Search found 950 matches

by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Mar 11, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What to do if a money market fund breaks the buck?
Replies: 32
Views: 6032

Re: What to do if a money market fund breaks the buck?

My answer generally has been to attempt to avoid money market funds. Not always possible, but I want my cash liquid above all.

I’m astounded that there isn’t a high-roller version of the Fidelity Cash Management product for such an occasion as this. The sheer number of household names who took a bath at that bank that failed makes me wonder whether I am a sucker to be trusting Fidelity Cash Management so much. This just doesn’t compute.
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri Sep 23, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website
Replies: 4
Views: 2167

Re: TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website

Update: the same TSP rep from what is likely their congressional liaison unit called back today. She made no promises but gave me the opportunity to request that my TSP loan be “reconsidered”. If granted, they will do a final, one-time reamortization. Pure speculation: I’ll bet they want their congressional inquiries closed out by end of FY22.

I’ll report back when I hear more.
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri Aug 12, 2022 1:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website
Replies: 4
Views: 2167

Re: TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website

Bumping post…

I’ve now heard back from my senator’s office. We had a chat, then the next day someone from the TSP called me but was not empowered to fix things. I tried to explain that they have a fiduciary responsibility to act in my interest and they unilaterally changed the terms of my loan without informing me ahead of time, but it was like talking to a brick wall.

I don’t know if there would be enough money at stake to try litigation, even though it would be a potentially huge class action. I’d welcome any thoughts.
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Aug 02, 2022 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website
Replies: 4
Views: 2167

TSP: ability to re-amortize loan removed with new website

I took out a TSP residential loan to buy our home in 2018. Since then, I had repeatedly used the TSP website to increase my loan payments if I was anticipating a bonus or other windfall, and after that I re-amortized the loan to lower my payments. At the time that the website changed over, I had increased my payments due to a windfall, intending to re-amortize before too long. When the new website came online I was able to access it without excess trouble. When I went to re-amortize my loan, there was no such option. I called the thrift line, and after an hour on hold, the very kind and professional agent informed me that voluntary reamortization is no longer available even over the phone, as the website cannot handle it. I asked what scena...
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun May 29, 2022 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving the TSP [for current participants]
Replies: 587
Views: 92365

Re: Improving the TSP [for current participants]

MichDad wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 9:49 am I listened in on this morning's monthly meeting of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. At the end of the meeting, they discussed the ongoing "Converge" project…
MichDad
How do you find out about/ get call-in info for these meetings?
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Dec 19, 2021 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BCBS or GEHA?
Replies: 93
Views: 20951

Re: BCBS or GEHA?

I’d like to add my voice to those pointing out that GEHA HDHP is a solid deal. I understand why people don’t like a deductible, but look at the total premium outlay for the year of both plans. A quick comparison of family plans: BCBS Standard: $286.74/pp = $7,455.24 per year GEHA High: $304.39/pp = $7914.14 per year GEHA HDHP: $150.04/pp = $3901.04 per year. With BCBS you pay an extra $3554.20 in premiums to avoid what is effectively a $1200 deductible. With GEHA you pay an extra $4013.10 in premiums to avoid a $1200 deductible. Are you really sure avoiding the deductible is a good idea financially? You are leaving off one important detail. You need to add in the tax advantages of paying a higher premium vs higher out of pocket, since prem...
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Sep 18, 2021 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: (Federal Employee Health Benefits Question) Anybody done APWU CDHP option?
Replies: 3
Views: 677

(Federal Employee Health Benefits Question) Anybody done APWU CDHP option?

I’m starting my research for FEHB Open Season. Does anyone here have experience with the APWU CDHP? I have questions about how the HRA meshes with an FSA with that particular plan.
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon May 17, 2021 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What specific complaints do you have for your tax software
Replies: 65
Views: 5491

Re: What specific complaints do you have for your tax software

jebmke wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 10:53 am
hamhocs wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 10:47 am The IRS doesn't have nearly enough of your info to do this.
I think they have insufficient information with which to ascertain your filing status which is a knock-out right there.
It wouldn’t be hard to have a box to check on your W-4 that would report MFJ, MFS, HOH, Single, etc. back to the IRS. We have the technology. We can make it better.
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri May 14, 2021 4:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What specific complaints do you have for your tax software
Replies: 65
Views: 5491

