Search found 327 matches

by wwhan
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Over 80, take more than minimum RMD? Advice?
Replies: 18
Views: 1883

Re: Over 80, take more than minimum RMD? Advice?

If you have too much in tax deferred, then taking more money sooner may be a reasonable consideration. I will be in this situation in the future, even with Roth conversions.

Try out the AARP Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator: https://www.aarp.org/retirement/require ... lator.html

For example, staring in 2027 at age 73, it indicates (assuming IRA/401k growth is only 5%/yr) the RMD goes up every year & the RMD distribution amount does not decrease until age 98.
by wwhan
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15182

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

However, accruing $5 million by age 44 on presumably in the ballpark of $200k per year doesn't occur by spending 100% of income. I'd be shocked if he's spending over $150,000 per year, which would be a 3% withdrawal rate. Can't read the article, so it is difficult to know how he got to $5M. I can say that I have only made over $200k for 2 years in my career. Net worth is $4.4M at 47. About 1/3 of that came from home appreciation rather than wages. But of course, I did save quite a bit of my earned income. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevind Embark CMO Jun 2023 - Present Founder & CEO Swell · Full-time Jan 2021 - Sep 2023 Chief Marketing Officer Central Pacific Bank · Full-time Jan 2020 - Dec 2021 Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Cooper Aug 2...
by wwhan
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15182

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

EnjoyIt wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:31 pm.....

My problem with the above statement was that one would need a "strict budget" I don't see $100k/yr spending being strict. I also don't see it as frugal. $100k/yr is pretty comfy. It's not luxurious but definitely comfortable.

That is why I challenge someone to create a budget where $150k/yr is living frugal.
Location affects the minimum income required: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/art ... 164328.php
by wwhan
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15182

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

Long ago, I decided $10M is enough to retire & not feel the need to worry about money, especially, if one's house has no mortage. It helps to be frugal and save everything one can while working.

One only needs enough to reach critical mass for their own needs.
by wwhan
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?
Replies: 57
Views: 8475

Re: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?

Retired Ages 69/70

45% Stk Mkt / 55% Fixed Income

20% of Stk Mkt is International
80 % of Stk Mkt is US (VTI & SP500)

Fixed income in taxable accounts; Treasury bonds & Vanguard Treasury MMKT

Fixed income in tax deferred accounts (401K/IRA); Treasury bonds & CDs

Fixed income funds for safety & Stk Mkt funds for inflation hedge.

No need to take risk, SS income starts this year.

A nice reference, Glide paths: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Glide_paths

Image
by wwhan
Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 9912

Re: Your Original Medicare Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

After 5 years, I have NO issue with Traditional Medicare & Medigap plan F supplement, Part D drug plans was CVS Aethna, but now Wellcare for 2024. Being able to pick my own doctor or specialist is the main reason, I went with Traditional Medicare. I never seem to get a medical bill anymore, except for dental work, which is not covered. Original medicare with supplement covers when one out of the area also, whereas Medicare Advantage (Part C) is more difficult to get coverage when traveling around in the US. The Medigap supplement F & G, include some coverage for international travel. Medicare Advantage is an advantage for insurance companies to make more money. My brother is happy with Medicare Advantage, with no insurance premium o...
by wwhan
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbotax "support" is the worst!
Replies: 41
Views: 3790

Re: Turbotax "support" is the worst!

I have been using the PC desktop CD version since 1989. Most of the time I can find the answers by searching through the software forms and menus or the Turbotax Forum or Google search. I use Turbotax premier out of habit from dealing with stock options.

I have never talked to any phone or chat support for Turbotax. That would be a nightmare (like Comcast/Xfinity ISP support - the worst).
by wwhan
Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5215
Views: 830146

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

This is an interesting plot - foreign ownership of US stock.

Who Owns US Stock? Foreigners and Rich Americans: https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/ ... -americans

Image
by wwhan
Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: David Hunter predictions - any key takeaways?
Replies: 43
Views: 3325

Re: David Hunter predictions - any key takeaways?

