Search found 630 matches

by TierArtz
Wed Mar 27, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cybertruck-anyone else get to try it on?
Replies: 51
Views: 3684

Re: Cybertruck-anyone else get to try it on?

I have two reserved and may buy one if reviews and access to chargers seem adequate for where I want to go. The first, $100, reservation was made almost three years ago. That was before becoming the owner of a Tesla (MY Long-range), which we have fallen in love with! The second, $250, reservation was made a few months ago within the account of our Model Y to see if "loyalists" get priority or not. A third-party website of unknown accuracy predicts I'll get the opportunity to buy a Cybertruck in November of 2024. Since I'm planning on buying a Model X Plaid as soon as rumored updates (especially a front bumper camera), become available, I'd rather not fork out another $100K (for a Cyberbeast) until 2025 or beyond - preferably when ...
by TierArtz
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 89
Views: 4078

Re: How many credit cards do you have

One joint Visa account through our only bank - DW and I each have a different number. Have had the same account for about 38 years.
Joint checking account in same bank; each of us has a debit card.

My employer has me use a company card, but that's not my choice.
by TierArtz
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maximize Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)?
Replies: 13
Views: 1143

Re: Maximize Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)?

That is exactly what I do. My ESPP withholding sometimes goes over the max; it just comes back via payroll. At tax time the unqualified disposition (selling before optimal tax treatment) takes a little care to be sure everything is entered correctly.

AFAIK maxing it out and selling ASAP is the BH-way to do it.
by TierArtz
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investments for 17 & 19 YO Children
Replies: 11
Views: 1334

Re: Investments for 17 & 19 YO Children

My suggestion assumes you will cover their transportation, education, and housing/food costs for the near term (while in HS and college). It is similar to what I am doing for my own kids. Use Fidelity. Use youth account for the 17 year old. Establish a two- or three-fund portfolio using all their stocks/cash (stocks at global market split; basically 60% US, and 40% exUS). Have all distributions/dividends sent to the core/settlement account. Teach them to invest the settlement account proceeds into whatever is lagging, relative to the predetermined AA. Tell them they can add to and spend from the core account, buy more stocks if they wish, but not sell mutual funds to spend. For my working eldest (18), I gave a maxed-out 2023 Roth IRA as abo...
by TierArtz
Fri Feb 16, 2024 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security -- What’s in Your Retirement Plan?
Replies: 47
Views: 3683

Re: Social Security -- What’s in Your Retirement Plan?

I'm 62 and planning on living a long time. Will claim at 70. Currently, retirement portfolio is at 50X not counting SS. Retirement class of 2026, maybe.
by TierArtz
Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free
Replies: 260
Views: 23330

Re: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free

About three years ago, I gained access to MBR, so I've been maxing after-tax contributions and, thus, am not really able to add to taxable (partially due to efforts not to be so frugal). Roth is already largest, so I'm pleased about that!

Current Deferred: Taxable: Tax Free (Roth) is: 26%, 31%, 42%
by TierArtz
Tue Feb 13, 2024 11:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8957

Re: Who is buying bonds?

I'm 62 and probably 2 years away from retirement. My target AA is 65% stocks and 35% bonds. My 401(k), TSP, and two NQDCPs are all 100% bonds. Unless the stock market declines a bunch, I'm putting all of my biweekly withholdings into Total Bond-like indexes or CITs to try to close the gap (currently about $60K). Just do what your plan/IPS/spreadsheet says to do :)
by TierArtz
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style
Replies: 64
Views: 7185

Re: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style

Save for what you want and purchase with cash. 14 years ago we bought a Toyota Sienna minivan with a 36 month loan. IIRC, it was paid off in a year. We could have paid cash, but I figured the $35K, or whatever, might yield more in index funds than the interest on the loan. I never looked back to see which would have been best. In 2023 we sold about $60K in VG index funds to pay cash for a Tesla Model Y, which resulted in $41.2K in long-term capital gains, which I think will cost me about $6.1K in income taxes. Interest on a loan may have been cheaper, but I'm maxed out by saving in tax advantaged accounts, so there's generally no free cash to invest in taxable or pay for a loan. I may buy another new car in 2024 (Tesla Model X Plaid) as the...
by TierArtz
Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Allocation - Global market
Replies: 32
Views: 2021

Re: Allocation - Global market

Global market ratio and chill.
by TierArtz
Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates
Replies: 55
Views: 4529

Re: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates

Well done, OP

I got too busy to closely estimate taxes during 2023. It was a very unique year (spouse got a job and Federal was not withheld, sold funds to buy a car, and unexpected good farm rent income). Still missing a K1 (and TurboTax has not released the form), but I am currently tracking toward owing about $20K more than was withheld and probably about a $600 penalty.

