Search found 93 matches

by fatima526
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections
Replies: 11
Views: 2001

Re: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections

I have made my Roth conversions at the end of the year, fourth quarter. I calculated and paid the taxes for the conversions at the same time, fourth quarter. So you can push the tax bill into the next year if you pay before the deadline. Thanks for sharing your approach. If I understand correctly, you do the Roth Conversion near end of year, no later than Dec 31, with no taxes withheld. Then you pay the tax (presumably out of a taxable account) before the Jan 15 deadline. Separately, I have been looking into the 'indirect conversion', where (using my numbers as example) $4k in taxes is withheld on the total $20k tIRA withdrawal the remainder of the withdrawal ($16k) goes to a taxable (non-retirement) account temporarily Finally (within nex...
by fatima526
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections
Replies: 11
Views: 2001

Re: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections

funded the traditional IRA by rolling over a 401(k)
Yes, tIRA was funded with 401(k) rollover.
by fatima526
Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections
Replies: 11
Views: 2001

Re: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll dig into the safe harbor details as seems to be the key to getting this correct.
by fatima526
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections
Replies: 11
Views: 2001

Help with 2024 Fed and NJ tax projections

Hi all! I need some review / confirmation on how to pay Fed and NJ taxes for TY 2024. All my 2024 income will come from tIRA withdrawals. I'll also do a Roth conversion. I've reviewed many BH posts on estimated taxes, safe harbor, and how BH'rs pay themselves in retirement. In 2023 I lived off taxable account, and went just a few dollars into 22% bracket. So 2023 taxes were relatively low compared to 2024, where I'll live off tIRA withdrawals and do a Roth Conversion. In 2024 I'm looking to fill up the 22% bracket, but not go over. NJ, Age 59.5, filing single. Retired, no earned income, pension, or SS in 2024. 2023 Federal total tax (1040 line 24): $1,075 2023 NJ total tax (Form NJ-1040 Line 54): $1,258 Question 1 . The above 2023 numbers a...
by fatima526
Sat Dec 23, 2023 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

Re: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids

Another question on hybrids ... I've read on make-specific forums that some people's normal driving of hybrids is so local that the battery doesn't get enough regenerative charging. So they resort to carrying a portable charger with them to emergency jump start, and/or drive manufactured miles to top off the battery. Has this happened to / is a concern for any BH hybrid owners?
by fatima526
Sat Dec 23, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

Re: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids

mrmass wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 3:49 pm I just picked up my 2024 Venza XLE. Celestial Grey. I feel like I've lived under a rock for years coming from a 2006 CRV. I've got a lot of reading to do.
Awesome , congrats! Were you able to get under MSRP?
by fatima526
Tue Dec 19, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

Re: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids

mrmass wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:27 am I'm hoping to strike a year end deal on a Venza.
Thanks for mentioning this. I want to test drive a Venza also, as I am now leaning towards small crossover/SUV rather than sedan, it is hybrid, and seems it is 'luxury-adjacent' based on Edmunds review. However, I see Venza is being discontinued after 2024 model year. If you intend to drive it for many years, is that of concern?

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4582 ... continued/
by fatima526
Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

Re: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids

Thank you Team BH for the very helpful replies!
I have scheduled 2 test drives for tomorrow, and will go from there. If I end up with a new vehicle, I will post back here with the info.
by fatima526
Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

New car shopping: test drives, financing, hybrids

Hi: I’m planning to shop the year-end deals for a new (from dealer) vehicle to replace my 16 yo one. I’m looking at luxury Japanese/Korean sedan like Lexus ES or IS, or Genesis G70, but will also give Genesis GV70 SUV consideration. I’ll expand my search to other makes if test drives on these are not encouraging. 1. How are test drives with dealer best arranged? I will only be going in for the test drive , not to actually purchase that day. After all test drives are done , decide on a model and being shopping. 2. Being retired, will I have to jump though hoops to get approved for financing? I have funds at the ready for the purchase if cash is the better option, but understand financing can get a lower price and the loan can be then paid of...
by fatima526
Sun May 07, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review and questions
Replies: 2
Views: 754