Maybe check out the previous predictions? With proper asset allocation, one should be fine.

Stocks Will ‘Melt-Up’ 70% This Year Before Global Deflationary Bust - David Hunter (This video was recorded on May 18, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN3n4o_hbb0

David Hunter: Markets To Fall 80% This Year As Worst Financial Crisis Of Our Lifetimes Hit (Premiered Apr 22, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubGu2q1f8mk

Stocks To Crash 65-80% This Year, Predicts Veteran Analyst David Hunter | Peak Prosperity (2021?): https://www.reddit.com/r/collapse/comme ... ?rdt=46652
by wwhan
Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CA Prop 19 replacement dwelling
Replies: 12
Views: 1333

Re: CA Prop 19 replacement dwelling

We did this in 2022. If the new house cost more than the old house.

The new house accessed tax value = (sold house accessed tax value) + (new house purchase price - old house sales price).

It affects long term property tax costs.

Unfortunately this does not help with capitol gains taxes for that year.
by wwhan
Sun Jan 07, 2024 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We are stuck with the house... !?)
Replies: 38
Views: 7396

Re: We are stuck with the house... !?)

When we were looking at houses we saw many houses near noisy roads. It took us a long time to find a house in a quiet area & a nice neighborhood. One of features of a house near the freeway is the noise is much worse on very cold days, such as in the winter. It is less noticeable on warm days, because the air density is lower & sound does travel as far. It will be an easier to sell on a nice warm day. Most of the houses with noisy local environemnts have a water feature (fountain), since the white noise helps to mask the external noises. It is probably best to make some minor improvements & sprucing up, add a water feature, then sell when the weather is nice and warm. Also, interest rate may be lower in the late spring, which ma...
by wwhan
Fri Dec 29, 2023 7:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can someone explain to me what's actually driving returns?
Replies: 77
Views: 12246

Re: Can someone explain to me what's actually driving returns?

nisiprius wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 6:50 pm Josh Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management put it this way in a Planet Money podcast, Stocks are Up but the Economy's Down
.....
Excellant!

One needs a good SNR (signal to Noise Ratio) to understand what the economy is doing.

The signal is the economy, the noise is the stock market.
by wwhan
Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbo Tax - 2023 Privacy Concerns
Replies: 7
Views: 1428

Re: Turbo Tax - 2023 Privacy Concerns

I just logged into my Turbo tax account. They do not have much information on me and I have already opted out of any notification or marketing info sharing. I used to use that account for "It's deductable".

The desktop version does not leave much info on the account web pages other than the software was owned and state tax fee was paid.

Using the online turbotax software option would be a lot more invasive.
by wwhan
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56416

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

I grew up very poor and maybe that is why I am so conservative now on saving. Till my mid 30s, I was always in debt and barely scraped by. My savings really gained traction when I was 40. We got married late. We just saved everything we could, lived frugally and didn't really plan much for a budget or retirement until about 10 years ago.

I was laid off 5 years ago, thought about finding a another job, but decided we had enough money. After a month of me staying home and my wife going to work in the morning, she decided to quit her job. Now every day is Saturday. Next year we start taking SS income at age 70.
by wwhan
Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Overcoming irrational financial conservatism
Replies: 58
Views: 5867

Re: Overcoming irrational financial conservatism

2023 SONATA Hybrid is around $30k and the company is offering 3.49% APR Financing for up to 48 months PLUS additional $1,000 Off.

Maybe finance half of the price.

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/sonata-hybrid

10-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty

5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

7-Year / Unlimited Miles Anti-Perforation Warranty

5-Year / Unlimited Miles 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
by wwhan
Sat Dec 23, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56416

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

My savings should last till the less than 2% possibility of one of us living to be 105 years old. I don't want to outlive the money.

Also, we are self insured for possible long term care.

