Search found 865 matches

by AllMostThere
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 Plan
Replies: 9
Views: 459

Re: 529 Plan

As others have suggested, use the Virginia529 plan as it will provide you with the state income deduction of $4K per year. Don't mess around with other plans as the Virginia529 has pretty low fees. Clark Howard has a pretty good 529 guide where he ranks the plans based upon fees. Virginia529 is considered "honor roll" plan with fees <0.4%. Another avenue that has little effort is the Fidelity 529 CC where 2% of charges are deposited into the the low-cost Fidelity 529 (Use low-cost index funds when invested). We have been doing this method for past +20 years and accumulated ~ $35K of low hanging fruit 529 monies. Child No.1 used it for her year 1 college costs in 2020/21, and Child No.2 is now the beneficiary with plan to use for h...
by AllMostThere
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity 1099 error? Federal Farm Credit Bonds
Replies: 7
Views: 861

Re: Fidelity 1099 error? Federal Farm Credit Bonds

Wow. I too have used and still use Agency Bonds as they are Michigan State Tax Free also. I was unaware of this issue. In looking at my 1099-INT from Fido I also noticed that while the Tresure Bond Interest is deducted from my State Income, the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) &
Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB) bond interest is NOT! This is not an insignificant issue. There must be a manual way to manipulate this within Turbo Tax. I have ~ $3K in Agency interest so this is not minor. I plan to dig into the TT help sections before I hit submit. :confused :shock:
by AllMostThere
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New insights on safe and perpetual withdrawal rates
Replies: 59
Views: 6025

Re: New insights on safe and perpetual withdrawal rates

I like the thought process of "Perpetual" withdrawals. DW & I are at a 60/40 allocation which I consider to be a "Perpetual" money machine. If you don't like that then maybe it's an "Army of Little Green Men" keeping me safe. :twisted:
by AllMostThere
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone former RV'ers happy with Tesla Camping?
Replies: 8
Views: 2432

Re: Anyone former RV'ers happy with Tesla Camping?

You are suggesting car camping, so whether a Tesla or not is immaterial. Regardless, you will be cramped for space and limited on equipment capacity. Our family did tent camping for many years, but we also had a truck with rear cap to carry all the necessary camping equipment. Ton of work to pack, unpack, setup, breakdown and repack. I can't even imagine trying to do this in a Tesla. Maybe when I was 20-something and all I cared about was a cooler beer and plenty of ice. :beer
by AllMostThere
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 120
Views: 11129

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

For me: - Figure out a reasonable monthly budget (food, etc) and stick to it - "Pay yourself first" - put aside as much as you can in savings (or investing) so long as you can live off of the rest - Use your credit card as your every day expenses card, not your debit card...this helps built credit rating (as long as you pay it off each month) - Buy cars used. You save so much that way - PLAN your family and realize that kids cost a lot! It's great to want a family, but temper that with financial realities - These last few are strictly investing so don't tell on me 8-) : -- Dollar-cost averaging: do it. -- When young, invest aggressively (i.e. stocks vs bonds); in the long run it will literally pay off for you -- Maximize any matc...
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 16
Views: 1582

Re: funeral preparations

feehater wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:14 pm The article says to name a power of attorney so that they can write a check for the funeral after your death. Isn’t this incorrect? I thought my memory was that POAs expire upon death.
Yes, I too am under the impression the POA expires with the death of individual.
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4137

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

I help both my DD (22 yr old) and DS (18 yr old) with their Roth accounts at Fidelity. While we don't purchase VTI, we do buy the ITOT EFT. We then use the Fidelity Zero International Index Fund (FZILX) for the left-over dollars and pennies that cannot be used for whole EFT share purchase. We also use this strategy for the regular dividend and capital gains thrown off from ITOT. Last week, I just purchased $0.02 of FZILX in DD's account. :happy :beer
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15092

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

Hopefully, similar to brokerage fees, this will be a race to the bottom on real estate sales fees all to the benefit of customers. Time will tell how this shakes out. Okay, they agreed to pay a penalty. Where is this money going? Any chance for recent home sellers & buyers to receive a partial refund of fees? Having sold several properties in past few years, one can only hope.... :twisted: :beer
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “Bellys” on sewer scope for new house
Replies: 41
Views: 2351

