Search found 52 matches

by engineerartist
Wed May 11, 2022 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Living off of Dividends during volatility ... Strategy or Myth?
Replies: 93
Views: 6527

Re: Living off of Dividends during volatility ... Strategy or Myth?

BGeste wrote: Tue May 10, 2022 6:06 pm I have been living comfortably on dividends and interest since I retired a few years ago.

My overall dividend income has increased every year (including 2020).

Income from the portfolio I don't spend, I use to buy more shares which generates more cash flow. My portfolio is mostly broad index funds across several asset classes, with a meaningful tilt towards dividend paying ETFs like VYM, SYPD, and VYMI.

Works very well for me, especially at times when markets are volatile.
+1
by engineerartist
Sun Aug 08, 2021 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Excel vs. (Apple) Numbers
Replies: 26
Views: 2869

Re: Excel vs. (Apple) Numbers

I have been using electronic spreadsheets since Visicalc. Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony and every version of Excel until Office 11. I have rejected the subscription "service" software model.

As a long-time Apple user, I also had problems with Numbers, but have eventually embraced it. The ability to import Excel spreadsheets is critical.

The two most irritating missing features for me are pivot tables and linking to other spreadsheets.

The two most redeeming features of Numbers are the ability to include multiple separate tables and charts on a single page and what I consider to be superior graphing capabilities.

I also use Google Sheets.
by engineerartist
Thu Apr 22, 2021 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2015 Lexus ES 300h - 12V Battery Issue?
Replies: 11
Views: 2066

Re: 2015 Lexus ES 300h - 12V Battery Issue?

illumination wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 10:49 am my understanding is hybrids still use a conventional car battery for the gas motor to start.
For Toyota hybrids (including Lexus), this is incorrect. The 12v battery powers the NAV and electronics which tell the hybrid battery to start the gasoline engine. The 12v battery does not power the starter.
by engineerartist
Wed Apr 21, 2021 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2015 Lexus ES 300h - 12V Battery Issue?
Replies: 11
Views: 2066

Re: 2015 Lexus ES 300h - 12V Battery Issue?

Bad news, these batteries have only a 5 year or so life expectancy. I believe you inadvertently drained your battery by running the NAV system while in Accessory mode. There is no Alternator and the 12v battery is only charged by the Hybrid battery while the car is running. The Hybrid battery is charged by the engine and by regenerative braking, so avoid using Accessory mode. I have a 2005 Prius and a 2008 RX 400h and have experienced this problem. My Prius 12v battery was drained by DW using the radio for an extended period with the car in Accessory mode. We were in Port Townsend, WA and this experience cost me a $300 tow plus the battery replacement. Recently I had not driven the RX 400h for several weeks and the 12v battery had drained. ...
by engineerartist
Thu Sep 24, 2020 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Examples of High Yielding Stocks that did not cut dividend
Replies: 8
Views: 1159

Re: Examples of High Yielding Stocks that did not cut dividend

I no longer invest in MLPs, but do base my DGI investments on Years of Dividend Growth.

Since you are looking for high yields, check out these:
  • OKE - 15.5% yield,18 years of dividend growth
  • XOM - 10.2% yield, 37 years of dividend growth
  • MO - 9.0% yield, 51 years of dividend growth
  • OHI - 8.9% yield, 17 years of dividend growth
  • ENB - 8.2% yield, 24 years of dividend growth
  • T - 7.4% yield, 36 years of dividend growth
Of course, this approach is antithetical to most Boggleheads...
by engineerartist
Sat May 16, 2020 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will confusion
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Re: Will confusion

Thank you, bsteiner!
by engineerartist
Fri May 15, 2020 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will confusion
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Will confusion

I am confused by the following provisions in my will. The attorney who drafted it has moved on to a "wealth management" firm. Can anyone decode this for me? Marital Bequest If my spouse survives me, I give, devise and bequeath to my spouse an amount, referred to as the “Marital Bequest,” equal to 1 minus 2 below: The value of my Adjusted Gross Estate reduced by the sum of my Net Exemption Equivalent and the amount, if any, allowed to my estate as a charitable deduction under Code Section 2055. The aggregate value of all interests in property, if any, which pass to my spouse under any other provisions of this Will (including, without limitation, any of the preceding ITEMs of this Will) or which have already passed to my spouse or f...
by engineerartist
Fri May 15, 2020 11:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?
Replies: 387
Views: 54905

Re: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?

