Search found 213 matches

by lovejoypeace
Wed Mar 20, 2024 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traditional and Roth IRA 2023 contribution - is this right?
Replies: 2
Views: 309

Traditional and Roth IRA 2023 contribution - is this right?

In 2023 I had $9,450 of taxable compensation, spouse had 0. I contributed $9,450 to my SIMPLE plan, making my total compensation $18,900. According to my tax return, I can contribute $7,500 to my ROTH and my spouse $7,500 to a traditional IRA. Is that correct?? I had always thought that total IRA contributions could not exceed taxable compensation. Before I contribute to both, I want to make sure I am eligible!

Thank you!
by lovejoypeace
Mon Oct 17, 2022 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Orlando - Gatorland
Replies: 7
Views: 830

Re: Orlando - Gatorland

Not Gatorland and I'm not sure when you are going, but we enjoyed Showcase of Citrus and Blue Spring state park!
by lovejoypeace
Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quickbooks
Replies: 20
Views: 1666

Re: Quickbooks

sleepysurf wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:00 pm
Malum Prohibitum wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 8:45 am ... My accountant has said, however, not to use the online version or the Apple version...
FYI, Intuit is phasing out Quickbooks Desktop over the next year, so everybody will be forced to use the online version... https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-sup ... d=l76fkjzr
The above is for Quickbooks 2019. I'm a CPA and I HATE Quickbooks online (it may be user friendly, but it is difficult to get the information accountants need)!!! The Quickbooks Mac version does not easliy convert to Windows.
by lovejoypeace
Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: when to hit the panic button re: SORR [Sequence of Returns Risk]
Replies: 31
Views: 3640

Re: when to hit the panic button re: SORR

If you have brought it up and she's not concerned, then let it be.
by lovejoypeace
Mon May 16, 2022 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mom, Medicaid, and will she lose her house?
Replies: 64
Views: 11479

Re: Mom, Medicaid, and will she lose her house?

OP - will you be able to maintain the property if you get it free? How much are the property taxes, insurance, and general maintenance costs?

Please don't do ANYTHING until you meet with the attorney, including cashing in her life insurance and going to a funeral home. You need to be sure of what you can do before going on what others say.
by lovejoypeace
Thu May 12, 2022 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mom, Medicaid, and will she lose her house?
Replies: 64
Views: 11479

Re: Mom, Medicaid, and will she lose her house?

GO SEE AN ATTORNEY FAMILIAR WITH ELDER LAW IN YOUR STATE TODAY.

I know you are concerned about all this, but do not act without seeing an attorney. There might be things you can do that I'm not going to go into here.

Your most concerning order of business is to take care of your mother. Right now, you don't need to worry about what happened in the past with your brother or who gets/got what.
by lovejoypeace
Mon May 09, 2022 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Faxing IRS 95 pages of supporting documents
Replies: 81
Views: 6901

Re: Faxing IRS 95 pages of supporting documents

OP, I would suggest contacting your representative to see what options they can provide. The next option would be the Taxpayer's Advocate office (although from past experience it will take more than 20 days to get a response from them).
by lovejoypeace
Wed Jan 12, 2022 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hrblock fee appropriate?
Replies: 20
Views: 1714

Re: hrblock fee appropriate?

OP - if it's all about price, go to H&R Block. I worked for one tax season at H&R Block before I decided to get my CPA license. As a CPA, I love when people ask for a quote because even though you have listed what you have, we have no way of knowing how much work we have to do to get to the finished product (box of receipts that we have to go thru, piecemeal info, etc.). Personally, I think that fee is low.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air Fryer - Recommendations?
Replies: 46
Views: 5650

Re: Air Fryer - Recommendations?