Re: HVAC 30 years old on house under contract

Yes, 30 years is old for a mechanical appliance. Nothing wrong with asking for something after the inspection. Maybe half or something in between. Risk is that seller may tell you to pound sand for funds on a mechanical that actually works. When we sold our starter home many years ago, we had a buyer that wanted a new hot water heater after the inspection. It was 10 years old and still produced hot water without issue or leaks. While we fixed true safety concerns (dryer electrical needed conduit and garage roof missing some shingles), we told the buyers to go pound sand on the hot water heater and we would move on. Sometimes nick picking is too much.
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 32
Views: 2357

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

bluebolt wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:35 am
AllMostThere wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:37 am I ditched a perfectly good iWatch for couple reasons - 1) Needed nightly charging, 2) No sleep data as it was on cradle charging
What generation Apple Watch did you have? The newer ones (Series 7 and later) have fast charging and go from 10-80% or so in about 30 minutes and to 100% in under an hour. I place on the charger when I wake up and it's charged by the time I'm ready.
Yeah, it was an old Series 2. Issue for me is I'm still rocking an iPhone 7 that is a daily struggle with memory full, so any upgrade will be cost of new iPhone plus new iWatch. Easily $1K expenditure to stay in the Apple ecosystem.... :shock:
by AllMostThere
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I will need a new car or repair one
Replies: 46
Views: 1926

Re: I will need a new car or repair one

CLKGTR wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:14 pm I have one of those premium german SUVs that is starting to break down.....
Enough said. Sell it. Money drain on repairs will be never ending on this over engineered German car. Parts and labor will be crushing. Sell it and get the Toyota or even Lexus of your dreams. :beer
by AllMostThere
Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 32
Views: 2357

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

I ditched a perfectly good iWatch for couple reasons - 1) Needed nightly charging, 2) No sleep data as it was on cradle charging, 3) Wanted to exit the expensive Apple ecosystem. I got a Garmin Instinct 2 as it addressed all three reasons above. I'm not really impressed with the Garmin product. While it does hold a charge extra-long (20-30 days), I don't wear it at night as I find I don't like to wear a watch while sleeping. I also find the alerts to be nearly impossible to read. I may actually find myself going back to a iWatch as I find the feedback to be more useful and easier to read. :oops:
by AllMostThere
Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?

JohnG2000 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:44 pm Ours is still "In Review" , anyone here who had their FAFSA in 'In Review" status, got it eventually "processed" yet ?
Well today is March 15th, so basically mid-March and we still have two FAFSA applications "in review". Based upon how terrible this new process was rolled out, I really wasn't holding my breath that anything would change come the 15th. Waiting game continues. :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights
Replies: 29
Views: 2179

Re: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights

Don't play their game. As they cancelled the flights, demand a full refund (not credit) per DOT guidelines. Let them know you will be filing a "consumer complaint" with the DOT should they continue this garbage. Things will move once a complaint is filed. Do it today!!! :beer
by AllMostThere
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ooma Phone Service
Replies: 40
Views: 3435

Re: Ooma Phone Service

We've had Ooma so long I've lost count of years. Maybe 8 or 10 years..... :confused
Zero issues with service, quality nor any voice lag. We are on our 2nd Ooma router, which we purchased from Costco ~ 4 years ago (Teleo Air).
We do not subscribe to the premier service as I do not see the value in it $10/month. We only have the basic service which comes out to ~ $6/mo which is just taxes and some additional service fees. I recommend Ooma to friends often. :beer
by AllMostThere
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster
Replies: 170
Views: 15853

Re: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster

Yeah, I had an allocation of EM many years ago. I grew tired of all the ups and downs. I realized that the slice and dice of my allocation wasn't worth it, so I dumped EM and while I was at it I also dumped REIT's. Have never looked back and glad I did. IMO, not worth it. :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Negotiating Full Size SUV
Replies: 23
Views: 3575

Re: Negotiating Full Size SUV

I am also looking for full size SUV - Tahoe. I am not finding anything below sticker price right now. Better than last couple years where I was seeing multiple thousands over sticker price. I am seeing some price movement and incentives on full size trucks right now, so I am hoping to see the full-size SUV's to follow suit soon. I will continue to wait out the storm.... :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Sat Mar 02, 2024 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbotax and Mega Backdoor Roths
Replies: 8
Views: 540

Re: Turbotax and Mega Backdoor Roths

I had same problem when I was doing Mega BD Roths. TT help forum had a help section that addressed this. Basically, you manually break the single 1099 into two as if you received two - 1 for the Roth rollover and 1 for the tIRA rollover. End result is zero tax due.