But, my portfolio made 15% last year; 15% of $20k is $3000, which makes paying a penalty less painful.
by TierArtz
Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
Replies: 113
Views: 9016

Re: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?

RE Assets: 27%
Other Assets: 73%
Total Assets: 100%

Mortgage Liabilities: 4% of home value; 0.72% of net worth
Other Liabilities: 0%
by TierArtz
Tue Jan 16, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA umbrella insurance increase, best options for lowering the premium?
Replies: 32
Views: 3696

Re: USAA umbrella insurance increase, best options for lowering the premium?

I pay about $2200/year for $4M from USAA. I think it has about doubled in the last couple of years, but we now have two fully licensed teenage drivers, a new Tesla, and a recreational property with a lake.
by TierArtz
Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 296
Views: 62491

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

If I knew how much my kids' college will cost I'd have a better idea. I'll be 63 when the first starts and maybe 72 when the last finishes.

Currently, I estimate I'll need 70K from my portfolio annually before SS (2.1%), and about 10K after SS.

Will probably be at about $5M when I retire. Don't how much I would have needed.
by TierArtz
Wed Oct 25, 2023 1:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to buy for 2nd car (purely commute)
Replies: 43
Views: 5175

Re: What to buy for 2nd car (purely commute)

If you can charge at home, get a Tesla.

Our 2023 Model Y LR (w/acceleration boost) has about 11K around town miles, with electricity for it averaging $55/month. It takes more than that to fill up one of our ICE vehicles once. Not bad for a car that can go 0-60 in 4.2 seconds.
by TierArtz
Wed Oct 25, 2023 12:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift recommendations - 18th birthday
Replies: 50
Views: 4678

Re: Gift recommendations - 18th birthday

Cash.

If he has earned income, a Roth IRA. My eldest just turned 18 and was given cash to open a Roth IRA invested 60:40 in US:exUS Fidelity index funds.

His own cash is 100% Tesla (about 10K worth) or MM to buy one of his own ASAP (not getting one from his parents). Trying to teach the BH way, vs concentrating in a high-flyer.
by TierArtz
Wed Oct 25, 2023 12:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does your significant other know about Bogleheads?
Replies: 97
Views: 10051

Re: Does your significant other know about Bogleheads?

Not really; I occasionally mention BH.

AFAIK, my spouse has never logged into one of our bank or investment accounts. I handle everything, possibly because my spouse finds finances boring and/or makes about 4% of the family income.
by TierArtz
Wed Sep 13, 2023 12:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you determine your "X"?
Replies: 52
Views: 6096

Re: How do you determine your "X"?

Not sure the OP needs one more response, but here's my approach: Keep very accurate and detailed records. I use Quicken and keep a "Retirement Budget" spreadsheet, which uses a thoughtfully adjusted 5 year average of about 50 known expenses or expense categories. The spreadsheet is broken into three sections: Recurring Set Bills; Other Spending Averages, and Expenses left out. Periodically, I'll query Quicken for the totals for the last 5 years, and transfer the results to my retirement budget Excel spreadsheet for division into yearly expenses. For the Recurring Set Bills, I'll often ignore the 5 year averages and input the latest yearly values to account for recent inflation. For most other spending averages, I just enter the 5-...
by TierArtz
Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with bond funds in Vanguard 529 account?
Replies: 15
Views: 1768

Re: What to do with bond funds in Vanguard 529 account?

I decided I'm probably not as smart as Vanguard when it comes to figuring out the "correct" AA for my kids' 529 accounts. Thus, I went with the Target Enrollment appropriate for their ages (Active Balanced). For my eldest two, the 2024/2025 Portfolio presently is roughly 20/47/33 (S/B/C), which seems plenty conservative to me.

It's simple and nobody knows what would be "best".
by TierArtz
Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is your total accumulation number, how did you come to it. No Judgements!
Replies: 404
Views: 77161

Re: What is your total accumulation number, how did you come to it. No Judgements!

