Search found 286 matches

by SteveNet
Mon Jul 07, 2014 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I am thinking of buying Ooma or Magicjack need help deciding
Replies: 52
Views: 22472

Re: I am thinking of buying Ooma or Magicjack need help deci

michpocz wrote:Check out Nettalk, been using it for years, cost about $3.00 per month
Mike
+1

Years ago I tried Magic Jack, with horrendous results. It may be better now idk.

Switched to nettalk about 4 yrs ago, it's my new landline for the home, cut the cord with att. Wife is Happy! Now there's an endorsement !

The only setback with these kind of devices is they sometimes do not work well with your particular brand of router.
I use a Trendnet router, flawless performance.
by SteveNet
Mon Jul 07, 2014 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace Motor or Buy New Washing Machine?
Replies: 24
Views: 10922

Re: Replace Motor or Buy New Washing Machine?

My general rule of thumb... if everything else on a (any) machine works fine, and you are are happy with the unit AND the repair cost is under 30% of the cost of a replacement... then fix it.
Given this is a machine of unknown age or abuse. I would be leaning towards a new machine.
by SteveNet
Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, Lowes
Replies: 43
Views: 40449

Re: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, L

If the quotes you get do not include an expansion tank, If you don't have one... Look for another plumber.
by SteveNet
Thu Jun 19, 2014 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters
Replies: 36
Views: 6731

Re: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters

SteveNet, Sorry for the confusion. This is not my fortay, so I will try to explain to the best of my ability. I have an air-sourced heat pump for cooling/heating of a two-story with a walk-out basement (essentially a 3-story). There is an inside unit in the center of a basement and an outside unit just outside its door. The inside unit's ducting runs upstairs with no duct exit points in the basement. I do have returns on the main and top level levels. So even with the heat pump on, I have no active circulation in the basement from this unit. However, being an air-source HP, it does remove humidity from the basement and either the HP action or the general construction of the house (and my area) keep the basement comfortable enough to use as...
by SteveNet
Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters
Replies: 36
Views: 6731

Re: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters

I have a Geyser water heater heat pump for the past 4 years hooked up to my regular traditional electric water heater. Sold by Nyle systems. I saw this on Ask This Old House recently. It looks very cool. It does require an ambient temp of 50 degrees (manufacturer recommends turning off otherwise). In our case, our water heater is in the garage. In our area the average low temp is 50 or lower from mid-October to mid-April, while the average high is 50 or higher almost the entire year. That would mean going with the water heater's resistance heat during that time (Since the manufacturer recommends turning the Nyle unit off in those conditions. Too bad the Nyle doesn't have more sophisticated control circuitry to allow it to turn itself off d...
by SteveNet
Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters
Replies: 36
Views: 6731

Re: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters

I like this thread and always willing to consider non-traditional solutions. My mother's house in Miami may benefit from this discussion around desuperheaters. Her a/c is always running and she would love to stop using propane gas at the house. However, there would be no room for any additional equipment in the utilities room (with the washer/dryer) if the unti has parts there. At my own house, my electric water heater was installed in 2006 (before I bought the house). I feel it is quite effective, but most of this is in the house design and insulation. The basement is has a heat pump system for cooling/heating the house, with no venting in the basement. The basement is at comfortable temperatures with 50% humidity roughly 85%-90% of the y...
by SteveNet
Thu Jun 19, 2014 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters
Replies: 36
Views: 6731

Re: Another water heater query - hybrid water heaters

I have a Geyser water heater heat pump for the past 4 years hooked up to my regular traditional electric water heater. Sold by Nyle systems. It is hooked up independent of the water heater , not a hybrid. I chose this because if anything happened to either the hot water heater or the heat pump you only have to fix/replace the one that is broken. It plugs into a regular 110v outlet so you do not need an electrician for power. It dehumidifies and cools my basement while heating my hot water in a 50 gal tank. I have the circuit breaker turned OFF to the water heater, it's never on, the heatpump cooks all my hot water alone. If anything happened to the heat pump, I would just turn on the circuit breaker and still have hot water via the Elec ele...
by SteveNet
Sun Mar 16, 2014 12:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein-When you've won the game, why keep playing
Replies: 280
Views: 58848

