Search found 3699 matches

by dknightd
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please check my thinking about changing my Roth account from VTIAX to VTSAX
Replies: 42
Views: 3438

Re: Please check my thinking about changing my Roth account from VTIAX to VTSAX

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments so far. Just want to make clear that I am not looking to change my asset allocation or even to change the specific funds I hold. I'm only considering WHERE I hold the funds that make up my portfolio. Honestly it probably does not make much difference WHERE you hold your funds. They are both tax deferred, or tax free. You can change your mind at any time - tax free. For simplicity, and tax diversification, I hold about the same amount in both accounts. Traditional and Roth. I've been 70% domestic and 30% other countries, for years. Roughly 50/50 stocks and bonds (or in my case 30% fixed income TIAA Traditional). Turns out that might have been a mistake. But who knew? As I get older, I'm thinking about...
by dknightd
Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for grandparents to babysit, medical insurance implications
Replies: 33
Views: 3073

Re: Paying for grandparents to babysit, medical insurance implications

This is really mostly a medical insurance question. Your parents have green cards, so could work if they need or want to. I don't know much about ACA, medicaid, or medicare. So take this with a huge "grain of salt." A few things come to mind. Could you add them to your health insurance as dependents? They live in your house, so maybe. Can they get on medicare if they, or you, are willing to pay premiums? That might be a viable option. They are here legally, just don't have a work record. I have no idea what the premiums would be. Does your state, or county, have a medical care helpline for seniors? They might be able to find you a doctor who will accept medicaid. Or, they might have suggestions on other alternatives. This seems li...
by dknightd
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?
Replies: 58
Views: 4245

Re: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?

Because of longevity and long-term care uncertainty, it is unlikely I would be able to do much giving during life. I share your concerns, but have really enjoyed giving what I could comfortably afford while I was still alive. I enjoy giving it. They enjoy receiving it. Somehow I suspect the joy part will be gone if I wait till I die. My will leaves everything to my spouse as primary, my kids as secondary. If none remain when I die, proceeds are split between surviving relatives. I guess I'm assuming at least one will be alive long after me. I've thought about leaving some to a charity, but have decided I'd rather let my survivors decide what they want to do with the money. Let them enjoy giving it as they see fit. As noted by many. You can...
by dknightd
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3082

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

4nursebee wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:38 am
I agree except do not have any death certificates. Executor also an heir, providing one form from one heir easier than everyone doing the same.
You might want to get a copy of the death certificate. Just in case. . .
by dknightd
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3082

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

I think the executor is providing the death certificate. There are or were about 10 different accounts that were TOD. Some IRAs, some annuities, and taxable accounts. 8 of them have already been distributed. The other two are with this advisor. Has anybody (hopefully executor) received funds from this "advisor?" If you are the only beneficiary for this particular account, it might be more complicated. I do not know if there is a time limit on how long it can take. I'd consider 10-60 days reasonable after they (the advisor's company) had received all paper work in good order. We had one company that was going to send us a check if we did not do something, and do it properly, to their standards, within 90 days. That would have resu...
by dknightd
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How is a broker going to make money off me?
Replies: 62
Views: 5786

Re: How is a broker going to make money off me?

Do not worry. They will find a way
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preparing for Marriage
Replies: 47
Views: 4723

Re: Preparing for Marriage

Honestly the last thing to worry about is money.
The most important thing is to commit to each other.
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA
Replies: 43
Views: 4907

Re: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA

dknightd wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:09 am I would probably cut back spending if needed long before I felt uncomfortable.
Within reason, spending is the only thing I can control.
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA
Replies: 43
Views: 4907

Re: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA

Please keep 10 years of expense in cash/fixed income. 5 years is not enough. Everybody is different, and there is no right answer. But I like the idea of having 10 years of expenses in cash like things. That way if things go wrong for 5 years, you still have 5 years to figure out how to adapt. I would think that the idea behind moderating the risk in your portfolio is that things won't go more wrong than your plan can accept. The idea is to winnow out as much of the adapting as possible. Maybe people have a different idea about that. There is always risk. No matter what you do. Unless you have way too much. Even then there is risk - you might spend too much! I'm comfortable with 10+ years of expenses in cash. I'm comfortable having 5 years...
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA
Replies: 43
Views: 4907

Re: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA

KlangFool wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:53 am Please keep 10 years of expense in cash/fixed income. 5 years is not enough.
Everybody is different, and there is no right answer.
But I like the idea of having 10 years of expenses in cash like things. That way if things go wrong for 5 years, you still have 5 years to figure out how to adapt.
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much Roth Conversion should I plan on?
Replies: 18
Views: 2500

Re: How much Roth Conversion should I plan on?

