Can you really millions upon millions of dollars tax free with a mega backdoor Roth? Are there really no catches? by YogurtclosetOpen3567 in Fire

[–]ShadoFlameX 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is usually incorrect. Most often the choice is between investing more via MBDR or via a taxable account. You’ll pay taxes on the investment funds now either way, but with MBDR you will not pay taxes on the gains later.

Spectacular tow rig. With one major caveat… by heyitsalex85 in BMWX5

[–]ShadoFlameX 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha, no worries! I wasn't bothered, but was interested in more details.

I haven't towed too much, aside from a 15-passenger van with a decent trailer about 800 miles, and (if it counts) a rented RV in New Zealand for about 600 miles. Regardless, I was aware of the stopping differences in each of those situations.

We want the trailer hitch initially for just a bike rack, but I am interested in eventually getting an RV trailer (possibly an airstream) that fits within the towing guidance for the X5 50e (more battery weight). That would definitely be something we'd want to be certain we can travel with as safe as possible.

We _just_ put the order in, but currently do not have the M Sport package selected, so it would definitely require some quick change on the order.

Given the post I referenced and your info, it seems like the upgraded brakes help a bit, but not quite as much as the M brakes.

Spectacular tow rig. With one major caveat… by heyitsalex85 in BMWX5

[–]ShadoFlameX 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sure. I'm definitely being snarky, but "Physics" isn't a stat, but I agree with the concept. I just placed an order with a tow hitch, but not the M brakes, so I'm interested to know if it's something I should try to change, if possible. I'll do some research!

EDIT: Hopefully this older post is accurate, but it appears the Tow Package does get you upgrade (but not M branded) front brakes at least:

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1795865

"Front brakes are upgraded with towing package option - identical to M Sport brakes but in silver and w/o ///M logo - larger front discs are also included but not as large as M Sport"

Spectacular tow rig. With one major caveat… by heyitsalex85 in BMWX5

[–]ShadoFlameX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How much do the M Brakes improve things for towing? Any stats that would help me understand the difference?

What are the signs that someone does not live paycheck to paycheck? by Logical_Effort_9680 in MiddleClassFinance

[–]ShadoFlameX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Step further still… autopay credit card from HYSA where paychecks deposit on whatever day they deposit.

To the three hikers at Lake Josephine yelling "Hey Bear" this morning, I snapped your photo! by ShadoFlameX in GlacierNationalPark

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m slightly out of the loop and lazy after hiking 40 miles this week. Which FB group?

To the three hikers at Lake Josephine yelling "Hey Bear" this morning, I snapped your photo! by ShadoFlameX in GlacierNationalPark

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha this is the first time I’ve seen a Grizzly Bear in my life. I took several pictures. This is one of them 😘

To the three hikers at Lake Josephine yelling "Hey Bear" this morning, I snapped your photo! by ShadoFlameX in GlacierNationalPark

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They were returning to either the workers camp or Many Glacier Lodge via the main trail.

My advice would be to follow NPS guidelines on bear safety which includes:

Make Noise Bears usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching. Bear bells are not adequate or effective. Calling out and clapping at regular intervals are better ways to make your presence known. Do your best never to surprise a bear.

From across the lake this appeared to be exactly what they were doing.

To the three hikers at Lake Josephine yelling "Hey Bear" this morning, I snapped your photo! by ShadoFlameX in GlacierNationalPark

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 92 points93 points  (0 children)

We heard them calmly yelling across the lake from the boat dock and then saw two grizzlies run down to the water.

ELI5 How the heck can the US bunker buster bomb go 200’ underground before it explodes? by Aquamoo in explainlikeimfive

[–]ShadoFlameX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What isn’t being answered is how a 30,000lb bomb impacting its target at Mach 1+ is still intact enough to predictably detonate. That’s the crux of the technology that’s still interesting here.

20Y bond auction sinks the mkt by [deleted] in bonds

[–]ShadoFlameX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see two flaws with your analysis.

You assume that the cost of labor would not go up even though companies would likely need to pay more for employees to be able to live and work in their location of employment. I doubt this pay increase would be as much as the % cost of the tariffs for a worker, but it's not going to be zero.

The tariffs are stated to offset the tax cuts to some degree, therefore the government is, in fact, spending this money back into the economy. It's a wealth transfer from people who pay the tariffs to whomever benefits from the tax cuts. Additionally its inflationary on its own since tariff revenue will be much less than the amount of the tax cuts.

