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goshenBogle

Time for us to purchase a new bed. We found a mattress we like after laying on it in the store for 45 minutes. Then I read online reviews and was dismayed by the number of mattress owners who reported significant sagging in the first year or even in the first 2 months. And mattress warranty will not...

goshenBogle

I used the IRS web site https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript to look at my 2019 tax return. Surprised to see that IRS has NOT yet processed the return. We sent the paper return (not E-File) on June 30, 2020 (9 months ago) with our tax payment via check and the IRS cashed our check on July ...

goshenBogle

I do not understand how the IRS works. Have not yet filed 2020 taxes. 2019 AGI = $162,000. Married couple, retired, no dependents. Yet received 3rd stimulus checks of $1400 each = $2800. Makes no sense!! We will save it, not spend it, in case IRS asks for it back. Did anyone else have this happen to...

goshenBogle

Thank you for clearing up my confusion - much appreciated.

goshenBogle

Something I have never understood about this form. Line 9 says to add lines 6, 7, 8. Line 6 = value of all traditional IRAs at end of year Line 7 = distributions; this can be RMDs & RMDs are already included in the amount on line 6 Line 8 = conversions Line 9 = line 6 + 7 + 8 Why do we sum lines...

goshenBogle

Thank you all so much - much appreciated!!

goshenBogle

Oops - I screwed up the AVG Cost calc. You are correct, it should have been:

(20 - 13.51) * 300 = $1947

Thank you!!!

goshenBogle

LIFO: Let's use a simple example. Date 1: Purchase 100 shares at $11 Date 2: Purchase 150 shares at $14 Date 3: Purchase 120 shares at $15 Now I sell 300 shares at $20 using the LIFO cost basis method. Is the following calculation correct? Capital gain from the sale = 120*(20-15) + 150*(20-14) + 30*...

goshenBogle

When filing my taxes with IRS E-file (my AGI is over$100K), is there a way to include a written note to the IRS? If not, then I will probably file via paper (ugh).

goshenBogle

There are thousands of radio stations on the Internet. I want to purchase a Wifi enabled Internet radio that uses AC power (not battery). Would use it in our kitchen. Our Internet service is via Cox cable & the cable modem has 2.4GHz & 5GHz WiFi service.
Any recommendations?

goshenBogle

Live in SW Virginia. In what season (winter, summer) is the best time to inspect a heat pump for proper operation including refrigerant level, and why is that the best time?
Thank you.

goshenBogle

We have a sizable amount of Vanguard Wellington in our taxable account. Started this many years ago. Maybe not the best decision due to Wellington's tax inefficiency, but it is what it is. 2020 capital gains of Wellington are huge, much more than in past years. So we are thinking of moving some of t...

goshenBogle

There has been much controversy about shorting stocks. Some in Congress are saying that this practice is not good for the markets. My thought is that shorting does expose those companies that are possibly overvalued and/or are not doing well. But not sure if this is correct. Can someone who has a go...

goshenBogle

We live in Roanoke, VA in a condo, top floor of 3 story building. Air handler is in utility closet next to our apartment. Compressor is on roof. We have the HVAC company check the system once per year in last spring / early summer. But I was wondering if we should have the system checked twice per y...

goshenBogle

I do not understand why some folks have trouble contacting Vanguard. As I said in an earlier reply, I have been with Vanguard for more than 30 years and never have trouble contacting a human for help. So why do some folks have trouble and others do not? For those that have trouble contacting a Vangu...

goshenBogle

I have never been asked for my SS number and have been with Vanguard for decades.. And never had a problem with communication with my rep. Don't know why you are having problems.

goshenBogle

I appreciate the information - thank you.

However I was not asking about the changes that take place in 2022. I was asking about the SECURE ACT which is in place now.

But thanks anyway.

goshenBogle

bsteiner wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:46 am No. When the new tables take effect, they take effect for everyone.

