Search found 650 matches

by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 15, 2021 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which car to trade in?
Replies: 24
Views: 2237

Re: Which car to trade in?

I would see what a mechanic's opinion, or someone of automotive knowledge, is of the undercarriage in the Camry. The rust bubble makes me think there's probably more decay underneath that you're not seeing. 40k miles is low yes, about a decade of salt filled northeast winters on the other hand, is pretty well weathered. I have a 45k mile '16 vehicle that was driven frequently through the first 3 winters, and rarely through the past two, yet still the level of rust on the engine cradle bothers me; the factory exhaust also didn't look great after 3 but was replaced by myself with a stainless aftermarket system. It may be worthwhile to take a very appealing 15k on a 10 year old car for trade in, and pick up another comfortable low mileage Lexu...
by NHRATA01
Mon Dec 13, 2021 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: which snow blower ?
Replies: 169
Views: 18818

Re: which snow blower ?

Please return the expensive snow blower. This is all you need (I have been shoveling snow since age of 2 in Alaska): If I recall correctly from previous discussions, you deal with mostly light powdery snow with no plowpack at the end of the driveway. That is a VERY different situation than in the midwest. A typical snowfall that I would bring the snowblower out for is 4-6 inches of wet, heavy snow. A shovel like you posted makes it about two feet before a load has to be lifted and thrown, which is not what those pushers are meant for. Clearing the top 90% of my driveway with a shovel in these conditions would take approximately 2 hours, and then the last 3-4 feet of plowpack would take another 3-5 hours (with a different shovel and an iceb...
by NHRATA01
Thu Nov 11, 2021 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mowing over leaves instead of bagging - what's your experience?
Replies: 69
Views: 7510

Re: Mowing over leaves instead of bagging - what's your experience?

I have a 52" ztm with a high blade speed that shreds leaves pretty nicely. Our development is ~20 years old so the trees are somewhat large now but still not fully grown yet. The front yard has 2 locust trees so the leaves are very small to begin with, plus they drop very early in fall. The side yard has a maple which drops very late (only just began this week really) and 2 other leafy trees that have already dropped. So long/short, in the 10 years I've lived here I've only gone over them with a mower and the grass is perfectly fine. But I do try to make a pass about once a week once the leaves start falling regularly so they don't build up too badly. Now, if I had a bunch of large maples that all dropped at once, I'd probably have a h...
by NHRATA01
Fri Jun 25, 2021 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Riding mower
Replies: 64
Views: 6042

Re: Riding mower

Holy smokes I can't imagine seriously suggesting a $10K+ diesel machine for a 1.5 acre residential yard. I have a Husqvarna zero turn that's "estate" grade, which is like halfway between a residential and commercial machine. Fabricated deck, commercial grade axles, but a mid-level Kohler engine. $4000 new and on it's 8th season now with 140 hours, still runs perfect and I've done the typical routine maintenance, oil, hydro fluid/filters, greasing, etc. It's probably even somewhat overkill for my 2 acre lot and should probably be good for another 15-20 years at the rate of hour usage per year. By that point I'll be around 60 and probably have had enough of cutting grass! But my first was a bottom barrel $900 Craftsman law tractor a...
by NHRATA01
Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is This Truck Purchase a Bad Idea?
Replies: 60
Views: 4922

Re: Is This Truck Purchase a Bad Idea?

I actually think it's a pretty reasonable purchase right now. In this market used trucks are holding their value absurdly well, who knows how long that will last. And while you probably won't get as much as a discount from dealers new with inventories being tight, at least the MSRP's have not risen as much accordingly. As long as their is no dealer "markup" on the new one, going from a 10 y/o 160k mile truck to a brand new one for basically 30K isn't a bad deal, particularly since you'll have a warranty and the reliability of the older truck would potentially have an impact on the business. As well as the noted potential business deductions of which I have no experience with. So no, not a bad idea but it is a good idea you avoide...
by NHRATA01
Thu Jun 17, 2021 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is This Truck Purchase a Bad Idea?
Replies: 60
Views: 4922

Re: Is This Truck Purchase a Bad Idea?

