TorchtheFlyingTiger

re: Official US/Israel vs Iran war thread

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/28/26 at 9:25 am to WeeWee

quote:
Arabs choosing to fight with Israel against the Islamic Republic. That is something I didn’t expect.

After decades of prolonged US conflict in ME it's remarkable how few otherwise informed citizens have no clue about Shia v Sunni or Arab v Persian animosity.

They may remain defensive only but due more so to lack of capability and desire to cooperate w Israel rather than will to strike Persian rivals.

Political Talk

re: How can I invest in OpenAI and/or xAI?

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/26/26 at 7:16 pm to Gauge

Neither OpenAI nor xAI is publicly traded as of February 2026. This means you cannot buy their shares on a regular stock exchange like the NYSE or NASDAQ through a standard brokerage account (e.g., no ticker symbols for direct purchase).Investing in OpenAIOpenAI remains a private company, with recent valuations in the hundreds of billions (reports mention figures around $500B–$830B in late 2025/early 2026 fundraising and secondary sales). It has no confirmed IPO date yet, though discussions point to a possible Q4 2026 or later public offering, potentially at a $1T+ valuation, contingent on factors like achieving AGI milestones or restructuring.Direct investment options (for accredited investors only):Accredited investors (generally those with $200K+ annual income, $300K+ joint, or $1M+ net worth excluding primary residence) can access shares via secondary/pre-IPO marketplaces. These include platforms like:Forge Global
Hiive
EquityZen
Others like Nasdaq Private Market or specialized brokers (e.g., TSG Invest affiliates).

These involve buying from existing shareholders (e.g., employees or early investors) often through special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) due to OpenAI's share transfer rules. Availability fluctuates, and minimums can be high.

Indirect exposure (available to all investors):Invest in Microsoft (MSFT) — OpenAI's largest partner and shareholder, with a major stake, profit-sharing agreement, and deep integration (e.g., Azure powers much of OpenAI's compute).
Other public companies benefiting from AI growth or OpenAI ties: Nvidia (NVDA), Amazon (AMZN), or Google (Alphabet/GOOGL), as hyperscalers provide infrastructure.
AI-focused funds or ETFs: Examples include ARK Venture Fund (offers some private exposure including OpenAI), Fundrise Innovation Fund (accessible to non-accredited investors with low minimums), or others like Destiny Tech100 (DXYZ) that hold pre-IPO stakes.
These provide partial or proxy exposure but not direct ownership.

OpenAI is actively raising massive private rounds (e.g., talks of $100B+ at high valuations), often led by SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and others, but these are typically closed to retail investors.Investing in xAIxAI (the company behind Grok) was acquired by SpaceX in early February 2026 (around February 2–3). It is no longer an independent entity, so direct xAI shares are no longer tradable separately on pre-IPO markets.Current status:xAI is now part of SpaceX, which remains a private company (no public trading).
SpaceX has been gearing up for a potential IPO later in 2026 (some reports suggest mid-year, like July, at enormous valuations potentially $1T+ for the combined entity).
If/when SpaceX goes public, that would effectively bring xAI (along with elements of X/Twitter from prior mergers) into the public markets indirectly.

Direct investment options (limited/accredited only):Pre-acquisition, platforms like Hiive, EquityZen, Forge, or Nasdaq Private Market offered xAI shares to accredited investors — but post-acquisition, these are no longer available for standalone xAI.
Exposure now ties to SpaceX private shares (if available via secondary markets for accredited investors) or waiting for a potential SpaceX IPO.

Indirect exposure (available to all investors):Invest in public AI-related companies that compete or align with xAI's goals (e.g., Tesla (TSLA) for Elon Musk ecosystem ties, or broader AI plays like Nvidia).
Some publicly traded funds or ETFs hold pre-IPO/private AI stakes (e.g., ARK Venture Fund or similar vehicles that may include SpaceX/xAI exposure indirectly).
No straightforward public proxy exists specifically for xAI yet, beyond waiting for SpaceX developments.

Key notes for both:Private investments carry high risk (illiquidity, valuation volatility, no guaranteed returns) and are restricted for non-accredited investors.
Always verify your accreditation status and consult a financial advisor or platform directly, as opportunities change rapidly.
For broader AI exposure without direct access, public stocks like Microsoft, Nvidia, or AI-themed ETFs remain the most accessible route.

The AI sector is moving fast, with massive fundraising and IPO speculation — monitor official announcements from the companies for updates.

-Grok

-1

re: I have worked 41 years for the same company and calling it quits today!

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/26/26 at 6:55 pm to BK Lounge

Congrats! Enjoy your retirement, you've earned it.

@BKLounge retirement even early retirement has been more achievable for Gen X than generations before us. No other generation had such easy access to low cost investments and knowledge at our fingertips not to mention expanded access to educational opportunities. I mostly retired at 45 and only work a little by choice. Living below means and investing early is they key. Lack of opportunities isnt what holds most Americans back it it their rampant over consumption and poor life choices.

O-T Lounge

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/26/26 at 8:59 am to JL

quote:
simulations determined it was better to just convert everything to roth up front and take the hit.

I've seen recommendations to convert all at once but can't see how it could be optimal if more than couple hundred thousand traditional balance. If I convert all at once it would bump my marginal bracket from 12% to 37%, LTCG from zero to 20% and trigger 3.8% NIIT.

