I recently read a book called The Roth Conversion Formula by Alex O'Shea. The book provides 10 case studies using 2026 tax law. It was an easy and understandable read. Has anyone experimented with the author's RetireSmartIRA and compared it to other programs? I went to the website and it looks interesting. As with any source, how do you know the information is accurate in the details it returns?I enjoyed the author's article, although nebulous in some parts and will require reading several times over. His other articles have also been good to read.
David, I read the same article this morning and it confirmed my suspicions. About 10 years ago I was interested in taking the CFP course for my own benefit through a local college. I attended a welcome visit and one class. I was appalled how the instructors (CFP's) portrayed themselves and the negative stories they told about clients. Many of the students attending were from a well known brokerage firm because they were being required to get the CFP certification. A designation that might be considered is a PFS (Personal Finance Specialist) along with a CPA title.
I'm not recommending this to anyone, but I've been mixing 1/2tsp baking soda with 8oz of water for many years. The acid reflux will be gone quickly...very quickly.
Perhaps as we age it isn't worth the negotiating hassle and just want to enjoy our remaining years...and the car of our dreams. I read an article this morning from Komando.com titled: Use AI to cut junk fees from your car quote VIN etching can cost $199 to $499, and paint or theft packages can hit $2,500. Tax, title and registration? Normal. Then come dealer prep, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, paint protection and theft packages. Suddenly, Todd is charging you $399 because the tires contain air that came from Swiss mountains. Taxes, title, registration and government fees are generally not negotiable. Beyond those, fees aren’t sacred, they’re almost always negotiable. The dealer is counting on you not knowing that. If a dealer says a fee is mandatory: Fine. Lower the vehicle price by the same amount. The humor at the end of the article:
A salesman asked what I wanted in a car. I said affordable. He said he'd never heard of a Ford Ibble.
Nice story Dan. Our current cat came to us 10 years ago and loves to have his belly rubbed and get brushed all over. When we leave the house, he waits in the front window watching for our return.
I could never ever give up a pet I own. We are down to one pet now and I believe he gets better medical attention than I give myself. The expenses can be high, but I would never let an animal suffer. Ever notice homeless people who have pets? I get it too.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and what to watch out for. A Toyota is high on my list after having owned four in the past 30 years. A concern I have now is that my local Toyota dealership has been sold to AutoNation. Past employees say they wouldn't take their vehicle their for an oil change. An internet search about Auto Nation's reputation, and my local dealer, give me great concern to continue doing business with them. There is another Toyota dealership ~40 miles away with very good reviews.
Comments
Understood. Thanks for elaborating.
Post: Roth Conversions and Taxes
Link to comment from August 11, 2026
V Saraf, if you experiment with both Boldin and the author's app, please share your thoughts if you don't mind.
Post: Roth Conversions and Taxes
Link to comment from August 10, 2026
John, you raise many good additional thoughts to consider. Thanks!
Post: Roth Conversions and Taxes
Link to comment from August 10, 2026
I recently read a book called The Roth Conversion Formula by Alex O'Shea. The book provides 10 case studies using 2026 tax law. It was an easy and understandable read. Has anyone experimented with the author's RetireSmartIRA and compared it to other programs? I went to the website and it looks interesting. As with any source, how do you know the information is accurate in the details it returns? I enjoyed the author's article, although nebulous in some parts and will require reading several times over. His other articles have also been good to read.
Post: Roth Conversions and Taxes
Link to comment from August 8, 2026
David, I read the same article this morning and it confirmed my suspicions. About 10 years ago I was interested in taking the CFP course for my own benefit through a local college. I attended a welcome visit and one class. I was appalled how the instructors (CFP's) portrayed themselves and the negative stories they told about clients. Many of the students attending were from a well known brokerage firm because they were being required to get the CFP certification. A designation that might be considered is a PFS (Personal Finance Specialist) along with a CPA title.
Post: Beware the CFP Designation?
Link to comment from August 3, 2026
I'm not recommending this to anyone, but I've been mixing 1/2tsp baking soda with 8oz of water for many years. The acid reflux will be gone quickly...very quickly.
Post: Subconscious Frugality
Link to comment from July 31, 2026
Perhaps as we age it isn't worth the negotiating hassle and just want to enjoy our remaining years...and the car of our dreams. I read an article this morning from Komando.com titled: Use AI to cut junk fees from your car quote
VIN etching can cost $199 to $499, and paint or theft packages can hit $2,500. Tax, title and registration? Normal. Then come dealer prep, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, paint protection and theft packages. Suddenly, Todd is charging you $399 because the tires contain air that came from Swiss mountains. Taxes, title, registration and government fees are generally not negotiable. Beyond those, fees aren’t sacred, they’re almost always negotiable. The dealer is counting on you not knowing that. If a dealer says a fee is mandatory: Fine. Lower the vehicle price by the same amount. The humor at the end of the article: A salesman asked what I wanted in a car. I said affordable. He said he'd never heard of a Ford Ibble.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 23, 2026
Nice story Dan. Our current cat came to us 10 years ago and loves to have his belly rubbed and get brushed all over. When we leave the house, he waits in the front window watching for our return.
Post: Too Good to be True
Link to comment from July 23, 2026
I could never ever give up a pet I own. We are down to one pet now and I believe he gets better medical attention than I give myself. The expenses can be high, but I would never let an animal suffer. Ever notice homeless people who have pets? I get it too.
Post: One Person’s Luxury, Another’s Necessity
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
Thanks for sharing your experiences and what to watch out for. A Toyota is high on my list after having owned four in the past 30 years. A concern I have now is that my local Toyota dealership has been sold to AutoNation. Past employees say they wouldn't take their vehicle their for an oil change. An internet search about Auto Nation's reputation, and my local dealer, give me great concern to continue doing business with them. There is another Toyota dealership ~40 miles away with very good reviews.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026