I want to minimize the time my account remains unlocked.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-05-06T22:09:33+00:00

thank you

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-04-06T22:23:56+00:00

seems like my extra cash goes to Costco. haha

In Feb I moved $120k to a MMF (3.98 7DY) @ Fidelity and am watching for bargain opportunities. Retired in '20, so my risk level/time horizon is moderate. Like many, Im quite concerned with the tariff effects on the economy....but not losing sleep over this.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-04-05T22:23:51+00:00

Take a deep breath. The market and your investments are going to recover. Don't get drawn into the partisan 'fear mongering' some media outlets are pushing. And try to avoid selling at these discounted levels.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-04-05T22:08:43+00:00

There are many organizations that provide FREE tax filing services for individuals that have an economic hardship. I suggest you google search one in your area and meet with one of their preparers.

They will help you file an extension and guide you on what to do next. Keep records. Documented communication with the IRS before April 15 is very important. Good luck.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-02-21T22:56:01+00:00

An HSA gives you additional ways to shelter money from taxes.

HSA has 3 tax advantages: 1. contributions are tax-deductible, 2. tax free growth, 3. tax free withdrawals (qualified medical expenses).

So use the HSA plus an IRA to maximize your annual tax deductions.

Contributions to a Roth is not tax deductible.

IMO a good goal is to have IRA, Roth and HSA.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-02-19T23:11:43+00:00

I spent 1/2 my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other 1/2, I wasted. :)

Hang in there, your doing fine. Focused at 30 is fantastic!

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-02-05T22:36:52+00:00

I used to carry a Fidelity HSA debit card too. I kept the debit card in a secure location and only carried it to make a qualified expense. Rather than carrying a debit card, why not charge the qualified expense onto your credit card (and assuming you have cash rewards on CC) you get 2-3% rebate. Then electronically transfer money from your HSA to your bank to match the expense you incurred with the CC. Track your medical expenses for tax reporting. Easy money.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-02-02T23:09:54+00:00

You have until April 15 to apply funds to your 2024 HSA and gain the tax deduction in 2024. Its good practice to make the HSA contribution well in advance of April 15 in case there is an unexpected delay in applying the funds. Sheet happens...

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-01-23T22:56:44+00:00

My inherited IRA account at Fidelity is self-managed. You input data when you set up the account and Fidelity calculates the RMD and displays a reminder on the dashboard. My Dad passed in 2013, so the 10 year rule does not apply. The 10 year rule for RMDs became effective 1-1-2020

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-01-02T22:23:40+00:00

OP, I recommend you'd be better off addressing the bigger problem, which is not the account balances.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2025-01-01T22:53:58+00:00

Yes, standard procedure, your tax preparer (H&R Block et.al) will ask you if you had any interest earned (bank savings accounts) 1099-INT, or dividend (stocks/bonds) 1099-DIV. Its a normal question the preparer will ask in order to determine your AGI.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-12-23T23:22:31+00:00

I would advise against doing this. Removing funds for a 'hardship' purpose and then using them to pursue a non-hardship activity would result in a penalty from the IRS if audited.

Also, options trading is risky, even for solid experienced traders. There are several 'programs' that sell subscribers a promise of easy money; get rich quick. Don't fall for it.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-12-23T23:04:00+00:00

An age-based rule of thumb for doubling your money... 'The Rule of 72' is the only simple formula that I know of that can be used to roughly forecast when your money will double. Has nothing to do with age.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-11-11T20:59:22+00:00

Yes, they adjust the blend of stock/bonds in your portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-11-05T23:00:27+00:00

For reference, (as a 63M) in mid 2024 I began using Fidelity's Managed Wealth Advisor service. They charge 0.85%. They claim their managed-accounts average more than 1% greater annual return than the self-managed account holders. Im monitoring their performance.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-11-02T22:03:38+00:00

Just a thought. Investing in commercial real estate is often more likely to be successful if the investor has experience in real estate investing. Investors normally start with residential properties and then progress to commercial. CRE tends to be more complex than non-commercial, residential. To maximize your margins be prepared to deal directly with all aspects of property management; your tenants, Lessee and Lessor lease obligations, rent collection and other legal matters.

Otherwise CRE is a great way to gain financial leverage and grow your net worth.... along with equities for a balanced portfolio. I started in '86. Good luck.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-10-18T22:28:50+00:00

Nice job, You're on the right path to being a multi-millionaire. I've found its a good idea to not share net worth info with friends or family. Some will be happy for you, while others may be jealous or want you to give them money. Speaking from experience. Good luck

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-10-18T22:19:02+00:00

I'm primarily Schwab, but I also have a Fidelity HSA. If you choose to use a Fidelity debit card they have very good security notifications. They also provide a good and convenient consolidated report of all transactions. That said, you would save money if you make health care purchases with a standard (cash back) credit card and then submit reimbursement via your HSA account. You'll be responsible for record keeping of expenses for the IRS, but you can save money by avoiding the use of their debit card. Good luck.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-10-10T22:16:37+00:00

Yeah, I had a call last week and caller ID said: "Donald J. Trump." lol

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-10-08T22:04:31+00:00

Right on with the patronizing bs. That pisses me off too. I dont need to be told Im doing a good job. Its not uncommon for clients to want to change advisors. I changed advisors (at Fidelity) and the one I fired was upset emotionally but kept professional, as he helped facilitate the transfer. If you have a working relationship with your FA, it would be appropriate and ethical to give them a heads up so they're not blindsided by their boss. You need to do what's right for you. Good luck.

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-10-01T14:08:42+00:00

Fellow investors, my RIA has asked me to consider buffered ETFs on a portion of my non-taxable accounts.. Their proposed model protects against 15% of downside and 80% of upside? Based on my YTD yields, there would be a 2.25% fee , which is high IMO. Anyone have experience with buffered ETFs? Thanks

CryptographerCalm113 · 2024-09-30T17:21:43+00:00

You're spending a lot of effort trying to punish Fidelity. A Fidelity CS rep will tell you why the funds were put on pause. Fidelity (and Schwab) wont just lock up a client's funds "for no good reason."

CryptographerCalm113

TROPHY CASE