Search found 861 matches

by Chan_va
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 79
Views: 6236

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

lazydavid wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:24 am
Chan_va wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:56 am I am all for buying a fun car when you are young and can afford it. But is X3M the one you want?
Why do people keep talking about the X3? Here are OP's literal words:
blahpoopy wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:03 pm An xDrive M3!
And has even been called out just a few posts up:
vfinx wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:34 am The X3 weirdly became a straw man. OP never said they wanted it, but now people are telling him not to get it.
Maybe a picture would help. :) This is the M3 sedan he's considering:

Image
Ah good catch - go for it! Btw, thank you for posting a side profile pic, and not the front.
by Chan_va
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 79
Views: 6236

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

I am all for buying a fun car when you are young and can afford it. But is X3M the one you want? Thats more a car that a parent with 2 car seats gets when she/he is feeling underwhelmed with a minivan :) Go test drive a convertible and see how that makes you feel. You can pick up a late 2000's 911 for 50-60K. Or a new Miata for 30. You can always buy the practical car with the 4 seats and all wheel drive later in life.
by Chan_va
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55779

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

Thanks. I just bought an Aeropress and so far like it a lot because it's so simple. Bloom the grinds, wait 30 s or so, add water, put the plunger on, wait a minute or two to extract, and press. Really the only variables to play with are the waiting times (bloom and extract), whereas with the V60 you're fussing with pour heights, how long you wait between pours, how much you pour, circular motion vs center pour, etc - and the total process takes longer than with an Aeropress. The Aeropress has the simplicity of a French press, but with the added benefit that the coffee is forced through a filter. That has several positive effects, one of which is that you use a finer grind, so you don't have to extract quite as long as with a regular French...
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 14, 2024 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concept 2 rower question [rowing machine]
Replies: 27
Views: 3308

Re: Concept 2 rower question [rowing machine]

Your pace is also heavily dependent on your height and weight. Taller and heavier rowers will be able to put out more power on the erg.

9 mins at age 60 is nothing to sneeze at when starting out. Don’t become one of those ‘I have 35 Million with $10 in expenses at age 23. Am I doing ok?’ posters. 😀
by Chan_va
Tue Feb 13, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Lease - Anyone Check Dealer Math
Replies: 5
Views: 664

Re: Auto Lease - Anyone Check Dealer Math

Here is what I do

- Get the residual, the money factor, and any incentives from leasehackr or the edmunds forum
- Ask the dealer for a 0 down, everything rolled into the monthly payment to make things simple
- Then you can easily check the math. The residual's are fixed, so there is no negotiating that. You negotiate on 3 things. 1)Make sure they dont mark up the money factor 2)What is the Selling price of the vehicle (similar to if you were buying it) and 3)Making sure they apply all the incentives on top of #2.

As with any car buying experience except Tesla, this is needlessly complex, tiring and frustrating.
by Chan_va
Tue Feb 13, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%
Replies: 67
Views: 6280

Re: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%

Let's quantify this. Assume your effective fed+state marginal tax rate is 25% (substitute your actual numbers there). 5.5% yield on your CD post tax equates to 4.1%. So the differential yield over your car loan is (4.125-1.9) = 2.225%

2.225% on a 17K loan approximates to $380/year.

You can decide if that amount extra per year is worth the extra hassle of maintaining the CD, stress of not being debt free, the slight risk of having a car with an loan (insurance hassle if totalled, sales hassle if you need to sell quickly etc.). It's a close call, but for me, I would take the free money.
by Chan_va
Thu Feb 08, 2024 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55779

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

My $25 Aeropress to make coffee. Consistently produces the best cup of coffee. It’s portable, easy to clean, and easy to dial in the perfect cup by just tweaking how long you steep and at what temp. To be fair, I also have a $100 grinder, and a $50 kettle, so the total coffee cost is over $100.
by Chan_va
Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions on where to move?
Replies: 135
Views: 10686

Re: Suggestions on where to move?

