Search found 132 matches

by TxInjun
Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering putting in Solar from Sunrun in San Jose CA
Replies: 11
Views: 1276

Considering putting in Solar from Sunrun in San Jose CA

Hello fellow Bogleheads, I’m tired of ever-escalating PGE bills and am looking to install solar. I live in the Bay Area -> central San Jose. The roof is in good shape, and the 2nd floor is above the tree shadows and with great E-W sun exposure. My current electricity usage is about 6440 kWh annually, with no heat pump or an electric car. The PGE rate scheme is “E-TOU-C (4 – 9 pm peak usage)”, with rates in the 41 – 44c/kWh and baseline exemption at 10c/hr. Additionally I consume about 375 “therms” of natural gas in the winter months, above a background rate of 15 – 20 therms / month. If I go solar, I will also install a heat pump. The contractor I’m currently engaged with is Sunrun. The current scheme is Net Metering 3.0. In order to accomm...
by TxInjun
Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

Re: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake

Howdy fellow Bogleheads, OP here. I have a follow-up issue to my 2021 BDR mistake saga. TLDR Status in 2022 (for 2021 tax year): I directly contributed to Roth, instead of the BDR. Recharacterized on 2/18, before Tax submission, thought all was good (as documented in this thread). Filed everything on 3/10. Recharacterized amount was slightly below original contribution, $6900. ADDED COMPLEXITY FOR TAX YEAR 2022: On 3/14/22, I decided to contribute to DW’s tIRA = $7000. Fidelity website shows that DW contributed $7K, upto 2022 IRA limit. The recharacterized amount ($6900) was still sitting in her tIRA. I converted the total of $13,900 to the Roth account. Fidelity REJECTED this. Don't know why. On 3/16, I noticed the rejection and hoping the...
by TxInjun
Tue Aug 16, 2022 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Reduction Act - Impact on EV credits
Replies: 120
Views: 11405

Re: Inflation Reduction Act - Impact on EV credits

This topic is of interest to me also.

Hopefully I'm not diverting from OPs question, but adding to the discussion range: the act also offers rebates and tax credits for alternative energy options - heat pumps and solar panels. Unclear to me if these are subject AGI / MAGI based reductions?

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Apr 26, 2022 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CP45 Notice from IRS
Replies: 2
Views: 759

Re: CP45 Notice from IRS

Thanks for the pointer Bmac! I already had an ID.me account, and I forgot about the transcripts. Just logging in, the last entries in the transcript are:

Code 576 4/25/2022 Refund held for review $X
Code 971 4/25/2022 Notice Issued $0
Code 420 4/08/2022 Examination of tax return $0

Code 420 LoL. Elon would be proud.

I guess my return is "under examination" from the message dated 4/8, so I guess I'll just continue to login periodically and see if it changes.

Cheers

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Apr 26, 2022 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CP45 Notice from IRS
Replies: 2
Views: 759

CP45 Notice from IRS

Hello fellow Bogleheads, I received a CP45 notice from the IRS. Surprisingly a search for "CP45" on bogleheads.com came back with no results! Here is the IRS page for CP45 notices - unhelpful to a fault. My CP45 reads as: "Your 2021 Form 1040 shows you wanted $X of your overpayment applied to our 2022 estimated tax. We couldn't apply any of the overpayment as you requested because activity on your 2021 tax account may be delaying the release of the overpayment to your 2022 estimated tax." It also says that "You can disregard this notice if we applied the credit after we completed the processing of your 2022 tax return". The link above says that I will not be receiving any further notifications from the IRS! I u...
by TxInjun
Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block
Replies: 26
Views: 3324

Re: Anyone with problem e-filing with HR Block

Received multiple rejections from HRBlock TaxCut submission - code was similar to OP (my rej code was "FD-31-FMT-8041-<bunch of alphanumerics>". I have 2 non-standard items in my submission: I have to file Form 8938 due to foreign stock options (I work for a non-US company, however I have done this for the past 3 years with no issues); and for 2021 I had to file a recharacterization of DWs Roth -> tIRA. I too had a $0 refund like OP. I tried to fix that 2 different ways (entered the banking info once, and changed to a refund on another attempt) - no luck in getting it to go through. After a long hold and discussion with HR Block's Support, HRB acknowledged that they did not have a way to efile my return, so they refunded my fees, ...
by TxInjun
Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

