Search found 51 matches

by jt90505
Mon Nov 28, 2022 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for Yellowstone National Park
Replies: 43
Views: 3734

Re: Recommendation for Yellowstone National Park

Agree with everyone on the amount of driving in your initial trip plan, especially staying outside the park. My opinions; our "ideal" vacation may not align with yours. This was my second visit to yellowstone On the trip we did with kids a few years younger than yours... We car camped near old faithful 2 nights and spent 2 nights at lake Yellowstone lodge. - The absolute highlight was boiling river, bring your bathing suits and go. You will not regret it. - Second highlight was Lake Yellowstone. Very basic rooms at the lodge but great (very large) lobby where we sat in the evening, listened to piano player, and played cards. And enjoyed very nice wine, kids had hot chocolate. Quiet. Very relaxing location, walked about the lake, g...
by jt90505
Sun Jul 25, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?
Replies: 174
Views: 23521

Re: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?

1030danielle wrote: Sun Jul 25, 2021 2:26 pm I’m of the mind that a man / woman doesn’t have to break his / her back to earn his day of leisure. I am trying to do all I want to while I’m still young and healthy enough to do them.
Finally a post I can totally relate to.

Yes, saving for retirement is important, but saving some outlandish % of income so you can retire early and start living life makes no sense to me.
by jt90505
Fri Jul 23, 2021 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.
Replies: 53
Views: 8496

Re: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.

Extending what Klangfool started, I would consider staying in the job and making the most of it until you have a clearer idea of where you want to go.

BUT, look outside work to use your skills as a volunteer (or develop new skills). Either that or participate in group activities that interest you...whether at the Y, an adult education program...it almost does not not matter what or where. A shift of focus could provide greater clarity on the direction you want to take with your career.

All the best
by jt90505
Wed Jul 21, 2021 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?
Replies: 174
Views: 23521

Re: Which Toys/Experiences Have Brought You The Most Joy?

Something I'm getting more joy from than anticipated...Getting a good flatbed scanner and scanning in all the family images we have, dating back over 100 years. Use them for computer background and regularly switch. Scanning took a couple of of retirement months and still using Photoshop Elements to address faded/damaged/red eye/etc.
by jt90505
Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Replies: 67
Views: 8265

Re: Vanguard vs. Fidelity

cowdogman wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 11:54 am
Ron wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 11:50 am Why does it have to be one or the other?
Simplicity, which I have been aiming for since getting older, for the benefit of my wife.
We have both Fidelity and Vanguard. My wife definitely prefers working directly with a human; I do as well but can function on line. Fidelity rep does not push anything and provides a sounding board if wanted.

I especially value meeting with my wife every year (sometimes two) which refreshes her knowledge of our finances. (yes we periodically review at home, but a different setting with a trusted second party is valuable)
by jt90505
Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Guidance for new grad, 1st real job
Replies: 29
Views: 3450

Guidance for new grad, 1st real job

For a new grad about to start first job, this is advise I'm thinking of giving:
  • enjoy life, develop a work/life balance, balance savings and enjoyment
  • Use a MMF or hi yield savings acct for 'normal' bills.
  • Buy I-Bonds yearly to build up a reserve fund. Having the money somewhat difficult to get reduces temptation to spend, and if something bad happens in near term we can help out.
  • Fund a Roth 401K, I believe his plan allows Vanguard Total Stock Market.
  • Start setting aside $ for car, probably in a hi-yield savings acct. Planning to try to live without car initially.
  • After all of above, put $$ in stock market for eventual house purchase. if there is money available.
  • you are only young once
what am i missing?
by jt90505
Sun Jul 11, 2021 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 189
Views: 29402

Re: Dark chocolate addicts: how much do you eat?

