Search found 2595 matches

by WhyNotUs
Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roast my portofolio and sabbatical plan
Replies: 81
Views: 7670

Re: Rate/roast my portofolio

Great job investing while you are making hay. Your tech tilt would probably be a concern for many if not most posters here, where broad diversity is favored and has proven to be a winner over various financial cycles. You might consider increasing your fixed income side (MM, T Bill, CDs, Bonds) as you move toward sabbatical by selling some of that tech position or weighting any equity left after selling current home and buying a less expensive one toward VTI or fixed income. That portfolio looks great in today's weather but would be a rough ride in a storm. Would you be able to keep the course in that instance? Hi BHs, I'm 35 and wife is 32, with one toddler and planing to have one more kid. We both work in tech companies in the SF bay area...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 29, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes, Nissan, Honda, Jaguar, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Toyota, Subaru, VW join Tesla
Replies: 178
Views: 30724

Re: Ford, GM, Rivian, ChargePoint, Volvo (and more?) switching to Tesla chargers

The plus and associated tech is a pretty small circle ultimately, the game changer is going to be the tech, including EVSE that allows our cars to be backup power for our homes. Probably the best chance that the grid has to make all of this electrification work.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rob Berger's experience with Vanguard Targert Funds, how often does that occur?
Replies: 5
Views: 928

Re: Rob Berger's experience with Vanguard Targert Funds, how often does that occur?

The admiral or investor funds have relatively low minimums for MF and it will not be an issue for EFTs.
by WhyNotUs
Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes, Nissan, Honda, Jaguar, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Toyota, Subaru, VW join Tesla
Replies: 178
Views: 30724

Re: Ford, GM, Rivian, ChargePoint, Volvo (and more?) switching to Tesla chargers

I have a Leaf so I do not currently have access to Teslas network of chargers. I personally do not have a dog in the fight between technology. There may be good reasons not to only want a single standard. The field is evolving and we are probably going to stub our toes a few times while figuring it out. Unless one plans to keep their car more than 10 years, then there is not a reason that I can see to avoid J1772 and possibly some convenience to being on a different platform in the near term. This will be a challenge for the growing number of communities looking to adopt EVSE requirements for residential and developments until all of this get sorted out. I have driven a Tesla and have friends with them but so far am underwhelmed by the valu...
by WhyNotUs
Mon Jun 26, 2023 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 7-day trip to the Rockies. Suggestions?
Replies: 33
Views: 3518

Re: 7-day trip to the Rockies. Suggestions?

hmw wrote: Mon Jun 26, 2023 5:23 pm I am planning a last minute 7-day trip to see the Rockies with my 12-year old son. Will be flying into Denver and rent a car in the last week of July.
Whether a chatbot, travel agent or Boglehead, the first question should be "what are your interests?" I think you will get better responses with that info.

One thing to note is that some of the popular spots that people will recommend, including RMNP and Mt Evans Rd on your chat itinerary are now by reservation.
by WhyNotUs
Mon Jun 26, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storing electric Bikes in a high rise - fire risk?
Replies: 38
Views: 3464

Re: Storing electric Bikes in a high rise - fire risk?

Doesn't seem like the OP is really asking a question. People have given good advice for handling batteries for anything, not just ebikes.
Battery tenders, don't buy them over ebay or in Walmart parking lot, keep unplugged when not charging. Outside of those circumstances, risks are negligible.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Jun 25, 2023 8:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonds vs CD
Replies: 9
Views: 2699

Re: Bonds vs CD

I am buying cds for the first time in a long time. My purpose is to have a portion of my assets in something that is a known for the next 12-16 months. There is a chance that I will miss upside if rates keep rising but my personal inflation rate is running below 5%. I also own total bond but a lower % of fixed income than normal. When my cds are done, then I will reassess.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Jun 23, 2023 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What should my financially illiterate wife do if I die?
Replies: 121
Views: 13288

Re: What should my financially illiterate wife do if I die?

