Search found 83 matches

by investordoc
Thu Jan 19, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bitwarden usage process
Replies: 79
Views: 6791

Re: Bitwarden usage process

Recently moved from last pass to Bitwarden and working the learning curve. So far I like it. For the people who left lass pass due to the security concerns like I did you must change all of your passwords that are important to you. My understanding is the hackers were able to get a lot of information that was not secured like your saved websites on last pass etc. They also got a complete copy of your passwords and log in names but they are encoded. While unlikely they will ever be able to crack the encryption (brute force) they may one day be able to. I have been getting some very convincing phishing emails recently. Coincidence? It's a pain in the butt to change all my passwords but I feel it's necessary .
by investordoc
Sun Jun 05, 2022 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

...A plan when visiting mid west- west (live in TN) is for me to drive out to area we want to explore and pick my wife up at a near by airport. Travel for a week or so then drop her off and she will fly home while I enjoy a trip eastward... An excellent compromise and you get bonus peace and quiet during your drive time days. Very shrewd. My thoughts exactly! :D Sounds like it's more out of necessity because wife is still working and needs to get back unable to take extended time off. I sure hope that this is not your first experience RV'ing and that you have rented or owned previously. Thank you for your concern. A plan or necessity? Is there a difference in my case. Wife still working and I am not. She has limited time off. So if we want...
by investordoc
Sun Jun 05, 2022 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

123 wrote: Sun Jun 05, 2022 12:15 pm
investordoc wrote: Fri Jun 03, 2022 9:46 am ...A plan when visiting mid west- west (live in TN) is for me to drive out to area we want to explore and pick my wife up at a near by airport. Travel for a week or so then drop her off and she will fly home while I enjoy a trip eastward...
An excellent compromise and you get bonus peace and quiet during your drive time days. Very shrewd.
My thoughts exactly! :D
by investordoc
Sun Jun 05, 2022 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

If one is interested there is a professional RV inspection organization much like there is for houses. The NRVIA (National Recreational Vehicles Association). Check out their website. They have certified inspectors all over the country. The inspection is about $1000-1200 plus any extensive travel they have to do to get to the RV to be inspected. They take about 5 hours to complete the inspection and have about a 50 page report. Not sure how much of the engine is looked at. I'm sure they don't compression test the cylinders but might do simple stuff. I thought about used but I am in a position to buy new. I don't really want other peoples issues or misuse. I am fully aware that during the first year of ownership that stuff will happen/break....
by investordoc
Sat Jun 04, 2022 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

Thanks for all the responses. I think all cash will be the way I go. Thank you all
by investordoc
Fri Jun 03, 2022 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

I don't really like loans. As stated above I am debt free and have the cash positioned to write a check for the RV. My reason for posting was to see if there was any reason to take some of the cash and put it to work elsewhere. In the current rate environment I'm leaning toward paying cash for it because as stated by some it will be hard to overcome current returns offered in the market minus taxes.
by investordoc
Fri Jun 03, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

Re: New RV pay cash or finance some?

Thank you all for the responses. To answer some questions. It is an Airstream Atlas on order which is considered a class B+ because it has a slide out. The average order to delivery time currently for this unit is about 8-9 months. If you want an airstream that you pull you are looking at 12+ months. I have the cash waiting for the full sale so a loan is not necessary. I am debt free and really don't care about my credit score. We plan to take short weekend trips and as many longer trips as possible. I am retired and wife still works. A plan when visiting mid west- west (live in TN) is for me to drive out to area we want to explore and pick my wife up at a near by airport. Travel for a week or so then drop her off and she will fly home whil...
by investordoc
Fri Jun 03, 2022 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New RV pay cash or finance some?
Replies: 57
Views: 6100

New RV pay cash or finance some?

