Search found 25354 matches
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 11:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
One oddity we have in MD is that it sometimes pays to itemize on the Federal return even if Schedule A deductions are less than the Standard Deduction. This hasn't ever been the case for me personally but it is frequently applicable for taxpayers I serve. A lot of paid preparers in the area either don't know about this or don't bother to check if it pays to do this. This is true for a lot of moderate income homeowners in NY as well. They benefit from claiming standard deduction on fed 1040 but itemizing on NY return, which is allowed. NY standard deduction is relatively stingier than federal but NY itemized deduction for real estate taxes does not bump up against a $10K cap. There are many borderline cases where a paid preparer wouldn’t bo...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 11:20 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2057
Re: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
I converted X number of shares of a Vanguard mutual fund from my IRA to my Roth IRA on 12/29/2023. When Vanguard calculated the dollar amount of the conversion, they used the closing price from 12/28/2023 instead of 12/29/2023. Since the market dropped on the 29th, the dollar amount on my 1099-R is higher than what it should be. That means I'll have to pay more taxes. I've been trying to get Vanguard to issue a corrected 1099-R since 1/5/2024. So far, no luck. One of the representatives said it was a "system processing error." If so, this could potentially affect anyone buying or selling mutual funds that day. I'm wondering if anyone else has a similar problem and any luck in getting Vanguard to correct it. Thanks. If you did you...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
same; very hard to digest for me. Also all the "ol" sugar/sugar alcohol molecules (sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, and xylitol being common ones)
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
One oddity we have in MD is that it sometimes pays to itemize on the Federal return even if Schedule A deductions are less than the Standard Deduction. This hasn't ever been the case for me personally but it is frequently applicable for taxpayers I serve. A lot of paid preparers in the area either don't know about this or don't bother to check if it pays to do this.
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
Calculating our TOTAL ACTUAL (vs Effective, Marginal, etc.) tax rate every year and using this information to plan our financials for next year and further out. Example - if our Federal Effective Tax Rate comes out to say, 17%, if we account for absolutely all of the taxes we've paid (Federal, FICA, various State & Local taxes, etc...), our TOTAL Actual rate is around 23%. One thing this does NOT account for are State Sales Taxes... :? Income Tax software can automatically calculate an estimated total amount of sales tax you pay on routine purchases, using an IRS-provided formula based on your household size, income, and state and local sales tax rate where you live. I was surprised by the amount. My estimated sales tax was a LOT more ...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
I sure woulnd't bet on many of my preferences standing up to blind taste tests. Wise words. I've seen more than a few such tests (not just food) open people's eyes about the power of marketing to convince one that something is better (even though it isn't) because it's a certain brand, costs more, has a fancier label, etc. Happens all the time. Stella Artois beer is a classic example in the food and beverage world. I agree, happens all the time, and the few blind tastes we've done bears it out (real maple syrup excluded). What I wonder is if you think it is better, does it really matter if it is not actually better? If you think it is better, maybe it is better (expensive wines excluded - marketing does not work for me with wines, and I am...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:22 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2057
Re: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
I converted X number of shares of a Vanguard mutual fund from my IRA to my Roth IRA on 12/29/2023. When Vanguard calculated the dollar amount of the conversion, they used the closing price from 12/28/2023 instead of 12/29/2023. Since the market dropped on the 29th, the dollar amount on my 1099-R is higher than what it should be. That means I'll have to pay more taxes. I've been trying to get Vanguard to issue a corrected 1099-R since 1/5/2024. So far, no luck. One of the representatives said it was a "system processing error." If so, this could potentially affect anyone buying or selling mutual funds that day. I'm wondering if anyone else has a similar problem and any luck in getting Vanguard to correct it. Thanks. If you did you...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is there a way to get different yield curves of bonds?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 419
Re: Is there a way to get different yield curves of bonds?
I think only issued securities. I don't know anything about strips. I only buy Tips and nominal bonds. I also don't play the yield curve so it is only of minor intellectual interest to me.