My Power XL air fryer makes the best bacon!!! We've also enjoyed salmon cooked in the air fryer!
by lovejoypeace
Tue Nov 09, 2021 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volunteering “Bucket” List
Replies: 40
Views: 4209

Re: Volunteering “Bucket” List

Our Baptist organization has a conference center on Oahu. They request married couple volunteers to be "camp hosts" for 1-2 months at a time. They will help with meal preparation, groundskeeping, housekeeping, etc. I can't wait to do that when I "retire"!!
by lovejoypeace
Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Less common one-person S-corp deductions
Replies: 68
Views: 4844

Re: Less common one-person S-corp deductions

[/quote] IRC 280A(g), or the “14 Day Rental Rule”, allows business owners to claim a home rental fee as a business expense. After all, if you weren’t renting the space from yourself, you would be renting it from someone else. And as long as the number of days on which you rent out your domicile to your business is less than 15 days, the income your business pays to your personal account is tax-free. https://andersonadvisors.com/section-280a-deduction-explained/ [/quote] If you rent your personal residence to your S-Corp the income will be taxable to you. The link says "Issue a 1099 to yourself". The IRS is going to match 1099's to your individual return. If you are the sole owner of the S-Corp, what is the purpose of taking a dedu...
by lovejoypeace
Wed Oct 06, 2021 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dreaming - where [should I] spend 1-2 months in the US?
Replies: 69
Views: 7770

Re: Dreaming - where would you spend 1-2 months in the US?

ScubaHogg wrote: Wed Oct 06, 2021 12:34 pm Apologies if it’s been asked. What time of year? It matters a lot.

For example, Seattle is amazing July-sept. I would never go there before June or after early October. similar restrictions for many of the places you list.
Any time of year except January-April.
by lovejoypeace
Wed Oct 06, 2021 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dreaming - where [should I] spend 1-2 months in the US?
Replies: 69
Views: 7770

Re: Dreaming - where would you spend 1-2 months in the US?

Thinking about spending some time in Florida when I retire, possibly on the Space Coast. Would love to hang out on the beach anytime I want! Also would look to get resident passes to Disney for my wife and I, and just go and people watch all day... :D :D Have to ask - is the tax thing a full-time role for the OP now? Have always thought about working for H&R Block or something for extra income as a retiree - have done my own reasonably-complicated taxes for years (never used a preparer, actually), so I think I could be useful to do this on behalf of others. Not sure if this is what the OP is proposing, but would be interested in details if so.... I am a CPA and do a wide range of functions right now. I actually started by working at an...
by lovejoypeace
Wed Oct 06, 2021 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dreaming - where [should I] spend 1-2 months in the US?
Replies: 69
Views: 7770

Dreaming - where [should I] spend 1-2 months in the US?

I am planning to partially retire when my youngest graduates from high school, which will be in 2027, when I will be 55 (DH will be retired at that point). After that, I am planning on working only during tax season (January-April) until I just don't want to any more. We would love to spend 1-2 months in different locations in the US. Where would you go???? We live in Western NC so that's why NC isn't on my list! My list so far: West Yellowstone, MT or Jackson, WY Seattle, WA area Kalispell, MT Big Island, HI Somewhere in Alaska San Diego, CA Utah near the national parks Coastal Maine Help me dream! ETA - these are places we have already visited for a few days. I talking about spending a month near Seattle, returning home for a period of ti...
by lovejoypeace
Mon Oct 04, 2021 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead way to Halloween / Christmas decoration shopping?
Replies: 28
Views: 2261

Re: Boglehead way to Halloween / Christmas decoration shopping?

I would try thrift stores - goodwill, habitat, etc. Also, look for ideas for items you can make with your child. Not only will it be a fun activity for you, but you can use those items in the future and will build memories.

Personally, I don't decorate much - it seems a waste of time and space. If it weren't for our kids (now teens) I would not even put up a Christmas tree.
by lovejoypeace
Wed Sep 29, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $300,000 fine 5500ez
Replies: 51
Views: 14302

Re: $300,000 fine 5500ez

Scary...I have two of these to send also, 19 and 20. I made the same errors. Incidentally. According to the instructions below, if you have a box D on the forms you DO NOT need to do the red ink statement. 'An applicant under the program must print in red letters in the top margin above the Form 5500-EZ’s title on the first page of the return: “Delinquent Return Submitted under Rev. Proc. 2015-32, Eligible for Penalty Relief.” A filer who checks box D and submits the delinquent 2020 Form 5500-EZ under the program is not required to also mark the return as described in Rev. Proc. 2015-32. However, the return must still be marked as described in Rev. Proc. 2015-32 for delinquent returns for years that have no box D available. Anyone know if ...
by lovejoypeace
Wed Sep 29, 2021 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $300,000 fine 5500ez
Replies: 51
Views: 14302

