Recent content by nwsteve

We did the Viking Nile trip and really felt we got great value. It was right after Covid so any travelers were welcomed with open arms. Not sure if still true but we had armed guards with us at ALL times--discrete but very present. If go, be sure not to overlook Jordan extension---Petra &...

We live in a Type A CCRC (Heron Keys) one of the few Type A outside of the Seattle/Bellevue Metroplex. After Covid we went from around 80% occupied to 98% occupied as of last month. Because of Covid when we had no move-ins for over a year, the operator probably lost 18-24 months of active...

Looking for some help with terminology around travel insurance claims I recently canceled a Viking trip with third party and credit card travel insurance. Due to walking difficulty (right hip) and discomfort I opted to cancel a trip in July to stay in the 20% cancelation bracket. If I waited...

If CRUT of interest, check with your University's Foundation offerings--can be pretty competitive. Not done it yet with our 3 units but on the list--we have excellent management company so units are largely on auto

We have been on both river and ocean cruises since we retired 10 years ago. We have been Viking fans for the ocean as their ships are smaller than most (900) and offer no casinos, no kids, and all cabins have a balcony. We like their policy of no nickel and diming. Wifi is included and has...

I can't speak to Schwab policies and procedures but can share when we transferred in kind all our V positions including a couple of mutual funds to FIDO, we had no charges from fido for reinvesting dividends or selling them. If we wanted to buy more shares than a purchase fee of $75/transaction...

Based on this article, apparently not https://www.lanepowell.com/Our-Insights/266001/Does-Washingtons-Capital-Gains-Excise-Tax-Reduce-Taxable-Gain. Definitely a question to get WA tax expert's view

Check out ITOT IShares Total Market ETF--we hold in our Fido accounts. Use Fido ETF Comparison tool to see other options and performance

Just came across this posting for Senior Travel Ins https://thedailynavigator.com/travel-insurance/best-senior-travel-insurance-companies. We use Squaremouth for pricing and coverage. I like you can buy primary medical. This frees you of a lot of paperwork and follow-up as any bills are paid...

We have 4 nights opening in Bergen, Norway this July. Our first trip to Norway and would appreciate ideas for how to best use our time. We are open to leaving Bergen but need a simple trip to return to Bergen to board our Viking ship Thanks to all in advance

Yep. As others have said, be sure you don't overlook all your other medical, for example healthcare insurances which btw includes the SS deductions as well as your supplemental. You will be amazed how large the total is when you add up all the dental, insurances to various parties, mileage...

We have been in a Type A, CCRC for 4 tax years and have averaged 32-35% of monthly fees being deductible. Move in year there was also a substantial deduction of move-in "purchase price"

I second the suggestion to get a pro assessment. Iwas boring an airplane via tarmac stairs and twisted to grab a bag from behind me and got a sharp pain in the groin. Initially only a mild inconvenience. 7 mon later after my PT told me it likely not a hip flexor injury as I thought but...

Don't disagree a trust should help--HOWEVER, banks demonstrated similar behavior when we trying to transfer assets my FIL left. All the bank based assets were pod except a small checking account. His real estate was all in a Living Trust which became nonrevocable on his death. In almost every...

Earlier this week met my new primary and one of the things covered was RSV. UNLESS you have comorbidities (nope) or have been long-term smoker(NOPE) he viewed the RSV optional. His position I think is influenced by his perspective on how we suddenly have a vaccine. He indicated that for adults...