fidelity account
Replies: 8
Views: 1257

Re: Removing "managing" from Fidelity account

Unfortunately she will need to call.
From the Fido faq
How do I close my Fidelity® Personalized Planning & Advice account?
To close your account or terminate the service, contact us at 800-343-3548. There is no cancellation fee. If you do terminate the service, you’ll be charged a prorated portion of the advisory fee for the time your account was managed, based on your account balance during that period.


If you’d like to terminate the service, it’s important you understand that the Fidelity Flex®> funds in your account can only be held in certain Fidelity fee-based accounts.
by mhalley
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking of Switching From Big Name Manager to Vanguard
Replies: 20
Views: 2218

Re: Starting the SSRI Paperwork

Start with the bogleheads wiki. Setup your account at vanguard. (Or fidelity or Schwab) Setup the account to have tax lots as specific identification. Read the posts getting started, asset allocation and three fund portfolio. Contact vanguard or fidelity or Schwab) to initiate the transfer IN KIND from your currrent brokerage. You can do this online. If you try to do a push from them, they will drag their feet and are trained on how to convince you that you are making a huge mistake. The major pitfall would be selling and owing cap gains taxes. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asset_allocation https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio You can always talk to vanguard about potentially...
by mhalley
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking of Switching From Big Name Manager to Vanguard
Replies: 20
Views: 2218

Re: Starting the SSRI Paperwork

The thing about vanguard pas is they want all the funds/etfs to be vanguard products. If your account is taxable, then you might end up with a large tax bill to switch to pas. You would need to look at the account and see how much capital gains you have, and if a lot work on a plan to gradually switch to a more reasonable portfolio. But certainly you could move to vanguard with the ultimate goal of a 3 fund portfolio.
Some immediate steps:
Turn off dividend investment
Sell funds with capital losses
Sell funds with gains to equal the amount of losses
Figure how mipuch extra tax you are willing to pay each year to unwind the portfolio over a few years
by mhalley
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD questions
Replies: 2
Views: 651

Re: RMD questions

RMD is not prorated. It can be taken at any time during the year, as long as it is completed by Dec 31.
by mhalley
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Contributions to tax-deferred or roth 401(k) 3 years from retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 855

Re: Contributions to tax-deferred or roth 401(k) 3 years from retirement

I would consider putting money in taxable for more flexibility for ACA coverage and money to pay taxes on possible Roth conversions.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax / estate planning for Roth IRAs
Replies: 6
Views: 847

Re: tax / estate planning for Roth IRAs

I just remembered another option I’ve heard on financial podcasts. It involves a 2d to die whole life insurance policy to pay the estate taxes. Course won’t work if you are not healthy.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax / estate planning for Roth IRAs
Replies: 6
Views: 847

Re: tax / estate planning for Roth IRAs

I think there are some trust that might do this, but IANAL.The obvious answer is to get a tax/estate attorney. Remember that the estate taxes will only apply to the amount above the exemption.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth conversion with an existing Traditional IRA
Replies: 10
Views: 1559

Re: Backdoor Roth conversion with an existing Traditional IRA

I think most people would say the hassle of tracking nondeductible ira contributions isn’t worth it. Just save in a taxable brokerage account.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth vs traditional 401K for me at 12% (and understanding check)
Replies: 3
Views: 437

Re: Roth vs traditional 401K for me at 12% (and understanding check)

Taxes are most likely to go up in the future, although no one can know. Roth seems a no brainer to me.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELP! Need Credit Card Advice for Young Adult
Replies: 14
Views: 1000

Re: HELP! Need Credit Card Advice for Young Adult

2 different 2% cash back cards from different banks, pay off each month, no more than 30% credit utilization and you will have great credit. If you shop at Amazon get their 5% card.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy this phone?
Replies: 24
Views: 2046

Re: Should I buy this phone?