Retired 6 years and still 100% Equities in taxable, IRA and Roth. Using Market slide to reinvest accumulated dividends in taxable and planning to accelerate timing of my planned annual Roth conversion to take advantage of market. The planned conversion dollar amount is constrained by tax liability, but lower market values will allow an increased number of shares to be converted. Taxable dividend income unaffected - so far. Sound IPS = SWAN. Please explain why accelerating ROTH conversion is taking advantage of market? The dollar amount matters, not number of shares. Assuming you are selling in your IRA and buying in the ROTH. :sharebeer Ed - not selling and buying, just moving equities from IRA to Roth. Yes, I am moving the dollar amount I...
by engineerartist
Wed Apr 08, 2020 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best home printer/scanner?
Replies: 39
Views: 4501

Re: Best home printer/scanner?

HappyJack wrote: Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:00 am I am about to do an “office” scene where I take my printer out in the field and beat it with a baseball bat. Need a good reliable replacement. Ideas?
Feeling your pain!
Recently recycled my HP C6180 multi-function color inkjet AND my venerable HP 1320 laserjet. After thoughtful consideration I decided that I no longer need a color printer and ordered an HP multi-function LaserJet Pro M148 - $129.99 with free shipping from HP.

Remember, there are 3 features for printers: good, cheap and fast - choose any 2.
by engineerartist
Sun Mar 01, 2020 10:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?
Replies: 387
Views: 54905

Re: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?

Retired 6 years and still 100% Equities in taxable, IRA and Roth.

Using Market slide to reinvest accumulated dividends in taxable and planning to accelerate timing of my planned annual Roth conversion to take advantage of market. The planned conversion dollar amount is constrained by tax liability, but lower market values will allow an increased number of shares to be converted.

Taxable dividend income unaffected - so far. Sound IPS = SWAN.
by engineerartist
Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worth it to jump on the TurboTax bandwagon?
Replies: 36
Views: 2977

Re: Is it worth it to jump on the TurboTax bandwagon?

I used MacInTax starting in 1988 and have used TurboTax every year starting in 2000 (when they acquired MacInTax). It seems to get better each year and like daheld I find the annual cost trivial - especially compared to most tax services.
by engineerartist
Sat Nov 23, 2019 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Testamentary Trust as Beneficiary of IRA
Replies: 3
Views: 642

Testamentary Trust as Beneficiary of IRA

Having reviewed all the previous entries on this topic, I have not found any that address the specific terminology used to identify a Testamentary Trust as the Beneficiary.

While replacing DW as sole beneficiary will preclude creating a spousal rollover, it will also reduce the potential future misdirection of the assets by a simple beneficiary change to that rollover IRA.

The Trust is not named in my will other than "Residuary Trust Fund". Does anyone have an example or suggestion for the wording?
by engineerartist
Thu Oct 31, 2019 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Humana Part D - ILLINOIS - premiums up up up
Replies: 94
Views: 11440

Re: Humana Part D - ILLINOIS - premiums up up up

I just got my mail and skimmed through Humana's notice - seems like they are more than doubling their monthly premium. I'm going to make an appointment with SHIP to see comps on other plans. Am I misreading this? That's a huge increase if that's the case. Me too! Humana explains: "On January 1, 2020, our Humana Walmart Rx Plan will change to Humana Premier Rx. The monthly premium and benefits are also changing. Monthly plan premium: 2019 - $30.70; 2020 - $62.10" We have been on this plan for the past 3 years and the premiums have increased each year from $13.20 to $20.40 to $30.70. We have been satisfied with the Humana Mail Order service. Using the medicare.gov plan selector, I discovered that Humana also offers: Humana Basic Rx...
by engineerartist
Wed Sep 25, 2019 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New feature added to the Schwab website
Replies: 5
Views: 1793

Re: New feature added to the Schwab website

Serie1926 wrote: Tue Sep 24, 2019 1:23 pm For those interested, pretty cool feature showed up when I logged into the Schwab website yesterday.

Instead of only seeing portfolio performance for a selected period, you can also chose to see investment income, actual and projected.
Thanks for the tip - I don't see this, however. Can you tell me where to find this?

I contacted Schwab online and here is their response:
This upgraded feature is being rolled out to clients into "phases" so some will be able to see and utilize this feature before others. It'll be rolled out to all clients by the end of the year. We are doing weekly batches.
by engineerartist
Fri Sep 20, 2019 12:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does dividend investing not work?
Replies: 206
Views: 41298

Re: Why does dividend investing not work?

