Search found 768 matches

by Midpack
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14904

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Both my bride and I always kept a “stash,” just for a rainy day. Trouble is we can’t bring ourselves to spend it on ourselves, though we do buy little gifts for each other from time to time and having a stash makes it easier to surprise each other (kinda hard with joint credit cards, and accounts). I had to go count, I have $5900 in $100s, no idea what she has but considerably less. It’s not part of any plan, we’re just very frugal and money accumulates…
by Midpack
Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: EV Charger Installation Incentive - Taxable Income?
Replies: 7
Views: 991

Re: EV Charger Installation Incentive - Taxable Income?

Form 8911 requires that the location is in an "eligible census tract" which means low income or rural area. It looks like the state of New Jersey will give you $250 for certain models of chargers. Other states may also have EV charger incentives. https://chargeup.njcleanenergy.com/ev-charger-incentive I am pretty confident a lot of people will claim a Form 8911 credit without realizing they're NOT in an eligible census tract. I fully expected a Fed tax credit, only to find out I am not in an eligible census tract - while many neighborhoods around me are eligible despite being more affluent or urban. There is no rhyme or reason to which census tracts or in/eligible, not by income or non-urban class. In TurboTax if you do the Easy ...
by Midpack
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16093

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

Of course a large part of it depends on your electricity and gasoline prices. Although I don't have an EV yet, my current electricity rate during off-peak hours is about 0.08 per kWh, and gasoline prices near me today are in the $2.49 to $2.89 range. Vastly different from your area. And the math changes if you have solar power at home. Other financial considerations include ongoing maintenance costs. No oil changes for an EV. Tires on an EV may be more expensive. Cost of an at-home charger. Insurance rates depend on the specific vehicle. There are non-financial considerations that for some people might be more important than calculating the break-even point. If you can charge at home, no more stops at gas stations when it's cold or raining...
by Midpack
Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10091

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

You don't have to, but unless snow days are really common where you are, I'd pay her. She would probably be most appreciative, you want to hold on to her, and like others have said she is not getting rich cleaning houses. Covid may me reconsider the plight of all the good people in low paying essential work, IMO they deserve more consideration than professionals who command (much higher) salaries. YMMV
by Midpack
Tue Feb 13, 2024 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security withholding and Estimated Taxes
Replies: 10
Views: 1372

Re: Social Security withholding and Estimated Taxes

Thank you both. I'll send my W-4V in mid April. If it doesn't start on time, not the end of the world.
by Midpack
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"
Replies: 77
Views: 13600

Re: How old were you when you hit the "No-Go Years?"

There is no common trajectory. I know active 80 somethings, and 60 somethings who are "no go." All depends on how you've taken care of yourself and your heredity. And it's a slow trajectory to "no-go" anyway, it doesn't happen overnight unless a serious injury slows you down. I am an active 69 yo, and I hope to reach well into my 80s before I have to slow down, time will tell.
by Midpack
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security withholding and Estimated Taxes
Replies: 10
Views: 1372

Re: Social Security withholding and Estimated Taxes

My SS application was just approved to begin in May, first benefit payment in June. I would like to withhold 22%, and it appears that can only be done by mailing or faxing in a W-4V to our local SS office. When should I send it to have withholding begin in May/June - or do I have to wait for benefits to begin to submit a W-4V? I tried to find an answer online and couldn't. Thanks.
by Midpack
Fri Jan 26, 2024 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: VMFXX and 2023 taxes
Replies: 22
Views: 3876

Re: VMFXX and 2023 taxes

Great thread, thanks everyone. Saves me an additional $243 on state taxes.
by Midpack
Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: VMFXX and 2023 taxes
Replies: 22
Views: 3876

Re: VMFXX and 2023 taxes

Seems like a good question. I can't "see" the link in post #2, and don't get the hint, so I'm still wondering as well. I would have a significant state tax credit if I could include the government obligations portion of the VMFXX holdings in my sweep account.
by Midpack
Thu Jan 25, 2024 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone intend on SS@70, now thinking 68 or 69?
Replies: 86
Views: 8243

Re: Anyone intend on SS@70, now thinking 68 or 69?