Re: Portfolio Review and questions

Thank you retiredjg!
by fatima526
Thu May 04, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review and questions
Replies: 2
Views: 754

Portfolio Review and questions

Emergency fund : none (retired) Debt : Mortgage, $7k remaining @ 3.375%, on-track to be paid off by Dec 2023, market value approx. 390k. No other debt Tax Filing Status : Single Tax Rate : 12% Federal, 6.37% state (for 2023 only; 22% Federal for 2024 and 2025; 25% Federal for 2026 and beyond per current tax laws) State of Residence : New Jersey Age : 58 Retirement savings Asset Allocations : 50/39/11. Stocks/Bonds/Cash US/exUS : 75/25 Portfolio $1.55M total : $911k tIRA: 12.6% VTIAX Vngd Total Intl Stock Index 22.3% VFIAX Vngd 500 Index (Adm) 13.2% VBTLX Vngd Total Bond Market 9.4% VBILX Vngd Intermediate Term Bond Idx 1.1% VEXAX Vngd Extended Market Index $122k Roth IRA: 2.5% VEXAX Vngd Extended Market Index 5.4% VTIAX Vngd 500 Index (Adm...
by fatima526
Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning
Replies: 6
Views: 540

Re: Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning

rkhusky wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:51 pm Looks like the relevant boundary is $58,475. So, with $32 in cap gains and $20 in Roth conversion, you have room to spare.
I'm not sure where $58,475 comes in, will you please clarify? I see the 2023 12% bracket for Single filer is $11,000 to $44,725, so that's what I've used for my planning. But is possible I've missed something!
by fatima526
Mon Jan 09, 2023 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning
Replies: 6
Views: 540

Re: Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning

mhc wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:51 am Looks like you have a taxable account. Will you have any dividends? I didn't see them listed as a source of income.
Normally around $1.5k in dividends. But very little this year, since VTSAX and the previous employer stock that I'm selling in Q1 2023 were the primary generators of dividends in prior years.
by fatima526
Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning
Replies: 6
Views: 540

Review of 2023 stock sales and tax planning

Hi all! Thanks to BH, I was able to retire in 2022 (ahead of schedule). Thank you for this forum and all the collective wisdom here! I laid out my first 4.5 years of planned retirement withdrawals in https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6663884 With this post, I am deep diving on execution of the 2023 portion of the plan, hope to get your feedback and any suggestions. 2023 will be a one-off year for me in terms of funding living expenses and tax handling in retirement. I've never sold stock to fund living expenses before I've never had to do estimated tax payments and be concerned with 'safe harbor' before I've never done a Roth conversion before I've reviewed many prior BH posts on these topics and they've been great to learn f...
by fatima526
Wed Oct 05, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring whole house low water flow
Replies: 16
Views: 1538

Re: Recurring whole house low water flow

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am going to check the manual and see if I can do any thing more on my own before calling the pros.

Regards,
by fatima526
Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring whole house low water flow
Replies: 16
Views: 1538

Re: Recurring whole house low water flow

Silverado wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:22 am How are you measuring the pressure at the outdoor faucet and slop sink?

When the pressure was at 60 psi after replacement was the flow fine? And for a decent duration?
A simple meter that screws on the faucet.

Yeah the flow is good when the pressure measures 60 PSI. At 60 PSI the oscillating sprinkler works as expected, wash machine fills as expected, etc.

As to duration, the PRV was last replaced May 2021, and flow had been good from that point until this past week ( late Sep 2022).
by fatima526
Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring whole house low water flow
Replies: 16
Views: 1538

Re: Recurring whole house low water flow

Sandtrap wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 3:34 pm
To OP:
What is the incoming street water pressure to the unit in PSI????

