Search found 714 matches

by mur44
Sat Dec 16, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Correlation between TIP's and I-Bond Real Yields
Replies: 3
Views: 739

Correlation between TIP's and I-Bond Real Yields

Is there any historical correlation data between TIPs and I-Bond real yields?
Is it correct to assume that 5-year Tips are comparable to I-Bonds?

Right now, 5-year TIPs, real yield is at 1.74 and I-Bonds at 1.31.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject?

Mur
by mur44
Wed Apr 05, 2023 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CD - brokerage vs direct from bank and NCUA vs FDIC
Replies: 11
Views: 1323

Re: CD - brokerage vs direct from bank and NCUA vs FDIC

(1) Try DepositAccounts to find the best rates.
(2) No difference in Insurance protection either NCUA or FDIC.
by mur44
Mon Dec 26, 2022 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 51918

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

I need Turbotax Premier and if the price is the same as Amazon, I prefer to
purchase Turbotax 2002 Premier at Costco.

Does anyone know if Costco will give $10 Giftcard?
by mur44
Sun Dec 25, 2022 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dec. 22 5 year Tips auction
Replies: 35
Views: 4352

Re: Dec. 22 5 year Tips auction

Kevin,

You gave us excellent explanation. My two (2) questions are:
(1) Is there any advantage to buying TIPS in terms of Federal Income Taxes? I am assuming that there is no State Income Tax.
(2) Does Coupon rate have any affect on Income Taxes?

P.S. I bought 5 year TIPS at last week's auction at TDAmeritrade
by mur44
Sun Dec 18, 2022 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I’m done with Treasury Direct
Replies: 26
Views: 3318

Re: I’m done with Treasury Direct

We keep all the user id's, passwords and security questions on a piece of paper.
This is the only way to manage all accounts and passwords.

Typical senior has roughly 60 - 70 accounts.

Life with modern technology is NOT simple, but way too complex.
by mur44
Mon Oct 31, 2022 10:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1203352

Treasury Direct Issues

Treasury Direct portal was down over the weekend and this morning
It is NOT working as expected. When you try to login, it will ask you to enter OTP
(One Time Passcode). It would take you more than one hour to get the
OTP.

There is no way to contact Treasury Direct. Anyone else having the
same problem?

Thanks
by mur44
Sat Oct 01, 2022 2:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Possible to Estimate Vanguard 2022] Capital Gains Distributions?
Replies: 7
Views: 1903

[Possible to Estimate Vanguard 2022] Capital Gains Distributions?

With the markets in turmoil this year, is it possible to estimate capital gains
distributions (for 2022) for Vanguard mutual funds? Is it possible to use
previous bear market data to extrapolate for this year?

Above information would be useful in determining Roth conversion amount.


Thanks a lot.
by mur44
Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trading Treasuries (nominal and TIPS)
Replies: 4107
Views: 455586

REQUEST HELP WITH PROBLEM

I deposited a BANK check (from CD that matured) into my checking account last Friday, 6/17/2022.
The Bank put a 6-day hold for a random reason and the bank is not helpful.

I placed an order to purchase 26-week Treasury bill last Saturday, 6/18/2022.
Tomorrow, Treasury Direct will try to collect funds from my checking account.
Can I cancel the order today at Treasury Direct. Any ideas as to how to handle this problem?

Thanks in advance.

mur44
by mur44
Mon Jun 13, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trading Treasuries (nominal and TIPS)
Replies: 4107
Views: 455586

Re: Trading Treasuries (nominal and TIPS)

Kevin M,

I have Treasury Direct account and I have been purchasing treasuries in my name. I am
78 years old. My Vanguard account is Mutual Funds only (not brokerage account).

Is it possible to add P.O.D (Payable on Death) or T.O.D (Transfer on Death) to my children
at Treasury Direct? If not, is it cumbersome for my heirs to withdraw funds from Treasury Direct?

Thanks.
by mur44
Sun Jun 12, 2022 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4635

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021

Thanks heartwood, Useful information.

I will go back to county to find details.
by mur44
Sun Jun 12, 2022 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4635

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021

I am a retiree from Bergen County in New Jersey. My question: Am I eligible for IRMAA reimbursement?
Is IRMAA reimbursement limited to State employees only?
by mur44
Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missed Filing Form 8606 for ROTH Conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 604

Re: Missed Filing Form 8606 for ROTH Conversion

I kept a copy of the forms that I mailed. I posted my
return via US Mail.

Do you think I need to send 1040-X?