Re: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake

Howdy y'all, One final check before I submit my MFJ taxes. As noted upthread, I had made a direct contribution to DWs Roth, while being above the income limits. In February, following the advice above, I recharactrerized the Roth conversion to DW's tIRA, and my tax filing now shows the recharacterization and explanation. HRBlock TaxCut auto-populates the 8606. DWs 8606 looks like this: I'd appreciate a sanity check that this is all kosher Line 1 -> $7K Line 2 -> $0 Line 3 -> $7K Line 4 -> $0 Line 5 -> $7K Line 6 -> $0 This is where I need some confirmation. Indeed DWs tIRA was $0 at year-end, went up to $7K in Feb '22. I'm not even sure this matters since there was no conversion in 2021 Line 7 -> $0 Line 8 -> $0 DW's BDR will be converted i...
by TxInjun
Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

Re: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake

Hello good Bogleheads, Thanks for the helpful suggestions! The Fidelity rep pointed us to an online recharacterization form, and the Roth contribution now shows up in DW's traditional IRA. SUCCESS, penalty avoided! But...I have some follow-up questions: 2021 REPORTING: I'm using HRBlock TaxCut. I was able to report the original Roth and also the recharacterization to tIRA, and add the explanation. The summary of the IRA section on TaxCut shows her contribution as to tIRA so success I believe DW originally received only a 5498 documenting the $7000 deposit. Presumably she will get a 1099R also, which I will need to add to my filing (probably need an extension as this depends on Fido's timing) - I received a 1099R for my account so I'm assumi...
by TxInjun
Sun Feb 13, 2022 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

Re: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake

@tashnewbie: thanks for the suggestion! So in this case, it’ll be in her tIRA for 2021 reporting? And in 2022 it will move to the Roth side?

@sailaway: yes our AGI is above the Roth contribution limit also.

Thanks

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Feb 13, 2022 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake

Hi Bogleheads, For 2021, my wife and I both made $7000 (for 50+) deposits into our respective Roth accounts. I believe I done screwed up in the transaction made for DW. I transferred $7000 DIRECTLY to her Roth account, instead of Brokerage -> tIRA -> Roth She has income for 2021, and we are MFJ. Income is above deductible IRA threshold. Current account value is <$7000 I can't believe I didn't pay attention (the transaction for my account is clean Brokerage -> tIRA -> Roth) How can I fix this, and how do I report this? Sorry, I think I've read about this but can't seem to think of the right search terms. I believe I need to withdraw this transaction? How to do that with a smaller amount than initial? Thanks for your help! TxIn
by TxInjun
Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying to Zion National Park from San Jose - need inputs
Replies: 30
Views: 2602

Re: Flying to Zion National Park from San Jose - need inputs

I'm also from the Bay Area. We toured the SW national parks just over 2 years ago. Flew to Las Vegas. Rented off-airport for a cheaper deal. Drove to Grand Canyon - 2 nights. From there to Page AZ for Antelope Canyon - 1 night. The canyon is on Navajo land and you need to reserve to get on a tour (not sure if they are happening during Covid). From there drive to Bryce for 1 night. Bryce is a special place in the snow. Drive from there to Springdale to visit Zion - 2 nights. Drive back to Las Vegas, spend a night there and fly out the next day. This trip worked out well for us. Check the weather. The roads are good, but rental cars won't allow you to put chains on the tires. Apart from warm clothing, bring microspikes for your shoes to trek ...
by TxInjun
Sat Nov 27, 2021 7:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The I Bond Manifesto
Replies: 425
Views: 74985

Re: The I Bond Manifesto

Hello Boglehead friends,

I took the plunge on TreasuryDirect this weekend. I set up individual accounts for myself and DW, and also in the name of our RLT. In each, I bought $10K of I-Bonds. Feeling super accomplished!, especially as I should hit before end-month (today being the weekend, the withdrawal / purchase date will be Mon 11/29). Thanks for the various messages / threads that inspired me to action.