For those who don't need the income , when to claim SS comes down to expected longevity for the most part. I reach 70 in May, and that's when I will claim. DW turns 70 in about 2-1/2 years and she will take it then. BUT extreme longevity runs in both our families, and if anything we've taken/take better care of ourselves than our parents. General answers aren't useful. Everyone should claim when they believe it optimizes their benefits if possible. https://opensocialsecurity.com is a good best place to run scenarios IME, as long as the user opens up the additional inputs and very consciously chooses the longevity they want to consider. If we both live to 87, all our parents lived significantly longer, waiting until 70 makes sense for our s...
by Midpack
Thu Oct 05, 2023 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?
Replies: 141
Views: 19850

Re: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?

Some of you may have noticed there is a RWD Tesla Model Y offered as an option now. It lists for $43,990 or $36,490 after the Fed tax credit! Even less if you're in a state that offers additional tax credits. While it "only" has 260 miles of range, it's reportedly an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, they're safer and owners are encouraged to charge to 100% at any time - so a true 260 miles of range. The Model Y long range at $50,490 has a published range of 330 miles, but it's an NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery, slightly less safe and it's only recommended to charge them to 80%+/- as a normal practice, so that resulting range is 264+/- miles. While you can charge NMC batteries close to 100% on an exception basis, e.g. i...
by Midpack
Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tesla suppressed driving range complaints
Replies: 174
Views: 14801

Re: Tesla suppressed driving range complaints

just frank wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:44 amI'd go with JD Power instead.
Maybe, but their 90 day initial quality metrics are absurd. I wouldn't put any weight on a customers opinion after only 90 days, unless the car is a total POS you can't know anything about the quality or reliability of a car in the first three months. You see a lot of legacy automakers touting their JD Power Initial Quality numbers - what nonsense.

I'd go with Consumer Reports.
At J.D. Power, we base our independent and unbiased ratings, reviews, and awards on detailed survey feedback from verified car owners each year to uncover and understand their experiences over the first three-months of ownership and, subsequently, their experiences over the first three-years of ownership.
by Midpack
Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tesla suppressed driving range complaints
Replies: 174
Views: 14801

Re: Tesla suppressed driving range complaints

I've been on 4 Tesla groups for a few years now with a total of about 315,000 owners and high insurance rates and huge repair bills comes up a lot. One owner said his Model 3 was more expensive to insure than his ZR1. And if you think about it, it just makes sense that vehicles that are more expensive to fix, cost more to insure. Good day! While Teslas can be expensive to fix when there is a major issue, they require less maintenance in general so the lifetime cost is somewhat of a wash. However: there are far fewer qualified shops that can work on a Tesla, mostly Tesla SC's only parts are less readily available for Teslas - between scarce qualified shops and parts, repair wait times are often MUCH longer insurers don't have a track record...
by Midpack
Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning, where would it be?
Replies: 140
Views: 15949

Re: If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning, where would it be?

No brainer for us. If I could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning I would be on Nantucket. However, I would go after Labor Day when everything is still open, weather still great, but the island isn't overrun with crowds/school kids. No place better than Nantucket in Sept IME - we would not go there summer before Labor Day.
by Midpack
Sun May 28, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How does a Boglehead advise a friend on financial matters when you think they are in need of advice?
Replies: 75
Views: 6574

Re: How does a Boglehead advise a friend on financial matters when you think they are in need of advice?

jebmke wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 8:59 am I avoid discussing finances with friends and family at almost all cost.
goingup wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 9:01 am Nobody wants unsolicited financial advice.
Pretty well sums it up. What if your "friend" takes your advice and then loses money or is otherwise unhappy with the outcome? You could give them perfectly good recommendations, and they could panic sell for no good reason - then it's your fault. I don't even give advice to people who ask me for it - I suggest books and websites I think could help them. If they're not interested enough to take it from there, that's their choice.
by Midpack
Tue Apr 11, 2023 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your hobbies?
Replies: 561
Views: 16669

Re: Enjoying retirement - what pursuits?