Edit - looks like Duckie beat me to the punch. He is correct and this aligns with already proven methodology to address this. :beer

Edit Edit - I had same question several years ago. See: viewtopic.php?p=4374778&hilit=turbotax#p4374778
by AllMostThere
Wed Feb 28, 2024 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]
Replies: 603
Views: 89374

Re: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]

^ I just checked and two of mine are also gone: water/sewer and, the big one, property tax. :( What's left is only our gas/electric. But even for that one, if I search for the company, it doesn't show up. I'll find out in a few weeks if I can still pay that remaining bill, but the value will be minimal, in any case. The credit card fee to pay it directly is not too bad. I'm probably only netting about 1% extra on it by paying through paypal. Ditto for me. City water and property tax are no longer listed. :annoyed Gas company is still there, and the only left for me, so I paid that. It was good while it lasted..... March 2nd Edit: Seeing all the comments on some utilities being removed. My gas company, which I paid on Feb 29th, is now gone....
by AllMostThere
Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jeep Grand Cherokee problem with starting and quits
Replies: 11
Views: 1701

Re: Jeep Grand Cherokee problem with starting and quits

I second the recommendations related to battery investigation. I had an older Jeep GC I got from my DM when she passed away. After sitting awhile, it would only start and run ~ 5 seconds before dying. I received many backyard mechanic recommendations from friends ranging from engine controller bad to injectors bad. Ultimately, I was determined to get'r fixed and spent a weekend digging in. I found the positive battery connector was cracked making a poor connection to the battery. Battery was also in bad shape and wouldn't hold a charge. I was able to replace the battery connector myself ~ $10 and got the battery replaced by Costco under warranty. After these changes, it would start and stay running. Who knew?? :confused :oops:
by AllMostThere
Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2313

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

Nothing wrong with using the pressure treated 5/4 boards as they are very economical and last if installed and maintained correctly. I have used for multiple decks over the years. In my experience, when selecting boards at the bog box store look for boards that are not warped horizontally as this will only get worse after installation. Some very light warping left or right over length (in one direction, not both) is acceptable as this can be bent back into shape when screwing boards down. The less knots the better. Use 2X deck screws on every cross member (assume 16 inches on center) over the length of the board. Pre-drill holes prior to screw installation. As the boards will be somewhat damp, they will shrink a lot in width as they age ove...
by AllMostThere
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1098-T form / Do I pay taxes on my daughter's scholarships?
Replies: 58
Views: 14560

Re: 1098-T form / Do I pay taxes on my daughter's scholarships?

Bumping and following with interest as this may be applicable to my family this year with two kids in college.
by AllMostThere
Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Warning - TurboTax Form 8283 Issue
Replies: 9
Views: 1878

Re: Warning - TurboTax Form 8283 Issue

invest4 wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:38 am I don't recall any year where bugs were not present with updates following. As a result, I don't get too frisky trying to file early as I try to avoid a redo.

Best wishes.
Exactly. Seems like the TT software updates are nearly daily. I usually wait until mid-March to file to allow as many updates as possible. Plus, I like to procrastinate :shock: :oops:
by AllMostThere
Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Edward Jones New Low
Replies: 110
Views: 19830

Re: Edward Jones New Low

Not sure how I missed this post from many months ago. All I can say is OMG and I'm sorry you and sister had to go through this with ordeal with EJ. After reading this I can truly agree that they are the epitome of classless thieves :twisted: . You're a good brother and did a great job on getting the FINRA and SEC involved. BH's need to keep this post handy for the next poor person who posts "should I stay with my Edward Jones Financial Advisor?" :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
by AllMostThere
Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contributing to 2023 Roth IRA with no 2023 income
Replies: 35
Views: 2935

Re: Contributing to 2023 Roth IRA with no 2023 income

18 years old and thinking about Roth investing. You are awesome and on the right track. Unfortunately, without "earned" income in 2023 you cannot contribute to a Roth for tax year 2023. Good news is the 2024 Roth contribution limit is $7,000, so be prepared to invest this amount for 2024 contribution (assuming you have at least gross $7K earned income). Continue with this mindset of saving as much as possible by paying yourself first, investing in low-cost index funds, avoiding consumer debt, don't keep up with the Jones's and living a frugal life through "intentional" and planned spending you will be setting yourself up to a future of prosperity (see my signature tag line). While not a huge fan of Dave Ramsey I do like ...
by AllMostThere
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you buy a mattress?
Replies: 47
Views: 3748

Re: How do you buy a mattress?

