Search found 202 matches

by Whatyear?
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can Medical provider “mess up” bill like that?
Replies: 35
Views: 1870

Re: Can Medical provider “mess up” bill like that?

I would call the doctor’s office and tell them that you spoke to your insurance company and they advised you that they would like the opportunity to review all claims, so they should please submit the additional charge to insurance. Tell them you will pay the difference once the insurance company has weighed in, but not before.
by Whatyear?
Sun Dec 03, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anxious for retirement
Replies: 63
Views: 7391

Re: Anxious for retirement

If you can afford it, and you are that close, retire at the first of the year! The market has been very good to us this past month, take advantage of it and accelerate your schedule. Again, If you can afford it. Good luck!
by Whatyear?
Sat Dec 02, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906946

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Up about 12% YTD. I’m at a 60/40 AA. It was closer to 50/50 at the beginning of the year.
by Whatyear?
Wed Oct 26, 2022 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Question
Replies: 15
Views: 1927

Re: Social Security Question

Good information in this thread! I am planning on the classic age 62 for lower earner next April and 70 for higher (me), but I may rethink it slightly.
by Whatyear?
Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market
Replies: 53
Views: 4903

Re: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market

bob60014 wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 9:33 am
Rose wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 8:08 am Assumptions:
1. No financing
Good advice already given. You might want to rethink the financing. Dealers may offer a better deal when financing through them as they get a kickback that they can use to enhance the deal, sometimes substantially depending on the vehicle. Just pay the loan off asap.
We bought a new car last May (right before the major shortage) and ran into this exactly. The price of the car would have been $1K higher if we paid cash, so we financed it. We had to keep the loan for 90 days in order to avoid a penalty, but could pay it off after that.
by Whatyear?
Sat Feb 19, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Spend down in retirement
Replies: 42
Views: 6593

Re: Spend down in retirement

carminered2019 wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 3:54 pm What helps me is to have a fixed total number in the portfolio, anything above that we spend freely and anything below that we cut back big time.
This approach actually terrifies me 😉. I would be afraid to spend when the portfolio was up, for fear of it someday falling below the magic number.

I'm in the "monthly paycheck" camp. I've been using that approach for years, even though I am not retired yet (but I will be in two weeks!!!)
by Whatyear?
Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: De-risk 529 plans
Replies: 17
Views: 1767

Re: De-risk 529 plans

ClevrChico wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 7:12 am We're enrolled in the age base plans which use a glide path.

My 11 year old's portfolio is at 30% bonds and my 7 year old is at 10%. Both will continue to increase their bond allocation over time. Your 20% bond allocation for younger kids seems reasonable. The years fly by, so best not to be greedy.
This is what we did also, for three kids/three plans. It served us well.
by Whatyear?
Tue Dec 21, 2021 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?
Replies: 33
Views: 2914

Re: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?

carminered2019 wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 3:10 pm I use my person cash(checking) to pay for daughter's college expenses from January to December, I keep all receipts, add up the total amount down to the pennies then do a withdraw from 529 in December. Very important to submit receipts with tax filling for the same year.
I have never reported 529 withdrawals or college expenses or submitted any receipts with my taxes (and my daughter is a junior this year :happy ). I haven't seen this as a requirement. . . .
by Whatyear?
Tue Dec 21, 2021 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?
Replies: 33
Views: 2914

Re: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?

Don't overthink this - just make sure what you do is reasonable and supportable.

In my case, tuition is not due until 1/8/22, but I withdrew funds from the 529 today and paid the bill today, to get it out of the way. If I EVER get challenged by the IRS (which I doubt), being able to show the direct linkage between the withdrawal and the payment should mean that it will turn out fine.

