Search found 306 matches

by Cernel
Mon Jan 22, 2024 4:20 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43350

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

A most Blessed Happy Birthday to you Taylor as you enjoy this milestone birthday.

I have learned so much from you and the other creators of Bogleheads.org that I can't imagine what my life would be like without your selfless sharing of your knowledge and experience.

And thank you for your service to our country.
by Cernel
Wed Dec 06, 2023 4:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Private High School - worth it?
Replies: 164
Views: 28811

Re: Private High School - worth it?

Best investment we have ever made.

We have 3 children who went to Public School through 8th grade and we decided to send our children to Private School for their High School years. Yes it was a sacrifice, but with a declining Public School system, we were willing to make that sacrifice. Our priority was providing the best environment for our children to grow and become contributing members of society. All worked out well. They are now grown with their own families and 2 of the 3 have their children in private schools.

Again, the best investment we have ever made.
by Cernel
Sat Nov 04, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule
Replies: 19
Views: 2846

Re: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:51 am
I found this page with a Google web search of “ vanguard capital gains estimate”

Cheers
Once again Silk, THANKS
I am good to go for now and in the future.
by Cernel
Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule
Replies: 19
Views: 2846

Re: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:31 am
Your password doesn’t work on that site.

Why would you need to login?

Cheers
For future access to documents like the one I first inquired about since I could not find that information in my Personal Investors account. I had been able to find it in previous years.

I guess I don't need to register as long as I can get to the Tax Center from the Advisor homepage without logging in.
by Cernel
Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule
Replies: 19
Views: 2846

Re: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule

jebmke wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:18 am

type in "advisors.vanguard.com" in your browser
I did that and when I tried entering my Username/Password for my personal account it didn't work. Does this mean I have to register for the Financial Website as well?

Sorry for all these dumb questions.
by Cernel
Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule
Replies: 19
Views: 2846

Re: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 8:40 am Capital Gains estimates will be available Nov 13.

https://advisors.vanguard.com/tax-cente ... rrent-year

I could be wrong but I don’t think they estimate dividends.

Cheers
Silk, thank for the link.
How does one get to the Financial Advisors website from their Personal Investors website?
by Cernel
Sat Nov 04, 2023 8:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule
Replies: 19
Views: 2846

Vanguard's Estimated YE Distribution Schedule

Has anyone seen a posting by Vanguard of their schedule for providing YE estimates for dividends and Capital gains?
I have searched their very confusing website with no luck.
by Cernel
Thu Oct 05, 2023 5:25 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed
Replies: 158
Views: 38181

Re: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed

LadyGeek,
So sorry for your loss.

This site and the entire Bogleheads community is one of the most positive elements in our society today. Even in your time of sorry and grief, you are willing to reach out and help others who are or will be in a similar situation. May GOD bless you and your family. You are in my prayers.
by Cernel
Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Minimums for QCD?
Replies: 14
Views: 1629

Re: Minimums for QCD?

I am not aware of a limit on the number of charities in which you can make a QCD. This year I did 10 different charities. My minimum donation was $500.
by Cernel
Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transitioning to brokerage account-any issues?
Replies: 9
Views: 1530

Re: Transitioning to brokerage account-any issues?

I have had numerous problems with the transition from the MF platform to the Brokerage platform. Most of the issues are associated with me being a Full Agent, but others have surfaced as well. For a number of years while on the MF platform I was a FA for my wife's, 3 children and sister's Vang accounts (Non-Retirement, IRA, Inherited IRA, & Roth IRA). Back in November I noticed that with my kids and sister's accounts had a fee of $20 was being assessed to each fund. Yes, I missed the communications (my fault) that Vang changed its policy and was now charging this fee for accounts who no longer live in the same household and have total assets of less than $1M. So, I called and started the transitions. Nothing but headaches. First of all ...
by Cernel
Fri Jul 07, 2023 5:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1514
Views: 169528

Re: Vanguard Customer Disservice

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] Bengal22 was intimidate by Vanguard through additional fees to transition to a brokerage account. Last year Bengal22 transitioned his accounts to the brokerage account. Now Bengal22 has to make 2 transaction to transfer funds. Now Bengal22 Spouse is being intimidated through additional fees to transition her Roth to a brokerage account. Bengal22 decided to make transition. Bengal22 now frustrated because when Bengal22 hit the transition account button it says that Bengal 22 wife's phone and address information do not match. But they do. Bengal22 went into edit mode several times to confirm. But Bengal22 cannot transition Bengal22 wife to the brokerage account. So Bengal22 sent them an E Mail. Beng...
by Cernel
Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Learning about Trusts
Replies: 6
Views: 1077

Learning about Trusts

I would like to build my knowledge base on Trusts and am looking for recommendations on resources that would help.

