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Dennis Hurley

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    • Rick, I agree that the MaxiFi Pro version is just excellent. Very complete, accurate, good quick response to the rare question you may have. (Rare question b/c the software itself has pop-up explanations, videos, good documentation etc.) Costs about $149 for 1st year for the most complete version. About 20% less for subsequent years.   I have used it personally and have also run plans for a few friends and relatives. It has the power to answer all your questions about the effect of when you (and partner) take Social Security, life insurance needs, survivor benefits, effect of inheritance, Roth conversion planning, and full Fed and state income tax calculations (plus IRMAA, FICA, etc.). Do all the “what-if” calcs you need (effect of retiring, moving, etc.) in about 15 min each once you have it setup. And you can get 1-on-1 help to set it up also if you need it.   I have compared it with several other of the calculators mentioned and MaxiFi is much more complete, accurate and powerful.

      Post: Retirement Calculators

      Link to comment from August 31, 2024

    • MaxiFi is my favorite software among those I have tested. Why? Works for all ages, v. strong economic background of 30 year leader (Prof Kotlikoff, Boston U), excellent support, SS benefit optimization, easy to use, inexpensive ($109/yr on renewal).

      Post: Faulty Assumptions

      Link to comment from February 21, 2024

    • Early Retirement Now (ERN) continues to refine his advice on Safe Withdrawal Rates (SWR). Excellent blog with ~1 per month article. Also has a free calculator for SWR. Excellent source.

      Post: Should retirees use a 4% portfolio withdrawal rate?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • Big ERN (Karsten Jeske, PhD, CFA - EarlyRetirementNow.com) Reading the in-depth discussions on Big ERN blog with approximately monthly articles full of graphs and solid economic modeling which many times lead to concrete actions or reaffirming what we already have in place.  The discussion by readers that follow each blog article is fascinating with great questions to ERN and his clear replies. Useful for dedicated personal finance optimizers and those that get pleasure out of this kind of a hobby.

      Post: What are your favorite financial apps and websites, present company excepted?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • MaxiFi app. Using Prof. Kotlikoff's MaxiFi software to model out all kinds of tax savings strategies like the ones mentioned below from other contributors. (And ACA subsidy enhancing strategies.) This lets me quickly quantify any ideas I get by reading to see if the effort is worthwhile for the corresponding savings. MaxiFi is inexpensive, easy to use, and very accurate and complete.

      Post: What are your favorite financial apps and websites, present company excepted?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • Following the detailed instructions in Harry Sits "My Financial Toolbox" book and his blog to take simple actions to save money. And using Harry's advice of "set and forget" and "good enough" to make sure I do not overdo it and forget to enjoy life and my family and friends.

      Post: What’s the best financial book you’ve ever read?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • I also love the Finance Buff (Harry Sit) blog and web site.

      Post: What are your favorite financial apps and websites, present company excepted?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • Ditto for me, just excellent tools and inexpensive also ($120 per year).

      Post: What are your favorite financial apps and websites, present company excepted?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • And quantify compound interest using the "Rule of 72" for figuring out doubling times so that your children and grandchildren can quickly see the effect of their saving & investing, and spending decisions. This can easily be done in nominal dollars or in real (inflation adjusted) dollars.

      Post: What’s the most important financial concept?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

    • Using AOTC for college age children to save $10,000 in taxes over the 4 years from college expenses each of them . Not big dollars, but useful for family vacations over those years, etc.

      Post: What’s your favorite tax-savings strategy?

      Link to comment from February 17, 2024

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