I am a dividend growth investor myself. I will say that I do not in any way believe that dividends are "free money." I am well aware of the fact that I could buy an index fund, sell off shares as I need them and possibly achieve the same goals (tax issues notwithstanding). However, the reason I choose to follow this strategy is because it is fairly low maintenance for me. Over time I find a group of stocks that have raised their dividend consistently over many years and I purchase them at a fair price. Think stocks like MMM or JNJ for example. Then once I buy them I forget about them (unless the unlikely event of a dividend cut occurs) and just collect my quarterly deposits which I spend or invest again. I never have to worry abo...
by engineerartist
Sun Aug 11, 2019 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxes and Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 15
Views: 1839

Re: Taxes and Roth IRA Conversion

Technically, the taxes are due for the quarter in which the tax liability (income, conversion) occurs. But as long as enough taxes are paid by the end of the year to cover the entire tax bill (ie, you will get a refund), I have never heard of anyone getting an under-payment penalty. It is only when you are short on having paid enough taxes for the year, that the underpayment form comes into effect. Do You Have to File Form 2210? celia - Thank you! If withholding alone meets your tax liability for each of the first 3 form 2210 periods, and withholding plus your estimated payment meets your full year tax liability, then yes that is correct. If you had taken your tIRA withdrawals in January 2019, but then waited until January 2020 to make the...
by engineerartist
Sat Aug 10, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxes and Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 15
Views: 1839

Re: Taxes and Roth IRA Conversion

Now I am also confused.

I am having taxes withheld from my monthly RMD - based on my projected tax liability for 2019 - to avoid having to make estimated tax payments.

I am planning to make a sizable Roth IRA conversion in December following my December RMD.

My reading about Roth conversions led me to believe that the taxes incurred by this conversion can be paid either by: withholding from the amount converted; payment from another account; or making an estimated tax payment.

I assumed that I can make a single estimated tax payment before the January 15, 2020 deadline to satisfy my 2019 tax liability - even though I have not previously filed any 1040-ES forms. Is this correct?
by engineerartist
Tue Jun 04, 2019 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should All Grandkids Be Treated as Equal Members of Same Class?
Replies: 104
Views: 13435

Re: Should All Grandkids Be Treated as Equal Members of Same Class?

None of the scenarios previously explored cover our situation. DW and I (both in our 70s) each have 2 sons by a previous marriage. Our intent is to ensure they are treated equally and our estate remain within our family. Two of our sons each have 2 children. Our other two sons each have step-children but no "issue". Both our wills create testamentary trusts for each son as Trustee for their descendants "per stirpes". Upon the death of any beneficiary not survived by descendants, the remaining amount in trust is to be redistributed to the trusts of the still living beneficiaries. We have realized (as others already mentioned) that our estate when divided by four will probably not have a large impact on our sons, and hopef...
by engineerartist
Tue May 14, 2019 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does your retirement plan work if stocks are flat or in decline for decades?
Replies: 180
Views: 14802

Re: Does your retirement plan work if stocks are flat or in decline for decades?

Since I/we draw income from our respective portfolios via dividends, the actual share price is of no concern to us. Our distributions more than exceed our RMD's, which are used to pay FIT on the RMD, pay FIT on all our other income (SS, SPIA, Pensions, etc.) with the remainder of the RMD being sent to savings (or spent as we want/need). While we are not strictly dividend investors, it has turned out in that manner since we both started age-70 SS and we no longer have to sell any of our portfolio holdings in order to meet our retirement income needs beyond our other sources of income, which was a normal situation during our early years of retirement; I retired at age 59, wife at age 64. BTW, I'm only speaking of our TIRA holdings; our Roth ...
by engineerartist
Tue May 07, 2019 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schwab Pledged Asset Credit Line
Replies: 41
Views: 15967

Re: Schwab Pledged Asset Credit Line

I am considering doing some short term real estate investments (both fix and flip and potentially wholesaling deals if the opportunity comes up) and will need access to credit. Their are various ways to borrow money, but the Schwab Pledged Asset Line (low rates, no fees, secured by assets held at Schwab) seems promising. I do not current have any accounts with Schwab, but maintain brokerage accounts at two other institutions. Does anyone have any experiencing with this product? If so, did you have assets with Schwab or did they extend credit based on another brokerage account (which appears to be possible). Should I consider any other credit products? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I used a Schwab PAL as a bridge between buying a c...
by engineerartist
Wed May 01, 2019 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD(qualified charitable distribution) and Schwab
Replies: 5
Views: 1017

