Search found 477 matches

by brak
Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 withdrawal questions
Replies: 7
Views: 751

Re: 529 withdrawal questions

Thank you.
What is COA?
by brak
Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 withdrawal questions
Replies: 7
Views: 751

Re: 529 withdrawal questions

Clarification - Edvest account = 529 account.
by brak
Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 withdrawal questions
Replies: 7
Views: 751

529 withdrawal questions

We have an Edvest account in my (father) name, with my daughter as the beneficiary. My daughter will be living off-campus, starting school this month. Questions: 1. For her tuition, what is the best and most efficient way (tax and otherwise) to pay for her tuition - send the tuition money to the school directly, send it to me and then I write a check to the school, or send it to my daughter and have her write a check to the school? 2. It is my understanding that room and board is 529 payment eligible, as long as it does not exceed the financial limits spelled out by the college. So what is the best way to keep track of the room and board expenses? Can't it get cumbersome if she has to write down every time she buys a box of mac 'n cheese? A...
by brak
Tue Dec 05, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold coins/platinum bars
Replies: 6
Views: 1261

Gold coins/platinum bars

I'm looking for a reputable place to sell gold coins and platinum bars. Also, any other tips regarding selling these items?
Thanks in advance.
by brak
Sat Mar 25, 2023 12:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Long-term Treasuries
Replies: 15
Views: 2685

Long-term Treasuries

I am wondering what the investment rationale/goals would be of investing in a long-term Treasury fund as part of an investment portfolio. Thank you.
by brak
Sun Mar 19, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Diversify brokerage houses?
Replies: 6
Views: 660

Diversify brokerage houses?

I have a significant portfolio, which I've owned for years, with Vanguard. As has been noted, their customer service took a dive, though recently it seems to be back on its way up. I am about to receive another sizable amount of money to invest, from an inheritance, and am wanting people's opinions on the pros and cons of putting that money with Vanguard as opposed to another brokerage house (Schwab? Fidelity?). What do people see as the pros and cons of each approach, and what advice might they have to offer with regard to a final decision? If it has any relevance, I am retired. Thank you.
by brak
Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash sale
Replies: 9
Views: 545

Re: Wash sale

VXUS and IXUS aren't considered identical for wash sale purposes?
by brak
Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash sale
Replies: 9
Views: 545

Re: Wash sale

What would a harvesting partner fund be for VSUX?
by brak
Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash sale
Replies: 9
Views: 545

Re: Wash sale

So I think I need to make it a bit more complicated but conforming to reality. If I sell VOO at a loss in a Trust account for which I am the Trustee but is for the benefit of my daughter, can I buy VOO for her Roth IRA or taxable account without waiting the 30 days?
by brak
Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash sale
Replies: 9
Views: 545

Wash sale

If I own VOO, or any other ETF for that matter, in a taxable account and sell it at a loss, do I need to wait 30 days to buy it in my Roth IRA account to avoid a wash sale? Thanks
by brak
Sat Feb 18, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement investing
Replies: 8
Views: 1573

Retirement investing

After a person has invested up to the employer matching percentage in their job's 401k, is it wisest to invest further retirement funds for any given year in a traditional individual IRA, a traditional individual Roth IRA, or further invest in her her employer's 401k? This is for a 22 year old young woman, making approximately $50,000/year. And what is the total amount she can invest across all retirement vehicles in any given year? Thanks much.
by brak
Tue Sep 27, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasuries coupon rate vs yield - help please
Replies: 11
Views: 1750

Re: Treasuries coupon rate vs yield - help please

Thanks to everyone for their helpful replies.
by brak
Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasuries coupon rate vs yield - help please
Replies: 11
Views: 1750

Treasuries coupon rate vs yield - help please

I have tried researching the answer to my question, and for the life of me don't understand the explanations I am reading. Would you please be kind enough to explain to me the difference between the coupon rate and the yield on a Treasury? For example, I am seeing a Treasury note with a maturity date of 3/21/24 with a yield of 4.382%, a price of $96.926 and a coupon of 2.25%. So what does this mean, and how do I figure what my real rate of return will be between today and it's maturity date? And how, for instance, would I determine whether it is a better or worse return than the one I would get from a CD maturing 3/29/2024 with an interest rate of 4.15%. Thanks so much!
by brak
Tue Sep 27, 2022 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: St. George, Utah
Replies: 16
Views: 2041