Question: I have a 11 year old DD. I'm not sure how to invest $10K in her name into the account. Should I just buy as myself and gift to her? Or should (can) I open an individual account in her name?

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Oct 12, 2021 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there a legal / formal definition of retirement - California
Replies: 4
Views: 579

Is there a legal / formal definition of retirement - California

Hello fellow BHers, It's that time of the year when Megacorps start planning for next year, and expense / personnel decisions are being made. In my sitch, I fully expect to be given the heave-ho at the end of this year. Megacorp issued (performance based) stock options in July 2019, with a 3 year cliff vest - i.e. July 2022. The actual contract notes say that the shares can be exercised after April 1st 2022. The contract notes also clearly state that if I'm not employed on 4/1/22, then the shares are not exerciseable EXCEPT (paraphrased) if I retire at an "agreed retirement age", and that in that case the options will be pro-rated. I am not aware of a formal retirement age in my company: are California companies expected to have o...
by TxInjun
Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CA Taxes Penalty from FTB - HR Block TaxCut error
Replies: 6
Views: 790

CA Taxes Penalty from FTB - HR Block TaxCut error

Hello Fellow Bogleheads, I received a "Notice of Tax Return Change - Revised Balance" from CA FTB, claiming I owe an additional $500.14. Reviewing the FTB line items there is 100% match in the AGI, taxes withheld, tax due lines with my submission. The additional alleged due is $498 in tax penalty, and $2.14 in interest. I reviewed my HRB TaxCut 2020 interview, and it says that I do not owe a penalty as my 2020 tax withholdings were > 2019 tax due (this statement is accurate, I went through 2020 and 2019 filings). HOWEVER , on reading this thread (thanks @kaneohe) and looking at Form 5805, it appears that if AGI > $1M (I meet this threshold), then the 2019 comparison is overridden and penalty is due if withholding is < 90% * 2020 o...
by TxInjun
Mon May 17, 2021 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting job with no plan- Please help assess my situation
Replies: 95
Views: 12499

Re: Quitting job with no plan- Please help assess my situation

OP,

If you are committed to quitting - may I suggest you ask your supervisor if there is a path for a mutual exit with a package. The worst that can happen is that they say no, and you proceed with your plans. If you are a key cog, then your supervisor may realize the benefits of an organized transition.

Good luck - can't comment on your situation but I empathize with some of what you have said.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Apr 25, 2021 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disposing of router, ext. HD, iMac
Replies: 10
Views: 1441

Re: Disposing of router, ext. HD, iMac

In the past, I have recycled at Best Buy. Before dropping the hard disk at the store, I typically wipe it by writing nonsense files (usually a movie I have ripped from DVD) multiple times till the disk is fully occupied. This isn't DBAN level protection, but I'm assuming most personal data is now difficult enough to retrieve that it's not worth a hacker's time - good assumption?

Cheers

TxIn
by TxInjun
Fri Apr 16, 2021 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal government not taking taxes as scheduled
Replies: 53
Views: 5272

Re: Federal government not taking taxes as scheduled

theorist wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 10:04 am Well, the $ were withdrawn this morning! April 16 instead of April 12. No idea why, but I guess I can be happy for the extra tiny bit of accrued interest...
Glad to hear this is getting cleared up. Waiting for Uncle Sam to take more of my money!

Cheers

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Apr 06, 2021 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA Receipts
Replies: 16
Views: 1898

Re: HSA Receipts

For those who live in a state which ignores HSA bucketing and taxes HSA contributions and gains (e.g. California) you also want to track your gains - whether dividends or CGs. One way to do this is to download the statements from your HSA custodian.

