Search found 4087 matches

by tomd37
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is Scholarship Income Taxable?
Replies: 5
Views: 394

Is Scholarship Income Taxable?

It has been a number of years since I was familiar with taxability of college scholarships. A friend's daughter currently enrolled in college has a Form 1098-T with $41,000 in box 1 (payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses) and $45,500 in box 5 (scholarships or grants). I failed to ask him the nature of box 5 amount source, Pell Grant or other type grant or scholarship and I don't know if that really matters. The daughter also has a W-2 with income of about $25,000. He is saying his daughter is not going to report the amount of the difference between the 1098-T box 5 and box 1 on her federal tax return Form 1040 and only report the W-2 income of $25,000. In the past it has been my understanding that the taxpayer should ...
by tomd37
Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you hate paying taxes, you'll love learning about them. Episode 67, "Bogleheads on Investing" guest, Kaye Thomas.
Replies: 26
Views: 5233

Re: If you hate paying taxes, you'll love learning about them. Episode 67, "Bogleheads on Investing" guest, Kaye Thomas.

I look forward to listening to to the podcast. I followed Kaye's online forum for a long time and was disappointed when it closed down a year or two ago. Thanks for having him and thanks to Kaye for participating. :beer
by tomd37
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?
Replies: 99
Views: 10837

Re: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?

In my opinion the first thing the owner should do is personally and officially direct the "advisor" to stop making any future changes to the account without the owners written approval. Then the owner should determine what asset allocation he wants to have and determine what is the best way to achieve that allocation taking into account the effects of gains and losses in the sale of the current account. Index fund(s) would be the best bet long term, IMO, for the young man.
by tomd37
Wed Feb 07, 2024 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decaf K Cups
Replies: 31
Views: 2590

Re: Decaf K Cups

Speaking for my elderly wife who has her one cup decaf coffee each morning, the Green Mountain Dark Magic Decaf in the K-cup is great. I drink coffee very seldom, but really enjoy her new selection when I have a yen for decaf coffee. She purchases it somewhere online.
:D
by tomd37
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Antartica, tips, ideas, suggestions, experiences
Replies: 23
Views: 2619

Re: Antartica, tips, ideas, suggestions, experiences

Whenever I see a post regarding Antarctica I always read them and the mention of McMurdo Station on the Ross Sea ice shelf brings back fond memories. Back in 1964, I had the honor and privilege of visiting McMurdo as a US Navy Supply Corps Officer and a member of US Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 6 (MCB-6) for four months during the summer season from mid-October '64 to February '65. We were doing construction work in support of the United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) on "the ice". McMurdo summer weather is in the 30s but it was 26 below zero the day we landed coming in from Christchurch, New Zealand. Daylight 24 hours a day, except for the last week or so we were there when the sun dipped below the horizon. We h...
by tomd37
Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanics of QCD [Qualified Charitable Distribution]
Replies: 21
Views: 2477

Re: Mechanics of QCD [Qualified Charitable Distribution]

Careful, I respectfully disagree with your position. Your reference sounds like it is developed to assist people in the organization receiving the contribution to create an acceptable response letter and that is all well and good. But I do not see any reference to actual IRS specific guidelines or requirements. Also, one of the requirements cited in the creating the template section states "Keep in mind that the charitable contribution must be made directly from the IRA custodian or trustee in order to qualify as a QCD". That is not correct as some IRA account custodians allow their clients, who have check writing capabilities on their IRA account, to write checks off that account that might qualify as QCDs. Such check is not comi...
by tomd37
Wed Jan 31, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.
Replies: 35
Views: 2732

Re: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.

