Search found 1464 matches

by Cyclesafe
Thu Nov 16, 2023 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a panamera worth it?
Replies: 48
Views: 6828

Re: Is a panamera worth it?

From time to time I think about this. It's been a terrible investment, maintenance can be eye-wateringly expensive, and you're a target for the haters.

I'd do it again though. My second had a less powerful engine and I didn't go for some of the options I didn't notice or use. I bought Macan's, but I think it would be the same for the Panamera. Also looked at Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus SUV's, but the Macan had the thrill factors the others didn't (IMHO) seem to have.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Nov 04, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much to budget for bath remodel
Replies: 5
Views: 816

Re: How much to budget for bath remodel

Tentatively select your items, then multiply by 3 to 4.

Be sure to select a contractor who is honest and wants the best for you. (Good luck with this).

We did all the work on a large bathroom suite ourselves: free standing tub, porcelain tile floors and shower, glass shower door, high end cabinets and closets, lighting fixtures. We paid for materials 30% of the lowest we were quoted by a contractor.
by Cyclesafe
Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery
Replies: 33
Views: 4722

Re: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery

Some people are bothered by the change in glare patterns, others not.

My wife went with a multifocal (Symphony) and was only unhappy that her glasses (which she valued as a fashion accessory) were made superfluous. She's very picky about her vision so when my time comes my choice will be an easy one.

Alot of the bad press about multi focals was about lenses no longer sold. Get up to date advice from the best ophthalmologist in your area.
by Cyclesafe
Thu Oct 05, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walking vacation in UK
Replies: 6
Views: 1064

Re: Walking vacation in UK

Sherpa.

Go independent and talk and walk with those you meet along the way. Traveling yourself in UK is easy peasy. And much cheaper than with a guide.
by Cyclesafe
Thu Sep 28, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: No more tax-deferred space: Vanguard Variable Annuity?
Replies: 19
Views: 2090

Re: No more tax-deferred space: Vanguard Variable Annuity?

IMHO there are too many un-knowables to realistically analyze an investment annuity. Better to absorb capital gains hits now rather than risk full income tax hits later after social security and RMD's drive your incremental rate higher - especially if you could be a single filing survivor.

I sure wish I didn't have one.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Depreciation of a new high/mid/low trim normal (non-luxury) car?
Replies: 1
Views: 421

Re: Depreciation of a new high/mid/low trim normal (non-luxuary) car?

Some years ago, I played around on Kelly Blue Book pricing various option combinations of five-year-old versions of a model I was planning to buy new, thinking that some options might offer a better return than others. What I found out that only the big stuff mattered: engine size, convertible vs not etc. Cosmetic trim, fancy wheels, metallic paint etc returned absolutely nothing. I guess I wasn't too surprised. Fishing lures are sold to fishermen not fish.
by Cyclesafe
Thu Sep 14, 2023 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Annuity if you don’t need it.
Replies: 95
Views: 10213

Re: Annuity if you don’t need it.

OP, I follow these threads closely because I keep hoping the tax treatment will change, but alas! Not mentioned above is the state premium tax which dings every liable annuitant contracting as a resident of a state that has it. This tax must be accounted for if analyzing, (but, not surprising, financial superiority only becomes apparent if current bond rates are significantly less than that of the annuity and especially so, if the annuitant is "in the money" when they live longer than the IRS's idea of their life expectancy - all unknowable.) I looked at this some years ago when my actuarial life expectancy was 87: the IRS kept me out of the money until age 92! It's probably a couple of years later than that for me now. https://ww...
by Cyclesafe
Wed Sep 13, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Annuity if you don’t need it.
Replies: 95
Views: 10213

Re: Annuity if you don’t need it.

