Search found 41 matches
- Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: "Free" phone upgrades
- Replies: 78
- Views: 7046
Re: "Free" phone upgrades
We live in a "mixed" household - wife has an Iphone7, I have a Google pixel 3a. Both phones no longer receive operating system updates so we are looking to upgrade. I am not really interested in upgrading to an Unlimited Data plan as our current plan is less expensive and works just fine for our needs. The Pixel 6a is cheaper than the Iphone SE but it appears that the Pixel will only receive system updates for about 3 years. Iphone SE, while more expensive, seem to get updates for 6 or 7 years. When comparing the two phones, it appears that it basically cost about $100 per year to own either of these phones. The Iphone may have an advantage in that you would not have to upgrade as frequently. My Pixel 3a does everything I need and...
- Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:07 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Happy 97th Birthday, Taylor Larimore
- Replies: 146
- Views: 12378
Re: Happy 97th Birthday, Taylor Larimore
Happy Birthday Taylor! Thank you so much for all of the help you have provided over the years.
Sure hope you are still enjoying a sail every now and then.
All the best to you and your family!
Sure hope you are still enjoying a sail every now and then.
All the best to you and your family!
- Thu Mar 12, 2020 10:09 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard's Take On This Global Bear Market
- Replies: 59
- Views: 7139
Re: Vanguard's Take On This Global Bear Market
Thanks Taylor.
Wonderful article that will hopefully provide some support for staying the course.
Hope you are finding time to get a few nice sails in these days.
Wonderful article that will hopefully provide some support for staying the course.
Hope you are finding time to get a few nice sails in these days.
- Wed Jan 02, 2019 4:14 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2019 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST [Entry deadline has passed]
- Replies: 701
- Views: 35026
- Wed Oct 10, 2018 11:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: ACA Questions
- Replies: 3
- Views: 465
ACA Questions
I need a better understanding of how ACA is applied in a situation where one person is Medicare eligible and the other is not. Our situation is as follows: Me: 61 - considering retirement at the end of the year DW:65 - retired - Medicare Our health insurance is currently covered through my employer but that would stop if I retire. No pension for either of us so we are able to control our income and I would be eligible for ACA subsidies. We would utilize Roth IRA conversions to meet the minimum income requirements for ACA subsidies. We will find Medicare Supplemental insurance for DW. Would the Roth IRA conversions need to be completed on my accounts to indicate income for me or does ACA look at total income for the household in determining ...
- Tue Mar 06, 2018 4:55 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What's that smell?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 8170
Re: What's that smell?
Taylor,Taylor Larimore wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 11:49 am
3funder:
A diversified portfolio should always have underperforming elements.
Stay the course.
Best wishes.
Taylor
Thanks for pointing this out. I had never considered that this should be the case.
Hope all is well.
- Wed May 10, 2017 5:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I switch my home electric bill to "Time of Day" billing?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3046
Re: Should I switch my home electric bill to "Time of Day" billing?
If you can change your electricity usage patterns you will more than likely see a savings. You will probably need to raise your thermostat during those hours and try to limit the use appliances that use large amounts of electricity such as the clothes dryer, water heater (if electric), and possibly limit usage of the stove and oven. It is possible that you would see an increase in your bill if your usage from 2 - 7 is a period of high usage for your family.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
- Wed Jan 25, 2017 2:00 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!
- Replies: 199
- Views: 20528
Re: HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!
Happy Birthday Taylor!! Hopefully your day included a nice sail!
- Wed Jan 04, 2017 9:55 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 711
- Views: 58475
- Tue Jan 05, 2016 3:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 667
- Views: 59845
- Fri Jan 02, 2015 10:26 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
- Replies: 557
- Views: 57290
- Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Early Retirement and ObamaCare
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4066
Re: Early Retirement and ObamaCare
Thanks all for the information. I am really surprised that no consideration is given to net worth. He is living on a fraction of what he did during his "working life". His reported income will decline greatly this year. I am sure he will now look for specific information from the ACA website or our state website. I read somewhere that others are considering delaying IRA conversions to help with the insurance subsidy. I realize that this could all change soon but I doubt anything happens before the next election. Thanks again.
