Search found 649 matches

by stlrick
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Identity theft or something to ignore?
Replies: 18
Views: 1158

Re: Identity theft or something to ignore?

I appreciate the warnings about bills that are legitimate but coming from a different location. In this case, the email states that it is for care in the ER of a specific hospital. She has not been to a hospital emergency room in as long as either of us can remember.
by stlrick
Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Identity theft or something to ignore?
Replies: 18
Views: 1158

Re: Identity theft or something to ignore?

I would ignore all future emails and not call them. If you were legitimately responsible for the payment, they'd have mailed multiple past due notices to you via USPS. In fact, they probably have snail-mailed many such notices to the correct person. In the unlikely event it goes to collections, deal with that later (e.g., by requesting verification of the debt). This would be my approach. Every past due I've got from healthcare providers - we get a lot of inaccurate billing - is by physical mail. This is where my thinking is headed. The conversation has also made me aware that for all my concern about not giving them additional information to attach to the email address, I've given them the home phone number that I used to call them. I am ...
by stlrick
Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Identity theft or something to ignore?
Replies: 18
Views: 1158

Re: Identity theft or something to ignore?

The question of someone getting medical services using our identity is a good point but easy to check. We are on Medicare. There have been no fraudulent claims. Same with our credit. Several credit cards give us monthly updates. Nothing unusual and FICO scores remain 800+. After 3-4 phone calls, it is clear that the operators we get have no ability (and no interest) in locating an account from the email address. The conversations have been a complete waste of time. Sending a certified letter gives them additional information that could then be included when it goes out for collection. We have not seen an actual bill. The radiology group, which apparently covers many hospitals in that region, sends us requests for payment, with a link to log...
by stlrick
Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Identity theft or something to ignore?
Replies: 18
Views: 1158

Identity theft or something to ignore?

My wife is getting weekly emails about a past due radiology bill from a hospital emergency room in a city that we have never been in. When I call to tell them that they have an incorrect email address for their patient, they ask me for the account number and my wife's date of birth. We do not have an account number and I do not want to give them any additional information to attach to the email address they already have. With only the email address, they can't find the account, so we keep getting the past due notices. This has been going on for over a month. I can detect no issues with any of our financial accounts, so I'm tending to think that someone intentionally or by mistake listed her email address and that the patient who did it has ...
by stlrick
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Annuitize or not?
Replies: 17
Views: 2261

Re: Annuitize or not?

I assume you are talking about a SPIA. The payout is based on life tables. The expected life span for a 95 year old will result in a high payout. Adding a 10 or 15 year period certain lowers the payout, because the life table does not expect her to live that long. By definition, with a SPIA, she will get the payout for as long as she lives. She does not need a life certain guarantee. It would not be for her benefit.
by stlrick
Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?
Replies: 61
Views: 4174

Re: is QCD like a DAF (but better) ?

One tiny, tiny nit about a QCD vs. DAF. I know that it's easy to give nominal amounts (say, $100) to charities from a DAF. All that I need to do is get on the Fidelity DAF website or app, and it can be done in 30 seconds if it's a charity that I've given to previously. Is it as easy to give those nominal amounts from a QCD? Does the tIRA custodian balk at this, or impose fees? I ask this as someone who has a DAF, but has no personal experience with QCDs. I agree that there are a lot of advantages of QCD giving rather than DAF once a person is over the necessary age. Schwab allows direct check-writing from an IRA. I make all QCDs directly without their involvement, and have written checks for as little as $50. There are no fees. As for tax ...
by stlrick
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4578

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

We did a week of driving around before a cruise. Two memorable experiences for the teens would be the towns of Whittier and Homer. Whittier is a one-of-a-kind oddity for a brief drive through. Homer was a beautiful stop for a couple of days, and on the Homer spit you will taste the freshest fish that fish can be.
by stlrick
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10093

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

There is basic information we have not been given that would affect my response. How much do you pay her for how much time? Is it $80-100 for two hours because she does three clients a day or $80-100 for 6 hours at barely more than minimum wage? You should know something about her life. Does she cancel because she goes on vacations, etc? Responses seem to be split, often on a perception of whether there is a significant economic disparity, without any understanding of whether this is true.
by stlrick
Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 6829