I actually think it's a pretty reasonable purchase right now. In this market used trucks are holding their value absurdly well, who knows how long that will last. And while you probably won't get as much as a discount from dealers new with inventories being tight, at least the MSRP's have not risen as much accordingly. As long as their is no dealer "markup" on the new one, going from a 10 y/o 160k mile truck to a brand new one for basically 30K isn't a bad deal, particularly since you'll have a warranty and the reliability of the older truck would potentially have an impact on the business. As well as the noted potential business deductions of which I have no experience with. So no, not a bad idea but it is a good idea you avoided...
by NHRATA01
Wed Jun 16, 2021 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity non-spouse inherited IRA RMD?
Replies: 9
Views: 1210

Re: Fidelity non-spouse inherited IRA RMD?

Note to OP - Fidelity doesn't know if you have more than one inherited IRA from the same person (perhaps they also had an account at a bank that you haven't bothered to move over) Since you can take the RMD from one account, even if you have mulitple, then they can only base the RMD on the account you hold with them. This is the only inherited IRA I have, but I see your point. Thanks for mentioning that. I also have a Fidelity non-spouse IRA inherited from my father, and I have always taken that above interpretation from Fido's fine print; ie the RMD "estimation" is an accurate calculation based upon the value of that account as that is all Fidelity has to provide the RMD number, and they obviously wouldn't have information on an...
by NHRATA01
Sat May 08, 2021 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 23176

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

Funny, in the 3 years roughly since my post on the 1st page I have moved completely to powerlifting style and picked up a coach. Did my first meet in September last year and another planned for this July. Currently competing in both USPA and USAPL as Master-1 98 KG class In September I did 347 squat, 259 bench and 496 deadlift. A commanded paused bench definitely takes about 15% or so off what your average bounce off the chest gym attempt would be. Although I still managed to set a state record for the class which was kind of cool. In July hoping to be somewhere around 370 for the squat and 270-280 on the bench. Coaching fixed a lot of my bench issues and shoulder pain, was well worth it and should pay dividends at the next comp. Deadlift p...
by NHRATA01
Sat Apr 17, 2021 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car same price as 1 year old
Replies: 24
Views: 3223

Re: New car same price as 1 year old

I don't believe 1 year old cars are really a superior value at this point - as noted the old adage about a car losing 50% it's value when it's driven off the lot (or whatever absurdly high number that often gets cited) really is not true. Dealers aren't dropping the price much for a 1 year old vs new with potential sales incentives. You then have the maintenance, wear and tear, loss of about 1/3 of the B2B warranty period, potential abuse (if the person never intended to hold it more than a year) or nagging issues that led to the quick turn in. For a small premium I'd rather have new. Particularly with the impact of the lockdowns plus plant shutdowns due to the chip shortage there's a dearth of new car inventory, so used cars have actually ...
by NHRATA01
Fri Mar 05, 2021 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safer to Pay Bill by Mail or Phone?
Replies: 32
Views: 10356

Re: Safer to Pay Bill by Mail or Phone?

bob60014 wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 6:13 am Nothing wrong with the old standard, check in the mail!
I used to say that, but in the past 12 months I've had 3 bills lost in the mail. Most recent was a $2k CC bill last month that caused late fees. Paying using their phone service was quick and reliable. Most of my bill pay is done online but of the 2 items recently lost one was my wife's CC that she never set up online billing, and the other was the mortgage escrow underfund notice which wasn't an option to pay online.

Unfortunately for a variety of reasons better left unsaid on here, USPS is becoming rather unreliable these days. Have also had cases where 10 business days was not enough for the bill payment to reach its destination on time.
by NHRATA01
Fri Mar 05, 2021 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite All Inclusive Beach Resort
Replies: 23
Views: 3711

Re: Favorite All Inclusive Beach Resort

We did Beaches (basically family version of Sandals) in Turks & Caicos in 2019 and really had a great time. Enough stuff to keep our pre-teens (12-9-6) at the time, good food, good drinks, nice water park, and the usual island type excursions (snorkeling/SCUBA, etc) available.
by NHRATA01
Mon Jan 04, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any multimillionaire's (more than 2mm) out there still mow their own lawn?
Replies: 341
Views: 33732

Re: Any multimillionaire's (more than 2mm) out there still mow their own lawn?