If you don't know what to do with your time in retirement, I'd recommend you complete Ernie Zelinski's Get-A-Life Tree exercise. It took me 10-15 minutes, and a couple additions in the days following to complete it - found out there was tons I wanted to do. But I agree with the above conclusion re: "close relationships", beyond FI, having a full social life (whatever suits you), and good health, stay active - keep moving are THE keys to a happy retirement. Activities, like those in the Get-A-Life Tree, are what have led DW and I to build many new close relationships. https://livingafi.com/2015/03/09/building-a-vision-of-life-without-work/ https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zuk7K3P7bu8/VI4_y2NtGBI/AAAAAAAAAXo/oO64iYy6n5A/s1600/get%2Ba%2Bli...
by Midpack
Tue Apr 11, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me decide when to go EV
Replies: 145
Views: 12703

Re: Help me decide when to go EV

It's a personal decision. Obviously keeping whatever you have is the better choice financially. I've wanted a Model Y almost since they came out, it would be my first EV. Ordered MYLR mid Jan, but cancelled the order in Mar when VIN was assigned - BUT ONLY because I am going to wait until the Model Y has HW4 and new sensor suite (fingers crossed by end of 2023). It's driving me nuts not to have one now, but while there will always be new upgrades (latest PC, smartphone, etc.), HW3>HW4 is significant enough to me to wait. I've already installed 240V charging in my garage and bought a couple MYLR accessories on sale. I assume you plan to charge at home, as using public chargers is WAY more costly and less convenient. Your summary is consisten...
by Midpack
Tue Apr 04, 2023 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming service/bundle recommendations including sports?
Replies: 7
Views: 699

Re: Streaming service/bundle recommendations including sports?

We have a legacy Hulu+Live package that includes Disney+ and ESPN+, that easily meets our needs for sports, all major sports plus golf, F1, Olympics, sailing, soccer, etc. But if you want streaming access to (almost) everything in sports, like cable/satellite it won’t come cheap. Regional sports and/or all access NFL/MLB etc. are where many consumers have issues, we don’t care about either. IME each viewer has to decide what they must have and what’s available, there’s no universal right answer, and that changes periodically. We cut the cord in Feb 2018 and we’ve saved thousands over cable/satellite - we pay for Hulu+Live and get Disney+, ESPN+, Apple TV+, Netflix and Paramount for “free” - included from various other services (T-Mobile, AT...
by Midpack
Sun Apr 02, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for retirement withdrawal program [and withdrawal strategy]
Replies: 12
Views: 2366

Re: Looking for retirement withdrawal program

Tom_T wrote: Sun Apr 02, 2023 5:38 pm
gatorking wrote: Sun Apr 02, 2023 5:21 pm I'm looking for a program that really gets into the mechanics of retirement withdrawals. I would like to input details of my entire portfolio, with multiple accounts (his and her IRAs, his and her Roth IRAs, taxable investments) including the funds held within each account. And then I would like the program to tell me which individual funds to withdraw from taking into account the performance of the investment over past 3-5 years.
Nothing is going to do that.
+1, none that I know of either. Most financial advisors would claim to fill that need, but you’d probably get some (very) bad advice too - so not recommended…
by Midpack
Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reaching Goals, Anticlimactic?
Replies: 41
Views: 4145

Re: Reaching Goals, Anticlimactic?

Great post, I can identify with much of the OPs thoughts. While I never felt "celebratory" at meeting financial goals, it certainly gave me a strong sense of inner satisfaction, and less to worry about the further along we got. Gives some measure of inner confidence? The OP hasn't been retired long enough to make judgements IMO. Retirement years are not a monolith, just as career years aren't, and life in general. We are all different, and most of us evolve as kids, adults, retired seniors, etc. Thank goodness, who wants to stand still? While some people absolutely love being retired, some suffer boredom and depression - fortunately most of us will far somewhere in the middle, hopefully nearer the former. People who don't have a l...
by Midpack
Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to provide unsolicited investing advice
Replies: 49
Views: 3769

Re: How to provide unsolicited investing advice

jebmke wrote: Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:33 pm I don't even give solicited investing advice. Too much downside.
+100. I don’t provide advice when I’m asked, much less unsolicited. If I am asked, I recommend applicable books that I know could help. While we care most about family & friends, if they don’t understand investing they will be upset when inevitable downturns hit and you didn’t prevent any loss for them.
by Midpack
Thu Mar 30, 2023 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?
Replies: 7
Views: 1349

Re: Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?