Before the Pressure regulator: IE: 110 PSI???, 90 PSI??? etc.

j :D
I don't know the exact PSI coming in from the street. There is no meter there. Although both plumbers indicated very healthy street pressure in the course of the recent PRV replacements, I believe the 110 PSI number was mentioned the most recent replacement.
by fatima526
Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring whole house low water flow
Replies: 16
Views: 1538

Re: Recurring whole house low water flow

linuxizer wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 2:32 pm Have her plumb in a bypass with a ball valve in case this happens again.
Thanks for your response!

I will check the manual. I am leery of adjusting the pressure on my own, however. My understanding is too high a pressure can cause leaks. There is no PSI meter on the PRV, so have to make an adjustment , then go over to the slop sink and measure the resulting PSI it from there.


Not sure the purpose of the bypass with ball valve .. will you please share more on that?
by fatima526
Mon Oct 03, 2022 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recurring whole house low water flow
Replies: 16
Views: 1538

Recurring whole house low water flow

My house has a pressure reducing valve (PRV) as the first thing in-line from the water supply line coming into the basement. I’ve had the PRV replaced 2 times in the last few years. Each time, the symptom was reduced flow from all faucets. Also, the washing machine would take a long time to fill, same with toilet after flush. The oscillating lawn sprinkler water would come out only about 10 inches high, and not even enough flow for it to oscillate. I used different plumbers (both reputable) for each of the 2 recent low pressure issues. Both advised the pressure coming in from the street into the house was very strong / not the issue. Each of them replaced the PRV and the issue seemed to resolve for 12 months (first replacement) and 18 month...
by fatima526
Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experiences with Various Zero-Gravity Type Recliners?
Replies: 13
Views: 2361

Re: Experiences with Various Zero-Gravity Type Recliners?

Fclevz wrote: Mon Aug 22, 2022 11:59 am Find a store where you can try out a Stressless recliner.
+2. I have had my Stressless for 20 years. Fantastic product.
by fatima526
Tue Aug 16, 2022 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
Replies: 284
Views: 22073

Re: RE: Share your stage or public music performances,

Sandtrap wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 3:51 pm Anyone care to share your public or stage experiences and performances? :D

Anyone with stage fright? :D
Leading up to the first public gig was nerve-wracking, but afterwards was like having a huge weight lifted off me ("What was I frightened of? I can do this!!!"). Now I can say being on-stage feels like 'home'.

Have experienced the usual on-stage ... playing outdoors in adverse weather, embarrassing equipment malfunctions, one beer too many, someone unexpectedly calls a tune I have no idea how to play, etc.
far better entertainer/singer than musician imho
As a non-singing bass player, if you find what I do entertaining, great! But I generally leave the entertainment / witty banter to the people with microphones.
by fatima526
Wed Jul 20, 2022 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
Replies: 284
Views: 22073

Re: Any Boglehead musicians out there?

Sandtrap wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:49 am ***Any bass players here use picks?
Congrats on the new bass!

When I had my first bass lesson after switching from guitar, and broke out a pick, my teacher scowled "Real bass players don't use picks!". So its been fingers only since then.

Having said that, if the song called for it, sure I'd use a pick.
by fatima526
Mon Jul 11, 2022 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transferring Roth IRA to different brokerage Roth IRA
Replies: 12
Views: 1483

Re: Transferring Roth IRA to different brokerage Roth IRA

sycamore wrote: Mon Jul 11, 2022 8:24 am No, you don't lose the status. It belongs to you, not to whatever account custodian your IRA happens to be with.
That's great to hear, thank you very much!
by fatima526
Mon Jul 11, 2022 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transferring Roth IRA to different brokerage Roth IRA
Replies: 12
Views: 1483

Re: Transferring Roth IRA to different brokerage Roth IRA

I am also preparing to transfer a Roth IRA to a different brokerage, so this has been helpful.

One question I have: if the Roth IRA at the source brokerage ( Morgan Stanley in this thread) has been open more than five years, do you ‘lose’ that status when transferring to the target brokerage (Vanguard in this thread) where the Roth IRA account is either new or has been open less than 5 years?