I think there are plenty of phones for around 500 that meet most people’s needs. Additionally, I would look at the cost of a phone as what you pay for a years worth of use for it, if you get a 1k phone and keep it for 4 years, it doesn’t seem as bad.
by mhalley
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Medicare Advantage Discussion - Let's have some facts
Replies: 22
Views: 1378

Re: Another Medicare Advantage Discussion - Let's have some facts

I’ve seen several YouTube videos that take various medical scenarios and compare the oop costs to plain Medicare, advantage, and Medicare plus supplement. For example, one showed 150k in cancer chemotherapy plus a couple of hospitalizations and supplement was less expensive.
by mhalley
Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving part/all of 529 to Fidelity 529
Replies: 0
Views: 249

Moving part/all of 529 to Fidelity 529

I have an overfunded 529 with my granddaughter as beneficiary. I am planning to do the 529 to Roth transfers as per the recent tax law changes. Considering easiest way to accomplish this.
1. Fill out the paperwork to do it at the old 529. I don’t think they have an online process.
2. Move the 35k to Fidelity 529 to hopefully make the transfer easier. Keep the remainder at the old custodian to maintain the history of contributions.
3. Move the entire 529 to Fidelity
Does the age of the 529 transfer when you move accounts?
by mhalley
Mon Mar 04, 2024 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Spousal Benefits
Replies: 5
Views: 738

Re: Social Security Spousal Benefits

If you claim spousal benefits at your full retirement age, you get 1/2 of your ex spouses pia. This assumes your pia is less than that amount. In order to qualify, you need to have been married for 10 years.
If you claim prior to your fra, you get decreased benefits. This does not affect your survivor benefit.
Table of benefits percentage by age
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement ... /1960.html
by mhalley
Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Eligible for Social Security now that back taxes are filed?
Replies: 2
Views: 562

Re: Eligible for Social Security now that back taxes are filed?

I know of no tax status required to file for SS, as long as you have the 40 credits needed and are 62+.I would say that if she has the 40 credits needed to file, and wishes to file at her current age, there is no need to wait. SS will eventually add the earnings to your wife’s pia calculations and make you whole. (If they are not already in the system) Might take a while, but eventually it will be the same as if you wait until the taxes enter the SS system. Another option would be to wait and file retroactively. It all depends on if you need the SS income now. Have you created my SS web account? Check to see if those years are there. Were these self employment tax returns? I don’t think you have to actually file taxes for the earnings to sh...
by mhalley
Sun Mar 03, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b
Replies: 5
Views: 527

Re: IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b

You don’t need to report anything to the irs unless you make withdrawal.

https://humaninterest.com/learn/article ... r-my-401k/
Generally speaking, you can claim deductions for 401(k) contributions—and if you haven’t made any withdrawals from your 401(k), you don’t need to report anything to the IRS
You don’t need to do form 8606 unless you do backdoor Roth.
by mhalley
Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SPIA: Roth or tIRA
Replies: 9
Views: 1365

Re: SPIA: Roth or tIRA

I also see no need for a spia with the current income plus very large net worth.
by mhalley
Sun Mar 03, 2024 1:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699387

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

First two episodes of Shogun, streaming on Hulu. Very high production values, excellent interpretation of the book by James Clavell. Tells the story of an Englishman thrust into the very foreign and violent world of feudal Japan in 1600. Danger besets him from all sides as the leaders of Japan jockey to become the Supreme military leader of the country. His captor, Lord Toranaga hopes to use him as a pawn against his enemies. He struggles to learn the language and the very different way of thinking, rising to become samurai and falling in love with his tutor. Very good so far.
by mhalley
Sat Mar 02, 2024 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401K Administrative fees: Are there better options?
Replies: 9
Views: 577

Re: 401K Administrative fees: Are there better options?

I think that is a little high. WCI put our a post on the ideal 401k plan and which co he chose for his business here:
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/the-new-wci-401k/
Plus he has a list of recommended providers here
https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/retirementaccounts/
by mhalley
Fri Mar 01, 2024 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Identity theft precautions and questions and cyber insurance?
Replies: 2
Views: 591

Re: Identity theft precautions and questions and cyber insurance?