I have had at least a half dozen inquiries by the IRS over the years on various issues, and never have they taken an "unreasonable", form-over-substance position.
by Whatyear?
Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Test Prep / Education Software for Younger Kids
Replies: 3
Views: 368

Re: Test Prep / Education Software for Younger Kids

It might not be for everyone, but when my kids were that young, I just let them be kids, and they are doing just fine. As they got older, I got them tutors or special help only when they asked for it. All three are in college or college-bound. Just my opinion.
by Whatyear?
Wed Nov 10, 2021 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Revoke Living Trust?
Replies: 30
Views: 3676

Re: Revoke Living Trust?

flarf wrote: Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:52 am I'm quite thankful that my parents had set up revocable living trusts. It made financial matters much easier when my father had dementia, and the trusts themselves had zero hassle.
Serious question (for my own benefit, since I'm the one that is in the process of opting out of setting up a trust, as well as for the OP) - how did the trust help with this? It seems like this is where a Power of Attorney would come in handy . . . .(?)
by Whatyear?
Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Revoke Living Trust?
Replies: 30
Views: 3676

Re: Revoke Living Trust?

I think it sounds like a good plan (focusing on keeping things simple/not having them be unnecessarily complex), and I'm sort of doing the same thing myself. Neither me nor my husband have ever had a will (we're in early 60's) and are finally doing something about it. After consulting with an estate planning law firm we determined all we need was the Big 3 (Will, POA, Healthcare Proxy), but the firm kept insisting we also needed a trust. After reviewing the draft trust agreement I saw no real advantage to it, and pushed back. They wound up agreeing that in our situation (assets are mainly IRA's and don't need to be probated in our state, youngest child is 17 so won't be a minor for much longer, etc.) there was no need for the trust and it w...
by Whatyear?
Fri Oct 08, 2021 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Rise of More College Experience
Replies: 55
Views: 5514

Re: The Rise of More College Experience

OP, I've been in Finance my entire career (retiring next February :)) and have hired many people over the years. I would suggest you work with name brand accounting search firms e.g., (Robert Half, KBW Staffing - at least where I live), and apply for entry-level accounts payable or accounts receivable positions. Both are very transactional in nature so are relatively easy to learn, but give a good introduction to working (in accounting) in the real world, and are ideal stepping stones to general accountant, senior accountant, and so on. These positions did not historically require a college degree, but more recently that is often the preferred the profile because companies want the person they hire to be able to move up. Good luck! Nancy
by Whatyear?
Tue Oct 05, 2021 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wills & Trusts
Replies: 173
Views: 18934

Re: Wills & Trusts

My husband and I are about half-way through the process of getting wills done. After an initial consultation we determined we only need wills (not a Trust) because we a) don't care about minimizing estate taxes, b) don't qualify for/wouldn't benefit from a Medicaid trust, and c) don't want to micromanage the distribution to our kids from the grave. I told the attorney/paralegal this multiple times, and somehow they still cajoled us into getting (and prepaying for) them to draft a trust. After I saw the documents and all the warnings about needing to fund it, update it every year, etc., I went back to them one more time and said I don't get why we need the trust. We have an in-person meeting coming up where I imagine we'll be able to get out...
by Whatyear?
Sat Jun 12, 2021 10:11 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2022!
Replies: 393
Views: 71576

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2022!

I'm in! My date is Jan. 7, 2022 (possible stretch to March if they really need me, for good will purposes). Miriam, you opened up this roll call literally the day I let my boss know my plans so guess that means the stars are aligned! I will be 62 and my husband 60 (going on 61). Our oldest daughter is heading into her junior year in college, middle daughter a freshman in college this fall, and the youngest a senior in high school this year. So it's time!!!! Financially we should be fine, but like a lot of us on this board it's my hobby to fret about whether we have enough, run a million scenarios, etc. 😄 Looking forward to focusing on health, family and just generally living a more zen lifestyle after about 48 years of high stress work, mos...
by Whatyear?
Fri May 21, 2021 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much of a hit if I close one credit card which with new terms is basically duplicating another?
Replies: 18
Views: 1764

Re: How much of a hit if I close one credit card which with new terms is basically duplicating another?

