Search found 5212 matches

by galawdawg
Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

Supergrover wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:22 pm It’s good to hear from you, galawdawg! Your spot-on commentary has been missed! My sincere wishes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks, it's nice to be missed! :)
by galawdawg
Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

Any other helpful suggestions to get the most out of this visit? Mayo (MN) has been my primary care facility for the past 20 years. A few years ago, they transitioned their medical records servicing to software called EPIC. I bring this up because a lot of other medical providers may not use Epic software. I wonder what kind of challenges -- if any -- a new patient from out of state with records on other software platforms may face. I'm sure Mayo has a process for this... so hopefully it's not too bumpy. Good luck. --- Brian Mayo is part of an interconnected system (health information exchange) where they can usually get outside medical records within twenty-four (24) hours from providers and health care systems that don't use Epic. They d...
by galawdawg
Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

LifeIsGood wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:36 am Galawdawg, your detailed suggestions are superb. So many good points that might have been overlooked. Best wishes to you for a speedy resolution of your issues.
Thanks for the well wishes. But like many here, God has blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of the Mayo community for the remainder of my life. While it wasn't one of the things on my retirement bucket list, getting to meet some of the kids and young adults here and seeing their courage and perseverance is truly inspiring. It really puts things in proper perspective. :happy

The worst part may be having to spend so much time in Gator territory! :o :wink:
evelynmanley wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 4:43 pm Galawdawg, how awesome of you to share all this information. Thank you.
My pleasure!
by galawdawg
Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

macaroon wrote: Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:39 pm
Also, the food in the Woodruff Bistro in the Mangurian Building (where they perform MRI, CT scans on an outpatient basis as well as providing diagnosis and treatment for those with complex cancer, neurological and neurosurgical conditions) is quite good if there is only time for a short meal or snack break during the day.
There's even an upscale restaurant on the grounds inside the Cannaday Building called M Brothers. Excellent food!

https://medurebrothers.com/restaurants#header.0
Yes, it gets rave reviews. Haven't personally tried it yet but perhaps on a day when I have both a good appetite and feel well enough to desire for a delicious meal! Thanks for the reminder!
by galawdawg
Wed Jul 26, 2023 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

Two things I forgot to mention. If hotel cost is not an issue, it is a good idea to come in a full day before the first appointment to get oriented to the Mayo campus, check out the area, and have some downtime before what may be a very full and sometimes difficult week. So if the first appointment is Monday morning, a Saturday afternoon arrival is ideal. Appointments may be in any of the four (4) buildings on campus but three (3) of the four (4) buildings (the Cannaday Building, the Mayo Building and the Davis Building) are connected, the Mangurian Building is just a few hundred yards to the south of the end of the Davis Building. You can walk to any point on the Mayo campus from any other point in under ten (10) minutes. But Mayo also has...
by galawdawg
Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mayo Clinic Question
Replies: 40
Views: 6785

Re: Mayo Clinic Question

I've been away from Bogleheads for awhile with one of life's unexpected challenges and spending quite a bit of quality time instead with my new friends at Mayo-Jacksonville. In fact, I'm here at Mayo now and saw this thread while looking for something else connected to Mayo on Google. I hope this will be helpful: Here are a few tips for your daughter-in-law: 1. Install the Mayo Clinic app on your smartphone. Mayo will, in addition to sending hard copies of the patient appointment guide, put all of that information on their portal. They also upload test results as soon as they are complete. I sometimes get results within fifteen (15) minutes of the test/imaging/blood draw, etc. 2. Follow all of the preparation instructions to the letter, exa...
by galawdawg
Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Leasing a Home (as prospective tenant) - Multiple Realtors - Doing the "Right" Thing
Replies: 4
Views: 512

Re: Leasing a Home (as prospective tenant) - Multiple Realtors - Doing the "Right" Thing

Why would you question whether " if I apply to House A, am I compelled to use or not use realtor 2?"??

Realtor 1 is the listing agent for house A and showed it to you both times. Realtor 2 had nothing to do with house A. Realtor 1 gets the commission. It would be very bad form for you to now involve Realtor 2 in any transaction concerning house A.
by galawdawg
Sat Mar 11, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help! VRBO quick question [furniture damage outside the US]
Replies: 19
Views: 1566

Re: Help! VRBO quick question [furniture damage outside the US]

What do the terms and conditions of your booking say regarding guest damages?
by galawdawg
Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I even attempt to file an amendment for 2017 and 2018?
Replies: 10
Views: 1989

Re: Should I even attempt to file an amendment for 2017 and 2018?

