Search found 223 matches

by Tejfyy
Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?
Replies: 10
Views: 2254

Re: Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?

Thank you all for some useful thoughts. I think I'll ignore it for now. The number is probably on a broker's list, as someone mentioned. And saying "wrong number" is a good idea the next time!
by Tejfyy
Mon Feb 19, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?
Replies: 10
Views: 2254

Odd phone call to an old number, should we be concerned?

My brother received a call on his landline from a person (male) asking for me by first name only. I had used his number for a few years when I was traveling outside of the States, that is, it was associated with US financial institutions. He wisely said I wasn’t in and the caller said ok and hung up. It was on a Saturday afternoon. The area code of the caller’s number was the same as my current US area code. If that makes a difference. On Robokiller Lookup the number was reported as spam on the date we received the call. I don’t know how reliable or legit that site is though.
by Tejfyy
Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question: VPW versions
Replies: 2
Views: 411

Question: VPW versions

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc]

I've been using the VPW worksheet for retirement for a few years. I just saw that the version I'm on is 1.5 and there's a 2.9.
Are there significant changes in newer versions that I should be aware of? Given I don't generally update software every time there's a new version, often because it's unnecessary, I'm wondering if I can use this same strategy here.
Simplicity is important in my small world.

Also, I don't remember how the current year changes on the spreadsheet. On both versions mentioned above it's on 2023.

Thanks so much, happy new year!
by Tejfyy
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inexpensive Smartphone & Plan
Replies: 17
Views: 2385

Re: Inexpensive Smartphone & Plan

niagara_guy wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 5:20 pm I use Tello which is on the t-mobile network, have had it over a year, can highly recommend them. About $12/month for unlimited call,text and 1gb of data.
+1 I've had it for 2+ years. $8/month 300 talk minutes, unlimited text, no data. It's sufficient.
by Tejfyy
Tue Oct 17, 2023 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"
Replies: 4
Views: 5106

Re: Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"

https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/About-Payments-Archive/What-is-a-quot-General-Credit-Card-Deposit-quot/td-p/971755#:~:text=If%20you%20don%27t%20have%20any%20money%20in%20the,General%20Credit%20Card%20Deposit%20listed%20in%20your%20statement. "If you have a paypal balance when a charge comes in, paypal will use the remaining balance to cover it. If you don't have any money in the account or don't have enough to cover the total payment, paypal will suck it out of your credit card if you have one listed with them - in such cases there will be General Credit Card Deposit listed in your statement." Thank you. I had seen that post and frankly didn't understand it. I never have "money in my account." There are 2 credit car...
by Tejfyy
Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree has withdrawal question
Replies: 16
Views: 3395

Re: Early retiree has withdrawal question

Thank you everyone!
by Tejfyy
Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"
Replies: 4
Views: 5106

Re: Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"

https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/About-Payments-Archive/What-is-a-quot-General-Credit-Card-Deposit-quot/td-p/971755#:~:text=If%20you%20don%27t%20have%20any%20money%20in%20the,General%20Credit%20Card%20Deposit%20listed%20in%20your%20statement. "If you have a paypal balance when a charge comes in, paypal will use the remaining balance to cover it. If you don't have any money in the account or don't have enough to cover the total payment, paypal will suck it out of your credit card if you have one listed with them - in such cases there will be General Credit Card Deposit listed in your statement." Thank you. I had seen that post and frankly didn't understand it. I never have "money in my account." There are 2 credit car...
by Tejfyy
Mon Oct 16, 2023 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"
Replies: 4
Views: 5106

Odd Paypal transaction "General Credit Card Deposit"

On my last month's statement all the transactions occurred with two transactions. That is, there was the credit card debit of the amount, how it normally is posted, then immediately after a credit of the amount called General Credit Card Deposit with the reference number of the previous debit.

I don't typically review my Paypal statements, but after seeing this I looked at all of them for 2023 and didn't see this transaction type.

Has anyone else seen this is or know what it is? I thought I'd ask here first before deciding to contact Paypal.