I live in the metro Nashville, TN area and I would think your type of recommended grass seed and its proper planting schedule and procedure would be very similar to mine; that is a cool season fescue seed put down on a properly irrigated and prepared surface. Properly irrigated meaning enough moisture in the soil to allow an aeration machine spikes to go down at least two inches into the soil and pull out 2" soil plugs. Then seed using a cool season fescue and follow up with a proper fertilizer at the same time. The soil should then be kept moist by watering each area for about five minutes in the morning around 9am and again in the afternoon around 2pm. The idea here being to keep the soil damp at all times and not let the soil and th...
by tomd37
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri's book on Asset Allocation
Replies: 5
Views: 1875

Re: Rick Ferri's book on Asset Allocation

Rick's first edition of "All about Asset Allocation, the easy way to get started" was first published in September 2005 and the fully revised second edition is dated July 2010. Following my retirement in 2002, it was one of the first books I bought about the subject of asset allocation and just yesterday I pulled out the revised edition and reread several of the chapters that now have become more applicable to me as I continue on at age 86 as a "mature retiree" as he calls it. I consider it to be one of several books that have really helped me throughout my investing retirement and would highly recommend it to anyone. It has served me well for the past 18 years and a periodic review of it keeps me on the right path in my...
by tomd37
Mon Jan 15, 2024 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?
Replies: 98
Views: 16826

Re: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?

The original post and all the replies to it are interesting and varied. I grew up in the 1940s and early 1950s and never had any idea of my father's income. Not saying whether that is good or bad. I do remember when my two children were in high and junior high school in the mid 1980s and they kept asking why they could not have a lot of the "nice things" their friends had in high school (e.g. cars, etc.). I sat them down and showed them my income and compared it to all the expenses, including federal and state taxes, that had to come out of that income. Never had any issues after that. :wink:
by tomd37
Thu Jan 11, 2024 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aid use questions
Replies: 10
Views: 1308

Re: Hearing aid use questions

Hoops777 I got my first set of hearing aids at Costco last summer at age 86. My hearing loss was reported as moderate. They are the behind the ear Rexton rechargeable aids. My audiologist suggested wearing them for three weeks before coming back for any adjustments. When returning my biggest "comment" was when turned up to the highest level the sound was too raspy or sharp. They adjusted them for me and I now have no issue. When they are taken off the charger each morning and used the volume on each is automatically set to the highest level and I just turn the volume down on one of them and it reduces the volume on both at the same time. Some people can use one of the two to set the volume and the other to set background noise or ...
by tomd37
Sat Jan 06, 2024 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where do you bank and why? 2024 Edition
Replies: 113
Views: 15431

Re: Where do you bank and why? 2024 Edition

tj, NFCU has made changes in the pay bill tab where you can no longer see a separate list of scheduled payments sorted by payment date nor can the payments be sorted in some sort of sequence such as sorting on payment date or amount such as lowest to highest, certificates listing no longer has year to date dividends, credit card transaction history is much longer than before (too much space between each item) extending search time and I cannot see any reason for spacing between each date in the listing. The new format does not allow easy and quick access to commonly used tabs such as Bill Pay, Transfers, Send Money. Too much drilling down to get to some of those tabs. Are you sure you are looking at the new format? Fortunately there is, rig...
by tomd37
Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where do you bank and why? 2024 Edition
Replies: 113
Views: 15431

Re: Where do you bank and why? 2024 Edition

I have used the Navy Federal Credit Union for my checking account for the past 63 years. Early on writing checks and over the years converting to online payments. Very happy with their service and online banking until now. They just changed their online format and I strongly disagree with the changes and have responded to their requests for comments.
by tomd37
Wed Jan 03, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMD Distribution Dates
Replies: 19
Views: 1955

Re: RMD Distribution Dates

Being in our upper 80s I give consideration to taking the RMDs earlier in the year so that it is not forgotten as well as getting it out of the way should something happen to us. Our QCDs currently represent two-thirds of our RMDs so those come out first and then the remaining RMD comes out as cash for expenses or reinvestment in a taxable account.
by tomd37
Mon Jan 01, 2024 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Claims Reputation
Replies: 51
Views: 5736