As someone who will be 59.5 and retired, I would hate to do the transfer, then have wait up to 5 more years for the target brokerage Roth IRA to be tapped without penalty.

Thanks for any insights
by fatima526
Sun Jun 26, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Puerto Rico in December
Replies: 8
Views: 1703

Re: Puerto Rico in December

I'm thinking we have time to do two destinations, maybe 3-4 days each. Most likely looking to rent a car and drive around. We are not looking for an all-inclusive resort and also prefer to eat as locals as much as possible. I did similar trip (2 destinations, 3 days each) in May 1996. But didn't really 'drive around'. - Landed at the San Juan airport. - picked up rental car and drove straight to a resort in Guanica area (maybe 3.5 hours on the road). It was all-inclusive, very relaxed and quiet. I think used the car once while at the resort. - After 3 resort days drove back to San Juan, returned the car, and stayed in one of the big hotels (possibly Condado?). From there I walked to Old SJ or the beach. One of the SJ days was a trip to the...
by fatima526
Tue Jun 21, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
Replies: 284
Views: 22073

Re: Any Boglehead musicians out there?

Thanks for starting this thread! Grade / High school: Drum set lessons and guitar lessons. Played drums in garage bands. Switched to bass guitar (more opportunities to play). Knowing the basics of what a drummer does REALLY helps be a better bassist in an ensemble, as there is much interplay between drums and bass so the music grooves. Post high school: I earned a Bachelor of Music degree, focusing on jazz composition and arranging, and bass guitar performance. I went on to a career outside of music, but always played bass in bands nights / weekends at events, weddings, restaurants, etc. "Side hustle" Also do a fair amount of composition and sound design, writing and playing / sequencing all the drums, bass, keys, synths, guitar, ...
by fatima526
Sun Jun 12, 2022 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?
Replies: 5
Views: 760

Re: Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will keep researching it.
by fatima526
Sat Jun 11, 2022 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?
Replies: 5
Views: 760

Re: Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?

Chuckles960 wrote: Sat Jun 11, 2022 7:08 pm
Thanks for the information!
by fatima526
Sat Jun 11, 2022 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?
Replies: 5
Views: 760

Replace gas boiler with wall-hung unit?

Hi everyone My house has a 20+ year-old Weil-McLain gas boiler for heating (baseboard). I am still in touch with the person who did the install (before I owned the house), as he has repaired it once and he also has done some plumbing work in the house over the years. I mentioned I was researching boiler replacement and costs. He advised I should consider a wall-hung unit to replace, when it comes time. He’s retired now, so this was just a casual conversation. So, does anyone have familiarity with a wall-hung unit that can replace my current boiler, and the pros / cons of the wall-hung? He also mentioned something about the type of venting in the wall-hung unit, but I didn’t catch it completely. The current boiler vents to the chimney. 2-zon...
by fatima526
Sun May 08, 2022 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement withdrawal plan - review request
Replies: 5
Views: 985

Re: Retirement withdrawal plan - review request

chassis wrote: Sat May 07, 2022 1:27 pm At nearly 16% cash or near cash, you have an EF although you may not desire to use the label “EF”.
Yes, the cash holdings were part of what was formerly designated as EF ( 2 years expenses).

Assuming I proceed with retirement in 2022, the EF concept ceases to exist, and those holdings will be invested / spent per my IPS.
by fatima526
Sun May 08, 2022 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement withdrawal plan - review request
Replies: 5
Views: 985

Re: Retirement withdrawal plan - review request

Instead of using your taxable account from 57 to 59.5, see if your 401k plan allows flexible distributions after the age of 55. Thank you, the website currently only shows me the options I have as an employee (my current status). I have to dig through the plan docs / talk to someone to see if flexible distributions are possible once retired. But I understand you point about knocking down the tax-deferred balances, and preserving more of the taxable accounts. I think you will need to continue some small Roth conversions all along to keep the tax-deferred balance from growing much larger. Agreed! I would drop the disability insurance when you retire. Using some TIPS bond funds does make more sense after retirement. While working, your salary...
by fatima526
Sat May 07, 2022 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement withdrawal plan - review request
Replies: 5
Views: 985