Clark Howard doesn’t think paid credit monitoring is worth it. Instead, setup credit karma/ sesame acco7nt and check annual credit report.com. You will need to thaw cr3dit reports to setup the account.
by mhalley
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Separate Vanguard Broker Account for each Mutual Fund
Replies: 8
Views: 1330

Re: Separate Vanguard Broker Account for each Mutual Fund

It seems overly complicated to me. Each account will have a different return, causing the percentage of your net worth left to each heir to change constantly. Having one account with % to each heir. Say 50% to daughter, 25% to grand daughter, 5% to miscellaneous etc or however you would like it distributed seems less of a hassle. But either way is fine.
Beneficiary designations on accounts trump the will.
by mhalley
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request for Young Adult and Recent Graduate Starting First Job
Replies: 12
Views: 1556

Re: Portfolio Review Request for Young Adult and Recent Graduate Starting First Job

Having stocks in the 529 might not be the best way to go. In general, money needed within 5 years should not be 100% stocks, as the value can be cut in half just when you need it.
by mhalley
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Divorced Spouse Survivor Benefits
Replies: 8
Views: 655

Re: Social Security Divorced Spouse Survivor Benefits

That’s my understanding.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/pe ... /97384164/
A: So, if you take your own Social Security at 62 with the reduced payment, and are later widowed, your own early payment reduction will not carry over to the widow’s payment, says Andy Landis, author of Social Security: The Inside Story, 2016 Edition.
by mhalley
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Divorced Spouse Survivor Benefits
Replies: 8
Views: 655

Re: Social Security Divorced Spouse Survivor Benefits

Claiming early decreases SS SPOUSAL benefits, but does not decrease SURVIVOR benefits, assuming the spouse does not claim survivor benefits prior to fra. The surviving spouse would receive the ex spouses full SS benefit.
by mhalley
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: combining after tax accounts at VG
Replies: 2
Views: 1139

Re: combining after tax accounts at VG

You might want to save the cost basis before the transfer, just in case there is a problem. But the cost basis should transfer. Plus make sure spec id is turned on for all accounts.
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor- ... t-vanguard
by mhalley
Sun Feb 25, 2024 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion: Mine vs. Spouse - Does it Matter?
Replies: 19
Views: 1464

Re: Roth Conversion: Mine vs. Spouse - Does it Matter?

Converting the funds from the oldest spouses ira would make sense to delay higher rmds as long as possible. All IRAs can be rolled into the surviving spouse account so which ira has more funds doesn’t matter.
by mhalley
Sun Feb 25, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uneven Estimated Withholding Question(s)
Replies: 16
Views: 1138

Re: Uneven Estimated Withholding Question(s)

The taxes are technically due in the quarter income is earned. Making uneven payments is fine, you just might need to fill out a form to explain why you did it that way. But paying equally is simpler.
by mhalley
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What got you out of poverty?
Replies: 111
Views: 13083

Re: What got you out of poverty?

Joined the Navy and used gi bill to go to college and med school.
by mhalley
Wed Feb 21, 2024 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Solo 401K - Can contributions go to existing Roth IRA?
Replies: 8
Views: 566

Re: Solo 401K - Can contributions go to existing Roth IRA?

IRAs are totally different and separate from employer based accounts such as 401ks.
by mhalley
Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?
Replies: 10
Views: 2254

Re: Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?

You can’t go by the number anymore, they can put any number they want you to see.
by mhalley
Mon Feb 19, 2024 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Denver car theft and crime issues - how bad is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 2836

Re: Denver car theft and crime issues - how bad is it?

I think local reports would be too subjective. You might try one of these sites.
NeighborhoodScout
CrimeReports
AreaVibes
SpotCrime
Trulia Crime Map
ADT Crime Maps
by mhalley
Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need permission to stop saving and coast, please:)
Replies: 15
Views: 3330

Re: Need permission to stop saving and coast, please:)

I’m pretty conservative so I would say not to coast. We have no idea what the stock market, inflation and interest rates will do. You might be able to cut back a little. Esp with an 800k purchase coming up.
by mhalley
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New to RMD
Replies: 12
Views: 1920

Re: New to RMD

As I recall vanguard doesn’t do state tax withholding for around half of states.
https://personal1.vanguard.com/pdf/sawhtc.pdf
by mhalley
Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turning an old iphone into a Spotify controller for kids
Replies: 2
Views: 529

Re: Turning an old iphone into a Spotify controller for kids

Might want to create a new Apple ID so you can use find me. Kids can always forget where they last had the phone.