MathWizard wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:51 am You have enough to be OK either way though.
Which might be the secret. Have enough. Don't worry if you have to pay more taxes because you have more than enough.
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Investor1319 wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:15 pm Now, the amount in my envelope has reached $3,700.00 and I'm starting to think that I should invest this money in my VTSAX fund so it can earn interest.
I would probably not add to it. Perhaps use it as your cash machine for awhile instead.
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

We have about $500 split in two locations. It is meant for natural disasters like earthquakes and fires when electricity / internet may not be available at local stores (thus leaving stores to only accept cash). +1. We started keeping a couple hundred at the house after an ice storm caused a widespread power outage in the region we live in. We were without power for about 24 hours, and others as long as two weeks. Many stores couldn't except anything but cash for a while. We also keep à small bag of quarters in each vehicle mainly used for parking meters. This is probably smart. I should add a small bag of cash and quarters to both our vehicles. edit: we have an envelope with $500 in mixed bills at the house. We don't add to it, and have n...
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much Roth Conversion should I plan on?
Replies: 18
Views: 2500

Re: How much Roth Conversion should I plan on?

Converting up to the top of the current 12% bracket is almost a no-brainer. It is very unlikely you will be paying less than that. But I suppose it is possible. Who knows? If my tax rate is less than 12% I will smile and be happy. Above that gets a little trickier. I would take that on a year by year basis. You don't know how much your investments might gain or lose. You don't know what future tax rates will be. In my case I did not plan for, or expect, an inherited IRA. I guess I kind of expected one, but was not sure. When it happened it became obvious I'd almost have to be in the current 22% bracket for awhile. And I'd have to start paying state income tax. So this year I'm converting well into that bracket. And, I might have to do the s...
by dknightd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?
Replies: 43
Views: 4406

Re: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?

TomatoTomahto wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:32 am Dental insurance isn’t really insurance.

If auto insurance ran according to the dental insurance scheme, you would be covered for oil changes but not accidents.
Well put. I'll have to remember that!
by dknightd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment
Replies: 86
Views: 5897

Re: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment

cheese_breath wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:50 am I see this thread is almost three weeks old with lots of replies already. But I'd like to chip in my two cents worth anyway. I've done lots of Roth conversions over the years, and I've always paid the taxes out of my taxable account. I'd rather reduce the balance of my taxable than reduce the balance of my Roth by withholding from the convesion.
I tried to set up an account with IRS to pay estimated taxes. It was more bother than it was worth. I have taxes withheld at the end of the year. Seems simpler that way
by dknightd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment
Replies: 86
Views: 5897

Re: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment

I’m planning on doing my first large Roth conversions from traditional IRA in 2024. I’d like to make sure that I’ve got the tax angle straight. I’d like to hold onto the money that I’ll owe Uncle Sam as long as possible, to earn interest in my Vanguard MM fund. So what I’m thinking is that I won’t pay any estimated taxes or do any withholding during 2024 as I make smaller Roth conversions, receive dividends and interest, etc. Then I’ll make one large Roth conversion in late 2024, and withhold (say) 90% of that conversion for taxes. For example, maybe I’ll convert $50,000 in December 2024 and have 90% ($45,000) withheld for taxes, which will satisfy my tax obligation for the year. The remaining $5,000 will go into my Roth IRA. Further, I’ll...
by dknightd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Move or renovate ugly but functional house in great location?
Replies: 73
Views: 9610

Re: Move or renovate ugly but functional house in great location?

