Search found 217 matches

by DiploInvestor
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25955

Re: What inferior good do you love?

Arby’s roast beef sandwiches. I love those sandwiches. And I can’t get them when I’m living overseas.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Jan 13, 2024 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV
Replies: 71
Views: 8115

Re: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV

Minivan all the way. We struggled to wrap our heads around buying one, but after trying a 3-row SUV that was not comfortable for putting the kids in the 3rd row (we have 3), we went ahead and got a Nissan Quest. No longer in production, but it was a great car and we still miss it. Would get another tomorrow if we needed it.
by DiploInvestor
Thu Nov 30, 2023 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing 100% into TQQQ
Replies: 231
Views: 36966

Re: Investing 100% into TQQQ

I’m only weighing in here because I like TQQQ and have used it with a value averaging strategy since around 2018 in my Roth IRA. Currently I have about 10% of my and DW’s combined retirement savings in there. This vehicle (granted, in good times) took me from $40k to over $400k in about three years, including maxing my IRA contributions each year. Right now, because of my investing rules for this account, I am almost 100% in TQQQ in this IRA, but it’s ready to reset at the next quarterly sell signal to its base allocation of 60/40, TQQQ/BND. I won’t go into value averaging here, since there is plenty of info out there to find (see Jason Kelly in particular), but despite the volatility drag, it has been a great long term hold for me. That sa...
by DiploInvestor
Tue Nov 28, 2023 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eurail pass or not? Central Europe trip in summer
Replies: 24
Views: 2249

Re: Eurail pass or not? Central Europe trip in summer

The one thing I am unsure about is if families like us will have more trouble using the eurail pass over singles or couples who can essentially be backpackers that stay in hostels without much planning. In our case, we will be planning out most of the things and using these passes just as a way to make the total cost of travel less. It may be different now, but I believe you could make reservations for seats together on a specific date and time separate from the cost of the ticket. That way you can plan ahead, but you’ll probably need to navigate different countries’ rail websites to make those reservations. Like I mentioned, I did this a long time ago in pre-internet days, so you’ll need to check if you can book seats with tickets already...
by DiploInvestor
Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charlie Munger dies at 99
Replies: 63
Views: 13384

Re: Charlie Munger dies at 99

RIP Charlie. Your wisdom lives on.
by DiploInvestor
Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eurail pass or not? Central Europe trip in summer
Replies: 24
Views: 2249

Re: Eurail pass or not? Central Europe trip in summer

It’s been a long time, but I did the Eurorail thing during my year abroad in college and wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. It’s awesome not to have to worry about paying for individual tickets, and the places you mention have excellent, clean train systems. For that price, I think it’s a steal.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Nov 17, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Book on the Life Cycle Model - "The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions"
Replies: 154
Views: 33597

Re: New Book on the Life Cycle Model - "The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions"

About 80% done with the book - reading it in small chunks to try to absorb its lessons. It bridges the gap between the too-easy and ubiquitous investment advice and a dense Econ text. Some of the math is challenging, but I suspect it’s just the Greek letters that can be off-putting. The overriding theme throughout the book is how much risk to take/dynamic asset allocation. I’m no expert, but I find this book fills a need between the stuff we hear and read all the time and the too-advanced material I don’t need. Overall I think it’s excellent, though a more thorough treatment of crypto in that particular chapter would have been welcome.
by DiploInvestor
Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you could only listen to one podcast...
Replies: 185
Views: 24355

Re: If you could only listen to one podcast...

Hooked on Pop - great dives into well known music and artists and the background and history of the artists and how the music was made.
by DiploInvestor
Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1081848

Re: Share your net worth progression

It's inspiring to see all these folks with such a high net worth, and at the same time I think I must be one of the lowest net worth folks on this site....lol I have mixed feelings about these types of threads. On one hand it's fascinating to see others' journies, but at the same time it's difficult to not compare our own numbers & progress despite the advice about "comparison being the thief of joy" and "staying in your own lane", etc. It's just human nature to want to compare ourselves to others. I guess it's important to keep in mind that this represents only one (and an incomplete) aspect of someone's life, and we may not want to trade places with them if we knew the entire picture. Most of the big number jumps ...
by DiploInvestor
Wed Sep 20, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone user thinking of switching to Android... Samsung or Pixel?
Replies: 67
Views: 6425

Re: iPhone user thinking of switching to Android... Samsung or Pixel?