Insurance companies go out of business sometimes. We had long term care policies for and about 12 years, but after the LTC policies were passed through three different holding companies and the premium raised every year, till it was 3x the original, we cancelled the policies.

Someone asked me about 10 years ago how much money, I would need to not worry about having enough money. I answered $10 million. They thought I was crazy.
by wwhan
Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56416

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

HomerJ wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:21 am
wwhan wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:47 pm At least 50x expenses, assuming one also gets SS income.
50x after SS? or 50x before SS?

I mean say you spend $80,000 a year and will get $30,000 in SS.

Are you shooting for 50x $80,000? $4 million? Or 50x $50,000? $2.5 million?

Pretty big difference.
The SS income is just a cushion to the 2%/year of savings spend budget. I don't expect spending would actually get that high.

Consider a retired couple that had dual incomes and no kids, the SS income at age 70 can be pretty large.
by wwhan
Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56416

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

At least 50x expenses, assuming one also gets SS income.
by wwhan
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Move to CA realistic at retirement age?
Replies: 50
Views: 11566

Re: Move to CA realistic at retirement age?

Every location has tradeoffs.

One can endure the hurricanes and sink holes in Florida, or deal with the possible earthquake or drought in California. Other locations also have other tradeoffs, like snow or extreme heat or lack of sun.

Generally one might want to consider the location based on one's priorities & capability.

In California one may consider moving early to the best location they can afford. Proposition 13 makes the priority to buy early for the lower property tax basis. After age 55, one can sell and buy a different property while carrying part of the old cost basis.
by wwhan
Tue Dec 12, 2023 10:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424345

Re: The Three-Fund Portfolio

I was just rereading Bernstein's The Investor's Manifesto (2010). In it he says that only a fool would go all stocks in their portfolio but in today's world how do we figure bonds in all their forms? Seems like the conventional wisdom of old or even the post 2008 Bernstein regarding bonds to balance asset allocation doesn't really hold anymore. Thoughts fellow Bogleheads? The recent performance of bonds is due to longer bond durations for the fixed income portion and the recent rapid rise in short term rates. The intermediate bond values will adjust again, when the short interest rates drop and the US Treasuries Yield Curve becomes sloped upward again. One can either chase Yield Curve & bond duration optimization or just sit it out and...
by wwhan
Sun Dec 10, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio - How to avoid capital gains?
Replies: 9
Views: 2059

Re: The Three-Fund Portfolio

InvestBiz99 wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2023 1:30 pm Hi, I have read about the benefits of the 3-fund portfolio and am interested in doing that. However, I have a current portfolio with a fair amount of capital gains. If I sell I will trigger taxes. Is there a recommended way to move out of a current portfolio holding individual stocks to a 2, 3 or 5 fund portfolio? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Are all your savings of individual stocks in only taxable accounts?
by wwhan
Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anybody else a retiree who is a conservative investor?
Replies: 62
Views: 8151

Re: Anybody else a retiree who is a conservative investor?

We are very conservative & both retired at age 64, now age 69/69

50% fixed income / 50% stock market;

We have rebalanced & maintained 50%/50% allocation portfolio for about 15 years now.

In 2019, I started shortening the duration of the bonds we had, since the interest rate cannot stay low forever.

currently have...
40% US Vanguard Total Stock Mkt Index & S/P 500 index
10% International stock
44% CDs and Treasuries
6% Vanguard Treasury money market

About 40% of our savings is in taxable accounts.

no pension
no annuities
We will start taking SS starting next year.

The goal is to not outlive our money.

After age 70, (with SS income) we will probably live on well less than 2% of our savings per year.
by wwhan
Thu Dec 07, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous
Replies: 258
Views: 223805

Re: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous

Wrench wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2023 2:04 pm .....