I am in almost the same situation as you. One year from taking SS at 70, no heirs, etc. But I'm stuck with a (formerly "Vanguard") late 90's variable annuity that is just less than half my investable assets. I'm considering an annuitization (yielding about 4%), either joint survivor or fixed term - say for 20 years. I want to simplify and partially immunize against financial abuse during our dotage. I probably won't pull the trigger until our mid 70's (or later) so I can annually draw down the balance somewhat to lessen the considerable tax hit after annuitization. My contract does not permit me to partially annuitize. If I wasn't locked into this stupid thing and if I could be sure that we won't be ripped off when vulnerable, I w...
by Cyclesafe
Mon Sep 11, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Silverfish Poison
Replies: 3
Views: 883

Re: Silverfish Poison

I had no (apparent) luck with Dekko either. I'd try a Terra Ant bait pack instead. Same active ingredient, but with an attractant (for ants anyway).
by Cyclesafe
Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for glasses and contact lens wearers... lenses, sunglasses, etc.
Replies: 23
Views: 1829

Re: Question for glasses and contact lens wearers... lenses, sunglasses, etc.

Just get lasik with monovision. Once and done (until cataract time). You can wear the same shades as the kool kids.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan trip, June 2024
Replies: 60
Views: 4825

Re: Japan trip, June 2024

Where you go depends on what you like to do. When I pay for hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto I stay at Tokyu Stay (Ginza) and the Kyoto Century Hotel, respectively. Good value and very convenient to the trains. I prefer the "bullet train" rather than flying. Both modes take roughly the same total amount of time.

Avoid the unbearable heat and humidity of summer.
by Cyclesafe
Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 18” vs 20” tires
Replies: 111
Views: 9874

Re: 18” vs 20” tires

Arguably, 20" look better, but are more apt to be damaged (for example by a curb) and cost more, for the wheels themselves and for replacement tires.

18" actually perform marginally better than 20".

The 20" on my two SUV's look great and were an upgrade that cost more than 3K for each set. Four new tires from Tire Rack cost about $1600 installed. Not worth the money IMHO.

But they really do look better.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Jun 20, 2023 5:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SPIA: What Do You Think?
Replies: 91
Views: 9903

Re: SPIA: What Do You Think?

Lots of good comments above. What hasn't been mentioned, however, is the possibility of minimizing total lifetime taxes / IRMA by managing annual income to avoid breaching selected tiers. Of course, nothing is known about what these thresholds will exactly be, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to choose one now and "hope for the best" for future tax years. As mentioned above, there are several important downsides to committing all the money, with upsides more problematic. I mean, can everyone expect to be a longevity outlier? A SPIA can be a nominal supplement to social security, but there also needs to be some (imperfect) inflation protection in the form of equity or TIPS. When there are "write-offable" medical expenses, ...
by Cyclesafe
Sat Jun 17, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice/thoughts on buying and renovating a fixer upper
Replies: 24
Views: 2368

Re: Advice/thoughts on buying and renovating a fixer upper

Disabuse yourself of whatever you think you learned from house improvement shows. They are simply conveying to people what they want to hear so the shows can sell advertising. It's a business model. Don't be duped. Seriously. After living in "builder basic" for twenty years we decided on a renno. After funding two separate proposals we fired two different GC's because there was always too much of a gap between what was promised, what we would be paying, and how long we would be willing to wait. And this was before any work was actually done and they could still lie to their heart's content. We knew what we would actually be getting, how much we would actually be paying, and how long it would actually take would be far, far worse. ...
by Cyclesafe
Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats
Replies: 44
Views: 8071

Re: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats

RAV4 seats are easy to beat.

Small Volvo SUV has great seats. Macan's are the best IMHO with 5(?), 14, and 18 way seat options. $$$$ for latter two. Audi probably has the standard Macan seat, but I dunno for sure.
by Cyclesafe
Fri May 05, 2023 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping parent with finances when they don't want help
Replies: 28
Views: 3686

Re: Helping parent with finances when they don't want help

Went through this and am going through it again right now. My wife's parents trusted us and turned everything over with a minimum of fuss. My mother doesn't trust us and has turned everything over to her attorney, financial fiduciary, and accountant who take a cut of her assets every month, costing her tens of thousands every year for nothing that I and her other son (who is actually an economics professor) would do better, do gladly, and do for free. The irony here is that any attempt on our part to gain control could easily be interpreted as elder financial abuse. So, what we are reduced to is letting my mother run out of assets, if that is indeed her future, and then when people stop being paid to "protect" her from us, move he...
by Cyclesafe
Sat Apr 29, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Marantec: Are Rolling Code Garage Door Openers Really Necessary?
Replies: 13
Views: 2351

Re: Marantec: Are Rolling Code Garage Door Openers Really Necessary?