Costco's return policy is your friend here. Buy the size of your choice using the best reviews. Try it & keep or try it & return.
by AllMostThere
Wed Feb 07, 2024 5:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?

..... 1) If you have modest* assets, look in to managing your AGI down to 175% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Level to get automatic full PELLs for the 2026-2027 college year. (*If I take another deep dive in to FAFSA materials I'll come back and revise "modest assets" to something more precise:).) ETA: Another possible reason to manage AGI downwards to the 175% of Federal Poverty Level zone is that it positions you nicely to get free or near free ACA/Obama Care/Health Exchange insurance while your kids are in college (if you don't have an employer/ group plan, of course). ...... I believe assets are not included in calculations of SAI if you can get AGI below 175% of FPL. So level of assets wouldn't matter, at all, if you are eligi...
by AllMostThere
Mon Feb 05, 2024 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?

Fasfa status is still "in review" as of today. Noticed that the update went from "We'll share their FAFSA information with their selected schools starting end of January" to now saying "We’ll share their FAFSA information with their selected schools starting in the first half of March". Looks like another 6 weeks of waiting..... :oops: Looks like additional the delay was result of needing to update SAI calculations to include inflation effect. "Additionally, the Department has updated the supporting tables used in the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation—which replaced the Expected Family Contribution formula—that account for inflation." https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-an...
by AllMostThere
Sun Feb 04, 2024 3:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rob Berger interviews Mike Piper
Replies: 46
Views: 5905

Re: Rob Berger interviews Mike Piper

Great video. I really like how Rob actually pulls up Mike's SS tool and applies input examples. This tool is so simple to use. In my case the tool gave me a result that I really never thought about. We were both planning on taking SS @ 70 yrs. old to get the max yearly payout, but the tool output is telling me that spouse 1 should file @ 62 yrs. 1 month and spouse 2 should file @ 70 yrs. This strategy gives us the highest present value.
Awesome tool !!! :moneybag :moneybag :moneybag :beer :beer :beer
by AllMostThere
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?
Replies: 100
Views: 10096

Re: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?

kinaokole wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:04 am Rock climbing is great for strength, balance, and flexibility. It’s good problem-solving, too. I like hiking/scrambling for more balance and cardiovascular fitness.

I also recommend moving somewhere with weather that allows outdoor activity year-round.
I had a college roommate who was a rock climber. He was in excellent physical condition. Only issue I have with this path is that I am deathly afraid of heights to the point I won't even go on my roof. :shock: :shock: :D I much rather like your recommendation for a warmer climate as we have been thinking about that one. :beer
by AllMostThere
Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?
Replies: 100
Views: 10096

Re: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?

I have been thinking about the same type of post for a while now, so timing and topic is spot on. Interesting list of different healthy options provided by the BH forum. The winter months have put a hamper on my step counts so looking forward to better weather. While I will get my steps and miles on my e-bike, I am curious what are others are doing to improve their flexibility and balance. DW & I have been thinking that some Yoga introduction will help with this aspect. Are there any free on-line classes for beginners that we can explore? Keep up with the great healthy lifestyle recommendations. :beer
by AllMostThere
Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P 500 Closes at Record High
Replies: 203
Views: 26149

Re: S&P 500 Closes at Record High

I am firm believer of stay the course and time in the market is more important than timing the market. I have a cousin who, at the advice of his "guy", has stayed out of the market for years waiting for a correction. He still believes his Index Annuities from his "guy" are keeping him in the market :oops:
by AllMostThere
Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you retire when you love your work?
Replies: 163
Views: 12994

Re: How do you retire when you love your work?