I have an RV on order and should be ready for pickup July/August. Cost will be in the range of $280K tax included. Should I pay cash for it or finance some, maybe $100-150K?. I have the cash available if needed. I think interest on the loan would be about 5-6% but I haven't checked in about a two weeks. Thoughts? If I financed part, the other available cash would go into the S&P 500 ETF VOO. The loan can be stretched out for 10 years but I probably would pay it off sooner without penalty. Thank you for your input.
by investordoc
Mon Dec 07, 2020 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TLH question FUAMX
Replies: 8
Views: 719

Re: TLH question FUAMX

OP, Did you re-invest the recent FUAMX dividend in any non 40x account your household holds? If yes, you could have a wash-sale. As I understand it, selling all FUAMX you hold nullifies the wash sale. Remember, a wash sale is buy of that fund/stock between 30 days before or 30 days after the the main sale. Having a wash-sale a just means some cost tracking adjustments into the future, unless it's associated with an IRA/ROTH account where you can't re-capture the cost basis adjustment. If that is a minor cost to an IRA/ROTH, its nothing to sweat. Thank you Retired Al. That was my next step to see if recent auto reinvestment in my accounts occurred. It did and would just about wipe out the tax loss harvest. Wasn't expecting the dividend. My ...
by investordoc
Mon Dec 07, 2020 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TLH question FUAMX
Replies: 8
Views: 719

TLH question FUAMX

Looking for some BH advice. Currently have about a $10,000 short term loss in Fidelity Intermed Treasury Bond Index (FUAMX) in my taxable account. Looking at end of year TLH. Considering selling FUAMX and going to Fidelity US Bond Index Fund (FXNAX) for at least 30 days to avoid wash sale.

Ideas? I will not need money from FUAMX for greater than 10 years. I don't see any downside.

Thank You
by investordoc
Tue Oct 13, 2020 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change disaster
Replies: 127
Views: 16421

Re: Oil change disaster

So what happened? Did I miss the outcome
by investordoc
Sat Mar 07, 2020 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: double-side tape to secure rug to floor - recommendations?
Replies: 20
Views: 1497

Re: double-side tape to secure rug to floor - recommendations?

Have you considered some of those rubber anti slip mats that you cut to fit under the rugs?
by investordoc
Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: People on Vanguard's Website
Replies: 31
Views: 2874

Re: People on Vanguard's Website

Thank you for contributing to my overall health. Below is ripped off er i mean attributed to helpguide.org Laughter is the Best Medicine Laughter is good for your health Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and i...
by investordoc
Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used car purchase - now dreading it
Replies: 117
Views: 10901

Re: Used car purchase - now dreading it

Change the cabin air filter today and don't buy the cheap ones. Do it before the ozone treatment. That may solve the problem.
by investordoc
Fri Jan 24, 2020 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Prenup Question............
Replies: 20
Views: 1911

Re: Another Prenup Question............

OP
You didn't mention your age or the age of your future wife. Do you plan on having children? How old are your children? Are the kids college funded or will that come out of earnings after you are married? How will your wife feel about "her earnings" going toward your children's college? These on going expenses have to be considered when writing a prenup. Along with a prenup you need estate planning as well. If you were to die your children could lose out on their portion of your estate. Have you had a discussion about a prenup and addressed any concerns? A fair prenup protects both parties. My two cents.
by investordoc
Fri Sep 13, 2019 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Leaf Blower?
Replies: 70
Views: 6875

Re: Best Leaf Blower?

Buy it once and buy it right. I have a Stihl professional backpack blower. It has never failed me.
by investordoc
Sun Aug 25, 2019 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sudden Death: Sorting Estate in sorrow
Replies: 17
Views: 6854

Re: Sudden Death: Sorting Estate in sorrow

Not a Lawyer.

Doing a quick Google search, there is a big difference between a San Francisco registered domestic partner and a California registered domestic partner. Two different things. I'm sure there will be differences in who is legally entitled to what outside of beneficiary designated assets.

Therefore: Get a lawyer who specializes in domestic partnerships in San Francisco. Since he lived and worked in CA not sure what MA would have to do with anything.

Prayers for the family and Domestic partner. Sorry for your loss.
by investordoc
Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to help an employee who is in debt and requesting a loan
Replies: 110
Views: 11163

Re: How to help an employee who is in debt and requesting a loan

The above post concerning the employees position in the company is valid. My father's practice manager and book keeper who was a family friend started writing checks to save their failing farm. She also wrote herself bonuses. She was a trusted friend and employee. When my father finally caught on she had embezled close to $80,000. This was early 1980 money so a much larger number if put into today's numbers. When presented with the evidence she admitted everything but in her mind she had no other choice. They needed the money to save the family farm.