Think hard about whether you really want to move out of the PNW if you love the outdoors. We moved a few years back from the PNW to the east coast. I grew up on the east coast and it has a lot going for it, but I really miss the oceans, mountains and open spaces in the PNW. Not to mention the cool weather. In the PNW, you can drive half an hour to a trail with a breathtaking mountain view and/or views of a craggy ocean. You breathe in gorgeous pine scented mountain air, while walking along cool moss covered trails. Drive half an hour further and you can get away for a weekend where you hardly see anyone else. You can go outside at night, and take in an untouched landscape framed by a canopy of stars from horizon to horizon. The east coast h...
by Chan_va
Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you could only listen to one podcast...
Replies: 185
Views: 24124

Re: If you could only listen to one podcast...

Dan Carlin’s - Hardcore history. He releases an episode every 6-9 months but the wait is usually worth it.
by Chan_va
Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth 2024 - flow changed on Vanguard?
Replies: 9
Views: 3030

Backdoor Roth 2024 - flow changed on Vanguard?

Folks,

I cant seem to figure out how to execute a backdoor Roth this year from the Vanguard website. In previous years, I would just contribute to a Trad IRA, then exchange funds into the Roth IRA using the "Exchange funds" option. This year, when I go try and do that on the Vanguard website, the exchange page asks me to convert the Trad IRA account to a Roth?

Maybe I am not understanding the flow, but something has changed in the workflow on Vanguard. Anyone execute a backdoor Roth this year on Vanguard and can provide a cheat sheet?

Thanks.
by Chan_va
Sat Dec 30, 2023 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My father in law says to buy silver...
Replies: 32
Views: 2622

Re: My father in law says to buy silver...

If you bought 10 silver coins and that made your wife feel better, and got your father in law off your back, it’s probably not the worst investment you could make.

Just don’t go down the slippery slope and end up with a bunker stocked with baked beans.
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Organizational Behavior - Advice on Appropriate Interpretation
Replies: 12
Views: 1633

Re: Organizational Behavior - Advice on Appropriate Interpretation

You are over reacting. Org changes happen all the time. I have gone from people being peers to reporting to them and the other way around. I have even had a boss report to me a year later. Your post comes off as a bit whiny, and as all about ‘me’ rather than what the company is trying to achieve through the reorg. If you feel like you have maxed out where you are, perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere.
by Chan_va
Sat Feb 18, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Quick update - I pulled the trigger on a 2013 Panamera GTS and traded in the BMW. Seems to be well cared for with good service history. Knock on wood that I get a few years of worry free driving out of it.
by Chan_va
Fri Feb 10, 2023 12:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RSU's/Taxes
Replies: 28
Views: 2703

Re: RSU's/Taxes

Here is what I do

- Sell RSU's the day they vest
- Set brokerage to "sell to cover taxes at vesting" - this is usually the default setting
- The amount withheld is usually not high enough at your marginal tax rate. If the tax with held is enough, skip the following steps
- Calculate your safe harbor amount (100% or 110% of prev year tax depending on your AGI)
- See if you can make up the difference between the tax you paid and safe harbor through W2 extra with holding over the year
- If above is not enough, then pay estimated quarterly tax in the quarter you vest to cover upto safe harbor
- True up the difference in the next year tax return
by Chan_va
Fri Feb 10, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended World War I book
Replies: 56
Views: 7132

Re: Recommended World War I book

Not a book, but if you are into podcasts - Dan Carlin's series on World War 1 - "Blueprint for Armageddon" is a masterpiece.

Here is another great book - Now it Can be Told - https://www.amazon.com/Now-Can-Told-Phi ... 50313511X/
by Chan_va
Fri Feb 10, 2023 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car: what size to buy when expecting first/only child? Subaru Forester or Hyundai Palisade
Replies: 61
Views: 3493

Re: Car: what size to buy when expecting first/only child? Subaru Forester or Hyundai Palisade

Why do you need to trade in the 2 seater at all? Are there times when both of you independently will need to transport the kid? If not, stick with the 2 seater and have fun for a few more years.

If you do need 2 cars that can hold a car seat, any 4 door car will do. You dont need a giant Palisade to fit a kid. Get yourself something like a Golf GTI or Civic Si (maybe type R) or Elantra N. You will comfortably fit everyone, and not miss your sports car as much.
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

LeftCoastIV wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:21 am Take your oldest to see a 911 with you, and ask them to sit in the backseat. Adjust the front seat to be “realistic” for another person sitting there. Have them sit behind you, not behind the passenger seat. Then consider what a few more inches of growth for them would mean for the same setup.