To each their own. If you love your work, then continue on. I recall +20 years ago going to one of those Success Conventions with a prior boss and hearing Zig Ziglar speak. He hit the nail on the head for me. I paraphrase what he said - "You work not for the love of the job, but for those you love". This small sentence helped me change my work-life paradigm and allowed me to retire early without remorse. I have spent 3 wonderful years with my family and have not looked back.
by AllMostThere
Sat Jan 27, 2024 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advise me on mediocre 401k options
Replies: 8
Views: 719

Re: Advise me on mediocre 401k options

Calling this 401k "mediocre" is polite. I would be using more descriptive language. These funds and their ER's, and 12b-1 fees are large. Do the "A" class funds really charge you a sales load to get in? If me, I would do the following:

- Continue using T. Rowe Price Retirement 2055 R (RRTVX) or even Alger Capital Appreciation Trust (ALARX)
- Invest in 401k minimum to get the max employer match, then
- Open Roth IRA and invest max in a low cost Market Index Fund (Fidelity, Vanguard or Schwab), then
- Do you have access to HSA? If so, invest max and keep invested in market index fund. Fidelity is best option for this.
- Only then continue maxing the 401k

Good luck. :beer
by AllMostThere
Fri Jan 26, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New FAFSA has a $1.8B mistake - NPR
Replies: 7
Views: 1070

Re: New FAFSA has a $1.8B mistake - NPR

OMG! Let's see - 3 months late, slow rolled implementation and they forgot to include inflation in their calculations!!!! :oops:
If this were in the private sector, every individual on this project would be unemployed. While I have two kids in college in the fall, due to my BH assets, this major screw up probably won't affect me. I feel bad for those who it will. Total incompetence and unacceptable. :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Visa - not worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 4317

Re: Costco Visa - not worth it?

foamypirate wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:26 pm
lakpr wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:11 pm I believe the bold portion's days are numbered. Costco is rolling out first as a test in limited locations, with plans to rollout nationwide, to scan the membership cards barcode and compare the photo of the holder with the person carrying it. Costco Visa does not have that barcode, it will be reduced to a payment method only.

Apparently to cutdown on "membership sharing"
My Costco Visa card has both a barcode and my membership photo on it, for what it's worth. It was issued in 2021.
Agreed. Not sure what lakpr is referencing. My Costco Visa also has my picture, barcode and membership number. I don't even carry my regular membership card.
by AllMostThere
Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:53 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 41946

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Congratulations Taylor on 100th Birthday. Just one of the many accomplishments to a full and bountiful life that few can only dream. Your expertise here on this forum is appreciated and allows us all to strive for the "dream". You are appreciated and loved by all. Cheers to you to this year and advance cheers for 101st! :beer
by AllMostThere
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Agency Bonds - How Often Have They Been Called?
Replies: 5
Views: 749

Re: Agency Bonds - How Often Have They Been Called?

Over the past 2 years I have purchased several Agency Bonds. Every one of them have been called. I usually collect one or two coupons before they are called. I just use the funds to buy another Agency Bond (at auction, not secondary market) when I like the rate. No particular reason, but I like the Farm Bonds. I have one this week @ 5.98% that is being called this week. :oops:
by AllMostThere
Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Visa - not worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 4317

Re: Costco Visa - not worth it?

Since CitiCosto card dropped extended warranty & travel insurance, it lost some luster for me. I primary use it for 3% Restaurant/Travel and 4% gas rewards. I use my Fidelity card for all in-house Costco purchases. This year our reward will be ~ $675. Big amount, yes, but the annual delivery of reward is a major drawback and can easily be replicated elsewhere. Being that Fidelity has now added no international fees as a benefit, the Costco card is even more dull in my eyes. I think I will be looking for a replacement card this year.
by AllMostThere
Sun Jan 21, 2024 2:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110286

Re: 3% IRA transfer bonus at Robinhood: Worth it?

MikeZ wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:50 pm On one hand this is very tempting, on the other, over 5 years a 3% bonus almost seems like noise.
You hit the nail on the head here. Juice not worth the 5-year squeeze. No way I would let a fintech keep my money this long. Maybe I'm wrong, but I cannot recall one single fintech that worked out superiorly for customers. No free lunch here. :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10421

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

edge wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 3:55 pm ...... Life expectancy is short for this spectrum of humanity. You can probably wait them out.....
This is probably the best advice of all provided. I would add to keep you head low, engage only when engaged, be friendly but not friends.
by AllMostThere
Fri Jan 19, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: Have you completed the revised FAFSA for 2024-2025?