Cheers

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Feb 28, 2021 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP in a Japanese Company for a US worker
Replies: 0
Views: 209

ESPP in a Japanese Company for a US worker

Hello fellow Bogleheads, I work for a Japanese Megacorp, via their acq of a US company. The Megacorp shares are traded on Tokyo Stock Exchange. Over the past few years, I have received stock option grants, which I have subsequently exercised, sold, etc. successfully and understand the math. In 2020 for the 1st time the company offered an "ESPP equivalent" which has me stumped. All these transactions happened in 2020: We took payroll deductions which went towards buying the shares. To simplify Exchange rate fluctuation, let's just say we contributed from salary at about $4 / share, while market value is $5 for the period. One thing that was weird about this, was that the $4 was deducted from gross wages, i.e. pre-tax. Usually with ...
by TxInjun
Mon Feb 08, 2021 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sierra trip - RWD with chains or AWD
Replies: 22
Views: 1807

Re: Sierra trip - RWD with chains or AWD

Thanks all for your responses!

I had indeed forgotten :oops: that CHP requires chains when conditions are such (I see that all the time on US50 and I-80): so I definitely will take chains and use them on the AWD.

The tires on the car are regular all-season tires, not winter tires. The snow is supposed to be about 1" without major accumulations, but I've seen the forecast shift in the last couple of days. I'll keep checking the conditions at the park roads!

Thanks also for the good suggestions on other gear! I have a PLB for when I kayak, good thing to take along with the other items like the tracgrabber, shovel, etc. Love a good pizza recommendation @livesoft! And looking to some good snowshoeing among the giants!

Cheers

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Feb 07, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sierra trip - RWD with chains or AWD
Replies: 22
Views: 1807

Sierra trip - RWD with chains or AWD

Hi folks,

We’re heading to Sequoia and Kings National Parks from the Bay Area about a week from today. Weather at SNP calls for snow on a couple of days we’ll be there, and the parks are at a significant altitude (8000+ feet). My rolling stock consists of a 2013 BMW X3 for which I have chains and has taken us to Tahoe and Yosemite in the winter; or the new addition is a 2019 A4 Quattro.

From a get-there-and-get-us-back perspective, which would be a better ride? The 2013 X3 is ready to go with new water pump, run-flats and 1-year tires. The A4 only has 9K miles so it’s still “new”.

I’m still thinking the X3 is the way to go - any opinions?

Go Chiefs!

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Jan 26, 2021 5:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IJS (iShares S&P 600 Small Cap) - $0 dividend?
Replies: 29
Views: 3058

Re: IJS (iShares S&P 600 Small Cap) - $0 dividend?

Deep breaths, my friend :-) As you can see upthread, IJS is identical to SLYV and VIOV from an expectation perspective. They should track very closely, and the NAV plots indeed do so - they're all indistinguishably line-on-line for 2020. The difference is only on the dividends they issued. As a quick back of the envelope calculation, SLYV gave out 93c of dividends in 2020, compared to the year-end closing price of $66.19 that's a 1.4% "yield". VIOV issued $1.992 dividends compared to a year-end price of $140.42, i.e. 1.4%. Same calculation on IJS gives 81.45c on $81.3 closing price at year-end, exactly 1%. I'm happy for someone to double-check my math. As I said, the overall deviation is small but 0.4% forever would be a meaningfu...
by TxInjun
Tue Jan 26, 2021 11:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IJS (iShares S&P 600 Small Cap) - $0 dividend?
Replies: 29
Views: 3058

Re: IJS (iShares S&P 600 Small Cap) - $0 dividend?

I put in an inquiry on the iShares customer service window, back in early January. Here is their response, received Fri 1/22: Please accept our apologies for the delayed response, xxxx. The iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (IJS) did not issue a fourth quarter distribution to investors. In the fourth quarter IJS generated a loss from its options trading which offset any dividends earned that otherwise would have been distributed to shareholders. As stipulated on pg. 7-8 in the prospectus which we have attached here for your convenience, IJS generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the S&P SmallCap 600(R) Value Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Underlying Index. IJS may invest the ...
by TxInjun
Wed Dec 09, 2020 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mega Back Door Roth - Tax Question
Replies: 27
Views: 2174

Re: Mega Back Door Roth - Tax Question

I have the same situation (401K and Roth at Fidelity.). I move contributions and gains to Roth. At the end of the year you’ll pay taxes on the $3.