St. George, Utah

We have a mere three days (maybe four) to explore the area around St. George, Utah in late October. Suggestions on how to spend our time would be welcomed. We are into casual hiking but nothing too strenuous. Looking for things that are pleasing to the mind, body and soul (and eyes). Thanks.
by brak
Thu Sep 22, 2022 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash Sale Rule
Replies: 2
Views: 243

Re: Wash Sale Rule

I'm just the cautious type.
by brak
Thu Sep 22, 2022 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash Sale Rule
Replies: 2
Views: 243

Wash Sale Rule

I plan to sell Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets (VEA) at a loss for tax harvesting purposes. Which of the following funds/ETF's can I invest in without waiting 30 days?: 1. iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol (ACWV); 2. iShares Core MSCI EAFE (IEFA); 3. Schwab Fundamental International(FNDF); 4.Vanguard FTSE all-World Small Cap (VSS); 5. iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets (IEMG); 6. Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets (FNDE).
Thank you.

[Title edited to remove ALL CAPS per forum policy section 2(b) -- moderator oldcomputerguy]
by brak
Wed Aug 03, 2022 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle
Replies: 43
Views: 3997

Re: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle

Just a point of information for those suggesting she not ship her bike but just rent a bike at the destination. Problem is that this is a triathlon bike, precisely fitted to her, which is going to be used for a race.Thanks
by brak
Sun Jul 31, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle
Replies: 43
Views: 3997

Re: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle

Makes me wish my daughter was a firewoman, and in reponse to another comment, it is a triathlon bike. Does that make any difference? Thanks
by brak
Sun Jul 31, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle
Replies: 43
Views: 3997

Re: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle

Bike cost $2500
by brak
Sun Jul 31, 2022 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Commercial flying with expensive bicycle
Replies: 43
Views: 3997

Commercial flying with expensive bicycle

Does anyone have any tips on navigating commercial flying with an expensive bicycle? We know we have to buy a good bike box, but that's where our "expertise" ends. Much thanks.
by brak
Wed Jul 20, 2022 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 Tax/FAFSA questions
Replies: 11
Views: 1212

Re: 529 Tax/FAFSA questions

DIFAR 31 - would you please explain the rationale behind your ordering of strategies? That would be quite helpful for me. Thanks.
by brak
Tue Jul 19, 2022 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 Tax/FAFSA questions
Replies: 11
Views: 1212

Re: 529 Tax/FAFSA questions

So from a FAFSA point of view, would grandmother contributing $16.000 to parents' 529 be any better or worse than her gifting the kid (or his parents) $16,000?
by brak
Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 Tax/FAFSA questions
Replies: 11
Views: 1212

529 Tax/FAFSA questions

My friends have a child in 9th grade who will certainly be going to college. They live in a state that offers no tax deductions for 529 contributions. Nonetheless, the parents have a 529 account in their name, earmarked for their son. Given that the account is in the parents' name, will the money in that account effect the child's eligibility for financial aid. The child has four years left before college. Is the most FAFSA savvy and tax-efficient way of continuing to save for college using a good 529 plan? Are there other better options? And finally, the child's grandmother wants to contribute to his college funding. Is the most tax-efficient/FAFSA savvy way of doing this to just directly gift the child $16,000 per year (there is no concer...
by brak
Fri Jun 17, 2022 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELP buying a used car
Replies: 8
Views: 669

Re: HELP buying a used car

Humblecoder - in and of itself, meaning assuming it passes a thorough inspection? Anything else?
by brak
Fri Jun 17, 2022 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELP buying a used car
Replies: 8
Views: 669