Re: William Bernstein-When you've won the game, why keep pla

" For the middle-aged, they're pretty risky. And for a retired person, they can be nuclear-level toxic ". - It just dawned on me how sensible and true Bill's statements are ... i.e once you have saved 25 X yearly expenses. My savings are close to the NUMBER, thanks to regular savings and recent Stock Market highs, and I have started re balancing into bonds. I am 57 and plan to retire at 60 and had an AA of 50/50, but am thinking of going to 30 Stocks/70 Bonds, to play safe, and at the same time just enough to keep up with inflation. I am curious to know what other forum members who are in similar situation are doing ? What does YOUR AA looks like/looked like when you are/were close to retirement ? In answering the question in the...
by SteveNet
Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rototiller
Replies: 4
Views: 838

Re: Rototiller

SteveNet gave good advice. I myself have had a garden for the last 25 years and with the amount of weeds/roots you are talking about I don't think your listed tiller is going to be much help. Our garden was good size when we were young about 40x80 and a tiller behind the tractor worked great. With the busy life we have now the garden is down to 12x20 maybe, it will get bigger again I'm sure. Someone gave us an old 3.5hp front tiller and that does just an ok job with the smaller garden, I would say its at its max and we live in sandy soils, again it does just ok. I like to add a few inches of leaves in when the PH calls and the 3.5 tiller just cant cut it so I grind them up with the rider then mix them as best I can. A tiller is one of thos...
by SteveNet
Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rototiller
Replies: 4
Views: 838

Re: Rototiller

Greetings, I used to have a side job rototilling gardens and lawns about 20 yrs ago, I still have my Troy Bilt 8hp horse in fact that I used then. Anyway, (I'm soon to be 60 myself) I would really suggest that you find an individual like I was that does this on the side and have them do it. The tiller you listed might be good for weeding or scraping between the rows during the season, but for actually tilling down a good 8 inches for vegetables it really isn't going to do the job. Depending on the size of the garden the cost of having someone come in and till it for you would be around the cost of renting a Tiller for the day. I would check out supermarket entrances where people hang posts and advertizements to do work (It's where I used to...
by SteveNet
Tue Feb 18, 2014 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sold land for $35k - What would you do if you were me?
Replies: 6
Views: 1128

Re: Sold land for $35k - What would you do if you were me?

Wahorn wrote:
We are thinking of using some or most of this new money to purchase an inground pool or car in several years. Any advice on how to invest this money? Looking currently looking at tax efficient mutual funds…should we be looking at ETFs? We are willing to take risks for bigger potential earnings.

Thank you for reading and your advice.
Cd's if it's short term.
by SteveNet
Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are reliable refrigerator brands these days?
Replies: 51
Views: 36538

Re: What are reliable refrigerator brands these days?

And this is the reason I'm keeping my 21 yr old GE fridge/freezer for as long as I can.

Despite all the claims of "More Efficient" mine runs $75 per year in Electricity, tested with Killowatt meter.
New ones cost about $35 per year to run.
BUT I've read too many reports (like here) that new ones are designed to have a short life.

Someday mine will quit and I will be forced to spend on the newer junk. Till then I keep the coils clean on the old one, and my fingers crossed.
by SteveNet
Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long does it take to do your taxes?
Replies: 53
Views: 50472

Re: How long does it take to do your taxes?

2 hours tops, taxcut, I fill in the info as it comes in the mail, dribs and drabs here and there.
I guess if I waited till it all came in about an hour tops.

Takes more time to log on and off than to actually input the info finding where I left off each time.
I should wait till it all comes in, but then where is the fun in that? :wink:
by SteveNet
Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When is it time to replace a car - is there a formula?
Replies: 15
Views: 2273

Re: When is it time to replace a car - is there a formula?