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:42 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is there a way to get different yield curves of bonds?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 419
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
3) Ability to transfer income between parent and child tax returns to maximize AOTC. Okay, not really sure what this is about. A little more explanation please. One of the primary strategies involves reporting the full tuition and qualified expenses on the parent's return to maximize the AOTC while peeling off the scholarship and reporting that as income on a student's return, often at low or zero tax rates. This can only be done if the scholarship is unrestricted (e.g. Pell Grant). Otherwise, the scholarship should be net against qualified expenses and therefore reduces the potential AOTC benefit for the parent. One of the challenges in doing this is that you have to have the parent and student present to do both returns (or ensure that t...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
#3 is an obscure one and normally depends on the characteristics of the scholarship. Generally this can only be done with unrestricted grants like Pell Grants.ejm009 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:27 am 1) Marginal tax rates as noted, especially their effect on Roth conversions.
2) Interaction of self employed health insurance deduction, IRA deduction, and HSA contribution on ACA coverage subsidy.
3) Ability to transfer income between parent and child tax returns to maximize AOTC.
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 2750
Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
With well sealed and insulated ducts, the newer systems can produce some impressive discharge temperatures. Our two-stage system rarely runs at the higher speed which keeps the room temperatures much more even.f35phixer wrote: ↑Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:59 am SOMD here on Bay, use a nest, go to bed 830 drops to 67, in morning 68 at 230, 69 at 530 and 70 at 830. Our HVAC uses R410 refrig.... I always track what is coming out of the blower, the other day was 35 in a.m and she was blowing out at 94 degrees... huge difference from old stuff.... AUX heat doesnt come on unless big frost ....
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 12 months before retirement what do you wish you had done
- Replies: 72
- Views: 8779
Re: 12 months from retirement what do you wish you had done
Well there is the financial. 12 months is not much time, but (a) if you haven't started, learn as much as you can and (b)try to set you termination date so there is no big tax hit. In many cases, this could mean retirement early the year rather than Dec 31. It seems you may be on track if your date is 12 months from now. There's the life/social aspect. You won't be automatically interacting with co-workers anymore, so figure out how to replace that. NEW UPDATE: I totally misunderstood the question is this thread which is why my replies may not have made sense. I interpreted the Q to mean "12 months before retirement" while it now seems clear it meant "12 months after retirement." I think before. “Debating” is the clue. ...
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099-NEC for Teen (high school) Taxes
- Replies: 8
- Views: 622
Re: 1099-NEC for Teen (high school) Taxes
The “fine print” exceptions in Who Must File, Filing Status, and Dependents is maddening. I’ve been tripped up more than once and I have been doing returns for taxpayers for 15 years.
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:12 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2057
Re: Incorrect 1099-R from Vanguard
Push past the front line reps and ask to speak to the tax reporting department. I’ve done that a couple of times for people. The front line reps often don’t know anything and just use standard answers.
- Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4790
Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
The unpublished 27% marginal tax rate
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099-NEC for Teen (high school) Taxes
- Replies: 8
- Views: 622
Re: 1099-NEC for Teen (high school) Taxes
Hi, MFJ (49.42) Kids ( 16,8) Myself ( self employed) spouse ( w2) Always filed Married File Jointly ( MFJ) - I used free tax usa online software. My daughter (16) received 1099-NEC for tax year 2023 for $900 as part of summer work. This was her first earnings and she received 1099-NEC form. Tax filing question: 1) As a dad can I include my daughters (16) 1099-NEC with my tax return ? 2) Does my daughter(16) need to file her own individual tax return for this 1099-NEC ? 3) Can I still claim my daughter as my dependent while filing my tax returns ( Married filing jointly) ? 4) If my daughter need to file her own taxes ( indvidually) any other things I need to be aware of ? Any other suggestions are welcome. 1. No. 2. No. 3. Yes. 4. N/A Form ...