I don't have a number, but I'm sure I passed it a few years ago. I enjoy my job and my spouse just went back to work full time (after an 18-year hiatus) and will likely make about $65K/year. I have not accounted for that yet. Based on Quicken output, we spend about $110K per year. That will probably go up when our 1st child starts college next year. I'm pondering retiring in 2025 while paying for 6 more years of college after that. All kiddos have 529s that might cover their total cost, depending on where they go. At retirement in 2025, I project I'll need about $63K/year from investments ($0 if spouse is still working), beyond my pension and rental income. If I assumed 3% withdrawal and no growth, 2.1 million would cover that. We'll likely...
by TierArtz
Tue Aug 01, 2023 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EV: Regular Outlet or Install 220v/50a?
Replies: 70
Views: 5370

Re: EV: Regular Outlet or Install 220v/50a?

We added a Tesla wall-charger to feed our Model Y. After a utility company rebate, the charger was about $250. A Tesla website-recommended electrician upgraded our garage electrical panel with 60 amp breakers to support the charger for something like $510. The "run" from the box was about 2 feet. We already had a 240v 24ish amp outlet in the garage by the 3rd stall. The wall charger gave us the flexibility to park an EV closer to the home's garage entryway. Best of all, the 11kW / 48 amp output of the wall charger can certainly get the vehicle from a low to the target state (85ish %) during super off-peak electric rates (11 pm to 5 am). Using a slower charge rate, I'd have to charge at a more expensive electricity rate some of the...
by TierArtz
Sat Jul 29, 2023 1:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much did you spend on your cars?
Replies: 96
Views: 9700

Re: How much did you spend on your cars?

We buy a vehicle only when we really need one. But, when we buy, we buy something nice and something we could pay cash for. In 2005 we bought a new Lexus GX470 and a new Prius. Those were roughly $50K from checking and $20K after trading in an Accord. Those were likely 6 months of DINK salary. We got the Lexus, because we were not yet ready for a minivan and the first baby was on the way. We bought the Prius because I spent hours in traffic commuting to downtown DC. In 2010 we bought a loaded Toyota Sienna for about $35K after trading in the Prius as the third baby was on the way. We took out a loan on it as I wanted to keep my invested dollars working - and made $114K in total gains that year. In 2023 we bought a Tesla Model Y (roughly $65...
by TierArtz
Fri Jul 28, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone Noticing Kids Getting Addicted to CashApp Trading
Replies: 74
Views: 7894

Re: Anyone Noticing Kids Getting Addicted to CashApp Trading

I'm definitely not going to sponsor/approve of my kids using CashApp. The eldest (17) has a job and has been saving an admirable portion of his income in a bank checking account and in a Fidelity Youth Account. At Fidelity, he's up to 13 shares of Tesla and has an equal value in the settlement fund Money Market. I'm thinking of setting up a Fidelity Youth Account for the rest of my children and help establish a Roth IRA for the working one after his 18th birthday. I'll put $3K into each kids account in a 3-Fund portfolio and let them watch how US, exUS, and bond fund values change over time. Would also show them how to reinvest dividends into the laggard.
by TierArtz
Thu Jul 20, 2023 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allocation when you live way, way below your means
Replies: 40
Views: 5048

Re: Allocation when you live way, way below your means

I think your 70/30 allocation is just fine. I've lived beneath my income for decades and have wondered what allocation is appropriate. My approach was to compute how much I'd need from my portfolio yearly (after pension and some rental income), extrapolated for inflation until my projected retirement in about three years. Let's say I need $60K per year. I opted to have 20 years uncovered expenses in fixed income, which would be $1.2M. Divide $1.2M by the total (or whatever your numbers would be) to get the fixed income percentage; everything else goes into equities. Using the above approach, I'm targeting 62/38 (but 60/40 would be just as good w/o the added work). I'll update my spending projections and likely factor Social Security in at 7...
by TierArtz
Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?
Replies: 449
Views: 96087

Re: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?

62/38 (36X/15X, after tax)

Early 60s
by TierArtz
Sun Jul 16, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing for Parent
Replies: 10
Views: 2145

Re: Investing for Parent

I suggest the OP invest the funds from his father's house IAW a predetermined plan. That's basically what my sibling and I did for our father before and after selling his vehicle, house, and holding an estate sale. His pension and SS have covered his senior-living facility expenses, LTC insurance, and taxes for the last 5 years; any extra funds flow into a taxable brokerage. Here's what we have set up: Money market checking account with about $10K for recurring bills; there have been no unexpected bills. Investments: 60% stocks and 40% fixed income, with $50K of that in a money market fund for will-designated heirs. Vanguard: IRA: 100% Total Bond Market, with dividends reinvested. Each year the RMD is taken and invested in his taxable broke...
by TierArtz
Thu Jul 13, 2023 2:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 raises [Salary]
Replies: 47
Views: 5944

Re: 2023 raises [Salary]

3.35%; not bad considering my last promotion was only 5%. Bonus for 2023 sucked due to business unit performance.