I consider myself a novice on this topic. I am looking to learn about:
- The different types of Trusts and what their advantages and disadvantage are.
- The administration and costs associated with various Trusts
- Tax implication

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
by Cernel
Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:17 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉
Replies: 247
Views: 15948

Re: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉

Happy Birthday Mr. Taylor Larimore.!!!
Thank you for your service to our country and your sharing of your knowledge and experience with the Bogleheads community. Your insight has benefited so many people to include myself.
by Cernel
Sun Jul 04, 2021 4:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best financial decision ever made
Replies: 81
Views: 10943

Re: Best financial decision ever made

Educating myself on financial and tax related issues which included becoming aware of Jack Bogle and his writings along with all of the insight and experience shared on the Bogleheads Forum.
by Cernel
Mon May 31, 2021 5:52 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: "MEMORIAL DAY -- 2021"
Replies: 20
Views: 3545

Re: "MEMORIAL DAY -- 2021"

Today is about remembering the ultimate sacrifice true Americans and their families have made over the years for us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today, but as a fellow veteran, I want to thank you for your service and for posting this short clip in helping us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
by Cernel
Thu May 06, 2021 7:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RIP David Swensen
Replies: 57
Views: 10548

Re: RIP David Swensen

RIP, Prayers for David and his family.
Many, many people benefited from his knowledge.
by Cernel
Tue May 04, 2021 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

Re: SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question

Appreciate the replies and the insight. I certainly have a better/clearer understanding of our situation.
Thanks
by Cernel
Mon May 03, 2021 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

Re: SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question

David,
Thanks for the info. I think I get it and just to confirm. My wife reached FRA of 66 in Dec 2017 at which time she started to draw her SS benefit. 8 months later (Aug 2018), I turned 66 (FRA) and started a Spousal benefit based on her benefit, thus delaying my benefit. I will turn 70 in Aug 2022 and will file for my benefit to start then. So if I understand correctly, my wife's Spousal benefit in Aug 2022 will be: my PIA at 66 * 2019 COLA of 2.8% * 2020 COLA of 1.6% * 2021 COLA of 1.3% * 2022 COLA of ?
by Cernel
Mon May 03, 2021 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

SS Spousal Benefit & COLA Question

My wife started her own SS benefit when she reached FRA at 66. I am currently delaying my SS benefit until I turn 70. When I apply for my benefit, my wife will then apply for Spousal Benefit (her FRA benefit is/was less than 50% of my PIA.). My question is: When she starts to draw the Spousal Benefit will the amount she receives be 50% of my PIA adjusted for the COLA over the past 4 years or will her Spousal benefit start at 50% of my PIA and then be adjusted as we move forward in time?
by Cernel
Mon May 25, 2020 4:46 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: MEMORIAL DAY
Replies: 36
Views: 5190

Re: MEMORIAL DAY

Thank you Taylor, for all that you have done in service of our country and in the advice and insight provided here and elsewhere that has benefited so many people. THANK YOU!
by Cernel
Sun Apr 05, 2020 5:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?
Replies: 31
Views: 4790

Re: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?

CABob wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2020 10:50 pm
Addition: I just went to the RMD section of my account and found the following comment from Vanguard:
Changes coming soon
We're working on updates that will reflect changes made by the SECURE Act. In the meantime, some of the details on this page may not be accurate. We also recommend that you consult a qualified tax advisor about your personal situation.
Interesting. I just went into the RMD section of my Vanguard account and could not find this notice anywhere. But I did remove the automatic payout.
by Cernel
Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dow Futures down 426 for Monday 2/24/20. Buying anything today?
Replies: 155
Views: 17465

Re: Dow Futures down 426 for Monday 2/24/20. Buying anything today?

It is now 5:50 am EST and Dow Futures are down 778 (2.68%) and S&P Futures down 85.5 (2.75%) and the trend continues to show a downward path.
Does that change anyone's perspective?
Personally, I may be looking to buy.
by Cernel
Sat Jan 25, 2020 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance cost
Replies: 97
Views: 9899

Re: Umbrella insurance cost

$240/yr for $3M
2 Adults over 65.
by Cernel
Sat Jan 25, 2020 6:26 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed
Replies: 352
Views: 37567

Re: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed

So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My prayers are with you and your family.
by Cernel
Sat Jan 25, 2020 6:21 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday Taylor! 96 years young!
Replies: 139
Views: 8501

Re: Happy Birthday Taylor! 96 years young!