Endangered Species 88% Cocoa. It does not have the milk fat ingredient Ghirardelli 86% uses. I prefer the taste, you may want to compare the two.
by jt90505
Mon Jul 05, 2021 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a fire safe please
Replies: 24
Views: 3315

Re: Recommend a fire safe please

we have a 20+ year old version of this safe in a closet with key inserted. As others have also mentioned, its for fire protection, not security. It has our wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, passports, etc. Ours fits a 3 ring binder,

https://www.amazon.com/SentrySafe-HD410 ... UTF8&psc=1

the easy to pick up version is out of stock at Amazon but is available from other sellers for about $70.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KOO599O/?t ... UTF8&psc=1
by jt90505
Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: property taxes California
Replies: 56
Views: 6606

Re: property taxes California

RetiredAL wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 5:20 pm Having paid $38,500 for my house, just the thought of having to handover >$300K in taxes if I sold sticks in my craw.
May I ask why?

If you had a winning $1M lottery ticket would you not cash it in to avoid paying taxes? Would you really rather live in an area where housing has not appreciated? You've won the housing lottery...
by jt90505
Sun Jun 27, 2021 2:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: You ever have an investment actually go to zero?
Replies: 126
Views: 12611

Re: You ever have an investment actually go to zero?

Worldcom. I didn't actually ride all the way to zero, but close.

It was a rather expensive lesson in value of "research reports" provided by brokerages. On the way down I got constant reports along the lines of "its an overreaction, buying opportunity". I strongly suspect the brokerage was dumping shares.
by jt90505
Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip from LA to SF via the PCH
Replies: 46
Views: 7580

Re: Road trip from LA to SF via the PCH

Cyclesafe wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 7:10 am ...Northbound you have traffic between you and the scenery, forcing you to turn left against southbound traffic to reach pullouts. When returning to the highway northbound you then have to again turn left timing your turn to avoid other motorists moving at full speed southbound. Plus the southbound lane (if one includes the bike lane) is wider than the northbound one.

If it's not too late to change your plans, I would start in SF instead.
agree.

I would have Hearst Castle high on my list, also a picnic in a scenic location.
by jt90505
Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple vs PC Purchase Decision
Replies: 77
Views: 6869

Re: Apple vs PC Purchase Decision

My son just switched from Microsoft to Apple for home use. For work he uses Windows. Yes there is a surmountable learning curve. No I don't want to go through it.

Yes, Microsoft can be amazingly frustrating at times but they do not have a monopoly on that. I don't get *any* ads from Microsoft. Maybe I unsubscribed or turned them off years ago? My 5 year old Windows PC is fast, reliable, and easy to use...and I hope it lasts another 5 years.

One added consideration I have is Windows specific software that would require replacing (or cannot be replaced).
by jt90505
Sat Jun 19, 2021 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When did cars start good safety features?
Replies: 105
Views: 9119

Re: When did cars start good safety features?

Another good thread. My big takeaway is the point Savemor made about passive safety that improves crash survivability (seat belts, airbags, etc.) and active safety that reduces the likelihood of crashes (autobrake, blind spot detection, etc.). My big problem with active safety is people placing too much dependence on it, gradually reducing their defensive driving... by not looking over their shoulder for blind spots, trusting that adaptive cruise control will slow the car, etc. Great when its a mature technology, I don't think its there yet. And I suspect young drivers are more likely to grow dependent on the technology vs. using safe driving skills. I'm sure studies have been done which validate any viewpoint anyone has. There is certainly...
by jt90505
Fri Jun 18, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BlueAir air purifiers and wildfires
Replies: 20
Views: 2156

Re: BlueAir air purifiers and wildfires

gtd98765 wrote: Thu Jun 17, 2021 5:53 pm
jt90505 wrote: Thu Jun 17, 2021 2:14 pm Invoking the 'only stupid question is the one you don't ask' rule, do you need to keep windows shut when running the filter for it to be effective?
Yes you need to keep the windows shut when running the filter for best results. It's just like an air conditioner in that regard - you don't run the a/c with the windows open because then you are effectively trying to air condition the outside.
thanks to both that replied. Not having air conditioning, and since wildfires typically thrive when its hot, having a filter would most likely provide minimal benefit since we depend on air flow to keep the house livable temperature.
by jt90505
Fri Jun 18, 2021 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying I-bonds with tax refund
Replies: 21
Views: 3448