Re: What specific complaints do you have for your tax software

adestefan wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 4:51 am My biggest complaint is that I need any tax software at all. The IRS has all the info so why do I need to enter it again onto a bunch of forms just for them to double check my work?
IRS should send us our tax return and we can counter-file if we disagree with what they come up with.
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)
Replies: 82
Views: 7380

Re: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)

Jay Peak, VT. Indoor water park for when you don’t feel like skiing. Also, the most western-like terrain in the east. To the point where I was underwhelmed when I made it to Colorado. Plenty of Montrealers choose it over Tremblant and a half dozen other mountains on the way. Jay Peak, while a great mountain that I’m looking forward to next winter hopefully, meets almost none of the OPs requirements besides slope side lodging and the water park. They would have to drive past both Smugglers Notch or Stowe which both meet the criteria more than Jay does. The OP criteria are: - A "Resort" experience w/excellent lodging/food/shopping in walking distance. Prefer a hotel over AirBnB. Shopping is a little sparse and somewhat pricy but we...
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)
Replies: 82
Views: 7380

Re: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)

motorcyclesarecool wrote: Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:06 pm Jay Peak, VT. Indoor water park for when you don’t feel like skiing.
Also, the most western-like terrain in the east. To the point where I was underwhelmed when I made it to Colorado. Plenty of Montrealers choose it over Tremblant and a half dozen other mountains on the way.
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)
Replies: 82
Views: 7380

Re: Ski Resort Recommendations for the first-timers? (emphasis on resort)

Jay Peak, VT. Indoor water park for when you don’t feel like skiing.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Apr 17, 2021 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337059

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

The e*trade $25k tier seems pretty lucrative. Between my Roth and DW’s, we could earn $400 for transferring $50k. And we’d still be able to take advantage of other better six figure offers that may arise. No problem leaving $25k each with e*trade for a year. Is there something I’m not seeing here?
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 49800

Re: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?

motorcyclesarecool wrote: Sat Mar 20, 2021 12:37 am 3/13 Efiled via OLT.com (Saturday night)
3/19 Federal refund became visible in CU account as pending, 3/24 post date. IRS online tool still shows “return received” as of this moment. Still not showing “refund approved”
State online tool briefly showed “return received” but now displaying a message that it is unavailable until 3/24. :annoyed
3/24 refund finally hit this morning.

Still weirdness with my third stimmy status.
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overthinking my Lawnmower Purchase (Push vs. Riding)
Replies: 56
Views: 4343

Re: Overthinking my Lawnmower Purchase (Push vs. Riding)

I have a Time Master and it is also excellent at mulching. The only raking I do in autumn is raking leaves out of flower beds onto the lawn where I promptly mulch them with the mower. In summer I get great results cutting at the highest setting and in mulch mode. This past summer, my yard was green when the neighbors’ yards went brown.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Third stimulus payment - mega-thread]
Replies: 387
Views: 40269

Re: [Third stimulus payment - mega-thread]

My third stimulus status now shows a direct deposit account number ending in a letter. I do not recognize it. Anybody have thoughts?
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Mar 20, 2021 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 49800

Re: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?

3/13 Efiled via OLT.com (Saturday night)
3/19 Federal refund became visible in CU account as pending, 3/24 post date. IRS online tool still shows “return received” as of this moment. Still not showing “refund approved”
State online tool briefly showed “return received” but now displaying a message that it is unavailable until 3/24. :annoyed
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Dec 27, 2020 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP: the more I learn the less I know II: Yet Another TSP Question
Replies: 84
Views: 11044

Re: TSP: the more I learn the less I know II: Yet Another TSP Question

I am years from retirement.

My thinking is that when the time comes, I will roll out of the TSP to traditional and Roth IRAs because at the moment expenses are lower in the private sector. I will leave only my allocation to “G” fund in the TSP. IIRC, someone pursuing your strategy could do likewise. When you want to rebalance into the G fund you simply do a trustee-to-trustee transfer into the TSP from your outside IRAs. The big downside: once your Roth balance leaves the TSP, it cannot be rolled back in later under current rules.

Does that help?
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Dec 06, 2020 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tanzania Safari
Replies: 33
Views: 2855

Re: Tanzania Safari

Somehow I got on Micato’s mailing list, and their prices are eye watering. I will watch this thread with interest.
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Use inherited IRA to fund HSA?
Replies: 18
Views: 1298

Re: Use inherited IRA to fund HSA?