Re: QCD(qualified charitable distribution) and Schwab

I will be assisting my mother in making a QCD from her Schwab Traditional IRA. She is 87 years old. Before I get into it with Schwab, was wondering if anyone had experience with Schwab on this and could share the key steps to make it happen. Thanks in advance! I have done this - download the "IRA RMD Request Form" pdf from the Schwab website. When you fill it out, you can specify the "Method of Distribution" to be a check payable to the charity and mailed directly to them (or yourself). Schwab does not charge for this service. Don't forget to fill out the instructions regarding Federal and State tax withholding correctly. As others have mentioned, make sure sufficient funds are available in the account - and if you want...
by engineerartist
Fri Mar 01, 2019 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Regarding REITs
Replies: 6
Views: 1234

Re: Regarding REITs

Yes - I own OHI and WPC as well as O (Realty Income Corp) REITs.
Thanks to the 2017 TCJA, REIT dividends also produce a QBI 20% deduction from taxable income.
by engineerartist
Fri Feb 08, 2019 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marital trust created by will
Replies: 12
Views: 1816

Re: Marital trust created by will

We moved from California (community property state), where we had created a revocable trust to include our joint assets to Georgia (common law state) in 2016 where our attorney here recommended exactly the same scenario as the OP. Perhaps the only difference is that I understand the testamentary trusts to be irrevocable.

In our case, this solution was recommended because we each have children (and now grandchildren) from previous marriages and wanted to codify our desires for the eventual distribution of our estate. Probate costs and potential delays are significantly lower here than in California, so testamentary trusts actually simplify our estate plans and re-titling our assets as Tenants in Common doesn't seem to provide any impediments.
by engineerartist
Sun Dec 23, 2018 12:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Equities % v. Total Assets at Risk
Replies: 29
Views: 3331

Re: Are you a true believer?

Soon2BXProgrammer wrote: Sun Dec 23, 2018 10:40 am *Lifetime Earnings Adjusted for Inflation - Earned income (non investment) throughout our life adjusted to today's dollars and summed.
Soon2BX - As an already XProgrammer, can you share how you calculated the "today's dollar" adjustments? I have my earnings history - 1966 through 2014.

Thanks
by engineerartist
Fri Sep 14, 2018 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What can you homegrown financial management spreadsheet do?
Replies: 21
Views: 2326

Re: What can you homegrown financial management spreadsheet do?

I know many BHs use external software or online services to update and analyze their finances, but many others like me rely on homegrown spreadsheets. This thread is directed at them. It would be interesting to know what facility you've built. I have two "sheets" with several tabs on each sheet. The main sheet is used to track both my taxable portfolio and my Rollover IRA. One tab is used to create a monthly Net Worth statement (keeps DW informed and secure). Another tab tracks taxes (prior years, current and future year projections). Tabs for Taxable and Rollover IRA portfolios showing cost, market values and monthly cash flows for each investment as well as all transactions. My other sheet is used to track expenses. Although we...
by engineerartist
Sat Jul 07, 2018 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What I spent in 6 months on medicare
Replies: 203
Views: 27855

Re: What I spent in 6 months on medicare

I retired August 1, 2014 and my wife and I started Medicare with a Medigap policy at that time. I don't have a 6-month breakdown, but do have annual totals. 2014 (5 months): provider charges - 21,095 Medicare payments - 896 Medicare premiums - 747 Medigap payments - 450 Medigap premiums - 2,102 2015: provider charges - 245,251 Medicare payments - 16,580 Medicare premiums - 1,380 Medigap payments - 2,456 Medigap premiums - 3,654 2016: provider charges - 518,589 Medicare payments - 41,212 Medicare premiums - 2,892 Medigap payments - 5,373 Medigap premiums - 3,833 2017: provider charges - 27,373 Medicare payments - 2,765 Medicare premiums - 2,892 Medigap payments - 953 Medigap premiums - 4,060 2018 (5 months): provider charges - 16,157 Medicar...
by engineerartist
Fri Jun 08, 2018 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dividend Buffer
Replies: 24
Views: 2949