My local friends at Intel got a 5% pay cut, but that's being rolled back in October.
by TierArtz
Wed Jul 12, 2023 1:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For people with EVs what do you for road trips?
Replies: 122
Views: 11150

Re: For people with EVs what do you for road trips?

I've taken a Tesla Model Y LR on two 2K mile round-trip road trips in the SW and mid-west. We had to stay to the major interstates due to the availability of Superchargers. It worked great in the Spring and Summer, but I'd be worried if the weather was really cold (hinders range). The time to charge was a non-event. If not for charging a bit more than we needed to (range anxiety), stops would have averaged about 20 minutes. Having a break longer than an ICE vehicle fuel stop was pleasant; we'd go for a short walk, linger in a near-by shop, or watch You-Tube videos on the dash screen. EV trips will only get better as long as the installation of Tesla chargers (would not trust any other brand) keeps up with demand. FWIW, we never had to wait ...
by TierArtz
Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogleheads' Over 85 Equity Position
Replies: 64
Views: 9521

Re: Bogleheads' Over 85 Equity Position

My father is over 85 and I manage his VG investments (roughly 57K IRA and 770K taxable).

Because his expenses are low, a pension and SS more than cover them. RMDs and left-over cash are funneled into taxable.

His IRA is 100% BND and a 3-Fund (+MM) taxable portfolio is adjusted with distributions, any new cash, and sometimes cross-asset TLH to put him at 60/40 overall.

He's thankful that a life-time of relative frugality lets him not worry about finances in retirement and is clear that his investments are intended for his heirs.

I figure 60/40 adequately provides potential for growth, yet is conservative enough to maintain funds for nursing care if he ever needs it.
by TierArtz
Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Peolpe who have stuck with TBM how you dong?
Replies: 39
Views: 4102

Re: Peolpe who have stuck with TBM how you doing?

I think I am doing fine with TBM. I have not bothered to test whether a different fixed income offering would have served me better. TBM is diversified, good-enough for me, and comprises about 90% of my fixed income holdings (rest is MM and G-Fund).
by TierArtz
Tue May 30, 2023 1:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1577

Re: Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?

Many thanks to all who responded.

After a bit more research, it seems the UTMA can be supervised by a parent in my state up to age 21.

Irrespective of what type of account the court allows, I'll have to submit a yearly report until the child is 18.

@Grt2bOutdoors: I hate annuities with every fiber of my being, and the lawyer is not fond of them either. He is not a "finance guy", but has opined one is not really practical because of multiple insurance companies providing the settlement (long story I can't really share). The lawyer's fee is already determined and dealing with an annuity (structured settlement) would be the most work for him.
by TierArtz
Mon May 29, 2023 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1577

Re: Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?

Thanks, toddthebod!

No specific universities have been considered yet, but I can't think of a good argument for going to an expensive private university.
We do have two other kids with 529s funded monthly since birth. They will likely not need much extra money either. Being able to transfer between the three Vanguard accounts is an option to remember though. If the court opts for the 529 route for this child, I'll likely quit the monthly contributions to the one at Vanguard.

Not worried about this kid dropping out of college because of the available cash.
by TierArtz
Mon May 29, 2023 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1577

Minor child settlement award – 529/UTMA?

One of my children will soon receive a settlement award of approximately $250K. Our state’s rules on settlements for minors will allow a judge to approve one of the following (limited to applicable options): A 529 Account (Fidelity, custodial) A UTMA Account (Fidelity) A structured settlement The child will reach the age of majority and subsequently start college in 2025. Court approval is required for any expenditures until the age of majority, and none are anticipated. I do not get to make the choice, but may be able to influence the outcome during the final (hopefully) upcoming hearing. Thus, I’m hoping for advice from the BH on what’s the best option. If I had my way, a 3-Fund portfolio in a Fidelity Youth Account would be locked down b...
by TierArtz
Tue May 09, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMFXX [Money Market Fund Settlement Account] question
Replies: 3
Views: 782