Retirement withdrawal plan - review request

I am contemplating retirement in 2022 ( moving up my timetable from my previous portfolio review https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5491657#p5491657 ) Emergency fund : Not planning to use this concept in retirement Debt : Mortgage, $20k remaining @ 3.375%, will be paid off in Feb 2024, market value approx. 350k. No other debt Tax Filing Status : Single Tax Rate : 24% Federal, 6.37% state State of Residence : New Jersey Age : 57 Retirement savings Asset Allocations : 50/50 US/exUS: 75/25 Portfolio $1.54M total: $893k tIRA : 12.0% VTIAX Vngd Total Intl Stock Index 11.6% VFIAX Vngd 500 Index (Adm) 18.0% VBTLX Vngd Total Bond Market 15.1% VBILX Vngd Intermediate Term Bond Idx 1.2% VEXAX Vngd Extended Market Index $105k Roth (opene...
by fatima526
Tue Mar 29, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help understanding treatment of Roth 401k rolled into a Roth IRA
Replies: 4
Views: 409

Help understanding treatment of Roth 401k rolled into a Roth IRA

Hello Bogleheads! Need confirmation on this approach … I have: - a Roth IRA at Vanguard opened 10+ years ago - a Roth 401(k) at employer opened 2021 I plan to retire from this employer in 2022 If I leave the Roth 401(k) at my employer, the first year of withdrawal from it without penalty will be 2026 (I’ll be 62 then) However, a financial advisor (FA) told me I should roll the Roth 401(k) into the Vngd Roth IRA upon retirement. The FA said that because the Vngd Roth IRA has been open more than 5 years, the $$$ rolled in from the Roth 401(k) would no longer be subject to the 2026 waiting period. So when I turn 59.5 in 2023, any of the $$$ in the Roth IRA could be withdrawn w/o penalty. Is the FA correct? It seems like a loophole that the ‘wa...
by fatima526
Thu Feb 24, 2022 8:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What exact time must an order be placed by on the Vanguard website to go through completely on that same business day?
Replies: 24
Views: 2330

Re: What exact time must an order be placed by on the Vanguard website to go through completely on that same business da

livesoft wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 6:50 pm Can you please stay up tonight and check every 10 minutes and let us know when you see your transaction completed to your satisfaction? Thanks!
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Love it!
by fatima526
Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax planning for mid-year retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 584

Re: Tax planning for mid-year retirement

Thanks everyone!

Seems like I'll need to keep open to the possibility of 2022 Q3 and Q4 payments. I like the idea to review the YTD taxes withheld after the final paycheck, and compare with results from a tax calculator, should be a good starting point.
Gryphon wrote: Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:18 am You might want to consider filing an updated w4 to have the withholdings reduced.

OTOH, if you're trying to keep your planned departure a secret you might not want to do that.
A few days I downloaded the latest W-4 , but wasn't obvious where to reduce withholdings. Now that you've shown me this could be a tip-off, and since my plans not 100% firm yet, I think will leave the W-4 as is.
by fatima526
Wed Dec 29, 2021 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax planning for mid-year retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 584

Tax planning for mid-year retirement

Hello BH! In 2022, I expect to have only 6 months of W-2 income (retire in July 2022). How do I determine if I will need to make any 2022 Q3 and Q4 estimated tax payments, prior to filing 2022 taxes in early 2023? I assume the paycheck tax withholdings between Jan and Jun will cover my 2022 Q1 and Q2 obligations, correct? There will be some dividend / distribution income in 2022 from the taxable brokerage account (similar to previous years). But no other income planned for 2022 after employment stops. Nor do I currently have plans to sell from the taxable brokerage account, or for any tIRA / 401k withdrawals, or Roth conversions, during 2022. Anything else to consider with regards to tax planning for a mid-year retirement? 2022 401k contrib...
by fatima526
Sat Dec 18, 2021 9:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 608416

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

Thank you 'withrye' , your responses to both my questions helped clarify VPW for me.