Re: USAA Claims Reputation

I have been with USAA since 1961 (AUTO) and added HO in 1975 when we purchased our first home. Also have VPP and Umbrella insurances with them. First auto claim not at fault was in 1975, second auto claim was 2017 also not at fault, and last claim December 2023 was for roof damage due to two severe hail storms in our area earlier in the year. Last claim for roof had roofing company inspector here on Monday, submitted claim online to USAA on Tuesday, USAA adjuster and roofing company had joint inspection Wednesday, and on Thursday USAA wired initial payment to my account at NFCU. On the day job was completed I paid the balance due to the roofer and emailed the Certificate of Completion to USAA. My balance due me was in NFCU the next morning....
by tomd37
Thu Dec 28, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?
Replies: 19
Views: 3210

Re: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?

Chip Munk,
The 27% withholding rate was a rate that was available at that time, some 20 years plus ago. They have since changed.
by tomd37
Thu Dec 28, 2023 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?
Replies: 19
Views: 3210

Re: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?

Both my wife and I have tax withheld from our social security benefit checks; me at 22% and she at 27%. We have had taxes withheld for twenty years now. Last year's SS percentage withholding adjustment along with withholding from my military pension results in no other withholding required from any other income such as our RMDs. Of course, as previously mentioned, withholding from a late year RMD counts as withheld during the year thus no withholding penalty. :beer
by tomd37
Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2024 Subaru Forrester Touring vs 2024 Lexus RX 350H
Replies: 47
Views: 4773

Re: 2024 Subaru Forrester Touring vs 2024 Lexus RX 350H

OP,
IMO you are trying to compare two vehicles of a much different class and quality. A better comparison choice for the Subaru might be the top-of-the-line Outback with their turbo engine from a performance and quality point of view. My wife has a 2018 Lexus ES350 FWD with all the bells and whistles and I have a 2019 Subaru Outback Touring AWD with the 3.6R engine. Now those are two vehicles which can be compared from an engine and performance point of view. Mine is equally as good in performance as hers, but not as nice interior wise. Of course they are two different types, sedan vs SUV. :?
by tomd37
Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MIL Long Term Care policy lapsed due to non-payment... as a resulf of memory issues
Replies: 17
Views: 1889

Re: MIL Long Term Care policy lapsed due to non-payment... as a resulf of memory issues

My LTC policy and that of my spouse has had, for a long time, provided us a form to be filled out designating someone to be notified by the insurer that the premium has not been paid. We filled out that form some years ago. That might come in handy as we enter our late 80s.
by tomd37
Sat Dec 16, 2023 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: trashmen tipping conumdrum
Replies: 73
Views: 12196

Re: trashmen tipping conumdrum

In retirement I did free volunteer tax preparation services for 17 years. One year about ten years ago one of the three garbage men (private company) asked me if I knew anything about federal taxes. Seems he had received "Greetings" from the IRS for not filing tax returns for six years. I volunteered to create a return for each of the years. His 1040 gross income of about $25K per year was so low that he had refunds coming to him for each year. But the penalties for not filing ate up the refund for the prior three years and he filed too late the qualify for the refund for the three oldest years. In the process I learned how much/little they are paid annually and I continued my gifting at Christmas time to each of the three men. I'...
by tomd37
Wed Dec 13, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Speed Queen Issues- not getting things clean??
Replies: 40
Views: 6912

Re: Speed Queen Issues- not getting things clean??