I'm struggling to justify voluntarily paying 20-22% rate and 15% LTCG. I cant imagine a case for full conversion up to 37% making any sense.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/26/26 at 8:37 am to Sho Nuff

Most those dividends (if qualified) will likely fall in the zero LTCG rate (under $98900 married/joint). I'm facing similar dilemma but with a pension and part time job very little space to convert in 12% bracket. I'm mulling whether to go ahead and convert to top of 22% but that also pushes my LTCG rate to 15% on $20k+ and makes it costly to sell shares from taxable to pay tax on Roth conversion.

Recently.stumbled upon idea to reduce income in a large conversion year by utilizing 100%/bonus depreciation on an investment property. I'm not eager to get into real estate and it requires cost segregation study to determine what components can be depreciated immediately (not land or.primary structure). So, I probably wont pursue it but might be a promising strategy.

re: Convince me: Why not RH?

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/25/26 at 7:37 am to oneg8rh8r

I looked at TSP timing strategies a few years back was unconvinced there was a good thesis behind it other than past performance. I've done quite well without timing the market.

The main reason to move from TSP is successor beneficiaries cannot keep TSP accounts and they cant rollover to inherited IRA resulting in an immediate distribution. Afraid wife wont remember this when I pass (or we pass in quick succession) and kids eventually get screwed by immediate distribution and massive excess tax burden.

Expenses (once lowest) are now higher than buying index funds w a brokerage not to mention the poor user interface and customer service issues.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 4:44 pm to Pockets

You could adjust wife's withholding and.pension withholding to offset the excess witholding (20%) on 401(k) withdrawals.

On other hand, consider the $150k (net $114k in 24% bracket) could fund your first 3 years of retirement with no additional tax (other than on interest). That would take you nearly to 59.5 without taping into 401k or past.it.if.you tighten finances and/or have other income or capital sources.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 12:54 pm to Weekend Warrior79

quote:
would it make sense to roll it over into an IRA away from your current company?

Not if intending to use Rule of 55. That only applies to plan w employer you leave during or after year you turn 55. It doesn't apply to an IRA.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 12:47 pm to notsince98

Did OP say it was all Roth?
I think that was to @oneg8rh8r who went on to contradict himself saying company match and associated growth were traditional.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 8:01 am to Pockets

quote:
I am not delaying withdrawals from my 401k. I am using the Rule of 55.

To frame it another way, it doesnt make much sense to take withdrawals out of tax advantaged 401(k) just to invest remainder of $150k buy out in a fully taxable account. Why not spend down the $150k in meantime instead of pulling from 401(k) and realizing taxes instead of waiting until other income sources are lower and pay less taxes?

Also, taking SS at 62 is usually suboptimal be sure to research SS strategies before making that choice.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 7:41 am to Pockets

You probably want to Consider at least delaying first 401(k) withdrawal until next year. This year you're going to have partial year of working income, wife's income, plus pension plus $150k. Any 401(k) pull is stacked on top of that at your highest marginal tax rate. If instead, you live off the $150k your 401(k) withdrawals will likely be taxed at a lower rate in 2027 and beyond when you only have pension, wife's income and withdrawals.

re: Rule of 55

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/24/26 at 6:57 am to Pockets

$150k Buy out is most advantageous if invested and/or used for necessary expenses so you can delay 401(k) withdrawals. Unless the things you plan to payoff are high interest, that's not ideal use. If you can use the $150k to delay 401(k) withdrawals it could be really useful to fund gap years before 59.5 and facilitate Roth conversions. You have a few years to do conversions before 63 when income counts against IRMAA.

I'd be very reluctant to lock it up in a land purchase which is relatively illiquid, often slow growth not to mention taking on additional debt.

re: Convince me: Why not RH?

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/23/26 at 12:13 pm to oneg8rh8r

quote:
I did it last year but things didn't settle quickly enough for me

How long did it take? One concern I have is the rollover takes too long and I lose more than 2% while funds are sitting in cash. That's an issue no matter where I move it but if RH is slower I may reconsider. Either.way I need.out of TSP.

re: Notre Dame - Indiana game is over

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/22/26 at 2:12 pm to Huskertiger2

ND won

re: Notre Dame - Indiana game is over

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/22/26 at 1:49 pm to gumbeaux

When is first pitch? Should I quit drinking and walk in yet?

-2

re: LSU 11 @ UCF 0 Final - F/7

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/22/26 at 1:17 pm to LSUJML

Is there a cutoff time to end the plans Indiana game? We're pre gaming at Intuition Ale Works down the block waiting to go in

Convince me: Why not RH?

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/21/26 at 9:32 pm

Strongly considering rolling my TSP to Robinhood IRAs for the 2% match. Why not? I am a simple buy/hold index investor. I dont need this $ for 10-20+ yrs. No interest in G fund and want to get out of TSP ASAP anyway. What am I missing? Talked to Schwab they can't match the offer may be able to offer a token amount as bonus less than 1/10th what I'd net from RH.

re: “Ticket is good for both games each day”

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/21/26 at 12:44 pm to TronWall

Just got my reentry stamp

Wade is never coming back

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/21/26 at 11:42 am

Loading Twitter/X Embed...
If tweet fails to load, click here.

Glad my other school landed him though. Hope LSU lands a good coach soon but don't think I have to worry about Wade getting poached. Geaux Wolfpack!

-23

re: “Ticket is good for both games each day”

Posted by TorchtheFlyingTiger on 2/21/26 at 9:25 am to TronWall

quote:
Am I missing something?

What you're missing is reentry is almost certain!y permitted. One poster said they got a hand stamp. That has always been the procedure at this park. OP probably just encountered a new/part time employee that didnt know. You may just have to go to another gate and/or find a supervisor. This has happened to me mid season if one gate is too busy to issue stamps for instance.