If this person has any ability to access the finances of the company please monitor closely. Good people can do bad things when they don't think there is a way out.
by investordoc
Sun Jul 14, 2019 12:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax cost stopping move to indexing
Replies: 80
Views: 6809

Re: Tax cost stopping move to indexing

I have a similar situation, with about $100K in BRK and KO shares that I have held for years. I had thought to gift some of the shares to my adult daughter over the span of a couple years, which she could then sell to help pay for grad school. She is in the 0% bracket. Or maybe I can give them to my mom, and then some day they will come back to me with a full step-up in basis. How would this work? Am I missing something? Unless your daughter or mom is a registered 501C how can you avoid paying the gains on the stock you "donate" to them? Tax man always gets his share sooner or later. So if you had a 100% gain and donated that stock to your daughter you are saying you would not owe taxes on that? You gift the shares directly to yo...
by investordoc
Sun Jul 14, 2019 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax cost stopping move to indexing
Replies: 80
Views: 6809

Re: Tax cost stopping move to indexing

Stormbringer wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2019 10:38 am I have a similar situation, with about $100K in BRK and KO shares that I have held for years. I had thought to gift some of the shares to my adult daughter over the span of a couple years, which she could then sell to help pay for grad school. She is in the 0% bracket.

Or maybe I can give them to my mom, and then some day they will come back to me with a full step-up in basis.
How would this work? Am I missing something? Unless your daughter or mom is a registered 501C how can you avoid paying the gains on the stock you "donate" to them? Tax man always gets his share sooner or later. So if you had a 100% gain and donated that stock to your daughter you are saying you would not owe taxes on that?
by investordoc
Wed Feb 06, 2019 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer wants to borrow $50k
Replies: 51
Views: 3872

Re: Employer wants to borrow $50k

NO NEVER NADA NICHT.

How do you know that the loving boss hasn't approached the other employees and asked for the same? It would be beyond stupid and you need to stand your ground.
by investordoc
Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money Troubles: Need advice to start over from a hole.
Replies: 37
Views: 3795

Re: Money Troubles: Need advice to start over from a hole.

OP,

If your friend decides to go with 8foot7 idea (I think it has merit) make sure he gets IN WRITING from the credit card companies that the debt is settled 100%. He needs to file this letter away forever and not loose it. He should NEVER give the credit card company access to his bank account. Have him send them a certified check. These are things Dave Ramsey tells the listeners.

If he gets rid of all the credit card debt will this put him on stable ground?

Best of luck.
by investordoc
Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Post-9/11 GI Bill for college questions
Replies: 29
Views: 2267

Re: Post-9/11 GI Bill for college questions

OP, I read all the responses from you and I didn't see that you ex is still in the military. I was interested in your thread because I was wondering if my wife's father could transfer his benefit to our daughter. I did a quick Google search and found out that if he isn't currently in the service he is NOT eligible to transfer his benefits. There was a good Q&A on Military times that gave me this info. The following is from the Military Times. "I am a retired command sergeant major E-9 after serving 42 years. Can I transfer my GI Bill to my wife's grandson -- my step-grandson? Thanks, Hopeful Vet Dear Hopeful, Your question is the sixth one we've recently received inquiring about transferring the GI Bill after retirement or leaving ...
by investordoc
Tue Feb 20, 2018 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: condo rental and emotional support animals issues
Replies: 24
Views: 4706

Re: condo rental and emotional support animals issues

OP Wrote "Since I first posted I've had further discussions with our property manager, the one who rents the unit for us and handles the contracts, welcome access, cleaning, etc. He's advised that the state now allows charging up to an additional month's rent for service animals and ESAs. I haven't seen the details yet. I'm assuming its in the nature of a notice in addition to the boilerplate in the contracts re no animals, that if you show up with an animal there's an additional charge of one month's rent, each month. Sounds similar to the Lake Tahoe reference above. We've told him to implement it." [/quote] OP I don't know what state your rental property is in but I would do some research on what your manager is telling you. It ...
by investordoc
Wed Feb 14, 2018 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Continue to invest in Fid total bond (FTBFX) or 3 month CDs
Replies: 6
Views: 1724