You don’t want to move the gains to an IRA: any IRA balance at the end of the year will be a big tax hit if you make IRA contributions that you backdoor to Roth. You’ll find plenty of info on this forum for “pro-rata rule backdoor Roth”.

Best

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How does the stock market return 7%?
Replies: 62
Views: 7235

Re: How does the stock market return 7%?

Another factor in stock returns is the increased representation of the ongoing economy in the stock market. Some sectors or businesses or consumption classes may over time show up via new companies getting listed.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sat Aug 01, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: weighted expense ratio calculation?
Replies: 9
Views: 1570

Re: weighted expense ratio calculation?

BooneDocks11 wrote: Sat Aug 01, 2020 3:55 pm Is there a simple way to calculate weighted expense ratios of a portfolio?

For example, if one wanted to compare a target retirement fund with an expense ratio of 0.46% and a portfolio with:

25% fund A (0.06%)
51% fund B(0.02%)
15% fund C(0.03%)
9% fund D (0.04%)
25% can also be written as 0.25

You can calculate the weighted average as: 0.25*0.06 + 0.51*0.02 + 0.15*0.03 + 0.09*0.04

Since all the expense ratios are between 0.02% and 0.06%, the weighted average will also be between those numbers: so definitely much lower than your target date fund’s expense ratio of 0.46%

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sat Jun 06, 2020 10:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Private Equity Gets a Big Win With U.S. Nod to Tap 401(k) Plans
Replies: 65
Views: 6389

Re: What do the experts here think on inclusion of Private equity in 401K plans?

Not an expert but I’m certain that this is not a good thing for the common investor. It is also a massive deviation toward managed holdings and away from the Bogleheads philosophy of low cost investment vehicles. Many moons ago, my advisor at Merrill Lynch suggested I put part of my portfolio in a hedge fund that ML was able to offer to common investors. Little did I know then that he was getting a cut. The fund was called the Endowment Fund. The returns were pathetic and it was easy to see since all the buying and selling obfuscation that ML did in my account couldn’t hide the NAV progression of the PE item. So 2 years in, I asked my advisor to liquidate my position. Guess what - the fund had imposed withdrawal limits since everyone was no...
by TxInjun
Tue May 05, 2020 2:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Fed buying Corporate Bond ETFs
Replies: 90
Views: 6327

Re: The Fed buying Corporate Bond ETFs

I am also unclear on the Fed's exit strategy from these bonds - does anyone know if / how that has been defined? Generally all is good when the Fed starts supporting them, everyone will get used to the "new normal" - and there will be a "tantrum" when the Fed starts to deleverage?

IndexCore asked how things could go wrong with buying junk bonds - for me this is the key risk marker. The junk yield spread is decent but not exceptionally panicked (8% over similar spanning Treasuries, see this link) but not clear how / when the piper has to get paid.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Wed Apr 29, 2020 6:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What explains the continued rise in equities?
Replies: 167
Views: 16052

Re: What explains the continued rise in equities?

At the FOMC meeting today, the last question was about what Powell's advice would be to savers who are affected by ZIRP. Powell's response: - Living off interest in a savings account not a good idea. - If you own a house, that's going up in price. - If you have a 401k, that's going up too. (He's probably not talking about my 401k which is 100% money market.) He expects fed support to continue and even increase until employment normalizes. Which pretty much means Dow 100K, S&P500 at 10K by the time we get there, possibly higher. Basically his message was to buy as much stock and real estate as you can. This is a one time opportunity for plundering while Rome is burning. Thank you for this summary. As someone said in another thread, Fed ...
by TxInjun
Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Lot Assignment after Settlement date - Am I too late now?
Replies: 7
Views: 1494

Re: Tax Lot Assignment after Settlement date - Am I too late now?

kaneohe wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2020 3:54 pm Did you select a default cost basis method at Fidelity? or are you using theirs?
I left it default selection: need to change that option.