Happy Birthday, Taylor!!!

As many have noted, you have helped so many of us with your unselfish lifestyle as a Veteran, a founding pillar of the Bogleheads and countless offerings of you knowledge and experience. A true Gentleman.
by Cernel
Mon Dec 16, 2019 12:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security question-Maximum Monthly Benefit
Replies: 4
Views: 640

Re: Social Security question-Maximum Monthly Benefit

Thanks to both GerryL and neuroshpere you answered my question.
by Cernel
Mon Dec 16, 2019 12:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security question-Maximum Monthly Benefit
Replies: 4
Views: 640

Social Security question-Maximum Monthly Benefit

Just read an article on the changes to SS for 2020 and one of the items mentioned is that the Maximum Monthly Benefit increased to $3011. Is the Maximum Monthly Benefit in reference to what one's PIA is at Full Retirement Age. Or does this maximum monthly benefit also apply to those that have not yet claimed their benefit and allowing it to grow until age 70?

I ask since my PIA at FRA is below $3011, but if I wait to start my benefit when I reach 70, my monthly benefit will be above $3011. And if this is the case I would want to start my benefit when the amount approaches the Maximum Monthly Benefit ($3011).
by Cernel
Mon Apr 29, 2019 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calculating SS Benefit after Reaching FRA?
Replies: 5
Views: 1042

Re: Calculating SS Benefit after Reaching FRA?

HueyLD:
Thanks for the reference and explanation. Obviously, I was off in my understanding and will go back and fix my spreadsheet.
by Cernel
Sun Apr 28, 2019 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calculating SS Benefit after Reaching FRA?
Replies: 5
Views: 1042

Calculating SS Benefit after Reaching FRA?

I reached my FRA 9 months ago and my current strategy is not to claim my benefit until I reach 70. I do have my SS Statement dated 1 month prior to reaching my FRA and it shows my benefit for FRA and Age 70. But life happens and there may be cause/reason for me to start my benefit prior to reaching 70. Thus, I would like to know/estimate my benefit at any given time so I could make the best decision possible. Yes, I know I can call my Local Social Security Office, but that can be painful with long wait times and at times conflicting information. So I am thinking I should be able to easily calculate this which I outline below and would appreciate any feedback as to my thinking (Am I correct in my logic or am I missing something?) As I see it...
by Cernel
Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82117

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

Thank you Mr Bogle for all that you did for us little investors, you truly had such an impact on the quality of life for so many people to include myself. May you rest in Peace.
by Cernel
Fri Nov 30, 2018 8:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Back Door Roth: Can it trigger an Audit?
Replies: 14
Views: 2679

Re: Back Door Roth: Can it trigger an Audit?

Thanks to all for your replies. Everything mentioned is consistent with my thinking.

In regard to the 8606, I believe that my son has done it correctly for the years he has done the Back Door Roth. I have provided him information from this site on how to correctly to complete F 8606, along with documentation from the IRS. So far, he has not received any communications from the IRS that anything is amiss.

Again thanks for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.
by Cernel
Fri Nov 30, 2018 5:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Back Door Roth: Can it trigger an Audit?
Replies: 14
Views: 2679

Back Door Roth: Can it trigger an Audit?

I have reviewed the Wiki on Back Door Roths, read the External Links listed within and read a number of threads on the Back Door Roth and was just wondering if anyone who has executed a Back Door Roth been audited for doing so? I ask this question since my son and daughter-in-law had a discussion with a Financial Planner and he was recommending that they wait 6 months to a year to actually do the Roth Conversion after their annual non-deductible contribution to his IRA. The FP went onto say that doing the conversion too soon could trigger an audit. In all that I have read, I have not come across any knowledge that the timing of the conversion would trigger an audit. I did read in the External Links, an article by the Financial Bluff's on Ba...
by Cernel
Sat Aug 18, 2018 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is this a good resource for SS or is there something better
Replies: 12
Views: 1541

Re: Is this a good resource for SS or is there something better

I agree with Taylor, Mike's book is excellent. In addition, Mike is very good in answering specific questions that you may have relative to your personal situation. But first read the book, since I found many of my questions were answered by doing that.
by Cernel
Sun May 20, 2018 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question
Replies: 10
Views: 2582