I'm about 50k away from your NW threshold, but still mow my lawn and probably always will (or at least for another 20 years as I'm 41 now). Partly because I have a really nice zero turn that cuts 2 acres in a little over an hour that's still relatively fresh (~100 hours), partly because its my moment of zen, and partly because thanks to years of the old man cracking the whip at me as a kid to cut the lawn, I'm picky about it. So I guess it's more a function of enjoyment and having a toy for it, so why pay someone? OTOH I hate cleaning the house so I'll happily pay a cleaning person. IMO one of the perfectly acceptable uses of your money is anything that reduces stress, makes life easier or gives your more free time. So if you hate pushing a...
by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oatmeal -- figuring out what I bought earlier
Replies: 71
Views: 8539

Re: Oatmeal -- figuring out what I bought earlier

Bob's quick cook vs regular per quora ... I like Bob's quick cook for 12 minutes IP low pressure. Answer. Bob's Red Mill makes quick cook steel cut oats. According to them, they're just cut smaller. ... Our Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats are cut a little smaller than our Regular Steel Cut Oats, making them ready in a scant 5 to 7 minutes. Thank you, I was about to ask this board's opinion on that. I've always preferred steel cut to rolled oats. And I don't mind the morning ritual of cooking for 7 minutes or so, but going 30+ while juggling the morning routine these days is a bit much. I had looked on line asking the processing difference between quick cook and regular steel cut, wary of having excess ingredients added to my oats but found no...
by NHRATA01
Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Buy once, cry once"
Replies: 137
Views: 22690

Re: "Buy once, cry once"

UpperNwGuy wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:32 am
Workaholic wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:23 am
UpperNwGuy wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:18 am No matter how well made it is, furniture will look dated after 10-15 years. Buy mid-range furniture so you won't feel bad about replacing it when the time comes.
Not necessarily if purchasing timeless designs...think the Eames lounge chair, Barcelona chair, Noguchi table, etc.
Ahem.... I do not consider any of those three designs to be timeless.
I have to be honest as a GenX'er all 3 designs look to me like some postmodern attempt that belong in a 60s era Frank Lloyd Wright house sitting in the Cali hills somewhere. Not really my taste for a house in 2020 but to each his own.
by NHRATA01
Thu Dec 03, 2020 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
Replies: 56
Views: 8111

Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban

Being that they're brand new for '21 AND there's been an ongoing truck shortage at GM, AND the Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban are highly sought after, I would temper expectations for any kind of deal right now. You would be better served maybe trying to find a leftover "old" style '20. If possible at least maybe wait 1 year for all the "kinks" to be ironed out since this wasn't just a refresh, they actually made quite a few changes to the platform. They do look very nice, though I still can't fathom paying 70K for a truck when that buys a pretty fast performance car or a pretty nice German sports sedan, but that's just me. :beer But neither a performance car or a German sedan have the utility or versatility of a Suburban/Yukon/Es...
by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 02, 2020 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
Replies: 56
Views: 8111

Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban

Being that they're brand new for '21 AND there's been an ongoing truck shortage at GM, AND the Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban are highly sought after, I would temper expectations for any kind of deal right now. You would be better served maybe trying to find a leftover "old" style '20. If possible at least maybe wait 1 year for all the "kinks" to be ironed out since this wasn't just a refresh, they actually made quite a few changes to the platform. They do look very nice, though I still can't fathom paying 70K for a truck when that buys a pretty fast performance car or a pretty nice German sports sedan, but that's just me. :beer But neither a performance car or a German sedan have the utility or versatility of a Suburban/Yukon/Es...
by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
Replies: 56
Views: 8111

Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban

Being that they're brand new for '21 AND there's been an ongoing truck shortage at GM, AND the Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban are highly sought after, I would temper expectations for any kind of deal right now. You would be better served maybe trying to find a leftover "old" style '20. If possible at least maybe wait 1 year for all the "kinks" to be ironed out since this wasn't just a refresh, they actually made quite a few changes to the platform. They do look very nice, though I still can't fathom paying 70K for a truck when that buys a pretty fast performance car or a pretty nice German sports sedan, but that's just me. :beer
by NHRATA01
Tue Nov 24, 2020 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Buy once, cry once"
Replies: 137
Views: 22690

Re: "Buy once, cry once"

I agree with it on a number of things. I'm not sure furniture is always one, within reason. I will give a recent anecdote. We just upgraded our master bedroom set. The prior set was bought in 2004 from Bob's Discount when I had bought my first home, a small townhome and didn't have a lot of cash to spare. Bob's is basically bottom of the barrel particle board furniture, and we got 16 years out of it. I think it may have cost 1500 but pretty sure it was under 2k tops. The only wear points were on the end tables as the particle board doesn't take well to sweaty cups or any liquid spills and gets marked up easily. The chest of draws and dresser with 16 years of opening and closing, nothing ever broke. The set also survived a move. So when we j...
by NHRATA01
Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fixing cars out of warranty
Replies: 47
Views: 3424