I found two errors that, if corrected, would result in a couple thousand dollars of additional refund for these years. Unfortunately, the three year window has expired for both these years. Is it worth attempting to file an amendment? If it matters, one of the errors involves a capital gains loss, and another involves an AMT carryover. I'm well aware of their stated policy of 3 years after filing, but I'm specifically seeking to know how they operate in practice (whether it is at their discretion or not to refund for a closed year). If at their discretion, did the covid years make a difference at all? Either personal experience, or an IRS-insider's knowledge would be most appreciated. Thank you. Per this article from the IRS website: Amend...
by galawdawg
Wed Mar 08, 2023 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put emergency fund in schwab account?
Replies: 5
Views: 1261

Re: Where to put emergency fund in schwab account?

Six month treasuries are at 5.26% currently. Schwab's SWVXX has a current seven (7) day yield of 4.48%.

I'd consider putting anything you may need within six (6) months in SWVXX, anything you wouldn't need to access within six (6) months in a treasury.
by galawdawg
Wed Mar 08, 2023 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mailing Check
Replies: 24
Views: 2067

Re: Mailing Check

jebmke wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 6:10 am
galawdawg wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:48 am
Mr. Rumples wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:35 am Thank y'all. This is a check to a non-profit corporation which runs a private cemetery; has been around for over 100 years - (I checked and it is registered with the state's corporation commission and is legit). However, it's being mailed to the home of an officer.
If you use a donor advised fund, consider setting up that organization to receive a grant in your desired amount. Then the brokerage holding your DAF will send the check to the appropriate address.

This only works if it is a 501(c)(3) and the payment is a charitable donation.
Agree but we don't know based upon OP's information whether that non-profit qualifies. If OP has a DAF, he should consider looking into it.
by galawdawg
Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mailing Check
Replies: 24
Views: 2067

Re: Mailing Check

Thank y'all. This is a check to a non-profit corporation which runs a private cemetery; has been around for over 100 years - (I checked and it is registered with the state's corporation commission and is legit). However, it's being mailed to the home of an officer. If you use a donor advised fund, consider setting up that organization to receive a grant in your desired amount. Then the brokerage holding your DAF will send the check to the appropriate address. If not, consider using your bank's online bill pay service. Assuming they have to send the payment via US mail, they provide the security envelope and pay the postage. Some banks debit your account when the check is sent, others don't debit your account until the check is actually pre...
by galawdawg
Tue Mar 07, 2023 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If not Vanguard, then who?
Replies: 62
Views: 5996

Re: If not Vanguard, then who?

Just curious...as most Bogleheads (if not all) are invested in the US equity market via low-cost index funds, does the fact that Schwab is a publicly-traded company whose profits go to shareholders (i.e. Bogleheads and other investors) tip the scales in anyone's mind in favor of Schwab over Fidelity, whose profits go to the Johnson family rather than US equity investors? I know for me that was a factor, albeit a minor one, worth considering. To the OP: I like Schwab, very satisfied with their service and their product offerings. I've got a great financial consultant who is very responsive and, as a CFP, he does a comprehensive plan for us once a year, gratis. He knows I am a self-directed investor and respects my preferred Boglehead approac...
by galawdawg
Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it matter HOW I pay my mortgage early?
Replies: 10
Views: 1097

Re: Does it matter HOW I pay my mortgage early?

I'd recommend you consider a sinking fund. Put those extra dollars dedicated to paying off your mortgage into a money market fund or treasuries. When the fund balance equals the principal balance of your mortgage, then pay it off in full.
by galawdawg
Mon Feb 27, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Victim of Check Scam. Bank hasn’t returned my money yet
Replies: 17
Views: 2466

Re: Victim of Check Scam. Bank hasn’t returned my money yet

Check washing is very uncommon now but your post suggests that this involved multiple checks. How did that happen?
by galawdawg
Sun Feb 19, 2023 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Personal Investing account.
Replies: 6
Views: 1021

Re: Personal Investing account.