This thread came back to life, so, I'll share my thoughts. We live in a house built in 1938. Solid bones. But showing its age. Had some questionable renovations by a previous owner. It is still mostly a functional house, but could use some work. . . We've been here more than 30 years. The house is not old enough be historic. But it is not a ticky-tacky house. For the last couple of years we have been on hold. Can't decide what to do. Should we move? That is no fun. Should we renovate? That is no fun. Eventually we'll probably have to do something. But we're still not sure what that something is. My current thinking is we just keep waiting, and thinking, and do nothing (unless we are forced to for some reason). Sometimes I think the best thi...
by dknightd
Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it Time to Self-Insure? CA Homeowners Rate Increases
Replies: 118
Views: 8841

Re: Is it Time to Self-Insure? CA Homeowners Rate Increases

geobrick wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:51 am
Any thoughts?
I've pretty much decided I don't have enough to self insure. So I buy insurance.
by dknightd
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?
Replies: 36
Views: 3321

Re: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?

I'm not a fan of miracle elixir fixes. But sometimes they do work. I'd try one if I was thinking about getting a new car anyway.
by dknightd
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4111

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

If you have an independent garage you trust, switch to them ASAP. Unless you like and trust the dealer. Then stick with the dealer. I've had bad luck with dealer mechanics, and service representatives. But maybe I've been unlucky. . .
by dknightd
Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA Traditional rates (historical view)
Replies: 37
Views: 3970

Re: TIAA Traditional rates (historical view)

I shredded all my old paper when I retired. So, can't confirm. But, I'm pretty sure there was a time when TIAA Traditional crediting rates were near, or over, 10%! Of course, that was a time when interest rates and inflation were both high.
by dknightd
Fri Mar 01, 2024 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA
Replies: 40
Views: 4476

Re: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA

Why don't you take the loan out and pay the monthly payment with the Roth funds until you find a job? Then decide what to do about keeping the loan or paying it off. If you don't find a job in 3-9 months, then consider paying it off with the Roth. Even with higher rates compared to the past few years - interest on a 17k car loan is not that much to keep your liquidity in the Roth for now. I know it's not an ideal option, but keeping liquidity in the Roth could be a better option at this time. Hi, I'm not sure I understand the logic behind taking out the money from the. Roth funds and taking out a loan at the same time. I'm reconsidering just taking out a loan. We are letting our emotions get the best of us. With the one income we bring in,...
by dknightd
Fri Mar 01, 2024 5:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional and Bond Fund Questions
Replies: 24
Views: 2179

Re: TIAA Traditional and Bond Fund Questions

My guess is that TIAA is about as safe as the state guarantee associations. So, I do not worry about it. Both are beyond my control. If one fails, likely the other is not too far behind. My guess only.
I do 50% total bond, and 50% inflation protected bond fund. Since like you I could not decide which was better. But most of my fixed income is in TIAA traditional.
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

tibbitts wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:29 am
If it were just you, you'd be correct. But the premise here is that there's a disagreement and you're asking a third party to resolve that. It seems that a lot of Bogleheads operate in an environment where one person in a relationship is deemed as more knowledgeable and generally makes investment decisions in a relationship, but that isn't always the case.
I'm doing the best I can. The darling one has decided it is my job.

I'm trying to imagine a 34 year old holding mostly cash. It makes sense if they need the cash soon . My guess would be any competent advisor would suggest if that was retirement funds they invest a little more aggressively.


At 34 I was just starting to think long term. I wish I had started sooner
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

Vanguard offers two levels of non-robo advice services: 1) Personal Advisor and, 2) Personal Advisor Select. My wife (34 yo) is largely hands-off on the finances, despite my (also 34 yo) attempts to get her more involved. I'd like her to be, or feel, more involved because I'm an LEO in a large city, and someone could hit my "off button" on any given day. We currently have approximately $150,000 total amongst her rIRA, my rIRA, and a taxable account, as well as approximately $250,000-300,000 in cash. I contribute to my 457b and our daughter's 529 plan. Our house is paid off and we have no debt. I have a decent pension coming when I retire. I'm considering using Vanguard Personal Advisor for several reasons: I expect that an adviso...
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

