AUTHOR: DavidHLancaster on 6/10/2026 FIRST: R Quinn on 6/10 | RECENT: Mike Xavier on 6/11
Comments
Thanks for a great review article. I had always thought of Roth conversions as providing three benefits: 1) Lowering RMDs when we turn 73, 2) converting all of my wife’s lower (1/3 of our total traditional IRA’s balance) to simplify RMDs to only one account, 3) tax free inheritance for my children. Now I realize there is a fourth benefit, reducing my wife’s taxable income, when I most likely pass first, thus reducing the IRA widow’s tax.
When we replaced our last vehicle I really had my mind set on a luxury sedan such as a Mercedes or BMW etc, but the reviews on consumer reports were not favorable, and most require premium gas. We went to our comfortable spot and bought a Toyota Crown Signia. Pretty luxurious for us (built in their Lexus plant in Japan),with Toyota reliability.
We never buy a vehicle the day that we decide which one to purchase. We always “sleep o it” (actually discuss the purchase) over night to make sure it is not a spur of the impulsive purchase, and to make sure the ultimate decision is not made under pressure from the sales person.
“I assume they had their quotas/numbers to meet.”I have a friend that used to sell vehicles. He told me that the dealer pays a monthly fee (I believe it was to the manufacturer) for the vehicle the first of every month, thus the dealers have an incentive to get as many vehicles off the lot by the end of month.
The problem is no one cares about your property as much as you do. When I was interviewing for fine gardening (not heavy landscaping) jobs my first summer in retirement (just for fun) I told the proprietors that I would treat all the properties I worked on like they were my own. Not surprisingly I was offered a job with each company.
Brian,
Just yesterday I was listening to the third ever Bogle on Investing podcast with Jonathan recorded in 2018. The fact that he was the third person interviewed (the first of course being Bogle himself) tells you how respected he was among the Bogleheads. It was both sad and comforting to hear his voice again.
PS if nothing is done to solidify Social Security benefits then we face an additional cut cut in the future of 22-24%. This would be an overall cut to our generation of 35-37% for benefits we would have received if no changes were made. I’m not saying they weren’t necessary, again just that we have done our part.
Comments
Thanks for a great review article. I had always thought of Roth conversions as providing three benefits: 1) Lowering RMDs when we turn 73, 2) converting all of my wife’s lower (1/3 of our total traditional IRA’s balance) to simplify RMDs to only one account, 3) tax free inheritance for my children. Now I realize there is a fourth benefit, reducing my wife’s taxable income, when I most likely pass first, thus reducing the IRA widow’s tax.
Post: Will Your Death Double Your Spouse’s Tax Bill?
Link to comment from July 15, 2026
When we replaced our last vehicle I really had my mind set on a luxury sedan such as a Mercedes or BMW etc, but the reviews on consumer reports were not favorable, and most require premium gas. We went to our comfortable spot and bought a Toyota Crown Signia. Pretty luxurious for us (built in their Lexus plant in Japan),with Toyota reliability.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 15, 2026
Dick, Buy the club!
Post: A discussion on health insurance, premiums, profits and such- a 50 year perspective most people don’t want to accept
Link to comment from July 15, 2026
We never buy a vehicle the day that we decide which one to purchase. We always “sleep o it” (actually discuss the purchase) over night to make sure it is not a spur of the impulsive purchase, and to make sure the ultimate decision is not made under pressure from the sales person.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 15, 2026
“I assume they had their quotas/numbers to meet.” I have a friend that used to sell vehicles. He told me that the dealer pays a monthly fee (I believe it was to the manufacturer) for the vehicle the first of every month, thus the dealers have an incentive to get as many vehicles off the lot by the end of month.
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 15, 2026
We have a two million dollar umbrella policy. The difference in cost is minimal.
Post: Reluctantly Saving Money
Link to comment from July 14, 2026
The problem is no one cares about your property as much as you do. When I was interviewing for fine gardening (not heavy landscaping) jobs my first summer in retirement (just for fun) I told the proprietors that I would treat all the properties I worked on like they were my own. Not surprisingly I was offered a job with each company.
Post: Reluctantly Saving Money
Link to comment from July 14, 2026
The rule on safety on ladders is three points of contact at all times.
Post: Reluctantly Saving Money
Link to comment from July 14, 2026
Brian, Just yesterday I was listening to the third ever Bogle on Investing podcast with Jonathan recorded in 2018. The fact that he was the third person interviewed (the first of course being Bogle himself) tells you how respected he was among the Bogleheads. It was both sad and comforting to hear his voice again.
Post: What Remains: Money and Me
Link to comment from July 14, 2026
PS if nothing is done to solidify Social Security benefits then we face an additional cut cut in the future of 22-24%. This would be an overall cut to our generation of 35-37% for benefits we would have received if no changes were made. I’m not saying they weren’t necessary, again just that we have done our part.
Post: About that inflation in retirement
Link to comment from July 13, 2026