This is a personal investment account. Since I have other 401k and Rollover accounts geared toward my retirement, this account can be a bit more aggressive. Here is the current allocation and percent of account. It obviously wasn't the best time to buy as only the first 2 stocks (in green) are in the positive. The rest are in the red. Applied Materials INC(AMAT)________29% Fidelity Zero Total Market (FZROX) ________20% Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)________ 2% Fidelity Blue Chip Growth (FBGRX) ________17% Fidelity Select Technology (FSPTX) ________16% Alphabet INC (GOOG) ________8% Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)________ 8% The account is down about 25% and want to get this growing back. Stick with these Stock? Or Switch to Index Funds? Or Any ot...
by galawdawg
Sun Feb 19, 2023 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have the Cash. Should I purchase/finance my car
Replies: 64
Views: 6853

Re: Have the Cash. Should I purchase/finance my car

New to the forums. Figured I’d post to get your opinions/advice. About me 34M physician. Was looking to buy a CPO Range Rover. Have over 300k saved up. I also have some investments (real estate/stocks). As of right now, I don’t plan on making anymore major investments, and am just focused on saving. I’m looking to purchase a 2019 Range Rover.~65k. Price Being interest rates are what they are, should I just pay for the car in cash? Or would you recommend financing Welcome to Bogleheads! Do you have other debt, such as student loans, car loans, consumer debt or a mortgage? If so, what kind of loans, payment, interest rate and balance. Is the $300k being held in cash? What is your total portfolio? What is your HHI gross income and net income,...
by galawdawg
Sun Feb 19, 2023 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Donating a boat
Replies: 4
Views: 746

Re: Donating a boat

When you donate a car or boat, your deduction is usually what they get for it at auction. Many organizations will not accept boats that are not in running order, as anything they spend on storage or auction fees will.eat into any benefit to them. If your area has any kind of boat or mechanics apprentice opportunities, they might be able to work something out with you. This is correct. If you are able to find an charitable organization that will accept your boat as a donation, you only get to deduct what they receive when they sell or dispose of the boat OR the fair market value, whichever is less . See page six (6) of IRS Publication 526: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf Because the boat is not running, it is unlikely that you woul...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tracking overall AA on Schwab
Replies: 3
Views: 535

Re: Tracking overall AA on Schwab

In the Accounts menu, select Schwab Portfolio Checkup. There is a link for View Holdings near the top. Click on that link and on the right side near the top you'll see a drop down Select Holdings View. You want to select "Full Portfolio". Then click the green button labeled Back to Analysis.

https://client.schwab.com/Accounts/Port ... ?legacypcu
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: switch emergency fund/checking at online bank to Fidelity brokerage w/money market fund?
Replies: 7
Views: 1060

Re: switch emergency fund/checking at online bank to Fidelity brokerage w/money market fund?

campy2010 wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:56 am The 7 day yield includes the expense ratio. I just moved my cash from Ally to Fidelity. Sorry Ally. Interestingly, Vanguard’s money market rates are consistently about 25 bp higher than Fidelity’s.
As a general rule, Vanguard's money market funds have the highest yield, Schwab isn't usually too far behind, and then Fidelity comes in behind Schwab.
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: switch emergency fund/checking at online bank to Fidelity brokerage w/money market fund?
Replies: 7
Views: 1060

Re: switch emergency fund/checking at online bank to Fidelity brokerage w/money market fund?

Sure. If you anticipate your emergency fund would not be needed all at once but over the course of a few months, you could hold a portion that is fully liquid in money market fund and create a short-term treasury ladder for the remainder. At Schwab, you can get treasury bills maturing in March with a yield of between 4.7% to 4.86%. You should be able to find similar rates at Fidelity. So if you have $50k in your emergency fund which you want to last you for six (6) months, keep $10k in a money market and put $10k each in treasury bills maturing in thirty (30), sixty (60), ninety (90) and one-hundred twenty (120) days. Then when each matures, if you don't need it for an emergency, buy another treasury bill maturing in one-hundred twenty (120...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?
Replies: 91
Views: 8164

Re: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?