That makes sense, provided the IRA withdrawals don’t exceed the HSA maximum contribution.
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri Nov 27, 2020 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Room for about $12k in 12% tax bracket: capital gain harvest, or partial Roth conversion?
Replies: 20
Views: 1744

Re: Room for about $12k in 12% tax bracket: capital gain harvest, or partial Roth conversion?

Since you expect your RMDs to be in a higher bracket, without knowing more, that would seem to favor Roth conversion. If you’re married and don’t expect to die in the same tax year as your spouse, that would also generally favor Roth conversion. I’d use the $3000 carryover next year to do more Roth conversion. Saving 22-24% in an RMD year sounds like a much better deal than saving 15% (Lowest nonzero LTCG rate) this year, but your mileage may vary.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Oct 04, 2020 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasurys no longer provide the ballast for a portfolio
Replies: 106
Views: 9806

Re: Treasurys no longer provide the ballast for a portfolio

Blue456 wrote: Sat Oct 03, 2020 7:11 am
Always passive wrote: Sat Oct 03, 2020 6:47 am ...but what about some of us in the 60s, 70s, and 80s?
CD ladder. Principle is guaranteed and will never go down. Pick anywhere from short duration to long duration as long as it matches your investment length. There are also T-bills and I bonds.
I had CDs get called. I thought had bought non-callable CDs but it appears that Fidelity might have auto-rolled them to something callable. Or I chose poorly.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Sep 05, 2020 3:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying guns not an option, what else
Replies: 56
Views: 6409

Re: Buying guns not an option, what else

Have you considered wasp & hornet killer spray? Perfectly legal to own everywhere, has a decent range...
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri Sep 04, 2020 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BCBS or GEHA?
Replies: 93
Views: 20951

Re: BCBS or GEHA?

I’d like to add my voice to those pointing out that GEHA HDHP is a solid deal. I understand why people don’t like a deductible, but look at the total premium outlay for the year of both plans. A quick comparison of family plans:
BCBS Standard: $286.74/pp = $7,455.24 per year
GEHA High: $304.39/pp = $7914.14 per year
GEHA HDHP: $150.04/pp = $3901.04 per year.

With BCBS you pay an extra $3554.20 in premiums to avoid what is effectively a $1200 deductible.

With GEHA you pay an extra $4013.10 in premiums to avoid a $1200 deductible.

Are you really sure avoiding the deductible is a good idea financially?
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FICA / OASDI deferral: how should I handle?
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

FICA / OASDI deferral: how should I handle?

My employer has very quietly announced that it will be deferring our OASDI (Social Security payroll tax) withholding, beginning with our next paycheck. Article here: https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2020/08/federal-employees-will-have-payroll-taxes-deferred-next-paychecks-processor-says/168089/ It will mean an apparent 6.2% pay raise until January, at which point, absent congressional intervention, employees will perceive a 12.4% pay cut until May. I could put that 6.2% into a high yield savings account and draw it down in the dead of winter, but I might rather not have access to the money. Here is what I’m thinking, please let me know if I’m missing anything. 1. Increase my Federal Income Tax withholding by the amount of my usual OASDI...
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Aug 31, 2020 5:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employers - Will you comply with EO request to defer payroll tax?
Replies: 54
Views: 7542

Re: Employers - Will you comply with EE request to defer payroll tax?

Ok new strategery:

1. Withhold extra 6.2% for federal income tax in Q4 CY20.
2. Decrease federal income tax withholding in Q1 CY21 to compensate for increased withholding of OASDI / FICA
3. Apply a portion of my resulting 2020 refund toward my 2021 taxes to cover my decreased withholding for Q1 CY21.

Would that work?
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Aug 30, 2020 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employers - Will you comply with EO request to defer payroll tax?
Replies: 54
Views: 7542

Re: Employers - Will you comply with EE request to defer payroll tax?

Mods, I don’t believe this to be commentary on pending legislation. These comments assume none is pending.

