Search results

I'll stay away from the politics, because all of our elected officials share the blame,....but..... Does our huge national debt have you concerned? $18 trillion and climbing....that's hard to wrap my brain around. There's a couple of my few remaining brain cells that think..."this...

Does anyone else receive market predictions from a guy calling himself James Horne? He makes some scary predictions of eminent doom in the market, and the entire economy. Just curious if anyone had an opinion on this. B

I am almost 60, and have been retired for 4 years. Megacorp subsidizes health ins for DW and I to the tune of 52%. So far they have been silent on How Obamacare will impact this subsidy. I gave up trying to second-guess them 30 years ago. Anyone in a similar situation? And what...

Another thread about rental liability, reminded me of something I've thought about before. How often do you raise rents, and what factor determines the % increase? I have two rentals; 2 bedroom $575, and 3 bedroom $625, and I pay the water, which is usually $45/mo for both. B

recently chatted with an investment advisor who suggested that I take a hard look at SMIA's. (secondary market income annuitiy). This is where they buy annuitized settlements for cash, and then resell them as an annuity. The rates are typically 2% higher than a spia, and must be approved by...

Okay, I'm 58 with $1.65 mm, home paid for, and small rental real estate income. I have discussed my situation with several financial "experts", and they all tell me that I can retire whenever I want. I still w**k part time (3 days a week) with an annual income of +/- $100k. I really would...

One of the things I've done periodically, is to do exactly what they describe below. I "assume" worst case scenario with my savings, and if that happens, will I still be able to ER ? Anyone else go through this excercise? Interesting article regardless. b Ready Your Nest Egg for the Worst...

Has anyone considered this strategy? One thing to consider is that even though you lock in income 15 years in the future, the real value of that income will be diminished at the rate of inflation. It was an interesting read either way. thoughts? Kiplinger.com

IF a portion of an ira is annuitized prior to age 59.5, IS that distribution subject to the 10% penalty if taken at age 57 ? I read contradictory reports. This one from immediate annuities says it is not; Early Withdrawal (Pre 59-½) Penalty Tax Exceptions and Annuities Does anyone know for...

DW and I are preparing to build our retirement home. I have a builder pretty well lined out. He's doing most, and I'm doing some. The plumber is scoping out PEX tubing, and I'm wondering if anyone else has had experience with it within the last 3 to 5 years. I know the older stuff wasn't that...

There is no FDIC insurance because it's a Swiss Bank, but the rates are decent. Opinions please. Premium CD : Certified Deposit : Millennium Bank

Looking for opinions (we all have at least one) on splitting up a retirement portfolio into the Vanguard managed payout funds. Say 33% into each category of growth vs payout. So, with a 1mm ira, put $330k +/- into each fund. What's the downside? What am I missing? b

With the recent downturn of the market, along with an uncertain future, what do you plan to do with your portfolio tomorrow? Futures call for another significant down day on Monday, July 7. At 55, and desperatly wanting to ER, I'm considering pulling out of the market and going to cd's for a...

I have a question concerning an immediate annuity. A 56/57 year old ER's and buys an immediate annuity using IRA money. This is for current income. It's understood that taxes will be due on the payout quarterly. Due to their age being under 59.5, will he also have to pay a 10% penalty? I...

"IF" I begin a 72T distribution at age 56, and then start another job at age 57, what are the tax implications? Can I be taking 72T distributions, and still contribute to a (different) IRA and/or 401k ? I'm not sure on the second career job, but it could happen. Thanks for your input. b

Plan on retiring april of 08 with 30.5 years and age 55. I will have $1,400,000 saved at that time +/- the market. After moving back home, may go back to work on part time basis for 3 days a week, and at age 62, will receive about $1600 ss + wifes ss of aprox $600. Appears to be do-able...

I plan to early retire next year around april, 2008. I will have 30.5 years in and will be 55 at that time, and will be able to obtain health insurance from company. Problem is the cost which will be $850/month. Question; Can I find cheaper and comparable insurance on open market? My wife has...