Re: Continue to invest in Fid total bond (FTBFX) or 3 month CDs

Thank you Tyler and Mega for the responses. There is no confusion as to which fund I am in. I would prefer not to get into the index/active debate as I have most of my other investments in index funds. If you look at Portfolio Visualizer you will see that FTBFX has out performed FSITX since its inception on June 2011. I understand that in the future it may not. I don't believe that this is a market timing "should I sell" question. I never mentioned sell. My thinking is that since CPI is rising and inflation may be as well that it might be best to "park" money that I would put into the bond fund into a short term CD and see where we are in a couple of months. Instead of leaving it in cash at least make something off the m...
by investordoc
Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Continue to invest in Fid total bond (FTBFX) or 3 month CDs
Replies: 6
Views: 1724

Continue to invest in Fid total bond (FTBFX) or 3 month CDs

I opened a large position in Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX) in March of 2017 in my protected account. Along with dividend reinvest I have added 6 more purchases throughout the last year. Despite dividend reinvestment and continuing to add to the fund I am currently with a loss in this position. I am currently in the process of readjusting my AA per my investing statement (increasing bond %) not related to current market events. I have about 6-7 years until I will begin to withdraw funds from my accounts. It is time to make another purchase of the fund but I wonder if it might be a smart idea to instead of buying more FTBFX to go with a short term CD say 3 month duration. 3 month CDs are paying about 1.55% currently. I don't know what inte...
by investordoc
Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Diversifying an appreciated stock
Replies: 3
Views: 461

Re: Diversifying an appreciated stock

Long term capital gains remains at 20% for top tax bracket (39.6%). The 3.8% ACA tax on net investment income may apply to you as well. Then there is your state tax. Unless you think congress will get rid of the ACA tax I doubt much will change in the near future. Agree with not letting the tax tail wag the dog. Consider yourself fortunate that this one stock has done so well. What goes up can/will go down. I say cash some/most/all of it in and use that cash to readjust your AA (you have one correct?). Index all the way. I don't know what Exchange Funds are but if it involves a middle man that sounds like it could be an expensive lesson to learn. Keep it simple. Tax man is going to get his share sooner or later. Tax rates could go up as Was...
by investordoc
Tue Jan 23, 2018 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Prioritizing paying down debt
Replies: 19
Views: 2370

Re: Prioritizing paying down debt

At what percent is the PMI? I think it is typically .5%-1% of entire loan. Dave Ramsey book is good advice. He likes to pay off smallest balance to greatest for the psychological kick it gives for chalking up another win. You seem to be motivated so I would pay the highest interest first then when that loan is gone apply all that money to the next highest interest amount. First and for most you need a written budget and stick to it. Stop digging the debt hole and pay cash for things you buy. You are miles ahead of your peers. Congrats to you and your SO. You are a team so make sure SO is on the same page as you. Dave's famous tag line is "Live like no one else so later you can live like no one else" or something close to that! Get...
by investordoc
Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Family dilemma involving wills/trusts
Replies: 24
Views: 3354

Re: Family dilemma involving wills/trusts

Just finished reading "Beyond the Grave" by Jeffrey Condon. The book will answer many of your questions and it will provide a base of knowledge for when you see an attorney. As stated above don't waste time. Find a good/great elder care attorney in your area and see what they recommend concerning your mom and your brother.
by investordoc
Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with Inherited IRA RMD
Replies: 11
Views: 1450

Re: Help with Inherited IRA RMD

Agree with the above advice on this being part of your overall AA. Question I have is how did you arrive at the RMD amount? Inherited IRAs are a different animal than other IRAs that you need to take RMDs at age 70 1/2. Make sure you are using the proper calculator and do not use the value of your other IRAs in the calculation. If in doubt call Schwab and ask them how much you need to withdraw.
by investordoc
Thu Jan 11, 2018 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car accident - was directed to sign release
Replies: 71
Views: 7663

Re: Car accident - was directed to sign release

OP,

Are you guessing at "maybe $1000 in damage" or do you have an actual written estimate? Have you been to the body shop recently? There may be more to the repair than you think. The repair costs are very high and unless very very minor there is a chance it will cost more than $1000.
by investordoc
Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trying to help acquaintence - medicare costs
Replies: 75
Views: 4402