Thank you!
by Tejfyy
Sun Oct 15, 2023 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree has withdrawal question
Replies: 16
Views: 3395

Early retiree has withdrawal question

I’ve been retired for 2 years. I’m 63 and in order to fund my living expenses cash-on-hand account, I need to sell shares of a total stock market index fund in my taxable brokerage account. When I retired, I had about 3 years of living expenses in taxable cash accounts (savings and CDs) and at the time I thought that was a good strategy moving forward, i.e. to always have 2-3 years of living expenses in savings and CDs. At the time, I did not have a clear plan for maintaining this strategy beyond understanding that I needed to withdraw first from taxable accounts. This is where I’m at now. I have 1 year of living expenses in savings and ibonds and 1 year’s expenses invested in a total stock market index fund in a taxable brokerage account. ...
by Tejfyy
Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)
Replies: 5
Views: 923

Re: SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)

Thank you both. That's the ticket. The letter of verification refers to benefits received in the dark ages. But with nothing indicating this overpayment. At least I know where to begin and I can sleep at night knowing it's not identity theft. :beer
by Tejfyy
Sat Jul 01, 2023 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)
Replies: 5
Views: 923

Re: SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)

I was going to call first thing Monday. But I thought of that too.I opened my SSA online account several years ago for the reason they recommend you do. The overpayment amount does not coincide with my estimated payments given my age, so I don't know what to think.
by Tejfyy
Sat Jul 01, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)
Replies: 5
Views: 923

SSA: Outstanding Overpayment To Repay (I don't receive payments)

I recently logged into my SSA account, the last time was in the fall last year. Under Benefits and Payments the first line: You are not currently receiving payments. After that in a big yellow box: You have an outstanding overpayment to repay. An overpayment occurs when Social Security pays you more than you should have been paid. An overpayment notice has been sent to you by mail that explains why you have been overpaid, your repayment options, and your appeal and waiver rights. Your overpayment amount: $XXXX,xx If there has been a recent change, the amount displayed may not be the most current amount. I don't know what to make of it. I didn't receive a notice per mail that I remember. First time I've seen something like this. I'd apprecia...
by Tejfyy
Sun Feb 05, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Treasury Direct password limit
Replies: 11
Views: 1566

Re: Treasury Direct password limit

I had an unexpected experience logging in recently. When I set up my account over a year ago, I had created a 24-character password, not knowing it was limited to 16. Typically when I'd log it, the field would accept the first 16 characters and I'd get into my account. As I said, I didn't know it had to do with the character limit and just accepted this oddity.

This last time though, the field allowed me to input all 24 characters. I have no idea why. But of course the password was incorrect. After having doing this twice with the same result, I came here and found this thread. I decided to wait a few days, and try again with the first 16 characters. But still I'm curious about the change in the behavior of the password field.
by Tejfyy
Thu Dec 22, 2022 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Form 8962 - what does it do?
Replies: 12
Views: 2009

Re: IRS Form 8962 - what does it do?

Second: Are you asking whether some of the CSRs are clawed back if (1) a year ago, you estimated your 2022 income would be less than 250% FPL, but (2) at the end of 2022, you find that your income is actually over 250% FPL? According to others here at bogleheads.org, there is no clawing back of CSRs. I presume this assumes the person made a good faith effort to get his or her estimate right. Repeat offenders might get a letter from the IRS asking for an explanation? Such is my experience twice now when my actual income was somewhat higher than my estimate. This is the first I've heard of receiving a letter from the IRS. Was there any action on their part other than asking for an explanation? Short answer: No. Long answer and corrections: T...
by Tejfyy
Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Form 8962 - what does it do?
Replies: 12
Views: 2009

Re: IRS Form 8962 - what does it do?