Re: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

Many years ago we shared a queen. Then, we found we were more comfortable with more space, so we switched to a king. Now we have two independently adjustable twins on a king frame, but are shopping for two separate twins. Needs change as you age. The question was written as if there was some rule that a happily married couple must share a bed. It’s not so. Your needs change over time because of age, hot flashes during menopause, or illness, among other things. Good sleep is just too important. Make yourselves comfortable.
by stlrick
Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Medicine
Replies: 79
Views: 12097

Re: Concierge Medicine

What gets me is many older people spend six months out of the year in a warm state. With that said, why does someone who belongs to a concierge medical practice have to pay full price when they’re only seeing their primary physician six months out of the year? I am currently out-of-state and ran into an orthopedic problem. My concierge physician at home is a great help. She receives all records and reports, just as she would if I were seeing orthopedists at home. We can have unhurried conversations about progress, options, and questions or concerns for the next visits I have with the orthopedists I am seeing. Maybe this happens in some non-concierge practices, but not in my community. The bottom line is that when I am out of town, she rema...
by stlrick
Tue Jan 30, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

ResearchMed: I started with TIAA in 1979. The change from required annuitization to the current rules of the 403(b) defined contribution plan resulted from the Tax Reform Act of 1986, under Ronald Reagan. I don’t know how many years it took to be interpreted and implemented. Crefwatch suggests 1989. That sounds about right.

At the time, I believe the only contracts offered were the RA and SRA. Contributions to those contracts continued for several years before my institution switched new contributions to a GRA. All of my contributions to the RA retain their original vintages and all follow the current RA rules. There is no distinction between contributions before or after the change. I hope this answers your question.
by stlrick
Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

Tibbitts: I doubt there are many (any) employer-TIAA contracts that prohibit rollovers after retirement.
by stlrick
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

I have my first RMD this year from a Trad TIAA contract under a former employer. I have been going back and forth with my TIAA rep who tells me there is no way to do a QCD from this (I'm not yet retired, so would like to reduce tax liability). I wonder if there are any others who have faced this -- is the solution to get a second opinion from someone else at TIAA? Or am I stuck? That's an interesting question: with an RA (as opposed to 457, 403b, IRA, etc.) I never thought about it but I don't know if there is a provision for irregular, non-systematic withdrawals beyond legally required RMDs. When you mention an RA, are you referring to one of the different kinds of contracts that TIAA uses in retirement plans? If so, you are making a “cat...
by stlrick
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

If you have a 403(b) that is not subject to RMDs for the current year, whether you can rollover funds to an IRA may depend on the specific contact that your employer has for the plan with TIAA. This is too specific for generalizations. It would be best to contact your own Human Resources office.
by stlrick
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

I have my first RMD this year from a Trad TIAA contract under a former employer. I have been going back and forth with my TIAA rep who tells me there is no way to do a QCD from this (I'm not yet retired, so would like to reduce tax liability). I wonder if there are any others who have faced this -- is the solution to get a second opinion from someone else at TIAA? Or am I stuck? That's an interesting question: with an RA (as opposed to 457, 403b, IRA, etc.) I never thought about it but I don't know if there is a provision for irregular, non-systematic withdrawals beyond legally required RMDs. When you mention an RA, are you referring to one of the different kinds of contracts that TIAA uses in retirement plans? If so, you are making a “cat...
by stlrick
Sat Jan 27, 2024 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2386

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

What kind of account is it? QCDs can only be done from IRAs. A 403(b) or 401(k) cannot be used for QCDs. You would first have to rollover from the 403/401. But be careful - once you are in a year of RMDs, the dollars out must be RMDs until the full year requirement is met. Only then can you do a pre-tax rollover.
by stlrick
Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Billing Question
Replies: 8
Views: 1013

Re: Medicare Billing Question

Eagle33 wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 3:35 pm One should carefully consider the decision to have Part D be paid from SS. While Part B is unchanging and always paid to the government, Part D plan can change every year. Sometimes you may get the plan from the same insurance company, other years it may be much lower cost from a different insurance company. We have chosen to not pay the Part D via SS and pay which ever insurance company that can provide us the best plan for us that year, and not have to worry about having SS change who they are paying for us each year.
This is good advice.
by stlrick
Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?
Replies: 27
Views: 1990

Re: TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. They basically confirm the uncertain tradeoff between diversification and the convenience and strength of TRAD. Individuals come down on different sides by weighing different priorities. I am not going to do anything about TIPs for inflation protection. Inflation is why I will keep 35% in equities, but the issue of diversification does seem particularly strong from the standpoint of including international bonds. I have TRAD in an RA, GRA and SRA. The SRA allows me to rebalance. Also, sometime in the future, I might annuitize. The oldest TRAD vintages are in the RA, so that is what I would use for annuitization and I’m not going to mess with the profile of favorable vintages, so basically, I can make l...
by stlrick
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?
Replies: 27
Views: 1990

TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?