Re: Fixing cars out of warranty

Just an FYI - check if it is an AGM battery vs a standard lead acid, should note it somewhere on the battery itself. These would take an AGM specific charger, not an older style fast/trickle charger or battery tender.
by NHRATA01
Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to sell used truck (1998)
Replies: 31
Views: 2378

Re: Best place to sell used truck (1998)

Bogleheads are pretty generous with donations. For reference, that exact truck is listed for sale at 13k in my area. Kbb.com suggests $2324-$3286 as a trade in my area. And they're usually wildly optimistic in my experience. Are you sure $13k isn't a diesel? That's a whole different market. I can't imagine any truck in good enough shape to pass an inspection and not full of rust, going for under 5k around here. I ended up leasing a Colorado last November as a "winter beater/homeowner errand runner" but I really wanted just to grab a '99-'06 Silverado 1/2 ton. Anything in decent shape with around 100k and either the basic 4.8/5.3 V8 was going for 12-15k. I couldn't justify the cost for such a well used vehicle. But pickup resale h...
by NHRATA01
Mon Oct 26, 2020 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to sell used truck (1998)
Replies: 31
Views: 2378

Re: Best place to sell used truck (1998)

You know, something like that it may be worth going onto an online forum dedicated to the Ram truck. You may find an owner who's looking specifically for that. Particularly depending on which engine it is, but especially if it is the Cummins diesel as they have excellent resale. Or has some particular options.

My opinion of a Carmax/Carvana is they are a good resource for unloading a recent year car that has decent demand (say something like a CRV, Civic, Camry, Rav4, etc) to get a better price than a trade in. But I think if you're going to a much older vehicle yet one that has legions of fans - and a big 3 pickup truck would fit the bill - you can probably do better by finding an owner's group and posting it for sale there.
by NHRATA01
Mon Aug 17, 2020 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to find a quality, lower cost muscle car
Replies: 94
Views: 7987

Re: Where to find a quality, lower cost muscle car

So I would first ask if by muscle car, you mean a classic? Or something somewhat quick and fun with 8 cylinders? If the latter, it's getting hard to find something in good shape pre-'73 for your price range as the collector's value just pushes the pricing up. If it's the former, I like the suggestions here of something in the past 20 years. Personally I think something GM LSx based checks the boxes, you get 350+ hp, the most modern conveniences/safety features (airbags, ABS, crumple zones), the driveability, gas mileage (relative) and reliability of fuel injection. Solid drivetrains, abundance of parts support for the mechanicals as well as aftermarket parts to go faster. A plethora of shops and tuners with specific knowledge of the platfor...
by NHRATA01
Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Barbells
Replies: 65
Views: 6929

Re: Barbells

I don't see anything in Greg's article showing the the trap bar is any safer, other than him saying so at one point. I'd agree there's no reason to prefer one to the other unless you're planning to compete in the DL. Variety is a good thing. Even if you don't consider the lower shear forces on the spine with a hex bar, the comments in that article about how grips differ is another interesting consideration. The hex bar keeps your grip neutral, and there's no way the bar can twist out. Mixed grip on a traditional DL can be dangerous: if you feel like it, there are tons of videos on Youtube of biceps rolling up like window shades after being torn during mixed grip. That article also discusses balance and fatigue being potential injury issues...
by NHRATA01
Fri Aug 14, 2020 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Barbells
Replies: 65
Views: 6929

Re: Barbells

I will echo the sentiments, don't buy from Titan fitness. It's like a discounted Rogue because it's built cheaply. The adage buy once cry once applies - particularly for something as pivotal and fundamental as an olympic barbell. I bought a powerbar from EliteFTS (quality stuff there) but can't go wrong with Texas power bars. I did buy a deadlift platform from Titan at the start of covid since it was slim pickings - the corner cutting in quality is apparent but the main problem was the foam blocks were far too pliable. Ended up building my own platform basically. I also bought the Texas deadlift bar for that specifically, as it is thinner and has more whip than a power bar. You really wouldn't want to squat with one though. Regarding back i...
by NHRATA01
Mon Aug 03, 2020 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Car Maintenance Do You Do?
Replies: 165
Views: 12001

Re: What Car Maintenance Do You Do?