From an employee perspective, I’m going to increase my federal income tax withholding by the amount of FICA / OASDI withholding as soon as this begins. Wouldn’t that save me from having to pay back that deferral in the dead of winter?
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Aug 17, 2020 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How HDHPs Work
Replies: 32
Views: 2376

Re: How HDHPs Work

RJC wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 12:02 pm Does anyone else have GEHA HDHP and required to use pre-authorization? Does the doctor's office do it or do you have to do it yourself?
I have GEHA HDHP. Doctor’s office has done it for me, but I always ask upon check-in.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Aug 16, 2020 4:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving Boston to Nashville
Replies: 51
Views: 4451

Re: Driving Boston to Nashville

mkc wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2020 10:23 am
motorcyclesarecool wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 9:42 pm Erie, PA is an excellent place to stop for the night, and cheaper fuel than NY or OH.
I would definitely check fuel rates as well. The last few times we have rolled through, PA was significantly higher than NY and OH. Pilot/Flying J is currently showing PA 30-40 cents/gallon higher than NY and OH.
The crowdsourced GasBuddy Heat Map shows Erie, PA below either NY or OH. Perhaps not every gas station is a Flying J or Pilot?
It appears I misread the gasbuddy map. Sorry about the bad advice.

I view a toll as worth it to use a Highway as well maintained as the Thruway.
https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap??l ... 806934&z=6
by motorcyclesarecool
Fri Aug 14, 2020 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving Boston to Nashville
Replies: 51
Views: 4451

Re: Driving Boston to Nashville

Having driven key sections of both, take I-90 to Cleveland, connect to 71 across Ohio to Kentucky. If possible use your EZ-Pass. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is to be avoided, especially in a moving truck. Significant chunks of it were designed in another age, before the value of acceleration/ deceleration strips was fully understood. If you’ve ever driven the Merritt Parkway, picture that, except not as well maintained, in mountainous terrain, and filled with semis. West Virginia is rather mountainous as well. I just google mapped it and realized you wouldn’t be on the PA Turnpike. The southern option Is still more mountainous, though. I’m a huge fan of the Mass Pike west of Boston and the NYS Thruway. In a truck, driving in the mountains mea...
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jul 21, 2020 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car
Replies: 101
Views: 6825

Re: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car

Definitely minivan. 1 y-o rear facing in 2nd row bucket seat. Other kid in 3rd row. Other captain seat for parent. OR fold down the 3rd row and each family member in their own bucket seat, and have an unfolded jogging stroller in the way-back with your pack and play and other kid gear. I used to drive overnight, but now I’m on team “leave at 3:30am”. Figure you’ll arrive at grandmother’s house just in time for dinner, then a solid night of sleep and you’re good to go the next day. Drive through the night and you’ll spend multiple days recovering. Or at least I will. YMMV.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Jul 11, 2020 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?
Replies: 32
Views: 4346

Re: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?

Anyone have experience with interlocking metal roofing tiles? It seems like a way to get the durability of Standing Seam with a process that is closer to shingles.
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jul 07, 2020 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing federal health insurance
Replies: 51
Views: 5787

Re: Help choosing federal health insurance

tj wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:29 pm
motorcyclesarecool wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:23 pm
Cruz wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2020 7:49 pmSorry, I should have been more clear - therapists can be a crapshoot whether they take insurance or not. I've had PTs and psychotherapists fall into both categories.
This would clearly favor a high deductible plan with HSA.
I highly disagree. The best plan would be the one with the most generous out of network coverage. That seems to be FSBP or Compass Rose if eligible. If you have a doctor out of network with GEHA HDHP, the amount that actually counts towards your deductible is a fraction of what you owe the doctor.


https://forum.federalsoup.com/default.a ... post439085
In this case, the provider won’t accept insurance. Are you thinking reimbursement?
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing federal health insurance
Replies: 51
Views: 5787

Re: Help choosing federal health insurance

Sorry, I should have been more clear - therapists can be a crapshoot whether they take insurance or not. I've had PTs and psychotherapists fall into both categories. This would clearly favor a high deductible plan with HSA. My agency has USDA National Financial Center handle its payroll as well, that is good to know about the HSA contributions. So if I have it right, you leave the pass through money from GEHA in HSA Bank as cash and use it for medical expenses, and contribute via payroll contributions to a Fidelity HSA? Precisely. Once your HDHP coverage is in effect and you’ve set up your HSA at your choice of custodian, you can go into MyEPP, select HSA from the menu on the left, select “Self Service”, enter the banking details, and you’...
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CARES TSP Withdrawal - Mega Backdoor Roth
Replies: 4
Views: 872