Thanks a lot for your response
by mur44
Sun Feb 21, 2021 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missed Filing Form 8606 for ROTH Conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 604

Missed Filing Form 8606 for ROTH Conversion

When I filed 2019 Federal Tax return, Turbotax did NOT print form
8606, even though I filled it. I converted IRA to ROTH during
2019.

How do I submit form 8606 for the tax year 2019?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
by mur44
Wed Dec 09, 2020 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard's 2020 capital gains estimates
Replies: 67
Views: 11034

Re: Vanguard's 2020 capital gains estimates

Vanguard gave December 9th 2020 when updated Capital Gains
numbers would be available.

Did anyone see the numbers?
by mur44
Thu Nov 26, 2020 7:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VGD 2020 Estimated Year-End Distributions
Replies: 2
Views: 395

VGD 2020 Estimated Year-End Distributions

I am wondering when Vanguard would give estimated year-end distribution numbers for Admiral and Investor
class. I see mostly Institutional class estimates.

The information is useful in IRA conversion planning.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
by mur44
Thu Nov 05, 2020 2:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Changes to Vanguard
Replies: 78
Views: 7135

Re: Changes to Vanguard

I chose to retain my old traditional Mutual Fund Account.
I called Vanguard and told them that I wanted to keep
the old style account, which is what I have today. FWIW
by mur44
Thu Oct 22, 2020 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: do doctors/hospitals HATE Medicare Advantage (as payers)
Replies: 126
Views: 12905

Re: do doctors/hospitals HATE Medicare Advantage (as payers)

Medicare + Medigap "G" is Gold Standard. If you could afford the
Medigap premium, just stick with it.

I worked as Volunteer Medicare Counselor in the State of New Jersey.
by mur44
Fri Oct 16, 2020 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare/medicaid help - newly paralyzed
Replies: 9
Views: 1829

Re: Medicare/medicaid help - newly paralyzed

Yes, Medicaid is the best option. Find a good attorney and
apply for Medicaid.
by mur44
Sat Oct 10, 2020 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Wi-Fi 6 Router
Replies: 53
Views: 6932

Re: Replacement Wi-Fi 6 Router

Thanks all of you who gave valuable tips.

I will try to upgrade the firmware first and see what happens.

Thanks Again.

mur44
by mur44
Fri Oct 09, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Wi-Fi 6 Router
Replies: 53
Views: 6932

Replacement Wi-Fi 6 Router

With Zoom meetings, my current wi-fi router, TL-WAR3600 has been experiencing
freezing and dropped connections.

I am looking to replace the router with new standard wi-fi 6 router. Does anyone
have any experience with new wi-fi 6 routers?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
by mur44
Thu May 14, 2020 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CD discussion thread
Replies: 1214
Views: 188428

Re: Best CD rates thread

Kevin M,

My wife has one CD at PSECU with me as POD beneficiary. Does this automatically
give $500,000 NCUA protection even in her ONE existing (ADD ON provision) CD?

Could you please clarify?

Thanks
by mur44
Tue May 12, 2020 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: nice 20% insurance premium increase
Replies: 37
Views: 3888

Re: nice 20% insurance premium increase

I am assuming you live in NJ. If yes, then why not
apply to NJ Mfr's, which is now open to all NJ residents.
by mur44
Sat May 09, 2020 5:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why is the stock market up? [thread multi-merge]
Replies: 521
Views: 31497

Re: "The economy is in free fall. So why isn't the stock market?"

Is US Treasury buying stocks a reason for the market to go up?

Treasury had been known to be buyer of stocks in the past.
by mur44
Fri May 01, 2020 4:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder meeting]
Replies: 52
Views: 5559

[Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholder meeting]

[Title was "Free To Watch Warren Buffett's Speech Tomorrow?" --admin LadyGeek]

Yahoo Finance has been advertising that they would stream the
Annual Conference speech tomorrow (5/2/2020).

Does anyone know if it is free to watch the live video or one
needs Premium subscription?

I thought it would be interesting to hear from the Oracle of Omaha.
by mur44
Wed Apr 29, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2020 Dividend Forecast For VTSAX
Replies: 1
Views: 506

2020 Dividend Forecast For VTSAX

Are there any forecasts of estimated dividends for Vanguard
Total Stock Market Fund for 2020?

Pundits are saying the dividends would be cut this year.
by mur44
Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise Deposit Refund
Replies: 5
Views: 533

Cruise Deposit Refund

Our family paid $2,500 in deposits for a cruise on Royal Caribbean Lines for
travel on August 9, 2020. Current Government Guidelines call for
cruise cancellations through July 24, 2020.

I am wondering if the cruise line would refund our deposits if they are not
allowed to operate in August 2020.