Elle_N wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:52 pm
Second:
Are you asking whether some of the CSRs are clawed back if (1) a year ago, you estimated your 2022 income would be less than 250% FPL, but (2) at the end of 2022, you find that your income is actually over 250% FPL? According to others here at bogleheads.org, there is no clawing back of CSRs. I presume this assumes the person made a good faith effort to get his or her estimate right. Repeat offenders might get a letter from the IRS asking for an explanation? Such is my experience twice now when my actual income was somewhat higher than my estimate.
This is the first I've heard of receiving a letter from the IRS. Was there any action on their part other than asking for an explanation?
by Tejfyy
Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HR Block 2022-importing last year's return not working
Replies: 1
Views: 554

Re: HR Block 2022-importing last year's return not working

Solved. The file was in Documents. I only gave permissions to access my Desktop. Dragged it to Desktop.
:sharebeer
by Tejfyy
Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HR Block 2022-importing last year's return not working
Replies: 1
Views: 554

HR Block 2022-importing last year's return not working

Is anyone else unable to import last year's return?

It's the screen that says:
"Let's import your taxes from last year."

There's an input field, or so it appears to be, where "Browse to find a tax return to import." is written.
It's doesn't respond to anything.

The "Browse" button below it takes me to the file, in this case the file extension is .T21 (last year's HRBlock return). I open it, nothing happens. I click on the "Import Selected File" and nothing happens.

I'm on a Mac running OS Monterey.
by Tejfyy
Thu Dec 01, 2022 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ibond interest rate shown on TD is confusing
Replies: 6
Views: 1207

ibond interest rate shown on TD is confusing

I bought ibonds in Oct 2021 at 3.54% and in Jan 2022 at 7.12%.

The rate displayed on the Treasury Direct website next to each purchase is currently 9.62%, the rate for this previous 6 months ending November 1. I don't understand why that rate is displayed there though. Thanks!
by Tejfyy
Wed Nov 09, 2022 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Budgeting in Southern California (South OC)
Replies: 9
Views: 1431

Re: Budgeting in Southern California (South OC)

I feel for you and agree with others who've said in one way or another there are trade-offs. One of the things I consciously try not to do is make comparisons. Whether it's with prices in the past, prices in other places or with what other people spend, it's not helpful.

I also make it a point to get to the beach at least once a week to remember why I moved here in 1978. I've lived other places since then, but always return.

It's not for everyone though.
by Tejfyy
Mon Nov 07, 2022 7:25 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Site default Search Engine DuckDuckGo?
Replies: 32
Views: 5613

Site default Search Engine DuckDuckGo?

I'm not sure if this has been discussed, but has there been any thought to changing the site's default search engine from Google to DuckDuckGo due to Google's privacy [policies].
Thank you.

[off-topic comment removed by admin alex]
by Tejfyy
Mon Nov 07, 2022 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Managing your consumer privacy options
Replies: 5
Views: 567

Managing your consumer privacy options

I receive close to no phone calls, emails and snail mail related to my (non) consuming habits. I’ve just opened a second credit card account with a major bank. What’s your experience with opting out of whatever data sharing you can opt out of? Does it make a noticeable difference in the unwanted solicitations or anything else in 2022? Privacy in the US is a bunch of smoke and mirrors anyway so I'm wondering if it matters.
by Tejfyy
Wed Nov 02, 2022 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 35370

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

Does anyone know a good way to drain the debit card without fees? I've never had one before. Thanks I haven't received one yet, but you may be able to login on the debit card site and transfer the balance to your bank account. My wife received a debit card from CA for paid family benefits for both of our children. It was through Bank of America, you set up an account specific for that debit card, and could easily transfer the balance to another bank account. I imagine this is likely a similar case for this one. Unlike the last one from CA where I could fee-free transfer the funds to my checking account, (I was at the bank), this time my bankteller could not tell me whether that was the case. The card is provided from a different company an...
by Tejfyy
Tue Nov 01, 2022 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 35370