Re: CARES TSP Withdrawal - Mega Backdoor Roth

I’m on a countdown to a furlough. If it actually happens, I will roll as much as I can out to ROLLOVER Traditional and ROLLOVER Roth IRA, and then seek opportunities for Roth conversion during the current tax year.
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jul 07, 2020 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing federal health insurance
Replies: 51
Views: 5787

Re: Help choosing federal health insurance

Thanks - this was all really helpful to read. Health insurance is not my favorite topic to deal with (up there with taxes) but these exercises are good to help me learn. I have a copy of the Consumer's Checkbook comparisons, which is somewhat helpful (shows the GEHA HDHP coming out in the top 3) and I made a spreadsheet of the plans I am considering with the factors that are important to me so I need to do the math to calculate the total outlay in my situation. I am still unsure if it is possible to have the premiums come out as a pre-tax payroll deduction, hoping to ask HR soon. @motorcyclesarecool, as far as calculating total outlay, you mentioned adding up "a year’s worth of copays from the conventional plan" - would that be f...
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Jul 06, 2020 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Converting to Safety Razors
Replies: 120
Views: 17451

Re: Converting to Safety Razors

I’ve recently (3 weeks ago) converted to a double edge safety razor. I asked my barber about it, and for $7 he sold me a Master Barber branded butterfly razor made in Pakistan. It’s not much to look at, but functions great. In anticipation of a furlough, we were looking for ways to cut costs and I had just run out of Mach 3 cartridges. Double Edge is much cheaper and my perennial razor burn on one side of my face is gone. I have only nicked myself when I was rushing. I am still using my Edge shaving gel. DE only takes a tiny bit more time than the Mach 3. I have no interest in exfoliating or using aftershave. For such a low cost of entry, I’m already saving money.
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Jul 06, 2020 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 3-fund portfolio in ALL accounts, including Coverdells & 529s?
Replies: 10
Views: 1098

Re: 3-fund portfolio in ALL accounts, including Coverdells & 529s?

The Coverdell ESA and §529 can be viewed as technically kiddo’s money, and arguably should be invested according to kiddo’s time horizon. It’s going to be easier on you if you view them in isolation from your retirement accounts. Also, yes, bonds are tricky to understand and kind of a mess right now. Tax efficient placement of bonds depends on how much of each type of tax advantaged space you have, and your circumstances. If you have everything other than the college savings in Roth, you might be paying too much in taxes. You’d do well to give a more complete picture so that we can answer more intelligently.
by motorcyclesarecool
Mon Jul 06, 2020 5:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best $10k car for me?
Replies: 32
Views: 2976

Re: Best $10k car for me?

For 3 kids (unspecified ages / car seat usage) and a bike in the trunk, get an older, crappier Minivan than your spouse. Or an old Suburban / Tahoe. You won’t enjoy removing/ Re-installing kids car seats when you need to fold down the rear seat to fit your bike in the trunk. It will be a deterrent to getting out. Make it easy on yourself.
by motorcyclesarecool
Sat Jul 04, 2020 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing federal health insurance
Replies: 51
Views: 5787

Re: Help choosing federal health insurance

OP,
You need to crunch the numbers on the total outlay for a given year. Read the brochures for the top three plans from Consumer’s Checkbook to see the mental health coverage for psychotherapy. Read the brochure for GEHA Health Savings Advantage. Then compare the annual premiums plus a year’s worth of copays from the conventional plan and, using your existing Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) compare it to what it would look like if you were paying the deductible (assuming the mental health coverage with GEHA would count psychotherapy towards the deductible.)