Unrelated, do you commute to work? When do you see yourself driving this car, if weekends are spent shuttling kids to/from activities?
Good point. I work from home, so don't really have a commute.
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Thanks! Another poster mentioned the 40 Jahre models. So many choices. Guess I will have to spend more time going down internet rabbit holes on these.
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Thanks for all the responses. Vote count seems to be 7:5 in favor of the Panamera so far
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

If the 911 has had IMS bearing conversions, go with that. But you'll have to accept that no kid over 5 will fit in the back seats. Have you actually had your kids try it? The Panamera has been widely known for huge depreciation. Why? It's the farthest departure from an older, air cooled, rear engine, 2 door coupe that you can get to. It is a bargain because of this. If you want a 2 door coupe bargain, look for a 968. Nobody outside of a Porsche show will even know what it is. It has improvements over the 944 turbo that it replaced. And as much as I love the looks of a 944, doing mundane services (like a clutch) requires big dollar special tools, someone you can consult with who knows the magic technique to remove the impossible pin and an ...
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Interesting even split so far between the 911 and the Panamera.
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Re: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Valuethinker wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:50 am This is so dependent on how much money you want to spend, and what your other financial priorities are?
I want to spend roughly 40k on the car. For the sake of this discussion, assume I can do that and afford the maintenance without impact to retirement or other savings goals.
by Chan_va
Tue Jan 31, 2023 4:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)
Replies: 43
Views: 3455

Yet another ‘What car should I get?’ question (older Porsche)

Every 4-5 years I get the itch to get a (new to me) car. My MO is to buy well cared for, heavily depreciated, German cars (mostly BMW's, haven't owned a Porsche before). Well I need to scratch that itch now. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Relevant facts. - family of 4 with 2 kids (12 and 8) that need to be taken to activities often at the same time. so need 2 cars that can fit 4 people each so that wife and I can divide and conquer. - currently have a minivan (hers) and a 2009 bmw 3 series that runs great (335 I bought for 9k, likely worth about 6k now) - home with 2 car garage. Assuming I have 40k to spend without impacting savings (and can afford the maintenance), which option of the following would you pick? - 2013 Porsche P...
by Chan_va
Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Office chair and sit-stand desk recommendations
Replies: 26
Views: 3392

Re: Office chair and sit-stand desk recommendations

I got a standing desk and chair from uplift and am very happy with it. A little more expensive, but it works well, and looks clean and modern. You can customize the woods and shape online, and the customer service is great too.
by Chan_va
Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paying Off Loans = Counter Intuitive
Replies: 44
Views: 4087

Re: Paying Off Loans = Counter Intuitive

The loan angle here is a red herring. Your argument boils down to - sell high, buy low. If you can figure out how to do that, let me know.
by Chan_va
Thu Nov 17, 2022 2:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International underperformance
Replies: 125
Views: 8454

Re: International underperformance

If you dig further into the data, you find this

P/E multiples for US growth vs. Europe Growth are comparable, and in both cases, much higher than their value counterparts
P/E multiples for US value are much higher vs. Europe Value (16x vs 10x last time I looked)

So, the difference in index returns (once you factor out discount rates and currency) are

1. The US total index has a higher % of growth stocks (credit/blame FAAANG)
2. Investors are willing to pay a much higher multiple for US value than Europe value

Now, whether #1 is good or bad long term, and why #2 is true, are ripe for endless debate.
by Chan_va
Tue Nov 08, 2022 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Hotels -- Worth It?
Replies: 101
Views: 10245

Re: Luxury Hotels -- Worth It?

Good choice on the club. Nowadays, top hotels are really going for the "hotel within a hotel" concept with their clubs. The feel of walking the city, then popping back at 3 PM for a refresher at the club, sipping a hand made martini with good finger food makes the whole experience special. Recently stayed at the New Orleans Ritz, where the club and club rooms are literally a whole other part of the building, with a completely different feel (definitely recommend for anyone going to New Orleans). My strategy with luxury hotels is to pay for the club level, but to go with the cheaper room. The added Boglehead advantage is that most days, you can eat enough at the club to skip lunch/dinner. That way, you can really splurge on 1 or 2 ...
by Chan_va
Thu Aug 25, 2022 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?
Replies: 13
Views: 1264

Re: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?

Some additional detail on the situation that may help clarify how I got here.