Re: VMFXX [Money Market Fund Settlement Account] question

The $2000 coming from somewhere is not "fully settled" yet. But, VG will allow you to trade up to $7000. One could only withdraw $5000, or wait a day or two and withdraw $7000. Just the way the settlement fund delay affects the numbers.
by TierArtz
Tue May 02, 2023 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16202

Re: Tesla Model Y

Bought one in February. Did not test drive anything else. We have about 5K miles on it now, with half of that across the badlands/plains of New Mexico and West Texas. Supercharging went pretty quickly on the trip, provided a nice break, and averaged about 34 cents/kwh

Added a L2 charger to the garage. We pay roughly 7 cents/kwh at super off-peak and seem to be on-track for spending about $30 per/month on it's electricity. Overall, we've allegedly saved $536 so far charging vs buying gasoline

Happy customer so far!
by TierArtz
Sat Apr 29, 2023 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you been in your current house?
Replies: 148
Views: 12552

Re: How long have you been in your current house?

14 years in the current house; 10 working from home. It is not built very well, hard to care for, and on an acre of busy landscaping that is also hard to take care of. Then there's the pool..... Overall, it's an OK home, but the DW loves it. Given that, and 5 more years until the youngest graduates from high school, home shopping outside of the desert we live in is not happening.

Basically 20 years of military housing and rentals before here.

I could work from home anywhere FedEx delivers (or retire tomorrow); dreaming of someplace with a timber-frame or an ICF build, perhaps off-grid, or capable of being off grid, and nestled in pines with a couple of safe-rooms/bunkers.
by TierArtz
Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ten Years In Cash, Everything Else in the Market
Replies: 356
Views: 31923

Re: Ten Years In Cash, Everything Else in the Market

No; not crazy.

I set my AA via 15 years in fixed income (Total bond and MM) and everything else in the market (global stocks). Works out to 30% fixed income.

Good place in the SWAN to FOMO spectrum.
by TierArtz
Sat Apr 08, 2023 12:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Delaying My Car Delivery
Replies: 23
Views: 3802

Re: Tesla Delaying My Car Delivery

One more data point:

We ordered a 5-seat long-range Model Y with color and wheel upgrades on 04 February. Was told delivery would be in April or May. Subsequent app updates kept shortening the estimated delivery. We took delivery on 24 February and could have gotten it a couple of days earlier, but I waited to complete the wire from Vanguard to checking.

I think we got it about 4 days after they updated the app with our VIN

Very pleased with it so far.
by TierArtz
Tue Apr 04, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Odd Cent Amounts In Your Roth Settlement Fund. Does It Drive Anyone Else Insane?
Replies: 28
Views: 2449

Re: Odd Cent Amounts In Your Roth Settlement Fund. Does It Drive Anyone Else Insane?

It's a horrible downside to cash paying more than nothing :P

DW and I each have VG Total Stock Market and Total International Stock Market (VTSAX and VTIAX) in our Roth IRAs.

For allegedly optimal placement, I set dividends and CG for VTIAX to "Transfer to Settlement Fund". Thus, 4x per year, the settlement fund value changes and I try to purchase VTSAX ASAP with the VTIAX dividends and the pennies earned but left behind from the quarter before.

Presently have 5 cents in one and 6 in the other - a mix of odd and even :twisted:
by TierArtz
Sat Mar 18, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is the US facing major EV home charging problems?
Replies: 83
Views: 4992

Re: Is the US facing major EV home charging problems?

Was easy for us. Bought a Tesla Model Y in February. A Tesla-approved electrician (found on Tesla’s website under “charging”) installed a L2 Tesla wall charger (48A 240V) for $550 - right beside a panel in the garage of our 2004 era home). Signed up for the local EV plan with a super off peak rate. Now the car, dishwasher, dryer, and pool floor cleaner charge/operate at the lowest possible rate.
by TierArtz
Mon Mar 06, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Are you buying a car in 2023?]
Replies: 165
Views: 21955

Re: [Are you buying a car in 2023?]

Picked up a Tesla Model Y last week.

We needed a 3rd car now. Buying a Tesla Model Y for full price (don't qualify for the rebate) seemed like a "smarter" deal than buying a used car for about what somebody else paid for it 3.5 years ago. Ordering to delivery took about three weeks.
by TierArtz
Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial efficiency = Lifetime income to networth
Replies: 101
Views: 10697

Re: Financial efficiency = Lifetime income to networth

If lifetime SS income (from 16 to 62) is "X",
My total lifetime income for same ages is 1.88X
Net-worth, not counting inherited RE, is 1.62X
Dollars invested (not counting reinvestment) is .55X
Current portfolio (retirement and taxable) is 1.26X

DW's income (5% of joint total) helped contribute to Net Worth, dollars invested, and current portfolio.