I am 75 years old and want a 35/65 asset allocation. If, as is often recommended, I have 100% equities in my Roth IRA and my brokerage accounts, the bond allocation would have to be in my TIAA 403(b). My general preference, working with TIAA for 45 years, has always been to use their Traditional Account (TRAD) rather than bond funds. Is it reasonable to keep all fixed income in that one investment? I would not lose sleep over this kind of concentration. My view is that if TRAD had a serious problem, there would be serious problems everywhere.
by stlrick
Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking Extreme Sun/Heat in Window
Replies: 33
Views: 2783

Re: Blocking Extreme Sun/Heat in Window

We use professionally installed UV screen on all of our windows. The two most widely known are from 3M and Huper Optik. We’ve had the Huper Optik for 15 years. No discoloration, no peeling. No fading of fabric or artwork that appear to be in direct sunlight all day.
by stlrick
Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using Form W4-P with multiple pensions
Replies: 1
Views: 302

Using Form W4-P with multiple pensions

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc]

My wife and I have 7 sources of income in retirement:
1. Her social security (85% taxable)
2. My social security (85% taxable)
3. Her state teachers pension
4. RMDs from my traditional IRA
5. My SPIA
6. Interest and dividends from joint brokerage account
7.RMDs from my 403(b)

The largest income is from my 403(b), for which I am completing form W4-P, and want to make sure that I am understanding how this will work. If I put all the other taxable income for the year in Step 2 (b) (ii), the IRS will calculate withholding for our entire income from this one pension and we can cancel withholding from all the others. Is this correct?

Thanks.
by stlrick
Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AARP Plan F to Plan G
Replies: 17
Views: 2183

Re: AARP Plan F to Plan G

bluelight wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:42 am
Silk McCue wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 6:44 pm It depends on what state you are in. Medical underwriting may be required to change from Plan F to G.

Cheers
We are in NY. How would I find out if it is a requirement?
You say your husband has AARP Plan F. When I enrolled in AARP Plan G, I did the entire application process while on a chat at the AARP/UHC website. They were knowledgeable and helpful. Just go online and ask them.
by stlrick
Sat Nov 18, 2023 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AARP Plan F to Plan G
Replies: 17
Views: 2183

Re: AARP Plan F to Plan G

Bluelight:

You are correct that the increased annual premium for Plan F is usually larger than the annual deductible that you pay with Plan G. In that sense, it is exactly the "no brainer" you describe.

There are two other considerations. First, no one knows what the future will bring. The Medicare annual deductible changes every year and plan premiums change. The premium structure does not seem to make any sense for otherwise identical coverage, so one can imagine that this is temporary and will even out in the future. Second, there is the minor inconvenience of getting invoices from your health care providers that you need to pay directly after they file claims and you have not yet met your annual deductible.
by stlrick
Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA RMSA
Replies: 5
Views: 798

Re: TIAA RMSA

The unused funds after death do not go back to TIAA. My documents indicate that they remain in the university plan "for use by other participants." It's not at all clear what this means, since participants can only use the accumulation in their personal account - this is not a participating annuity.
by stlrick
Fri Nov 17, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA RMSA
Replies: 5
Views: 798

Re: TIAA RMSA

You are correct that an RMSA cannot be passed on to heirs. Beneficiaries cannot be named. If unused by the participant or spouse, the funds are lost.
by stlrick
Fri Nov 17, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA RMSA
Replies: 5
Views: 798

Re: TIAA RMSA

A RMSA (retirement medical savings account) is described as a Roth IRA for health-care expenses. Unlike an HSA, the contributions are after-tax. They then grow tax-free. You will have a limited number of investment options, which at my institution was the most annoying part of investing in this opportunity. The investment options and ERs are not the same as the 403(b) accounts with TIAA. You cannot withdraw funds from the account until you retire and then you have to document that they are valid health care expenses. Withdrawals have to be documented and approved. It is not a difficult process but it is not simply at your discretion. I suggest that if the university has a Roth option for the 403(b) plan, you fully contribute there before de...
by stlrick
Sat Nov 11, 2023 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dimensions for carry-on luggage
Replies: 42
Views: 3657