Thanks for following up. It's good to hear that there's no readily available hack on the internets yet . The Marantec has been so quiet that I only know someone has come home when the door to the garage into the house opens. The opening of the garage door is also undetectable from the bedroom over the garage. The Marantec rep has been out twice to address issues that the installer was supposedly responsible for. It turns out that the installation was botched, but with the rep and me getting on ladders we managed to get the system working properly. But DW & I still wait for the garage to completely close (and stay closed) before motoring away or closing the door going into the house. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the investment now....
by Cyclesafe
Sat Apr 29, 2023 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?
Replies: 97
Views: 8185

Re: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?

This tipping thing is completely out of control. Slip somebody some cash if you think it's the right thing to do, but otherwise buck up and ignore the nudge (Sunstein). If everybody normalizes tipping for anything other than what has become traditional and thus reasonably relied upon for income there will be no end to it.
by Cyclesafe
Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023
Replies: 40
Views: 4261

Re: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023

What do you find overrated about the cruise? The Sandfly Point suggestion is very interesting and seems like that trek is highly recommended. You go out to the Tasman and back hugging one wall of the fjord, then the other. There is often only a little bit of shelter for the animals at the base of the cliff and so the animals (seals mostly) are far, far away. I'd rather be hiking and see the nature up close. Would you recommend that we cut back on some of the days in Queenstown and devote 2 nights in Te Anau? We are also non drinkers as well. If you plan to go on the "rides", you can fill in the time n Queenstown. Te Anau is more of the same actually. Also, you mention that the Hermitage is deteriorating and full of tourists - besi...
by Cyclesafe
Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023
Replies: 40
Views: 4261

Re: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023

Most recent return was in February Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch Day 2: Christchurch - Spend the day exploring Christchurch and deal with the jet lag Day 3: Christchurch to Greymouth via TranzAlpine Train. Rent a car and drive down to Franz Josef Day 4: Franz Josef - Glacier Tour, Day Hikes, and Kiwi Wildlife Centre, Ōkārito Lagoon, Hokitika Gorge etc. Day 5: Franz Josef to Queenstown Day 6: Queenstown - Charter flight to Milford Sound for the cruise tour The "cruise tour is overrated. If no rain, no waterfalls. Need binoculars to see most wildlife. Instead, take shuttle to Sandfly Point and hike the end of the Milford trek. Out and back as far as you want. Day 7: Queenstown Day 8: Queenstown Day 9: Queenstown Day 10: Queenstown to Mt...
by Cyclesafe
Sun Mar 19, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling an Annuity
Replies: 18
Views: 1537

Re: Selling an Annuity

First, your financial advisor is giving you legal advice. That is not his/her job. Ignore or try again with someone who may actually have your interests at heart. Second, determine whether your investment annuity is worth transferring tax free (1035) to a low fee broker like Fidelity (contact Fidelity and they will do this for you - might take a couple of months). This depends on whether an income annuity is in your future anyway and whether the new deal is worth keeping vis a vis your other investment alternatives. See.... Third, if the balance in your investment annuity is low enough, the 10% hit may not be such a big deal. But if you don't need the money until you are over 59 1/2, you can 1035 it to Fidelity for example and hold it in su...
by Cyclesafe
Sat Mar 18, 2023 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sightseeing in Japan - Tokyo north to Sendai
Replies: 12
Views: 1152

Re: Sightseeing in Japan - Tokyo north to Sendai

Try hoya 海鞘 in Sendai. Just don't look at it or smell it.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lightweight Gortex Raincoat
Replies: 12
Views: 1368

