Search found 2020 matches

by FelixTheCat
Thu Aug 27, 2020 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Liability for 2nd mortage on deceased BIL's condo?
Replies: 15
Views: 1321

Re: Liability for 2nd mortage on deceased BIL's condo?

My wife's brother passed away in March w/o leaving a will. He never married, no children, leaving things in the hands of his 3 sisters. No will indicates to me that this will have to go through probate. Are the three sisters the only beneficiaries of the estate? What does your state law indicate? According to a very recent statement by the attorney hired by the sisters to assist with the dispensation of the estate, they (the sisters) are liable for the balance of the 2nd mortgage as the condo constitutes "personal property". How are the sisters liable for anything if they are not deeded on the property nor listed on the mortgage? The plan is get the condo cleaned up (in progress) and put it up on the market. Until then, the attor...
by FelixTheCat
Wed Aug 26, 2020 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Selection Advice Needed
Replies: 7
Views: 555

Re: Fund Selection Advice Needed

You can be a simple as a two fund portfolio. Total Stock Index fund and Total Bond Index fund.

Make sure you place the funds in the proper account for tax efficiency. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax-eff ... _placement

The purpose of Bogleheads is to educate you about your money to help you make informed decisions.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Aug 26, 2020 12:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Baskets vs. M1 Pies
Replies: 21
Views: 3979

Re: Fidelity Baskets vs. M1 Pies

+1 on M1. I wish the major brokerage firms had the pie concept and auto rebalancing.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Aug 25, 2020 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pursue Inheritance Asset or Let it Go?
Replies: 14
Views: 2315

Re: Pursue Inheritance Asset or Let it Go?

It should take about two months to get a list of assets, contact the appropriate people (attorney/accountant), and distribute the assets only to the heirs. Your novela doesn't indicate it should take any longer.

The problem I see is trustee #1 is dragging their feet.
by FelixTheCat
Mon Aug 24, 2020 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Funds that offer a monthly payment?
Replies: 27
Views: 3924

Re: Vanguard Funds that offer a monthly payment?

I use Vanguard's Total Corporate ETF (VTF) to supplement my income. The bond etf pays 3% monthly.
by FelixTheCat
Mon Aug 24, 2020 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you talk to your friends/family/coworkers about this stuff?
Replies: 210
Views: 20892

Re: Do you talk to your friends/family/coworkers about this stuff?

No. I made the mistake of telling a friend I paid off my home. He thought it was his job to tell me how to spend my money on things he wanted.
by FelixTheCat
Thu Aug 20, 2020 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 Age Based Plans AND the poor outlook for bonds
Replies: 17
Views: 1500

Re: 529 Age Based Plans AND the poor outlook for bonds

What's wrong with bonds? Vanguard Total Bond Market Index made 8.01% as of 7/31/2020.
by FelixTheCat
Thu Aug 20, 2020 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how often do you check your net worth?
Replies: 203
Views: 18921

Re: how often do you check your net worth?

I never check my net worth.

I will have to admit that I am a psychotic YNAB user for my checking/savings account. I'm talking severe stalking on my budgeting. :D
by FelixTheCat
Thu Aug 20, 2020 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 915

Re: Help with AA

AA is a very personal thing. You usually find out what you can handle when the market crashes.
Desired Asset allocation: 60%stocks 20%bonds
Did you mean 60/40? 60/40 is a decent AA with some risk.

Thimk losing 1/2 of your equities in a severe down market to get an idea of your tolerance.
by FelixTheCat
Thu Aug 20, 2020 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did any inheritance make positive effect on your life?
Replies: 229
Views: 23090

Re: Did any inheritance make positive effect on your life?

I know a few people that received around 250K and each one of them had a lot of short-term fun (new cars, boats, vacations).
by FelixTheCat
Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best financial gift to give a newborn child
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: Best financial gift to give a newborn child

I opened a brokerage account in my name. I have full control until I decide to distribute the money. My child doesn't know a thing.

I funded the account with an S&P 500 fund.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Aug 14, 2020 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Struggling with Spending
Replies: 79
Views: 9601

Re: Struggling with Spending

I classify my spending into Needs and Wants. I try to keep my spending allocation around 70/30.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this a sound Roth IRA strategy?
Replies: 10
Views: 904

Re: Is this a sound Roth IRA strategy?