Okay. That's why I asked earlier (but perhaps you overlooked it as you didn't reply): Or are you addressing your question to Bogleheads who choose not to give their children anything, both now and after their death? My bad. Answered one of your questions but not the other. Going for more coffee now. :beer I'm on my fourth cup so no worries here! (We need a coffee emoticon...really too early for beer unless you are in Europe or Asia). Regarding your question, while I can't speak for the Bogleheads who indicated that was their chosen approach, I can share with you some of the typical explanations I have heard from others who are also not giving to their children: 1. The child(ren) have issues with addiction such that any financial gift will ...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?
Replies: 91
Views: 8164

Re: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?

CloseEnough wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:00 am Not really. My original comment was questioning, as someone else did just up-thread, why someone would decide to leave no money to their children, while living or through will. The idea of "I'll spend it all, and if anything is left it will go to charity, not my kids". That is puzzling to me (and, "Bltn" above, asks the same question).
Okay. That's why I asked earlier (but perhaps you overlooked it as you didn't reply):
galawdawg wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:34 am Or are you addressing your question to Bogleheads who choose not to give their children anything, both now and after their death?
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?
Replies: 91
Views: 8164

Re: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?

With that philosophy, what would you find different between giving to fully-functioning and independent adult children while one is living and giving to them as an inheritance after death? The third paragraph of my original comment answers your question. I had seen that when I read your original comment...it appears to me that the only practical difference between your preferred approach (giving an inheritance after death) and the approach others use (giving while still living) is the level of confidence that those who give while still living have that their retirement portfolio and income will, even with the giving, be sufficient to provide for their needs for the remainder of their life. But I would personally not consider a preference o...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hit and run accident - what to do?
Replies: 42
Views: 5233

Re: Hit and run accident - what to do?

I wasn’t advocating a false police report. If your car is hit then you likely got bounced around. Maybe you hit your head and don’t even recall. Self-diagnosing a concussion isn’t easy for a concussed person. So people should seek medical care after any accident. I didn't indicate that you were. I was, however, pointing out that merely asking to be transported to the hospital to be checked out "just in case" does not cause an accident to be classified as an accident with injuries, in my experience in the jurisdictions I have worked. Nor would a complaint of pain, complaint of "whiplash", air bag injuries or minor cuts and bruises. Collisions with incapacitating injuries are the ones that receive priority investigative a...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?
Replies: 91
Views: 8164

Re: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?

What I don't get in this thread, in your comment and a few others, is the decision to leave no money to children (assuming you have first taken care of yourself in whatever way you desire). In a case where there is a serious estrangement or deep personal issues that go beyond this forum, I would understand disinheritance. But excepting that, is the decision to not leave money to children (who presumable are by that time adults) that it somehow spoils them, or creates negative incentives, or that they make bad decisions with the inheritance? ...For me, it is also the sense that it is more difficult to get ahead today, there are more complicating issues in life so why not use family wealth, at least to some extent, to improve your family (yo...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?
Replies: 91
Views: 8164

Re: Increasing or decreasing wealth path in retirement?

What I don't get in this thread, in your comment and a few others, is the decision to leave no money to children (assuming you have first taken care of yourself in whatever way you desire). In a case where there is a serious estrangement or deep personal issues that go beyond this forum, I would understand disinheritance. But excepting that, is the decision to not leave money to children (who presumable are by that time adults) that it somehow spoils them, or creates negative incentives, or that they make bad decisions with the inheritance? ...For me, it is also the sense that it is more difficult to get ahead today, there are more complicating issues in life so why not use family wealth, at least to some extent, to improve your family (yo...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hit and run accident - what to do?
Replies: 42
Views: 5233

Re: Hit and run accident - what to do?

Also, it’s best to request an ambulance and go to the hospital after an accident since the police usually treat accidents that cause injuries more seriously. In the jurisdictions where I worked, both as a patrol officer and as a DA, that is only the case when there are actual injuries requiring medical treatment, not a mere complaint or soft-tissue injuries or requesting to get "checked out" at the hospital. And if a person is not injured in any way whatsoever but falsely reports to the police that they were injured...not a wise approach. In some jurisdictions, criminal justice "reform" has resulted in prosecutors choosing not to prosecute crimes like leaving the scene of an accident, the result of which is that the pol...
by galawdawg
Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hit and run accident - what to do?
Replies: 42
Views: 5233

Re: Hit and run accident - what to do?