The calculation above is incorrect - the 8% per year is NOT compounded. If full retirement age is 66, then the age 70 social security benefit will be 1.32 x benefit at age 66. The delayed retirement credit increases retiree's benefit by 2/3 of one percent per month after full retirement age for those born in 1943 or after. See
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement ... ayret.html

Wrench
Yes, it is not compounded.

This was pointed out previously in this thread;

by Chip Munk Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:48 pm

..............and

by RyeBourbon Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:07 am
by wwhan
Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424345

Re: The Three-Fund Portfolio

Stephen_Crane wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:08 pm ...

Would making significant rebalance into Vanguard Total Bond Market Fund be okay?
That would depend on whether your current asset allocation is far from your planned or intended allocation. Adding more Vanguard Total Bond Market Fund now to your portfolio is fine if it meets your IPS targets.

By the way, the Vanguard Total Bond Market Fund NAV has already dropped and risen from it's lows already.

The ETF (Vanguard Total Bond Market) BND value NAVs have been: https://finance.yahoo.com/chart/BND

08-03-2020............89.38
10-16-2023............68.29
12-04-2023............71.98
by wwhan
Tue Dec 05, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424345

Re: The Three-Fund Portfolio

I was just rereading Bernstein's The Investor's Manifesto (2010). In it he says that only a fool would go all stocks in their portfolio but in today's world how do we figure bonds in all their forms? Seems like the conventional wisdom of old or even the post 2008 Bernstein regarding bonds to balance asset allocation doesn't really hold anymore. Thoughts fellow Bogleheads? The recent performance of bonds is due to longer bond durations for the fixed income portion and the recent rapid rise in short term rates. The intermediate bond values will adjust again, when the short interest rates drop and the US Treasuries Yield Curve becomes sloped upward again. One can either chase Yield Curve & bond duration optimization or just sit it out and...
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

The whole package with setting up the CA trust took a long time and generated a lot of documents;

Revoccable Trust (Joint )
Schedule-A
2 each - Last Will & Testament (pour over will)
Assignment-of-Assets
Community Property Agreement (this is also where the cars get mentioned)
Certification of Trust
2 each - Durable Power of Attorney
2 each - Advanced Healthcare Directive
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

Lee_WSP wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:56 pm
wwhan wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:54 pm
Lee_WSP wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:33 pm ...
It's used to prove the intent of the grantor. It's kind of like a pour-over will, but I hear the process is a little bit simpler than full blown probate in California. Nevertheless, it would require court intervention to effectuate the transfer.
We also have a pour-over will.

The schedule A helps the successor trustee find everything.
I disagree. In my experience, very few estate plans are updated. You'll go through at least a few cars, may move, and the bank may be bought out in between the time it's drafted and the time you pass.
We review our trust every year. We update our documents, when things change.
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

cadreamer2015 wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:19 pm
If I recall correctly from our experience, Vanguard will not retitle an existing account as a trust account. You need to set up a new trust account and then transfer the assets from the old account into the new trust account.
Yes, I think that is how we did it, we set up two new account under the trust and moved into the newly titled accounts.
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford this $2M house in bay area?
Replies: 67
Views: 8635

Re: Can I afford this $2M house in bay area?

One might consider getting a condo or townhouse for a few years, to build equity and get the tax lower basis. Interest rates will go down eventually. If you stay in a Condo to age 55, then you can use proposition 19 to carry your old cost basis to a new house. A condo in Cupertino can be had for around only $1.3M according to Zillow & some areas of Sunnyvale in Cupertino school district might be better value. The short commute & school district (location) is what drives cost. My last house went up with about a compound annual rate of 8%/yr, but who knows what the future holds? I have a number of ex-coworkers that work at Apple. One of them commutes from Pleasanton by the Apple bus to the main campus (about 38 miles). He was consider...
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

Lee_WSP wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:33 pm ...
It's used to prove the intent of the grantor. It's kind of like a pour-over will, but I hear the process is a little bit simpler than full blown probate in California. Nevertheless, it would require court intervention to effectuate the transfer.
We also each have a pour-over will.