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 5:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Investment property in different city i.e. remote investment property
- Replies: 10
- Views: 575
Re: Investment property in different city i.e. remote investment property
We used a property manager in both cases we had a rental. Happiest day was when we sold it. Not worth the trouble. Both cases were situations where holding them was a best of the bad alternatives during weak market conditions.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 5:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3537
Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Every April I set up all four ES payments using the EFTPS system. I also set up my HYSA account to push the funds into my checking account a couple of days prior to the debit date. Maryland has a system similar to EFTPS for my state ES payment.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3537
Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Yeah, my property tax payment routine is to take a check into the courthouse and chat with the two people in the finance office. An annual ritual. The head bailiff lives near me so I sometimes hit him up for any good court gossip. Small town life.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: First Time Filing Kid's Tax Returns and Roth Contributions
- Replies: 14
- Views: 661
Re: First Time Filing Kid's Tax Returns and Roth Contributions
Probably new contributions vs.conversions.MrCheapo wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:36 pmSorry can you add in some more details. By capped you mean the $6500 cap right? But what do you mean by "direct" contributions.somewhatentertained wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:15 pm I did the same for my kid this year. Direct Roth contributions are capped. You will need the tax return to document income to support the Roth contribution.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Vanguard 1099 Consolidated very different from 1099-DIV
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3991
Re: Vanguard 1099 Consolidated very different from 1099-DIV
I find the Vanguard consolidated 1099 form not very user friendly. I believe this is the third year for the consolidated form and prior to that you received at 1099 DIV that provided exactly what amount was to be put into each box of your tax form by mutual fund. I do not know if is usable with Quicken and how are adjustments made for federal and state government income of each mutual fund with consolidated results. Thanks to Vanguard in making my tax filing more difficult. You don’t need to do each fund. Enter the total as one entry. That is what makes it such a better way to prepare your return. Not only do you not NEED to do each fund separately, you DO NOT list each fund separately as the fund was not who paid you. When you held the fu...
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3537
Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Not even a broker?mptfan wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:58 pmSafe is a matter of opinion and a matter of degree. I used to refuse to give out my checking account number to anyone, including utilities and credit card issuers for security reasons, but I relaxed that rule a few years ago and I have been using the auto debit feature for my electric utility bill as well as my various credit card bills and I haven't had any issues, it's been very convenient and I'm glad I did. But I draw the line at utilities and credit card issuers and the IRS, no one else.
I gave mine to Vanguard and the HYSA bank I use to push money to checking.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
Happens all the time. Stella Artois beer is a classic example in the food and beverage world.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Using encryption with Thunderbird
- Replies: 6
- Views: 597
Re: Using encryption with Thunderbird
I have not tried it but tbh, I am finding T-Bird stability to be declining and am seriously looking at either ditching a separate e-mail client or shifting over to Better Bird.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
Normally we make our own. Siggi's is sometimes a good backup which I prefer to Fage but I think they are close. I often cut the ones from the store with excess whey from our prior draining of home-made. I'll look for La F.AnnetteLouisan wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:47 pm I think brands matter when it comes to yogurt also. Norr Skyr, Fage. I’d get La Fermiere but it’s out of my price point.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:32 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fidelity CD down
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2527
Re: Fidelity CD down
CDs bought in brokerage accounts can fluctuate in value just like bonds.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
- Replies: 254
- Views: 18440
Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
I love my Ego string trimmer; does a job even on vines etc which we have a lot. I have only one 2.5 Ah battery which doesn't get all the area I need to do. So far I've resisted the temptation to get a spare since that would not give me an excuse to quit and put off the rest for another day.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Help with possible accountant errors
- Replies: 2
- Views: 304
Re: Help with possible accountant errors
A rollover of a 401(k) to an IRA is recorded on Form 1040. So is a non-taxable (rollover) of a pension lump sum to an IRA.
Custodian to custodian transfers of IRAs are not recorded at all. An indirect rollover is recorded on Form 1040.
Need more info on specific transactions to comment whether errors were made.
Custodian to custodian transfers of IRAs are not recorded at all. An indirect rollover is recorded on Form 1040.
Need more info on specific transactions to comment whether errors were made.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Abode, or Domicile, or Statutory Residency, Or.....?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 2120
Re: Abode, or Domicile, or Statutory Residency, Or.....?