I'll do almost everything myself at this point. Part of it being a mechanical engineer and enjoying it, part of it knowing it will be done right, and part of it just being aghast at the prices charged for very basic maintenance services. But I'm 40 and still able to roll around on a garage floor, son of a former GM engineer and was doing basic maintenance before I could drive so it's not intimidating to me. That said as mentioned there's still certain things that with the complexity of cars, you can't even do yourself without some very expensive tooling. One of my GM cars has an electric power steering rack known to fail, that finally got recalled so now it's covered in the future. But while I could do the mechanical portion of replacement ...
by NHRATA01
Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: In person vs online learning for 10yrs old?
Replies: 23
Views: 1207

Re: In person vs online learning for 10yrs old?

It's worth clarifying if what is "traditional in person" really means what was in place prior to March, or a modified version to meet social distancing requirements. This would of course depend upon your state. In NY our school district has pretty much said they cannot comply with state guidelines doing 100% in person learning, nor is our superintendent aware of any state districts (at least non-rural) that can. So the in person learning would presumably be rotating days or weeks to some extent. It's also a given that classrooms and buses will be 50% capacity. The students in middle/high school will stay in a single room at a given desk and the teachers will be the ones rotating classrooms. There will be no lunch in the cafeteria....
by NHRATA01
Tue Jul 07, 2020 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inheritance - what to do next
Replies: 19
Views: 4912

Re: Inheritance - what to do next

Personally I do not think there's an issue with 80/20 on an inherited account at your age, and with the background of your job stability. I inherited around 300K 4 years ago at 36, and basically put it in a 90/10 portfolio. It grew to about 450k just before the recent drop, less the 3 RMD's that had to be taken in the last 3 years (FYI no RMD's are required for this year). But in the bigger picture it was not money I had a need for, basically found money - I'd been maxing retirement accounts, 6 mos emergency fund, and had no debt beyond a mortgage, plus wife with teacher benefits - so I saw no reason not to go aggressive with it for a bigger future nest egg or kids college fund. Only consideration I would say in your case you may want to be...
by NHRATA01
Wed Jul 01, 2020 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBTLX: Short-term perspectives?
Replies: 27
Views: 1875

Re: VBTLX: Short-term perspectives?

The Federal Reserve became one of the top holders in some of the world’s largest credit ETFs less than two months after stepping into the market. The central bank owns more than 13 million shares of the $54 billion iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond exchange-traded fund (LQD) as of June 16, making it the third-largest holder, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. ... The Fed is also the second- and fifth-largest holder of the $29 billion Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) and the $36 billion Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT), respectively. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-29/fed-becomes-no-3-holder-of-world-s-biggest-corporate-bond-etf If the Federal Reserve unwinds its positions...
by NHRATA01
Tue Jun 30, 2020 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At what point can you justify a $10k+ flight?
Replies: 75
Views: 6645

Re: At what point can you justify a $10k+ flight?

We flew first class for the honeymoon down to the Carribean, just because. It was only a 4 hour flight and I don't think it was more that 1k per ticket then. But really other than the wide seats, boarding convenience and free alcohol I wasn't that impressed with the value proposition. Granted the longest flight I've ever been on was only 6 hours so I might feel different on a 12hr+ international flight. I got to fly private 1 time from NY (White Plains) down to Myrtle Beach thanks to a relative who works on Wall Street. Just me and him in a Hawker that seated 7 or 8, a bottle of scotch and a quick 90 minute flight. Wheels up within 10 minutes of arriving at the terminal, no TSA checks. Upon landing on the return flight, my car (a mere Chevy...
by NHRATA01
Mon Jun 29, 2020 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?
Replies: 259
Views: 23581

Re: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?

Another vote for power rack + barbell. +1. No better exercise than squats. Deadlifts? If I had to choose which one is better, I would say squats. Just because Rippetoe told me that. I like to deadlift way more than squat, though. And straight bar bench press should be banned. Shoulders aren't meant to do that. While I agree it's #3 behind the squat and deadlift, there is nothing wrong with the bench press. However owing to it's undeserved ascension to the throne of faux masculinity (aka bro-lifting aka what do you bench bro?) it is seldom done correctly by your average user, including myself by the way for about the first 10 years of my lifting career. Most people lay down flat on a bench and bounce a bar repeatedly off their chest with a ...
by NHRATA01
Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?
Replies: 259
Views: 23581

Re: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?

