John, we're about one year apart in age so this topic is of interest to me as well. You said you already reviewed a number of resources. At the risk of sharing something you've already seen, I recently watched this video by Kevin Lum. He would argue for earlier Roth conversions. I appreciate reading a variety of opinions -- including opposing opinions -- to help me come to an independent informed decision. As others mentioned, the math on Roth conversions is but one factor among many in making a decision for your specific situation. I also agree 100% with David that that the future is unknowable. I'm at 25% Roth and 75% traditional but will look for good opportunities to convert (convert at the dip) to get this closer to 50%-50%.
Yes, I bought IBIK for the first time in early July. David Enna's post on Tipswatch in late May informed my thinking. I plan to hold the 10 years to maturity. https://tipswatch.com/2024/05/30/ishares-launches-its-2034-target-date-tips-etf/
One additional idea to deal with the annual $10,000 cap ($15,000 if you use your tax refund) on I bond purchases that I don't see mentioned often -- purchase I bonds as a gift today that will begin to earn today's interest rates to distribute as a gift in 2023. A couple could each buy $10,000 for themselves in 2022, purchase another $5,000 via tax refund, and buy $10,000 in gifts for the other spouse today to distribute to each other in 2023. That's $45,000 total. If for whatever reason interest rates stay at current levels (or go higher), they could delay the gift and purchase another $10,000. There is no timeline on distributing I bonds in your "gift box" in your Treasury Direct account. Summary of how this works is explained here: https://thefinancebuff.com/buy-i-bonds-as-gift.html Remember: the annual limit of $10,000 per person applies -- whether purchased or gifted.
iPhone SE first generation here. Purchased Thanksgiving 2016; replaced battery about four years later. Does everything I need. Will keep it until it no longer works--and then buy another lowest cost iPhone to replace. As Warren Buffett says, "price is what you pay, value is what you get."
Comments
John, we're about one year apart in age so this topic is of interest to me as well. You said you already reviewed a number of resources. At the risk of sharing something you've already seen, I recently watched this video by Kevin Lum. He would argue for earlier Roth conversions. I appreciate reading a variety of opinions -- including opposing opinions -- to help me come to an independent informed decision. As others mentioned, the math on Roth conversions is but one factor among many in making a decision for your specific situation. I also agree 100% with David that that the future is unknowable. I'm at 25% Roth and 75% traditional but will look for good opportunities to convert (convert at the dip) to get this closer to 50%-50%.
Post: Roth Conversion Timing and Amounts to Maximize Benefits
Link to comment from July 19, 2025
Yes, I bought IBIK for the first time in early July. David Enna's post on Tipswatch in late May informed my thinking. I plan to hold the 10 years to maturity. https://tipswatch.com/2024/05/30/ishares-launches-its-2034-target-date-tips-etf/
Post: Question of Interest
Link to comment from August 10, 2024
One additional idea to deal with the annual $10,000 cap ($15,000 if you use your tax refund) on I bond purchases that I don't see mentioned often -- purchase I bonds as a gift today that will begin to earn today's interest rates to distribute as a gift in 2023. A couple could each buy $10,000 for themselves in 2022, purchase another $5,000 via tax refund, and buy $10,000 in gifts for the other spouse today to distribute to each other in 2023. That's $45,000 total. If for whatever reason interest rates stay at current levels (or go higher), they could delay the gift and purchase another $10,000. There is no timeline on distributing I bonds in your "gift box" in your Treasury Direct account. Summary of how this works is explained here: https://thefinancebuff.com/buy-i-bonds-as-gift.html Remember: the annual limit of $10,000 per person applies -- whether purchased or gifted.
Post: How to Use I Bonds
Link to comment from April 19, 2022
iPhone SE first generation here. Purchased Thanksgiving 2016; replaced battery about four years later. Does everything I need. Will keep it until it no longer works--and then buy another lowest cost iPhone to replace. As Warren Buffett says, "price is what you pay, value is what you get."
Post: Only an Eight
Link to comment from March 11, 2022