Re: $300,000 fine 5500ez

[

In my experience, someone will call within about 2 weeks to give you a case number and to let you know they received your request. I usually send to one of the offices in my state and have never had a case denied. It may take a few months of sending information back and forth to get it resolved.
[/quote]

This is very useful. Any other advice about working with them?
[/quote]

No advice really, just be polite and send the information they request. Lots of people think the IRS is out to get you, but if you are honest and up front, they will work with you.
by lovejoypeace
Wed Sep 29, 2021 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $300,000 fine 5500ez
Replies: 51
Views: 14302

Re: $300,000 fine 5500ez

Definitely contact the taxpayer advocate ASAP!!!! The IRS is so far behind with processing anything on paper it is ridiculous. We don't bother calling or faxing the general IRS numbers any more. You need to get to a real person who can help you. The taxpayer advocate's office will assign a person to your case and can see it thru until it can be closed. thank you - I fax the 911 form to the advocate. What are people's experience working with the advocate? Will they respond quickly or does it matter which office? What if they don't take the case? In my experience, someone will call within about 2 weeks to give you a case number and to let you know they received your request. I usually send to one of the offices in my state and have never had...
by lovejoypeace
Wed Sep 29, 2021 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $300,000 fine 5500ez
Replies: 51
Views: 14302

Re: $300,000 fine 5500ez

Definitely contact the taxpayer advocate ASAP!!!!

The IRS is so far behind with processing anything on paper it is ridiculous. We don't bother calling or faxing the general IRS numbers any more. You need to get to a real person who can help you. The taxpayer advocate's office will assign a person to your case and can see it thru until it can be closed.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What consumer changes have you made since the pandemic?
Replies: 64
Views: 6753

Re: What consumer changes have you made since the pandemic?

Consumer changes our family has made: * We still went on vacation but had to adjust where - in 2020 we returned to Yellowstone and Glacier, in 2021 we went on a road trip thru the Midwest. Our 2020 plans were to go to Niagara Falls and with the uncertainty of 2021, we just made other plans. * We still eat in restaurants but eat less at drive thru's than usual and more at dine in locations. We now prefer to eat at locally owned restaurants where the staff are busting their butts to stay open and earn a pay check. * I have done grocery pickup on occasion, but not because I am afraid of COVID * I do try to keep 2 weeks of food in the house just in case we need to quarantine Overall, the only changes we have made were not from fear of COVID but...
by lovejoypeace
Thu Sep 09, 2021 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So, I sent in amended tax returns and…
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: So, I sent in amended tax returns and…

The IRS has a website to check the status of amended returns:

https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return
by lovejoypeace
Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which 7 seater SUV?
Replies: 89
Views: 14024

Re: Which 7 seater SUV?

We were in the market for a large SUV last fall and almost bought a new Ford Expedition Max. We just happened to drive onto the dealer's used car lot and they had a 2 year old Lincoln Navigator L in the exact color we wanted. Took it home for a test drive and purchased it the next day. So far we are very happy with it. We had rented Chevy products and were not happy with the navigation and electronics in general. Other brands were not comparable in our opinion.

I would highly recommend test driving a Lincoln!
by lovejoypeace
Mon Jul 05, 2021 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?
Replies: 224
Views: 19044

Re: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?

Thank you for this exercise!

Me:
Average of my parents - 68
Average of maternal grandparents - 70
Average of paternal grandparents - 51
Actuarial age - 83
My guesstimate - 75

DH:
Average of his parents - unknown - his mother is still living at age 73 but his father passed at 63
Average of his maternal grandparents - 82
Average of his paternal grandparents - 76
Actuarial age - 80
My guesstimate - 75

Financially, I am planning on us living to age 80.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7540

Re: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

This irks me that it's opt out. If you don't read that letter they send you carefully (the consequences of the letter are not pronounced), it will screw up your tax planning. You could potentially be penalized for under-withholding. Some folks might not be in a position to repay come next April if they're required to and could get hit with penalties. It's like a giant check advance scheme where you're automatically enrolled and could later be subject to interest and penalties if you unwittingly play your cards wrong. Except the government failed to provide the normally-required fine print. Now it's make-work for me to opt out and it's all because the authorities want me to spend now, regardless of whether it's good for me or not. JT Anothe...
by lovejoypeace
Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7540