Serious question - why do people worry so much about their credit score? What do you use it for? I suspect it is not borrowing, because I imagine most people on this board are not heavy borrowers. I don't even know what my credit score is, but I financed car last week without it being a topic.

Thanks,
Nancy
by Whatyear?
Fri Apr 16, 2021 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Does College Tuition Really Cost?
Replies: 83
Views: 8379

Re: What Does College Tuition Really Cost?

I see that many people have recommended looking at online calculators, websites, etc. and that is good advice. But I suspect you are looking for a more real-world practical answer based on experience. Here is mine. Our financial situation is similar to the OP except we don't have quite as much in assets.: My oldest daughter is currently a flagship state university on an out-of-state basis. When she initially got accepted, there was no scholarship offer. I emailed them to take another look. They came back the same day offering $4K per year. She is a decent student but not an exceptional student. My second daughter will be going to college next fall. She is my "exceptional student" - 3.97 GPA unweighted and over 6 weighted. She appl...
by Whatyear?
Tue Apr 13, 2021 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?
Replies: 52
Views: 6002

Re: Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?

I plan to use COBRA initially just because I know what I’ll be getting, and so I will have time to properly research ACA. I have my husband and three kids on my policy so I need to make sure everyone stays covered for things. I’m sure we can qualify for much cheaper insurance but I’ve read you need to make sure key doctors or facilities you use are covered in the HMO type plans ACA typically offers. At least in my area.
by Whatyear?
Mon Apr 12, 2021 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?
Replies: 52
Views: 6002

Re: Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?

OP here. Thanks so much for the replies. I love hearing the perspectives. In my case I will most likely stick with my original plan and retire next March. I’ll have two kids in college this fall and the third will be a senior in HS. So the extra year of income including final 401k vesting, stock vesting and year-end bonus is something I can’t in good conscience pass up. So I will just watch the calendar pages turn knowing it’s just that much closer!
by Whatyear?
Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would (did) you preemptively replace your Roof Shingles
Replies: 51
Views: 5207

Re: Would you preemptively replace your Roof

Wow, it never would have occurred to me to preemptively replace a roof but I will give it some thought now. It will be 26 years old in June. Although, a few years ago we had a few shingles blow off and the guy who replaced them said it looked like the roof was in good shape, so there’s that. And the guy who built our whole neighborhood moved into and lived here for about 20 years . . . I would think if he took shortcuts he would not have done that 😄
by Whatyear?
Sat Apr 10, 2021 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?
Replies: 52
Views: 6002

Anyone contemplating OLY (One Less Year)?

Hi,
I am curious - with the market run-up over the last couple of years, is anyone adjusting their plans to retire a year (or more) sooner? My "real" target date is March 2022, but I have to say it is tempting to just do it, since my portfolio is probably $200K higher right now than i forecasted it to be next year . . . Curious if others are debating the same thing.

Whatyear
by Whatyear?
Sun Feb 21, 2021 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do we need multiple credit cards to build credit?
Replies: 12
Views: 1251

Re: Do we need multiple credit cards to build credit?

I’m amazed that people strategize about this. I also don’t understand why people care about their credit score unless it prevents them from borrowing when necessary.

I say have one credit card, maybe finance a car,
and pay the bills on time or early. Then get a mortgage when the time comes and do the same.

If you do that you should be in good shape.
by Whatyear?
Sun Feb 21, 2021 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going From Employer/COBRA Insurance to ACA
Replies: 20
Views: 1373

Re: Going From Employer/COBRA Insurance to ACA

Are you sure your COBRA ends in the middle of a month? That seems weird. Anywhere I’ve worked the coverage was always for full months. 🤔
by Whatyear?
Fri Dec 04, 2020 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Creating Will online
Replies: 26
Views: 2052

Re: Creating Will online

Reading this thread inspired me to finally contact an attorney to create a will/trust/estate plan. :happy
by Whatyear?
Wed Nov 18, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to remove wrinkles from crumpled silk without washing?
Replies: 11
Views: 924

Re: How to remove wrinkles from crumpled silk without washing?