TxIn
by TxInjun
Mon Apr 20, 2020 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Lot Assignment after Settlement date - Am I too late now?
Replies: 7
Views: 1494

Tax Lot Assignment after Settlement date - Am I too late now?

Story: - Account held at Fidelity - I entered trades on 4/13. All trades went through the same day. I did not select the specific lots in the sale instructions. Settlement date was shown as 4/15. All lots were held at Fidelity, so there is no issue of missing information etc. - On 4/17 Friday, I went in to assign the trade lots. Fidelity website said there are no trade lots to assign - I called Fidelity today (4/20) and the rep tells me that lot assignment is only permissible till the settlement date, by SEC law. So nothing can be done I'd like to confirm from the collective wisdom here if the rep's comment is indeed true. The IRS Publication 550 says the following, no mention that it has to be within the settlement window except for a &quo...
by TxInjun
Thu Apr 02, 2020 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Western Union Unclaimed Property Letter - Real or Scam?
Replies: 18
Views: 6218

Re: Western Union Unclaimed Property Letter - Real or Scam?

Thank you all, for your schooling. I appreciate it. Almost certainly a scam, not sure what I was thinking.

To answer some questions, there is a PO box mailing address on the letter. Nothing shows up on the CA unclaimed property website when I search on it.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Mar 31, 2020 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Western Union Unclaimed Property Letter - Real or Scam?
Replies: 18
Views: 6218

Western Union Unclaimed Property Letter - Real or Scam?

[2020 thread bumped in 2022 --admin LadyGeek] Hello fellow Bogleheads, I received a letter in early March, letterhead of Betty T. Yee, CA State Controller, saying that I have unclaimed property (value of $270) with Western Union. The letter further gives an 866 number and an email address (unclaimedproperty@westernunion.com - domain name checks out). When I call the number, there's a recording asking me to e-mail them copies of my Govt ID, the CA letter and proof of residence. I'm supposed to complete this by 6/1. I have no recollection of leaving funds at WU or getting any notice of settlement, although I did use them almost 10 years ago (maybe longer). Sending proof of my address and a pic of my DL seems harmless enough, they already hav...
by TxInjun
Sat Mar 28, 2020 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mega Backdoor Qs
Replies: 14
Views: 800

Re: Mega Backdoor Qs

In my Fidelity account, I usually go higher on the percentage, i.e. I should exceed my contribution limits. But the system is savvy and will stop at the limits. Please call Vanguard and confirm.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Fri Mar 27, 2020 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity commission-free ETF
Replies: 10
Views: 1157

Re: Fidelity commission-free ETF

Fidelity also offers iShares ETFs commission-free. I believe all of them are commission-free, but you should check to confirm.

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Mon Mar 16, 2020 10:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Over Rebalancing.
Replies: 19
Views: 1778

Re: Over Rebalancing.

I don't know how this back-tests, but I have a philosophical problem with over-rebalancing. Rebalancing is based on responding to past changes (and restoring the relative risk of a portfolio). Over-rebalancing is really a bet on the future direction of the market. I used to be a stock-picker and I am working hard on market humility - admitting that I really don't know more than the collective knowledge of the market. I am not willing to place a bet on the short term movements of the market - which is the effect of over-rebalancing. Hello David, In the spirit of discussion, I disagree We are in the stock market because we expect it to go up over time. Inherently we have a future growth expectation for stocks if we’re invested in the market....
by TxInjun
Mon Mar 09, 2020 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Still a newbie: Traditional IRA (w/ Backdoor) or Individual Taxable Account?
Replies: 17
Views: 780

Re: Still a newbie: Traditional IRA (w/ Backdoor) or Individual Taxable Account?

