Search found 19 matches

by jmagi76461
Sat Dec 25, 2021 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance rates spiked?
Replies: 11
Views: 1677

Re: Car Insurance rates spiked?

One possible reason is that your insurance carrier decreased rates due to the pandemic and now brought rates up to where they were pre-pandemic, which feels like an increase but really is only bringing you back to your base. Some companies decreased rates and some gave refunds.
by jmagi76461
Wed Jun 07, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car insurance in NJ
Replies: 23
Views: 7166

Re: Car insurance in NJ

Nobody likes paying for insurance until they need to use it. There are a few things I don't shop based on price and insurance is one of them.

I have been with Amica for 15 years...I know I could save money by switching, but I'm willing to pay a little more for the service I receive from them. Whether it is a small thing like asking a question about deductible to big things like home/auto losses, I always receive professional, well-thought out responses, I don't feel rushed, and there is no condescension. Claims have been handled quickly, fairly and unobtrusively. (I have heard similar comments from friends who have a State Farm agent)
by jmagi76461
Sat Feb 25, 2017 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: mom wants smart phone, are there classes on how to use?
Replies: 40
Views: 5086

Re: mom wants smart phone, are there classes on how to use?

Check Apple store for classes. My parents have used for their desktops, phones and iPads. The Apple "geniuses" are very patient and helpful.

[url]http://www.apple.com/retail/learn//url]
by jmagi76461
Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What evidence would I need for a home contents insurance claim?
Replies: 6
Views: 1128

Re: What evidence would I need for a home contents insurance claim?

Documenting your contents, especially big ticket items, makes things easier if you had a total loss, but it is not required or necessary. Most insurance companies will only pay the Actual Cash Value (depreciated value) of your property at the time of the loss. If you have Replacement Cost on your policy, they will pay you the difference ONLY when you show the you have replaced the item.

We have tried to fill out the forms, but have never made it through. :shock: So, what we do/did is save receipts for large items, TV, jewelry, etc.. and take a video of the rest of the house. This way there is a record of everything we have and a valuation of the more expensive items, so there shouldn't be any issues.
by jmagi76461
Sun Jun 12, 2016 7:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Actionable advice in a Brexit scenario
Replies: 162
Views: 25539

Re: Actionable advice in a Brexit scenario

I never felt particularly comfortable with international equities, but had about 25% because prevailing theory called for it. I did what I thought was my due diligence...tried to learn everything I could about Brexit...long story short I'm more confused than ever! So, I went with my what was right for ME...I exchanged all international for total stock late last week. If the Brexit hits the fan and it goes down, I'll be buying with the church lady..if nothing happens, I feel much more comfortable with my 2-Fund portfolio. :beer
by jmagi76461
Mon Apr 04, 2016 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a new online bank for checking (Capital One 360, Ally?)
Replies: 22
Views: 5498

Re: Need a new online bank for checking (Capital One 360, Ally?)

I have been very happy with State Farm checking...has everything you are looking for and customer service has been very good. You can do better for savings, but mortgage rates were competitive enough to get me into a 15 yr refi.
by jmagi76461
Sun Apr 03, 2016 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance For Newborn?
Replies: 49
Views: 4910

Re: Life Insurance For Newborn?

JLMA wrote:
does it ever make sense to get life insurance for a newborn?
The only time it "makes sense" is when you are trying to preserve the child's insurability. If, for any reason, the child becomes uninsurable when they have their own family, this policy could be seen as a very important and valuable gift.
by jmagi76461
Tue Jan 19, 2016 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: State Farm Bank
Replies: 10
Views: 1978

Re: State Farm Bank

I have my mortgage and checking with them. No issues with either. Do all my bills online. No issues in 5 years. Large companies are hyper-sensitive when it comes to security ever since Target was hacked.
by jmagi76461
Tue Jan 19, 2016 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MetLife Spin Off Questions - Retained Asset Account & Demutualized Stock Values
Replies: 3
Views: 854

Re: MetLife Spin Off Questions - Retained Asset Account & Demutualized Stock Values

My wife's father recently passed. He left her a life policy through MetLife from which she chose the TCA settlement option. The fact that they "guarantee" nothing lower than 3% (where it is now), interest is compounded daily and we can access the money at any time, makes this the perfect emergency savings account. While we will likely move some of the proceeds, I don't see how we can do any better.
by jmagi76461
Sat Jan 02, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Savings % Target 2016?
Replies: 168
Views: 17282

Re: Savings % Target 2016?

Planning on NO mortgage in 2016, so will be shooting for 35% of gross... :beer
by jmagi76461
Tue Dec 01, 2015 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home insurance with generous roofing policy
Replies: 2
Views: 870

Re: home insurance with generous roofing policy

Check State Farm and Allstate, too.