My wife of 57 years says the best washing machine we ever had was the Sears Lady Kenmore (top of the line model) we purchased in 1969 was the best washing machine we ever owned over the years. She is very happy with our current Speed Queen top loader with post agitator we purchased about eight or nine years ago. "Happy wife, happy life!" :D
by tomd37
Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outside steel door cost
Replies: 16
Views: 2385

Re: Outside steel door cost

Thirteen years ago I replaced all outside doors; front with one sidelight, patio with French doors, and 30" rear entry, all with Provia steel doors. All doors were keyed to the same key. Total price was $8,600 cash/check from local Provia dealer. Got another quote for the same products from another local company for exactly $5,000 more. Very satisfied with all the products and still dealing with same company for window replacement. :D
by tomd37
Fri Nov 17, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
Replies: 50
Views: 4682

Re: QCD acknowledgment letter

Okay folks, we have gone back and forth of this subject way too much! Search the following: Topic No. 506, Charitable Contributions. You will end up on an IRS site.
by tomd37
Thu Nov 16, 2023 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
Replies: 50
Views: 4682

Re: QCD acknowledgment letter

I have been doing QCDs for 14 years now and my cover letter requests "an acknowledgement of receipt of the donation in accordance with IRS guidelines". In all those years, with about 14 donations per year, I have had to go back and ask only one time for a properly worded acknowledgement of receipt and that was from our local humane association. It seems they had a new volunteer preparing the letters that year. They subsequently never messed up.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 🦃
by tomd37
Sun Oct 22, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [2023 TurboTax Desktop now requires account login to activate]
Replies: 126
Views: 67790

Re: [2023 TurboTax Desktop now requires account login to activate]

Question please! Does all this apply to the disc that one orders from some source and then installs on their desktop computer. Too old to fully comprehend all these posts. Thank you.
:?
by tomd37
Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality men's leather belt?
Replies: 44
Views: 3769

Re: Quality men's leather belt?

The timing of the original post is perfect. As I age (86) I am caught between belt sizes where neither size really works well. This week while visiting my daughter and her husband I mentioned my dilemma. He immediately brought out an adjustable belt and buckle system by Anson Belts. They have an adjustable ratchet type buckle similar in idea as to what I wore in the US Navy for 20 years and retiring some 42 years ago, but much more stylish and much higher quality. I looked them online and they have a great selection of buckles to go along with their many belts of different quality. All are reasonably priced and I believe have a lifetime guaranty. Another product, already mentioned here, is Colonel Littleton here in Tennessee not very far fr...
by tomd37
Fri Oct 13, 2023 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA vs AMICA
Replies: 27
Views: 4402

Re: USAA vs AMICA

I have been a USAA member since 1961 for auto insurance and homeowner insurance starting in 1975. Early this month I filed my first HO insurance claim for documented hail storm damage throughout my area earlier this year. Everything was settled and agreed to between my roofer and USAA in four days, Monday with roofers inspection, Tuesday with me initiating a claim via phone with USAA, Wednesday with USAA adjuster meeting with roofer, and Thursday with USAA sending me a check via ACH to NFCU. Roof is to be installed early in November per roofers scheduling.

I have no complaints with that claim nor have I had any complaints about my two auto claims over the 62 years of membership. :D
by tomd37
Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Standby generator 22KW(LP)
Replies: 27
Views: 2973

Re: Standby generator 22KW(LP)

As to the final cost of a unit, in my personal opinion having purchased as Generac 22Kw unit, the total cost will be about twice the unit cost with our natural gas fired unit and automatic transfer switch. It needs to be permitted and inspected by the local energy companies. We paid a total of $10,500 for the unit completely installed. Had to have the local gas company install a new gas meter to handle the natural gas requirements, but they did not charge for that.
by tomd37
Sun Oct 08, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ
Replies: 23
Views: 3599

Re: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ

Based on the info you presented, she cannot legally file as HOH because she does not meet all of the "considered unmarried" qualifications for HOH filing status, specifically "Your spouse did not live in your home during the last six months of the tax year."