For $3K - you should be getting a heck of a lot more than just "an axle". For $3K - you should get 2 new front axles, 2 new struts/shocks (suspension), replacement of control arms, oil change, transmission change, tune-up. Someone is trying to take you for a "ride". If the axle was in danger of failing, the car should be taken out of service immediately. Do not drive a car whose axle is about to break. Therefore, what the other poster alluded to is 100% correct, take the car to another mechanic and have them take a look at the car - make no mention of the word "axle, control arms, struts" - let them make an independent decision if the car needs work or not, and let them provide a written estimate of all the wo...
by SteveNet
Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS @ 62 w $300k savings or SS @ 70 & rely on $300k by age 60
Replies: 8
Views: 2100

Re: SS @ 62 w $300k savings or SS @ 70 & rely on $300k by ag

I recently went through the same exercise myself at the end of 2013. 600k aprox, in savings (invested). Age 60 now. I took 300k (aprox) and did a CD ladder based on 5 yrs out, the excess each year to roll over into another 5 yr to make it to age 70. Age 70 is what I'm shooting for for SS to start, if I fall short then I can take SS at 69 or 68...etc. The other 300k is invested in ira/roth combined and I will start converting the ira to roth during the low tax years. I believe waiting as long as you can to start SS is the better option, at least in my case of course. Everyone has different factors to consider. It is certainly a good feeling that the CD ladder money is there and not subject to the gyrations of the markets... only inflation wi...
by SteveNet
Thu Jan 30, 2014 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Not happy with market
Replies: 148
Views: 18826

Re: Not happy with market

I want to know what day the OP is going to pull the plug and sell everything...Then I know it will be time to get in!

Seriously though, you have to educate yourself about your investing plan.
Once you have read and understand how the markets work and how your plan is set up to work you can stomach a downturn very well, like in 2008.
50% down... would you have sold or held?
by SteveNet
Mon Jan 27, 2014 10:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bought in, and then they start tumbling
Replies: 67
Views: 12042

Re: Bought in, and then they start tumbling

"Bought in, and then they start tumbling"

Well now we know who's to blame... :beer
by SteveNet
Sun Jan 19, 2014 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finished Basement Ideas
Replies: 32
Views: 5014

Re: Finished Basement Ideas

If no one has already said it...PERMITS, don't rely on the contractor's word, call and find out for yourself.
Once you try to sell the home, work that requires permits can be an issue...ask me how I know. :wink:
by SteveNet
Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: when you reach"your number"
Replies: 84
Views: 13222

Re: when you reach"your number"

Never had a "Number" just did the best I could and whatever the "Number" is...well it is.
A Number implies a "Goal" most people see reaching a Goal as some sort of Plateau or Peak.

When the offer came to retire @50 9 yrs ago I reviewed my then portfolio Number and retired. Since then My "Number has grown by 61%.
Looking back, I wouldn't have changed a thing. :sharebeer
by SteveNet
Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Speeding Ticket: What Would You Do?
Replies: 72
Views: 9370

Re: First Speeding Ticket: What Would You Do?

Mike Scott wrote:How about the honest approach? If you were speeding then pay it. If you were not then contest it. It's not just a money/risk analysis.
Not for nothing, but Hiring a Lawyer IS an honest approach.
The Officer and the Court have to provide certain documentation for the charge to hold up.
Calibration of the radar gun used, etc.

Implying that not just simply paying the ticket is not honest is very incorrect, there is a process, following it is everyone's right for their day in court.

After all have you ever gone over the speed limit in your life? Even accidentally?
In all "honesty" you should report yourself. Pay the fine to society and all that.
by SteveNet
Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Speeding Ticket: What Would You Do?
Replies: 72
Views: 9370

Re: First Speeding Ticket: What Would You Do?

I got a ticket some 25 yrs ago north of NYC, Croton on the Hudson. Trooper shot me with radar doing 62 in a 55 zone, route 9. I decided to Lawyer up, $400. The Trooper (officer) not only has to show up, but also has to notify you in writing (mail) "Prior" to your due date of the charges (violation) as well as sending a copy to the court. Trooper showed up in court :( but had not sent me OR the court a notification in advance of the court date via mail. Dismissed. He was pissed too. (Trooper). He also lied that he sent it, till the Judge asked the clerk for their copy and the clerk said they didn't receive one. Evil eye to Trooper from Judge. I never had to say a word during the whole process, Lawyer did all the talking. Good Luck.
by SteveNet
Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Truck/Car Envy....How do You Deal with It?
Replies: 64
Views: 8380

Re: Truck/Car Envy....How do You Deal with It?