HELP buying a used car

I am considering buying a used 2019 Prius for my daughter. It currently has 38,000 miles on it. When I pulled up the CarFax report, the last reported maintenance on the car was a 20,000 mile service done in 4/2021 (when the car was at 22,000). Entries after that simply note that the vehicle, which was leased, was bought by the same person in 11/2021 at 28,000. There is no other maintenance record. I plan to have the car inspected by my mechanic. My question is whether or not this car is an automatic "no" given the date of the last reported service and the fact that the car has been driven 10,000 miles since 11/2021. Thank you.
by brak
Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oceanside, Carlsbad CA places to stay
Replies: 0
Views: 325

Oceanside, Carlsbad CA places to stay

Anyone know of good places to stay from vrbo or airbnb - 3 bedrooms, six people, easy walking distance to a nice beach if not oceanfront itself? Thanks.
by brak
Mon Jan 31, 2022 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revocable Trusts and I Bonds
Replies: 4
Views: 1114

Revocable Trusts and I Bonds

My wife and I have a Revocable Trust and have been buying $10,000 worth of I-bonds annually in the name of the Trust. There was mention on this list serve that my wife and I each could purchase $10,000 worth of I-bonds annually outside of the Trust. What are the implications of holding this investment outside rather than inside the Trust? Thanks in advance for your help.
by brak
Tue Jan 18, 2022 6:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How long to keep records of deceased
Replies: 6
Views: 1803

How long to keep records of deceased

My sister died 11 years ago and I was the executor of her estate. The estate has been totally settled for at least eight years. I have all her records, tax returns and other documents. I know that at this point I should continue to keep a copy of her will, but I do not know what else I should be keeping and for how long. Thanks in advance for your help.
by brak
Mon Jan 17, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Condensation on inside of storm windows
Replies: 7
Views: 876

Re: Condensation on inside of storm windows

JBTX - there's a single;e pane window and then a storm window. The condensation is on the inside of the storm window, directly on inside the storm window. In one of the two windows in which this is happening the condensation has now caused the window sill to be damp. Hope that helps.
by brak
Mon Jan 17, 2022 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Condensation on inside of storm windows
Replies: 7
Views: 876

Condensation on inside of storm windows

Our bathroom has two windows. It also has a ceiling exhaust fan. During this winter, for the first time (cold climate), there has been condensation on the inside of the two storm windows in the bathroom. In one window, the window sill is now damp. Two questions: are there remedies a nontechnical guy such as myself can apply to remediate the situation?; and two, if I need to bring in someone to take a look at it, who might that person be? I am reluctant to call someone in from a window company out of concern that they might be motivated to sell me window replacements that I don't need. Your collective wisdom and input would be most appreciated.
by brak
Tue Jan 04, 2022 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Balanced Index VBIAX
Replies: 11
Views: 2608

Re: Balanced Index VBIAX

There is also a Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund (VTMFX) that night be more appropriate for taxable accounts.
by brak
Mon Jan 03, 2022 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11145
Views: 2084816

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Check out - Don't Look Up - on Netflix. Scarily accurate.
by brak
Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I BONDS in a revocable trust
Replies: 1
Views: 244

I BONDS in a revocable trust

My wife and I have a revocable trust in which we are each named and want to buy i bonds through the Trust. Can we buy $10,000 (since there is one trust) or $20,000 (since there are two people)? Thanks.
by brak
Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling Apple (AAPL) stock
Replies: 60
Views: 6355

Re: Selling Apple (AAPL) stock

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. To fill out aq few questions that were asked: I do not have any AAPL stock which would be sold at a loss at the present time; I am in my early 70's and retired; I turned off dividend reinvestment option years ago; and if AAPL went to zero dollars it would not ruin me financially (sure it would hurt). Thanks again for your thoughtful comments.
by brak
Mon Dec 13, 2021 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling Apple (AAPL) stock
Replies: 60
Views: 6355

Re: Selling Apple (AAPL) stock

In my defense, I purchased the AAPL stock before I ever heard of Bogleheads.
It's interesting to me that the opinions on this are divergent. I'm finding the responses quite helpful.
Thanks.
by brak
Mon Dec 13, 2021 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling Apple (AAPL) stock
Replies: 60
Views: 6355