If they file a tax return as a full-year SC resident and GA nonresident, they cannot credibly claim that the GA home was their principal residence during any part of that year. Spending 3 months during the year in one of your homes does not convert that home into a principal residence . As I mentioned earlier, there is absolutely no usage of the terms "legal residence", or "primary residence", or "principal residence" in the IRS regulation (Publication 523). They only use the term "main home"... . IRS publications are not the law nor are they regulations, and they are not authoritative. The relevant law is IRC Sec 121 - "Exclusion of Gain From Sale of Principal Residence" . I would urge you...
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
I agree on the corn syrup, although I think we have standard Heinz. I have a problem digesting HFCS but in the case of ketchup we use it so seldom that it isn't something I think much about.eric321 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:43 pm Brand name matters less than the quality of what you are buying.
High fructose corn syrup is a cheap sweatener. You can buy heinz ketchup with high fructose corn syrup or a simple version without. I'd go without whether heinz or generic.
Costco does a good jood job balancing out cost and quality. They filter out the obvious price gauges that you may see at other stores, but brings in high quality foods when it can.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099 NEC how to report it correctly? And IRA/ HSA ?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 722
Re: 1099 NEC how to report it correctly? And IRA/ HSA ?
Schedule C and Schedule SE for self-employment tax; she is considered self-employed by the IRS
She should be able to do an IRA (I think HSA also but will defer to others to comment)
She should be able to do an IRA (I think HSA also but will defer to others to comment)
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:51 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Kids W2 form
- Replies: 4
- Views: 512
Re: Kids W2 form
Often it is blank for low earners (employers do not withhold). Nothing to be concerned about.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
- Replies: 254
- Views: 18440
Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
I should look at this. The library where I do TaxAide work underwent a recent renovation and they have a "maker space" with 3D printers. I've been meaning to stop in when someone was using them and see what they were doing. While I have no real need, I'm interested in the tech just to see how it works.Softballer wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:58 amI have had a 3D printer for some time. It is fun for engineering types but I have designed and made useful parts like a car dash phone holder when I could not find one to buy that worked well in my car. There are also sites like Thingiverse that have ready to print designs if you are not into designing them yourself.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 2750
Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
standup desk?valleyrock wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:18 am100 sq ft? A tiny house? What sort of furniture do you have?StevieG72 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:22 am I set mine back but have a small home (approx 100sq ft) and the system can bring the house to temp quickly. I also use a small oil filled radiant heater in living room since I like the temp cooler when I sleep. The preference is to heat up the room I am in vs. the entire house.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:22 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
- Replies: 67
- Views: 5677
Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Most of our fixed income is in short term bond funds. I expect some fluctuation in principal. I try to view my portfolio in totality and not focus on one asset. In total, it has more than kept up with inflation. My #1 goal is to have enough to get me into the ground without any impact on my lifestyle. In that respect, I have no worries at all.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Autos Collecting and Selling Our Driving Info? Is this real?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2799
Re: Autos Collecting and Selling Our Driving Info? Is this real?
often not, vague or weak.Hogan773 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:55 am I just went and requested my LexisNexis report. Will see what they have on me!
Interesting on their website
"The states of California, Connecticut, Colorado, New Jersey, Nevada, Utah, and Virginia grant their residents certain rights with respect to their personal information. View information on how to exercise your privacy rights"
What about the other 43 states????? They don't have privacy protections?
this is one of several issues on my radar before I get serious about swapping out my old car for new.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If you don't have a will made out...do it. Now. Please.
- Replies: 24
- Views: 4329
Re: If you don't have a will made out...do it. Now. Please.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Golf Cart Battery Charging
- Replies: 7
- Views: 441
Re: Golf Cart Battery Charging
I have a couple of smaller items rarely used (ER light and a water pump tap for a 5-gallon bottle of ER water) I top off every couple of months to replenish battery loss - I use a Kasa smart plug since i have several in the house and can access them all from my phone or iPad.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3537
Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Being old-timers, we generally pay most bills by check. We have had a couple of occasions over more than 50-years with problems but none in the past decade or so. Have friends who have had a check-washing issue and have had a couple of occasions where checks were delayed in the mail. Our approach includes writing all checks with a gel pen, taking them to a very conveniently located Post Office rather than putting them in our mail box, and mailing them somewhat earlier than technically should be necessary. Tim Being an old timer I do the exact opposite. I want to make sure bills are paid if I am ill, incapacitated or dead. Direct debit for many, a few charged to credit card, credit cards and insurance on autopay. Estimated tax payments on a...