Probably no one reading this thread anymore (if ever), but the answer was interesting to me. I have bought T-Bills in various accounts, IRA and taxable, for face values that exceed my cash/settlement fund about a dozen times - no problem. It's very easy to use recent yields to calculate a safe face value amount while avoiding exceeding cash for the transaction. e.g. purchase a $500K T-Bill with $490K in cash. Again, I have done it several times. However this time, I was trying to buy a T-Bill exceeding my cash/settlement fund in my TIRA, with no other assets in the account. I am retired, so I cannot make contributions. Vanguards policy is you cannot buy a T-Bill or presumably any bond with a face value the exceeds you cash balance. In the d...
by Midpack
Tue Mar 28, 2023 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Makes a Great Burger?
Replies: 79
Views: 5757

Re: What Makes a Great Burger?

rob wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:24 am A runny egg on top.... Needs to drip down to your elbows while eating :D
My favorite burger has "breakfast" on it, bacon, cheese & an over easy egg. Yum!

The secret to a good burger is top ingredients throughout, not just the meat. Nothing sadder than a well cooked burger on a cheap afterthought bun. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp quality mayo and breakfast, maybe some pickles.
by Midpack
Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla (or EVs in general) - real-world inconveniences?
Replies: 139
Views: 13452

Re: Tesla (or EVs in general) - real-world inconveniences?

When I bought my EV I considered the cost of the L2 charger and installation part of the overall cost of the car. I frankly don't understand buying a 40-50k car and then balking at 1.5k for the charger and install. +100. We got lucky and got a 50amp service with a commercial grade 240V outlet (DO NOT install a $10 Home Depot dryer outlet or a 20A circuit for EV charging) installed in our garage for $485, all parts and labor. With the $230 mobile connector we're all set charging at home. We could also take the mobile connector on trips and charge anywhere (many RV parks have 240V outlets), but there is no need as the Tesla Supercharger network is ideal. The reliability issues with on the road charging have been with Electrify America and th...
by Midpack
Sat Mar 25, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid car considerations
Replies: 19
Views: 1557

Re: Hybrid car considerations

Go to any make/model site of your choosing, there isn't a generic hybrid forum that I am aware of. I am sure every possible question you could ever think of has been answered on https://priuschat.com/forum/ a hundred times. We've owned a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, a 2012 Toyota Prius, a 2019 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid and a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid - they have all been completely without issue. We kept the Camry Hybrid the longest, 11 years, the trade in value was higher than a comparable non-hybrid Camry of the same year despite 118K miles on it. You don't plug in traditional hybrids as others have told you. You can't replace the traction battery yourself, it's a wholesale replacement but that's not all that expensive these days and th...
by Midpack
Sat Mar 25, 2023 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?
Replies: 7
Views: 1349

Re: Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?

DaveTH wrote: Sat Mar 25, 2023 9:55 am What do you mean when you say you redeemed interest on a t-bill? Did the t-bill mature? How do you know there is a 7-day wait? Did something say that?
Yes, a T-Bill matured. And when I went to buy the next T-Bill, it showed $X funds available, so I placed an order for the 3/27 auction, and got a message at the top saying could not execute due to 7-day wait. Why does it show funds available and order placement page, if funds aren’t really available?
by Midpack
Sat Mar 25, 2023 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?
Replies: 7
Views: 1349

Vanguard 7-day hold T-Bill Interest?

I redeemed interest from a T-Bill on 3/23 in my TIRA, and those funds show as available to trade in the settlement fund. However, when I attempt to purchase new T-Bills today 3/25 for the 3/27 auction, the site won't allow it. Do I have to wait a week to reinvest T-Bills at Vanguard?

At the same time, in my Roth I redeemed T-Bill interest on 3/23 and had in incoming TIRA conversion on 3/24, and I AM allowed to purchase new T-Bills with the full amount today 3/25 for the 3/27 auction. So no wait on funds transferred between Vanguard accounts, but a 7-day wait on Treasury interest?
by Midpack
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?
Replies: 99
Views: 8945

Re: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?

1. What is the most you'd be comfortable paying for a car? (not necessarily what you can afford, but what you'd pay) I’d never spend what I can afford, I just ordered a $60K new car - the most $ so far in real dollars (prob not inflation adjusted). Of course my out-of-pocket cost (selling the old car) is less than half that - a distinction that isn’t clear in all posts above... 2. Do you buy new, used, or CPO? Why? New, so I can get exactly what I want, and we tend to keep cars longer than most buyers. By doing so our lifecycle cost isn’t that high. Buying used is smarter, but haven’t done that since 1988. 3. How long do you keep your cars? Why? (i.e. until the wheels fall off, until your lease is up, or at a certain mileage). Most from 7-1...
by Midpack
Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: washing machine replacemnt
Replies: 58
Views: 5911