I will also throw in power rack, with barbells and weight plates as necessary partners but that is because powerlifting is my favorite form of exercise. As well as the fact given a bar and variety of plates, there's a huge variety of loaded movements that can be done to build strength and cover all muscle groups. Of course, if someone prefers other forms such as biking or running, clearly they'd have a different choice.
by NHRATA01
Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2 cars, one driver. Should I sell one?
Replies: 45
Views: 4922

Re: 2 cars, one driver. Should I sell one?

OP here, Most people seem to favor getting rid of one vehicle. I don't really need AWD now. I bought the Subaru when we were living in New England. I think I will sell one car, and drive the other one until it needs frequent repairs/becoming unreliable. Then I will just get a new car. Between the 2012 Outback and 2015 ML350, which do you h think will last me longer if I drive 15k miles a year? Some people say German cars will need frequent repairs after 100k miles, and a Subaru Outback may be good until 150k? I am slightly leaning towards selling the Outback as the interior of the ML350 is a lot nicer. Go for it. The ML is a nice car, and lower mileage of the two. And I see others arguing reliability in favor of the Outback, but the Subaru...
by NHRATA01
Thu Jun 11, 2020 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2 cars, one driver. Should I sell one?
Replies: 45
Views: 4922

Re: 2 cars, one driver. Should I sell one?

Quick KBB has the ML (assuming very good condition) at just under 18k private sale or just under 15k trade in. The Outback (very good) at 10k/7k. The Outback probably won't decline much further, but the ML will probably drop steeply in short order at 5 years old now and approaching 80k. My preferred option would probably be to see if you can work a deal on a new car with a pair of trade ins. That gives you the peace of mind of reliability and a warranty. Then thinking about the future, in 6-7 years junior will be driving. You could then turn the car over to him at that time with 80-100k miles and get yourself something new. Also I'm not clear on your income statement. If you say "mid-high 6 figure" do you mean 500-750K, or 150-175...
by NHRATA01
Fri May 08, 2020 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: COVID-19 has revealed the stark deficiencies in long-term care facilities regardless of ratings.
Replies: 80
Views: 6616

Re: COVID-19 has revealed the stark deficiencies in long-term care facilities regardless of ratings.

COVID might reveal it more broadly, but I think almost anyone who has an experience with a loved one in a SNF of some sort is aware of how atrocious elder care is in this country. My father was only 70 when he went into one for rehab after a fall (facility chosen by him due to proximity from his house). As a 36 year old I could have in no way prepared for how aghast I was the first day I visited him. The putrid odor, the residents just randomly stacked up in hallways without oversight. Clearly understaffed and clearly discontent staff. The rehab dept repeatedly lying to me about his participation in PT, as he declined further every week instead of any improvement. In hindsight what was excessive use of opiate painkillers. I moved him after ...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy
Replies: 23
Views: 2076

Re: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy

I'm a fairly simple guy and don't really have any materialistic desires (don't care for expensive cars, watches, etc.) - but I still wonder at times whether I'll regret basically working to fully save and come death time I'll regret not "enjoying" life a bit more. THanks, Pyramid I see a contradiction here. Either you are happy at current spending levels or not. It appears you are not. In that case, you don't want materialistic things. What else would you spend the money on? Agreed that it seems contradicting. I'm happy w/current spending levels, problem is that sometimes wife gets frustrated that we have to skimp on purchases due to frugality - but ultimately she agrees it doesn't makes sense and that long term approach is the r...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy
Replies: 23
Views: 2076

Re: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy

Wait, are you saying a spouse who inherits a 401(k) can withdraw penalty free even if they're under 59.5? I've never heard of that. Do you have a source you can link to? https://www.thebalance.com/inherited-401k-distribution-and-withdrawal-rules-2388269 If You Are Under Age 59½ If you inherit a spouse’s 401(k) plan, but you are not yet age 59½, consider the pros and cons of the following choices. You can leave the money in the 401(k) plan. With this option, you can take withdrawals as needed and not pay the 10% penalty tax that typically applies to people younger than age 59½. You will still pay regular income tax on any amount withdrawn. (If your spouse was over their RMD age, you will be required to continue the required minimum distribu...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMDs
Replies: 13
Views: 1269

Re: RMDs

In most cases it is probably going to be better to leave it in there and gain another 12 months of growth that it would not have, particularly if this ends up being a down market.