As you indicated, the green cell recommendation already takes the future pension and SS events into account!

I also now see the other ongoing thread by longinvest with an example BH retiree use of VPW, that should also help to refine my understanding.


Regards,
by fatima526
Sat Dec 18, 2021 7:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 608416

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

Thank you for this wonderful tool! Some questions: On the Retirement Worksheet, under what scenarios could there be drift between the green withdrawal suggestion amount, and the grey ‘Available For Taxes And Expenses’ amount? Also ... I am about 6 months out from maybe pulling trigger on this scenario: retire at 58, start a non-COLA pension at 62, and start SS at 70. I understand to put the SS and pension $$ and start dates in the appropriate yellow cells, and I can see the impact those have on the green cell. But what I really want to see (before pulling the trigger) is the projected per-year difference in portfolio withdrawal over that 12 year time period, as the different guaranteed streams kick in. Something like Age 58 : can withdraw u...
by fatima526
Thu Oct 14, 2021 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Digitize Massive Collection of Music
Replies: 52
Views: 7148

Re: How to Digitize Massive Collection of Music

Mac/Apple user. I have large CD collection, mostly before streaming was a thing. Most was ripped as MP3 320kbps. Purchase, then rip. I went back and ripped my absolute favorites to Apple Lossless. I also have GBs of internet radio streams as MP3 that I listen to more than CDs. None of my listening is critical, so the mix of different formats doesn't bother me. My iTunes Library is on external HD that is backed up regularly. I put a lot of work into playlists. Maybe 10 years ago I wrote scripts that extracted playlist info from the iTunes Library XML file, and save the results to .txt files and backed up separately. Then Apple changed the XML file format, and I lost interest in the maintaining the scripts. Now I just print the playlists to ....
by fatima526
Mon Jan 18, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?
Replies: 139
Views: 13204

Re: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?

smitcat wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 9:33 am "I have used twice for actual power outages in the 6 years I've had it."
What plan are you utilizing for keeping the fuel fresh?
I keep a 5 gallon can and a 2 gallon can each filled with fresh gas. Every 2 months, I pour most of this gas into my SUV gas tank, then refill the cans. I never top off the generator gas tank, I put in just enough for the maintenance runs.
by fatima526
Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?
Replies: 139
Views: 13204

Re: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?

Honda EU6500is (gasoline, not diesel). 6 circuit transfer switch to use the generator for furnace, the kitchen, and 4 other circuits. Probably is overkill for my bungalow, but I wanted a quiet unit

I got it the year after Super Storm Sandy

I have used twice for actual power outages in the 6 years I've had it.

For maintenance I run it 10 minutes every other month at least. With such infrequent use, I've been told its good to put a load on it, not just run it without powering anything, so in the summer I use it weekly to charge the battery from the electric lawnmower.

Change the oil once/year. My pet peeve is that replacement washers on the oil drain plug seem only available from a Honda auth. dealer. :annoyed
by fatima526
Wed Dec 30, 2020 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Junk removal companies?
Replies: 42
Views: 4833

Re: Junk removal companies?

I used GotJunk 3 years ago, didn't shop around for price or look for any local alternatives. They showed up and removed what I specified as expected.

It was one of those situations where I just wanted to invest the least amount of time into making a problem go away ASAP. Was only 2 items to be hauled off, so not talking big $$$ here.
by fatima526
Wed Dec 30, 2020 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So what kind of raise did you guys get for 2021?
Replies: 251
Views: 27108

Re: So what kind of raise did you guys get for 2021?

6% and a promotion in March in recognition of my 2019 results / performance.