We did not take any Travel Insurance.

Any chance that we may get the refund?
by mur44
Sun Mar 22, 2020 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home services in time of COVID_19
Replies: 7
Views: 699

Re: Home services in time of COVID_19

We are cancelling House Cleaning service.

The question is: How much do we pay for the cancelled visit?
Should we pay full amount for the visit that was cancelled by us?
by mur44
Wed Mar 18, 2020 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expected ST/LT Capital Gains for 2020
Replies: 3
Views: 289

Re: Expected ST/LT Capital Gains for 2020

Additional Information:
2019 Capital Gains Distributions (1099-DIV) from the following Mutual Funds:
Dodge & cox Balanced Fund
Dodge & Co Stock Fund
Dodge & Cox Global Stock Fund
Dodge & Cox International Fund

We received $8,500 in total Capital Gains Distributions in 2019. We
do not expect any sales/purchases from the above funds for
2020.

What would be the expected Capital Gains Distributions for
the year 2020, if it can be predicted as a result of the
market volatility going on now?

Thanks Grabinar for your valuable input.
by mur44
Tue Mar 17, 2020 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expected ST/LT Capital Gains for 2020
Replies: 3
Views: 289

Expected ST/LT Capital Gains for 2020

We are converting IRA funds to Roth during 2020. Current market
provides an opportunity to do so.

Are the expected Capital Gains distributions (Ex. Total Stock Market Fund)
same as in 2019 or would they be higher as the Mutual Funds needed to sell?

An tips would be greatly appreciated.
by mur44
Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Turbotax says I have to wait for form 8606]
Replies: 19
Views: 2764

Re: [Turbotax says I have to wait for form 8606]

Today is the expected date, 2/12/2020 (11 AM Eastern Time); now the message says
"Ready Soon". Turbotax employees work on the west coast. I will try
again this afternoon.
by mur44
Tue Feb 04, 2020 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How To Sell TIPs Held At Treasury Direct
Replies: 2
Views: 398

How To Sell TIPs Held At Treasury Direct

My wife has $1,000.00 TIPs held at Treasury Direct maturing
in 2024. We are trying to simplify life by closing as many accounts
as possible as we are in the 70+ old range. She does not have
a brokerage account. Her bank (TD Bank) does not sell TIPs.
I have TD Ameritrade account.

How to sell TIPs held at Treasury Direct easy way? Any
ideas?

Thanks in advance.
by mur44
Mon Jan 20, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Robocalls! -- current best call blocker?
Replies: 66
Views: 15848

Re: Robocalls! -- current best call blocker?

With the new law banning spam calls, is it still worthwhile to
buy and use a call blocking device such as CPR V5000?
by mur44
Tue Dec 24, 2019 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Fund – Admiral
Replies: 1
Views: 654

VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Fund – Admiral

I am currently working on estimating 2019 Income for IRMAA calculation purposes.
As of today, Vanguard provided the Dividend data (VTSAX) for the year 2019 with a
footnote:[u] Dividends declared by regulated investment companies and real estate
investment trusts in October, November and December but paid the following
January are taxable in the year declared[/u].

Does anyone know the estimated percentage of the special dividends?

Thanks in advance.

mur44
by mur44
Fri Dec 20, 2019 6:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Estimated Year-End Distributions
Replies: 73
Views: 11050

Re: Vanguard Estimated Year-End Distributions

Can someone direct me to the Vanguard link
that gives ACTUAL fourth (4th) Quarter 2019
Dividends and Capital Gains distribution amounts.
Original estimated date is December 20, 2019
for the data.

Thanks in advance
by mur44
Wed Dec 11, 2019 5:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Estimated Year-End Distributions
Replies: 73
Views: 11050

VGD Estimates for Year End Distributions

[Merged into ongoing discussion -- mod oldcomputerguy]

The following link from Vanguard says Estimates for fourth (4th) Quarter 2019
Distributions would be available as of December 10, 2019:

https://investornews.vanguard/mark-your ... butions-3/

I was not able to find values of Total Stock Market. Does anyone have correct link
for Estimates for Capital Gains Distributions for Investor Class?
by mur44
Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbotax 2019 on Amazon
Replies: 347
Views: 47727

Re: Turbotax 2019 on Amazon

Is Turbotax 2019 Deluxe usable on more than one PC?

In the past, the software allowed for up to 4 users.
by mur44
Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2019 Year End Distributions (Preliminary)
Replies: 0
Views: 582

2019 Year End Distributions (Preliminary)

Vanguard has published preliminary year end distribution dates and amounts:
https://investornews.vanguard/upcoming- ... formation/

(Then click on "See the list as a PDF")

I wonder how close the final numbers change from the preliminary numbers.
by mur44
Fri Nov 15, 2019 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?
Replies: 9
Views: 1492

Re: Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?

