Search found 1124 matches

by Almost there
Wed Aug 16, 2017 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 30 Year @ 3.875
Replies: 5
Views: 1264

Re: 30 Year @ 3.875

Have you considered a 15 year mortgage?
They offer lower rates.
by Almost there
Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)
Replies: 45
Views: 8374

Re: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)

Sorry I must have misunderstood your post. sport wrote: This is how I would handle your example. Let's say your RMD is 14K, you want to withhold 2K for taxes, and make a 4K QCD. You could withdraw 8K in January, make the 4K QCD in October (make sure you are past the 70.5 mark) and then make a 2K withdrawal in early December and have 100% of that withdrawal withheld for taxes. I would not wait until late December because you do not want to have anything get fouled up in the busy season at the end of the year. This also gives you the opportunity to verify your last transaction took place while there is still time to correct any errors. Oh I like your idea. Yes, December is rather late especially with everyone else calling. So perhaps right af...
by Almost there
Tue Aug 15, 2017 6:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)
Replies: 45
Views: 8374

Re: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)

Kaneohe wrote: The withdrawals seem fine. You could w/h tax on your 10K Jan withdrawal. However be aware that most do the w/h in a later in yr withdrawal. They are penny-pinching so they squeeze the last penny of earnings out of their funds. Basically you are paying taxes earlier that you have too. Alternatively you could pay the w/h with estimated taxes quarterly throughout the year so you aren't paying so much too early. Thank you for your input. This was just an example. I will be taking RMDS from January - April. My spousal benefits for Social Security will end in April and in May will be receiving Social Security on my own record. Actually it'll be enough to live on for every day expenses. I will do my test in H&R Block software be...
by Almost there
Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)
Replies: 45
Views: 8374

Re: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)

kaneohe wrote: Almost there wrote: Celia, the way I learned from other Bogleheads is that the QCD has to be taken before any RMD withdrawal. quote] Kaneohe wrote: That is not true...........you can take them in any order. However if you want to withdraw the least from the IRA, then you will make the QCD and the rest of the withdrawals = the RMD. EX: Your RMD is 10K.......take 4K of QCD and 6K of other withdrawals and you have satisfied the RMD and not taken any more. If you forget and take your RMD of 10K, you can still take the 4K of QCD, but then you will have withdrawn more than the RMD. I guess this is just the year you turn 70.5. You have to do the QCD before taking the RMD. Any documentation on that? which bogleheads did you learn tha...
by Almost there
Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Enrollment Question
Replies: 3
Views: 914

Re: Medicare Enrollment Question

I found the following on the Medicare website: Step 1: Learn about the different parts of Medicare The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Step 2: Find out when you can get Medicare There are only certain times when people can enroll in Medicare. Depending on the situation, some people may get Medicare automatically, and others need to apply for Medicare. The first time you can enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period. Your 7-month Initial ...
by Almost there
Fri Aug 11, 2017 5:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)
Replies: 45
Views: 8374

Re: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)

Almost there wrote:
Celia, the way I learned from other Bogleheads is that the QCD has to be taken before any RMD withdrawal. quote]

Kaneohe wrote:
That is not true...........you can take them in any order. However if you want to withdraw the least from the IRA, then you will make the
QCD and the rest of the withdrawals = the RMD. EX: Your RMD is 10K.......take 4K of QCD and 6K of other withdrawals and you have satisfied
the RMD and not taken any more. If you forget and take your RMD of 10K, you can still take the 4K of QCD, but then you will have withdrawn
more than the RMD.
I guess this is just the year you turn 70.5. You have to do the QCD before taking the RMD.
by Almost there
Fri Aug 11, 2017 4:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)
Replies: 45
Views: 8374

Re: "When's the Right Time to Take RMDs?" – (Christine Benz's Latest Column)

Celia, the way I learned from other Bogleheads is that the QCD has to be taken before any RMD withdrawal.
by Almost there
Thu Aug 10, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip Cancellation Insurance.
Replies: 37
Views: 5578

Re: Trip Cancellation Insurance.