Expecting between 1-3% in March 2021 for 2020 results / performance.
by fatima526
Sat Sep 26, 2020 2:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NJ Municipal MM closed and will liquidate
Replies: 20
Views: 2351

Re: NJ Municipal MM closed and will liquidate

I also got the email. I have sold all shares ( less than $10k) and will likely pay down the mortgage with the proceeds.

Question: The dividends and cap. gains from VTSAX have been going to VNJXX, I would let them accumulate, then at some point reinvest. What is a equivalaent alternative in which to dump divs/cap. gains for the short-term now that VNJXX is closing? I assume either the Federal, Prime or Muni MM funds will suffice? There is so little $ in it so not concerned about tax-exempt vs. taxable.

Thanks!
by fatima526
Mon Sep 14, 2020 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire in 4 years?
Replies: 17
Views: 4481

Re: Can I retire in 4 years?

motiv8ed wrote: Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:02 pm I plugged the data from your original post into RPM with some conservative assumptions.
Thanks, I've spent many hours with RPM. It is a fantastic tool, and I have learned a lot from using it.
by fatima526
Sun Sep 13, 2020 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire in 4 years?
Replies: 17
Views: 4481

Re: Can I retire in 4 years?

Thank you so much for your reply! It sounds like you have about $160K in your emergency fund. Close! :happy EF is $146k Why not use your emergency fund to pay off your mortgage? I don't see any need to have 2.5 years if expenses in your emergency fund. While I certainly could pay off the mortgage from the EF, at this time, 2.5 years expenses in EF is my 'sleep well at night' number. I read so many 'should I pay off my mortgage?' threads, and while Im sure it feels awesome to not have mortgage payment anymore, a lot of responses caution against being 'house rich but liquidity poor'. But I did run the numbers like you suggested, and looks like if I could stick with my current savings levels to taxable for another 1-2 years, I actually would b...
by fatima526
Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire in 4 years?
Replies: 17
Views: 4481

Re: Can I retire in 4 years?

You are in decent shape. If you can wait to determine when to retire to see if an extra year of work is possible or likeable. Same with when to collect SS. Your plan is to collect at 67 but see what your financial position -- assets and income vs expenses are when you get close. You may delay or not depending on your financial picture and health . Extra income in later retirement, especially when it is cost of living adjusted is great. The beauty is you can have a plan but wait till the time is right. Good Luck Thanks so much for your reply. Somewhere else on BH I read 'A plan is nothing. Planning is everything'. So yes, will have to see what my actual financial picture is, my health, my job / any job, do I want to work 'one more year', ta...
by fatima526
Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire in 4 years?
Replies: 17
Views: 4481

Re: Can I retire in 4 years?

JBTX wrote: Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:00 pm Unlike others, I'd probably hold on to the mortgage. The liquidity may be useful if you lose your job, or helpful to pay tax on Roth conversions.

Yes, I agree with you there! Liquidity in case of layoff is the reason I have not paid it off. Even if I did get another job, it is likely to be for considerably less than current salary. But, I think if I get another 2 years closer to retirement at current salary, I'd be able to cover liquidity from EF, so I could pay it off then.

Also, given the pension is not inflation adjusted, pushing SS to 70 to bump it up may be worthwhile if you are in good health.
by fatima526
Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire in 4 years?
Replies: 17
Views: 4481

Re: Can I retire in 4 years?

Thanks for your responses , willthrill81! I read many of your posts here! Yes, it is very realistic for you to retire at 60.5. Virtually 100% of your expenses will be covered by your pension and SS benefits just 6.5 years afterward. Even if you need to withdraw $70k annually ($54k plus federal and state income taxes) and get no portfolio growth, you'd still have more than half your portfolio intact plus your emergency fund, which you arguably don't need in retirement as your entire portfolio is one big EF. Yes, the EF will just be another taxable source of $ after retirement Yes, deferring your pension for a year for a 22.5% large payout is a slam dunk. Rather than build up even more short-term cash, you need to pay off your mortgage before...