Re: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

I am not sure how many here it would affect, but the sign up for opting out of the advance child tax credit payments is now available here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021 Basically, the IRS is going to pay those who qualify advance payments of their child tax credit beginning in July 2021. Payments will be made automatically unless the taxpayer opts out. Why would you not want the extra cash flow now? Take with a grain of salt, but I believe some taxpayers may be in the position of receiving the monthly checks today, but if their income rises for tax year 2021, they have to pay all of that money back come tax time this coming April. Someone please fact check me. :happy Yes, that is the case...
by lovejoypeace
Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7540

Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

I am not sure how many here it would affect, but the sign up for opting out of the advance child tax credit payments is now available here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/ ... ts-in-2021

Basically, the IRS is going to pay those who qualify advance payments of their child tax credit beginning in July 2021. Payments will be made automatically unless the taxpayer opts out.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling Mom's Jewelry
Replies: 23
Views: 3473

Re: Selling Mom's Jewelry

Jewelry does not take up a lot of space. My vote is for #5. I lost my mother 17 years ago, but did not get her jewelry until my dad passed 7 years ago. A few years ago, I fell down the steps and had to have my wedding/engagement rings cut off. I took the opportunity to have a new ring made using my stones as well as the stones from my mother's wedding/engagement rings made into one ring.
by lovejoypeace
Tue May 11, 2021 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

My husband and I will collect SS at age 62. Longevity is not in our genes.
by lovejoypeace
Thu Apr 08, 2021 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Replies: 16
Views: 2789

Re: Chase Sapphire Preferred

regularguy455 wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 9:10 am Primary auto insurance and trip cancellation insurance are useful.
This is why we keep DH's CSP. The car rental insurance alone is worth it for our vacations.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Apr 06, 2021 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA subsidy cliff now going away! Yay!
Replies: 190
Views: 27782

Is anyone signing up for ACA plan due to changes from ARPA?

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

We have had a health sharing plan for the past few years instead of typical insurance because we were just above the ACA cliff. Due to changes in the American Rescue Plan Act, we are now eligible for a few plans at no cost to us. We are mostly healthy so have been paying our health care costs out of pocket so we know we will be paying significant costs until we meet the deductible. I am signing up because 1- my kids will get at least dental cleanings paid for (savings of $600) 2- we all get a physical once a year at no cost (savings of at least $750) 3- we would be eligible for HSA (tax savings of $1,584).

Is anyone else evaluating their health insurance?
by lovejoypeace
Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling rare/expensive beanie babies
Replies: 56
Views: 9207

Re: Selling rare/expensive beanie babies

My aunt and mother collected beanie babies. My mother could afford it so it was a hobby. The beanie babies were my aunt's "retirement plan". Within 2 years I had to clean out my parent's and my aunt's houses from their passing. I bet there were 1,000 or more beanie babies - it was RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!! Lots of multiples!!! I sorted out one of each for my 2 kids (that they could play with or whatever). There were about 15 total that might be worth something that I put back (but still have not done anything with). The rest have been taken to school for "prizes", sold by my daughter at a yard sale for $1 each, or given away. My aunt died owning a home and that's it. I have to think that if she would have invested that $$ inste...
by lovejoypeace
Mon Mar 01, 2021 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?
Replies: 18
Views: 1560

Re: Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?

$500,000 policy 10 year term - $528/year; 20 year term - $888/year; one year $384

I would lean towards 10 year term.
by lovejoypeace
Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?
Replies: 18
Views: 1560

Re: Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?

Net rental income is $80,000 per year and household spending is about $120,000.
Our rental property is valued at about $1,000,000. Other land/residences valued at $1,00,000.

I don't want to FORCE the kids to sell either of our houses or properties.
by lovejoypeace
Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?
Replies: 18
Views: 1560

Don't think I need life insurance - can you confirm?

Our level term life insurance is ending later this year. From what I can tell, we do not need life insurance but would like some confirmation from others. I am the breadwinner of the family - DH manages our rental and personal properties. I am 49 and he is 50 - two kids age 13 & 12. My work net income is only about $30,000 after taxes and retirement contributions. We have $100,000 in college funds for each kid and have about $1,500,000 in retirement and taxable accounts. The way I figure, if either of us pass before the kids turn 18, they will collect our SS benefits. If I pass before DH, he would still get our rental income and the investments should be enough for him to live on for the rest of his life. If he dies before me, I would l...
by lovejoypeace
Thu Jan 21, 2021 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Millionaire Parents: Do Your Kids Know You're Rich?
Replies: 194
Views: 15480

Re: Millionaire Parents: Do Your Kids Know You're Rich?