On the other hand, if you are in a situation where your income will be lower this year than typical (such as loss of employment), it might be more strategic to withdraw some amount, invest it in a taxable account, and take advantage of the lower tax rate. Unfortunately rare is the case where one loses income from employment and doesn't have more pressing needs for those RMD dollars.
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
Replies: 82
Views: 9887

Re: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity

Mazda became a favorite in the past 10 years. They have only recently taken a liking to Kia/Hyundai products, reflective of the efforts the corporation has put into increasing its standing. Most people who complain about C/D or MT are those who get offended when their brand of choice gets a poor review. CD really does seem to have taken a liking to Kia. I saw one track comparison in which they ranked the Stinger GT over a BMW costing quite a bit more. Can you imagine the grins at Kia HQ when they saw that? Off topic but further adding to that amusement - If you're not aware the gentleman (Albert Biermann) who was basically chief engineer for the Stinger was formerly the head of BMW's M division. So I'm sure he had a pretty big smile with t...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy
Replies: 23
Views: 2076

Re: Investing in 401k w/low life expetancy

A spouse inheriting a 401k can take withdrawals without the 10% penalty (still must pay income tax) so that money isn't necessarily locked up for 30+ years/59.5 if needed. You didn't specify a lot of details about overall finances/debt and if your spouse works. My two concerns with my passing early would be the spouse paying the mortgage and secondarily, the child's expenses including college tuition. If the life insurance payout should satisfy the mortgage, child's expenses and at least a decent chunk of college (500k+ seems like it would), and the spouse has fairly reliable employment with the ability to cover at least most of the day to day expenses, then I see no reason not to keep well funding the retirement plan for the spouse's futur...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unable to Order Work Out Equipment
Replies: 45
Views: 4281

Re: Unable to Order Work Out Equipment

I sold a lot of equipment I didnt want or wasnt using much, for a very large profit. I bought my power rack for $400 and sold it for $1200. Olympic weight plates that typically sell for $0.50/lb were selling for $2/lb. It was a fun run, and will probably never happen again. Since gyms are soon to open, prices are starting to level out. If you're thinking about unloading your used equipment, you missed out. The best part is...when gyms reopen, everyone will want to sell all the equipment they panic bought. They will flood the market and prices will plummet. There will be a lot of deals to be had within the next 6 months. I was lucky to grab a rack, plates and some bars I ordered the day our governor shut down the gyms (3/16) and NY was one ...
by NHRATA01
Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
Replies: 82
Views: 9887

Re: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity

I'll take Car and Driver over these youtube flash in the pans (don't even get me started on Scotty). For years everyone insisted BMW was in their pocket because of their love for the 3 series and were a given to win any comparo. Then they moved away from driver-focused cars to fleets of CUVs for all, and C/D castigated them, as they did with the past gen 3/4 for losing it's sports sedan roots. They ripped Cadillac for years (John Phillips' hilarious review of the '03 Escalade - google it - deserved a Pulitzer), then loved them with the past few CTS's then shredded the CTS's successor the new CT5. They've lauded the Civic for years but critiqued the car 2 generations ago for a warmed over and cheapened redesign. Mazda became a favorite in th...
by NHRATA01
Mon Apr 27, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
Replies: 82
Views: 9887

Re: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity

A decade ago, Kia quality was nowhere near Toyota. It was obvious to me that they had sought out the lowest-cost suppliers for each component without paying much attention to quality or longevity. The paint scratched if you looked at it wrong, and the steel rusted quickly where I live in the salty upper midwest. I am now in the market for a 3 row crossover and like the Telluride more than the Highlander, but I plan to keep the vehicle for 10+ years. I hear good things about Kia’s quality, but I was curious if any Bogleheads have insight into whether they still cheap out on supply chain vs. Toyota in 2020. For all I know Toyota could be cost-cutting more than Kia these days! Thanks in advance! Toyota quality and longevity is far, far superi...
by NHRATA01
Tue Mar 31, 2020 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Do you Exercise Indoors?
Replies: 127
Views: 12521

Re: How Do you Exercise Indoors?

If anyone's looking for a collection of various home workouts, this is a great list with links to articles on programs/exercises. Covers everything from having some weights available, to only certain implements (such as kettlebells or dumbells or bands), down to just purely body weight. Very helpful in this time of self isolation. https://www.elitefts.com/education/home-gym-and-at-home-workouts/ Personal recommendation, if you can get your hands on a just a couple of quality resistance bands it is really amazing how much of a strength program you can do simply with the bands and an anchor point (and sometimes that anchor point is just your feet). A couple of notes/anectdotes: I was fortunate to order some basic powerlifting equipment (bars,...
by NHRATA01
Tue Mar 03, 2020 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Problem setting up wi fi router
Replies: 14
Views: 923

Re: Problem setting up wi fi router

Following this. I bought a Nighthawk about 3 weeks ago. Followed the instructions and downloaded the app. Set everything up per direction, and then at the very end the app crashes before finalizing. I try doing it again, same result. Rinse/repeat a few more times. Not having had more time to devote to it, the $200+ router sits on the floor.
by NHRATA01
Wed Feb 19, 2020 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Perform own oil change pros & cons?
Replies: 224
Views: 15543

Re: Perform own oil change pros & cons?