Re: Trying to help acquaintence - medicare costs

OP
Would it be possible for you to go over to your friends house and have her call the number on the statement where they take the $322 every month and listen in on another line or have her give them permission to discuss with you what the money that is being withdrawn from her account is actually for?
by investordoc
Thu Jan 04, 2018 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ID theft and check cashing fraud
Replies: 97
Views: 10029

Re: ID theft and check cashing fraud

OP,
Have you thought of using the tracking feature on the phone (if there is one on his model) and give that info to the police. Do not try to hunt it down yourself. Also on the iphone there is a feature where you can remotely wipe all info on the phone. Have you done that yet?
Sorry for all your troubles
by investordoc
Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young Professional just starting needs advice
Replies: 5
Views: 896

Re: Young Professional just starting needs advice

I had planned on sending him Dr. Bernstein's "If You Can". I also will loan him my copy of John Bogle's " The Little Book of Common Sense Investing". Thank you for the suggestion. Agree he needs about $5000 for the emergency fund.
by investordoc
Sat Dec 02, 2017 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young Professional just starting needs advice
Replies: 5
Views: 896

Young Professional just starting needs advice

My 25 y/o DS has graduated from law school and passed the bar. He has his first real job making about 50k working for the a state government. He plans to work there for a few years and then move out to private practice. Along with teaching him about an investors statement, a budget and other BH principles, I need to have a look at his investment choices thru his work. (he has asked me to help him get started). I hope to start him in a three fund like portfolio but at this time I don't know what his choices are. I will probably recommend a 90S/10B or 100/0 for his AA. My thinking is that at his current low salary he would be better off if he were to do only the match in the 401k from work and then max out a roth IRA($5500). He needs to build...
by investordoc
Tue Oct 31, 2017 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Get Lexus service at Toyota and save?
Replies: 29
Views: 3175

Re: Get Lexus service at Toyota and save?

When I owned a Lexus IS350 i would take it to the toyota dealer for the oil change and tire rotation. I think those cars need the toyota oil filter. However, once when I had the tires rotated the mechanic doing the work switched the tires from front to back. Those cars have different sized wheels in front and back. I noticed weird handling on the way home and when I got there found out why. I called and went back where they corrected the problem but didn't really apologize for the screw up or offer anything for my inconvenience. I checked the tires before leaving from that point on.
by investordoc
Wed Mar 29, 2017 5:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anyone factor in future inheritance?
Replies: 78
Views: 8389

Re: anyone factor in future inheritance?

No. And my father proved that for my sister and I when he and his younger wife made a new will out after he had a stroke. The irony of it all was that when he died she inherited it all and then she died 10 months later of cancer and her children inherited it all. That's why you should not include it in your planning.
by investordoc
Tue Mar 28, 2017 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Get money from IRA at brokerage A to Roth IRA at Brokerage B
Replies: 4
Views: 525

Re: Get money from IRA at brokerage A to Roth IRA at Brokerage B

Slowly to control the taxes. I like Livesoft idea if opening Roth at brokerage A and doing the conversion and either leave it there or do the custodian to custodian after that. Both are quality brokerages. Thanks for the ideas.
by investordoc
Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should we take 0.9% auto financing?
Replies: 27
Views: 4364

Re: Should we take 0.9% auto financing?

I took the loan and put it on bank auto draft. I put the cash I had to buy the car in VTI. Done.
by investordoc
Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Get money from IRA at brokerage A to Roth IRA at Brokerage B
Replies: 4
Views: 525

Get money from IRA at brokerage A to Roth IRA at Brokerage B

Had a meeting with someone at brokerage A and asked a question about back door Roth IRA contribution. I stated that I wanted to slowly transfer from Brokerage A IRA to an open Roth IRA at brokerage B. I asked how to get the money to B so that I don't receive a check and complicate things with the government. He said I would have to open a Roth at brokerage A to do this. Is this true? Should I call brokerage B and ask if they can make it happen? I don't want to appers dumb. Thank you.
by investordoc
Fri Mar 24, 2017 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How should I evaluate these Vanguard funds?
Replies: 14
Views: 2348

Re: How should I evaluate these Vanguard funds?