Selling Apple (AAPL) stock

I consider myself fortunate to have this "problem", but I need some advice nonetheless. Many decades ago I bought a small amount of AAPL in my taxable portfolio. Looking back, I should have bought it for my Roth IRA, but that's water under the bridge. It has now ballooned to represent 13% of my portfolio, so I know I need to sell some of it. I also know that I will obviously be hit with capital gains tax, and that it's best to sell those shares I acquired (through dividends) over the years at the highest price first. Are there any other factors or considerations I should take into account regarding when or how to sell?
Thanks.
by brak
Sun Dec 05, 2021 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 1414

Re: HSA portfolio

Thanks!
by brak
Sun Dec 05, 2021 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 1414

Re: HSA portfolio

My wife and my daughter have a family health insurance plan. I have always assumed that since it's one plan, only one HSA account is allowed. Am, I incorrect about this? Thanks.
by brak
Sat Dec 04, 2021 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 1414

Re: HSA portfolio

Great idea! Thanks.
by brak
Sat Dec 04, 2021 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 1414

HSA portfolio

My wife and daughter have an HSA account that is being held by Fidelity. The money in that account will not be used to pay for immediate medical expenses unless something catastrophic occurs, but rather is being used to amass funds for future medical expenses. So I am trying to figure out how to invest the money in that account. Thoughts on what funds to use, how much risk I should be taking (my spouse is 60), or any other relevant considerations. Thank you.
by brak
Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion in Retirement
Replies: 77
Views: 9527

Roth Conversion in Retirement

I am retired, in a high tax bracket, partly due to my RMD's. I did Roth conversions in the years leading up to my retirement. Would there be any reason to continue doing Roth conversions in my present situation? Thanks.
by brak
Tue Oct 19, 2021 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recipes
Replies: 17
Views: 1763

Re: Recipes

Thanks again for all the help.
by brak
Tue Oct 19, 2021 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recipes
Replies: 17
Views: 1763

Re: Recipes

Thanks for all the input. To answer some questions: it will be meals for two people and four days; it's a fully equipped kitchen and we certainly plan to bring our own coffee; we will plan on bringing a cooler but am not sure if it will keep things frozen for a four hour car ride; we are more than willing to cook things at home and then bring them with us and just warm them up; I think we have breakfast covered, more wondering about dinner. Thanks again.
by brak
Mon Oct 18, 2021 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recipes
Replies: 17
Views: 1763

Recipes

We are going on a vacation to a small, isolated cabin with a fully functional kitchen. We want to eat well but not spend tons of time cooking once we get there. Ideas of what food to bring, are there recipes that we can easily make up there or make her and transport there (four hour drive), any other tips? Your help is much appreciated. Never done this before.
by brak
Wed Aug 18, 2021 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723381

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Correction - Shuggie Bain
by brak
Wed Aug 18, 2021 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723381

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Shuggie Bail - a novel
By Douglas Stuart
Hold onto your hat - intensely emotional
by brak
Wed Jul 21, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC systems brands/electric heat pumps
Replies: 56
Views: 6233

Re: HVAC systems brands/electric heat pumps

Thank you everyone for great information. I really appreciate it.
by brak
Wed Jul 21, 2021 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC systems brands/electric heat pumps
Replies: 56
Views: 6233

HVAC systems brands/electric heat pumps

My HVAC air conditioner is on its last legs. Any suggestion about which brands are most efficient and reliable. Also, I'm from Wisconsin but I am considering purchasing an electric heat pump system instead to lessen carbon footprint. Anyone have any experience with such a system? Pros and cons, things to consider? Thanks.
by brak
Mon Jul 12, 2021 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 616

Re: Roth conversion

I appreciate the perspectives given. Here's the problem, by way of analogy. If you have a car that's broken, some people might say let me talk with someone who knows how to fix cars and, after I give them all the relevant information, they can tell me how to fix the car. That's a valid approach. But some people would just say, "find me a good mechanic and I can just drive the car in, tell him/her the symptoms of the car not working well, and have them fix it and I'll just pick it up". The latter is what my couple is looking for. I am aware of the limitations of this approach, but please indulge me and answer the question within the framework offered. Thanks very much.