When comparing plans, annual total outlay is king. Most people focus on copays and lose their shirt.
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jun 30, 2020 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Job candidate sending messages via LinkedIn
Replies: 62
Views: 5288

Re: Job candidate sending messages via LinkedIn

Agree. Let HR handle it. BUT in my experience the degree of follow up to the "losing candidates" by the interviewing companies is typically AWFUL. I can't tell you how many times I snuck out of work, used vacation days, travelled to faraway cities, to interview for a job, and never -NEVER- heard back from the interviewing company. No "thanks for coming", "we appreciate your time".. over 90% of the time GHOSTED. Sometimes the 3rd party recruiter would have some feedback, usually not. In fact, even many of the 3rd party recruiters wouldn't even call me with the results. For their time and trouble, the "losing candidates" deserve the respect of hearing the decision first hand and timely, getting an expl...
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Daf (donor-advised fund) strategies
Replies: 23
Views: 1924

Re: Daf (donor-advised fund) strategies

I am wondering how many years in advance people fund their DAF. It all depends on how much money I have available and what my giving intentions are. Also, if you find massively in year x, do you also give for that year out if your income, not out of your DAF? I would say it depends on: 1. How massively, and 2. Are you funding it with cash, or with appreciated securities held in a taxable account? When donating appreciated shares held longer than a year, we can deduct up to 30% of our AGI in that tax year. The excess beyond that can be carried over for up to five years according to this article. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucebrumberg/2018/11/26/making-charitable-donations-of-stock-instead-of-cash-after-tax-reform/#27cc0e9acb3a When dona...
by motorcyclesarecool
Sun Jun 28, 2020 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CARES Act 401k withdrawal/payback question
Replies: 4
Views: 594

Re: CARES Act 401k withdrawal/payback question

My workplace has indicated that it can be repaid to an IRA, and the IRS will deem it as having been the same as a trustee to trustee transfer.
by motorcyclesarecool
Thu Jun 25, 2020 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?
Replies: 34
Views: 2125

Re: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?

1. The beauty of the Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is it acts like an online check writing tool that cashes out the shares for you and makes cash grants. You get to deduct the full value of the shares you donated, ... Well, sort of. With the standard deduction of $24,000 nowadays, it is unlikely that the first $20,000 of the donation would be deductible in a meaningful way. It depends on the other state-and-local-taxes that the one has lined up which are also limited to $10K. But one can "bunch" a charitable contribution into a single year (say donate $50K) and then pass on to charities after that DAF donation. And to the OP, you don't sell stock to donate the money, you donate the shares directly without selling them first. The share...
by motorcyclesarecool
Thu Jun 25, 2020 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?
Replies: 34
Views: 2125

Re: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?

Hmm, I've seen DAFs mentioned on the forum, and I just now see that there's a wiki for it. I've not considered that, but yes, we give to a number of organizations. I'll have to read up on how that works, but essentially the charitable gifts would come from the sale of stock versus the usual out of pocket? And does income level make a difference as to whether this is a feasible option? We earn about 80k/year gross, with about 10% or more going to charities. Might be another question for the accountant. I'll consider your endorsement for paying off the mortgage into account. Does it matter how much the home is anticipated to appreciate in value? We're not necessarily in a booming area, but neither is it in decline. 1. The beauty of the Donor...
by motorcyclesarecool
Thu Jun 25, 2020 4:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?
Replies: 34
Views: 2125

Re: How to efficiently sell off inherited equities for VG funds?

If you normally give to charity, then pre-funding a few years’ giving with the help of a Donor-Advised Fund is a no-brainer move.

Having a paid-off house when it’s time to move gives you tremendous flexibility, and allows any offer you make on your next house to contain fewer contingencies. You can wind up getting a better deal on your next house if the seller needs a flexible buyer. You can also get a better price when selling your current house if you can afford to be a patient seller. It’s hard to put a hard value on what that flexibility can be worth, but paying off your mortgage before you move can really help your net worth in a moving scenario.
by motorcyclesarecool
Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Immediate Annuities dot com Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1348

Re: Immediate Annuities dot com Question

Ok I left out a bunch of zeroes!
by motorcyclesarecool
Tue Jun 23, 2020 2:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Immediate Annuities dot com Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1348

Re: Immediate Annuities dot com Question

rlangford wrote: Tue Jun 23, 2020 9:24 am
motorcyclesarecool wrote: Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:46 am So, what would be the cons of annuitizing a portion of my profits in a given year using a single premium deferred annuity? To me this seems better than rebalancing into bonds.
I would do internal return calculations (IRR) for the deferred annuity assuming you live to your life expectancy as well as other ages and see what type of return you get and compare it to bond yields. I have done this in the past and it helps frame the analysis.
The IRR function in Excel seems to spit out total return but not an annualized return. Interestingly, the “break even” point for a deferred annuity is 10 years in. The same point for an immediate annuity for the same monthly payout is after 20 years.