Once I was finally able to access the new form, the application process went smoothly. The status of our application has been "in review" for over 10 days now, and I understand that all applications will be "in review" until the end of January. And whenever I check the status of the application, I have to confirm my contact info (which I do.) I then get an email telling me that my FSA ID information was changed, although there were no changes. No big deal, but a little annoying. Dan Same here with two FAFSA's "in review" since Jan 7th. Trying to even use the Help Center links for information is an exercise in futility as everything just refers to last year process, etc. :oops: I have found that I can avoid con...
by AllMostThere
Wed Jan 17, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which loan should I put extra money toward?
Replies: 17
Views: 1450

Re: Which loan should I put extra money toward?

Get the HELOC out of your life!
by AllMostThere
Mon Jan 15, 2024 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lots of white exhaust smoke after oil change
Replies: 22
Views: 2827

Re: Lots of white exhaust smoke after oil change

Major tuneup: new spark plugs, etc..... Having replaced spark plugs on three vehicles in past year I have experienced "white" smoke for a period of time afterwards. I believe some of it was related to some burning off of the thread anti seize lube that may have made it's way into the cylinder upon installation. I also used Iridium Spark Plugs on all three which results in a improved ignition profile that allows your fuel to burn more efficiently. I believe some of the additional smoke was a result of long-term valve carbon build up burning off with the improved ignition. Over time with 1 or 2 weeks of daily driving, the smoke reduced and disappeared. I suggest you give it some more time to clear up. Maybe a good fuel system clean...
by AllMostThere
Mon Jan 15, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA Revisions Due to Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Replies: 74
Views: 11527

Re: FAFSA Revisions Due to Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

queenofthemadhouse wrote: Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:06 pm I have 3 in school as dependents next year. I was able to do the parent section for all 3 last week. I know one submitted hers and one had trouble with his. On his end it says I haven’t signed but on my end it says it was signed. We are giving it a few days to resolve before pursuing further.
I has same problem with both DS and DD. I had to sign and resign several times. Ultimately, I found that when we both logged out and then back in, it was resolved. New FAFSA is far from bug free. Both have been "in review" status since Jan 7th :annoyed
by AllMostThere
Mon Jan 15, 2024 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago Vacation
Replies: 56
Views: 4591

Re: Chicago Vacation

Before investing in the Chicago City Pass for your family of 4, I would recommend you investigate if you have a museum in your area or state that has free or reduced admission reciprocity as a member of Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program. If so, purchase your local museum family pass and you're good to go. This is exactly what we did for our family of 4 for multiple years. Our local museum family membership was <$100 / year and it got us into the following downtown Chicago museums for free all at a huge savings over paying full museum admission at the door. Adler Planetarium - Great for young kids with all the hands-on space exhibits. Field Museum - Great for young kids with all the dino's, etc. Museum of Scie...
by AllMostThere
Fri Jan 12, 2024 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?
Replies: 89
Views: 10478

Re: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?

I have a Bosch Series 500 (SHE55M15UC) going strong since Summer 2012. It is whisper quiet and gets the dishes clean so long as you use the right soap - Finish or high-end Cascade. I have had to perform one repair over this time. Front panel push buttons are integrated with pull handle, and it started to crack and break at the handle area after ~ 6 years. I obtained the replacement part from Amazon and made the repair myself. Not a real dissatisfier, but a couple of the dish racks are starting to breakdown after 12 years of daily use, so I'll be looking for replacements in the near future. Overall, due to its very low noise level when running and ability to get dishes clean, I will most likely replace with another Bosch DW when this one giv...
by AllMostThere
Mon Jan 08, 2024 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises
Replies: 7
Views: 1319

Re: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises

Looking for a lifetime trip this summer with DS after graduation from HS prior to shipping off to college. The Lindblad/Nat Geo expeditions look very interesting. I like the small ship size nature rather than the mega size impersonal cruise lines. I would consider myself a non-cruiser due to the size of ship and number of passengers, but prior to COVID, DW and I did a Viking Rhine Cruise and loved it! Only ~ 120 passengers and very intimate with meeting a few new people (not a lot) every night. I also liked that the excursions were included, and we really had to do nothing other than show up for departure. For those that used Alaska Lindbland, is this similar environment with <100 passengers? Also, being a smaller ship, is there any concern...