Re: Buying I-bonds with tax refund

The downside is the hassle of dealing with all the small denomination paper bonds.
The upside is the ability to increase your annual purchase of i-bonds.
by jt90505
Fri Jun 18, 2021 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I Actually Need New Windows, or Am I Being Sold?
Replies: 48
Views: 5935

Re: Do I Actually Need New Windows, or Am I Being Sold?

Replaced a bunch of 25-30 year old windows/ patio doors last year. Biggest regret is not doing it sooner.

Three comments:
1) Doing it over I would not get the grids on rear/side windows. Probably because every other house in the neighborhood has them on street facing windows, I would have kept the grids for those windows.
2) "no see-um' screens were well worth the extra cost for us.
3) FWIW we got Milguard windows and are very happy with them. Once installed Milguard becomes responsible; their warranty is good and we had occasion to use it, service was outstanding. No questioning whether product or installation was to blame.
by jt90505
Thu Jun 17, 2021 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BlueAir air purifiers and wildfires
Replies: 20
Views: 2156

Re: BlueAir air purifiers and wildfires

Invoking the 'only stupid question is the one you don't ask' rule, do you need to keep windows shut when running the filter for it to be effective?
by jt90505
Thu Jun 17, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charity - good ideas
Replies: 46
Views: 3313

Re: Charity - good ideas

Often non-profits rely on volunteers to accomplish their mission. The 501-c where I volunteer flat out would not exist without volunteers. So I really question the initial assumption that volunteering is 'inefficient'. Given your background you probably could do far more good volunteering than donating, plus you will likely get a great deal of personal satisfaction. You will learn quickly there are far too few people willing to make a commitment to do the dirty work necessary to solve a problem, inefficient as we may be.
by jt90505
Mon Jun 14, 2021 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to Protect Savings from stock market crash
Replies: 23
Views: 3661

Re: How to Protect Savings from stock market crash

asdfgghk wrote: Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:54 pm What harm would it be for OP to liquidate and park his money in say a MMF temporarily to preserve value following a (likely) impending crash. Following the crash, they can then reinvest those funds back as he/she chooses when they feel it has dipped enough.

Any thoughts?? (i know, can't predict when the market will crash so this is timing the market)
Not just a problem knowing when the market will crash, but also when it has stopped crashing. Easy in hindsight, not so easy in real time!
by jt90505
Sat Jun 12, 2021 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remodel, rebuild to downsize, or just "flip" and move?
Replies: 12
Views: 1532

Re: Remodel, rebuild to downsize, or just "flip" and move?

I agree making extensive repairs does not make sense for a house which is too big in a neighborhood you have no attachment to.

Before selling, get a sense whether you will be able to purchase a replacement house. We have neighbors who listed their house and decided to stay put after experiencing difficulty purchasing another home with the limited number listings and hoards of buyers. One house had 15 offers on the first day of listing, all well above asking price, many with no contingencies.
by jt90505
Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any insurance beating USAA?
Replies: 48
Views: 6975

Re: Any insurance beating USAA?

My USAA quote for auto/home/excess liability was unbelievably high. In California. Not in a wildfire or flood area. I received the quote on the internet, it was so high it seemed pointless to call and see if there was some error I made which triggered the price.

Given we've been very happy with service and pricing from our current provider there was no way we would switch. One good thing about getting the quote is that now my kids have membership numbers.
by jt90505
Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: plumber cost to "run snake to unclog pipes"
Replies: 66
Views: 5933

Re: plumber cost to "run snake to unclog pipes"

If you are quoted a price for a job and then charged that price when the job was completed you are not being ripped off.