Re: Lightweight Gortex Raincoat

My REI shell fell apart after a few wearings. Upgraded to a RAB which also failed, but after a few weeks. Gave up and went full-monty with the heaviest shell Arc'teryx sells. I seem to keep dry, but the shell is bulky, heavy, and was eyewateringly expensive. But it kept me dry hiking through Cyclone Gabrielle in February. Taking it to Scotland in May for 30 days of hiking. For me, lightweight is for emergencies when comfort would be a luxury.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can someone explain to me what an asset manager does?
Replies: 16
Views: 1547

Re: Can someone explain to me what an asset manager does?

Their job is to take as much as possible from their client's assets for the benefit of themselves and their firms. When a client goes to a doctor, he/she doesn't expect to get more sick and can sue if the doctor misrepresents or bungles. When a client goes to a FA, it's on him/her with little recourse.

In before the lock.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Mar 14, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversions or subsidized healthcare
Replies: 10
Views: 1172

Re: Roth Conversions or subsidized healthcare

I've built spreadsheets from scratch twice about this and both times concluded that for me conversions to the end of the 24% bracket beat the (double) hit from IRMAA (MFJ). 70% of my ~$10M portfolio is in tax-deferred and we intend to access and spend all of it in our lifetimes. In 2026, federal tax rates revert to those in 2017 and we can IMHO likely greet a marginal 33% for RMD's at the same (2022 / 24%) income level. Maybe more. Plus a survivor will pay single rates. As with everything financial, spreadsheets tweaking projected tax rates, exclusions/phaseouts/deductions, and income, trump rules of thumb that are often downright incorrect for specific situations - especially at higher income levels. Kudos to you on growing such a beautif...
by Cyclesafe
Tue Mar 14, 2023 5:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversions or subsidized healthcare
Replies: 10
Views: 1172

Re: Roth Conversions or subsidized healthcare

I've built spreadsheets from scratch twice about this and both times concluded that for me conversions to the end of the 24% bracket beat the (double) hit from IRMAA (MFJ). 70% of my ~$10M portfolio is in tax-deferred and we intend to access and spend all of it in our lifetimes. In 2026, federal tax rates revert to those in 2017 and we can IMHO likely greet a marginal 33% for RMD's at the same (2022 / 24%) income level. Maybe more.

Plus a survivor will pay single rates.

As with everything financial, spreadsheets tweaking projected tax rates, exclusions/phaseouts/deductions, and income, trump rules of thumb that are often downright incorrect for specific situations - especially at higher income levels.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Difficulties getting shingrix&pneumoccocal jabs
Replies: 46
Views: 5035

Re: Difficulties getting shingrix&pneumoccocal jabs

Walgreens told my Mom to make an appointment for a jab.
by Cyclesafe
Mon Oct 17, 2022 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best bike touring locations?
Replies: 25
Views: 2706

Re: Best bike touring locations?

The Fairbanks / Anchorage loop, icefields, GDMBR. Without camping, Pacific coast from the Columbia River to north of LA (hundred mile plus days occasionally necessary between accommodations). Dalmatian islands.

Quit a few years ago after 50k miles and too many close calls from distracted drivers - and purposeful intimidation from logging truck drivers. Some roads mapped out even by the ACA (HWY 80 in Cali, for example) are very dangerous. Glad to have the memories, but also glad to have not died.
by Cyclesafe
Wed Aug 17, 2022 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Porcelain Tile Differences?
Replies: 17
Views: 1317

Re: Porcelain Tile Differences?

Sometimes contractors try to base labor on materials cost plus. If so, find somebody else.

Good quality tile will suffer less breakage and be easier to place precisely. Color-through tile is likely to not show wear over time.

Good quality branded Italian porcelain is available from Daltile (and many others) in polished and unpolished, in a variety of sizes and shapes - including bullnose for baseboards.