Insurance is for sudden and accidental damage. Important to remember that no insurer will pay for maintenance...a worn out roof isn't covered. If you have interior water damage as a result of the worn out roof, they will likely pay, but they could tell you to replace roof if you want coverage to continue.
by jmagi76461
Mon Nov 30, 2015 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Club Youth Sports (Baseball)
Replies: 32
Views: 4910

Re: Club Youth Sports (Baseball)

My son started playing Travel when he was 10...absolutely LOVED baseball. He has excelled all his life. He is a freshman in HS this year and isn't sure he wants to play anymore because "it isn't as fun as it used to be". (Goodbye possible scholarship?! :shock:) If I could go back, I wouldn't have pushed. When I look at the 10 year olds playing now, I think about how young they are and how it didn't seem that way when my son was 10. I thought it was awesome that he made the "A" team in travel...was able to puff out my chest and say, "My son is on the "A" team!" MEH...looking back, that was stupid. :oops: Most clubs look for talent, but are really happy to have that check! If I could do it over, I would...
by jmagi76461
Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small windfall: use towards loans, investments, etc?
Replies: 16
Views: 2127

Re: Small windfall: use towards loans, investments, etc?

At 6.1%, I would pay off the $17.5k loan and use the extra $1k to open a ROTH. Continue to fund with money you were using to pay student loan.
by jmagi76461
Wed Nov 18, 2015 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Homeowners Insurance Comparison: Did I miss anything?
Replies: 17
Views: 8259

Re: Homeowners Insurance Comparison: Did I miss anything?

If you have an unfinished basement, this coverage isn't as important. If you ever finish, that is when you will want to add.
by jmagi76461
Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Treehouse in Backyard - Liability Question
Replies: 30
Views: 5508

Re: Treehouse in Backyard - Liability Question

+1 to Umbrella policy. Costs are reasonable for coverage over home and Autos. Peace of mind is definitely worth it!

Not reasonable to expect friends won't want to go in treehouse. It's there for fun...kids are kids and things happen. If it does, your Homeowners policy will cover and Umbrella will be excess.
by jmagi76461
Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Homeowners Insurance Comparison: Did I miss anything?
Replies: 17
Views: 8259

Re: Homeowners Insurance Comparison: Did I miss anything?

Regarding your house, think of it this way, worst case scenario the house burns to the ground...what is the cost to rebuild from the ground up? That is the amount of Dwelling coverage you want. Most carrier will have replacement cost calculators to assist. Agree with August regarding sewer and drain coverage...most companies will only cover with endorsement. Definitely worth the cost. Also agree with boglerdude, both Amica and State Farm are very good companies that will help you with your decision and give you advice regarding coverages. I have had both (currently with Amica)...ultimately, the premiums will be pretty close, so making a decision based on cost isn't always the best thing to do. Hopefully you will never need to use your insur...
by jmagi76461
Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance
Replies: 9
Views: 1106

Re: 6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance

Jack FFR1846 wrote:Why not pay down the mortgage? Its a guaranteed savings and you could take it back out in the future as a heloc if needed
DW and I have gone back and forth on this one. I would love the peace of mind; however, ultimately feel we should be able to do better than 3.875.
by jmagi76461
Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance
Replies: 9
Views: 1106

Re: 6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance

Grt2bOutdoors wrote:Given the short time until college begins, no more than 20-30% equity, the remainder in a ladder of CD's, with the first expiring in year 1, year 2, year 3, year 4 or held in CD that you annually renew until such time that funds are needed. Now is not the time to be rolling the dice in the stock market. How is the $50K in the 529 plan currently allocated for each child?
Like this idea, though don't love current rates...that said with everything going on right now, if I was more aggressive, my Pepto bills would wipe out any gains :happy

Both 529 accounts move with each child's age. Option to put $25k each and possibly ladder the rest.
by jmagi76461
Mon Aug 31, 2015 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance
Replies: 9
Views: 1106

6-8 year College Time Horizon - Inheritance

Good morning! I found this site over the weekend and am blown away by all the information and thoughtful advice. My wife and I have been going back and forth over what to do with $150k we received through inheritance and have earmarked for our kids education. We are currently paralyzed, especially given the state of the market. We have son in 9th grade and a daughter in 8th grade. Both are good students, but I don't foresee any scholarships and no financial assistance. We have currently saved approximately $50k each in a 529. The money is currently sitting in Credit Union @ .8%. - $249k mortgage (3.875%; 10yrs left) - no other debt - max 401k - not eligible for Roth - emergency fund fully funded We do not want to tie this money up in the 52...