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

For those expecting to receive the Middle Class Tax Refund but haven’t gotten it through direct deposit, keep a lookout on the mail. We received a debit card for $1050 in the mail today. They’re being sent in batches so more will be mailed in the weeks ahead. OP: I hope yours makes it to you soon if it hasn’t already. Does anyone know a good way to drain the debit card without fees? I've never had one before. Thanks I haven't received one yet, but you may be able to login on the debit card site and transfer the balance to your bank account. My wife received a debit card from CA for paid family benefits for both of our children. It was through Bank of America, you set up an account specific for that debit card, and could easily transfer the...
by Tejfyy
Fri Oct 21, 2022 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rotating category credit card worth it
Replies: 12
Views: 1165

Rotating category credit card worth it

I’m considering another cash back cc. I have a simple 1% back card, I’m thinking about a 2% one. I’m curious about the rotating categories card though. I use my card regularly for all my groceries, cellphone, now and then medical bills, household odds and ends, and couple of times a year for airlines and accommodations. If there’s a big purchase (e.g. a computer) I may or may not time it with a sale. I don’t buy gasoline or other regular expenses one incurs in the United States that I may not be aware of. Generally speaking, I’m not much of a consumer and I tend to ignore the gimmicks unless the cost/benefit ratio works for me. The cost is always: my time. What’s a typical scenario of how the categories rotate? A simple description would be...
by Tejfyy
Sat Oct 15, 2022 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Two years of living expenses covered, then what?
Replies: 3
Views: 1408

Re: Two years of living expenses covered, then what?

I would suggest to think about it in terms of the bucket model (expenses get paid by cash, bonds will refill cash, stocks will refill bonds) - this is a bit restrictive and formalistic, but it gets the cash flow aspect of it clear - which may help you. The stock market is down quite a bit and bond yields are rising (slowly) - so, my guess would be that not annuitizing your two TIAA-CREF accounts may be beneficial for you longer term (if you can swing it cash flow wise or contract wise). Otherwise try to only annuitize one of them - this amounts to market timing, which is frowned upon here. And you may loose out, if the economy truly tanked. I would look at the time frame you have to annuitize (if there is a drop dead date). Don't sweat the...
by Tejfyy
Thu Oct 13, 2022 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Two years of living expenses covered, then what?
Replies: 3
Views: 1408

Two years of living expenses covered, then what?

I’m 62 and have been retired one and a half years. I have two years savings and ibonds to live off of. In that time frame I’m not planning to sell off any holdings (BND and SWTSX the latter is a broad market index stock fund). I also have 2 TIAA-CREF annuities, not yet annuitized, which I can withdraw lump sums. Tax issues aside, because the bulk of this money is in tax-deferred account, where should I draw my living expenses from next? I had been thinking of selling BND and SWTSX. But I don’t have a clear strategy yet on where to take living expenses from moving forward. And then there’s all the chatter about the NAV of BND and selling it at a loss. Will that likely be the case in 2024? As much as I’ve tried, I still do not get how bonds w...
by Tejfyy
Thu Oct 13, 2022 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Overcoming the fear of spending in retirement
Replies: 28
Views: 3411

Re: Overcoming the fear of spending in retirement

Thank you everyone. This is my go-to knowledge base for everything financial and I always find my answer. The questions posed, the suggestions and personal experiences combine to make it a true learning community. So for others asking this same question in the future. I’ll answer some questions and share my solution. I came to Bogleheads a year and a half before I officially retired. I’m 62 and have modest retirement savings. I’ve done the footwork I’ve learned to do here: had my portfolio assessed, laid out my goals and principles. And after many many many hours of “study”, I settled on the VPW. It’s simple and makes sense, Thank you @longinvest https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Variable_percentage_withdrawal https://www.bogleheads.org/forum...
by Tejfyy
Wed Oct 12, 2022 2:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Overcoming the fear of spending in retirement
Replies: 28
Views: 3411

Overcoming the fear of spending in retirement

I'm in my second year of retirement and know how much I have to spend each year. I'm comfortable with my investment strategy and tools but I just can't bring myself to spend the entirety of my annual budget or even close to it. On the one hand I really do get satisfaction and piece of mind from saving for “when I’m older and will want more comfort.” And I’m rather convinced I’ll need to. Why? Because I rent in a HCOL wonderful part of the country and live cheaply. For now. On the other hand, I despise this paralyzing fear of the uncertainty of the future, it’s utterly new to me.
It’s a head trip. What’s your trick?
by Tejfyy
Wed Oct 12, 2022 1:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111047