If it's "once and done" this is the best option. Be prepared to pay for quality.
by Cyclesafe
Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: questions about buying prescription glasses online
Replies: 36
Views: 3445

Re: questions about buying prescription glasses online

I would agree that progressives ordered on-line are riskier, but I have had success in the over five pairs of glasses I have ordered.

The issue isn't your PD, which you can measure yourself as explained above, the issue is the lens design and whether it is fit for the purpose you have in mind. If you buy solely on price, you will get what you pay for. More expensive lenses offer lighter weight and less peripheral distortion. Trivex from a top brand is a safe choice. Avoid high index unless you are willing to sacrifice vision for thinner lenses.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trail Runners - What Shoes?
Replies: 53
Views: 5399

Re: Trail Runners - What Shoes?

I also use Salomon Speedcross for beach running 50 miles per week. With excellent (and expensive) insoles easily get six months of wear - usually more. But I only weigh 160 lbs and the beach is mostly sand. I'm on my fifth pair.
by Cyclesafe
Sun Jun 19, 2022 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pavers vs Stone for Patio Renovation
Replies: 16
Views: 2253

Re: Pavers vs Stone for Patio Renovation

IMHO if you care what it looks like get stone.
by Cyclesafe
Wed Jun 08, 2022 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1035 exchange to fidelity personal retirement annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 2420

Re: 1035 exchange to fidelity personal retirement annuity

I could easily be wrong, but from your "insurance company's" perspective, the ownership of the contract has changed, but not their obligations and rights under it. IOW's, the annuity as a whole can be 1035'ed to Fidelity, but it shouldn't be able to be "broken up". The prospectus of the contract should spell this out. Here are you saying that as joint beneficiaries of the annuity we will have to have to receive the annuity payments in the same way? For instance I believe our options are lump sum, 5 years, or over expected life span so if my mom wants a lump sum but I want payments over my expected life we will have to compromise? You'll have to read your contract / prospectus, but, for example the Vanguard annuity would...
by Cyclesafe
Wed Jun 08, 2022 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1035 exchange to fidelity personal retirement annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 2420

Re: 1035 exchange to fidelity personal retirement annuity

I could easily be wrong, but from your "insurance company's" perspective, the ownership of the contract has changed, but not their obligations and rights under it. IOW's, the annuity as a whole can be 1035'ed to Fidelity, but it shouldn't be able to be "broken up". The prospectus of the contract should spell this out. Have you considered J&S annuitizing the contract? This will provide what is still a reasonable return, provide "proportional" return of basis, and provide a "free" but fully taxable income after said basis is returned. See IRS Publication 939. The biggest advantage here is that you'll have escaped intact. Unwinding these things are a nuisance. Sometimes it's just better not to fight ...
by Cyclesafe
Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aging without family support
Replies: 34
Views: 7913

Re: Aging without family support

I’m looking for ideas on how to take care of things as I age without family support. No kids, spouse has passed. I think of all the work we put into my parents and my spouses parents as they aged and could no longer take care of their finances and day to day living. Taking over finances, medical decisions, finding care, etc. How do people do this with no family support? Tackle this as early as you can. All support is local. But the system you would set up now may not be there in the years ahead when you might need it, because individuals retire (or die). I'd go to a younger elder care attorney who works in a larger office and get him/her to update all of your "final" documents and to set you up with a younger eldercare fiduciary ...
by Cyclesafe
Fri May 20, 2022 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeding new lawn tomorrow in weedy area, what do to?
Replies: 38
Views: 2562

Re: Seeding new lawn tomorrow in weedy area, what do to?

Big Dog wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 6:58 pm sry, but I would kill the weeds first with roundup. Water like heck for 2+ weeks then spray again. Laying seed in a weed patch will not be very successful since teh weeds are already rooted.
OP, this advice is sound. Try to get the weeds up and then kill them with (original) Roundup. Read the label, especially the section on Lawn Renovation.
Broadcast grass seed only after weeds are looking dead. Again, read the label. Please don't rush to seeding, you will only regret it.

