Search found 865 matches
- 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...
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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...
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: funeral preparations
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1582
Re: funeral preparations
Yes, I too am under the impression the POA expires with the death of individual.
- 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.
- 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....
- 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.
- 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?
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....bluebolt wrote: ↑Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:35 amWhat 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.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
- 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
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.
- 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.
- 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?
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.
- 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!!!
- 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.....
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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....
- 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.
Edit Edit - I had same question several years ago. See: viewtopic.php?p=4374778&hilit=turbotax#p4374778
Edit - looks like Duckie beat me to the punch. He is correct and this aligns with already proven methodology to address this.
Edit Edit - I had same question several years ago. See: viewtopic.php?p=4374778&hilit=turbotax#p4374778
- 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....
- 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??
- 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...
- 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.
- 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
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
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 4:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Furniture - It's glued, right?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 7545
- 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 . 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?"
- 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 ...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 !!!
Awesome tool !!!
- 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?
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. I much rather like your recommendation for a warmer climate as we have been thinking about that one.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!!!!
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.
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.
- 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?
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.foamypirate wrote: ↑Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:26 pmMy Costco Visa card has both a barcode and my membership photo on it, for what it's worth. It was issued in 2021.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"
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 2:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco Auto Program - Recreational Vehicle
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1042
- 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?
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.
- Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
- Replies: 92
- Views: 10421
- 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...
- 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!
- 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...
- 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
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 7thqueenofthemadhouse 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...