I think that is not correct. I started RMDs 2 years ago. Are you saying that my Lifetime table will change?

goshenBogle

I want to ensure my understanding on how to apply the IRS Lifetime Table for RMDs under the SECURE Act. Please tell me if the following is correct. For those individuals who do NOT fall under the Secure Act, the lifetime table starts as: Age Divisor 70 27.4 71 26.5 72 25.5 etc.... For those individu...

goshenBogle

We are retired, early 70's. Have a $5 million portfolio - 40% stock / 60% bond, all in mutual funds. We meet yearly expenses with social security + approximately $30,000 from the portfolio. Given the size of our portfolio and how little we take out each year, what should our strategy be for an emerg...

goshenBogle

Oh good grief. I forgot that I had posted on this subject earlier this year.

On the positive side, the vast majority of fishermen are quite courteous and friendly. Just a few who are perhaps sad and take it out on others.

I'll just stay far away from fishermen on the shores of the lake.

goshenBogle

I would appreciate input from fishermen. I kayak on a very large lake in my town. I like to paddle near the shore. When I see fishermen on the shore, I paddle away from shore to avoid going over their lines. Today I had a fishermen get mad at me because I went over his lines. I was approx. 150 feet ...

goshenBogle

Let me add this: We tried to open HYS account at 3 online banks. Did not work. All 3 wanted to verify our phone number (we gave them landline & cell) so that they could verify that our name was linked to the phone number. They were unable to do so even though our phone companies told us that the...

goshenBogle

The yields of MM funds are so low they are effectively zero. We currently have money in Vanguard Prime MM. But with the change that Vanguard is making to the Prime, we are questioning why have any money in a MM fund. Why do we need the MM fund? We have a checking account with enough cash to pay bill...

goshenBogle

Does anyone know if there Is a way to get my MVNO phone compnay (Pioneer Telephone) to register my phone number?

I sent them email - don't know if that will work.

goshenBogle

We went through the online process with Synchrony to create a savings account. At the end of the process, Synchrony is to send a pass code to our phone. But the phone number they had was discontinued 4 years ago. When we called them and gave them our landline number - which uses VOIP - and our Tracf...

goshenBogle

In choosing an online bank for a savings account, I am considering the following attributes: savings account rates web site organization, completeness, ease of use does not require username / password for another financial institution in order to transfer funds no monthly fees (ok if this requires a...

goshenBogle

I am curious if folks who use an online bank reviewed the bank's financials (for example, you can find info at FDIC website) prior to choosing a bank. What process did you follow to choose your bank? Did you even care about financials, how large the bank, how many customers, etc?

goshenBogle

We would like to spend a week or so at the beach this fall staying in a hotel or rented house (no RV). But we are concerned about how to be virus safe. There is information online about this situation. However I would like to hear from folks who have vacationed safely and what they did to be safe. H...

goshenBogle

List from Consumer Reports Sept 2020: Kinesis Freestyle2 Kinesis Advantage Quiet LF Microsoft Sculpt Logitect Ergo K860 ** Logitech MK550 ** Adesso Pick-2088 Tru-Form Media ** Microsoft Comfort Desktop 5050 ** Fellowes Microban Split Note: Those keyboards preceeded by ** did not receive a good ergon...

goshenBogle

I saw that article. I posted this because in addition to the info in the article, I want to hear from those who have used an ergonomic keyboard for some time so that I can learn from their experience. This would add to what I learn from Consumer Reports.
Thank you.

goshenBogle

I am looking for a wireless (either USB dongle or bluetooth but not wired) ergonomic keyboard. If you have been using such a keyboard for some time, please let me know what you like about it and how, if at all, it has helped with any finger and/or wrist problems.

Thank you.

goshenBogle

We have been using Vanguard Prime MM for our cash reserve keeping about $25K in the account. But the current SEC Yield is only 0.11%. So now we are thinking of using an online bank savings account (not checking) for cash reserves. We would still keep a minimum in the Prime ($3K) since that account i...

goshenBogle

My apology - I had noticed previous posts on this subject.