I had always chosen Android phones (both Google and Samsung) until I came back from a stretch overseas with my barely used, 3-yr old Galaxy S8+ that wasn’t supported anymore. The phone was still great, but no more updates. That’s when I switched to iPhone, and I am very happy. I have a 13 Pro Max with no intention of upgrading anytime soon. Also an Apple Watch 7 that works great. I still prefer Windows 10/11 PCs for desktop and laptops, but for phone and watch, Apple all the way.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Sep 09, 2023 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gym etiquette [exhausted-put a fork in it]
Replies: 82
Views: 8616

Re: Gym etiquette

Agree that is rude. If you need two machines all to yourself, buy them and work out at home, or go at night or early morning when the gym Is almost empty. I tend to use only the squat cage and bench, and that’s almost never an issue, though the rack is more popular now than it used to be.

Biggest etiquette problem for me personally is the (mostly younger) bros making way too much noise dropping and slamming plates and bars. They don’t care because their ears are protected by the huge headphones they’re always wearing. I’ve started bringing plain old earplugs just to save my eardrums.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625626

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

vnatale wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 4:05 pm
DiploInvestor wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:14 pm Lost a set of keys recently, so purchased a replacement car fob online ($90) rather than buy it from the dealer ($360). Local locksmith programmed it more cheaply than the dealer as well.
I did not know that this was possible. However I was also surprised when I got my 1st 1 of these that Honda limits how many can actually be active and working. I believe it is only 3. Anyone know if this has subsequently changed?
Hadn’t heard that there could be limits on the number of working fobs. My car is a Toyota Highlander, and the only issue was the locksmith getting his computer to connect with the Toyota server. He eventually got it working though.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723622

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Just finished the new edition of The Four Pillars of Investing - excellent update from the original!

Currently reading:
Manias, Panics, and Crashes by Charles Kindleberger,
Expert Political Judgement by Philip Tetlock,
Fairy Tale by Stephen King (to lighten things up a bit!)
by DiploInvestor
Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625626

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Lost a set of keys recently, so purchased a replacement car fob online ($90) rather than buy it from the dealer ($360). Local locksmith programmed it more cheaply than the dealer as well.
by DiploInvestor
Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What motivated you to save money?
Replies: 232
Views: 28381

Re: What motivated you to save money?

Simple: growing up working class and seeing parents always having money issues. Swore that would never be me. We weren’t poor, but never took the vacations or had the cool stuff other kids at school did. Didn’t realize my ripped/patched jeans would someday be fashionable!
by DiploInvestor
Fri Aug 25, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699442

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Watching Painkiller like others now. Saw Dopesick last year. Very different shows, but with the same theme. There’s another out now too on the same theme, but I forget the name. Like someone said, it’s decent, and entertaining to watch Matthew Broderick play Richard Sackler (just watched Ferris Bueller recently). Definitely an important message, but a bit too artsy. Dopesick was more serious and informative. The main reason I haven’t watched Painkiller is because I watched Dopesick. Is anything really different? It feels redundant to watch like watching more than one show about the cave rescue. Not really. If you saw Dopesick, you’re good. Same story told in a slightly different way with some different perspectives, and more “artsy” like I...
by DiploInvestor
Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699442

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Watching Painkiller like others now. Saw Dopesick last year. Very different shows, but with the same theme. There’s another out now too on the same theme, but I forget the name. Like someone said, it’s decent, and entertaining to watch Matthew Broderick play Richard Sackler (just watched Ferris Bueller recently). Definitely an important message, but a bit too artsy. Dopesick was more serious and informative.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Aug 04, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28749

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

$600 Saeco espresso machine in 1998 - it lasted 18 years.

Gym equipment - basic barbell, weights, bench, and squat rack 15 years ago. These have paid for themselves many times over.
by DiploInvestor
Mon Jul 24, 2023 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085329

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Watched The Menu, with Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy. Very entertaining. The eventual hero was unexpected, and the message (anti-foodie) was interesting. The fancy meal as ostensible performance art that confused the guests was great. Would recommend if you’re not too queasy.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Usa Passport renewal - Urgent international travel within 14 days
Replies: 18
Views: 2295

Re: Usa Passport renewal - Urgent international travel within 14 days

surprised so many here had this happen to them. One would think as soon as an international trip is planned, passport would be the first thing to come to mind. Not trying to be a jerk, just surprising. The reason it’s happening now to so many people at once is that in 2003 there was a switch to requiring US citizens to travel to places like the Caribbean with a passport rather than regular ID, like a driver’s license. There was a surge of applications at that time for passports, the majority of which were valid for 10 years. Ditto in 2013, another surge of all the expiring passport re-apps. You would think people would have figured it out, and the State Department would be ready for the 2023 surge 10 years later, but here we are again…
by DiploInvestor
Fri Jul 07, 2023 11:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: submit ?s: planning for early retirement / FIRE
Replies: 46
Views: 8089