Your step 2 is slightly wrong. Your Roth conversion did not happen in 2019, so there is nothing to report on that form about Roth conversion. See Duckie's post. You need to fill out only fields: 1, 2, 3, 14. Then sign it and mail it in. If you are using a tax software to file your taxes, you might need to force it to recognize a carryover of the basis from 2019 into 2020, next year, when you are filing taxes for 2020. Normally the tax software imports from previous year, which did not have Form 8606 filed, hence this step you need to carefully maneuver around. But that is a problem for next year, not now. Ah, tricky tricky. The form asks about non-deductible contributions between 1/1/19 and 4/15/20, but only about conversions in 2019 (I as...
by TxInjun
Sun Mar 08, 2020 1:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thoughts on CEF Muni funds like PMO - vs Vanguard
Replies: 6
Views: 867

Re: Thoughts on CEF Muni funds like PMO - vs Vanguard

cefconnect.com is a useful screener for Closed-End funds.

While I have limited experience with CEFs, they are interesting to me to follow as they yield higher than "normal" MFs and ETFs, and have the possibility of higher returns during market volatility. I started looking at junk bond CEFs recently. There appear 3 sources of return, during a market weakness: NAV takes a dip during the weakness; discount to NAV increases, so when the discount reduces your return increases; and the underlying bonds will yield at higher levels during the wait to recovery. The flip side are the risks associated with leverage of the CEF.

Would love to learn more!

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Mar 08, 2020 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Still a newbie: Traditional IRA (w/ Backdoor) or Individual Taxable Account?
Replies: 17
Views: 780

Re: Still a newbie: Traditional IRA (w/ Backdoor) or Individual Taxable Account?

You got it! There are 2 steps, you can fund the IRA to the IRS limit. It sounds like the IRA contribution will not be deductible due to your income. The second step is to roll it over to your Roth IRA account, and thence it grows tax-free forevermore.

TxIn
by TxInjun
Tue Jan 21, 2020 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working
Replies: 5
Views: 1676

Re: Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working

So ha ha, turns out I did not install an o-ring properly when I put the flow sensor back. There are 2 ends to the flow sensor, and I put the o-ring on the wrong side (the clamp side). In my defense, the "right" side looked like it was a friction-fit seal, and the installation guide that came with the unit showed what I thought was an o-ring on the "wrong" side but it was just the fixed washer there. Somehow the unit senses the lack of seal and diverts the water out the condensate exhaust, probably a safety feature so that the unit interior doesn't flood from a leak. Service guy came in (Navien authorized local service rep), he hadn't seen this issue before either. He got on a call with Navien support and the first sugges...
by TxInjun
Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working
Replies: 5
Views: 1676

Re: Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working

Thanks guys.

Yes, as galving says, the massive flow from the condensate line is when the power and gas were off, no combustion goin on. I redid the flow sensor and still see the same issue, not sure what I’d done... I am usually careful to avoid water hammer (there’s also an expansion tank right by the cold water inlet). As a final check, I even turned the power and gas on, still the same issue - but no error codes!!! I guess it’s time to call the pros.
by TxInjun
Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working
Replies: 5
Views: 1676

Navien Tankless Heater - DIY not working

Hello fellow Bogleheads, The casa has a Navien NPE-240A that came installed new (in the basement) when we bought this renovated house just over 5 years ago. The unit has external recirculation enabled to the kitchen faucet on the 1st floor. Bedrooms and baths are on the 2nd floor, upstairs. We live in a very hard-water area: I descaled the unit for the first time about 9 months ago (April 2019), and intend to do so once a year going forward. The issue: Recently we haven't been getting consistently hot water in the upstairs showers (mostly lukewarm) but we do get piping hot water in the kitchen and guest bathroom on the 1st floor. I assumed we may have had blockage in the shower lines, so I opened up the shower valve and replaced the pressur...
by TxInjun
Mon Jan 06, 2020 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA - so who hit 'enter' at 12:01AM this morning?
Replies: 113
Views: 12503

Re: Roth IRA - so who hit 'enter' at 12:01AM this morning?

Hello all,

<Slight digression from the timestamp topic :-) >

I have contributed to my Roth IRA via Backdoor for the last 2 years. I have also been funding MBD conversions from my employer 401K into the same Roth account.All accounts are held @ Fidelity.