If an administrator reads this, please remove the post. Sorry for cluttering up the forum.

goshenBogle

Listening to Dave Ramsey. A listener called and asked for retirement advice. His answer: Invest in good quality mutual funds where you can "safely" (his word) make 12% per year. You can take out 8% per year and still see your investment grow. WHAT?? Am I missing something? What "safe&...

goshenBogle

I recently listed an item on Craigslist (kayak for $450) & within a few hours received 2 email responses. Do you think these are scame? Is so, what would these folks hope to gain? Here are the 2 responses - let me know what you think. (1) Receive email from a woman with a typical American soundi...

goshenBogle

We are retired & had previously calculated our 2020 estimated tax. We use previous years income as a guide. But now that the pandemic is causing markets to drop + RMDs not required for 2020, we have to rethink the estimated tax calculation. Markets & mutual fund dividends for 2020 will be lo...

goshenBogle

After every doctor visit, I get a copy of the doctor's detailed exam notes for my records. In the notes the doctor will list what was examined, their findings, & what was discussed with the patient. Most of the doctor's notes will be correct in terms of what was done & discussed. However inv...

goshenBogle

This post is a thank you to all Bogleheads who over the years have taken the time to provide advice, correct mistakes and help folks get over their fear of investing. Personally we owe all of you a huge thanks!!! Some background --- In 2008, we initiated a panic sell as the market was dropping. At t...

goshenBogle

Check your CC&Rs. Generally, heating and cooling equipment outside of your unit is the responsibility of the condo association to which you pay monthly dues. Ralph Not true at any condo association in my region. I am responsible for all of my HVAC equipment no matter the location. This is in th...

goshenBogle

My condo heat pump compressor is on the building roof. I want to schedule an inspection & testing of the system for both AC & heating. What is the minimum outside temperature that would allow this work to be properly conducted?
Thank you.

goshenBogle

UPDATE:

I asked this question of Vanguard and the answer I received is that accounts are updated between 6PM and 8PM.

goshenBogle

I saw a previous thread that indicated that Vanguard online accounts are updated after market close by 6PM for mutual funds (not ETFs). Is 6PM correct or is the update complete by another time? Can someone point to documentation that defines this time?
Thank you.

goshenBogle

I don't know why I am so confused about the new Secure Act for RMDs since all it did was change the start date. In any case, I would appreciate if someone would help me cleanse my brain!! I turn 70 on Dec 14, 2019 & 70 1/2 on June 14, 2020. Under the old rule, I would take my first RMD in 2020, ...

goshenBogle

I would appreciate answers from fishermen.... Here is the scenario. Kayaking today on a large lake in my county. Very overcast & cool. I paddled into a cove that was approximately 150 feet wide. A fisherman on shore. I paddled down the middle of the cove. As I passed the fisherman, he yelled out...

goshenBogle

Our part D plan is with Aetna. We have had other part D plans in the past. Frankly we have found no significant correlation between our experience with customer service & the star ratings reported by Medicare. When we pick a plan, we go to the plan's web site and see how our meds are covered. Th...

goshenBogle

We have too much money in our bank's checking accounts that pay little or no interest. We are thinking of minimizing the amounts in these accounts and instead using Vanguard MM Prime to hold cash that we do not need on a day-to-day basis since MM Prime pays 2% or more. The only problem we foresee is...

goshenBogle

In addition to our home insurance policy, we have an additional $1 million liability policy. Our assets are approximately $4.5 million consisting of our investment portfolio (taxable & non-taxable) + condo. 95% of these assets are in a revocable trust with my wife and I as trustees. So my questi...

goshenBogle

I clearly did not explain myself well. (A) I do NOT have enough stocks in our retirement accounts that selling the stocks will make any difference to the portfolio stock/bond ratio. (B) I will place my RMDs into a bond fund in my taxable account. But this is not enough to correct the portfolio imbal...

goshenBogle

Having trouble getting my head around what I want to do. Here is the situation: (1) Want to rebalance portfolio to decrease % of stock and increase % of bond. Stock market has increased enough that my stock % has reached my trigger for rebalancing. (2) The only stock I have to sell is in taxable acc...

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