I tell my kids (12 & 13) that we are rich - but not because of the wealth we have. We are healthy and we are blessed beyond what we deserve. We can freely share with others. We can enjoy life without worrying about finances. Right now, they don't know the specifics of our finances and they don't need to know. I want to teach them to be good stewards of what we have and it is important that they know the value of hard work.
by lovejoypeace
Mon Dec 28, 2020 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Travel Experiences
Replies: 178
Views: 18035

Re: Favorite Travel Experiences

I’ve been thinking about my top experiences since this topic was posted. In no particular order:

Skinny dipping at the Outer Banks
Yellowstone NP - the geysers, mud pots, etc are amazing
Snowmobiling in Yellowstone before guides were required
Seeing the Milky Way at the Grand Canyon
Watching a meteor shower along the ocean in Acadia
Horseback riding at Bryce Canyon - that NP is stunning
Watching the sunset at Glacier point in Yosemite
Canoeing with the manatee at Blue Spring state park
Seeing the Sequoias in the NP
Driving in southern Utah - the scenery is amazing
Taking a ranger tour at Mesa Verde NP
Whale watching in Juneau

Can you tell we love our National Parks??
by lovejoypeace
Wed Dec 16, 2020 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you're already FI and still work . . . 
Replies: 149
Views: 15195

Re: If you're already FI and still work . . . 

I continue to work because: 1- My teenage kids need to see me working. 2- My kids are still in school so I need to be here for them (meaning - I can't travel right now). 3- A lot can happen in the next 40 years - I'm going to continue taking advantage of my employer's retirement plan and maxing the IRA's. 4- I'm a CPA so it would be difficult for me to re-enter the work force if I HAD to. 5- I enjoy my job! When my youngest graduates high school I will reevaluate. I might possibly work until she graduates college but I really don't want to. As far as office politics, I don't let them bother me. If it would get to be too much I would tell them to "take this job and shove it". That's a great feeling!! I would have thought that a CP...
by lovejoypeace
Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you're already FI and still work . . . 
Replies: 149
Views: 15195

Re: If you're already FI and still work . . . 

I continue to work because:

1- My teenage kids need to see me working.
2- My kids are still in school so I need to be here for them (meaning - I can't travel right now).
3- A lot can happen in the next 40 years - I'm going to continue taking advantage of my employer's retirement plan and maxing the IRA's.
4- I'm a CPA so it would be difficult for me to re-enter the work force if I HAD to.
5- I enjoy my job!

When my youngest graduates high school I will reevaluate. I might possibly work until she graduates college but I really don't want to.

As far as office politics, I don't let them bother me. If it would get to be too much I would tell them to "take this job and shove it". That's a great feeling!!
by lovejoypeace
Thu Nov 19, 2020 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work
Replies: 82
Views: 9392

Re: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work

shavenyak wrote: Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:03 am
Other than asking myself non-monetary questions that only I can answer (e.g., "I'm enjoying volunteering and fantastic freedom to pursue my own interests, but wouldn't I feel even more satisfied if I spent the next five years doing something with more purpose?" (VS.) "Time is my most important resource, so why shouldn't I spend whatever time is left for me enjoying my family and my current lifestyle?")
How can working at a job be "something with more purpose" than volunteering and spending time with your family??
by lovejoypeace
Wed Sep 02, 2020 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to buy disinfectant wipes?
Replies: 33
Views: 2444

Re: Where to buy disinfectant wipes?

My kids needed these wipes for school so I stalked Walmart and Target. They usually had stock about 8 am but not so much later in the day.
by lovejoypeace
Mon Aug 24, 2020 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacationing safely in the era of Covid - How did you do it?
Replies: 124
Views: 11879

Re: Vacationing safely in the era of Covid - How did you do it?

My family returned two weeks ago from a two week long trip to Montana and Wyoming. We did our normal vacation activities, wearing masks when required. We stayed in hotels but did bring our own pillows. We have been eating at restaurants since they opened in our area. My kids are 13 and 11 and our other vacation plans were cancelled. We only have a few more summer vacations left with them. Since it has been two weeks since we returned and none of us are sick, I figure we are safe. :D And BTW - we had a great trip!
by lovejoypeace
Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
Replies: 14
Views: 1391

Re: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?