miamivice wrote: Fri Feb 17, 2023 9:47 am Bonus would include a little extra money for the annoyance of dealing with all of this.
So you believe that one should be compensated for the annoyance of dealing with things? In that case, I need to see how I can send an invoice via PM for the annoyance of dealing with all of the "semi-serious" trolling threads a certain Boglehead has posted over the past few years... :beer
by galawdawg
Fri Feb 17, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Citigold Cash Tips / Hacks to Maximize Yield
Replies: 22
Views: 4080

Re: Citigold Cash Tips / Hacks to Maximize Yield

Whether or not the hassle is worth it is up to you, but just like with anything with Citi there's bound to be some sort of issue. For me it was worth it for the brokerage bonus and the subscription rebates afforded Citigold status. With Citi's current CD rate of 4.15%, if one put the $200k required funds for Citigold status in their CD, their one (1) year return would be $8,300.00. At Schwab, customers receive free checking, free checks, free ATM use and ATM fee rebates, free check orders and many other banking features with no minimum balance requirement and (with $100k in your total Schwab portfolio) four (4) free domestic wires per quarter. Plus, their current rate on a one (1) year CD is 5.05%, so the same $200k in that instrument woul...
by galawdawg
Fri Feb 17, 2023 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Citigold Cash Tips / Hacks to Maximize Yield
Replies: 22
Views: 4080

Re: Citigold Cash Tips / Hacks to Maximize Yield

Citi is, IMO, hands-down the worst financial institution to do business with when it concerns customer service. Phone calls are handled by an overseas call center where no supervisor is ever working or available. When their fraud algorithm is triggered, Citi does not provide the ability to respond other than by phone to that overseas call center when other financial institutions give you the ability to verify activity via their app, email or text message. When you call in response to a fraud alert, they will regularly claim that they cannot "verify" your account and you must wait to receive a letter in the mail with a response code before they will unfreeze the account. A number of Bogleheads have posted of their problems with Cit...
by galawdawg
Fri Feb 17, 2023 4:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I need to do any paperwork with the DMV after selling my car to someone?
Replies: 20
Views: 2300

Re: Do I need to do any paperwork with the DMV after selling my car to someone?

It will depend on your state. Perhaps you can check your state DMV website to see what, if any, requirements a vehicle owner has upon selling their vehicle.
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Feedback on parking cash between trades
Replies: 7
Views: 836

Re: Feedback on parking cash between trades

Here are a number of recent threads on the topic that may be helpful to you:
viewtopic.php?t=397383
viewtopic.php?t=396666
viewtopic.php?t=397405
viewtopic.php?t=395547
viewtopic.php?t=397511
viewtopic.php?t=397684

You can use the search box to find many other threads discussing where and how to hold/park/invest cash. :beer
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best place to park cash at Schwab?
Replies: 53
Views: 17534

Re: Best place to park cash at Schwab?

The risk in a MM fund is a liquidity crisis causes the fund to implement control gates or fees to get out such that the money that you thought was liquid and easily available on demand suddenly isn't. The fund could "break the buck" and the value not be redeemable for the fixed $1 value that it's expected to. The scenarios that could cause such a crisis is considered very very low, but it's not a calculable probability. I would suggest taking a hard look at your willingness to deal with the consequences should the event occur relative to what you believe the benefit of taking that risk is providing. Government MM funds are considered less risky, and are not required to implement control gates or fees in the event of a liquidity p...
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best place to park cash at Schwab?
Replies: 53
Views: 17534

Re: Best place to park cash at Schwab?

billaster wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 12:55 pm Schwab (and Fidelity) yields are similar to Vanguard yields only because they hold riskier assets to make up for the extra interest they skim. They keep the extra interest and you keep the extra risk.

You may decide the extra risk isn't important but you shouldn't pretend it doesn't exist.
Actually, since Schwab is a publicly-traded company and its stock is found in most major US equity index funds, Schwab doesn't really keep the extra interest. It is part of their profits which inure to the benefit of SCHW shareholders. And for many Bogleheads, that is us!