Also don't use pre-emergents. They will kill your germinating grass seed.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Mar 22, 2022 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guidelines for Spending on a Kitchen Remodel
Replies: 22
Views: 4364

Re: Guidelines for Spending on a Kitchen Remodel

I have $250k worth of remodeling in a 20 YO HCL "cracker box" builder-grade track house where, according to Zillow, identical unmaintained models have appreciated from $600k to $2.1M. A recent sale of our same model, that was partially renovated with high-end materials, recently sold for $2.5M.

Another consideration is the capital gain exclusion, currently limited for those married filing jointly to $500k, is well exhausted in our case, so any renovation that qualifies as a gain in basis can be written off against the sale. With a builder-grade base, it is not too hard to reasonably demonstrate capital improvements.
by Cyclesafe
Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip
Replies: 33
Views: 3187

Re: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

when we did this in the 80s (heading south as you propose) on a more northern stretch it was a nightmare of RVs heading north. drove from tahoe to I-5 up to redding then west to the coast then south to san francisco felt like we were going to get run off the road onto the rocks below. I would drive north not south were I to do it again. YMMV, but I would carefully consider whether driving northbound is the better. IMHO it isn't. When driving SOUTH you are making right turns into scenic pullouts and right turns again when you get back on the road. Plus, when you are driving along you (or more likely hopefully, your passengers) have an unimpeded view of the scenery. True, you are closer to the edge, but there is a far greater chance of getti...
by Cyclesafe
Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Zinc Suncreen Stains on Car
Replies: 8
Views: 1280

Re: Zinc Suncreen Stains on Car

The problem is that the zinc in sunscreen is a finely ground up paste of zinc oxide an insoluble salt that is impervious to water (duh!), water contining surfactant, or any organic solvent. It has to be physically removed - somehow.

Try heating it slowly and carefully with a hair dryer and wiping with a frequently turned white cloth. What zinc is not wiped up will be distributed in the fibers. If the spill is a big one, I think you'll living with the stain until you sell the car. What happened to Corinthian leather?
by Cyclesafe
Sat Feb 05, 2022 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes Roth conversion/underpayment penalty
Replies: 52
Views: 5073

Re: Estimated taxes Roth conversion/underpayment penalty

Just wanted to mention that Form 2210 related to estimated tax payments in Turbotax is not scheduled for update until Mid-March. I safe-harbored my estimated taxes appropriately and TurboTax is currently showing a penalty due to this form not yet being updated. I don't need Form 2210 since I safeharbored, but TT uses 2210 to determine the penalty. (BTW - I only noticed it because on the Tax Summary review page it showed the penalty, which I knew was wrong so I had to search to find the issue. Form 2210, since it is not needed, actually does not show up on my "Forms in My Return" list.) If you navigate to forms, it is clear that it is in error (2020 dues dates, second payment missing, etc.) In the interview side, all payments have...
by Cyclesafe
Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes Roth conversion/underpayment penalty
Replies: 52
Views: 5073

Re: Estimated taxes Roth conversion/underpayment penalty

I have a very related question:

I made my Roth conversion in January 2022. TurboTax's four generated estimated tax payments for tax year 2022 show that equal amounts will be due. Will I be subject to a penalty since most of my income for 2022 will be this conversion? I will be well within the safe harbor but...

How do I avoid getting a penalty?

I made a best effort to make a sufficiently large payment in January 2021 to cover my conversion then, but was still nicked by TurboTax's software with a (small) penalty after filling in my actual income by cumulative quarter....
by Cyclesafe
Wed Feb 02, 2022 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...
Replies: 13
Views: 1579

Re: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...

It depends on whether the fixed annuity payment guaranteed return in your Vanguard contract warrants slightly higher expenses and poor service from Transamerica. If you are positive that you will never annuitize and plan instead to withdraw or pass it on, it might be better to 1035 elsewhere. Several years ago, thanks to Dale G, I 10-year period certain annuitized ~$500k, giving me ~$5400 a month, 33% of being a return of basis. I have another Vanguard annuity with Transamerica that is now more than 10X the one I already annuitized. If my 4% "guaranteed" rate from Transamerica is still attractive after I am 72, I will joint annuitize the full amount and hope that one or both of us will live to 100. If one at least one of us lives ...
by Cyclesafe
Tue Feb 01, 2022 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...
Replies: 13
Views: 1579

Re: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...