Feels like it's a combination of different issues that are bothering me: 1) Constant unsolicited opinion and criticism on parenting...esp when they insist on something that is wrong...it's been over 50 years since they have raised kids...things have changed a lot and new culture from old country 2) Not honoring our requests.....like no sweets or juice. We find out later that my sons gets sweet treat every day. He has his first cavity on last visit to dentist. 3) Communication style...my mom yells and screams when she talks to me...feel like she is still treating like a child again even though I am in my 30's. With COVID situation, we are hestitant to have kids in day care. We feel trapped in current arrangement but want the best for our ki...
by lovejoypeace
Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
Replies: 14
Views: 1391

Re: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?

We had a similar situation. My kids are 11 & 13 now. I worked part/full time and DH worked part/full time - it was DH's parents who watched our kids. I think YOU need to get everything out in the open (not your wife). There were lots of things that my in-laws did that my husband and I did not agree with and I did not feel like I could say anything without being the "bad guy". Your parents are going to love you and probably want to please you but they may not have the same feelings toward your wife. How many hours are they watching the kids? What are the big differences? When my kids turned 4 they went to part time preschool but my in-laws kept them until then. My in-laws did a decent job raising my husband :) so I figured they...
by lovejoypeace
Tue May 26, 2020 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thin, long lasting athletic socks?
Replies: 16
Views: 1550

Re: Thin, long lasting athletic socks?

I like Fitsok. I will disclose that I live close to the manufacturer so only buy at their overstock sales, but they are great socks!
by lovejoypeace
Wed May 06, 2020 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2020 travel plans
Replies: 95
Views: 6049

Re: 2020 travel plans

TravelGeek wrote: Wed May 06, 2020 11:39 am One of the mentally frustrating aspects for me personally is the inability to make travel plans. That is much more annoying to me than putting on gloves and a face mask when going out once a week to buy groceries.

{/quote]

This describes me well. My kids are doing online school and we could (financially) go anywhere we wanted. But we can't go anywhere.
by lovejoypeace
Wed May 06, 2020 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2020 travel plans
Replies: 95
Views: 6049

2020 travel plans

What is everyone doing with their travel plans for the rest of the year? We have several trips planned (some paid for) and I'm not sure what to do about them.

Niagara Falls/Pennsylvania in mid June - all reservations made and paid for
Wedding in Wisconsin in July
Orlando in November

We live in NC and were going to drive so no flying this year.
by lovejoypeace
Mon Mar 02, 2020 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Worth using a CPA for my taxes this year?
Replies: 39
Views: 3483

Re: Worth using a CPA for my taxes this year?

mbcruiser wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 11:06 am seawolf21 is right. CPA designation doesn't necessarily mean he/she is a tax expert/professional. Some are, some aren't. An Enrolled Agent (EA - the IRS designation) is the more accurate tax professional suited for your question. Check out https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/e ... nformation.
Ask your CPA if they are an EA.
I'm a CPA and don't know many CPA's who are also EA's.

OP - I am sure you could do a google search to find the answer to your question. Like others have said, make sure your cost basis is accurately reflected.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Dec 24, 2019 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA Batteries, retail vs. OEM difference?
Replies: 51
Views: 11602

Re: AAA Batteries, retail vs. OEM difference?

The last few packs of AA Duracell batteries I have purchased have leaked. Therefore I usually just buy el cheapos at Harbor Freight.
by lovejoypeace
Tue Dec 24, 2019 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Self-employed with $100k income - Should I contribute to solo 401k to get medicaid
Replies: 8
Views: 1059

Re: Self-employed with $100k income - Should I contribute to solo 401k to get medicaid

To qualify for Medicaid in NC you have to meet "resource" limits. Have you looked into that??
by lovejoypeace
Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deciding how to pay for private K-12
Replies: 5
Views: 1118

Re: Deciding how to pay for private K-12

We are in NC so no deduction for the 529 deposits. We initially deposited $40,000 into the 529.

The high school they would attend was in jeopardy of losing its accreditation - that’s how bad it is. Our county has a program for high school juniors and seniors to attend the local community college and they receive an associates degree with their HS diploma. I would love for them to find something there that interests them.