Thanks for all the responses; I always learn something new on this forum.
by mur44
Fri Nov 15, 2019 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?
Replies: 9
Views: 1492

Re: Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?

I am already retired; Thanks for your quick response.

I am not sure about the risks associated with "Qualified Opportunity Fund s".
by mur44
Fri Nov 15, 2019 4:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?
Replies: 9
Views: 1492

Any Tidbits on Reducing Income for 2,3 Years?

I will be converting IRA amounts to Roth over the next
2, 3 years. Please note that I am investing most of my funds in CDs.
I am looking for ways to reduce interest income for a few years without taking undue risk,
primarily for IRMAA savings.

I am looking at the following options:
(1) Buy Gold Coins and hold them
(2) Buy a Condo
(3) Buy Single Premium Life Insurance
(4) Give money to children
(5) Buy Qualified Opportunity Fund (Risk Level Unknown)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
by mur44
Sun Oct 20, 2019 3:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jump In Spam Emails For OPTONLINE Account
Replies: 1
Views: 425

Jump In Spam Emails For OPTONLINE Account

All of a sudden, Spam Emails on my optonline account jumped
since 2 months. These spam emails are originating from GOOGLEMAIL.COM
accounts.

Any tips on how to stop the spam emails would be greatly appreciated.
by mur44
Sun Aug 04, 2019 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ink Pens
Replies: 77
Views: 6813

Re: Ink Pens

I just buy Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Extra Fine Pens. They last a
long time. It is easy (less effort) to write and sign.

I buy these pens at Staples.
by mur44
Sat Mar 23, 2019 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planning a trip to Iceland with kids
Replies: 17
Views: 2789

Re: Planning a trip to Iceland with kids

Any tips for us traveling to Iceland late April this year.

Would we have a good change to view Northern Lights?
How about Weather in late April?

Thanks in advance.
by mur44
Thu Dec 27, 2018 2:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inova CU 4% 6 yr CD. Xmas gift or lump of coal?
Replies: 12
Views: 2399

Re: Inova CU 4% 6 yr CD. Xmas gift or lump of coal?

I applied online on 12/25/2018. INOVA asked for more information as if they are processing my application. I emailed all information. Just now they told me that there is NEW 6 year CD offering less than 4%. What a dishonest business operation? I declined.
by mur44
Thu Dec 20, 2018 5:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's the impact of no more Roth recharacterization?
Replies: 37
Views: 5764

Re: What's the impact of no more Roth recharacterization?

Thanks Alan for your reply. I rely on your replies for
many aspects. I do NOT fully understand how inflation
adjustments for IRMAA tiers would adjust/change IRMAA
tiers for 2018. Please see the following example from
SSA.GOV that utilizes 2017 IRMAA tiers for 2019 IRMAA
premiums. Are you saying that Medicare would revise/adjust
tiers for 2018?:

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0601101020

I would send a PM also about this issue.

Thanks a lot.
by mur44
Sun Dec 16, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's the impact of no more Roth recharacterization?
Replies: 37
Views: 5764

Re: What's the impact of no more Roth recharacterization?

Because my income sources are varied (including Interest Income, Dividends, Capital Gains, Pensions, Social Security and Roth Conversions (i.e. IRA Distributions), I am trying to stay just below IRMAA cliff. (1) Interest Income: I can determine accurately. (2) Dividends: After 4th Quarter distributions, I can determine accurately. (3) Capital Gains: I am NOT sure (Line 13 on IRS 1040) (4) Pensions: I can determine accurately. (5) Social Security: I can determine accurately. (6) Roth Conversions: I can determine accurately. Right now, I allowed $7,000.00 below the cliff level to account for any errors/surprises. I am wondering if it is necessary to allow $7,000 for errors/surprises. We have accounts at Vanguard and Dodge & Cox. Can Capit...
by mur44
Wed Dec 12, 2018 4:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Our mentor [Jack Bogle] advises to "buy bonds" for protection in current market
Replies: 61
Views: 7167

vanguard-founder-bogle-says-buy-bonds

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek]

Bogle says to buy bonds as he sees several problems including debt,
unstable government:

https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/vangu ... ?link=mktw

Is he referring to Intermediate Term bonds?
by mur44
Wed Nov 28, 2018 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Next For CD Strategy?
Replies: 6
Views: 1196

What Next For CD Strategy?

Now that Fed Chairman has spoken, is it
time to buy longer term CD's.