In a HCOL area we pay a fixed rate of $95 to snake our single story house. No camera.

Some tradespeople we have used charged by the hour, some charge a fixed rate that takes into account some jobs will be easy and fast, some jobs will be difficult and take a longer. The OP wants the hourly rate for easy work and the fixed rate for difficult jobs, making the decision after the work is completed.
by jt90505
Mon Jun 07, 2021 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When did cars start good safety features?
Replies: 105
Views: 9119

Re: When did cars start good safety features?

"...I think the most significant safety features have been seat belts, air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control..."

08 Accord has all of above standard.

It also does *not* have a touchscreen display that requires you to take your eyes off the road when modifying settings.
by jt90505
Wed Jun 02, 2021 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rent Fios router ($15/mo) or use my own?
Replies: 49
Views: 5715

Re: Rent Fios router ($15/mo) or use my own?

Years and years ago we replaced our Verizon supplied FIOS router with an off the shelf relatively inexpensive Linksys router which was (and continues to be) plug and play. It was very easy to set up, has had zero issues, and provides better coverage in our house. There has been no 'problem solving'. I am not a network engineer. I am not sure my wife would have been comfortable making the purchase and swapping routers.
by jt90505
Tue May 25, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you justify family vacation costs?
Replies: 198
Views: 18072

Re: How do you justify family vacation costs?

I like my job and have no plans to FIRE so my goal is to just run up the score and enjoy life while being sensible and smart about my decisions. tryingtogetahead, So far, none of the above apply to you. A) Your HHI is 750K and you save 450K/420K per year. Your net worth is around 4+ million. B) Your annual savings and your portfolio is big enough. A simple passive index investment will be good enough to give your more money than you ever need. C) But, i) You waste your time and effort on lousy RE investment that return much less. ii) You waste your time and effort on individual stocks that do nothing significant for you. iii) How is that sensible? iv) A sensible person would start a hobby and spend more time with their family. D) Enjoy lif...
by jt90505
Mon May 17, 2021 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paper Checks
Replies: 50
Views: 6270

Re: Paper Checks

2020 Mail volume in US was ~129.2 *Billion* units.
With 99.99% accuracy you are still looking at ~13 *Million* misdelivered pieces of mail per year.
I cannot remember receiving a misdelivered item that required more than walking to either of my next door neighbors.
by jt90505
Fri Apr 30, 2021 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me buy my son a 5K new used car....
Replies: 62
Views: 5501

Re: Help me buy my son a 5K new used car....

We've had 2 Prius' where battery failed at ~11-12 years, ~$2500 each to replace.
One Prius had display go about same time, ~$1,200 to replace.
No idea if this is 'normal', but if car approaching 10-12 years you may want to factor this into your decision.

Other than that just normal maintenance, very reliable.

One more thing...in our area Prius catalytic converters are popular theft items. After having one stolen we had the bars welded to make theft more difficult...~3 years after initial theft thieves returned, did not bother trying to cut through the bars but snipped 3 or 4 wires. Car was drivable, but cost a couple hundred to re-connect the oxygen sensor wires. (Accord parked next to prius not touched)
by jt90505
Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are my expenses too high?
Replies: 136
Views: 16967

Re: Are my expenses too high?

What am I missing.

Housing at 18% of income is not an issue. Spending is not an issue. What is an issue is you are excluding a 'stable' $30K bonus, $2,500 per *month* from your income vs. expenses calculation. Plus at least $500/month in excess tax withholding.

Unless I completely misread something you are in great shape, even with another child :happy
by jt90505
Tue Apr 27, 2021 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a piano for my 10-year old
Replies: 75
Views: 11941

Re: Help me choose a piano for my 10-year old

We bought a used upright for a few hundred bucks, kids used it for a few years then moved on. Getting rid of the piano was a pain; multiple pianos offered for *free* on Nextdoor site. Finally someone took it off our hands, thankfully they paid the piano movers. In retrospect I wish we had gotten a digital piano, takes less space, easier to unload.