Re: submit ?s: planning for early retirement / FIRE

tj wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:11 am
DiploInvestor wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:22 pm Thanks for asking! We’re about 4-5 years out from retiring in our early/mid-50s, and DW and I will both have decent federal pensions. Maybe a question about what order to withdraw from various accounts (TSP, Roth IRA, taxable) when RMDs are still a long, long way off.
if you'll be in your mid 50's, why not hold out to MRA to get the lifetime FEHB?
Sorry - I was off the grid for a few days. Our retirement plan lets us retire with full pensions and lifetime health insurance after age 50 with at least 20 years of service. We have elementary and middle schoolers, which is one reason I’m still working - plus I generally like the job. DW has another couple years to hit the age minimum.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is good enough?
Replies: 50
Views: 8388

Re: What is good enough?

Charles Joseph wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:55 am
jebmke wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:18 pm
DiploInvestor wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:16 pm
longinvest wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:02 pm
jebmke wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:33 pm #1 criterion is whether it safely gets me in to the ground.
Jebmke, I don't understand what you mean.I
Probably means not “Dying with Zero” — as discussed in a different thread…
That would be an unfortunate close call if it were a pinpoint landing.
Agreed. Simply "not dying with zero" is far from "good enough" IMHO.
+100
by DiploInvestor
Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: submit ?s: planning for early retirement / FIRE
Replies: 46
Views: 8089

Re: submit ?s: planning for early retirement / FIRE

Thanks for asking! We’re about 4-5 years out from retiring in our early/mid-50s, and DW and I will both have decent federal pensions. Maybe a question about what order to withdraw from various accounts (TSP, Roth IRA, taxable) when RMDs are still a long, long way off.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is good enough?
Replies: 50
Views: 8388

Re: What is good enough?

longinvest wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:02 pm
jebmke wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:33 pm #1 criterion is whether it safely gets me in to the ground.
Jebmke, I don't understand what you mean.
Probably means not “Dying with Zero” — as discussed in a different thread…
by DiploInvestor
Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Interactive Brokers (Best Kept Secret)
Replies: 925
Views: 208896

Re: Interactive Brokers (Best Kept Secret)

Careful wrote: Fri Jun 30, 2023 3:41 pm I would not recommend IB for paper trading accounts. My elderly parents had never logged in and getting them verified so I can help them has been a months-long nightmare. If you want paper, go for a place that has a physical location like Fidelity or Schwab.

I don't find their paper statements very easy to read, and my parents complain they print too small.
By “paper trading” I believe he’s referring to using pretend funds to get the hang of it before committing actual money. Someone correct me if I’m wrong in this case, but he’s not referring to paper statements.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Jun 24, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: fitness gear 13 year old boys like
Replies: 27
Views: 1499

Re: fitness gear 13 year old boys like

Dick’s Sporting Goods or REI gift card.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone vs Android
Replies: 181
Views: 11124

Re: Iphone vs Android

DW has had Apple products all along, and I was an Android guy for many years. Then after a 2-year stretch of using iPhone as my work phone and getting used to it, and Samsung stopping support for my hardly used Galaxy S8+ after only 4 years, going to iPhone was a no-brainer for me. I still prefer Windows PCs to iMac or MacBook, but my iPhone is awesome.
by DiploInvestor
Fri May 26, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Foreign Language Immersion Schools - experiences
Replies: 58
Views: 5717

Re: Foreign Language Immersion Schools - experiences

I like travelling virtually by reading books by expats and one I read recently is "Kept: An American Househusband in Paris" written by a man whose wife was an American diplomat stationed at the embassy in Paris. Most embassy employees send their kids to an American school but they enrolled their kids in the local schools so they'd learn French. In the book he recounts an amusing story where they're visiting a museum and his son asks an attendant a question about an exhibit. She replies and then he turns to his son and asks what she said. Her eyes widening in surprise as she understood the kid was a foreigner she said in accented English "But he speaks just like a Parisian!"… +1 I’m familiar with that author. We just lis...
by DiploInvestor
Thu May 25, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Foreign Language Immersion Schools - experiences
Replies: 58
Views: 5717