And you cannot legally file with any filing status other than MFS if she does not agree to file MFJ with you. You are stuck between a rock and a hard place and if you don't want to report her to the IRS then just file as you should, MFS. I hope you can get your divorce settled/finalized in 2023 before you have to submit your 2023 return in 2024.
by tomd37
Sat Oct 07, 2023 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ
Replies: 23
Views: 3599

Re: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ

I wish you would have posted the full details of your situation in your very first post, instead of adding details about children, etc. later. It would have been much easier to get better replies. That said, it might be worth looking into the resulting details if she were to amend her return from MFS to MFJ with you and claim the children on that joint return. I suspect the joint return might give you better tax or refund results which then could be split with her. I do not see any way you or she could legally file a 2022 tax return using head of household (HOH) as neither do not meet the qualifications for such a filing status. You both appear to be legally married on 12/31/2022 and MFJ or MFS appear to be the only two status' available to...
by tomd37
Thu Oct 05, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ
Replies: 23
Views: 3599

Re: Amending tax filing status - MFS to MFJ

If you were still legally married on 12/31/2022 and not actually and legally divorced, I believe you both only have two choices of filing status; married filing jointly or married filing separately.

If you go to the MFS filing status, you both should carefully look at the limitations imposed on that filing status. See IRS Pub 17, filing status chapter. Once legally divorced another filing status will come into play for each.

Both parties should get their "ducks in a row" legally before filing an improper tax return knowing and remembering what you are attesting to when you sign your tax return ("under penalties of perjury") :shock:
by tomd37
Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 336
Views: 30454

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

As as older couple average age 87, we spend $600 a month on food and that amount is based on annual summary reports from our AMEX card where we get a 6% cash rebate at grocery stores. Our definition of food is anything that we buy at our local grocery store regardless of its nature or Costco and is used in the home. No AMEX use at Costco, but our VISA card earns 1.75% there. We do not buy much of anything else other than food at Costco. We do spend an average of $275 per month eating out at non-high end restaurants and that includes generous tips for the wait staff. I feel they earn and warrant good tips.
by tomd37
Mon Oct 02, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard QCD Checks
Replies: 12
Views: 1614

Re: Vanguard QCD Checks

Minesweep - You just remove the check at the bottom of the 8x11 sheet and retain the stub portion. The stub portion has all the details should you need to follow up with Vanguard or the charity. Send the check to the charity and ask them to acknowledge receipt in accordance with IRS guidelines. I've been doing this for 13 years without any issues. PM me if you need further guidance. Regards, Tom D.
by tomd37
Sun Oct 01, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CD Rates and Sources
Replies: 17
Views: 3306

Re: CD Rates and Sources

pfb3326, First of all, at my advanced age of 86 I don't chase CD rates as the small difference in rates is just not worth it IMO. For many years my bank (Navy Federal CU) had some of the best certificate rates. Then online banks started to appear and offer better rates and even today they beat NFCU almost all of the time. There are, of course, situations that arise with special offers. For example about 18 months ago NFCU offered a 16-month, 5% APY, add-on certificate up to a value of $250,000. At the time 5% was a good rate. I still look at online banks but just keep it to searching two banks; Life Oak Bank (LOB) in Wilmington, NC and Synchrony Bank in Atlanta, GA (SB). Having used LOB for about six years now I stick with them. I have an 1...
by tomd37
Sat Sep 30, 2023 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Staunton, VA
Replies: 18
Views: 2977

Re: Staunton, VA

Protagonist - Have you ever been to Chateau Morrissett at mile marker 171.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd? Very nice winery started back in the 80's and they used to have a great restaurant with limited days and hours for both lunch and dinner. Wish I was back in NC to take advantage of both. :happy
by tomd37
Fri Sep 29, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: noisy generator
Replies: 71
Views: 7987

Re: noisy generator

Three years ago we installed a 22kW Generac with the automatic transfer switch (ATS). Unfortunately it was purchased about six months after we had a 69-hour period without electricity here in middle Tennessee. Since then we have had one 24-hour period when it was needed. A lot of noise problems might have to do with which way the exhaust is pointing and what might be near that exhaust. My neighbor has the same unit located about 120 feet away from my home. But his exhaust is pointed toward a brick wall not five feet away (and it should not be). His unit test runs every Monday at 12 noon at full speed and I can hear it inside the other end of my home. My unit is just outside and below our family room but the exhaust points out into open area...
by tomd37
Thu Sep 28, 2023 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Certificates of Deposit
Replies: 5
Views: 1249