If was not retired, I'd seriously consider a second job doing roof repairs/replacements. We all like to keep a roof over our heads.
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

The roof will always looked repaired. Which could be good or bad.
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Protecting Roth Assets From the Owner of the Roth
Replies: 18
Views: 2963

Re: Protecting Roth Assets From the Owner of the Roth

Name C the beneficiary. That might work if B will never need the money, and agrees to give it all to C. In some states spouses (aka B) have to sign away their 50%. Then you still have the 10 year rule C will have to follow. My B might need that money one day. And my B is more important to me than my C. My C knows not to expect an inheritance. My C has learned to take care of themselves. Actually for me it is a C&D, which are ours, and an EDF, which are spouses kids, not mine. ABCDEFGHIJKL . . . It is impossible to predict the future. For now I just worry about A & B. The rest should be able to take care of themselves, I hope! edit: especially since A & B could be around for another ZZZ years. Who knows what the rules will be th...
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

One thing for sure, I would not let the problem fester.
$3500 is not unreasonable to give me some piece of mind while I figured out what to do.
Did you ask them what it would cost for a complete reroof. And why they recommended a fix instead of a new roof? If you trust them, that could be useful information.
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Protecting Roth Assets From the Owner of the Roth
Replies: 18
Views: 2963

Re: Protecting Roth Assets From the Owner of the Roth

Is C contributing to a Roth now? If not, one option might be to gift some money each year (from your Roth) so that they can contribute it to their Roth. Obviously you would not want to gift more than you can comfortably afford. This also gets around the 10 year withdrawal rule for inherited Roth accounts.
Another option might be for A to designate B and C both as primary beneficiaries. Split 50/50. This would at least spread out the risk.
I don't see an easy way to protect a Roth balance from the owner of that Roth. Unless you take the money out of the Roth.
by dknightd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

tibbitts wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:14 am I don't see how you would have navigated "well, what you're doing might be okay, but <whatever> would be much better"... ?
I listened to their suggestions. Discussed them with spouse and advisor. Adopted some of them, but not all. An advisor is just that, they advise. You do not have to follow all their advice.
by dknightd
Sun Feb 25, 2024 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

tibbitts wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 9:51 am
But you rolled the dice on the free planner agreeing with you, no? That might have ended badly... or did you somehow know the outcome ahead of time?
I was pretty confidant. If they had not agreed there would have been something wrong with my plan. Better to find out before I retired than after . . .
by dknightd
Sat Feb 24, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

Only you and the darling one can decide if you need financial advice.
by dknightd
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

You are both 34. With a young kid. Enjoy life while you can. Save something for emergencies and retirement. But don't worry about it too much. As long as you are saving, you are probably fine. In your shoes I would not pay extra for a Personal Advisor of any kind. Maybe your union offers one at not cost to you? The OP should be very skeptical of any "free" advice. In one situation I received relatively good advice in a similar situation but I believe that was the exception - and the same service isn't provided at the same employer today. I agree. The OP should be very very skeptical of any "free" advice. But one of the best things I ever did was to get my spouse and I together with a "free" financial planner. ...
by dknightd
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15824

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

This has really turned into two questions. 1) The original, "The number one reason why investors fail?" My guess, and it is only a guess, is that some investors are looking for a quick return on investment, and they made a bad choice. So they try again, and are "unlucky" again. Then eventually they give up, or repeat the cycle over and over again, both result in "failure." I've made some bad investments in the past, I think most of us have. What I've learned, over the years, is for long term "success" you have to stick with it. Do not churn your investments. Be an "investor", not a speculator. There is a difference. And, you have to have money in the bank to invest, and not have to withdraw ...
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k
Replies: 57
Views: 7892

Re: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k

I just realized. Perhaps the OP made more money than normal, so had to pay more taxes.
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15824

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

I convinced, spend less than your earn. One day you will be fine.
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k
Replies: 57
Views: 7892

Re: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k

I encourage everybody to do their own taxes. It helps them understand what the rules are.
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

Nowizard wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:44 am As people get more involved with investing, they obviously want to learn. Years ago, when we started, we did not have this type of option, so went it by ourselves. Without recounting the experience of learning that continues with confidence after 50+ years, we did what we knew until we knew something better. Looking back, we made what now looks like quite foolish investments that, fortunately, worked out well. What you propose is definitely a newer alternative that is justifiable, though most here would also suggest that you take it over yourself as learning and confidence increases.