Re: washing machine replacemnt

We bought this one https://www.lg.com/us/washers/lg-WM3900 ... oad-washer in July 2019 and it’s been perfect so far. I had an ancient GE washer for over 26 years, they don’t make them like that any more. Appliance parts guys told me it would last another 30 years if I took care of it, but I left it behind when we moved, figured it wouldn’t survive the move.
by Midpack
Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Website for Estimating Taxes
Replies: 13
Views: 1007

Re: Website for Estimating Taxes

I just use last years TurboTax, but this is good for Federal too https://www.dinkytown.net/java/1040-tax-calculator.html
by Midpack
Mon Jul 11, 2022 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Geico Homeowner Insurance Increases
Replies: 74
Views: 9688

Re: Geico Homeowner Insurance Increases

Our Geico>Liberty Mutual homeowners premium went up 25% from $1345 to $1687/year effective this month!!! I asked around on other forums and in person and most people got a big increase this year, if not last.
by Midpack
Sun Jul 10, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?
Replies: 5
Views: 873

Re: DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?

I wonder if I do need to have some cash on hand in advance as well, given it's a third party service.
by Midpack
Sun Jul 10, 2022 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?
Replies: 5
Views: 873

Re: DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?

Parkinglotracer wrote: Sun Jul 10, 2022 3:30 pm There is a previous thread on the forum that tells us what you need to change in your settings to see the screen you want … it may have been enable cross site tracking or something like that - search treasury screen blank on vanguard to see if we find it - I will too.


Here is the thread - I found it - it worked for me

viewtopic.php?t=373723
Thank you very much, I wouldn't have figured that out myself. That was my issue.
You’ll need to disable “prevent cross site tracking” in your browser’s settings for this feature to work. Apparently the bonds/CDs part of the site is outsourced and needs cross-site cookies to work.
by Midpack
Sun Jul 10, 2022 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?
Replies: 5
Views: 873

DQOTD: Why Do I Get a Blank Screen When I Try to Buy Treasuries at Vanguard?

I've never bought bonds thru Vanguard, but I want to buy some Treasuries. When I go to vanguard.com without logging in, I can get to the screens that show what's available for auction, CDs, treasuries, bonds, etc. But if I log in and go to Buy&Sell>Trade Bonds, it takes me to a page that shows our various accounts, when I select any of them and hit continue, I get a blank screen where the screener should be. Tried on my desktop and iPad, and get only a blank screen? I did notice that the available balance on all the accounts is $0.00 - all our money is fully invested, we don't have anything in cash or a sweep account. Do I have to have money in cash or a MM before bidding on treasuries/CDs/bonds etc. (vs exchanging out of a fund)? Is th...
by Midpack
Sun Jul 10, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is your favorite retirement calculator?
Replies: 80
Views: 18989

Re: What is your favorite retirement calculator?

FIRECALC for a rough cut. And Income Strategy was instrumental in fine tuning our plan - spending, withdrawals, taxes, Soc Sec optimization, Medicare/IRMAA, RMDs, Roth conversions, etc. Best $20 I ever spent toward financial planning.

In addition, after 30+ years using spreadsheets every day, I built spreadsheets for budget/spending, portfolio tracking/AA/net worth, tax planning/estimated Fed & state taxes - that I’ve used for many years.
by Midpack
Tue Jul 05, 2022 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding the Lowest Gasoline Prices
Replies: 185
Views: 13726

Re: Finding the Lowest Gasoline Prices

We use GasBuddy to check prices, but we know which stations are typically cheapest - Costco & BP w fuel points for us. We get 5% back on our Citi card. We've always consolidated trips, but now more so.

We also get fuel points at our local grocery store, and they're offering double points all summer. So where we used to get 0.20-0.30¢ per gal off, we're now getting 0.50-0.70¢ off (grocery prices are up too). We fill both cars at the same time to take advantage of fuel points, only limit is 35 gallons which is more than our two cars can hold. Every little bit helps...

Gas peaked at $4.599/gal here and has steadily declined since, was $4.359/gal today here.
by Midpack
Tue Jul 05, 2022 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When does a Hybrid car break even?
Replies: 60
Views: 11572

Re: When does a Hybrid car break even?