My Roth will be the last account I use in retirement. No RMDs. I have S&P 500 in it.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone else hoarding cash right now?
Replies: 262
Views: 37746

Re: Anyone else hoarding cash right now?

I've been shoving money in Total Stock. Market came back nicely.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:55 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Best bond for non US investors? (formerly:VBTLX)
Replies: 28
Views: 3224

Re: VBTLX

Are you looking for funds for non-USA investors? https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Buildin ... _portfolio
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did you determine risk tolerance?
Replies: 106
Views: 8092

Re: How did you determine risk tolerance?

You lost 46% of your money this year. How did you react? Was it a "Buying Opportunity" or "The Sky is Falling" mentality. Risk tolerance simply allows you to sleep at night while you stay the course.

Personally, I can't handle big swings in my portfolio. I am 50/50.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 29, 2020 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long-term use of a donor-advised fund?
Replies: 23
Views: 1240

Re: Long-term use of a donor-advised fund?

I always plan on donating to charity. I currently have about 10 years of grant money in my DAF based on my current auto grant schedule.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 29, 2020 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me to select my 401K !!
Replies: 5
Views: 675

Re: Help me to select my 401K !!

Personally, I would go all iShares S&P 500 Index K WFSPX. I might change my mind if you let us know your risk tolerance, how much you need for retirement, etc.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 29, 2020 1:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Vanguard partners with Infosys for Defined Contribution recordkeeping]
Replies: 265
Views: 21843

Re: Bogle would not be doing this

The article is about "Infosys is replacing Vanguard’s aging mainframe-computer-based record-keeping system with a remote, cloud-based platform." Did you ever think their current workforce doesn't have the technical talent to complete the project at the rates Infosys is charging? Sound like a lower cost solution to me.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jul 28, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Morgan Stanley letter about a data breach in my "former Morgan Stanley account" when I've never had one
Replies: 30
Views: 4670

Re: Morgan Stanley letter about a data breach in my "former Morgan Stanley account" when I've never had one

I went to the Morgan Stanley website, specifically the "Purchase complex," and called the number shown there: "Complex: (914) 225-5510" Spent some quality time in the menu and eventually got "for other questions, press 5." Was treated reasonably. First person I talked to had me wait briefly on hold, then transferred me to another number. That person started by asking if I was a beneficiary--nope. He asked for the "redemption code" on the letter. I gave it to him. He said that all he could tell was that it seemed to be associated with an account I had closed in 2003. He said "That's so old I probably won't be able to pull it up," but he gave me the account number--without the institution!--a...
by FelixTheCat
Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possibly losing health insurance. Experiences with ACA
Replies: 57
Views: 5139

Re: Possibly losing health insurance. Experiences with ACA

My experience with ACA as shock. I found out ACA was $150 more a month than going to my local hospital group directly. The only thing I can think of is the higher paid people are subsidizing others. Shop around.
by FelixTheCat
Mon Jul 27, 2020 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS refund delay
Replies: 65
Views: 5861

Re: IRS refund delay

I spoke to the IRS regarding the delays. I was told they were shut down for 2 months and they are working on the backlog. My state refunded money promptly.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jul 24, 2020 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Morgan Stanley letter about a data breach in my "former Morgan Stanley account" when I've never had one
Replies: 30
Views: 4670

Re: Morgan Stanley letter about a data breach in my "former Morgan Stanley account" when I've never had one

wfrobinette wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 12:07 pm
FelixTheCat wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 11:58 am My letter referenced my account closed in 2016. I never had an account with Morgan Stanley.
Like the OP you probably had an account somewhere that was swallowed up by Morgan Stanley. Don't let the close date fool you. I still have empty 401k accounts several years old. I think they auto close them after a certain amount of time.
Maybe its my old Lending Club account. :-)
by FelixTheCat
Thu Jul 23, 2020 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Getting married! Questions...
Replies: 17
Views: 2606

Re: Getting married! Questions...

geekjock wrote: Thu Jul 23, 2020 1:10 pm My wife doesn't have a 401k because she is an independent contractor.
As an independent contractor you are both the employer and the employee. Independent contractors can have two 401Ks. For example, I have a Roth 401K for my employee contributions and a traditional 401K for my employer contributions.

https://investor.vanguard.com/small-bus ... -solo-401k
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jul 22, 2020 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pursue a Job Offer I am not ready for? Apply more pressure for my Raise? Wait?
Replies: 56
Views: 5043

Re: Pursue a Job Offer I am not ready for? Apply more pressure for my Raise? Wait?