I would try putting it in the dryer with a damp towel for about 5 - 10 minutes. It works for cashmere and I would think it would also work for silk.
by Whatyear?
Fri Sep 25, 2020 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to combine finances with your spouse? Recently married/early30s
Replies: 55
Views: 5315

Re: How to combine finances with your spouse? Recently married/early30s

Come to terms with the fact that everything is jointly owned. Otherwise you are in for trouble . . . . I think the "post-nup" idea is a bad idea.

I had a substantially similar experience to DaftInvestor and in our case are happily married 25 years. Of course it helps that I am fully in charge of the finances!

:sharebeer
by Whatyear?
Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise booking for next year
Replies: 12
Views: 676

Re: Cruise booking for next year

I used to go on cruises but I think I'm done!
by Whatyear?
Thu Jan 16, 2020 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are you a closet market-timer?
Replies: 177
Views: 17061

Re: Are you a closet market-timer?

I have a certain "average" return I am hoping to achieve over time, which happens to be 7.25%. This is based on historical returns for my AA (which I KNOW is not necessarily indicative of future return, but it's what I am targeting). If I happen to over-achieve that return mid-year, I happily take it off the table by moving $$ from stock funds to bond funds. If the market keeps going up after that I don't feel bad because I have plenty more invested in stocks. If it happens to go down, I'm happy I locked in a small gain. I don't consider it market-timing at all. Whatyear?, In my opinion, you are a market-timer. KlangFool You need those 20% & 30% years (2013,2019) to make up for the down years. Your theory is probably the wors...
by Whatyear?
Thu Jan 16, 2020 12:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are you a closet market-timer?
Replies: 177
Views: 17061

Re: Are you a closet market-timer?

I have a certain "average" return I am hoping to achieve over time, which happens to be 7.25%. This is based on historical returns for my AA (which I KNOW is not necessarily indicative of future return, but it's what I am targeting). If I happen to over-achieve that return mid-year, I happily take it off the table by moving $$ from stock funds to bond funds. If the market keeps going up after that I don't feel bad because I have plenty more invested in stocks. If it happens to go down, I'm happy I locked in a small gain. I don't consider it market-timing at all.
by Whatyear?
Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalance Jitters
Replies: 28
Views: 2098

Re: Rebalance Jitters

Horton wrote: Tue Dec 31, 2019 8:10 am
dogagility wrote: Tue Dec 31, 2019 8:09 am
I do not agree with changing an asset allocation based upon the market being at an all time high (which is a regular occurrence) or feelings.
To each his own, but I do think it is worth considering overall market valuation levels and expected future returns as one gets closer to retirement.
+1
by Whatyear?
Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard website down: another example of the lack of good tech at Vanguard
Replies: 93
Views: 8351

Re: Vanguard website down: another example of the lack of good tech at Vanguard

I got a message that the site is temporarily unavailable as they are undergoing maintenance. Not a great time for that so I assume unplanned . . . .?
by Whatyear?
Tue Nov 19, 2019 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you paying for car, home and umbrella insurance?
Replies: 35
Views: 3501

Re: What are you paying for car, home and umbrella insurance?

You all should consider yourselves lucky (not to live in Massachusetts, when it comes to insurance).

I have 3 cars (2 are 5 yrs old, one is 2 yrs old), two teen drivers (both girls), a reasonable house (4 BR colonial), $1M of umbrella insurance, and all in, I pay $735 per month. We have excellent credit and very, very few claims under the policies. I might be able to get it down a little bit if I shopped around, but in general this is what it costs where I live!

.
by Whatyear?
Wed Nov 06, 2019 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best month to take RMDs?
Replies: 86
Views: 6760

Re: Best month to take RMDs?