The schedule A helps the successor trustee find everything.
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

capran wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:39 pm
My memory may be misleading me, but when we did our trust I am pretty certain than Vanguard did not allow retitling the ownership of the Vanguard accounts, but did allow the trust to be listed as beneficiary. Whereas our home and banking are listed as owned by the trust.
That sounds like an IRA or 401K.

Taxable accounts can be retitled in a trust.
by wwhan
Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: need to retitle assets to trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 1921

Re: need to retitle assets to trust?

My wife and I have a joint revocable living trust in CA, which lists in schedule 'A' all our financial assets (expect for 401K & IRA). It states that it is presumed all assets are to be titled in the trust.

There is also an 'Assignment of Assets' document, for non financial items.

We retitled all our taxable bank accounts & taxable Vanguard accounts in the trust. We also retitled our house in the trust. The retitling includes the trust name, our names and the date of the trust.

Grant deed for house:......FullName1 and FullName2 , Trustees, under the LastName1-LastName2 trust dated 'month day,year'
by wwhan
Thu Nov 16, 2023 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the advantages for Medicare member to have Geriatric Physician?
Replies: 5
Views: 1070

Re: What are the advantages for Medicare member to have Geriatric Physician?

I ended up chosing an internal medicine doctor that is probably only 34 years old & would accept new Medicare patients. My last four internal medicine doctors I had, have all retired.

I am on my forth dentist, since the previous three retired.

This is only counting back to 1986.

My current internal medicine doctor, does see a lot of geriatric patients, even though it is not her specialty.
by wwhan
Mon Nov 13, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect
Replies: 202
Views: 23453

Re: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect

I tried the calculator: https://www.longevityillustrator.org

My assumption to financially plan for the possibility of living to 100 seems about right. Planning for a long life is not a risk, but planning for a short life and running out of money early is a huge risk.

The calculation gave a 5% chance for one of us to be still living another 35 years (reaching age 105).

Years y x Either Both
0 100% 100% 100% 100%
5 93% 95% 99% 88%
10 82% 87% 98% 71%
15 65% 74% 91% 48%
20 43% 54% 74% 23%
25 21% 30% 45% 6%
30 7% 12% 18% 1%
35 2% 4% 5% 1%
40 1% 1% 1% 1%
45 1% 1% 1% 1%
50 0% 0% 0% 0%

When I was young, I thought I would be dead by 36, but that did not happen, no one knows for sure.
by wwhan
Mon Nov 13, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard optimized for Chrome
Replies: 9
Views: 1246

Re: Vanguard optimized for Chrome

I have always used Firefox with the Vanguard (& Fidelity) website. Most of the time it works fine. I use Firefox on everything and there are generally no issues.

There have been a couple of websites that I have very rarely used, that would not show some fields, which is due to incorrect webpage creation.

Chrome does not allow all the printing options and easy menus that Firefox offers.

The people they have managing the Vanguard website leave way too much empty white space.
by wwhan
Mon Nov 13, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?
Replies: 63
Views: 6404

Re: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?

My property taxes are due by 1/05 and there is no discount for early payment. They accept credit card on-line, and my monthly billing cycle cuts off on the 3rd, so I use VISA to get 2% cash back and another month's float. .... In Santa Clara county, they accept credits cards, but there is a 2.25% Vendor-Added Convenience Fee for using a credit card. "What is a Vendor-Added Convenience Fee? This fee is not an additional tax. The convenience fee is added to cover the fees charged by the credit/debit card companies to provide the service and maintain their network. The fee amount is based upon a percentage of the transaction. If you elect to pay by credit card, please be aware that these fees are added to your transaction. The current co...
by wwhan
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a car...what to do
Replies: 83
Views: 8335

Re: Need a car...what to do

You search many new car dealer inventories on https://www.autotrader.com/

I used auto trader to narrow down the possible choices and find what is available.