- Thu Feb 27, 2014 1:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Early Retirement and ObamaCare
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4066
Early Retirement and ObamaCare
A friend of mine recently decided to retire early. He's 56. He feels he has accumulated enough to live out his life comfortably. We were discussing whether or not he would qualify for a subsidy under Obamacare since his income over the next few years will be essentially dividend and interest income (He has adequate cash available to live on for the next 2 years). Are there any provisions of ObamaCare that would not allow him to qualify for a subsidy? Will his net worth be considered at all in determining qualification for a subsidy? We have been unable to find a decent explanation for this situation.
Thanks,
Milo
Thanks,
Milo
- Thu Jan 02, 2014 5:02 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 537
- Views: 43611
Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
1960.24
Best to all,
Milo
Best to all,
Milo
- Thu Aug 15, 2013 7:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mortgage or Not?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1609
Re: Mortgage or Not?
Outer Marker wrote: Isn't the idea of "downsizing" to reduce costs and free up assets to do other things in retirement? I plan to have a smller, lower cost place -- and do more things I don't have the time to now . . . Unfortunately that is not always possible. In our case, the location of our existing house will not command the price of a smaller house in a better area. We were very surprised at the difference in home values just based on location. Our decision to move at this time was to allow us to more easily afford this move before retirement. Our goal was to also be closer to our children to better enjoy grandchildren. We will probably work longer than indicated and may consider part time employment as we transition to reti...
- Wed Aug 14, 2013 4:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mortgage or Not?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1609
Mortgage or Not?
Hi all,
We are selling our house of 27 years and downsizing. The new home will cost more than our current home and we are trying to decide if we should pay for the new home with savings or should we
consider a small short term mortgage?
Me 56, Wife 60
Wife will work at least 3 more years, I will probably work at least 4 more years.
Retirement savings on track.
What have others done? What other things should we consider in making this decision?
Thanks for the help!
We are selling our house of 27 years and downsizing. The new home will cost more than our current home and we are trying to decide if we should pay for the new home with savings or should we
consider a small short term mortgage?
Me 56, Wife 60
Wife will work at least 3 more years, I will probably work at least 4 more years.
Retirement savings on track.
What have others done? What other things should we consider in making this decision?
Thanks for the help!
- Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:37 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 401k - Highly Compensated Test
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1780
Re: 401k - Highly Compensated Test
Milo, I share your dismay! This year I'm finally under the threshold limit again so I'm contributing the max. There are benefits when your company begins to heavily outsource jobs to the point they no longer see the need to give raises. Executive management has done little to increase the contribution level among our workforce - the majority who are paid just enough to survive paycheck to paycheck. I've been told our plan provider has repeatedly asked to come in and hold information fairs and such but management sees this as nonproductive time and denies the requests. I'm now in a race to secure enough savings for a "retirement" that may come sooner then I had anticipated. This is similar to our situation. There is no effort to e...
- Mon Feb 11, 2013 3:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 401k - Highly Compensated Test
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1780
Re: 401k - Highly Compensated Test
Thanks Livesoft but I forgot to mention that there is no company match and our partners have no intention of starting one now.
As I understand it, a safe harbor 401k plan requires a company match.
As I understand it, a safe harbor 401k plan requires a company match.
- Mon Feb 11, 2013 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 401k - Highly Compensated Test
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1780
401k - Highly Compensated Test
I work for a very small company and have for 25+ years. With people leaving and new hires I am now considered one of the highly compensated employees.
Our recent test for 401k compensation has indicated that I will be required to take a distribution from last year. One of our partners has suggested that I will
need to lower my contribution to the 401k plan to avoid this in the future. We are maxing out DW's 401k contributions
and fully funding Roth's each year. It appears that there is nothing else we can do to defer taxes on any income. It also appears that are only options for investing
the money that would have been invested in my 401k is to invest it in our taxable accounts, I-bonds, etc. Any other ideas? Thanks!
Our recent test for 401k compensation has indicated that I will be required to take a distribution from last year. One of our partners has suggested that I will
need to lower my contribution to the 401k plan to avoid this in the future. We are maxing out DW's 401k contributions
and fully funding Roth's each year. It appears that there is nothing else we can do to defer taxes on any income. It also appears that are only options for investing
the money that would have been invested in my 401k is to invest it in our taxable accounts, I-bonds, etc. Any other ideas? Thanks!
- Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:31 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Anyone in the New Orleans area?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 16640
Re: Anyone in the New Orleans area?
Baton Rouge
- Wed Jan 02, 2013 1:45 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2013 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
- Replies: 481
- Views: 37369
- Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement - House Purchase
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1387
Bruce M wrote: Now, home ownership may provide the client with long-term financial growth, depending on the client's circumstances and market conditions. But a competent financial advisor would not only explain this potential financial benefit, but would spend just as much time explaining the costs and risks, and with homeownership, there are many. And that you're friend could not explain even the fundamentals of this 'strong recommendation' makes the recommendation even more questionable I agree totally. The confusing thing is that several people about to retire have followed this FP's advice. I am not sure that I understand at all. All of these people own homes and the homes are either paid for or are about to be paid for. There is no way...
- Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement - House Purchase
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1387
I don't actually think he means additional income.
I guess I should have stated it another way.
I believe that the FP is explaining to these people
that the tax advantage of buying the new home
will improve their financial position. I don't understand
it either and am hoping that someone else has heard
a similar scenario.
Sorry for the confusion.
I guess I should have stated it another way.
I believe that the FP is explaining to these people
that the tax advantage of buying the new home
will improve their financial position. I don't understand
it either and am hoping that someone else has heard
a similar scenario.
Sorry for the confusion.
- Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:37 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement - House Purchase
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1387
Retirement - House Purchase
I recently ran into a friend that I had not seen for a while and we began talking about work, the economy, and retirement, etc. He said that a friend of his had met with his Financial Planner and that the FP had strongly suggested that the friend purchase a rather expensive new home. He went on to say that the FP showed his friend how the purchase of the new home would improve his financial position. It appears that the FP means the purchase of the new home would result in more monthly income. The advantage of purchasing the new home was explained to my friend but he could not explain it to me. I believe that their retirement is defined benefit based. I think several people who have heard about this have recently purchased new homes as they...
- Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Would you still work if independently wealthy?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 10956
Return to School
Indepent wealth would afford me the opportunity to return to college and take all those courses that interested me but I was unable to take in pursuing my degree. What better environment than being in college.
Something new every few months and the chance to learn something new!
I would absolutely love it.
Something new every few months and the chance to learn something new!
I would absolutely love it.
- Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rate of return calculation
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2748
Dividends .. cap gains ???
Mr_Rossi,
Why is that reinvested dividends are NOT to be included
in the calculation? It would seem that if you received
these dividends and bought more shares with that money
that you would include those transactions in the calculations
so why not reinvested dividends?
Thanks for the help (Just trying to better understand).
Kenny
Why is that reinvested dividends are NOT to be included
in the calculation? It would seem that if you received
these dividends and bought more shares with that money
that you would include those transactions in the calculations
so why not reinvested dividends?
Thanks for the help (Just trying to better understand).
Kenny
- Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:14 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Ways to Stay Calm in Bad Markets
- Replies: 27
- Views: 6908
What is the alternative?
I think about the alternative to being in the market.
Since I have a long-term perspective, I think about
if I am not in the market then there will be no way
for me to accumlate enough to retire someday.
As I get closer to retirement the plan is to be less
dependent on the market - but for now I continue
to think this is where I need to be. Who knows, maybe
this is just one big SALE :lol:
Kenny
Since I have a long-term perspective, I think about
if I am not in the market then there will be no way
for me to accumlate enough to retire someday.
As I get closer to retirement the plan is to be less
dependent on the market - but for now I continue
to think this is where I need to be. Who knows, maybe
this is just one big SALE :lol:
Kenny
- Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading?
- Replies: 566
- Views: 245949
Einstein
"Einstein" by Walter Issacson
Interesting read - very nice insight into his life
both professionally and personally.
Interesting read - very nice insight into his life
both professionally and personally.
- Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fuel efficient cars
- Replies: 45
- Views: 11245
Comparisons
I think that some of the comparisons here do not actually compare
"apples" to "apples". For example, the comparison of a Prius and
a Corolla. The Prius has much more room than the Corolla and
can comfortably seat 4 adults. I think the better comparison
would be to the Camry or the Honda Accord. When that comparison
is made you will not find the price difference indicated in the Prius/Corolla comparion.
In addition, using $4 a gallon gas for 10-12 years seem rather unrealistic to me. The global desire for oil will likely continue thus the price of gas will more than likely increase during that period.
"apples" to "apples". For example, the comparison of a Prius and
a Corolla. The Prius has much more room than the Corolla and
can comfortably seat 4 adults. I think the better comparison
would be to the Camry or the Honda Accord. When that comparison
is made you will not find the price difference indicated in the Prius/Corolla comparion.
In addition, using $4 a gallon gas for 10-12 years seem rather unrealistic to me. The global desire for oil will likely continue thus the price of gas will more than likely increase during that period.
- Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Sell a house, invest profits, finance new home?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1632
Sell a house, invest profits, finance new home?
Recently a friend and I were having a discussion about selling his current home and buying another house. He indicated that he was thinking about selling his house and investing the profit in a mutual fund rather than re-invest it in his next home. His thoughts are that with interest rates so low (approx. 5.5%) that he can make more money with his profits invested in the mututal fund than he can by using it to lower the amount borrowed on his new house. He said that he would receive the tax benefit of interest paid on his new home which further lessens the amount of interest actually paid on his new loan. He realized that he would have to take his one-time capital gain exemption on the sale of his existing home in order to do this. This nex...
- Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Advice for a 49 year old who has never manged her money...
- Replies: 19
- Views: 8721
Read, Read, Read
Robin,
Welcome to the Forum!
This is a great place to learn and lots of very patient people hear to
help. With that said, it is very important to get familiar with different
strategies so you can understand the advantages and disadvantages
of each.
Read all you can. Get educated. "Bogleheads Guide to Investing"
is a great place to start.
Welcome to the Forum!
This is a great place to learn and lots of very patient people hear to
help. With that said, it is very important to get familiar with different
strategies so you can understand the advantages and disadvantages
of each.
Read all you can. Get educated. "Bogleheads Guide to Investing"
is a great place to start.
- Mon May 21, 2007 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Power Line Problem? Sell house or stay put?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2353
Studies are accurate
I think the studies on this issue are probably accurate. This has been an issue for quite some time now and the studies were performed on electrical utility workers who work in very close proximity to these types of lines.
That being said - if you are still uncomfortable then I think you should consider selling your home and moving to a better location. I do not think that you would have to disclose anything about the adjacent transmission line to a prospective buyer. The buyer will see the line during a visit to your home.
There is a lot to be said for "piece of mind" for both you and your family.
That being said - if you are still uncomfortable then I think you should consider selling your home and moving to a better location. I do not think that you would have to disclose anything about the adjacent transmission line to a prospective buyer. The buyer will see the line during a visit to your home.
There is a lot to be said for "piece of mind" for both you and your family.
- Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:17 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Early Retirement Asset Allocation
- Replies: 31
- Views: 16036
Health Insurance
Hydroman,
You indicated that you will buy health insurance. If I may ask, what type of policy have you decided on? By that I don't mean what company, etc. but what type of benefits. Is it a catastrophic type policy with a large deductible or something with a smaller deductible and more coverage?
Health insurance has and is a major concern for us. I am just a little younger than you and hopefully just a few years away for considering retirement, but the health insurance issue seems to be a major issue for us.
Thanks and congratulations!
Milo
You indicated that you will buy health insurance. If I may ask, what type of policy have you decided on? By that I don't mean what company, etc. but what type of benefits. Is it a catastrophic type policy with a large deductible or something with a smaller deductible and more coverage?
Health insurance has and is a major concern for us. I am just a little younger than you and hopefully just a few years away for considering retirement, but the health insurance issue seems to be a major issue for us.
Thanks and congratulations!
Milo
- Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: All wealth builders are savers
- Replies: 15
- Views: 5829
Nice article!
Thanks for the link Michael.