Re: Foreign Language Immersion Schools - experiences

Our kids all started school while DW and I were living and working in Italy. We sent them to a private Italian school that was affordable, and they picked up the language within months. Locals thought they were little Florentine kids - I.e., no discernible American accent. At home they spoke accentless English. We let them watch cartoons in English to reinforce that, but at the age they were, accents and pronunciation were not an issue. Fast forward a few years, and they still understand a little but no longer speak Italian. They have studied some Russian, Spanish, and French in English-language schools since then, but the results have been awful. We tried, but immersion is the only way to really hold onto a language. When their friends spe...
by DiploInvestor
Fri Mar 31, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ATM use ( 0BTAINING EUROS) for Trip to ITALY
Replies: 39
Views: 2967

Re: ATM use ( 0BTAINING EUROS) for Trip to ITALY

I lived in Italy (Florence) for a few years and used to get euros from the ATMs there regularly. “Bancomat” is just their term for any ATM. Agree with previous poster that you don’t let the machine do the conversion. And using ATMs connected with banks is safest. I never had an issue. Get a few hundred at the airport to start you off, then stick with bank ATMs.
by DiploInvestor
Wed Mar 29, 2023 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long did you wait for your tax refund this year?
Replies: 165
Views: 18212

Re: How long did you wait for your tax refund this year?

Filed late February. Still waiting. Return accepted within 24 hours and still not approved.
by DiploInvestor
Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 23171

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

I don’t compete, but have done a powerlifting style of training for several years getting to (at 53 y.o. and 205 lbs bw)

Bench - 340 lbs
Squat - 465 lbs
DL - 420
Overhead Press: 205

I have to put a plug in for Mark Rippetoe and his protégé - Andy Baker. I follow Andy’s program ($27/mo), which is geared to older lifters but still legit. Mark’s books are awesome - Starting Strength and Practical Programming for Strength Training are all you really need to show you how to get strong. After a life of running and a few years of CrossFit, I’m very glad I found powerlifting.
by DiploInvestor
Sat Mar 11, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10823

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

We decided a few years ago a good mattress is worth it for good, comfortable sleep. We decided on the Avocado Green with pillow top - a bit under $2k for the queen. It’s firm, and the pillow top makes it comfortable as well. It’s environmentally friendly and has a one year money back guarantee. Consumer Reports consistently rates it as a top brand. One of the best purchases we’ve made and should last at least 10 years if not longer - that’s less than $200 a year for a good night’s sleep every night.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Mar 03, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer overpayment/repayment tax implications
Replies: 16
Views: 1437

Re: Employer overpayment/repayment tax implications

I just found out I have a similar problem. In my case, the overpayment was in tax year 2021 for about $1500, and the error was caught and repayment made by salary deduction in 2022 for the full pretax amount. I'm not itemizing this year, so taking a deduction doesn't help. Since it's less than $3k, I can't do a Claim of Right Payment. Does anyone know if I would be able to just figure my tax on the repaid amount and claim it as a credit on my 2022 tax return? I tried talking to a TT "expert", but that did not help. I'm pretty sure she didn't know either. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have a similar issue with an SDL insurance provider messing up a start date and causing an overpayment in 2022 that they didn't catch in 2023....
by DiploInvestor
Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to quickly declutter and organize the house
Replies: 127
Views: 12937

Re: Best way to quickly declutter and organize the house

DebiT wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:56 pm If you’re on Facebook, find and join your local Buy Nothing group. I have gotten rid of so much that otherwise would have gone in the landfill. It’s a truly great thing

https://buynothingproject.org/
Drill down and find your community. It’s hyper local, meaning your smallish town may still have several groups.
+1

DW has been steadily getting rid of stuff that other people really seem to want. And they come pick it up - you just leave it out for them.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723622

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Fairy Tale by Stephen King - his latest big novel. I’m working my way through his catalogue and am a big fan. 11-22-63 was a fantastic read from his later stuff.
by DiploInvestor
Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age does it go downhill
Replies: 190
Views: 29254

Re: At what age does it go downhill

Hard to say when it goes downhill…. I’m 53 and still feel great, still making improvements in my powerlifting and strongest I’ve been in my life. I used to run but don’t now unless I’m training for the occasional 5k with my kids, and my times are not even close to my HS XCountry days. DW and I did one of the executive physicals last year that someone mentioned above. Numbers were all great, cardio could be better, as expected. Good experience and made us feel better about our health overall. It came to about $1100 each after insurance. I did get a boost recently when I applied for term life insurance to replace my government FEGLI, which will start getting very expensive in a couple years. The quote I initially received dropped by 25% after...
by DiploInvestor
Sun Feb 19, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ID.me [Identify verification site]
Replies: 363
Views: 42205

Re: IRS requiring ID.me? or not requiring ID.me?