Re: Dividend Buffer

I am in fact "living off dividends" in retirement, but I had not considered a margin of safety as part of my strategy. Thus the calculation of my margin of safety is the percentage with which my income exceeds my expenses (currently ~70%) rather than based on the market value of my portfolios. The bogleheads who disagree with (and often disparage) this concept cite the current SP500 dividend yield to support their arguments. This would certainly be useful for someone considering investing in a dividend-focused fund today. I have no issue with anyone's personal investment/retirement plans - to each his own. When I retired in 2014, I rolled my 401k over into an IRA and converted the mutual funds into a carefully selected diverse gro...
by engineerartist
Tue May 08, 2018 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Switching Apple Mac Mini to Solid State Drive?
Replies: 15
Views: 1593

Re: Switching Apple Mac Mini to Solid State Drive?

Despite comments regarding the age (and speed) of your Mac mini, replacing the internal HD with a SSD drive will eliminate the noise of which you complain and could inexpensively increase the capacity.

MacSales has a 250GB SSD SATA replacement drive for less than $100 https://eshop.macsales.com/upgrades/mac ... .price=asc - and installation videos on their website.

Seems like an easy upgrade to me.
by engineerartist
Tue Apr 03, 2018 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you file your income taxes?
Replies: 84
Views: 9767

Re: How did you file your income taxes?

TurboTax - starting in 1988 - efiled Federal and State.
by engineerartist
Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Total return vs dividends
Replies: 54
Views: 12457

Re: Total return vs dividends

Around 2014 I built a portfolio of individual stocks paying dividends at the time of over 3%. The core of the portfolio is MSFT, LMT, INTC, JNJ, MCD, MO, AMGN, LLY, UPS, VZ. My “dividend” portfolio pays me a lot more cash now than when I bought it and the market value of the portfolio is up dramatically. My largest holding, MSFT is alone up well over 100%. I think that buying companies who are committed to pay a reasonable dividend AND GROW it evey year is a good investment strategy if you want steady income and long term capital appreciation. I prefer this approach over selling shares to produce income. But to each his own. It seems to me that much of the mis-information propagated here regarding dividends is ignoring the difference betwe...
by engineerartist
Mon Mar 19, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Second Marriage & Beneficiaries Conundrum
Replies: 50
Views: 6547

Re: Second Marriage & Beneficiaries Conundrum

Both of us are 36 years into our second marriage with adult children (and grandchildren) from our first marriages. While living in a community property state our attorney created A/B Trusts for us which we funded with our property and investment accounts. After we moved to a non-community property state where probate is a much faster process, our attorney replaced the A/B Trusts with wills for each of us with testamentary trusts and our property and investments were re-titled as "Tenants in Common". This has a similar effect to the A/B Trust, allowing the surviving spouse to retain control of and benefit from the income from the estate while ensuring that the children of the deceased spouse benefit from the estate eventually. Both...
by engineerartist
Sat Feb 24, 2018 2:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What books changed your outlook on how you should invest?
Replies: 54
Views: 6738

Re: What books changed your outlook on how you should invest?

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing - John Boggle
The Indomitable Investor - Steven M. Sears
The Single Best Investment - Lowell Miller
The Dividend Growth Investment Strategy - Roxann Klugman
Retire like a Dairy Farmer - Evan Hoobchaak
Enough - John Boggle
by engineerartist
Thu Feb 08, 2018 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Loss Assessment Deductible on Umbrella policy?
Replies: 2
Views: 2644

Loss Assessment Deductible on Umbrella policy?

Our residence is one unit in a small (13-units) 4-story condominium. It was purpose-built as a condo in 2007, not a conversion. Although we do have Homeowners and Auto policies, I recently realized that the loss-assessment coverage for our Homeowners policy was only $1,000, which seems to be typical. This led me to request quotes for an Umbrella insurance policy, since any judgement against our condo which exceeded the HOA coverage of $1M would lead to an assessment shared by only 13 owners. My current Insurance company would require me to upgrade the limits on both our Homeowners and Auto policies, but to my surprise their quote included these "Policy Limits": LIABILITY COVERAGE: $2,000,000 IN EXCESS OF UNDERLYING INSURANCE DEDUC...
by engineerartist
Sat Sep 23, 2017 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cataract surgery: accommodating vs multifocal lens implants
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: cataract surgery: accommodating vs multifocal lens implants