Though I purchased my flight through AA, the flight that was cancelled was by Air Berlin. AA originally didn't want anything to do with the cancellation until I pointed out that they not me had chosen that airline. Will never do that again. Live and learn.
by Almost there
Thu Aug 10, 2017 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to leave our dentist??
Replies: 54
Views: 9748

Re: Time to leave our dentist??

boglerdue wrote:
Anyone had good luck, or bad luck, using nextdoor.com for referrals
Yes, I use NextDoor quite a bit as a reference.
by Almost there
Thu Aug 10, 2017 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to leave our dentist??
Replies: 54
Views: 9748

Re: Time to leave our dentist??

After starting with Medicare, I chose Employers Dental Services (EDS0) dental coverage through Principal. (No, I am not working.)
There are no deductables, no claim forms, no yearly maximums
Cost for a single person is $209.28/year.

I have been charged as follows:
Office visit: $5.00 (D9431)

Cleaning/x rays: $7.00 (D1110)

Crown: total $528.00 (Was done in one office visit.)
Crown-porcelain ceramic substrate $485.00 (D2740)
Core buildup including pins $42.00 (D2950)

Filling:
$45 (Resin filling-two surfaces, anterior) (D2331)
$65 (Resin filling-four or more surfaces) (D2335)

EDSCS@mydentalplan.net
800-722-9772
https://www.employersdental.com/

I live in Arizona and they are located in Tucson. Am quite pleased with them.
by Almost there
Thu Aug 10, 2017 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip Cancellation Insurance.
Replies: 37
Views: 5578

Re: Trip Cancellation Insurance.

Last year I traveled to Germany via American Airlines at a cost of $700. When I got to the airport in Cologne, I saw that my flight to Munich was cancelled with no alternatives given. I went to the Lufthansa counter and purchased a replacement for $400 (one way).

After I returned home, contacted AA and they sent me $130. I then contacted Allianz Travel Insurance (which cost me $50), told them what happened and emailed them all the necessary documentation. They sent me a check for the difference of the Lufthansa flight and the $130
I received from AA. I always purchase flight insurance for overseas flights. Well worth the money.
by Almost there
Sat Aug 05, 2017 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your "at peace" moments.
Replies: 144
Views: 22319

Re: Your "at peace" moments.

Marjimmy wrote:
When you pump your gas perfectly on the dollar
Didn't get this until I got gas today and it stopped at $27.00. Thought of you. LOL :D :D :D
by Almost there
Sat Aug 05, 2017 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best "investment tip" I have gotten from Bogleheads
Replies: 58
Views: 15272

Re: Best "investment tip" I have gotten from Bogleheads

Tomato Tomatho wrote: Of special interest: Steel cut oatmeal (cooked in water, not milk, if it matters here). How is the quality of the oatmeal, cooking time, and ease of use... especially including cleaning up so it's ready for the next batch. (If anyone has also made oatmeal in a microwave, how does that compare?) I'm still back in the dark ages of cooking oatmeal in an actual pot, with an actual wooden spoon. Do either of the automated methods compare favorably with the old-fashioned method in terms of taste (not just ease/cleanup). Thanks. Every time I made Steel Cut Oatmeal I get a headache, so I went back to regular oatmeal and am doing just fine. Always been doing a lot of healthy cooking. As to oatmeal, I don't cook it at all. For o...
by Almost there
Sat Aug 05, 2017 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "8 things you can do year-round to plan for taxes."
Replies: 2
Views: 1418

Re: "8 things you can do year-round to plan for taxes."

Beginning of each year, I start a new folder marked with that year. All documents relevant to income tax are placed into the folder throughout the year. I also start an Excel spreadsheet as to receipts/payments of monthly Social Security, insurance payments, doctor visits etc. (While working, I also kept track of my income and put all receipts in the folder.) Certainly makes my life easier once I start the income tax process the following year.
by Almost there
Tue Aug 01, 2017 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your "at peace" moments.
Replies: 144
Views: 22319

Re: Your "at peace" moments.

Prettybogle: I took classes for many years, followed by doing yoga at home right after I get up. Now I occasionally take a class which is offered near my home.

I think at the beginning it's good to take classes. However, you can also buy some CDs and follow their routine.
by Almost there
Tue Aug 01, 2017 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your "at peace" moments.
Replies: 144
Views: 22319

Re: Your "at peace" moments.

Yoga every morning which for me is a nice way to start the morning. Overwhelmed with feeling well, peaceful and at ease. Pending on what time of day, I see the sunrise and know everything is well with the world for now.
by Almost there
Tue Aug 01, 2017 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Contribution to satisfy RMD
Replies: 43
Views: 4781

Re: Contribution to satisfy RMD

Thank you celia, will follow your advice.
by Almost there
Tue Aug 01, 2017 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Contribution to satisfy RMD
Replies: 43
Views: 4781

Re: Contribution to satisfy RMD

Does anyone know of a chart where I can figure out how much of the RMD should go to QCD keeping me away from going into another tax bracket?
by Almost there
Mon Jul 31, 2017 11:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Contribution to satisfy RMD
Replies: 43
Views: 4781

Re: Contribution to satisfy RMD

Such interesting subject. Again, I never would have found this information if it wasn't for the Bogleheads. Thanks.

Does anyone know if the QCD also has an effect when filing my AZ state income tax?
by Almost there
Sun Jul 23, 2017 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AnnualCreditReport Equifax
Replies: 31
Views: 3831

Re: AnnualCreditReport Equifax

Just tried to obtain my credit report with Experian. They said that they had to check further and I would receive my report number in the mail. Never had that happen in all the years I tried to obtain my credit report.
by Almost there
Sat Jul 22, 2017 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Restricted SS Spousal benifit
Replies: 10
Views: 1806

Re: Restricted SS Spousal benifit

I filed for both SS and Medicare online and it was a breeze. Had to sent later the requested paperwork which was returned 2 weeks later. Over the years I would contact SS and not always received correct answers. I trust the online application process which will end for me next year.
by Almost there
Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on "Understanding Medicare" Seminar?
Replies: 3
Views: 739

Re: Opinions on "Understanding Medicare" Seminar?

I visited a Medicare seminar last November. The agent mentioned various plans but a friend in the audience suggested another company after the meeting was over (and I am glad I switched). Saved me $20/month for the same plan.

Today I received an email that another Medicare seminar will be held in our community. I just signed up since I learn what has changed and also from the questions people in the audience ask.

The company I presently use is located on the East Coast: Senior Savings Network (800-729-9590). They represent various insurance companies throughout the U.S.A.
by Almost there
Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Investing well for Retirement can be frustrating
Replies: 52
Views: 5184

Re: Investing well for Retirement can be frustrating

OP, you are on the right course. I am happy I retired when I did and have saved for the past 20 years (after my divorce) as a single person every raise and am now benefitting from it. A couple of weeks ago I looked over my Excel worksheet where I listed all the money I invested for the past 20 years. It is absolutely amazing looking at the amount of money one can save even though I usually only earned approx. $40,000/year. Over the years I would listen to people heralding all the money they spent on buying a new house, car etc. I just kept my mouth shut and continued investing and accepting the company's matches for just 10 years. I would explain to co-workers about investing up to the match and how one grows money by reinvesting your divid...
by Almost there
Tue Jul 18, 2017 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inc magazine
Replies: 6
Views: 929

Re: Inc magazine

Thanks. Will keep it for future reference.
BTW, Inc. Magazine was not listed in the AA site.
by Almost there
Tue Jul 18, 2017 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inc magazine
Replies: 6
Views: 929

Re: Inc magazine

Iliketoridemybike wrote:
Check out your airline miles too. I only order one or two magazines a year, but I always use miles for 0 out of pocket costs.
I only have points with American Airlines. Where do I go to check for magazine subscription or are there also other choices?

I also use AARP for my magazine subscriptions. They are usually half price.
by Almost there
Mon Jul 17, 2017 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inc magazine
Replies: 6
Views: 929

Inc magazine

Just received their July issue along with a card stating that they are having a Summer Sale.
Subscription: $5.00/year

Order online: inc.com/summersale
by Almost there
Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421672

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Just started reading the August issue of Kiplinger about: Rewards Card for you.

Comparing various credit cards, bonuses, fees etc.
by Almost there
Sat Jul 01, 2017 6:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Nicolas, LadyGeek and livesoft wrote: Actually, the first trading day of 2017 is January 3, 2017. NYSE: Holidays and Trading Hours livesoft wrote: It should be since 12/31/2016, shouldn't it? 12/31/2016 is not a trading day. It should be the closing price of 12/30/2016, which is a Friday. This becomes the opening price for 2017. Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date] Quote livesoft Post by livesoft » Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:44 pm LadyGeek wrote: Nicolas wrote: Almost there wrote: 5.7% Just to make sure I did it correctly: I took the value as of 6/30/17 and subtracting the value as of 1/1/17. The difference x 100 divided by the value at 6/30/17. Should be "The difference x 100 divided by the value at 1/1/17" My value on 12/31/16 is the...
by Almost there
Sat Jul 01, 2017 1:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

5.7%

Just to make sure I did it correctly: I took the value as of 6/30/17 and subtracting the value as of 1/1/17.

The difference x 100 divided by the value at 6/30/17.
by Almost there
Fri Jun 30, 2017 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA Cost
Replies: 85
Views: 14772

Re: AAA Cost

I moved my AAA membership when I moved from NJ to AZ. But AAA AZ send me a renewal letter but it took awhile until my address etc was moved. Now the only problem remains is when I call the 800 # they transfer me to NJ since my cell phone number has a NJ area code. Now I just call the local AZ AAA office.
by Almost there
Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

Received the ordered softener today. Purchased 4 bags of the recommended salt.

What happens next after the softener has been hooked up?
When will I be able to use my dishwasher?
by Almost there
Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon purchase
Replies: 10
Views: 2566

Re: Amazon purchase

So I just did a large purchase from Amazon through BH. Does BH receive a fee based on the amount of the purchase OR just a fee for the referral?
by Almost there
Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

Purchased from Amazon through BH:
Pentagram Fleck 5600 SXT 48,000 grain of upgraded Higj capacity 10% resin.

I contacted Brian 602abcWater or Protect My Water located in the Phoenix area. I gave him all the data and this is the unit he recommended. I already have someone lined up for the installation.

FrugalInvestor thank you for all your help and follow up in addition to every else who posted their answers. It's so very much appreciated.

Also you recommend #1 for the salt. What is the difference between # 1 and 3?
by Almost there
Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon purchase
Replies: 10
Views: 2566

Re: Amazon purchase

Great. Thanks.
Wish I had thought about it first.

:greedy :moneybag
by Almost there
Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon purchase
Replies: 10
Views: 2566

Re: Amazon purchase

Thanks
by Almost there
Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon purchase
Replies: 10
Views: 2566

Amazon purchase

When I want to buy something from Amazon, I just go to BH site, click on Amazon.com and choose my purchase?
As I understand it, then BH will receive a small referral fee but there is no charge to me?
by Almost there
Thu Jun 22, 2017 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

Which salt do you purchase for the water softener?
I see 4 different ones listed in Home Depot's site:

1. Morton Salt
40 lb. Clean and Protect Water Softener Salt Pellets

2. Diamond Crystal
Bright and Soft Water Softener Salt Pellets

3. Morton Salt
40 lb. Pure and Natural Water Softener Salt

4. Diamond Crystal
Solar Naturals Water Softener Salt Crystals
by Almost there
Tue Jun 20, 2017 7:27 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Private Message Outbox
Replies: 8
Views: 3615

Re: Private Message Outbox

Thanks Lady Geek. In the meantime I deleted quite a number of PMs.
by Almost there
Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Private Message Outbox
Replies: 8
Views: 3615

Private Messages

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek]

I sent a PM on Sunday. Today I checked on all of my PMs (and deleted quite a few of them) and noticed the Outbox was marked (1). So I sent the message again, and it was marked: Sent successfully. Now my Outbox is marked (2). Was the PM sent?
by Almost there
Tue Jun 20, 2017 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA Cost
Replies: 85
Views: 14772

Re: AAA Cost

$60 or $70 per service call is not bad. What if you have more than 2 calls in one year? You'll be paying more than AAA charges per year. No matter when I have called them, someone came.

A couple of years ago my brand new battery stopped working. I called AAA and the person checked my battery and determined that it was not recharging. Took it back to the shop and they installed a new battery. It's still working after 3 years without any incidence.
by Almost there
Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA Cost
Replies: 85
Views: 14772

Re: AAA Cost

Thank you Saladdin for your post. You wrote that your insurance company reimburses you. But then they'll know and I would be afraid that they'll raise your insurance. May I ask the name of your insurance company?
by Almost there
Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

OK, decided to go with the Fleck 5600SXT.
But there are a number of different models on Amazon.
Please direct me which one you would recommend?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i ... E7U6GWTX7D

Just 2 adults, 2300 square foot ranch. 48,000 is probably good enough.

Almost there
by Almost there
Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA Cost
Replies: 85
Views: 14772

Re: AAA Cost

Not really surprised to read that there is a reason for offering such cheap roadside service.
by Almost there
Tue Jun 13, 2017 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

Yes it gets hot in the garage and some of my neighbors have added A/C to their garage. Thank you for pointing out to go with a mechanical unit.
by Almost there
Tue Jun 13, 2017 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

FrugalInvestor wrote in 2 different posts: This is very important and is something I neglected to mention previously. You should definitely check on it. Using salt softened water for landscape irrigation will eventually kill the plants and using the additional potassium softened water could be very expensive over time. Traditional softeners replace calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions. So they do not technically add salt but they do add sodium (the harder the water the more sodium is added). The amount should be of concern only to those on sodium restricted diets for medical reasons. Using an R.O. system for drinking and cooking water removes the lion's share of the added sodium. Originally was looking into an alternate ...
by Almost there
Tue Jun 13, 2017 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

DDM wrote: I think you have a misconception about a salt-based softener system. They do not add salt to your water. The system will have a resin tank that the water flows through and softens the water. After a certain amount of water has flowed through the resin tank it will become saturated and the system will need to "cycle" to flush out the resin tank. This is where the salt comes in. During the "cycling" process water is pumped into the salt reservoir to form a brine which is then pumped through the resin tank to purge it. The brine tank is then drained, the resin tank is flushed and you're all set to go. Some softener system are all-in-one with the resin tank inside the salt reservoir and there are two-tank systems ...
by Almost there
Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many tech devices do you have?
Replies: 74
Views: 8998

Re: How many tech devices do you have?

2:
Smart phone
Computer
by Almost there
Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House softener system
Replies: 39
Views: 5426

Re: House softener system

Thank you once again, FrugalInvestor. Are you sure you are using 7,000 G per month? That means you go through 233 G per day? I read the article about substituting potassium chloride for sodium chloride. So if we choose to go that route, we would still need the RO filtration system? What about the dishwasher? Will that be part of the whole house system ?
Our washer and dryer are against the garage wall and the hot water heater is on the other side of it. So the softener would be installed right next to it.
Our bedroom is on the other side of our laundry room and then down the hall. However, the second bedroom is also on the other side of the laundry room, but much closer. For how long would the softener run?