With Toyota, Honda & Subaru, the price does not move down much, even for a 3 year old car. Just buy new, if buying one of those cars.

Also, new 2024 Sonata Blue Hybrid is a pretty decent choice for a commuter vehcile and has a great warranty.

https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/sonata

"The Blue hybrid is rated at up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway"
by wwhan
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?
Replies: 63
Views: 6404

Re: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?

I probably could have sent the first installment check on Dec 1 and it would have been fine, since there is over a one month grace period from Nov 1, to Dec 10. I guess it just seemed improper to pay after the due date.
by wwhan
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?
Replies: 63
Views: 6404

Re: With higher interest rates, do you try to pay property taxes at the last minute?

This year, I mailed in the first installment check, about a week before the due date. The check was credited to to Santa Clara County Tax pay website one day, after mailing. It showed up Vanguard four days after the check was written.
by wwhan
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car with cash
Replies: 56
Views: 6588

Re: Buying a new car with cash

I have bought several new cars at the dealer and wrote a check for the full amount. Sometimes, I would put a portion on a credit card for cash back. The last time, I bought a car, they checked my credit (even though my credit was frozen). One time, I received a large discount by financing a minimum amount of $10k and then just paying it off, after 3 months. I have a friend that bought a new car about 8 years ago, with about $25k cash in $100 bills. He counted it out at the finance officer's desk. The dealer was surprised, but accepted it fine. I never discuss financing or trade-in, till I get a clean final price for the vehicle. The last dealer I went to was the most honest & reasonable dealer I have ever had (a Fletcher Jones dealer). ...
by wwhan
Sat Nov 11, 2023 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a car...what to do
Replies: 83
Views: 8335

Re: Need a car...what to do

If you want a relatively recent car, that is not an EV, then mostly European, Japanese or Korean cars are what is left. The domestic manufacturers have mostly dropped normal internal combustion engine cars, such as sedans for a focus on EVs, CUVs, SUVs and trucks. The Japanese and Korean sedans are generally more reliable than the European cars, but often are less interesting to drive (excluding Miata). The Subaru Legacy is pretty good for reliability, not great on gas mileage. An older domestic car may be fairly inexpensive. For example, some of the later model Buick Regals are allegedly reliable and the Ford Fusion Energi has good mileage. Some of the older Hondas and Toyota are allegedly reliable, but hold their price, even on older mode...
by wwhan
Fri Nov 10, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Worth stretching my budget for first home?
Replies: 44
Views: 4098

Re: Worth stretching my budget for first home?

Hopefully the house/condo is relatively new and in good shape, otherwise Home Depot and/or Lowes will be your new hangout. One must allot something for maintenance, window coverings, ect... I spent a lot of time there.

I had to really stretch to buy my first house 1994, had a first and second mortgage and even got a loan from my 401K. The variable interest rate on the mortagaes was about 7.8% at the time. I paid off the 401K loan quickly and mortgage completely after 6 more years. It worked out fine for me, because of stock options.

Everyone's situation is a little different. One thought is to select a house/condo in the best neighborhood you can afford, since home improvements are not going fix a lousy neighborhood.
by wwhan
Fri Nov 10, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marriage in retirement, yea or nay
Replies: 11
Views: 1410

Re: Marriage in retirement, yea or nay

If one wants to keep finances seperate, it depends on the US state of residence. Community property laws are varied accross states. There are a lot little details to watch for.

https://www.thetaxadviser.com/issues/20 ... ylaws.html
by wwhan
Thu Nov 09, 2023 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help
Replies: 275
Views: 33163

Re: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help

I suggest you wait and achieve your FI first then get a new GT3 manual. Yes, I bought a 184K P-car after I reached my FI of 50X with zero debt. "achieve your FI first" ?? I am not sure what this means, what is FI? Is this like "Critical Mass"? My savings are currently at 50x of needed yearly income. I could have bought a $120K car, but my wife would veto that as being excessive. She is not a car person. I have never spent $90k or more on a car. I would feel a bit guilty, & it just seems wrong when other people are struggling to get by. If you are OK with it, then do what you need to do that makes you happy, as long as your wife is OK with the choice. One only lives once and no one knows how the future will unfold. T...
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help
Replies: 275
Views: 33163