Goal33 wrote: Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:13 am I’m 28, and if I live long enough to take RMDs, I’d just take them in January to get that errand over with.
I like this advice. You know you have to take it at some point during each year. Why overthink it?
by Whatyear?
Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What are the pros and cons of investing in an ETF over a non-ETF mutual fund?
Replies: 14
Views: 2377

Re: What are the pros and cons of investing in an ETF over a non-ETF mutual fund?

For me personally, this question falls into the category of "over-thinking it."
by Whatyear?
Mon Sep 30, 2019 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer is relocating - how to be allowed to work remotely
Replies: 51
Views: 4726

Re: Employer is relocating - how to be allowed to work remotely

123 wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:14 am
wineandplaya wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:32 am ... I also think it's basically impossible for the company to find a replacement for me...
That may be the case but they can find a way to get your work done without you.
Drew Bledsoe goes down, up pops Tom Brady!! :)
by Whatyear?
Mon Sep 30, 2019 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going to a wedding party
Replies: 48
Views: 5247

Re: Going to a wedding party

SrGrumpy wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2019 7:07 pm
aqan wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:18 am I was wondering what to expect at the party.
The only person who can answer that is the "dear friend" who invited you. What did he say when you asked?
SrGrumpy, you must be feeling grumpy today :)
by Whatyear?
Tue Sep 24, 2019 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELOC or reverse mortgage?
Replies: 22
Views: 1780

Re: HELOC or reverse mortgage?

HELOC - simpler, and you maintain control.
by Whatyear?
Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to track / categorize spending?
Replies: 35
Views: 2791

Re: Best way to track / categorize spending?

I just use excel. I update my spreadsheet once a week (after paying bills). It's a hobby :).
by Whatyear?
Thu Sep 19, 2019 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to handle "split-the-bill" group lunches?
Replies: 159
Views: 10948

Re: How to handle "split-the-bill" group lunches?

I would just agree to pay an equal share. Calling out that you should pay less for whatever reason could be embarrassing/awkward for the guest of honor, who is paying nothing.
by Whatyear?
Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you always buy term life from a broker?
Replies: 15
Views: 1507

Re: Do you always buy term life from a broker?

I just went straight to SBLI.
by Whatyear?
Thu Sep 12, 2019 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Teenager wants to save...
Replies: 29
Views: 2679

Re: Teenager wants to save...

I started down this path with my (then) 16 yo daughter, then quickly came to the resolution that a plain old (fee-free) checking/savings account was the way to go. My reasoning: * She's only making a couple of thousand a year * She gets to actually mange the money and learn to spend wisely, while watching it grow * I wanted her to have her own spending money for college (she's a freshman now and has about $15K in the bank, and is still working while in school, at her own choice) * Investing the money would have unnecessarily complicated her tax return (no more free e-filing with the 1040EZ equivalent) My suggestion to her was to wait until she has a "real" job after graduation, and then maybe open a taxable investment account to d...
by Whatyear?
Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to Invest Down Payment Money for Child? 18 Years Out
Replies: 10
Views: 1256

Re: How to Invest Down Payment Money for Child? 18 Years Out

oldfatguy wrote: Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:18 am
Jon_PassiveInvestor wrote: Wed Sep 11, 2019 7:47 am My son is around 18 years out from buying his first home.
How on earth could you possibly know that?
Seriously, that was my question. Is he age 3 right now and planning to buy at 21? Or maybe 21 right now, planning on buying at age 39? Eighteen years seems like such a long timeframe for this question.
by Whatyear?
Fri Sep 06, 2019 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I need help choosing which bank to use for a home equity loan and I'm naming names
Replies: 11
Views: 1197

Re: I need help choosing which bank to use for a home equity loan and I'm naming names

I've also never heard of either of those banks, so I have no opinion.

But OP, what are you worried/concerned about? If these are reputable banks in your area, it sounds like 6 of one/half dozen of the other.

I'm in the process of getting a HELOC and did not even shop around - I just went with the same bank that holds my checking, savings and money market accounts. I've been with them for years so I know they are legit. But in my case the HELOC is just for a safety net - in all likelihood I will never draw against it.