Re: So what are you cooking

Waiting for a new Hawkins pressure cooker to arrive, then fresh green beans.
by Tejfyy
Wed Oct 12, 2022 1:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625560

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Bought a 10 swim pass on a senior discount for $15, surprisingly got the first swim gratis and went swimming. Oh and I rode my bicycle there.
by Tejfyy
Wed Jun 29, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree: considerations for the future
Replies: 8
Views: 1989

Re: Early retiree: considerations for the future

Having retired at 55 with a no-COLA pension, my delayed SS starting at age 70 has been welcome. Not because we needed the money, but I just like having the income with COLA. Doing annual Roth conversions on my former 401k, now tIRA, before starting SS, has turned out well because the Roth IRA is now storage for stock index funds, while the traditional IRA has tax on all of every withdrawal, so slow-growth bond funds are stored there. The standard advice is to just top off your tax bracket in retirement, with the addition of your Roth conversions. Plan in advance to do that every year of early retirement, before you start your Social Security (SS). I do like my "RMD portfolio spending method" because is does adjust my annual spend...
by Tejfyy
Wed Jun 29, 2022 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree: considerations for the future
Replies: 8
Views: 1989

Re: Early retiree: considerations for the future

The CREF Annuity is the wild card in the game. I can take a lifetime income (which I’m leaning towards) or take it in increments over a couple of set periods. Could you give more details on that? I don't understand how that works since that is a bit different than a lump sum. Can you roll those "increments" into an IRA? I currently withdraw 30% less than my annual withdrawal rate provides for. Question 1 I’m 85% certain taking the Annuity as lifetime income is the right way to go. It gives me piece of mind. On the other hand, when I figure it into my AA, my annual income is slightly higher. What else should I consider? Here are some; 1) A big consideration is what your numbers will look like once you start Social Security and if ...
by Tejfyy
Wed Jun 29, 2022 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree: considerations for the future
Replies: 8
Views: 1989

Re: Early retiree: considerations for the future

403b TIAA-Cref Annuity 3% minimum fixed rate 30% The CREF Annuity is the wild card in the game. I can take a lifetime income (which I’m leaning towards) or take it in increments over a couple of set periods. To clarify, and to avoid possible confusion, this is the "TIAA Traditional Annuity", correct? Not one of the CREF annuities (e.g. CREF Stock, CREF Bond Market, etc.)? Yes that's correct and there are two. The Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA) is fully liquid. Then there's the Group Retirement Annuity (GRA), which there are lump payouts (interest still accrues) to liquidate it such as 5 increments 20% each over one year. 5 payments over 5 years, or 10 payments over 9 years. And my situation is like yours for both I'...
by Tejfyy
Wed Jun 29, 2022 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree: considerations for the future
Replies: 8
Views: 1989

Re: Early retiree: considerations for the future

I’m 85% certain taking the Annuity as lifetime income is the right way to go. It very well may be, but how did you arrive at that conclusion? Knowing that will help provide context. Good question. The main reason which I decided a year before I stopped working was the idea of addressing longevity risk. Then there was the feeling that I might not want to be "dealing" with finances when I'm old old. I'm independent, live alone and I don't see that changing in the future. Comparatively speaking I'm in very good health and take care of myself, which I probably don't figure into this equation as much as I should. I'm not in the clouds about getting old and decrepit though. I know without a doubt that I will want and need more "co...
by Tejfyy
Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retiree: considerations for the future
Replies: 8
Views: 1989