I used to love cars... Then I worked for 30 yrs building cars.

They are machines, point A to point B, toasters on wheels.
by SteveNet
Fri Jan 17, 2014 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who taught you about financial responsibility?
Replies: 107
Views: 10266

Re: Who taught you about financial responsibility?

No one specifically,
Parents and Grand Parents abhorred the stock market (memories of 1929) An indefinite layoff in 1982 (lasted 2.5 yrs) 2 weeks after buying my first home, Baby on the way, 3 jobs to make ends meet (almost)... I guess that sort of 'instilled' financial responsibility thereafter.
by SteveNet
Sun Jan 12, 2014 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to start social security
Replies: 30
Views: 3531

Re: When to start social security

I recently went thru this process to determine for myself when to start SS. Besides the Numbers, there is the mental satisfaction (emotion) of being able to sleep at night. Or not constantly being worried IF the markets produce enough revenue or not. After reviewing my own spreadsheet with different versions of it for SS at ages 62/66/70. (and a few other variations), and using various other calc's (like ORP) I came to the conclusion that delaying till 70 for myself and 66 for my spouse (non working) was the best option. This pretty much took almost all the 'what if' scenarios out of the equation. As I had enough in my taxable account to cover us for the next 10 years in the form of a CD ladder (age 60 now). SS staying in the form it is now...
by SteveNet
Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to start social security
Replies: 30
Views: 3531

Re: When to start social security

Perhaps do some of your own situational calculating, everyone's positions are unique, so one size doesn't fit all.

I would suggest to run your numbers through the ORP calculator. http://www.i-orp.com/

Come up with a plan for what you want, then try it out with ORP, taking SS at ages 62 through 70 and see what you would be more happy with.
by SteveNet
Sat Jan 11, 2014 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would installing a French Drain (interior) be a good invest
Replies: 50
Views: 38976

Re: Would installing a French Drain (interior) be a good inv

efflorescence, can and will occur in almost all concrete given contact with water. As it's the 'floor' that is showing the efflorescence at a crack (be it man made or naturally occurring) only suggests that there is moisture under the slab. It's easier for efflorescence to form at a crack that goes all the way thru the slab than if there was no crack. Given that it's on the floor just suggests it's damp under the slab. The only way to prevent it is to have had 6 mil plastic placed under the slab prior to construction. And even then if there are bad enough water issues (like you had) the plastic barrier most likely wouldn't help either as it's only meant for dampness not flooding. efflorescence forms when the moisture/dampness evaporates, (o...
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 29, 2013 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?
Replies: 64
Views: 21770

Re: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?

What about installing a drain pan to catch leaks and divert to a drain or outside? We have that on an attic water heater but not on the first floor one. (I think it would have been useful on both) Any waterheater is going to have a water hose under pressure that COULD fail, even an on demand unit. We replaced a 29 year old working water heater only because we were putting the house on the market. They just do not make them like they used to. I do not lose sleep worrying about this. The actual leaks I have had damage due to were roof leaks and undersink leaks. So I do check under my sinks at least a few times a year since an undetected drip can do a lot of damage over months. And I walk around when it rains looking for early leaks. (Flat ro...
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?
Replies: 64
Views: 21770

Re: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?

Hot water tanks contain a sacrificial anode, made of aluminum or zinc, which protects the steel tank from corrosion. Over time, the anode corrodes (is eaten away) as it should while protecting the tank. After about 5 years, or so, the anode has sufficiently decreased in size so that it no longer provides proper protection. When this happens, the steel tank starts to rust, ending in a failure. However, the anode is replaceable. A good home mechanic can do it, or any plumber could do it. Replacing the anode will significantly extend the life of the tank. Interestingly, when I had a plumber replace the anode in my tank, he told me it was the first time he had ever replaced one. He also indicated that he felt a little strange doing it because ...
by SteveNet
Fri Dec 27, 2013 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?
Replies: 65
Views: 20130

Re: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?