If your child is not enthusiastic I would think hard about spending $4K...if he stays with is and becomes serious you always have the option to purchase a higher quality piano. Especially if you may be moving.
by jt90505
Sun Apr 25, 2021 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you stop moving your goalpost ?
Replies: 88
Views: 9558

Re: How do you stop moving your goalpost ?

Have you discussed retirement with your spouse? I'm currently mid 60's and retired late 50's. It felt right, the numbers looked ok, spouse supportive. Did not agonize. As some have mentioned, you can have a full enjoyable life while employed...work can be a positive. If you are in that situation don't feel compelled to retire based on others experiences. OP here. Yes, I have discussed with my spouse (who is already retired). She says I should retire. And then I show her what one more year of working translates into in terms of monthly income in retirement and she says "Oh, well then, maybe you should work another year or two!" :oops: LOL! If I am reading your response correctly, based on my experience I translate your spouses' re...
by jt90505
Sun Apr 25, 2021 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you stop moving your goalpost ?
Replies: 88
Views: 9558

Re: How do you stop moving your goalpost ?

Have you discussed retirement with your spouse?

I'm currently mid 60's and retired late 50's. It felt right, the numbers looked ok, spouse supportive. Did not agonize.

As some have mentioned, you can have a full enjoyable life while employed...work can be a positive. If you are in that situation don't feel compelled to retire based on others experiences.
by jt90505
Thu Apr 15, 2021 10:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Prenuptial arrangements
Replies: 123
Views: 10907

Re: Prenuptial arrangements

The best advice I can give is to ignore any relationship advice I offer. If you choose to read further... You are both the same age, have similar assets and income, and both are savers. There is a difference in whether to save a lot or even more than a lot. Presumably you both are in agreement on children; kids are expensive and having them will likely resolve any differences regarding early retirement. My opinion is you are overthinking this. I know that if we tried, at the beginning, to hash out things at the granularity you are describing we would not have celebrated over 35 anniversaries. Regarding the pre-nup, given that you are in very similar financial situations, is a pre-nup really worth the trauma? With all that said, you and your...
by jt90505
Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house can we afford?
Replies: 28
Views: 2735

Re: How much house can we afford?

If you expect to stay in the same area long term, consider buying the house that meets your needs and wants long term. 3000 sq ft. for a family of 6 sounds very reasonable, and you *will* appreciate the nicer touches.

That said, kids are not cheap and having increased costs with a reduction in income, initially sacrifices will probably have to be made. Over time your salaries will increase.

Keep in mind you are very fortunate to have this "problem" :happy
by jt90505
Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tankless Water Heater - Struggling to Justify
Replies: 71
Views: 7832

Re: Tankless Water Heater - Struggling to Justify

I don't think you buy a tankless for return on investment. You have a 40G soak tub, and if you soak for a half hour or so you probably will want to refresh the hot water. Since presumably you want to soak to relax, do you really want to be managing hot water usage to make sure you can enjoy your bath?

We've had a Noritz tankless for about a dozen years without a problem. Its been flushed twice. If sized correctly you will not have spurts of hot/cold water. The tankless is adjacent to our 2 bathrooms so we have hot water in seconds without recirculation or other complexities. We are happy with our decision, it may not be the right choice for you.
by jt90505
Wed Mar 17, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: National Reputation of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)? other input welcome too
Replies: 211
Views: 20777

Re: National Reputation of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)? other input welcome too

My son recently graduated from a UC which is typically ranked in the top 10 public universities with an excellent GPA and had some good summer degree related experience. He had more success getting interviews through the school placement office vs. applying via the web. I believe companies have recruiters responsible for schools on 'their list' who know the courses and the school and will actually read his resume and advocate. He found it much more difficult to get an interview as just another person applying on-line. Considering his interviews were each 3-5 hours long, a significant investment, this is understandable. So having an idea of what companies recruit at WPI *may* be useful. A second consideration...it sounds like going to WPI wi...
by jt90505
Wed Mar 17, 2021 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Sienna - Which Years Were Best?
Replies: 18
Views: 6193

Re: Toyota Sienna - Which Years Were Best?