Regarding disposal - if you live in a northern climate try a calling a couple of local shops. Many have waste oil burners to keep the place warm and are more than happy to take free fuel off your hands.
by NHRATA01
Tue Feb 18, 2020 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Perform own oil change pros & cons?
Replies: 224
Views: 15543

Re: Perform own oil change pros & cons?

There's really no cons to it. You could say the time spent, but to drive to an oil change place and wait is probably going to cost your more time then just doing in your garage. Safety wise, ramps are pretty darn safe, I would say more so than a jack and jackstands which have more potential to be improperly used by a novice (some cars are challenging to find the suitable jacking points - cue various youtube clips of fenders snapping and floorboards getting dented by jacking from the wrong point). I would suggest staying away from the cheap Jiffylube type places as they're not exactly paying for talent nor does talent seek out oil changes, and they're rushing to maximize slim profit margins, plus more apt to pull the ol' bring you over a ran...
by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto oil change
Replies: 54
Views: 5028

Re: Auto oil change

These threads are always entertaining! :D In 2009: "Follow the maintenance minder. Why second guess what the manufacturer wants? Trust the engineers!" (MM indicates 5k miles) In 2019: "Ignore the MM, oil and engines have improved so much! You can safely go 10k miles. Trust the engineers!" Little do you know that the engines haven't changed at all and neither have the oils. The only thing that has changed is the MM indication. Before they were mechanical and provided a reminder every 5k miles, now they are "smart." The smart consumer checks the oil regularly and changes it regularly. I go with 5k miles but it's also safe to go 10k miles. Whatever you do, don't skip checking the level - my wife burned out one of...
by NHRATA01
Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto oil change
Replies: 54
Views: 5028

Re: Auto oil change

Once warmed up (~10 mins driving), "exercise" the engine a bit - full throttle pulls, RPMs closer to redline - in many people's opinions that is a good way to extend engine life actually. I'm curious as to what the logic is for the above? On another note, many years ago I used to have a boss who would buy top-end cars and never change the oil. One particular Porsche he had when I was there lasted about 60k miles with zero oil changes. A post further up explained it but yes, there is some good rationale for what was called the old "Italian tune up". Named so for finicky Italian performance cars that needed to be driven hard regularly to run well. Anecdote - when Cadillac started selling it's famous (or infamous depending...
by NHRATA01
Mon Dec 09, 2019 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preventative car maintenance (oil changes) costs
Replies: 55
Views: 4898

Re: Preventative car maintenance (oil changes) costs

My opinion, as a gearhead of sorts, is that you do not need $12/qt boutique oil such as Amsoil in your typical daily driven car. Amsoil is a great oil, I ran it for years in a performance car that I raced on occasion and now run Driven motor oil that's about as expensive. Kept good oil pressure hotlapping on summer days. But it's overkill for a regular car. A more mainline synthetic like Mobil 1 or Penzoil Platinum is more than sufficient (if it's a GM vehicle the cheapest "dexos certified" will get the job done) for even the newer turbocharged direct injection engines. I've at times found the 5qt M1 jugs for $25, or 7-8/qt for the individual bottles. And older car such as your Civic and Camry with basic port injetion...honestly y...
by NHRATA01
Wed Nov 27, 2019 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bench press and weights
Replies: 91
Views: 9404

Re: Bench press and weights

alfaspider wrote: Wed Nov 27, 2019 6:40 am
Not a bad idea, although you can’t just show up to any mass market gym and expect to find competent trainers. I’m always shaking my head at some of the silly stuff I see trainers doing with their clients. Ideally, find a gym that specializes in Olympic or power lifting.
You mean doing a deficit kettlebell deadlift while balancing on a barbell with a 45lb bumper on each side isn't the best kept secret in building strength??? (Yes, I saw this in action last week. I admired the extensive rounding of the lumbar the body is forced into when trying to hip hinge and balance at the same time).