Lump Wood Charcoal, Lodge Cast Iron Grill. Chimney starter. I gave up any form of gas a long time ago. :beer + .5 Good fresh charcoal briquettes are excellent fuel Briquettes are good especially for BBQ, but for Grilling (they are different, not saying you don't know that) Lump wood burns hotter and cleaner. What I mean by cleaner... a good deal of a briquette is clay, used as a binder to hold the briquette's shape. This is the mess that is left to clean out at the bottom of the grill. While Lump Wood leaves only a very small amount of real ash. Lump Wood is what I prefer for BBQ as well, you just have to be careful to choke the air intake supply so that the temperature stays around 212 deg or so for a long period of time/Hours. But certai...
by SteveNet
Wed Dec 25, 2013 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?
Replies: 65
Views: 20130

Re: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?

Lump Wood Charcoal, Lodge Cast Iron Grill. Chimney starter. I gave up any form of gas a long time ago. :beer + .5 Good fresh charcoal briquettes are excellent fuel Briquettes are good especially for BBQ, but for Grilling (they are different, not saying you don't know that) Lump wood burns hotter and cleaner. What I mean by cleaner... a good deal of a briquette is clay, used as a binder to hold the briquette's shape. This is the mess that is left to clean out at the bottom of the grill. While Lump Wood leaves only a very small amount of real ash. Lump Wood is what I prefer for BBQ as well, you just have to be careful to choke the air intake supply so that the temperature stays around 212 deg or so for a long period of time/Hours. But certai...
by SteveNet
Tue Dec 24, 2013 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?
Replies: 65
Views: 20130

Re: Grilling: Propane, natural gas, and electric?

Lump Wood Charcoal, Lodge Cast Iron Grill.
Chimney starter.
I gave up any form of gas a long time ago. :beer
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 15, 2013 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying snow tires
Replies: 55
Views: 8089

Re: Buying snow tires

CountryBoy wrote:We live 1 hr. north of NYC and want to buy snow tire; what is the best way to go about it?

Mail order or not?

Are any of the tire stores like Mavis reliable? I hear horror stories.

cb

When I lived where you are Montrose,Peekskill,Putnam Valley area. I used all season tires, if it was so bad that I 'needed' show tires I stayed home.
I kept a set of S chains in the trunk if I was at work and HAD to get home.
Putnam Valley was the only town that was slow in clearing the roads (especially to the north). Most other areas are pretty good getting the heavy stuff cleared so all seasons was all I needed.
Traveled route 9 and the Taconic.
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I Need to Leave My Financial Advisor
Replies: 66
Views: 11126

Re: I Need to Leave My Financial Advisor

He's a paid professional that you no longer wish to pay for.
Family friend or not, if you wish to drop him and do it yourself and feel confident to do so then why pay him?
Especially if you want YOUR money invested differently.

The less you tell him how you are going to invest the less he can offer an argument against it.
by SteveNet
Sat Dec 14, 2013 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

john94549 wrote:Not sure I'd assume the CD bucket would be "used up".

When I started my CD ladder, back in the Paleolithic era, I always assumed I'd cash in those CDs in retirement. Fast forward to retirement. Suddenly it dawns on me: why not just roll the ladder? Which is what I do.

We have an IPS. It calls for "X%" in bonds, "Y%" in equities. We count our CD ladder as "bonds".
This is the monies I have specifically dedicated to delay my SS till age 70. (60 now)
I have other accounts which are invested, but this I am placing into CD's just for this specific reason.
If at the end there is some leftover so to speak then so much the better, but I am planning (assuming) it will be used up by age 70.
by SteveNet
Sat Dec 14, 2013 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: POLL: How much time do you spend on this forum?
Replies: 12
Views: 1524

Re: POLL: How much time do you spend on this forum?