Dimensions for carry-on luggage

Our grandchildren are of the age where they could visit us on their own, and we want to buy them carry-on luggage. Flights to us will be on Southwest, which allows carry-on dimensions of 24 x 16 x10. However, American, United and Delta all indicate that the maximum carry-on size is smaller, 22 x 14 x 9. When I look at carry-on luggage at sites such as Samsonite and TravelPro, dimensions are typically something like 23.5 x 14.5 x 9. These appear to be too large for all but Southwest. My question is: What really happens at the airport? Will these cases, being advertised as standard carry-on's, be allowed on board the airlines where they appear to be too large? I don't want the kids to end up standing on the gangway waiting for luggage checked...
by stlrick
Sat Oct 28, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 26553

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand and type and source?

Stayed at an upscale airbnb in Seattle some years ago. They provided Caffe Umbria coffee. Bought their 5 variety sampler pack when we got home and both agreed on the Arco Etrusco Blend Dark Roast (100% Arabica). Have never found anything better.
by stlrick
Wed Oct 18, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA real estate
Replies: 9
Views: 1071

Re: TIAA real estate

To get back to the OP's original question - what to do now?

The downward trend appears to be slowing but has not reversed - TREA is down 6.96% over 6 months, 2.47% over 3 months, and 0.61% over one month. If you took your money out now, you can put it in a liquid TRAD or a CREF money market and earn a safe 5+%. If you want TREA as part of your portfolio, wait for the consistent turn up. Even if you wait until it has gone up 5%, it has been a wash with the money market growth.

Just make sure you understand the details of the 150k investment limits for TREA.
by stlrick
Wed Oct 18, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA real estate
Replies: 9
Views: 1071

Re: TIAA real estate

My holdings in the TIAA real estate account have fallen this year, likely due to commercial real estate downturns. Any opinions as to the prospects for recovery vs getting out now/cutting losses? It's fallen compared to... what? A REIT fund? How about mid/small value? International? EM? LT Treasuries? Are you thinking about taking the money and putting it in something that's down even more? Or are you planning to move to cash until someone flashes the "all okay" signal? It's almost unfortunate that so many people successfully timed the fund during the GFC, because ever since it's had the reputation that every downturn can by definition be timed. I don't understand this dismissal of timing TREA. I've been in or out of it since it ...
by stlrick
Wed Oct 11, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare A,B,C, D and Medigap ...
Replies: 42
Views: 4097

Re: Medicare A,B,C, D and Medigap ...

rbd789 wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 3:01 pm
Chuckles960 wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 2:49 pm
stlrick wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 2:01 pmI took plan G from UHC through the AARP because the price is community-based.
Well, UHC has community-based pricing except that it doesn't---it gives very significant discounts based on attained age.
In my area, UHC/AARP uses issue-age pricing (I'm looking at plan G in particular).
Community-based pricing is available in only some states, and most (all?) policies in those states are community-based. I thought I knew what I was talking about. Lesson learned.
by stlrick
Wed Oct 11, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare A,B,C, D and Medigap ...
Replies: 42
Views: 4097

Re: Medicare A,B,C, D and Medigap ...

Enrolling in A & B is straight-forward. There are no choices and you don't need an agent. The online registration at medicare.gov is simple. There have been several comments about D, so I won't add to that, other than to say that it is straightforward to put your prescriptions into the medicare.gov site and see the price of alternative plans. I can't see why you would need an agent for that decision either. There is an important point that I have not seen mentioned about medigap pricing. After you choose a plan, with G is the most comprehensive available to you now, there are two pricing systems - community-based or age-based. At 65, you will see better prices for age-based plans, but your premium goes up as you get older. With communit...
by stlrick
Mon Oct 09, 2023 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pre-med “fraternity”
Replies: 22
Views: 2874

Re: pre-med “fraternity”

It is extremely useful for a pre-med student to know other pre-med students at the institution taking the same courses from the same instructors. Information from students further along in the process about the different instructors for organic chemistry or other key courses, strategies for summer school courses, preparation for the application process, etc., can be invaluable. Classmates know things that pre-med advisors in the Dean's office don't know. Some comaraderie for the stress and the occasional bad grade can make a real difference for mental health. There is nothing concerning about this.
by stlrick
Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset allocation for a 99 year old
Replies: 32
Views: 4258