My wife and I have been noticing for many years now how some of our
friends spend without considering the effects on retirement. It helps
keep things in perspective for us. Obviously there is a balance
between having a life and saving for retirement.
Thanks again and GO TIGERS!!
Milo
My wife and I have been noticing for many years now how some of our
friends spend without considering the effects on retirement. It helps
keep things in perspective for us. Obviously there is a balance
between having a life and saving for retirement.
Thanks again and GO TIGERS!!
Milo
- Wed Apr 25, 2007 2:05 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Many Americans Are Living in a Retirement Fantasyland
- Replies: 17
- Views: 7074
I agree with Dale..
No. 4 on Dale's list is EDUCATION.
I think it is unbelievable how little people understand about saving
for retirement. Talking to others, in particularly young people, makes me realize the real need for financial education at the high school level.
The other thing that amazes me is the attitude that young people have to have it all and have it now. They see no reason to wait or save for anything and long term to them is next week.
Some of these things also apply to people in their 40's and 50's. It seems as though many do not want to be bothered with thinking about or dealing with their financial future. I think it is a belief that in the end it will all work out.
I think it is unbelievable how little people understand about saving
for retirement. Talking to others, in particularly young people, makes me realize the real need for financial education at the high school level.
The other thing that amazes me is the attitude that young people have to have it all and have it now. They see no reason to wait or save for anything and long term to them is next week.
Some of these things also apply to people in their 40's and 50's. It seems as though many do not want to be bothered with thinking about or dealing with their financial future. I think it is a belief that in the end it will all work out.
- Wed Apr 25, 2007 1:55 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Suze Orman offers "diehardish" article.
- Replies: 27
- Views: 11612
Did anyone read .....
Did anyone read the comments at the end of the article?
"Take some of the profits. Pigs get slaughtered."
From their ratings they didn't think much of the article.
"Take some of the profits. Pigs get slaughtered."
From their ratings they didn't think much of the article.
- Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax Return Procrastination
- Replies: 19
- Views: 7327
Maybe 2 Questions Needed
I think maybe it would matter whether you are due
a refund or need to pay some. Or maybe the question
could be:
When do you calculate your taxes?
I calculate mine very soon after receiving all information
and would file if I were due a refund soon after. Since I
have owed taxes for the last few years, I wait until later to
file.
a refund or need to pay some. Or maybe the question
could be:
When do you calculate your taxes?
I calculate mine very soon after receiving all information
and would file if I were due a refund soon after. Since I
have owed taxes for the last few years, I wait until later to
file.
- Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The Yankee Or Dixie Quiz
- Replies: 51
- Views: 26176
True Dixie Here
75% Dixie here.
That was fun. Intereting to see how people refer
to certain items.
Thank ya'll for that link.
That was fun. Intereting to see how people refer
to certain items.
Thank ya'll for that link.
- Wed Apr 04, 2007 1:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: what is your job/occupation?
- Replies: 84
- Views: 46929
EE
What I do everyday until I retire -
Electrical Engineer and Utility Rate Analyst
Milo
Electrical Engineer and Utility Rate Analyst
Milo
- Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What does your avatar symbolize?
- Replies: 160
- Views: 75701
Simpy a Fan
Grew up with Bloom County - Milo, Opus, Bill the Cat, etc. and have
been a big fan for years. Their outlook on life helps keep things in the proper persepective for me sometimes.
This forum and the people here also help keep things in perspective too.
Thanks all,
Milo
been a big fan for years. Their outlook on life helps keep things in the proper persepective for me sometimes.
This forum and the people here also help keep things in perspective too.
Thanks all,
Milo
- Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How did you pay for your last car?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 32195
Credit Card Rewards
We were looking used until we reallized that with our GM credit
card earnings we could buy a new car for less than a used one.
My wife wanted a Camaro (before they stopped making them)
and so we were able to use the GM card earnings and pay cash
for the balance. It's 6 years old with only 38K miles. We'll keep
it for quite a while I suspect.
Kenny
card earnings we could buy a new car for less than a used one.
My wife wanted a Camaro (before they stopped making them)
and so we were able to use the GM card earnings and pay cash
for the balance. It's 6 years old with only 38K miles. We'll keep
it for quite a while I suspect.
Kenny