When Vanguard and Fidelity keep the "extra interest they skim" and other profits, they really do keep it.
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

Glockenspiel wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:54 am
galawdawg wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:42 am
If that data is reliable, the theory espoused above that "ICE engines are definitely less efficient in winter" compared to EV and hybrids is simply not correct.
I wasn’t implying ICE engines less efficient than EVs in the winter. I was implying ICE engines are less efficient in the winter time COMPARED to the summer time.
Ahhh. Apologies. I misunderstood your post. I agree that all vehicles are less efficient in very cold temperatures. I suspect that is likely the case for machinery of all types.
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

Further evidence that gas-fueled vehicles are a much more cost-effective and time-effective transportation option for many in the US. These threads are always so strange. The vast majority of your driving doesn't come anywhere near the range of an EV or an ICE. Reduced fuel economy in either has little to do with your daily and weekly routines. Average residential electric rates in the US are $15.64 (according to the US Energy Information Administration), a rate at which it's well cheaper to use an EV. Free public charging abounds as well. I can charge for free at the library, the grocery store, the mall, hotels, and a number of other retail areas that I'm already visiting, and result in zero financial or time cost. Are there some situatio...
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

I grew up in Detroit before ev was a thing. I never noticed decreased mileage in the cold though it wasn’t something I would have paid attention to either. I’m born, raised, and live in Minnesota and have been driving ICE engines for 22 years now. Had a Mazda3 that got 29 mpg in winter and 33 mpg in summer. Had a Hyundai Santa Fe that gets 25 mpg in summer and 21 mpg in winter. Currently have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (ICE engine with regenerative braking) that gets 30-31 mpg in winter and 34-36 mpg in summer. ICE engines are definitely less efficient in winter. Interesting. Because the heater is simply byproduct energy. Whereas w an EV the drain on the battery to heat the interior is explicit and seems to cost 20-35% in range (heat pump ...
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reducing Taxable Income even further
Replies: 34
Views: 4072

Re: Reducing Taxable Income even further

TomatoTomahto wrote: Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:04 am
tibbitts wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 8:56 pm
galawdawg wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:43 pm Jack Bogle (who donated about half of his already modest salary) said his only regret about money was that he didn't have more to give away!
In fairness while Bogle's net worth and salary might have been modest in the context of his accomplishments, wasn't his estate close to the $100M range?
Point taken, but it was much lower than Abigail Johnson’s billions from Fidelity. I thought Bogle’s was closer to middle 8 digits than approaching 9 digits, but clearly he was financially solid.
And clearly he gave a LOT of it away, and it continues to this day. Morgan Housel called Jack "the biggest undercover philanthropist of all time"! https://philanthropydaily.com/john-bogl ... nthropist/
by galawdawg
Thu Feb 16, 2023 4:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DIY- will
Replies: 51
Views: 4756

Re: DIY- will

I do not want to pay 2500-3500 for will /trust . Can someone who has done it suggest which online service should I use . Spouse with 2 kids, most of assets in retirement . One house , thank you To follow-up a post by JenniferW, I don't know of any attorney, and certainly not a competent one, who would handle creating even a basic will for a single adult with no dependents for $400. And estate planning attorneys don't "make their real money when they settle the estate after you pass." However, trial lawyers can (and do) make a lot of money litigating estate matters after a death when the decedent has botched a DIY will or trust. Unfortunately for the surviving heirs, by the time those cases are settled or tried, much of the value ...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

So while EVs may have their place in urban and suburban settings, for rural America and for traveling any substantial distance, the most reliable way to drive is with a gas-powered vehicle. Even in most of rural America, there are towns and service stations every 10-30 miles or so, unless you're in the very remote parts of Nevada, Montana, New Mexico, west Texas, or Utah. Service stations...perhaps. EV chargers? Nope. I could point to a number of areas in the southeast US where you could travel on the interstate for forty (40) or fifty (50) miles without a charging station. For example, when driving between Atlanta and Savannah, on the approximately one hundred seventy (170) mile section of I-16 between Macon and Savannah there are three (...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reducing Taxable Income even further
Replies: 34
Views: 4072

Re: Reducing Taxable Income even further

If you do any charitable giving (but not enough to itemize) you can group your donations every few years using a Donor Advised Fund. Then you can itemize those years to get a bigger deduction than the standard deduction while maintaining the same level of charitable giving. Yep. Since OP has the problem of having $100k extra each year for "fun" or investment but is reluctant to pay the taxes associated with his level of income, then perhaps he might consider giving a substantial amount of it away! It really is quite "fun" to look for ways to bring joy to others through giving, such as donating enough to dig a well and provide clean water to a village of people in India who now have to walk miles to the nearest stream or...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?
Replies: 128
Views: 10998

Re: What Happens When EV Runs Out On The Road?