Re: Asset allocation for a 99 year old

Thanks for all the helpful replies. It seems pretty clear that the consensus is that with current interest rates, some form of a safety net of 100k set up in 9 lots of Treasuries, CDs, and money market is the solution.
by stlrick
Thu Oct 05, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional - Annuitize Now or Wait for Until After Jan 1
Replies: 7
Views: 1753

Re: TIAA Traditional - Annuitize Now or Wait for Until After Jan 1

The payout rate you will receive at the time of annuitization has been going up rapidly. The data published by TIAA shows the payout rate for the oldest vintage (pre-2006) for annuitization of a single life with a 10-year guarantee: June 2023 9.9% July 10.3% August 10.3% Sept 10.5% Oct 10.8% There is nothing special about waiting for January. You might wait for any number of months if you think rates will continue to go up. Once per year, announced in December, TIAA may raise the payout for existing TRAD annuities. I believe they have done that 15 times in the past 25 years, including the past three. A few other things to consider. First, the payout will increase every month you wait, independent of the payout rate. You will each be one mon...
by stlrick
Thu Oct 05, 2023 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset allocation for a 99 year old
Replies: 32
Views: 4258

Re: Asset allocation for a 99 year old

My brother and I would be the beneficiaries. Neither of us has any need or concern regarding an inheritance, although it would be nice if she did not run out of money so that we were supporting the uncovered expenses. The goal is entirely for the funds to provide for her needs for as long as that may be.
by stlrick
Thu Oct 05, 2023 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset allocation for a 99 year old
Replies: 32
Views: 4258

Asset allocation for a 99 year old

My mother is 99 and in very good health for her age, both physically and cognitively. I can't rule out that she will make it to 105. In addition to a pension and social security, she has 950k in a brokerage account, which I manage. I currently need to pull about 100k per year for her living expenses (she is still in the home she shared with my father, along with a 24/7 aide, and is determined to stay there). With perhaps a 5 year time horizon, would you keep anything in equities?
by stlrick
Thu Oct 05, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No tie shoe laces
Replies: 19
Views: 1973

Re: No tie shoe laces

If you want a true slip on sneaker, with no need to even bend over to get the heel adjusted, I know of three:

skechers slip-in
Kizik (kizik.com)
Zeba (zebashoes.com)

I prefer Kizik. Skechers has the most varieties but I've only tried one.
by stlrick
Mon Sep 25, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Bentonville AR
Replies: 16
Views: 2660

Re: Visiting Bentonville AR

We will be on our way tomorrow morning. Several good suggestions. Thanks for the advice.
by stlrick
Sat Sep 23, 2023 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Bentonville AR
Replies: 16
Views: 2660

Visiting Bentonville AR

Looking for recommendations for a three-night visit to Bentonville, Arkansas. Staying at the 21c Museum Hotel and mainly going for the Crystal Bridges Museum and the Museum of Native American History. We don't want to bother with restaurant reservations and often are just as happy with a cheeseburger and beer as with a NY Strip. Would appreciate hearing from those who have been there - other things to do and not do. Thanks.
by stlrick
Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BoA CC Authorized User Account View Options
Replies: 4
Views: 900

Re: BoA CC Authorized User Account View Options

My wife and I each have a couple of cards on which one of us is primary user and the other is an authorized user. We just both use the one id and password that has been set up for each account. Could not be more convenient.
by stlrick
Sun Sep 03, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $5 million un/underinsured motorist coverage
Replies: 19
Views: 2710

Re: $5 million un/underinsured motorist coverage

I have a $3 million umbrella with State Farm that includes a $3 million endorsement for un/underinsured motorists. They do not sell the un/underinsured motorist endorsement any longer. I have it because the coverage is at least 15 years old and the endorsement is grandfathered. I would like to increase both parts to $5 million but if I make any changes, they will not renew the un/underinsured motorist coverage, so I am stuck with exactly what I have. The interesting part is that the annual cost for the un/underinsured motorist coverage - over $1500 per year - it much more than the basic policy. I'm wondering if they now have a very small pool of participants and are trying to price me out of continuing. If you have $1 million or more in un/...
by stlrick
Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reinvest Dividends in a taxable account ?
Replies: 19
Views: 2461

Re: Reinvest Dividends in a taxable account ?