.... You'll need to read your contract. Mine "guarantees" a 4% return. I've extended my date of annuitization to age 99. Transamerica (if you can get ahold of them) would be happy to do this for you as they probably don't want to annuitize old Vanguard annuity contracts. What is the code in the bottom margin of your contract? There is a Section IV. Annuity Payout Option Benefits that contains wording ... .. "Annuity Tables - The Annuity Tables (see Section VII) show the guaranteed minimum monthly payment amounts for each $ 1,000 of Accumulated Value for a Fixed Annuity payment, based on a Guaranteed Interest Rate of 3.25%. Fixed Annuity Payments are guaranteed to be no less than the amount provided in the Tables. The Annuity...
by Cyclesafe
Tue Feb 01, 2022 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...
Replies: 13
Views: 1579

Re: Transamerica (former Vanguard) Variable Annuity 1035 exchange to Fidelity ...

How old are you (skip if you are sensitive). How old is the Vanguard annuity - do your know the guaranteed rate on annuitization? Might be important for someone approaching retirement. Dale I started investing in the Vanguard Variable annuity in 2006 and am under the impression that there is not a guaranteed rate on annuitization. Retirement is a few years away. It is likely that pensions and social security will fill up most of the 22%+ Federal bracket with the rest being end of year ROTH conversions. Anticipate large RMDs (from rollover IRAs and 401k) at age 72 possibly resulting in a higher bracket ... so want to put off having any taxable income from the annuity for as long as possible. Fidelity appears to allow annuitization as late a...
by Cyclesafe
Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen Renovation, what is your prefered way to do the floor?
Replies: 36
Views: 3879

Re: Kitchen Renovation, what is your prefered way to do the floor?

Ceramic and before the cabinets are installed all day long. Vinyl dents and stains. Cabinets can be damaged by subsequent flooring installation which although consuming less material, incurs more labor. You'll probably not care if the floor isn't exactly flush with the wall. You will care greatly that there are no gaps in front of cabinets.
by Cyclesafe
Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?
Replies: 135
Views: 22263

Re: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?

I paid $4000 installed for a 75 gal Ruud natural gas water heater in a HCL area in Cali. This included $1000 worth of code upgrades. It replaced a unit that cost me $1500 installed in about 2009. I probably could have shopped around for a better deal, but DW was getting pretty testy.

Next lowest quote was $6000. They both wanted around $7500 for tankless and would have had to tear up my house.
by Cyclesafe
Sat Oct 09, 2021 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Alternatives to Lexus RX-350?
Replies: 83
Views: 15745

Re: Any Alternatives to Lexus RX-350?

I've owned four Lexuses. DW balked at the new RX grill, so we ended up with a Macan. Looked hard at the Volvo SUV's, but the handling of the Macan won me over. DW is happy with the Macan, but wishes Toyota still made the old RX. (She really hates that grill.)
by Cyclesafe
Tue Oct 05, 2021 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving to San Diego - Help with areas
Replies: 80
Views: 8933

Re: Moving to San Diego - Help with areas

Our requirements: - Good school system - 1600 - 2200 sqft (2br 3ba minimum) - $950k - 1.1M - Reasonable proximity to airport (Wife will fly to customers twice monthly) - Having a pool or room for a pool is a huge plus In the summer DW and I sometimes try to guess how much the temperature drops when driving the 8ish miles along the 56 from the 15 to the 5. Usually it's 15-25 degrees. When people think about San Diego weather they are thinking about the coastal strip, which is relatively cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to the La Jolla Trench heat sink. You should look for a condo as close as possible to 5 (east of 5, of course, and forget about proximity to the airport and a private pool). All school districts in these areas ar...