We recently purchased a Highlander Hybrid. The additional cost of hybrid, over gas only, was small. I did some quick estimates, and the payback was 3-4 years. I expect we'll keep the car for at least 10 years. I financed the car for 5 years, so, essentially I'm "saving" money from day one. The increased payment is less than the reduced cost for fuel. What was the differences in insurance? What are the electric rates in your area? Hybrid not plug-in hybrid? So should not matter? We've had 4 hybrids, currently a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL. Now that gas prices have really spiked, people stop me all the time and ask about my hybrid. Where do you plug it in is one of the most common questions. :D Seems odd to me that more than 20 years...
by Midpack
Tue Jul 05, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Survey Question: For Retired or Those Close to Retirement, What Withdrawal Method are You Using?
Replies: 240
Views: 19191

Re: Survey Question: For Retired or Those Close to Retirement, What Withdrawal Method are You Using?

livesoft wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 6:24 pm Ad Hoc. We just sell shares when we need money without regard to budgets, SORR, and whatever. We maintain about a 60/40 AA for the entire portfolio. We have not started SS benefits yet, but those will not be insignificant when we do. We are not worried about running out of money at all.
Retired 11 years. We withdraw funds as needed, but our WR has worked out to less than 2%, much less some years. We track spending closely, and variance from budget, but the budget is just to keep us near a plan. We did LBYM all our working years, oversaved and invested well so fortunately --- if we run out of funds, almost everyone will be in financial trouble...
by Midpack
Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?
Replies: 106
Views: 28236

Re: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?

I did resubscribe recently, just to get updated numbers since my original IS reports from 2019. The software is much the same, and I’m satisfied with my 2022 updated reports. It’s not an easy package to learn, you have to explore settings etc., but it’s very useful if you stick with it. I will cancel my subscription in a few weeks, but $20 for an update is well worth it IMO.
by Midpack
Sun Mar 13, 2022 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbo Tax - Form 1116 Schedule B cannot be e-filed
Replies: 7
Views: 2450

Re: Turbo Tax - Form 1116 Schedule B cannot be e-filed

FWIW, the 3/11 update makes it possible to complete the Form 1116 Sched B and eFile, I did so yesterday and it was accepted by the IRS in less than 20 minutes. The good news is all my 2018-2020 FTC and AMT carryovers are intact. The bad news is TT still didn’t automatically calculate my 2021 FT credit, I had to complete (1040 Sched 3) part II & III manually and then it all calculated correctly - obviously I shouldn’t have to do that if I’m paying Intuit, but I was tired of waiting to file. It’s possible I did something to foul up the TT FTC calc, I don’t know (or care,at this point). My return was error free according to TT, my pdf copy all looks correct including my updated carryovers adding 2021, and it looks the same as my prior year...
by Midpack
Sat Feb 26, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax TY2021
Replies: 265
Views: 40456

Re: TurboTax TY2021

I’ve used TurboTax for about 20 years, but it seems like they’re taking (a lot) longer to update forms than they used to. This is the second year I had all my documentation, ready to file, but couldn’t because there were incorrect “DO NOT FILE” forms in TT! Every other year I was waiting on docs, not TT. Last year they claimed the IRS was the holdup due to Covid and IRS staff shortages - seemed reasonable. This year I couldn’t file waiting on my state and Fed form 2210 (since corrected) and form 1116 (still waiting) - and the IRS finalized both long ago. Form 1116 and 2210 aren’t that obscure. I like TT and I’d hate to use another vendors tax software, but if they keep making me wait in the future, I won’t be inclined to pay a premium for T...
by Midpack
Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion strategy during downturns
Replies: 41
Views: 3436

Re: Roth Conversion strategy during downturns

I was converting bond funds quarterly at the beginning of each quarter. With current trends I am converting quarterly at the end of each quarter. I may do something more extreme like parking some in cash, but not so far...
by Midpack
Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?
Replies: 106
Views: 28236

Re: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?

busdriver wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 6:07 pm
LMK5 wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 5:48 pm
Does the Income Strategy software allow you to enter your accounts manually instead of having them linked?
Yes, I believe it does.
Unless something has changed (I doubt it), you can definitely enter your accounts manually, I did.
by Midpack
Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?
Replies: 106
Views: 28236

Re: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?