Interview. If offered the job, tell them the promotion and salary increase start on the same day.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jul 14, 2020 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ever hide money from yourself?
Replies: 46
Views: 3719

Re: Ever hide money from yourself?

HawkeyePierce wrote: Tue Jul 14, 2020 11:16 am I occasionally lose a fiver under the couch. That's about it.
I never hide money. Once in a while I find a fiver under Hawkeye's couch.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jul 14, 2020 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Death of estranged parent
Replies: 54
Views: 7354

Re: Death of estranged parent

oldfort wrote: Tue Jul 14, 2020 12:31 pm any assets remaining after the payment of creditors, would normally pass to the children and be equally divided among them.
You don't have to worry about unsecured debt. For example, if Parent died with credit card debt then you don't have to pay it. I would check with your local state laws to see it this is valid in your state.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jul 10, 2020 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Food and health
Replies: 21
Views: 1815

Re: Food and health

ohboy! wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2020 10:51 am My health insurance is absurd. I can only imagine what it's like for those older. I'm paying $320 a month for the highest deductible plan available.
There is no cheaper option that I see. I'm in California. The only good thing about it is that it allows me to qualify for HSA. It's Kaiser no less.
I'm in California. Kaiser costs more money than Sharp Health Care. I'm 58 and pay $668 a month for health insurance that I only use for annual check ups. Your grass looks green to me. :D

I have some friends that use Medi-Share. It's not "insurance". It's a Christian Health Plan. In case you are interested https://mychristiancare.org/medi-share/
by FelixTheCat
Mon Jul 06, 2020 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: n/an/a
Replies: 15
Views: 1231

Re: Vanguard Solo 401k problem -- can't find answers

If you are no longer considered an employee, just roll over your 401K into an IRA.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jul 03, 2020 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do with all this MONEY ?
Replies: 201
Views: 24670

Re: What to do with all this MONEY ?

Rajsx wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 2:45 pm How do you feel about leaving inheritances ? I will be thankful of any thing I can learn from the Forum, thanks in advance
My feelings about inheritances depend on the child. I know hard working children that would do fine with an inheritance. Then there are the children who do absolutely nothing in life waiting for their inheritance.

Leave the kids something and donate some to charity. Hope this helps.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jul 03, 2020 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CALPERS taking on leverage: Is leverage becoming more mainstream?
Replies: 25
Views: 2180

Re: CALPERS taking on leverage: Is leverage becoming more mainstream?

I've never had a pension. How can CALPERS guarantee a 7% return based on their investments? Is it calculated or wishful thinking?
by FelixTheCat
Thu Jul 02, 2020 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Landlords: How are you doing this year?
Replies: 163
Views: 24345

Re: Landlords: How are you doing this year?

I own 1 rental. Tenant is paying on time. My only issue is getting the tenant to water the lawn.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: LQD Corporate Bond ETF
Replies: 6
Views: 743

Re: LQD Corporate Bond ETF

I will bet people are looking for yield because there's very low yield in the money markets.

LQD is the ETF analyst pick on ETF.com. It has a 2.22% 30 day SEC Yield.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 30, 2020 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your best Charity suggestion Please!
Replies: 22
Views: 1171

Re: Your best Charity suggestion Please!

Look at the High Impact Giving Guide https://www.impact.upenn.edu/toolkits/h ... ing-guide/ The guide has a lot of categories to help you narrow down your choices.

For example, Feeding America and Direct Relief has been advertised by the President and a lot of Corporations during the COVID-19 period. Both of the charities help a lot of people and they are on the guide.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Daf (donor-advised fund) strategies
Replies: 23
Views: 1930

Re: Daf (donor-advised fund) strategies

I fund my DAF based on how the market is doing. I trim a little off my taxable account and send it to my DAF during good years. I have about 9 years funded based on my auto scheduled grants.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 30, 2020 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switching from W2 to 1099 contractor. Seeking advice.
Replies: 43
Views: 2954

Re: Switching from W2 to 1099 contractor. Seeking advice.