In my area of the country, looking at some paths we commonly travel, ~500mi - 600mi distance to visit families or just sightseeing, I estimate that I need to stop at least 3 - 4 times between Tesla superchanger to be "safe. Once you miss one of those, a base model Tesla would not have the range to get to the next supercharger. Every stop would be at least 15 min to get it charge for ~200 miles. So with exiting the interstate, getting to the supercharger location, etc, it could easily add 30 min for every stop. A total addition of of at least 90 min - 120 min to the trip, just to charge the car. Compare that with driving my trustee Honda Odyssey or Civic. We usually do one stop on those trips. Gas, bathroom, food, coffee, all in one ex...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Company updating 401K options — required to make change
Replies: 5
Views: 489

Re: Company updating 401K options — required to make change

I'd leave it exactly as you have it now if you are happy with that allocation. You'd just swap FXAIX for VFIAX. Done! :beer
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12622

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

By the time OP incorporates all of the suggestions in this thread (concerning what to add/change/modify on the house plan), it will cost $1.2 million to build! :shock: Yes, I do find it a bit ironic that I said I can build this house for X, and then people are saying, "No way, especially after you add X Y and Z features for $100,000." *** Appreciate the rest of your post. I actually just started to read a book called "Satisfied" by Jeff Manion which has been illuminating and thought-provoking. I'd also commend to you Enough: True Measures of Money, Business and Life written by our mentor, Jack Bogle. An excerpt from Enough (quoting Socrates as he challenged the citizens of Athens some 2,500 years ago) “I honor and love ...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Sell Condo with Life Estate before Death of Grantor
Replies: 5
Views: 882

Re: How Sell Condo with Life Estate before Death of Grantor

Nothing in the relevant language you cited indicates that this is a lady bird deed or enhanced life estate deed. That means that your mother-in-law, your wife, and your wife's sister would all need to agree to any modification of the deed. I would again recommend that your mother-in-law, your wife and her sister consult with a qualified Florida real estate attorney about having a new deed prepared which conveys the remainder interest granted to your wife and her sister back to your mother-in-law. Once a legally sufficient deed is recorded which restores all interests in the property back to your mother-in-law, she can simply sell the property without the involvement of the remainder beneficiaries. That also should prevent any issues during ...
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reducing Taxable Income even further
Replies: 34
Views: 4072

Re: Reducing Taxable Income even further

Are you contributing sufficient amounts to 529 plans for your children to the extent you desire to fund a portion or all of their college (and perhaps graduate) education?

If so, just invest surplus funds for long-term goals (such as retirement) in a tax-efficient low-cost equity index fund in a taxable brokerage account. Funds for shorter term goals should be invested more conservatively.
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Problem along different accounts
Replies: 4
Views: 786

Re: Tax Problem along different accounts

boater07 wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:28 pm From reading earlier post on TLH, I could have a major problem. I hold comparable funds in taxable, Ira,&Roth. If I understand-selling at a loss in the identical fund in another account, My loss could be disallowed.
Do I have that right?
Only if within thirty (30) days before or after selling a fund in taxable for a loss you repurchase the same or a substantially identical fund in any investment account you hold at any brokerage.

This may be helpful: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/primer-on-wash-sales
(See question "What if I sold a loser in one of my Schwab accounts and then bought it again with another account? What about my IRA?")
by galawdawg
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12622

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

By the time OP incorporates all of the suggestions in this thread (concerning what to add/change/modify on the house plan), it will cost $1.2 million to build! :shock: OP...enjoy the trip to Chicago. While you and your wife are talking about your financial goals, desires and dreams, consider this: contentment is a rare but incredibly beneficial outlook to have when looking at one's life. Having been blessed with the opportunity to travel to a number of places in the world both on vacation and for ministry and seen and talked to people who are happy with nearly nothing, I have found it impossible not to be grateful simply to have a home that shelters me from the weather; where I can heat or cool the air; drink, cook with, and bathe in hot an...