.
by Whatyear?
Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College age male: How much money for food?
Replies: 138
Views: 8444

Re: College age male: How much money for food?

mak1277 wrote: Fri Aug 30, 2019 10:39 am
Can we all agree that (a) eating for ~$1 per meal is theoretically possibly and (b) most people wouldn't want to do that?
Lol - this reminded me of a conversation with a former client on this topic (and I am talking 30 years ago when the value of a dollar was arguably a lot more than today). She and her husband were saving for a house, so they agreed to both try and eat for $1 per meal until they hit their savings goal. She came home from work one day and he was at the kitchen table eating a can of creamed corn for dinner.

She told him, "that's it, we're going to the grocery store!" :)
by Whatyear?
Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I don't like Bonds because I
Replies: 31
Views: 3267

Re: I don't like Bonds because I

I got an 80 on the quiz without having read those books (because of all I have learned about bonds on this site :)).
by Whatyear?
Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you pay for kids college if a non-STEM major?
Replies: 62
Views: 4107

Re: Do you pay for kids college if a non-STEM major?

Most kids in high school have no idea what they want to do with their lives - so their undergraduate college major is not really that important. What's important is that they keep learning. I majored in English Language and Literature (undergrad degree paid for by my parents) and now I'm an accountant (I paid for my advanced degree myself once I figured out what I wanted to do). So deciding only to pay for college if the kid agrees to a STEM major seems a little strange to me. . . . what if they hate it? Is that money well spent?
by Whatyear?
Wed Jul 31, 2019 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early retirees - what's your spending like?
Replies: 36
Views: 5084

Re: Early retirees - what's your spending like?

I'll probably retire in two years, at age 61.5. This is about 9 months earlier than I had originally planned, based on all of the things wm631 said :). Based on my CURRENT spending (which will include putting three kids through college starting this year), I only have about 16X saved. I "hope" that bumps up to ~18X by the time I retire. But once we're Medicare-eligible, the kids finish school and leave home and when we start collecting SS (husband at or soon after 62 and me at between 67 and 70 depending on how things are going), the spending drops significantly, and we'll be fine. Based on that spending level I estimate we'll have ~23X saved as of age 70. It's all speculative, but there is a LOT of fat in my budget. Probably 30%...
by Whatyear?
Tue Jul 30, 2019 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early retirees - what's your spending like?
Replies: 36
Views: 5084

Re: Early retirees - what's your spending like?

I'll probably retire in two years, at age 61.5. This is about 9 months earlier than I had originally planned, based on all of the things wm631 said :). Based on my CURRENT spending (which will include putting three kids through college starting this year), I only have about 16X saved. I "hope" that bumps up to ~18X by the time I retire. But once we're Medicare-eligible, the kids finish school and leave home and when we start collecting SS (husband at or soon after 62 and me at between 67 and 70 depending on how things are going), the spending drops significantly, and we'll be fine. Based on that spending level I estimate we'll have ~23X saved as of age 70. It's all speculative, but there is a LOT of fat in my budget. Probably 30% ...
by Whatyear?
Tue Jul 09, 2019 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I invest in VMATX? [Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund]
Replies: 5
Views: 1142

Re: Should I invest in VMATX? [Vanguard Massachusetts Tax-Exempt Fund]

I'm also in MA and I've owned this fund since 2013. I've put more and more money into it over the years as I get closer to retirement, and have never experienced buyer's remorse. For what all that is worth :).

But seriously, it seems to be a decent fund for a MA resident.
by Whatyear?
Mon Jul 08, 2019 11:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Americans believe they need $1.7 million, on average, to retire
Replies: 284
Views: 37494

Re: Americans believe they need $1.7 million, on average, to retire

desihorn wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2019 11:25 am I am just glad to see that there are "normal" people here. The threads with "I have $20M and I don't know if that is enough.." freak me out.
+1 :)