Re: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help

Different people have different priorities, one should chose where to spend money based on their own set of priorities. Consider what makes you happy. I have a friend that spent all his money on traveling the world during most of his career. When he turned 65, he started working on his finances for retirement & barely worked out an adequate retirement situation at age 78. Not everyone can pull a rabbit out of the hat like that. He spent the bare minimum on cars, which were not a priority for him. He is happy with his current situation. I have had to balance my approach across various interests, with focus on cars, house and traveling. I did not get to all the places my friend did, but the travel experiences have been adequate so far for...
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare participation?
Replies: 17
Views: 2443

Re: Medicare participation?

Yes, one could sign up for part B (paying the $174.70 /month for 2024 part B Medicare) and just use the employer insurance for the supplement. Of course one still needs to consider IRRMA.

How Medicare works with other insurance: https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-ot ... -insurance
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare participation?
Replies: 17
Views: 2443

Re: Medicare participation?

Once a spouse starts paying the $174.70 /month for 2024 part B Medicare, then IRRMA surcharges for part B & part D can be an issue if that person has a high income or if the other spouse has a high income AND they file a joint return: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles In Medicare the options for dental issurance are not cost effective, Employer issurance is much better for dental coverage. Traditional Medicare Medigap Plan G ~ $137-$220 /month (free to choose doctors) Part D plan ~ $1-$80 /month Medicare Advantage (partC) ~ $0-$80 /month (in network doctors) Find plans, compare costs: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2024&lang=en 2024 handbook: https://www.medicare.g...
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: confused about one aspect of (Open) Social Security Calculation
Replies: 26
Views: 2356

Re: confused about one aspect of (Open) Social Security Calculation

One must click on the little box to see the other hidden options:

"Certain situations require additional input. Click here to hide the selection list.
Disability Currently receiving Social Security disability and expecting to stay on disability until full retirement age.
Still working
Pension from employment not covered by Social Security taxes
Mortality Table other than the 2019 Social Security Period Life Table. See the "About" page for information about mortality tables. "


Putting the mortality age at 90 for will likely push to suggested age for receiving SS income to 70.
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: confused about one aspect of (Open) Social Security Calculation
Replies: 26
Views: 2356

Re: confused about one aspect of (Open) Social Security Calculation

That calculator makes a lot of assumptions & it tries to make an estimate on the lifetime SS income benefit based on the assumptions. In many cases the assumptions for optimization it makes are wrong, for some specific specific cases. Some of the things that can affect the best choice of when to take SS income are;

How long will you live?
How long will your spouse live?
Does you spouse have a significantly lower SS FRA benefit?
Is there an age difference between you and your spouse? Who is older?
Are you making Roth conversion, before RMD age?
What tax bracket are you in now (other income)?
What tax bracket will you be in at age 70 or when you take RMD?
Is the spouse employed or retired?
Are you employed or retired?
by wwhan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help
Replies: 275
Views: 33163

Re: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help

The other day was checking out a Lamborghini Huracan parked in front of the local market. A guy came out of the market with a grocery bag and placed it in the frunk. He said he really enjoyed driving it and was in a very happy carefree mood. Seeing that Lamborghini Huracan, brought a flashback of my high school years in Trigonometry class discussing cars with classmates. When I was in high school, my dream car was a Lamborghini Miura. Those cars have appreciated. I will never own one at the current prices.

MARKET PRICES Lamborghini Miura (1966 to 1973)
Avg $1.9m
Sales Count 30
Dollar Volume $57.1m
Lowest Sale $813,312
Top Sale $4.3m
Most Recent $3.6m