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 2750
Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
We don't do setbacks winter or summer. Sure, our variable speed Lennox heat pump system will run faster/harder and catch up relatively quickly, but that's just the air temp, not the furnishings temp. Let's say we have one of our regular power outages due to tree limbs falling somewhere on our 1100-customer circuit out here in the woods along the river. The indoor temp falls from the usual 70*F to, say, 67. When the power returns the indoor temp gets back up to 70 fairly rapidly, but the funiture, walls, floor, clothes in the closet, etc. take a few hours longer to get up to temp. I won't even get into the expense of the recovery if the auxillary/emergency heat strips are used. Now, imagine you have the backup strips running for an hour or ...
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HCOL in retirement - mortgage vs. paid off vs. rent?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2072
Re: HCOL in retirement - mortgage vs. paid off vs. rent?
I would do two things:
One, I would probably rent something for a year or two to see how things work out. It might turn out not to be where I want to be long term.
Two, I'd evaluate the mortgage question based on my finances at the time, housing prices and mortgage rates then available.
We ended up paying cash for our house but that was because we could. We did rent for about a year but in retrospect I would have done it longer to get a better lay of the land. We like where we are but it may not have been our choice with more info.
One, I would probably rent something for a year or two to see how things work out. It might turn out not to be where I want to be long term.
Two, I'd evaluate the mortgage question based on my finances at the time, housing prices and mortgage rates then available.
We ended up paying cash for our house but that was because we could. We did rent for about a year but in retrospect I would have done it longer to get a better lay of the land. We like where we are but it may not have been our choice with more info.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 2750
Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
I think we drop back 2-3 degrees in winter (67 ---> 64 or 5); mainly because we like it cooler at night.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:33 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3537
Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Safer than checks maybe. I’ve had checks go missing recently. Never a problem using DD for decades.MrJones wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:24 am They have your routing number and account number. They have exactly those two if you write them a check. Those are the two numbers on the bottom of each check. Hundreds of millions of people have done this (written checks) for at least a hundred years. It's a well tried and tested sitation. Nothing to worry about.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
- Fri Mar 22, 2024 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
- Replies: 193
- Views: 11802
Re: When brand names matter and when they don't
Milk. No. It's milk. There are no high-dollar cows giving superior milk. To me it seems at least plausible, leaning towards likely, that there are indeed high-dollar cows giving superior milk (cows that are fed and treated better, etc). Would you say that beef is beef, and there are no high-dollar cows giving superior beef? Japan and Argentina would beg to differ. What would be the difference with milk? Because it's milk and not beef? Just because it comes from the same animal doesn't mean quality differences are the same for two entirely different substances. That said, maybe there are some high-dollar cows putting out "better" milk, but I seriously doubt it. Different breeds of cows, different feeds, even different times of yea...
- Fri Mar 22, 2024 7:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Abode, or Domicile, or Statutory Residency, Or.....?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 2120
Re: Abode, or Domicile, or Statutory Residency, Or.....?
I don't think that has any meaning with respect to taxation.micron wrote: ↑Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:49 pmBy saying "linked" I just meant that all income and accounts are still registered at, and sent to, the address in GA.jebmke wrote: ↑Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:24 pmFor tax purposes, I don't even know what "linked to" means for unearned income.micron wrote: ↑Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:44 pm I was wondering if we could just not even file an SC return, since there's no record of any income there. Just file the GA return.
All of our income (wife's wages, my SS, my pension, our interest, qualified div's, IRA distribution) is still linked to the GA address...
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- Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: File Amended Return for Other Person or Acount for Joint 1099-DIV on my Return?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 277
Re: File Amended Return for Other Person or Acount for Joint 1099-DIV on my Return?
Don’t amend for no impact
- Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax Question: Paying IRS Balance According to Turbotax
- Replies: 6
- Views: 557
Re: TurboTax efile and third party tax payment options
Tell them you are mailing a check, print and shred the voucher and pay however you want. The IRS will take your money any way you send it.