Conclusion: Slow, steady, and simple works over a long time.
by TierArtz
Sun Mar 05, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?
Replies: 125
Views: 9264

Re: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?

Yes; I have to file in more than one state. Two main reasons I e-file:
- If the state's acceptance process suspects a mistake, I want to know about it right now, vs potentially weeks later.
- saves me the hassle of figuring out what printed forms each state wants and getting the postage correct.

This year, I did mail my child's first state form as it was very simple and $25 was too steep to get his $60 refund faster.
by TierArtz
Mon Feb 13, 2023 1:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What % of your gross income do you set aside for retirement?
Replies: 224
Views: 22097

Re: What % of your gross income do you set aside for retirement?

I don't think about it, but it's 28% over the last 37 years.
We -
Max IRAs
Max my 401k, including after tax
Add to 529s per the max for state income tax deduction
Shoot for about $55K/year in deferred compensation withholding (depends on bonus).
Buy what a frugal family needs or wants
Invest anything left in taxable
by TierArtz
Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26979

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

Loving this thread! After lots of family debate on when to add a 3rd car (two teens, including one with a job) we ordered a long-range Model Y yesterday for a March to May delivery. The acceleration is unlike any automobile I've ever driven. I'm going to have a Tesla Level 2 charger on a 50A breaker added to our garage. Pleased to learn the insurance may not be too high relative to other cars. Discovered that the capital gains tax-hit on mutual fund shares to be sold is basically the same as interest on a 3-year loan. Going to skip the loan and keep putting any left-over money (back) into the taxable account.
by TierArtz
Sun Feb 05, 2023 11:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million
Replies: 225
Views: 36603

Re: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million

47 (2009) after investing/saving for 22 years, while in the military.
by TierArtz
Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is It Too Late To Add International Stocks?
Replies: 42
Views: 5000

Re: Is It Too Late To Add International Stocks?

No. Whatever the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund (VTWAX) returns is fine with me. It's roughly 58% US and 42% exUS. Fund/Index description: Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund seeks to track the investment performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, a free-float-adjusted, market-capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the market performance of large-, mid-, and small-capitalization stocks of companies located around the world. The index includes stocks of companies located in various countries, including both developed and emerging markets. The fund invests in a broadly diversified sampling of stocks in the index that approximates the index’s key risk factors and characteristics. I don't actually invest in the fund, but ...
by TierArtz
Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Technivorm Moccamaster KBTS coffee machine
Replies: 65
Views: 6372

Re: Technivorm Moccamaster KBTS coffee machine

I purchased one just about like it 13 years ago. It makes one or two pots of coffee per day with no problems what so ever. Love it!
by TierArtz
Thu Jan 26, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on Limes
Replies: 22
Views: 2887

Re: Opinions on Limes

I have a Key Lime tree which produces about 100x as many limes as we use. In my experience, a firm yellow lime, even if picked off of the ground (they drop when ripe) makes perfect lime juice. As long as the flesh is yellow with no tan discoloration it is fine to use. If the lime is really soft or has flesh discoloration pitch it.
by TierArtz
Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To the Posters w/ Children That Spend Less Than $800/Month on Groceries -- HOW?!?!
Replies: 192
Views: 17447

Re: To the Posters w/ Children That Spend Less Than $800/Month on Groceries -- HOW?!?!

My family and I are value-oriented, bordering on frugal, but blessed to the point we don't worry about the grocery bill.
I also have very accurate and granular spending data (Quicken addict).

Based on data for the last five years, we spend $1550/month on food (1/3 eating out) to feed 2 parents and 3 teenagers. That is about 10% of our total spending, not counting taxes. Although that may seem high, we also funneled about $10,700 per month into index funds made possible by having one good salary, a small mortgage, and driving 12 to 17-year-old vehicles.
by TierArtz
Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:33 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: your favorite quotes & one-liners
Replies: 272
Views: 48941

Re: your favorite quotes & one-liners

For many tasks, you have just one chance to do it right.

If you have time to do it over, you have time to do it right the first time.

It’s better to get ten things done decently, than try to do one thing perfectly (me).