I'm a independent contractor working 1099 from a former employer. I work as a sole proprietor. You must file estimated taxes quarterly. I used Turbo Taxes Self-Employed software to track miles, income and expenses. There's other software out there but TT Self employed is free for Turbo Tax users. Expenses are usually health insurance, cell phone and internet since I don't maintain a home office. I buy my own health insurance which is expensive. I have a Individual 401K for my employer contributions and a Roth 401K for my employee contributions. As a 1099 worker, you are the Employer and the Employee. So you get to fund two 401Ks for double the amount. Best benefit as a 1099 worker. I used Vanguard's individual 401K https://investor.vanguard...
by FelixTheCat
Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisors Services
Replies: 78
Views: 8181

Re: Vanguard Personal Advisors Services

oldcomputerguy wrote: Sun Jun 21, 2020 9:00 am Our experienced members should read: Please Do Not Bite the Newcomers
Thanks for the laugh. Love Thy Boglehead Neighbor.
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jun 19, 2020 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents in a tough situation for retirement
Replies: 117
Views: 15700

Re: Parents in a tough situation for retirement

I'll take a different route. Research all of the government programs that provide assistance. Find all of the local charities in your parents area: Food Banks, Meals on Wheels, Churches, Free Clinics, etc. Lastly, look at all of the utilities that offer assistance to low income individuals.

Maybe you can point them to Vanguard's digital advisor. https://investor.vanguard.com/financial ... al-advisor
by FelixTheCat
Fri Jun 19, 2020 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How often to contribute to Roth?
Replies: 38
Views: 2590

Re: How often to contribute to Roth?

I fund once. At the beginning of the year.
by FelixTheCat
Thu Jun 18, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Solo 401K Account Investment Planning
Replies: 15
Views: 851

Re: Solo 401K Account Investment Planning

paul1979 wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2020 11:24 am my advisor does not provide any solo 401k admin services including 5500, i do it myself with help from my CPA.
Why do you pay advisor fees? No services = No fees. I have a Vanguard Individual 401K and a Roth 401K. I pay zero fees.

To answer your investment question, You can go with the two-fund portfolio of VTI and BND. I don't know why Bogleheads recommend international when Mr. Bogle and Mr. Buffett both suggesting domestic only portfolio.
by FelixTheCat
Thu Jun 11, 2020 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investment selections for DAF
Replies: 10
Views: 583

Re: Investment selections for DAF

Archean wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 9:31 am We have done 50% stock index and 50% bond index
I am 50% stock index and 50% bond index. My grants are on auto grant. I rebalance about once a year.
by FelixTheCat
Wed Jun 10, 2020 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charitable Giving
Replies: 28
Views: 2544

Re: Charitable Giving

Here's an example site for Fidelity Charitable. You will find out it is very easy to use. https://www.demo-charitablegift.com/cgf ... ount-list/
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 09, 2020 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
Replies: 415
Views: 38707

Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?

I've lost 75 lbs in the last year with about that much more to go. So I was morbidly obese. I've lost 50+ lbs several times in the past and 100 lbs another time. I believe I am an expert at losing weight but obviously not at keeping it off. Right now I track everything I eat. I use WW which assigns a points value to food based on calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein. I also track calories. Similar to my financial life which is pretty good, I look at what I eat as a bank account. I am allotted so many points or calories and when I've used them, I've used them. I think the key to keeping the weight off is acknowledging and committing to doing this forever. I also believe that losing weight is ~90% what you eat and only ~10% related to ...
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any good monthly distribution equity ETFs?
Replies: 14
Views: 1330

Re: Any good monthly distribution equity ETFs?

I started looking at High Yield Equity ETFs https://www.etf.com/channels/high-dividend-yield Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has an 30 day SEC of 3.64%. Distributions are quarterly.
by FelixTheCat
Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I give a loan to my buddy to buy a boat?
Replies: 81
Views: 5889

Re: Can I give a loan to my buddy to buy a boat?

Too many red flags. Just say No.