I had cataract surgery on both eyes about 1 1/2 years ago. I did not want to pay for the expensive toric lenses, so I had the "regular" lenses put in. I no longer have to wear glasses all the time; just readers. This was a huge plus for me because I used to wear tri-focal lenses. My work was (recently retired) pretty computer intensive (accounting, taxes, investments). Still do a lot of computer stuff, but no more 8 to 10 hours a day like when working. Good Luck with your choice. Don Like Don, I had both eyes done in 2013 - with the "regular" lenses and was wearing tri-focals. I had worn glasses since high school and was delighted to discover that I now only need readers! My night vision has also greatly improved. I hop...
by engineerartist
Wed Sep 13, 2017 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pseudo-bridge financing
Replies: 11
Views: 2385

Re: Pseudo-bridge financing

We moved cross-country last year and I decided to buy in the new location before selling in the old location - primarily to be able to have a "clean" offer, but also so we could move our furniture, clean and paint before placing the old house on the market. I was able to secure a Securities-Backed Line of Credit (SBLOC) sufficient for the purchase. The advantages were no closing cost, no monthly payment required (cap and roll), a lower interest rate than a HELOC would have been, and no need to sell anything - avoiding potential capital gains. No restrictions on trading in my portfolio or withdrawing dividends or interest, just ensuring that the total market value maintained the required level. Our old house closed 90 days after th...
by engineerartist
Mon Aug 14, 2017 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long Distance Auto Transport
Replies: 7
Views: 1191

Re: Long Distance Auto Transport

Highly recommend http://rusalcartransport.com.

When I moved from San Jose to Atlanta last year they transported both my cars - using their own transporters. The transport drivers were both employees of the company and were very courteous and took good care of my vehicles.
by engineerartist
Wed Jun 14, 2017 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 30 Year Mortgage from Navy Federal Credit Union
Replies: 10
Views: 4162

Re: 30 Year Mortgage from Navy Federal Credit Union

NFCU members for 47 years.

We have had 3 mortgages with NFCU (starting in 1998) and always appreciated the prompt and responsive service. I chose them for: simple interest rates; no prepayment penalties; and they service their loans.

Being able to access our accounts online from anywhere was an early advantage which is now the norm.
by engineerartist
Mon May 01, 2017 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying dining table is hard
Replies: 55
Views: 6939

Re: buying dining table is hard

+1 for Room & Board
by engineerartist
Tue Apr 11, 2017 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage Question (buying a new home before selling current one)
Replies: 21
Views: 3275

Re: Mortgage Question (buying a new home before selling current one)

I did this last year (purchased new home before selling old one).

I was moving back to the East coast from the Bay Area and wanted to be able to move out before listing my BA home. This made repainting, re-carpeting and staging much simpler.

Rather than a Bridge Loan or HELOC, I took out a SBLOC (securities based line of credit). The interest rate was significantly lower, I was able to "cap and roll" the interest payments for the duration between closings. While the SBLOC restricted my ability to sell securities, I was still able to make trades and take out dividends.
by engineerartist
Thu Oct 06, 2016 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Concurrently buy/sell house
Replies: 21
Views: 3404

Re: Concurrently buy/sell house

Using taxable accounts to increase liquidity is a reasonable approach (as might be a short term 401K loan). Just need to be confident you have the discipline to put the money back after the old house sells. Don't think of your money as being "earmarked" for anything. Think of this as giving yourself a loan because you are fortunate enough to be able to do so. Currently doing this. Obtained a SBLOC (Securities-Based Line of Credit) on our taxable account to enable a "clean" offer on our new home on the East coast (closed on 9/7), packed and moved "household goods" on 9/10, painters painted West coast home 9/12-13, new carpets installed on 10/3-4, Open House scheduled for this weekend. SBLOC cost is 3.75% annual...
by engineerartist
Sat Apr 23, 2016 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AT&T U-verse Internet / Comcast Internet
Replies: 12
Views: 2643

Re: AT&T U-verse Internet / Comcast Internet

When I moved from AT&T U-verse to Comcast Xfinity last year, internet speed was the deciding factor.
I visited an Xfinity sales office (I was surprised that such existed) and explained what I wanted, they were very helpful and waived the installation fee.
I ordered a router from Amazon to eliminate the monthly charge for the Comcast router.
The Xfinity DVR also works much better than the U-verse did and the new remote controls all my components - something I was never able to achieve with the U-verse remote.
Net-net, my internet speed went from 6Mb (max) to 100+Mb (measured), I have all the TV channels I watch and my monthly bill is significantly lower.
by engineerartist
Sat Apr 23, 2016 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Book Recommendation Needed -- Trusts & Estates
Replies: 6
Views: 1255