Not sure discussion of regulatory plans and rumors are allowed here…
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 151962

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

Me: 53
DW: 49

Stock/Bond base allocation: 80/20.

This is just a base allocation, which is where I started and which varies, by design, depending on market performance. I do a value averaging strategy which is purely reactive and has rebalancing rules back to base if the bond side gets too big. Given the crummy market in 2022, it drifted to about 100% stocks by the new year. I will rebalance again in March and expect to move some over to bonds, but ultimately the market will decide that.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33446

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

Apple Watch Series 7. Does everything I need and then some.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does EZ Pass work in Florida?
Replies: 10
Views: 4582

Re: Does EZ Pass work in Florida?

Yes, it does. Used it many times. Plus, if it didn’t work for some reason (e.g., account is out of funds), Florida also does toll by plate.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5826

Re: US Customs

If you had an issue, you would know already. It sounds like they let you in without any extra paperwork or fines, so you’re good to go. People with problems in secondary are generally there for a long time.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Feb 10, 2023 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer overpayment/repayment tax implications
Replies: 16
Views: 1437

Re: Employer overpayment/repayment tax implications

I just found out I have a similar problem. In my case, the overpayment was in tax year 2021 for about $1500, and the error was caught and repayment made by salary deduction in 2022 for the full pretax amount. I'm not itemizing this year, so taking a deduction doesn't help. Since it's less than $3k, I can't do a Claim of Right Payment. Does anyone know if I would be able to just figure my tax on the repaid amount and claim it as a credit on my 2022 tax return? I tried talking to a TT "expert", but that did not help. I'm pretty sure she didn't know either. Thanks in advance for any advice.
by DiploInvestor
Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)
Replies: 185
Views: 26280

Re: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)

Current Age: 53 (wife is 49)
Current Portfolio: $3m not including any real estate
Target for Retirement: $5m
Target Retirement Age: 56-ish (wife will be 52 and will probably keep working a couple more years)

Luckily we’ll have a total of about $200k in pensions upon retirement and shouldn’t need to depend on our portfolio for income, just for extras. Will wait till we’re 70/67 for SS.
by DiploInvestor
Fri Aug 19, 2022 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which Investment to Liquidate for Large RE Purchase
Replies: 15
Views: 1345

Re: Which Investment to Liquidate for Large RE Purchase

As alluded to above, an SBLC (Securities Backed Line of Credit) could be a great way to solve the issue. Check the rates for each institution (I use dInteractive Brokers). A short-term loan against your assets won’t cost much in interest, you get to leave everything invested, there are no monthly payments due, and it doesn’t affect your credit score (if that were a concern). You just pay it back once your current house sells - though there’s no rush to do so. Lots of threads on this topic.
by DiploInvestor
Tue Aug 02, 2022 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: investing when having a federal pension
Replies: 16
Views: 2686

Re: investing when having a federal pension

Based on OP’s post from August 2021, could he mean he’s 75-80 percent MFs and ETFs?
by DiploInvestor
Sat Jul 16, 2022 3:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 151962

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

My allocation changes quarterly according to my value investing signal lines, and we have several accounts (IRAs, 401ks, taxable) each running their own signals. Overall, though, after the last quarterly rebalance, about 97% equities and 3% crypto - no bonds right now, but all new contributors go to bonds. When the markets bounce back, I will be a very happy camper and maybe even retire. No rush though.
by DiploInvestor
Mon Mar 21, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iOS 15.4
Replies: 32
Views: 2931

Re: iOS 15.4

I haven’t loaded it on my iPhone yet, but here is the description: OS 15.4 adds the ability to unlock with Face ID while wearing a mask on iPhone 12 and newer. This update also includes new emoji, a new voice option for Siri, and other features and bug fixes for your iPhone. Personally, I don’t even like version 15 with the browser displaying the current domain at the bottom of the screen. It’s next to impossible to edit it there if you make a typo, then Submit. Which browser? All mine have the address bar at the top. Safari that came on my 5SE or 6SE. (I can’t even find my phone model in the Settings at the moment.) you can move the address bar directly in Safari. Open Safari. Go to any website. It doesn't matter which one you choose. Tap...
by DiploInvestor
Sun Jan 09, 2022 3:27 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?
Replies: 230
Views: 25214

Re: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?

dougger5 wrote: Sat Jan 08, 2022 7:38 pm After 7 years or so, yeah, there is a bit of repetition of topics. But I continue to come across the odd thing I didn't know that I didn't know.
+1

Exactly