Re: Certificates of Deposit

I have a 12-month CD ladder at my online bank Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, NC and have a certificate maturing September 30th. A year ago the APY was 3.50% and it will renew at 5.40% APY. Their 6 and 9 month rates are 5.20% and 5.35% APY. :D :beer
by tomd37
Thu Sep 28, 2023 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Allow-List Landline System?
Replies: 43
Views: 5510

Re: Allow-List Landline System?

We have an older Panasonic answering machine with three handsets, one on the answering machine itself and two in other rooms. This older system allows me to block up to 250 individual numbers and, as part of those 250, I can block all calls from an area code, and all calls from an area code and the three digit exchange. I looked at the newer version of the same machine and, as described by other posters, you can create a white list. I would like to block 800 numbers, but my credit union sends authentication codes back to me by my landline so that rules that out. I'm so old I still use a flip phone while away from home and really have no desire or need for the newer i-phone. When Donald Trump was running for President against Biden several y...
by tomd37
Wed Sep 27, 2023 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD newbie question
Replies: 18
Views: 2199

Re: QCD newbie question

tadamsmar - I've been doing QCDs online through Vanguard for many years now. The check will be mailed to you made payable to your charity with your name and address below the charity name. I would suggest you mail the check to the charity with a cover letter requesting an acknowledgement of receipt in accordance with IRS guidelines. I also suggest you keep a copy of the check as it contains the check number and shows the payee. I keep a list of my charities (13 of them) that I send contributions to and then check the charity after an acknowledgment has been received. I do believe you can show the $100 QCD contribution on your tax return and receive a reduction on line 4b of your form 1040. Your Form 1099-R will reflect the total amount of y...
by tomd37
Tue Sep 26, 2023 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: best CD rates
Replies: 14
Views: 4264

Re: best CD rates

OP - I am not one for constantly shopping around for the best rates. If I can get a good rate and that institution constantly pays near the best rate available, I will stick with them. Over the past eight years or so I have been involved with two online banks for my one year CD monthly ladder; Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, NC and Synchrony Bank in Atlanta, GA. Over the years mentioned they have consistently kept their rates very competitive. Now in my mid-80s I have consolidated everything into Live Oak Bank. Navy Federal CU has been good to me over the past 62 years, but their certificate rates are not as competitive, except maybe when they have some 'special certificate' offers. About a year ago or more they offered a 5% APY, 15-month add-...
by tomd37
Sun Sep 24, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Minimums for QCD?
Replies: 14
Views: 1629

Re: Minimums for QCD?

Raybo - I think your best answers will come as the result of a telephone call to Vanguard. For myself at age 86, I do on average 14 QCD checks a year online at Vanguard ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 each. The only issue I have ever had was one year one of the QCD checks sent to me and forwarded on to the charity under a cover letter by me, was placed in the wrong post office box. Fortunately the lady that received the check read the cover letter and called me and allowed me to come to her residence, pick up the check and get it to the charity. I made a donation to her for doing that.

Edited to add: Thanks for all your cycling stories you have posted in the past. I have enjoyed them.
by tomd37
Tue Sep 12, 2023 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??
Replies: 5
Views: 857

Re: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??

tuningfork - Thanks for your explanation. I certainly will continue to manage my own account and not pay fees to have them manage the account. I know what I want and only need general guidance from the account Fidelity. Thanks for your detailed comments.
by tomd37
Tue Sep 12, 2023 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??
Replies: 5
Views: 857

Re: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??

tuningfork - That last sentence rang a bell with me, not knowing or understanding the meaning of them managing the account or me managing it as I have been over the past twenty years. Can you enlighten me based on your understanding and knowledge. Thanks.
by tomd37
Tue Sep 12, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??
Replies: 5
Views: 857

Moving Vanguard to Fidelity ??