Tim
+2
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

You are both 34. With a young kid. Enjoy life while you can. Save something for emergencies and retirement. But don't worry about it too much. As long as you are saving, you are probably fine.

In your shoes I would not pay extra for a Personal Advisor of any kind. Maybe your union offers one at not cost to you?
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

papatart wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:27 am
dknightd wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:00 am Maybe. But you are only 34, with a young family. My guess would be your wife would be better off with a bigger life insurance policy. Then you do not have to worry about her financially in case you die prematurely. Perhaps a better use of the funds? Just a thought.
Not a bad thought. But the state I live in will take care of her for the rest of her life if I'm killed in the line of duty. They'll also take care of my daughter's state college.
What about if you die while not in the line of duty?
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k
Replies: 57
Views: 7892

Re: Just did my own taxes for first time - owed $5k

I've always done my own tax filing. I've always done them two ways, at least in recent years. "Back of envelope" and using tax software.
If those two ways were off by $5k I'd be pretty sure I did one wrong. I'd want to know why, or which, one was wrong.
If I could not figure it out, I might pay for an expert to do my taxes again and have a third opinion.
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5662

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

Maybe. But you are only 34, with a young family. My guess would be your wife would be better off with a bigger life insurance policy. Then you do not have to worry about her financially in case you die prematurely. Perhaps a better use of the funds? Just a thought. We used an "Advisor" just before I retired. Mostly to convince the spouse we would be OK if I retired. It was a good use of my time. If your wife wants to be "hands off" let her be. But ask her to let you be "hands off" as well. At 34 I was 50/50 Stocks/other. Looking back we should have owned more stocks. But I was conservative. You both have IRA, so, one option might be invest all yours in stocks (broad market index), and let her invest any way she...
by dknightd
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Older, clean title vehicle or newer rebuilt vehicle?
Replies: 26
Views: 2372

Re: Older, clean title vehicle or newer rebuilt vehicle?

At this price range you really have to consider each vehicle on its own merits.
"Older, clean title vehicle or newer rebuilt vehicle," can all have pro's and cons.
How was the older car maintained? How well was the car rebuilt? Was it a safe and reliable car to begin with?
In my mind, any 10 year old, or older, vehicle needs to be looked at with a grain of salt. Heck even some 5 year old vehicles deserve close consideration and care.
One option, if you have not already considered it, is to give your kid one of your vehicles. Or have them buy it from you at a low price. Then buy yourself a nicer one. At least this way you know the history of the car they are driving.
by dknightd
Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 126
Views: 19038

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

tetractys wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 12:14 am
arca wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 12:07 am Hey bogleheads.. Is it too late to invest in VTI? It's performed so well that it may have peaked and I feel it may crash if the market crashes.
No, not as long as you expect to hold 5 or more years. 1 year is for CD’s. Zeros like US EE savings bonds need greater than 1 year.

Scared of crashes? Read more about investing, like the Boglehead Guide.
I agree.
Never too late for VTI, or similar. Unless you want, or need, to spend that money in the next few years.
by dknightd
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get my road paved
Replies: 77
Views: 5874

Re: How to get my road paved

Be friendly, and be persistent. But not too persistent, you do not want to get known as a nag. Get your neighbors involved if possible. One voice is easy to ignore. With several voices it gets harder to ignore. Especially if you all vote. Vote for the people who support your cause. I worked for years to get sidewalks installed on a couple of streets near me. It took years. The funding eventually came from above the town level - partially from the State, and partially from the Feds. In the mean time. Either adapt, or move. I like to think my efforts helped. But it could have just been time for this infrastructure improvement. One thing that might work for roads, is to convince the town it is cheaper to repave than keep patching. In your case...
by dknightd
Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines
Replies: 32
Views: 2192

Re: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines

I met my spouse at CU. I'm glad I decided to go to school there.
Both would be fine. And it does probably no matter.