Is there a template or some guide that I can follow? Just thinking about it seems like there is so much information that it might bring an untimely death in itself. What have you folks done for your spouse? I have a digital, medical/legal POA, and paper copy of will. In the same physical and digital folders, I have a Word Doc. with location of accounts, numbers, and passwords and the security question answers. It is one page. All our accounts are joint ownership so there is no need to do anything right away. Some people prefer binders, there are several on Amazon. If your investments are a few low cost index funds, there is no reason a spouse will really need to do anything in the first year or so and then only a little rebalancing. The wo...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:31 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: [Usage of forum's knowledge by AI]
Replies: 31
Views: 7002

Re: Monetizing the forum's shared knowledge corpus

Alex Frakt wrote: Thu Jun 22, 2023 8:51 pm I'm thinking about charging $1 to look the other way when someone posts a "+1".
+1 :wink:
by WhyNotUs
Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SPIA: What Do You Think?
Replies: 91
Views: 9670

Re: SPIA: What Do You Think?

One of the many reasons that we try to minimize hypotethicals is that the answer is usually "It depends". When I read questions that do not define goals and constraints, then I wonder whether any of the advice offered is actionable.

What are the person's personal goals?
How is the person's health related to likely needs for LTC and longevity?
What is their desire regarding legacy gifts?
What is the total value of their portfolio?
What are annual expenses?
by WhyNotUs
Mon Jun 19, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Replies: 32
Views: 2475

Re: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I am tall and miserable on planes for a number of reasons. We flew Denver to HCMC via Tokyo on United. The long flight was Chi to Tokyo. We booked early and Seat Guru found a seat in economy with no seat in front of it. I was still torture but more like opera than death metal. On the way back we had premium economy but the seat on the way there was better. Some premium economy seats will not allow tilt back or limit it. There is no way around it, it will be miserable, so buck up. :sharebeer I have rarely pulled the trigger on Business or 1st Class when I was the one paying. There are so many great things to do when there that I want to spend my money on. When I used to travel for work, I was premier or whatever on United and got lots of upg...
by WhyNotUs
Fri Jun 16, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategy for last internal combustion engine car
Replies: 75
Views: 6490

Re: Strategy for last internal combustion engine car

"I had tentatively thought of keeping my current car until the cost of repair became too high"

seems like a pretty good plan until you are in a situation for an ev. As long as your car is doing okay, then you are good to go. :beer
by WhyNotUs
Fri Jun 16, 2023 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to Handle Big ( Increasing ) RMD's
Replies: 44
Views: 4453

Re: How to Handle Big ( Increasing ) RMD's

Well it is called "tax deferred" for a reason....

Here is a good idea
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/reminder-t ... to-charity
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 15, 2023 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?
Replies: 42
Views: 2883

Re: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?

We have a Kobalt 40v (Lowes). It is going on 8 years with same battery. The pre-loaded spools go pretty fast but you can reuse them by loading it your self. It let's out 3/4" or so every time that you press the trigger. It has been reliable but not as strong as our previous gas one with a blade.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 15, 2023 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Bolt EV owner looking for an L2 home charger
Replies: 21
Views: 1777

Re: New Bolt EV owner looking for an L2 home charger

We have a Chargepoint Home Flex
https://www.chargepoint.com/drivers/home/resource

Our electric utility provided it and we paid for the installation as part of their beneficial electrification program. It is reliable and has a nice long cord and a solid holder, which was important for us since it is outside. We have a Leaf rather than a Bolt. Bolts are slow charge so your electrician is correct.

For me, the charger system is a place holder until we get to the point where I get everything needed to use my car as back up battery for our home.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200k+ Special Assessment
Replies: 64
Views: 8293

Re: $200k+ Special Assessment

Broadway2018 wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:56 am Honestly i want to move as I dislike how it was handled, don't trust the board, and frankly don't want to deal with it for the next 1-2 years.
I think you just answered your question, call a realtor. Do it before there are several other units for sale
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jun 14, 2023 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for 8 Foot Ceilings and Pendant Lighting Over Kitchen Island
Replies: 12
Views: 1813

Re: Suggestions for 8 Foot Ceilings and Pendant Lighting Over Kitchen Island

choral54 wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 10:17 pm Looking for suggestions for a kitchen remodel. Will pendant lights over a 81 X 37 inch island look OK from 8 foot ceilings. I am doing recessed lighting in the kitchen also. Two or three lights or none at all? Your insights and experiences are greatly appreciated!
The pendants will not be very far from the ceiling but it is done. A smaller pendant will probably look more appropriate in that context. If you have a local lighting store, you could ask them to borrow a modest sized pendant and have someone hold it for you to see whether it suits your design goals. If you provide the dimensions, they will opine on the number of fixtures. I suspect they will say 3 for that dimension.
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jun 14, 2023 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Land Purchase Sanity Check
Replies: 62
Views: 5165