Busdriver, I think Income Strategy can be helpful to chart out my future finances & I am thinking of subscribing . I have similar goals as you do, were you able to run the Income Strategy software easily by yourself to reach meaningful numbers, or needed to call the their Expert at 200 some dollars for help ?. Thanks I will quote myself from this thread in Oct 2019 as I still agree with myself :happy I've been very pleased with Income Strategy, though it has taken a few weeks, and a one hour session for $125 to get a few questions answered that I could not figure out on my own. I'd say I'm middle savvy for this forum audience, not as savvy as many here (many I can name), but not a newbie either. A newbie would be completely lost with I...
by Midpack
Sat Dec 18, 2021 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who do you bank with and why? (2021)
Replies: 180
Views: 20703

Re: Who do you bank with and why? (2021)

BoA for checking (mostly auto bill paying), Ally for savings. If there's a better option, I'm all ears.
by Midpack
Sat Dec 18, 2021 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric vehicle tax credits and future consideration
Replies: 15
Views: 1369

Re: Electric vehicle tax credits and future consideration

The other side of the coin, also unknown, is will ICE cars depreciate considerably more WHEN/IF BEV adoption takes off? That does happen with new technologies, calculators vs slide rules, Apple/Samsung phones vs Nokia/Blackberry, etc. It may be that BEV adoption will be slow and gradual, but I am guessing there will be more of an S curve adoption rate based on what we know, have seen so far - BEV sales seem to be taking off in Euro and China. I can't think of a single BEV make/model that isn't sold out, some due to limiting production capacity (Ford & Hyundai/Kia) but not all (Tesla & BYD). And Tesla is about to more than double their production capacity as Berlin and Austin come online, adding to Fremont & China. Berlin and Aus...
by Midpack
Sat Oct 09, 2021 9:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: favorite investing books??
Replies: 42
Views: 5181

Re: favorite investing books??

While most sound investing advice might be timeless, anyone else curious why there hasn’t been a truly noteworthy new book written in a decade(s)? Most of the great investing books were written 10-20 years ago, Bogle, Bernstein, Tobias, Ferri, Swedroe, YMOYL, TMND, and nothing new since other than mild updates to books written long ago. Again, I know sound investing hasn’t been turned on it’s head, but the outlook for fixed income and cash equivalents don’t match the assumptions from those earlier books. Hard to believe there are no new worthwhile insights?

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Book_re ... nd_reviews
by Midpack
Sun Feb 21, 2021 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone had a TurboTax return that included a form 1116 accepted?
Replies: 210
Views: 17277

Re: Has anyone had a TurboTax return that included a form 1116 accepted?

I finally got the “rejected” email from Intuit at 1:43p today getting me out of the black hole. I walked through the FTC step-by-step and answered all the questions again as TT suggested. Reran analysis and error checking, came back clean. Re eFiled at 2:48p, IRS accepted at 3:27p thank goodness. I checked my 2/12 and 2/19 Form 1116’s side by side - identical, so nothing changed on the forms. I’m just happy it’s finally resolved...we may never know for sure who ultimately held it up. My first bad experience with TT in 15+ years.
by Midpack
Sun Feb 21, 2021 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone had a TurboTax return that included a form 1116 accepted?
Replies: 210
Views: 17277

Re: Has anyone had a TurboTax return that included a form 1116 accepted?

I eFiled on 2/12, still pending after 9 days - and I did have a Form 1116. I waited 7 days before calling Intuit/TT and they told me they were holding my return to address an error, and would notify me within 48 hours that they had corrected the error or tell me what I needed to change. That 48 hours has elapsed now as well, and you can't get past the phone tree today (I assume there's no live support on Sundays?). I've had Form 1116's for the past several years without a delayed IRS acceptance. Being in a black hole is infuriating...I really liked TurboTax until now, but I will wait to see this all unfold before assigning blame.
by Midpack
Tue Oct 29, 2019 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?
Replies: 106
Views: 28236

Re: Has anyone used Income Strategy website/software?

FOLLOW UP: I've been very pleased with Income Strategy, though it has taken a few weeks, and a one hour session for $125 to get a few questions answered that I could not figure out on my own. I'd say I'm middle savvy for this forum audience, not as savvy as many here (many I can name), but not a newbie either. A newbie would be completely lost with Income Strategy as a DIY package. I'd say it's best for someone who knows what all the many moving parts are, and just can't or doesn't want to do all the math - much less do it over again for various scenarios. All the first strategies it provided sold off all my holdings and put me into their suggested holdings for an AA I selected - even though the AA was very similar to my current. Of course ...