< an hour per day, just to see whats new and interesting.
More than that and I find it becomes the 'noise' we aren't suppose to pay attention to.
by SteveNet
Sat Dec 14, 2013 1:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

OAG wrote:IMO it really depends on your yearly needs for the ladder to produce. Excel (or other SS) and FV formulas can help alleviate the guessing on rates. Personally I always go and buy long term - currently a 7 Year Ladder but have been 10 recently. Cash in early has never been in the plan (yet).
Basically I'm looking at a 10 year period in which the cd ladder would be used up starting now aprox.
So I'm thinking the 5 yr ladder would work well and be less complicated. The last 5 yrs would all be 5yr cd's expiring each year.
I'm not a fanatic about a few basis points in rate one way or the other, so cashing in early I don't foresee unless rates really jump up suddenly.
by SteveNet
Sat Dec 14, 2013 8:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

Call_Me_Op wrote:
SteveNet wrote: But given the better possibility of cd rates rising.
Purely speculative statement.
Thanks for the contribution.
by SteveNet
Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is sales for a start-up a "blue-collar" job?
Replies: 14
Views: 2154

Re: Is sales for a start-up a "blue-collar" job?

Generally, if you have to ask...it's a white collar job.
by SteveNet
Thu Dec 12, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Pump
Replies: 19
Views: 3374

Re: Heat Pump

We have a geothermal heat pump and it keeps our normally insulated 2000 sf house nice and cool in the Texas summer except for the very hottest (110+ F) days, when it can't get it much below 80. Our bills are rarely more than $130/mo. in the summer. It usually doesn't get very cold here in the winter; I think the lowest temperature we've seen in 15 years is 9 degrees, and that happened only once. We usually use wood heat when it's really cold, but the heat pump can keep it at 68 or so even when it's that cold outside. I had a geothermal installed as well about 3 yrs ago to replace my traditional air source Heat pump. We chose the well method for the fields here in Tennessee. All a Heat pump is is an Air conditioner that can run in reverse. ...
by SteveNet
Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your definition of "drive it into the ground?"
Replies: 50
Views: 7199

Re: What's your definition of "drive it into the ground?"

1996 Caprice, when a major engine component gives out (crank, rod, rings) or transmission 'Then' I will consider it fodder as a new manhole cover.
Bought it used 12 yrs ago. As long as it keeps moving in a forward direction I'm keeping it.
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 08, 2013 5:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

jsl11 wrote:The answer also depends on the difference in interest rates for the 3 and 5 year CDs. If the interest rate difference in small, it would be better to stay shorter. However, if the difference is large enough, then going longer makes more sense. The real question is how much difference justifies the longer term? That is a judgment call. Of course, all this presumes that rates will rise rather than fall within the next 5 years.
Jeff
Good point!
No sense in locking in a rate for a longer time for just a very small difference in rate.


Thanks for all the replies, it's something I never have done and I wanted to avoid inexperienced mistakes... :sharebeer
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 08, 2013 11:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

Sriracha wrote:Check the wiki pages on laddering http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Ladderin ... CD_ladders and comparing CDs http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Comparing_CDs for some good nuts and bolts of the process as well as a handy dandy spreadsheet to help you figure out whether breaking an existing CD is worthwhile in light on higher rates on new CDs.
Oh Great!
This is very helpful, and addresses my concerns about potential rate increases after being locked in!

Thanks :sharebeer
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 08, 2013 10:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

dbr wrote:The standard option anticipated by CD enthusiasts is to withdraw the CD early with a penalty and buy a new CD.
Ah... ok I had not thought of that.
If the rates rise enough to make the early withdrawal penalty worthwhile then lock in the 4 and 5 yr rates now in case they don't rise.


Thanks!
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 08, 2013 10:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

Re: CD Ladder

In order to answer this question we'd need to be able to see the future. Nobody can tell you with certainty when (or even if) rates will rise, and if they do rise nobody can tell you how much they'll rise or how fast. While the crystal ball is foggy, the suggested 5yr cycle is based on a crystal ball theory. If it weren't then why not ladder for all 10 yrs independently? It was designed so as not to get locked in for 10 yrs. In case rates rise . So My question was one of given current possible fed tightening combined with already low cd rate returns if it were to be more prudent to reduce the 5 yr cycle? Given today's conditions. It would seems so to me, however I may be overlooking something that others are aware of as to why a 5yr cycle ...
by SteveNet
Sun Dec 08, 2013 9:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CD Ladder
Replies: 16
Views: 2727