Our 2002 is still going strong with minimal maintenance :happy
by jt90505
Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I open a 529?
Replies: 28
Views: 3504

Re: Should I open a 529?

Regarding cost of college, our 2 recently graduated. Both started in community college then went to highly regarded state universities (in state).

Out the door, including living expenses for the 2 years each spent living at the universities, just under $100K. For both.

One just received very nice job offers he is agonizing over (which one to accept), the second will be starting a masters program. Which we can cover as our undergrad expenses were less than we planned for.
by jt90505
Thu Feb 25, 2021 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review - Preparing to FIRE after Windfall
Replies: 34
Views: 4597

Re: Portfolio Review - Preparing to FIRE after Windfall

A couple of questions/comments.
- Are you planning on contributing to kids college education costs. If so, is this factored into your plans?
- Regarding "taking my 40s off", although technically illegal it will most likely become more difficult to get a position as you age, especially after an extended period of not working.
- Does your annual budget include allowances for 'major' expenses s/a replacement cars, new roof/furnace/etc?

All the best
by jt90505
Sat Jan 30, 2021 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What should I know about estate planning?
Replies: 14
Views: 1363

Re: What should I know about estate planning?

Very good that you are considering estate planning. You and your partner appear to have an estate with some (good) complications that a good estate planning attorney may be best qualified to handle; the LLC, other rental property, unmarried in a committed relationship with minor children, etc. If you want to get smarter about estate planning NOLO press has good resources; the book "Estate Planning Basics" is a start. Reading what follows keep in mind I am not an attorney or for that matter particularly knowledgeable about estate planning...beyond the fact we just went though drawing up our estate plans. At a minimum you would want, with your partner Appoint a legal guardian for your child Specify a trustee, and successor trustee, ...
by jt90505
Mon Jan 25, 2021 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you have any tips for first time home buyer?
Replies: 64
Views: 6048

Re: Do you have any tips for first time home buyer?

I'd be very careful about a house that has been flipped. It will look good and most probably pass inspection, but...there is a probability the flippers did the work themselves using low end everything. House down the street was flipped; the new owners had an endless parade of workers come in to redo (undo?) what was bought.
by jt90505
Sun Jan 17, 2021 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions about making a will
Replies: 59
Views: 4408

Re: Questions about making a will

... [1.] You most likely will want to avoid probate, which is typically slow and potentially expensive for an estate of your size. ... [2.] ... A trust, while not cheap, allows you to delay full transfer of assets to the kids until they are at an age where they hopefully will be mature enough to handle a large sum...while providing for their expenses until they reach that age. For an estate of your size consider who will be trustee for the assets until your children reach 18. ... [3.] If no children, big advantage of trust is if the living trust own the house removes the house is not longer subject to probate 1. Possibly but probably not. It doesn't usually take very long to probate a Will, though in some places the courts are taking longe...
by jt90505
Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions about making a will
Replies: 59
Views: 4408

Re: Questions about making a will

I'm late to the game but having just had a living trust set up, a couple of comments... You most likely will want to avoid probate, which is typically slow and potentially expensive for an estate of your size. I would suggest getting your probate assets small enough to qualify for Small Estate Probate which is faster and much, much, cheaper. What qualifies as small varies by state. Using beneficiaries takes precedence over what is in your will and the assets are not subject to probate (ie: make sure you have primary and contingent beneficiaries for all your accounts, and don't have the beneficiary be your 'estate') Its not clear if you have children, if you do obviously specify guardians. A trust, while not cheap, allows you to delay full t...
by jt90505
Tue Jan 12, 2021 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Regrets postponing retirement too long?
Replies: 171
Views: 19455

Re: Regrets postponing retirement too long?