If you sell VTI at any time without eliminating the position entirely and dividends are paid within 30 days after the sale, it will be a wash sale if any of those dividends are reinvested in the remaining VTI position. This has an easy fix. Just shut off reinvestment before the sale and keep it off for 30+ days after the sale. If the position also is held in tax-deferred accounts, remember to shut off reinvestment there. Reinvesting dividends in a taxable account can result in a mix of short-term and long-term gains and losses at the time of sale, which may or may not be an issue. I think it is mostly an investment decision, not a tax decision. You are going to pay tax on the dividends for the year they are awarded whether or not they are r...
by stlrick
Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing part of portfolio in individual stocks
Replies: 57
Views: 5763

Re: Investing part of portfolio in individual stocks

About 15% of my equity investments are in individual stocks, meaning no more than 1% in any individual position. I use it to satisfy my irrational fondness for dividend stocks and watching growth through reinvestment.
by stlrick
Fri Aug 18, 2023 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with TIAA traditional (3% guaranteed minimum)?
Replies: 32
Views: 2252

Re: What to do with TIAA traditional (3% guaranteed minimum)?

Your dilemma is entirely due to the fact that you cannot predict future interest rates. No advice will change that. The alternative is to hedge your bet. Put 50% of the TRAD accumulation into a 6-8 year MYGA, for which you can get at least 5% now. Leave the rest where it is.
by stlrick
Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with TIAA traditional (3% guaranteed minimum)?
Replies: 32
Views: 2252

Re: What to do with TIAA traditional (3% guaranteed minimum)?

The special advantages of TIAA, relative to Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab, are the Traditional account (TRAD), the Real Estate Account (TREA), and the likely higher payout if you are going to annuitize. There is nothing else you can't get elsewhere. You are not interested in annuitizing and have not mentioned TREA, so we are down to TRAD. Of all the contracts with access to TRAD, a traditional IRA, even your grandfathered version, is the weakest. It had benefits when interest rates were so low that 3% was the best you could do, but now, to answer your specific question, with higher interest rates available elsewhere, I can't see any reason to keep the traditional IRA with TIAA.
by stlrick
Wed Aug 09, 2023 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying T-Bills through Schwab
Replies: 21
Views: 2436

Re: Buying T-Bills through Schwab

Is there any financial downside to buying t-bills through Schwab? It is so easy to do on the Schwab website.... The are a bit annoying, though. Second, you can't buy and then fund your settlement account. So, you wind up transferring more money than you need to cover the purchase. Third, you can't transfer money and immediately make a purchase. It needs to settle overnight and then you can make purchases. You can't withdraw any excess for 5-7 days. I routinely buy and then fund my settlement account at Schwab brokerage. I have never done it with t-bills, but often with CD's and etf's. I buy with nothing in my settlement account. The trade is made and verified immediately and I get a message saying that it needs to be funded (I believe with...
by stlrick
Wed Aug 09, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying T-Bills through Schwab
Replies: 21
Views: 2436

Re: Buying T-Bills through Schwab

Is there any financial downside to buying t-bills through Schwab? It is so easy to do on the Schwab website.... The are a bit annoying, though. Second, you can't buy and then fund your settlement account. So, you wind up transferring more money than you need to cover the purchase. Third, you can't transfer money and immediately make a purchase. It needs to settle overnight and then you can make purchases. You can't withdraw any excess for 5-7 days. I routinely buy and then fund my settlement account at Schwab brokerage. I have never done it with t-bills, but often with CD's and etf's. I buy with nothing in my settlement account. The trade is made and verified immediately and I get a message saying that it needs to be funded (I believe with...
by stlrick
Mon Jul 31, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: first time withdrawing funds from TIAA 403b retirement account
Replies: 17
Views: 1395

Re: first time withdrawing funds from TIAA 403b retirement account

Several details regarding non-retirement withdrawals from a TIAA 403(b) are governed by the rules of your institution or the contract of the institution with TIAA, rather than a general accross-the-board policy by TIAA. Have you confirmed that you are allowed to do this? It does not sound like a hardship withdrawal.
by stlrick
Sun Jul 30, 2023 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Car Should I Buy If Money Were No Object?
Replies: 116
Views: 13899

Re: What Car Should I Buy If Money Were No Object?

Audi SQ5
Mercedes AMG GLE63 Coupe