Early retiree: considerations for the future

Most everything I know to date I’ve learned here, so thank you all! I’m 62, retired for one year. I’m using the VPW (Variable Percentage Withdrawal strategy) provided by longinvest and like its simplicity and flexibility. I’ve created scenarios with it which I find useful. The basics Three years cash/IBonds living expenses Debt: 0 Tax Filing Status: Single Tax Rate: 12% Federal, 4% State State of Residence: CA Asset allocation target range: 50-60% stocks 50-40% bonds Total portfolio 650K BND index bond fund, SWTSX Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund Current retirement assets Simple IRA 14% BND 19% SWTSX Roth IRA 17% SWTSX Taxable 6% SWTSX I bonds 3% 403b TIAA-Cref Annuity 3% minimum fixed rate 30% CDs/Savings 11% Other useful information: ...
by Tejfyy
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?
Replies: 461
Views: 69608

Re: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?

Food. As in food as medicine. Nothing comes close to joy reaped from a lifelong commitment nourishing one's being well.
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions

tj wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:43 pm
Tejfyy wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:35 pm
tj wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:20 pm
Tejfyy wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:07 pm
jebmke wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 5:51 pm You will still need to keep your AGI below the first threshold even once you are on Medicare.
I will NEVER earn $91,000 :).
How much do you have in tax deferred?
About triple that. Why?
You should be pretty safe from massive RMDs then, assuming you're relatively close to RMD age.
Good point about RMDs, I need to start figuring that into the equation now that this Medicare thing is "solved." They're 10 years off at this point.
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions

InMyDreams wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:42 pm
Tejfyy wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:07 pm
jebmke wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 5:51 pm You will still need to keep your AGI below the first threshold even once you are on Medicare.
I will NEVER earn $91,000 :).
OP, you have used the word "earn".

IRMAA affects your MCare Parts B and D premiums (increases them) based on your AGI (or MAGI). Yes, your AGI on your Fed 1040 two years ago determines your IRMAA payment, if any but for that year only. The following year, your premiums are determined by...AGI on your 1040 2 years ago... so 2021 premiums were affected by 2019 AGI, 2022 premiums are affected by 2020 AGI.

And - of course - your AGI is affected by your tIRA conversions to Roth IRA.
Yes I should have clarified, my AGI will NEVER be anywhere close to that sum. :)
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions

tj wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:20 pm
Tejfyy wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:07 pm
jebmke wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 5:51 pm You will still need to keep your AGI below the first threshold even once you are on Medicare.
I will NEVER earn $91,000 :).
How much do you have in tax deferred?
About triple that. Why?
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is anyone here retired without owning a house or any real estate?
Replies: 36
Views: 5492

Re: Is anyone here retired without owning a house or any real estate?

rgs92 wrote: Sat Mar 28, 2020 5:36 pm Is there anyone here who is just a renter in retirement (with no other real estate)? If so, how do you manage your finances?
Do you intend to buy a house? Is it risky to not have a house in retirement? Thanks.
Yes.
What do you mean: how do you mean manage my finances? Since I don't own a house I don't pay for a gardener or have to save money for a roof so I spend it on other things :).
No
People invested in the American dream of owning a house will tell you yes. I'm not of that ilk but I will say it comes with risks like anything else. If one has lived a life of prioritizing comfort and security, the older one becomes the harder it is to challenge those priorities.
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual citizenship?
Replies: 76
Views: 6318

Re: Dual citizenship?

A bit more detail might help respondents: What are the two citizenships you are considering? What benefit do you anticipate? What is needed to qualify for that second citizenship? Thank you I should have been more clear on my reasoning. Looking at US/Ital citizenship because our family owns property there and some assets. This may (or may not) be helpful having if it is inherited and we have to manage from here or sign paperwork there to keep funds there. It's a matter of proving citizenship through marriage or lineage, which is easy enough. The process for Italian citizenship by lineage is quite backlogged at the moment, just so you know. It does involve a fair amount of paperwork, research and fees. Beyond that, the negatives are limited...
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions

jebmke wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 5:51 pm You will still need to keep your AGI below the first threshold even once you are on Medicare.
I will NEVER earn $91,000 :).
by Tejfyy
Mon Apr 18, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Aha moment: ACA/Medicare premiums & Roth Conversions