Re: Book Recommendation Needed -- Trusts & Estates

I have two that I found and like:
  • Your Living Trust and Estate Plan - by Harvey J. Platt
  • Estate Planning: A Plain English Guide to Wills and Trusts - by Clint W. Smith
by engineerartist
Sun Apr 17, 2016 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Did You File Your Income Taxes for 2015?
Replies: 101
Views: 12324

Re: How Did You File Your Income Taxes for 2015?

TurboTax software starting in 1988 - efiled since it became available.
Small refund checks from both federal and state already deposited electronically.

Biggest challenge is waiting for the final K-1 information to become available.
by engineerartist
Tue Apr 12, 2016 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirees: what's your Withdrawal Rate for this and last year?
Replies: 79
Views: 10273

Re: Retirees: what's your Withdrawal Rate for this and last year?

Much food for thought here. I consider "withdrawal rate" as associated with typical SWR calculations used in retirement planning describing the sale of assets to cover expenses in the "decumulation" phase. I am 2 years into retirement and this is my first year for both SS and RMD. DW is receiving spousal SS, and my RMD covers federal and state tax withholding plus money to reinvest in our taxable portfolio, which provides the remainder of our expenses from dividends. The RMD is being generated by dividends, and we are not "decumulating" my IRA so I consider my withdrawal rate to be 0% as long as the dividends keep ahead of the RMD. When that inevitably ends, I will begin using transfer in kind to move assets fr...
by engineerartist
Sat Apr 09, 2016 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA - Medicare Premium adj - how get SS to look at current year?
Replies: 27
Views: 3873

Re: IRMAA - Medicare Premium adj - how get SS to look at current year?

I had the same problem when I retired in 2014. Social Security "looked back" at 2012 (I had exercised stock options to avoid losing them).

After some research, I found and filed (in person) form SSA-44 "Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - Life Changing Event" checking the "Work Stoppage" box and filled in my estimated MAGI for 2014 and 2015, both of which were significantly lower than 2012 (and 2013).

After the expected bureaucratic delay, my IRMAA was rescinded.

BTW, although the Individual MAGI limit is $85,000, the MFJ limit is $170,000 - and a reminder that MAGI is AGI + any tax-exempt bond interest.
by engineerartist
Tue Feb 02, 2016 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD = please help
Replies: 8
Views: 1381

Re: RMD = please help

Schwab does provide for state tax withholding - and allows fractional percentages (e.g 2.5%), while the federal tax withholding requires a whole number percentage. My rollover IRA is at Schwab and I am using this feature.
by engineerartist
Fri Oct 16, 2015 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I claim SS early to avoid Medicare B increase?
Replies: 7
Views: 1185

Should I claim SS early to avoid Medicare B increase?

Now that the SSA has announced there will be no COLA for 2016, I understand that the cost of Medicare Part B may increase - perhaps significantly - except for those whose premiums are being deducted from their SS Benefit, due to the "hold harmless" provision. I "filed and suspended" SS Benefits last year to allow DW to start spousal benefits. When I turn 70 (this December) my SS Benefits should automatically start. As I understand it, my first payment will be in January (for December). I have been paying my Medicare Part B premium monthly (via credit card), since there is no SS Benefit from which to deduct it. My question is whether I should start my SS Benefit at least one month early to make sure I am included in the &...
by engineerartist
Wed Aug 12, 2015 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finding stocks with dividends
Replies: 4
Views: 886

Re: Finding stocks with dividends

David Fish maintains a list of long-term dividend payers - which you can download which he updates monthly at http://www.dripinvesting.org/Tools/Tools.asp.
by engineerartist
Thu Jun 25, 2015 1:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?
Replies: 449
Views: 96096

Re: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?

I am 69 and 31% Fixed Income, 53% Dividend Growth Stocks and 17% Real Estate (Home Equity). Retired last year and living on dividend income + SS.
by engineerartist
Tue Mar 10, 2015 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios [now live]
Replies: 439
Views: 124828

Re: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

Just read this article - which could perhaps be dismissed as "sour grapes" - from a WealthFront member: https://medium.com/@adamnash/broken-val ... d550a27629