I did not want to jump in on the other posts on this matter because my questions are a bit different. I have three different types of accounts at Vanguard all still being on the old platform and in the form of mutual funds, not ETFs. Those accounts include a TIRA, Roth IRA, and a joint taxable account with my wife. She has her own small TIRA also. I don't know if Fidelity offers mutual funds vs. ETFs. The VG funds being used include the total stock market index (VTSAX), short-term bond index (VBIRX), and short-term inflation-protected securities index (VTAPX). I believe Fidelity has similar index funds for most, but maybe not the short-term TIPS fund. My primary transactions during the year are the RMDs including QCDs as a part of that dist...
by tomd37
Wed Sep 06, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree losing leaves?]
Replies: 2
Views: 569

Re: [Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree losing leaves?]

I have always heard that the more you move a fig tree the more it reacts by dropping its leaves. That includes just rotating it to adjust to sunlight conditions. When we did have this type of plant we never moved it from inside to outside during the seasons. I believe they are sensitive to moisture conditions as well. That moisture meter sounds like a good idea and good luck with the plant.
by tomd37
Tue Sep 05, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard-can’t add outside investments
Replies: 18
Views: 3017

Re: Vanguard-can’t add outside investments

I have been able to update my outside investments on my account (actually my wife's TIRA) for the past twenty years. I do this on a quarterly basis after VTSAX dividends are made available. Neither of us have yet converted to the new brokerage account platform and remain on the old platform.
by tomd37
Sun Sep 03, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone know why a printer would keep disconnecting from Wifi?
Replies: 63
Views: 4316

Re: Anyone know why a printer would keep disconnecting from Wifi?

Gavinsiu - I have the same issue with my Brother HL-2280DW laser printer. I am probably older than your mother and probably as confused as her with technical issues. My printer sits within three feet of my keyboard so I just turn the printer on and off and my issue is resolved. It only happens once or twice a month. :confused
by tomd37
Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Hyundai the value sweet spot?
Replies: 164
Views: 23536

Re: Is Hyundai the value sweet spot?

Speaking of the Hyundai Santa Fe model, has anyone seen the major and very significant change in size of the 2024 Santa Fe? The 2024 model is a 3-row vehicle and very box shaped. :confused
by tomd37
Sat Aug 19, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would like some insight into my Financial Planners Plan
Replies: 34
Views: 3805

Re: Would like some insight into my Financial Planners Plan

You might consider adding the name and expense ratio of each ETF to your post. Most people here do not recognize a fund by its symbol. :?
by tomd37
Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency Fund CDs
Replies: 21
Views: 2573

Re: Emergency Fund CDs

As of today Live Oak Bank in Wilmington NC (online only) where I bank has 6-mos, 9-mos, and 12-mos CDs at 5.00%, 5.10%, and 5.20% respectively. Their online high-yield savings is 4.15%.

Synchrony Bank (online only) where I used to bank has the same period CDs at 4.90%, 5.00%, and 5.10%. Their online high-yield savings is 4.50%.

I used to do both Live Oak and Synchrony at the same time but now am sticking with just one to simplify things at my advancing age. NFCU, where I have been a member for 62 years is not nearly that good in these two categories!
:beer
by tomd37
Fri Aug 18, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Posting of Location on this site
Replies: 5
Views: 5741

Posting of Location on this site

Is it just me, or do other readers and posters sometimes wish posters would include their general location when they sign up to participate? Or even mention their location specifically in the post. I only ask because sometimes in my opinion I think I and other posters could be more specific in our replies to certain subjects if we know the general location of the poster. For example, talking about air conditioning is quite different if you live in the northern US than it is if you live in the southern US. This is just one example and I am sure you all could think of many more examples.
:idea: