Search found 227 matches

by Tony
Thu Dec 30, 2010 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare part D
Replies: 11
Views: 2383

LarryG wrote:I have not enrolled in part D in the past because my diabetic medications were paid in full by my medicare supplemental insurance.

This year because of the possibility of needing expensive medication, I decided to enroll in part D.

I'm sure that my total cost will be higher, but I think of it as insurance. I hope that I don't need the high cost medication (chemotherapy) but if I do, it will be covered by part D.

I carry insurance on my house and I don't wish to have a fire so that I can collect.

LarryG
In California, I called SHIP and discovered that the appointments were booked 3 weeks in advance. Just something to be aware of.

I agree that the Medicare website does a wonderful job of helping out with the Part D decision.
by Tony
Sat Dec 25, 2010 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whadja get for Christmas?
Replies: 45
Views: 5198

$983 and a mea culpa from the IRS. I turned in an Amended Return in 2009, an informational amendment, which in no way changed the tax I owed. But IRS didn't see it that way. After 7 phone calls and faxing a lengthy chronology, I called the Taxpayer Advocate service (part of IRS)--I think I first saw that recommended here--and presto! The Advocate told me exactly what he was doing, when I would hear from him, even called me in Europe twice, and --only a month after I first called, he has now said that IRS has mailed me the $983, to arrive this coming week. Meanwhile, about a week ago, I received a letter from another part of IRS, saying they hadn't had a chance to research my case and promising that I'd hear back from them within 45 days...
by Tony
Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? Part IV. (07/04/2010)
Replies: 1507
Views: 403091

I'm about halfway thru the first volume of Abraham Lincoln: A Life, by Michael Burlingame. This is a two-volume bio that was published a couple years ago, and it's great. It goes into much greater depth than previous Lincoln biographies. If you want to get down in the weeds with Lincoln, read this book. (But get it from the library; the two-volume set sells for about $125). As an example of something that I've learned in reading this book, it turns out that in his younger days, Lincoln was often quite scathing and slashing in going after political opponents. In lieu of writing a blog... :) he would write articles for newspapers ridiculing his adversaries (newspapers in those days were openly partisan). He was quite effective in doing so, b...
by Tony
Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? Part IV. (07/04/2010)
Replies: 1507
Views: 403091

Mara and Dann by Doris Lessing. She's always wonderful. Getting along in years though--don't stop now, Doris!
by Tony
Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Modern Day Words And Phrases You Hate
Replies: 210
Views: 23484

"Hugs"
"Guys" as in: The waitress comes up and says "What do you guys want?" (My partner says it should be "Youse guys.")
"Twitter"
"Tweet"
by Tony
Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRAs 2011 - when to fund?
Replies: 5
Views: 907

IRAs 2011 - when to fund?

I've always funded our IRAs right after the new year. They're all VIPSX, the TIPS fund, Admiral.
Now it's occurred to me that maybe everyone is buying then, so price may be higher? Best to wait until, say, end of January?
by Tony
Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you gonna shop on Black Friday?
Replies: 47
Views: 5318

clearymon wrote:Not here, I celebrate Buy Nothing Day on the day after Thanksgiving.
Me too.
by Tony
Wed Nov 24, 2010 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too "substantial" penalties?--CD
Replies: 10
Views: 1517

grok87 wrote:

Great- credit unions are less likely to screw you on this issue than banks.
Out of curiousity which credit union is it?
cheers,
Point West Credit Union in Portland, Oregon. They're wonderful. What great customer service we've had from them for 12 years.

I'm thinking again about the rates. They're pretty good aren't they?: Part of the interest is a percentage of prime, so the rate will rise with inflation, right? So doesn't make this a better deal even than PenFed or Ally which don't?

Adjustable Certificate
3-years
45% of prime + 0.75%**

Adjustable Certificate
5-years
45% of prime + 1.25%**

Thank you,
by Tony
Wed Nov 24, 2010 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too "substantial" penalties?--CD
Replies: 10
Views: 1517

joebruin77 wrote:Have you considered Ally Bank 5 year CD? It pays a little lower rate, but the early withdrawal penalty at any time is only 2 months interest.
I'll look into that. First I'll get this one going and then branch out to Ally and maybe even PenFed. I've never had CDs before, but what with all the knowledgeable folks here recommending them, I now realize they would be a good place to park way too high a percentage of our portfolio which is currently in Vanguard Tax Ex MM.

Thank you,
by Tony
Wed Nov 24, 2010 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too "substantial" penalties?--CD
Replies: 10
Views: 1517

grok87 wrote:

Tony,
Even more important is to make sure (really sure) that the bank does not have the right to refuse early withdrawals. Many banks reserve this right.
Pen Fed doesn't have any sneaky fine print like that. Actually they do have a little bit of fine print. The reserve the right to require two months written advance notice for early withdrawals.
cheers,
Hi Grok,
I emailed the credit union and learned that I can withdraw at any time. Thanks for the warning.
by Tony
Tue Nov 23, 2010 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too "substantial" penalties?--CD
Replies: 10
Views: 1517

Hi Grok87 and dm200:

They are FDIC insured.
Let's see, prime rate is 3.25% so the 5 year CD would be paying 45%*3.25% + 1.25% = 2.70%. If you cash out during the first year you lose 2%. Penfed penalty is 6 months interest, less if you opened sooner
2% of principal does seem pretty high. I'm almost certain I could make it the 5 years without withdrawing, so I'm inclined not to let that bother me. I also have the option of splitting the money among several CDs, so that I could withdraw a part of the total. Does that seem reasonable?
by Tony
Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too "substantial" penalties?--CD
Replies: 10
Views: 1517

Too "substantial" penalties?--CD

Hi Folks, I'm trying to decide on whether to go ahead with a CD. I've read through the Wiki and quite a few of the CD posts, but I don't have time to figure it out completely, so I'm turning to you for help. On another thread, I posted these rates before: Adjustable Certificate 3-years 45% of prime + 0.75%** Adjustable Certificate 5-years 45% of prime + 1.25%** Points Checking Certificate 8 months 1.50% APY* ($30,000 maximum) One person said these looked good, almost as good as PenFed. No one said in later posts on that thread said they weren't good, so I take that for agreement. It is the penalties I'm wondering about. They're a % of principal, a kind of penalty that is not covered in our Wiki. Here they are: Can you tell me if this is an ...
by Tony
Fri Nov 19, 2010 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs Instead of Bonds??
Replies: 42
Views: 6570

What do you think of these rates, offered by our credit union? I don't understand what "prime" means or whether it is a good deal:

Adjustable Certificate
3-years
45% of prime + 0.75%**

Adjustable Certificate
5-years
45% of prime + 1.25%**

Points Checking Certificate
8 months
1.50% APY*
($30,000 maximum)
by Tony
Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: finding a good medigap company
Replies: 28
Views: 5039

Re: finding a good medigap company

looking wrote:which one is a good medegap company
I've had experience in California with both Mutual of Omaha (Plan A) and USAA (Plan F). I like them both, in that they're efficient, the Explanation of Benefits they send is easy to understand and customer service people are readily available.

I think USAA may be cheaper than Mutual of Omaha, so we may consider switching out of Mutual of Omaha. California law requires that Medigap companies accept applicants from other companies. No underwriting allowed as long as it's the same plan. Not all states have that law.
by Tony
Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FYI Purchasing paper I bonds
Replies: 7
Views: 2273

Pittsburgh still correct

Tramper Al:
Very helpful. I live in Massachusetts, and in the past that zip code has meant mailing to Pittsburgh (branch of Cleveland).
I just checked a Mass zip code and I see that it's listed as Pittsburgh. So we all need to check first for the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank, at
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/FC/FCGate ... iv&app=mkt

Hurry! if you want to make the cut for October.
by Tony
Tue Oct 26, 2010 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FYI Purchasing paper I bonds
Replies: 7
Views: 2273

FYI Purchasing paper I bonds

I've just sent off two orders for paper I bonds purchase. I read our Wiki and went to the links there to order the forms and find out where to send them. When I looked over the form, I had some questions. I called, just to make sure I got everything right, because I'm hoping that these will be October bonds. What I learned was a little different from other sources: * The best address for ordering paper bonds from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank: Treasury Retail Securities Site PO Box 89 Minneapolis, MN 55480 * Telephone # is 1 800 553 2663. For questions, x3, then x2. * Make check out to Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis or to US Department of Treasury * Send one check for each order form you're sending in. * The date the paperwork a...
by Tony
Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New fees! I just scrapped my Brick&Mortar Bank. You?
Replies: 61
Views: 9630

We still use a credit union too. Even though we live in another state, we can't give up the credit union. It's been such a good deal for so long.
They're going through a bad patch now (no interest on checking or savings!), but fees are still non-existent, or minimal, and can easily be avoided. Bill pay is free. A free box of checks every year. Credit cards that don't have an annual charge. Staff is well informed, always helpful and they know us.

I like credit unions. I've read that there are a few local banks that are good too.
by Tony
Sat Jun 05, 2010 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mel's Forbes Series on Annuities - Part 1 of 6
Replies: 126
Views: 22806

Mel, thanks! I have been thinking of getting an annuity because so much of our assets are in taxable bonds.
Could you go ahead and post this on the Wiki? It's easier for me to copy and paste it that way.

Tonio
by Tony
Wed Jun 02, 2010 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why do you donate (or not) to charity?
Replies: 68
Views: 8982

Every year, we donate towards a family scholarship for a senior girl graduating from the high school down the hill. My mom started this scholarship in memory of my dad 9 years ago, and now it's in memory of both of them.

We also give money to an organization that works to save habitat for grizzly bears, to several educational groups, and we also frequently donate online in response to some of the many appeals we receive daily in our In Box. :thumbsup

We like feeling we're doing our best to help make the world a better place. As time goes on we expect we'll feel more secure in our retirement plans. Then we will be giving away more.
by Tony
Wed May 05, 2010 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare "Advantage" programs
Replies: 27
Views: 6374

Re: Medicare Advantage, good value for the money

bc3x wrote: In Allentown, Pennsylvania, a Medigap plan runs from $5500 to $6400 and $192 to $1320 for drug coverage, annually. .
A Medigap plan in PA for $5500-6400 annually? I'm paying less than $1100/year in California. It's Plan A, which offers the least coverage. But none of the Plans come anywhere near costing $5500/year.
by Tony
Mon May 03, 2010 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare "Advantage" programs
Replies: 27
Views: 6374

Traditional Medicare plus Medigap Plan A (Mutual of Omaha) plus Part D (First Health). I'd seen what Medicare "advantage" was like for my folks: through Secure Horizons in California they did get a pretty good primary care doctor, but it was hard to get authorization for other providers. And the dentists available in the plan were bottom of the barrel--I'll bet that's often true. I like being able to go to a primary care doctor I choose and make arrangements for other providers myself. The doc makes recommendations if I ask for them, and his staff is also willing to make the phone calls and referrals if I request it. I should say that I think this doctor and his staff are unusually excellent... I don't know what others are like. I...
by Tony
Mon May 03, 2010 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? PART III (12/11/2009)
Replies: 424
Views: 84612

The Once and Future King by TH White. A great fantasy classic: King Arthur, Merlin, animals who talk.
by Tony
Fri Apr 30, 2010 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: G-mail Account Hacked by someone in Vietnam
Replies: 24
Views: 9109

Without thinking, I just went ahead and tried out one of my passwords. I shouldn't have done that, should I?
by Tony
Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do you say to the investment advisor cold call?
Replies: 111
Views: 15024

I've known people who have had to take those telephone solicitation jobs. They aren't fun.. So I try to be polite, but I make sure I say, "Please take my name off your calling list."
by Tony
Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What other Personal Finance Forums do you visit?
Replies: 35
Views: 8125

Bogleheads almost exclusively, but if I have a tax question, I sometimes go to Fairmark.com.
by Tony
Thu Apr 15, 2010 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tax Returns: Certified Mail vs Certificate of Mailing
Replies: 54
Views: 22496

mickeyd wrote:Bottom line seems to be to do it all electronically and avoid all of the hassle. I file my taxes annually online via TT and I use EFTPS to send them my estimated qy taxes. No muss. No fuss. No stamps.
This works for me too. And I pay California estimated taxes through Cal's version of EFTPS, called Webpay. Works perfectly.

I can check everything: both IRS and California send electronic notice of receipt of the return within 24 hours of my efiling, and my credit union online tells me when the payments are taken out of my account.
by Tony
Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Money Saving Tips?
Replies: 47
Views: 8751

Camp, don't stay in motels. It's a lot more fun and interesting. if you camp in a state or national park or forest, you're right out there in some beautiful place. We make sure we have a high quality tent and sleeping gear so that we're really comfortable - and of course we watch for good deals on everything we buy.
by Tony
Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you pay for tax return help?
Replies: 65
Views: 9912

Re: How much do you pay for tax return help?

aszutu wrote: My 87 year old father's accountant in West Palm Beach charged him $4,000 for a single federal tax return (no state income tax in FL).
I think your father got ripped off and it makes me furious. I've seen this happen to older people in my own family. Is there any kind of action you can take to get the charge down to a reasonable level--like $400? Preying on the elderly like this should not go unpunished.
by Tony
Fri Apr 09, 2010 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? PART III (12/11/2009)
Replies: 424
Views: 84612

African Laughter by Doris Lessing. About 4 trips she took back to Zimbabwe --formerly Southern Rhodesia--between 1982 and 1992. She'd grown up there, left for England at 30, was declared a "prohibited immigrant" soon after she left. She didn't return for more than 30 years, after independence was declared in 1980 and Robert Mugabe took over. It's fascinating. And sad, what happened there, and is continuing to happen.
by Tony
Fri Apr 02, 2010 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: for sale by owner...
Replies: 61
Views: 9403

fishnskiguy wrote:The need to engage a lawyer(s) is very state dependent. Here in Colorado, the title company does all the paperwork and conducts the closing. Piece of cake.

Chris
This was true in California also, for a house we sold. We put an ad in the paper, got an appraisal, sold the house to the first person who saw it--at our appraised price--and the title company handled all the paperwork.

We felt confident doing this because we were using one of Nolo's excellent self help law books. Everything went like clockwork.

This was in 2005, in a very hot market though..
by Tony
Fri Apr 02, 2010 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Test results of quality of vitamins & other supplements
Replies: 3
Views: 1190

Re: Test results of quality of vitamins & other suppleme

I am thinking of joining this for $30 to get test results on vitamins and other supplements. Has anyone used this service or do you know of anything better? http://www.consumerlab.com/ It does look interesting. We always wonder if we are getting the benefits we are supposed to be getting when we buy. I read Dr. Alexander Weil's "Daily Tips". I've followed him over the years --since the 70's--and I think that, despite his superstar status now, and the fact that he has his own line of some vitamins and supplements, he's reliable. In one or two instances he has recommended the brand Nature's Way for this or that supplement. So I'd be inclined to think he has checked out that company and I wouldn't hesitate to buy Nature's Way. As fo...
by Tony
Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: new online application service for Medicare
Replies: 9
Views: 1480

dbr wrote:So, it is all true. Simple on-line application and within 48 hours a phone call from SS to finalize the application - done. The rep identified himself as working only on internet apps with a performance target of competing application processing within one or two days. Issuance of actual Medicare card can be up to a month, however.

This is for Medicare election without initiating retirement benefits using the new online service.
That's good news!

When I applied a few years ago, I had to show a birth certificate (or was it a passport?). How is SS handling that?
by Tony
Tue Mar 23, 2010 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: new online application service for Medicare
Replies: 9
Views: 1480

Re: new online application service for Medicare

bob u. wrote:I just received the following notice via e-mail.

http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/patty ... ast-pr.htm

Note the the number of eligible applicants who are delaying taking Social Security. Bob U.
I can't get the link to load?
by Tony
Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car insurance cancelled--suspended for too long?
Replies: 11
Views: 3183

Getting back to you, Frugal

I don't understand why they would cancel his policy. Typically when you 'suspend' your policy you are actually suspending everything except for comprehensive so the vehicle is still covered for theft as well as damage that could occur while it's parked. You are still paying for the comprehensive although the cost may be covered for some period of time by the premiums on the 'canceled' portions of the policy. Has he spoken to his agent about this? Is he suspending all coverage including comprehensive? I'd be very interested to hear what the explanation is. I also have State Farm and typically 'suspend' the coverage on one of my two cars every winter. He spoke to the agent. She said they would possibly have been able to overlook a suspension...
by Tony
Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car insurance cancelled--suspended for too long?
Replies: 11
Views: 3183

He may want to look into what the total cost of ownership is on a per month basis vs. taking a short term lease whenever he is back. His car's an old one, so it wouldn't be a better deal to lease. If someone drives his car while he's gone, he needs to have it insured at all times. If it's just being stored and he's every been in the military, I hear USAA will accommodate multiple suspensions. No one drives it. It's just sitting in the garage. Good thought about USAA. Has he spoken to his agent about this? Is he suspending all coverage including comprehensive? I'd be very interested to hear what the explanation is. I also have State Farm and typically 'suspend' the coverage on one of my two cars every winter. This last time I think he did s...
by Tony
Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car insurance cancelled--suspended for too long?
Replies: 11
Views: 3183

Car insurance cancelled--suspended for too long?

My brother has spent 8 or 9 months a year in Europe for the last few years. He suspends his State Farm insurance, then reinstates it as soon as he gets back. But now State Farm is threatening to cancel his policy, saying he can no longer suspend coverage for such a long time. He can keep the policy in force if he wants to pay for insurance when he's not there.

What do you think? Should he: Reduce the coverage to the absolute minimum required by State law and pay it? Try to find an insurance company that would be willing to agree to suspend? Or?

My impression and his is that it's hard to get insurance if a company cancels your policy.

Thank you,
by Tony
Wed Jan 20, 2010 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Firefox & 2009 Vanguard Tax Forms
Replies: 87
Views: 14682

Re: Still doesn't work!

LK23 wrote:I tried opening Safari in 32 bit and it still would not open the TaxFormServlet on my 2009 MacBook Pro. Any suggestions?
I'd probably go back and make sure I'd followed the instructions at the link exactly. That's often the source of problems I have.

Good luck.
by Tony
Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Firefox & 2009 Vanguard Tax Forms
Replies: 87
Views: 14682

RustyShackleford wrote:
verbose wrote:Here's the real workaround:

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/509/cpsid_50983.html

I tried this. It works on my iMac that's running 64-bit Safari.
Worked like a charm, thanks.
Aha! It worked on my 2009 MacBook Pro too. Thanks verbose! And Rusty, too, for hanging in.

As usual, Diehards are amazingly helpful people.
by Tony
Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Classical music suggestions
Replies: 73
Views: 10119

Petrocelli wrote:Glenn Gould playing Bach's Goldberg Variations.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 899995423#
That is wonderful. Have you heard Kurt Rodarmer's guitar transcription? Incredible also. There's a little on YouTube, but it's not that great. Have to listen to the Sony CD. Worth it!
by Tony
Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Forgot to file 8606, now what?
Replies: 20
Views: 10988

Is there any way I can check on whether I've filed 8606's in previous years??
by Tony
Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wisconsin Bogleheads or others on Medicare
Replies: 5
Views: 1613

An experience with an Advantage plan

I'm on regular Medicare with a Medigap policy (Mutual of Omaha). I went down to the local supermarket pharmacy to get a flu shot as soon as they became available.

In front of me in line was an older couple also there for shots. They were upset because they'd come from another pharmacy, only to be told, after a long wait, that their Medicare Advantage plan wouldn't pay that pharmacy.

We waited and waited and finally the pharmacy found out that the Medicare Advantage plan wouldn't cover there either. I really felt sorry for them as they walked out, not knowing where to go next.

I was next up, and it took about 5 minutes to process my Medicare card and give me the shot.
by Tony
Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SEP or not? what are the factors?
Replies: 3
Views: 985

I know we don't have to fund it. I'm wondering whether it would make sense to. It seems like it would take quite awhile to make up for that 10% that would have to be paid toward the employees' contribution.

I wonder what other people would do in a similar situation and how they would go about thinking about it. Is there anything else I should be taking into consideration?

Thanks!
by Tony
Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage Lost My $60K Roth Account!
Replies: 225
Views: 52383

Yes this really is scary. I've left the driving up to Vanguard--not checking to make sure my accounts were what they should be. I see now that I shouldn't have... Too many people in this thread have already mentioned having had problems with Vanguard for me to feel safe in the future.

I wonder if those problems would eventually have been corrected by Vanguard without the intervention of the account holder?? At the very least, in Vanguard's year end accounting, wouldn't they have noticed any discrepancies?

I'm going to change my preferences to receive more paper--. Actually I would like to have both the email and paper, but I see that's not an option.
by Tony
Sat Jan 09, 2010 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I just drop Medicare Part D?
Replies: 25
Views: 6074

I share all of those concerns. I actually don't use any meds right now, but have been buying First Health, just in case. It's the cheapest I could find. I have no way of knowing whether it would help me if I ever need meds--would I discover that the particular meds I needed weren't covered by the plan?? I know there is a penalty for dropping coverage. I believe it is 1%/month for every month you don't have coverage and that 1% is based on an average of the costs of all plans (or something like that--I've forgotten the details right now.) I've wondered if I could drop out now and at least still get credit for the years I've already paid in? I've emailed one of the Medicare information sites in the past, but no response... This is an interest...
by Tony
Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SEP or not? what are the factors?
Replies: 3
Views: 985

SEP or not? what are the factors?

The question is whether it is worthwhile to contribute to a SEP for 2009. What are the factors to consider? Here's the situation ( This is complex, and I hope I'm explaining it clearly.): Several partners own unequal shares of a business. There are also 4 very part time staff (2 of whom are also partners). The annual income rises and falls but the employees put in about the same amount of time. The question is: when does it make financial sense from the partners' standpoint for the business to contribute to a SEP? Some years it's very clear that it would be advantageous to contribute to a SEP for all of the partners because the business made a lot of money relative to the employee wages. But some years, income is so low relative to wages th...
by Tony
Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Building an estate - How important to you?
Replies: 41
Views: 5756

My desire to have money to pass on does not influence my financial decisions. I'm concerned about having enough to make it ourselves.

We don't have any children and other family members can make it nicely on their own. We do have some friends we'd like to help out though. We're helping them as much as we can now, but if we happen to have much more to leave them when we die, I'd be happy about that. (?!) I came to this realization that I'd like to leave money to friends who need money because I've noticed how important it's been to us over the years that others have helped us. Most people focus on leaving money only to immediate relatives or charitable institutions, not to other people they know.
by Tony
Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BBC [really The Guardian] book dare
Replies: 74
Views: 10464

51 - but I've been realizing that I don't read very slowly and carefully, so I often don't remember much about a book after I've finished it. That's going to change in 2010: a New Year's Resolution.

Moby Dick is next up: I last read that in college and I keep hearing that it's a great book. It didn't seem so to me at the time.
by Tony
Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book ever?
Replies: 109
Views: 16725

It's hard to choose. But right off the top, here are a couple I like a lot:

Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley
Empire of the Sun by JG Ballard
by Tony
Thu Dec 17, 2009 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any musicians?
Replies: 44
Views: 7589

I've played piano, cello, classical guitar, electric bass and now organ. I've played electric bass in a blues band and organ in an R&B band. Now just playing at home and the two of us are working on recording.

If I stop playing for awhile, eventually I find myself picking up some instrument or other.
by Tony
Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Living Trust/Q-Tip - Any Advice?
Replies: 17
Views: 3001

OK, John, thanks. I always know your comments are worth gold! on these topics..