Up until now, I’ve understood that my income the 2 years prior to enrolling in Medicare effects my premiums for Parts B/D. But I just now discovered that in 2022 everyone earning $91k or less pays $170 a month for part B. So If there’s no hitch to that, then I don’t need to worry about income and Medicare. I’ll never earn even close to that. I have 2 years and 1 month before I have to enroll, and I pay no ACA premiums because of my income, which is primarily Roth conversions. So my double aha is that it seems to make more sense to continue with conversions at this lower income level until I get into Medicare at which time I can convert more without any adverse effects to healthcare premiums. Is there anything I’m missing, I should consider,...
by Tejfyy
Mon Mar 28, 2022 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting for life - a bad idea?
Replies: 735
Views: 88286

Re: Renting for life - a bad idea?

I've been renting since 1978, my entire adult life and for the major part of that in Southern California. I only recently felt the fear of "house insecurity" for the first time ever, having moved away and then back to see the rents 50% higher. I manage. Things have always worked out.
by Tejfyy
Mon Mar 28, 2022 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17405

Re: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

I buy 100% organic foods, spices etc. Quality is important and the quality of American food is poor. By poor I mean nutritionally inferior. I don't skimp but I have a very simple diet which most people here I would assume could not live with. I cook a lot from scratch because I enjoy it and because I know what the ingredients are. Good nutrition particularly as we age is invaluable, many diseases and conditions are avoidable and we know how expensive it is to be unwell in the United States. :)
by Tejfyy
Fri Feb 18, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELP: Calling all PhDs...need advice for niece
Replies: 105
Views: 8304

Re: HELP: Calling all PhDs...need advice for niece

I can't speak to her field, mine was education and I worked in higher ed, albeit not as a researcher. What I can say generally for what it's worth, is that doing a PhD is no walk in the park. It's demanding in a way undergraduate work is not. Having a support network close by is important. Again I can't speak for the field, but PhD's in the US do not typically end in "high-paying" jobs. Even in the sciences, there is a glut, has been for more than a decade. So managing one's expectations of jobs and the thus the ability to pay back student loans is also a consideration.
She's probably not ready for this resource, but I highly recommend it when she is.
https://versatilephd.com/
by Tejfyy
Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need an update in March before filing California return? (H&R Block)
Replies: 4
Views: 616

Re: Need an update in March before filing California return? (H&R Block)

Thanks, Tejfyy and cadreamer2015--it's good to know it is not just me! H&R Block says the update is due March 4, I'll wait it out. (By the way, Tejfyy, the program literally will not allow me to print or submit the return in its current state.) This has never happened to me before (I've been filing with software since the '90s, including some years with much more complicated returns than my current one) . They always have updates to the software, including long after I file, but once the Fed return was ready to send, the state could always be sent at the same time. Not a huge deal, but curious. Ohhhh ok thanks. I'm probably in the same boat, having to wait. I owe taxes to CA, that's my only concern, I mean being penalized for not payin...
by Tejfyy
Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need an update in March before filing California return? (H&R Block)
Replies: 4
Views: 616

Re: Need an update in March before filing California return? (H&R Block)

Oh I too was waiting for that update. For what it's worth, last year I filed with HR Block software before all the updates had occurred. The IRS made the necessary corrections and that was that.
by Tejfyy
Thu Feb 10, 2022 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 608408

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

How often is the VPW updated and how do we stay updated on its updates? Tejfyy, The VPW Accumulation And Retirement Worksheet is updated when new features are added (version 2 added support for temporary retirement income ) or for minor modifications (like updated links to other spreadsheets or formatting changes). The VPW Backtesting Spreadsheet is annually updated to add latest year returns and inflation. Notable new versions are announced in this thread. What I mean is how important is it to have the latest version? It's not software where you can see what the updates are and if they're important enough. I'm in early retirement, I'm using version 1.5. I think it was a 2019 version. I see there's 2.2 on the wiki. Thank you! It isn't very...