Re: SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question

The way I look at it option 2 runs the risk of someone at CMS making a mistake and putting you down as having not paid your Medicare premium. For the potential gain of the interest on $134 for a few months. Maybe a dollar at most? Since you don't want to have to deal with SSA this doesn't seem like the safe course. The other thing you'll have to consider is that you will get a bill in early-mid September for the Oct-Dec period. If the billing cycle is like my wife's, that will be due on 9/25. I assume you'll be able to see that your benefit was deposited with the correct premium deducted with time to pay by check if it doesn't happen. Good points, Chip. Didn't think about the 4QTR Invoice for Part B Premiums, but that will certainly happen...
by Cernel
Sun May 20, 2018 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question
Replies: 10
Views: 2582

Re: SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question

Thanks for all the replies and the link to the previous thread. The responses seem pretty consistent in that the monthly SS Benefits check is for the previous month's benefits and that the Part B Premium deduction is for the current month. Now, the next thing I need to figure out is how to pay my next Medicare Part B Premium Invoice which I will receive before my SS Benefits start. Again, I received 2 different answers from 2 different SS employees, and the two answers were consistent with what individuals replied in the link to the previous thread that "Chip" provided. My next invoice will be for July, August and September to be paid in June My SS benefits start in August with the first check (for August) coming in September. So ...
by Cernel
Sun May 20, 2018 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question
Replies: 10
Views: 2582

SS Benefits and Medicare Part B Premiums Question

I have called the Social Security Administration (SS), both National and Local office, and I have received different answers to the following question so I am hoping that one our our more knowledgeable SS contributors might be able to shed some light on the subject. Scenario: I will reach FRA (66) in August 2018 and will be applying for Spousal Benefits using the Restricted Application. I went on Medicare when I turned 65 in August 2017, thus I have been paying my Medicare Part B premium on a Quarterly basis. What I am trying to figure out is what month is the Part B premium for when I start to receive my SS Spousal Benefit? More specifically, here are the details: - I apply to start my Spousal Benefit to start in August 2018. - My first SS...
by Cernel
Sun May 20, 2018 5:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping Adult Children (but not too much)
Replies: 152
Views: 17499

Re: Helping Adult Children (but not too much)

We have 3 adult children. After getting them through college without any student loans and about $10K in their Individual accounts, we made an agreement with them that we would contribute to their Roth IRAs as long as they contributed 10-15% to their company's 401(k), which they gladly agreed to. Now that they are building their families, we also now contribute $1K to each of our Grandchildren's 529 plan on their birthday's.
by Cernel
Tue May 30, 2017 5:39 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Memorial Day
Replies: 28
Views: 5921

Re: Memorial Day

Your comments about being treated as a hero are typical of the WW2 vets I have known over the years, particularly at my American Legion Post. They (you) are the most humble men and women I have ever known in spite of their (your) heroic accomplishments saving the world from incredible threats. +1 I couldn't agree more. My Father was a WWII Vet and very seldom talked about his experience. Your generation is truly the Greatest Generation in American History. Thank you for your service then and your continued service to Americans through your sharing of your knowledge and experience on financial matters. God bless you and all those who serve and have served, especially those and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our free...
by Cernel
Fri May 12, 2017 5:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)
Replies: 236
Views: 36745

Re: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)

I will admit upfront that I did not read this entire thread since it is now 4+ pages long, so I don't know if this perspective has already been stated. I found myself in a similar situation as you last summer. Although I am about 20 years older than you, my wife and I have purchased mid-sized cars and Mini Vans for the past 40 years and have kept them for 12-15 years. From a materialistic perspective, we, like you, still have some of our original furniture and we live in the same house since we got married. We raised 3 kids and got them through college without any student loans. So there are some similarities with your situation. The one big difference is income. You and your wife make well above what we did during our earning years (like 3...
by Cernel
Mon May 08, 2017 5:12 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. BOGLE: Let's Get The Party Started One Day Early
Replies: 70
Views: 11121

Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. BOGLE: Let's Get The Party Started One Day Early

Happy Birthday, Mr Bogle. May your day filled with many Blessings.

Thank you for everything. You have been one of the most influential persons in my life. I would not be where I am without the knowledge gained from your unselfish sharing of wisdom and experience. Thank you.
by Cernel
Wed Jan 11, 2017 5:28 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member
Replies: 118
Views: 30567

Re: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member

May God bless and bring you peace.
Thank you for all that you have done to help so many people.
We will miss you, but you will not be forgotten.
by Cernel
Tue Sep 06, 2016 4:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?
Replies: 10
Views: 2231

Re: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?