For tax year 2021, I did not withhold enough and had to pay a large amount due at tax filing time. The reason being that my company messes up and doesn't withhold enough on RSU awards which are lumpy. Now in 2022, I have the same problem. There was a lumpy RSU payment, for which not enough was withheld. Increasing my withholding on my regular salary for the rest of the year will not get me to the safe harbor amount. Hope that makes sense.
by Chan_va
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?
Replies: 13
Views: 1264

Re: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?

Have you looked at whether the expected withholding on your W2 income will meet the safe harbor test? If so, you don't need to make any estimated payments; you can just pay the amount due when you file. If not, I'd look at bumping withholding to at least reach the safe harbor amount and skip the estimated tax entirely if possible. Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover through withholding alone Even the safe harbor amount? That would likely imply that your W2 income has declined significantly this year. In any case, the easiest solution is to beam what you want to pay to the IRS with Direct Pay. Primary TP SSN is all you need for joint account. Can you clarify why you say that jebmke? Income has actually gone up this year. If I unders...
by Chan_va
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?
Replies: 13
Views: 1264

Re: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?

HomeStretch wrote: Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:02 am Whoever is listed first on the joint 1040 is the “primary taxpayer”. Make an estimated tax payment via IRS DirectPay using the primary taxpayer’s SS #. There is no place to enter information about the secondary (joint) taxpayer as it is not needed for the estimated tax payment.
Thanks - appreciate it.
by Chan_va
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?
Replies: 13
Views: 1264

Re: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?

jebmke wrote: Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:01 am Have you looked at whether the expected withholding on your W2 income will meet the safe harbor test? If so, you don't need to make any estimated payments; you can just pay the amount due when you file.

If not, I'd look at bumping withholding to at least reach the safe harbor amount and skip the estimated tax entirely if possible.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover through withholding alone
by Chan_va
Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?
Replies: 13
Views: 1264

Estimated taxes - am I doing this right?

Folks, My wife and I are regular W-2 employees, and hence typically do not need to file estimated taxes (we file MFJ). However this year, due to lumpy income, I will need to file estimated payments to the IRS in Q3. Here is how I went about doing it. Can someone please confirm if I am doing this right? 1. Estimated the tax payment using the IRS estimator tool - https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator 2. Signed up for an online IRS account here using my info - https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account 3. Once I login, I see an option to make an estimated payment for Q3. However, I don't see anywhere I can add my wife's info to indicate that I am making an estimated payment for our joint return. Am I ok to just file the esti...
by Chan_va
Mon Aug 08, 2022 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab
Replies: 16
Views: 2236

Re: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab

So the OP is wrong when he/she stated "Convert mutual funds to ETF's (majority of funds are in taxable account with significant capital gains"? OP mentioned that because buying and selling Vanguard mutual funds at Schwab incurs fees, so by converting to the ETF before he moves, he can continue investing in the same funds at Schwab without worrying about future fees, and, once he moves, he would not be able to convert to an ETF without selling and buying, incurring capital gains. Thanks. That is correct. ETF’s also have a marginally lower expense ratios and the ability to trade intra day. Not that I plan to day trade index funds, but on the rare occasions I do trade I like to be able to view prices for my trade in real time.
by Chan_va
Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab
Replies: 16
Views: 2236

Re: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab

Thanks to all who replied. Have more research to do on who offers the best transfer bonuses so that Schwab can match. Any quick tips on how best to determine who has the best bonuses?

Mods, may be better to merge this thread with the master thread referenced above.
by Chan_va
Mon Aug 08, 2022 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab
Replies: 16
Views: 2236

Moving from Vanguard to Schwab

Folks, I think the time has finally come to get over my inertia and move platforms to Schwab after multiple decades as a Vanguard customer (for better customer service, technology and local presence). I think the steps are as follows. Can someone who has done this confirm that this is right? 1. Move from the old vanguard mutual fund platform to the new brokerage platform (I am still on the old platform) 2. Convert mutual funds to ETF's (majority of funds are in taxable account with significant capital gains) 3. Call Schwab to move over the ETF's in kind Questions 1. Any Pros/cons I should know about Schwab? (I also have a Fidelity account, and I want to have a 2nd broker for redundancy and hence Schwab) 2. Do I need to convert to the new Va...
by Chan_va
Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job RSU assignment and vesting
Replies: 28
Views: 2759