CD Ladder

My question is one of today's low interest rates and how that would affect a cd ladder over a 10 yr time horizon. Due to low interest rates (and the potential of them rising during the 10 yr period rather than lowering)... Would it be better to create the ladder with a 3 yr max horizon instead of a 5 yr? Money would be needed each of the 10 years, so from what I have read a 'ladder' should be created for 1,2,3,4,5 years and each time a cd comes to maturity the money left over be rolled into a 5yr cd to complete the 10 yr period. At the end of the 10 yr cycle the monies are depleted. But given the better possibility of cd rates rising I was wondering if instead of being locked into a 5y time frame if it would be more advisable to ladder on a...
by SteveNet
Fri Dec 06, 2013 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pepper Spray the Best Option for Personal Protection?
Replies: 40
Views: 3887

Re: Pepper Spray the Best Option for Personal Protection?

marbles100 wrote:Pepper spray is considered a weapon and is restricted in some states, as perhaps you're already aware. It's best to check your state laws/local law enforcement about restrictions (amount/concentration, where bought, and whether you need to register with police to carry it).
A map with explanations for each state about pepper spray type protection.
Certainly do not take this as a definite legal explanation for your locality, contact local government.

But it does provide some useful info to get familiar with.

http://www.peppereyes.com/page/peppersprayregs
by SteveNet
Fri Dec 06, 2013 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pepper Spray the Best Option for Personal Protection?
Replies: 40
Views: 3887

Re: Pepper Spray the Best Option for Personal Protection?

The OP started the thread about pepper spray. With that in mind I found this product which I just ordered for my wife in fact, we have 5 acres in the country and she worries about 'Dogs' and or coyotes which do wander thru. What I like about it is you can fire from 25' away, it has a large canister for its size which means more pressure. It has a thumb safety and a light as well, when the safety is on pull the trigger for the light. When the safety is off you pull the trigger a bit to get the light to come on, then pull harder to engage the pepper spray. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003837A4A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41F-uw8nMdL.jpg I like it is 'gun' shaped, harder to spray one...
by SteveNet
Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tactical Flashlight for long walks at night vs. pepper spray
Replies: 85
Views: 11134

Re: Tactical Flashlight for long walks at night vs. pepper s

The problem with most self defense options other than a handgun, is that they require close contact to deploy. Your risk greatly increases inside of 5 yards. People think that simply buying and carrying such an option provides increased security. This is a false sense of security and is generally an illusion. Most of the options previously identified require a high degree of skill to deploy effectively. A knife is probably the worst idea. It requires a very high degree of skill to use a knife effectively in self-defense. If you actually stab someone in self-defense, the optics are worse than if you had shot them. Contrary to common belief it is very difficult to use a tactical flashlight effectively. Swinging or clubbing are very slow high...
by SteveNet
Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Spend IRA First?
Replies: 32
Views: 2765

Re: Spend IRA First?

One should not believe the "Taxes" column of the ORP output until confirmed by TurboTax. I found that I could withdraw/convert thousands of dollars more per year and pay the tax that ORP suggested. Conversely, I could withdraw/convert less and pay lower taxes. That's why I mentioned that one should crosscheck the ORP suggestions with TurboTax. Apparently it would seem your assessment of ORP's tax calculation is correct. For example... In the withdrawal report I posted age 60 61k converted to Roth with 31K of pension income would yield 10K in taxes... according to Taxact and ORP. However, the 29k withdrawn from the "AfterTax" account has no bearing on the tax results at all. In their explanation they assume there are no ...
by SteveNet
Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Spend IRA First?
Replies: 32
Views: 2765

Re: Spend IRA First?

One should not believe the "Taxes" column of the ORP output until confirmed by TurboTax. I found that I could withdraw/convert thousands of dollars more per year and pay the tax that ORP suggested. Conversely, I could withdraw/convert less and pay lower taxes. That's why I mentioned that one should crosscheck the ORP suggestions with TurboTax. Ah thats what the Turbo tax portion of your comment meant. I was unsure if it had some link with ORP as a mutual program or not. Truth be told, I have been perplexed by some of the Tax outcomes of ORP while looking at it's results, but I just waved it off as something the program knew that I of course didn't. If this is true that ORP's tax results are flawed then it is a useless program. I ...