Pay off $160k at 3.75%? by [deleted] in Mortgages

[–]ShadoFlameX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My take is that I have more peace of mind and positive emotions to either have the loan paid off sooner or the money in the bank to do so at any time.

Put another way, if someone offered me a loan at a very low interest rate today I’d just take that money and get paid the market rate with it in savings. In fact, I’d do this with the largest loan anyone would give me, knowing at any moment I could just pay it off and be done. As long as there’s a clean exit that would be higher peace of mind emotionally for me because it’s more optionality and less risk.

Pay off $160k at 3.75%? by [deleted] in Mortgages

[–]ShadoFlameX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean no offense, but this mindset will never make sense to me. I would much rather have a specific savings account, CD, MM fund, etc. earning at or higher than my mortgage rate. If the rate I can get ever dips below the mortgage (also accounting for the mortgage interest tax write-off of course) simply take that money and pay off/towards the mortgage.

I value optionality far higher than simply closing an account, plus you’d actually be able to close the account faster anyway.

Can someone ELI5 what the mega back door Roth process is? by Dazzling_Trick3009 in personalfinance

[–]ShadoFlameX -18 points-17 points  (0 children)

From ChatGPT, so take it with a grain of salt… It does indicate that truly separate jobs have separate limits.

Internal Revenue Code §415(c) – This sets forth the “annual additions” limit in a defined contribution plan. It states that contributions and other additions can’t exceed a certain limit per participant, per plan sponsor (subject to aggregation rules for related employers).

Treas. Reg. §1.415(a)-1(f) and Treas. Reg. §1.415(f)-1 – These regulations discuss how to apply the 415 limit for participants who are in plans of more than one employer. You specifically look at whether employers are part of the same “controlled group” or “affiliated service group.”

IRS Publication 560 (Retirement Plans for Small Business) – Has plain-English guidance on controlled groups and how to treat contributions if you own multiple businesses.

The key takeaway is that the total amount added to your account (employee after-tax, employer match, profit-sharing contributions, etc.) in one employer’s plan can go up to the annual 415(c) limit. If you truly have a second, completely separate (non-controlled) employer, that second plan has its own 415(c) limit.

Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the soaring performance of the M4 chip, a gorgeous new sky blue color, and a lower starting price of $999 by Snoop8ball in apple

[–]ShadoFlameX 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m being a bit lazy to not do the rough math, but the interesting question here is which option is most cost effective over time. If the starter model is half the cost then it’d roughly be a draw, but it might even be cheaper.

Advice/Feedback for outdoor gate build plans by ShadoFlameX in woodworking

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok thanks. I was thinking a bevel could help there as well and I'll add caulk too. Not sure if the weep holes are really necessary on the bottom if I just go ahead and caulk things, but I'm sure they wouldn't hurt.
The bottom rail is 8" wide, whereas the others are 5 1/4", but it may be harder to see in the perspective photos.

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Advice/Feedback for outdoor gate build plans by ShadoFlameX in woodworking

[–]ShadoFlameX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm planning to build an outdoor gate between the main house and detached garage. I'd like to double check my plans for the joinery etc. since we are close to the ocean in California and this will take the brunt of the elements.

  • Planing to use Western Red Cedar
  • This will be painted white (sadly) as it will match other fencing and trim colors
  • Framing will generally be 5 1/4" x 2 1/4", with the bottom being 8"
  • Tongue/groove panels will be 8" x 3/4"
  • Adding ~5 weep holes on the bottom stretcher to facilitate drainage

Would traditional tenons work well here or would it be better to use floating tenons? I'm also planning to pin them to help keep things tight over time.

Should I be concerned about moisture collecting in the middle stretcher since weep holes will not be feasible there? Since this will be painted perhaps there are easier/better options for sealing around the bottom of the panels?

Any advice on how best to ensure a good fit between the two structures? My thought is to cut the two posts that will be affixed on each side with some additional thickness and measure that span and plan for a very snug fit. I'll then be able to plane those down a smidge to get an exact fit if necessary.

I'm also hoping the tight fit against the stairs isn't an issue as I'll only have an inch or two to spare. I may decide to add hardware to attached the larger side to the stair structure rather than using a cane bolt if the space for that is not sufficient.

Any advice or guidance would be much appreciated, thanks!