Consider fund turnover. These are expenses not included in ER
by investordoc
Fri Mar 24, 2017 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Replies: 158
Views: 24364

Re: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

+1 PIA. Use it on specific devices when away from home ie Starbucks, Hotels etc.
by investordoc
Wed Mar 22, 2017 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: child support question
Replies: 38
Views: 3404

Re: child support question

There's a lot of truly terrible advice in this thread so I feel the need to weigh in. First, no one can give you a reasonably intelligent answer without knowing what state you're in so we can look at how the guidelines in your state are structured. Second, I'm truly curious about what state you're in where the DCSE can tell you what the new amount will be without conducting a review of both of your incomes. I don't claim to know the guidelines for every single state but generally the obligation is split pro rata by income in most states. Also, as a general matter, most states consider child care costs as one factor in setting the child support amount (along with health insurance costs). If, as you say, the initial order was entered 10 year...
by investordoc
Fri Mar 17, 2017 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medical treatment in US for non US citizen
Replies: 50
Views: 6802

Re: Medical treatment in US for non US citizen

Sam
How old is your niece? Look at the St. Jude Children's hospital site " http://www.stjude.org". They are a children's hospital in Memphis, TN. They will treat childhood cancers regardless of ability to pay. I don't know age limits. I don't know if you need to be a US citizen. Good luck and God bless.
by investordoc
Wed Mar 08, 2017 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to advise coworkers on 401k choices
Replies: 26
Views: 2584

Re: How to advise coworkers on 401k choices

with all the above +1
by investordoc
Wed Mar 08, 2017 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellesley or Balanced index?
Replies: 26
Views: 5510

Re: Wellesley or Balanced index?

BHUser27 wrote:FWIW - Balanced Index is better diversified and has half the ER% (comparing Admiral versions)...

From Morningstar...

VBIAX VG Balanced Index Adm:
~40S/60B
ER 0.07%
Stock Holdings 3,332
Bond Holdings 9,333

VWIAX VG Wellesley:
~40S/60B
ER 0.15%
Stock Holdings 60
Bond Holdings 1,129

VBIAX VG Balanced is approx. 60% stock and 40% Bonds. The ER is 0.08. as of 1/31/2017. You are correct that Wellesley is approx. 40S/60B
by investordoc
Tue Feb 28, 2017 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grass trimmer
Replies: 67
Views: 7853

Re: Grass trimmer

The motor is the easy thing OK, how do folks with string trimmers get the darn plastic string cord to feed and not break off all the time? And the string just tightens around the reel like an ace bandage around your ankle and jams. And these "bump feed" things wear out after a season, so they need replacement. It seems like yard crews dispense with any safety and use metal cables for the plastic. It seems though you can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em. Since you asked.... Make sure the line is the proper size for your trimmer. If it is tightening instead of feeding out could you be winding it in the wrong direction on the spool? So that when it spins it is tightening instead of dispensing? Just a thought.
by investordoc
Tue Feb 28, 2017 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grass trimmer
Replies: 67
Views: 7853

Re: Grass trimmer

My philosophy is to buy something once and buy it right. I would not go with the big box brands. Go to the local mower shop where the yard guys buy stuff. I have a Stihl gas trimmer and it is still going strong after 12 years. They make a consumer line as well as the pro line. It is well built and feeds the line out nicely. Never had a problem. Years ago I would buy the big box riding mowers and need to replace every 3-5 years. 15 years ago I bought a pro walk behind (now most are the sit down kind) Toro mower. Sharpen the blades, change the oil and it's good to go. Never had a problem and most likely won't in the future. Buy it once and forget about it.

Jeff
by investordoc
Tue Feb 28, 2017 8:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity drops equity trade fee to $4.95
Replies: 69
Views: 10186

Re: Fidelity drops equity trade fee to $4.95

They also have an offer for 300/500 free trades if you open a NEW account or transfer into an EXISTING account of $50,000 or $100,000. The free trades are good for two years. FYI
by investordoc
Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA for High Net Worth Parents?
Replies: 71
Views: 11930

Re: FAFSA for High Net Worth Parents?

Sorry....my bad. No lottery not available to private schools. Only to state schools in YOUR state. I better go and practice my reading skills. Thanks for correcting me.