Recent content by skibum

A native of Bavaria recommended the Hotel AM Markt to me in Munich. I stayed there last spring, nice place and great location. Backs up to the Viktualienmarkt, two minute walk to Marienplatz and the train station. Rooms are clean, compact, but nicely updated. Affordable prices and helpful...

My apologies, thanks for the correction. I had previously stayed under the MAGI cliff at a little over $100k for a family of four, and now manage income tax claimed after deductions. Had a senior moment and confused the two, incorrectly thinking ACA MAGI was after std deduction.

Ideally you keep MAGI below 400% of poverty level, 78,800 in 2023 for MFJ. This keeps you in the 12% tax bracket, (<89,450 income MFJ), so tax rate on LTCG and qualified dividends is 0%. With MAGI of 78.8k, and standard deduction of 27,700, this allows a total taxable income of 106,500. If...

It has been my dream to retire early and ski whenever. I'm early 60's and have been living that dream for several years. I ski 60-80 days per season with many friends having similar interests. No limitations or injuries, mostly advanced terrain and powder. I know many folks skiing into their...

Thought I'd share this unique photograph. No special skills, equipment, or editing, but I find the image rather mystic.

Another informative spreadsheet, thanks for sharing. I find the tax bumps from SS taxation and interaction between income and LTCGs to be interesting. The article mentions to find your true marginal tax rate incorporating potential tax credit phase outs, this can be challenging to grasp, the...

The "tax bracket", or marginal tax rate while working vs retirement is important to consider w/r to advantages of tIRA vs Roth. As I see it, a better comparison is the marginal tax rate typically saved on pre-tax contributions in the working years, vs the effective tax rate often paid during...

With no "tax free" accounts, you certainly have fewer tax strategies available, and in some ways less complexity. I would think you could benefit from managing withdrawals and the resulting tax brackets from year to year. The Retiree Portfolio Model has more moving parts than you need, but...

I have found the Retiree Portfolio Model spreadsheet from the Bogleheads to be comprehensive for projecting fixed income sources (SS, pensions, SPI, etc), investment income (dividends, LTCGs), and the resulting taxes (Federal, State, IRMAA). It takes awhile to understand the inputs, graphs, and...

Sobering to see longevity risk alongside SWR financial risk. Agreed, your financial situation is in great shape barring some calamity. Live long and prosper. https://engaging-data.com/will-money-last-retire-early/

Sounds like the OP read the book Think Again, by Adam Grant, and is taking it to heart in ER. The book explores understanding the other side of an issue, and the joy of being wrong.

After viewing the video and further considerations, I made a few IRA withdrawals in kind yesterday. In the past I have typically withdrawn cash at year end. Withdrawing earlier in the year is likely to provide tax free growth in Roth IRA or capital gains in taxable accounts relative to year...

The comment to research both sides of a topic, and challenge ones beliefs and opinions brings to mind a recent book I found interesting. The title is Think Again by Adam Grant. FWIW, I download kindle and audiobooks from our library for free using an app. I enjoy audio books while driving...

I inherited a portfolio that Fisher was managing at Fidelity a decade ago. I had previously attended a few events at Ken Fisher's fine home and hear him speak when he hosted clients several years earlier. I kept the portfolio for about a year, the service and performance were mediocre. They...

I think Michael Kitces article from 2014 is an excellent summary of the mechanics of the 0% LTCG. The transition points and regular income tax rates have changed since then, but the principles and strategies still apply. This is also one of the best explanations of the double taxation, (30% at...