Cernal The NY Essential Health Plan is an individual plan and was designed by NY under the ACA as a "basic health plan". Here is a PP fact sheet on the plan which is more geared to industry training but it does give the eligibility age as " Ages 19-64 at the beginning of the plan year" (page 8) as most all other health plans. Special conditions might apply if a person turns 65 but are NOT eligible for Medicare. http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Essential%20Plan%2C%2010-7-15.pdf Page 34 further describes this situation in an example. You will not be able to qualify for this plan after turning 65 and are eligible for Medicare. Sounds like you need to sign up for all the parts of Medicare - A & B a...
by Cernel
Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?
Replies: 10
Views: 2231

Re: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?

JW-Retired wrote:Do you get periodic (yearly) letters from your employer that you and spouse have "creditable" employer health insurance coverage and don't need to sign up for Medicare B&D? Wife and I got them from my Megacorp so we had no trouble delaying B&D until I retired at age 69 (i.e., there was no premium increase). This was several years ago so I can't say if rules have changed.

JW
The health insurance that my wife and I have is offered through the State and is not connected in any way to an Employer, so no I do not get any such letters. (see my previous reply to see more about the Health Insurance I have)
by Cernel
Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?
Replies: 10
Views: 2231

Re: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?

My State coverage required that I enroll in Medicare at 65 or it would terminate my State insurance at 65 with no reinstatement allowed. I suggest you confirm that your State plan will continue to cover you until you enroll in Medicare. Will your State plan continue as supplemental insurance after you reach Medicare age? Again a similar question. I live in NY and the plan I am talking about is NY Essential Plan. This is a new (1st time offered in 2016) plan offered through the NYS Health Exchange, but is not a plan associated with Obamacare. If it was a plan associated with Obamacare, I know I have the option of staying with the plan, but I would not be eligible for PTC when I turned 65. The Essential plan does not have a PTC associated wi...
by Cernel
Sat Sep 03, 2016 5:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Enrollment Strategy?
Replies: 10
Views: 2231

Medicare Enrollment Strategy?

I believe I understand the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period as being a 7 month window (3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday and 3 months after your 65th birthday). Enrolling during this 7 month window will avoid the lifetime penalty on Part B/D premiums. My wife and I are both 64 and nearing our 65th birthdays and we would like to delay enrolling in Medicare as long as possible since our current Health Care is through our State and it is less expensive with more coverage than Medicare. So we are looking at a strategy that would have us enroll during the 3rd month after our birthdays, knowing that Medicare coverage will not start until another 3 months after that, meaning 6 months after our birth month. Neith...
by Cernel
Fri Jun 03, 2016 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Getting Started: USAA vs Vanguard?
Replies: 17
Views: 6683

Re: Getting Started: USAA vs Vanguard?

red5 wrote:I don't exactly know if it matters or not. But consider using USAA for your banking and insurance needs and Vanguard for your investing needs. That is what I do and am happy with that.
+2
This works for me, as well. I find USAA very good for my Insurance needs and Vanguard very good for my Investment needs.
by Cernel
Sat Apr 23, 2016 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need feedback on our strategy for maximizing Social Security
Replies: 15
Views: 2184

Re: Maximize Mine

Jackson12 wrote:
I pray I am right.
I believe you have it correct and is consistent with what dodecahedron has outlined. I am in a similar situation as you and have struggled myself to figure this all out, so don't feel bad about being confused. I think there are many of us that are confused and with the recent changes in the law another layer of complexity has just been added, at least for the short term.

As mentioned earlier, we are in a similar situation and found that the strategy you have outlined, which is the one we will be employing, as well, does provide for the maximum SS benefits. Again, this is due to our circumstances being very similar to what you have stated.
by Cernel
Sat Mar 26, 2016 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2 Buckets or 3 Buckets in Retirement??
Replies: 72
Views: 17570

Re: 2 Buckets or 3 Buckets in Retirement??

Dick D wrote:I think that the bucket approach is just another way of talking about asset allocation- stocks,bonds and cash.
I'm in the same "bucket" as Dick D in that I don't use Buckets, but my AA of 50/45/5 (Stocks/Bonds/Cash) provides me enough Cash (mostly in CDs and Ally's On-Line Savings) to cover 2 years of expenses.