Re: New job RSU assignment and vesting

How are RSUs generally assigned in a new job? At my current job I was promised RSUs, however I joined in July and the company doles out it's RSUs only every February. For this reason I had to wait until the next assignment in Feb to simply be assigned the RSUs then had to wait another year for the 1st vesting so in effect I had to wait 18-19 months before I even received the 1st vested bucket. Is the above normal? I am also hearing from others that RSUs are generally assigned at the hire date and the vesting is 12 months after that, so if I was hired today then my 1st batch will vest 12 months from now. Should the RSU assignment and vesting schedule be spelled out in the employment contract? i.e. does the employment contract spell out thes...
by Chan_va
Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nespresso Vertuo vs Breville Bambino Plus
Replies: 22
Views: 4403

Re: Nespresso Vertuo vs Breville Bambino Plus

How many espresso’s do you drink per day and how much time do you have to make them? I have both a Nespresso and a high end espresso machine setup. 90% of the time I default to the Nespresso. You get a decent cup of coffee, and more importantly, you get it in 10 seconds and with 100% consistency.

Yes, I can pull a much better shot with my fancy double boiler espresso setup. But I have to get fancy coffee, dial in the grind, warm up the machine, pull shot and clean up. The effort and time is high and the consistency is low. I tend to do this when I have a lazy weekend morning.

Think about your weekday morning. When you need an espresso 15 seconds before your zoom call. I default to the Nespresso.
by Chan_va
Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bloomberg, "Vanguard Stumbles In Pivot From Cult of Jack Bogle"
Replies: 60
Views: 12527

Re: Bloomberg, "Vanguard Stumbles In Pivot From Cult of Jack Bogle"

Paradoxically, my compliant with Vanguard is not that it is changing, but that it is not changing enough in the areas that matter. Companies that don't change, die. I don't mind that Vanguard is adding PAS, tweaking fund families etc. I don't mind that they are trying new things with active funds. Companies should innovate, and experiment. Not all experiments will work, but that's fine. As long as they continue to offer low cost index funds in addition to whatever they want to experiment with, that's ok by me. What I do mind is Vanguard's lack of customer focus. I do want a modern website and app that works. I want to get help when I want it. I want confidence that my funds aren't managed by an ancient accountant sitting on a coffee stained...
by Chan_va
Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Thanks! Great advice. We have a Steamist steam shower in the MBR for about 6 years now and use it almost every day. It's fantastic if you like hot wet steam. Dry heat like a sauna is different. My dream is to have both! Here are some thoughts: - No idea the cost of the steam shower because it was part of a down to the studs MBR bath remodel. But it wasn't a cheap add on. - The steam unit was put in a closet for easy access. Electrician had to run a 240VAC 50A circuit just for the steam unit. Plumber has to run a separate drain for the steam unit. I do not know if there is a way to descale the steam unit. I am thinking that if the unit scales up it might have to be replaced. - The shower was custom sized frameless glass. Completely sealed gl...
by Chan_va
Thu Feb 03, 2022 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Thanks for the offer to provide more details. Once I get closer to kicking off the project, I will get in touch with you
BuddyJet wrote: Thu Feb 03, 2022 8:37 am I have installed mr steam units in three of our bathrooms. We often use since steam helps clear out my breathing congestion.

Cost depends on the shower size, power access and how much shower remodeling is planned anyway.

My memory of cost is that it adds less than $5k to a complete shower remodel if enough power is reasonably available but this blog post might help.

https://blog.mrsteam.com/breakdown-the- ... u-overtime

If you decide to go forward, I’d be glad to discuss further.
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Thanks! Do you recall the rough total cost?
arsenalfan wrote: Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:08 am Have a SteamMist for 9 years going now. No maintenance - knock wood. No mold issues.

Recommend larger 2-person shower, bench (consider heated tile else bring a towel to sit on), towel hooks inside shower. Have a fan/light inside shower, dimmable light and fan auto-off timer. Have a large door/consider venting tilt glass upper window to get steam out.

Use it 8-10 times per year, it's great to warm up. Takes about 5 minutes to fill shower with steam. Hang out in it for about 10 minutes each time.