Lots of good advice regarding your retirement date. Regarding the knee pain...

Have you been to a good trustworthy orthopedic surgeon? I was dealing with knee pain which was interfering with what I could do. A scan revealed my meniscus was basically shredded, beyond repair. After surgery life was good again, increased risk of arthritis since much of the meniscus was removed. After 7 years, no problems yet with a mix of walking, backpacking, trail hiking, bicycling for exercise.

Post surgery I think there was a week or two before starting physical therapy which was over after 2 sessions.

Your knee issues may be more complex and require total knee replacement, but worth checking out your options.
by jt90505
Thu Nov 29, 2018 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.
Replies: 14
Views: 3146

Re: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.

[/quote]
So, we may eventually have:

10% TIPS
10% BND
5% BLV
5% Agency Bond
30% Stock Fund
40% revolving CD ladder

You can sell for capital gains either stock or bonds to fund the CD ladder when volatility is positive.
[/quote]

Interesting suggestion...does anyone else have thoughts on reducing the TIPS % in favor of the larger revolving 5 year CD ladder (or 5 year iBond EFT)?
by jt90505
Thu Nov 29, 2018 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.
Replies: 14
Views: 3146

Re: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.

I could not tell whether your portfolio consists of tax advantaged qualified retirement plan or taxable assets, but I would make absolutely sure you consider the tax implications of the strategies you are considering. Retiring at 60 and holding off on SS until 70 would lead me to design my portfolio strategy for the next 10 years around tax strategies. You have an excellent opportunity to prepare for the future. I would recommend considering the viability of Roth conversions, the impact of possibly realizing capital gains, and the horrendous tax treatment of TIPS if held outside a retirement plan. Good post, thank you. About 85% of assets are in IRA's or other tax deferred accounts, 10% in Roths or HSA's, 5% taxable. All TIPS are/ will be ...
by jt90505
Thu Nov 29, 2018 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.
Replies: 14
Views: 3146

Re: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.

Thank you Vineviz. Very good suggestions, follow up questions/comments follow. (All responses are off the top of my head and subject to change as get smarter...please let me know if I'm way off base!) I did not know the iShares iBond ETF's existed. I like the concept and while I'll need do some homework, I suspect they will fit nicely in the 4-9 year space. Why the TIPS ETF vs. directly purchasing TIPS? I'm pretty strongly leaning to directly purchasing the TIPS 1) Since they provide the return I am looking for and 2) Avoid timing issues wrt sales. My thought is to totally eliminate all TIPS funds. 30 year TIPS ladder. Yeah. I know. Especially since the return meets my projected needs. Good catch. Probably the most important question. I vie...
by jt90505
Thu Nov 29, 2018 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.
Replies: 14
Views: 3146

just retired. need to figure out a fixed income strategy.

For context... Just retired, age 60. No pension, no inheritances, but wife and I have lived a happy life and saved diligently from the start of our careers. With a real return of 1% we can maintain our standard of living til we are over 100 (based on a personally constructed spreadsheet). Online calculators show a very high probability of success though our planning age of 100. In the unlikely but possible event one of us lives longer than that we could draw on our housing equity. So my read is we don't need to take much risk. My current thinking is we will start with an equity allocation of ~30%, which is where we are now. I've always focused on equities and am content with our current holdings. I am strongly inclined to go to a total ret...
by jt90505
Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS, secondary mkt, yield to worst/maturity
Replies: 3
Views: 584

Re: TIPS, secondary mkt, yield to worst/maturity

Thanks, That is the answer was expecting. (The yield to maturity is the 'real' yield for a TIPS for bonds purchased in secondary market)

Don't understand why I could not get the same answer from Fidelity. Very troubling.