For 2020, I am not sure if my income will be above the Roth contribution limit. However, I don't see any downside to going ahead with a full Backdoor Roth (contribute to tIRA -> Backdoor to Roth). Does anyone else see any issue with going ahead with this, irrespective of the AGI at the end of the year?

thanks

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What tech wiring in new build house?
Replies: 124
Views: 9636

Re: What tech wiring in new build house?

To add to the helpful responses: add a conduit for the cabling from a wall mount flat panel TV (about the mounting height) to wherever your AV equipment will be. You can snake HDMI, Ethernet and power cables.

About 5 years ago, we were first buyers of a rebuilt house, the buildier had put in telephone (rj11) connectors - but luckily he had used 4-pair cat-5. I was pleasantly surprised (and massively relieved) that replacing the connectors with rj-45 (using all 4 pairs) gave me 1Gbit connectivity in all critical palaces - entertainment center, basement and office. Previously I had WiFi to my NAS, but now I could stream a 1k HD movie without any issues. WiFi is great but it’s unpredictable: wired is most definitely reliable.

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Sep 01, 2019 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rolling over trad & roth 401k with backdoor roth in mind
Replies: 3
Views: 403

Re: Rolling over trad & roth 401k with backdoor roth in mind

If "new company" offers a Roth 401K option, you could roll over the "current company" Roth 401K into that account, I'd imagine. Was there a reason you wanted the Roth 401K -> Roth IRA?

Best,

TxIn
by TxInjun
Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Fred Schwed the OG?
Replies: 6
Views: 1022

Re: Is Fred Schwed the OG?

Love Schwed. “Customers yachts” has a prominent place among my financials books, and I always recommend his book to all that ask to learn about money management.

TxInjun
by TxInjun
Sun Jul 21, 2019 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold?
Replies: 137
Views: 10332

Re: Gold?

... Back to TIPS, I was very surprised that when the financial crisis hit in September 2008 that while nominal US Treasuries rallied strongly, TIPS actually fell 10-12% which took me by surprise. For one thing, the financial crisis was deflationary and for another thing, TIPS are far less liquid than regular treasury bills and notes because there are far fewer of them. In fact, demand for huge sections of the bond market just dried up. There literally were no buyers. Later on, TIPS rallied strongly along with the rest of the bond market. So what I am trying to say is that TIPS may not act the way we expect during the next crisis. Thank you for reminding me of the TIPS reaction during the Great Recession. What you state - deflationary expec...
by TxInjun
Sun Jul 21, 2019 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold?
Replies: 137
Views: 10332

Re: Gold?

nedsaid wrote: Sun Jul 21, 2019 8:50 am
Long term US Treasuries are almost the perfect diversifier for the US Stock Market. The only exception would have been the 1973-74 bear market which in large part was caused by the oil shocks which in term caused Stagflation, which was a nightmare for Stock and Bond investors.
How would you characterize TIPS? IMO, they combine the liquidity of the market, Inflation protection of Gold, and guarantee of Uncle Sam. Are TIPS be considered a possible replacement for Gold?

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sun Mar 31, 2019 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Backdoor Roth: Fidelity vs Vanguard Waiting Period After IRA Contribution Before Allowing Conversion
Replies: 11
Views: 1512

Re: Backdoor Roth: Fidelity vs Vanguard Waiting Period After IRA Contribution Before Allowing Conversion

Cash wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 8:08 pm I was able to convert immediately after funding at Fidelity. The whole process took only a couple of minutes. But I funded from my Fidelity CMA. Yet another benefit of consolidation.
Ditto for me.

TxIn
by TxInjun
Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Diversification Can Improve Retirement Outcomes (SWR) [Very Long Post]
Replies: 72
Views: 9837

Re: Diversification Can Improve Retirement Outcomes (SWR) [Very Long Post]

Hello vineviz,

Excellent analysis, thanks. I'd like to play around, I can clearly see you did this analysis on PortfolioVisualizer :-) but am unable to see where you are able to push the start window to 1965. Can you please let me know how you constructed this analysis on PV?

Thanks and cheers

TxIn