When done, leave shower door open/fan on 20-minute auto-off timer.
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Saunas are great too, but I really enjoy a steam room more.
TomatoTomahto wrote: Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:07 am
quietseas wrote: Tue Feb 01, 2022 8:15 pm A sauna (dry heat) might be lower maintenance and more modular to install.
(I know its not the same, but divergent thinking is sometimes good)
+1

We had a steam shower installed in our previous home. I think we used it less than a dozen times.

We have a sauna in our new home. We use it often, especially in the winter.
by Chan_va
Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Thanks a lot! Just what I was looking for. We installed a prefab enclosed steam shower in our bathroom about 15 years ago. The good: Used once or twice a week in the winter after workouts, less in the summer. I've become an expert at replacing the steam generating unit (5th one installed last year). The bad: Well...the main thing is that we went with a Chinese unit. That severely limits the parts availability. Last year I had to replace the flow valve and flow selector. Instead of being two separate devices joined by hose, they were hard connected to each other. I finally found a replacement unit, in China of course. Installation took about 5 minutes, but getting replacement parts from China is no picnic. Additionally, over 15 years, variou...
by Chan_va
Tue Feb 01, 2022 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Re: Steam shower for a bathroom

Interesting option for home installation. I don't have direct experience. When I look at the options from Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/b/Bath-Showers-Steam-Showers-Steam-Shower-Kits/N-5yc1vZc9gl I begin to think that the costs with installation could easily be from $10K to $25K+. The likely biggest costs would seem to be electric and water supply/disposal as well as ventilation to prevent mold from spreading throughout the home. There also appear to be individual steam generators you can buy, where you would build the enclosure - that would seem to offer more options than a prebuilt enclosure. Like choosing your own tiles, seating etc. https://www.homedepot.com/p/SteamSpa-Oasis-9kW-Touch-Pad-Steam-Bath-Generator-Package-in-Chrome-O...
by Chan_va
Tue Feb 01, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2887

Steam shower for a bathroom

One of the things I most enjoy about my gym is the steam room. We are considering remodeling our main bath, and I see that there are some home steam showers available. For those of you who have installed them, can you tell me a bit about your experience? Do you get an experience equivalent to a steam room? Roughly how much did it cost you for the install?

Thanks!
by Chan_va
Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At a crossroads - What would you do?
Replies: 22
Views: 3350

Re: At a crossroads - What would you do?

You are way overthinking this.

1. Given your 500k income, this 200k will be irrelevant in a couple of years
2. Don’t put extra pressure on yourself with this ‘forever home’ talk. 1.2-1.4 is not a lot depending on what neighborhood in northern Va. it may be your forever home, it may not. You are both young, things change.

Just get a nice home if that’s what you and your family want/need and make generally prudent financial decisions, and you will be fine. Balance as always is key- between deferring spending till later and spending some money now to improve your quality of life.
by Chan_va
Wed Jan 05, 2022 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay MSRP For 2022 Kia Telluride?
Replies: 15
Views: 3202

Re: Pay MSRP For 2022 Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride is a very hot vehicle right now, in an already crazy auto market. Expect to pay about 10% above MSRP in dealer markup.
by Chan_va
Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity - how to view dividends
Replies: 2
Views: 297

Re: Fidelity - how to view dividends

bugleheadd wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:53 am
Chan_va wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:51 am Folks,

How do I view the yearly dividends for my Fidelity accounts? I am looking for something similar to the "Vanguard -->My Accounts-->Dividends and Capital Distributions" page.

Happy New Year!
Go to " Performance" , then click "income" where it shows Chart view
That was it, thanks! The "Show Details" on that page also gives you the yearly amount in tabular format.
by Chan_va
Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity - how to view dividends
Replies: 2
Views: 297

Fidelity - how to view dividends

Folks,

How do I view the yearly dividends for my Fidelity accounts? I am looking for something similar to the "Vanguard -->My Accounts-->Dividends and Capital Distributions" page.

Happy New Year!
by Chan_va
Mon Dec 13, 2021 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Convince me to stop thinking about this house on Zillow
Replies: 88
Views: 13313

Re: Convince me to stop thinking about this house on Zillow

I don’t mean this in a snarky way, but OP, the good news is that you don’t have to worry. In this market, if the house is any good, it probably has 5 offers on it already and you will see it go off market in a day or 2.