Re: Land Purchase Sanity Check

Do you have a sense that land will not be available when you are ready to build? A common method of buying a lot and building is to pay cash for a lot and then construction financing to build, followed by a permanent loan that may include returning some of the original principal from land purchase depending to LTV upon construction. Homes are easier to sell than raw land in my experience so waiting until you are ready to design and build makes more sense to me. A great many things change in life after we have children. It is possible that it will affirm your desire to live in a rural setting but that is not the only likely outcome. Having said that, you are not insane to buy with your income and lifestyle. I would not do what you are propos...
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jun 14, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tips on answering the question - What Should I Do?
Replies: 165
Views: 252559

Re: Tips on answering the question - What Should I Do?

On 10/24/08 (a pretty dramatic time) Rick advised young people to buy index and not look at it for 10 years. I took a peak and it seems like $100k in VTSAX purchased that day would be worth $382k on 10/24/2018, not too shabby.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Jun 11, 2023 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income earner marrying someone with negative net worth
Replies: 87
Views: 11434

Re: High income earner marrying someone with negative net worth

Ouch, some tough love in the air.

Sounds like something that the two of you should discuss. It could be the first of a lifetime of good communication. If you cannot work through this, then know it does not necessarily get any easier over time.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Jun 11, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement Planning - have I made a royal mistake?
Replies: 100
Views: 18845

Re: Retirement Planning - have I made a royal mistake?

I don't know if I'll be able to opt into the pension option now; we'll see but it seems final. The solo 403b plan (my current plan) is: - now-age 35: I contribute 5%, they match 5% - 35-50: I contribute 7.5%. they match 7.5% - 50+: I contribute 10%, they contribute 10% Looks like a good plan for contributions, hard to know whether they have fees under control, I would be asking about management fees, MF fees, and any other fees. Some 403b suffer from fee ignorance. If you can get low cost indexes and low management fees, these matches will serve you well. You can put some additional funds in a Roth every year. If you are making $125k now, that would mean $12.5 in 403b and $6.5 in a Roth. Read up on how to calculate your "Modified Adju...
by WhyNotUs
Sun Jun 11, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pinot Noir on the lower end?
Replies: 96
Views: 10210

Re: Pinot Noir on the lower end?

Recommendations? Taste in wine is pretty individual. Having said that, the Bota box suggested is a good daily drinker at a low cost. A friend of mine has a rating system where a Monday wine is a $10 easy drinker and it goes through the week with a Saturday night wine being a little higher price and a little bolder. Bota offers good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wines. I often just want a 4-6 oz of wine with dinner and the box reduces waste. My personal approach was to develop a relationship with a local liquor store with a good wine program. They have monthly tastings and discounts for buying cases. Through getting to know the wine manager at tastings, he knows what works for us- medium body reds between $8 and $15. I hand him an empty case a...
by WhyNotUs
Sat Jun 10, 2023 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing vacant lot with neighbors
Replies: 22
Views: 3026

Re: Purchasing vacant lot with neighbors

Hi folks, Anyone have any experience with neighbors banding together to buy a vacant lot the borders 4 or 5 homes to prevent future development on that empty lot? I have not done that but have performed similar on behalf of clients. If all four parties are in clear agreement on the intent to extinguish the potential for development rather than prevent it now and retain value for potential sale in the future, then the concept of a series of lot line adjustments to absorb the land into existing lots has both near and long term merit. You could meet with with a planner for the local city or county that you live in to explain the situation and to have them explain the best process for that jurisdiction. You would hire a surveyor to create a pl...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 08, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Me Do the Math!
Replies: 22
Views: 2162

Re: Help Me Do the Math!

Ok, I make $90,000/year. I am single status for tax filing. Not married. I live in NJ. I don't know my tax rate (sorry! feels like I shall be scorned on this website! JK!/someone tell me?). This is all such new territory to me so any advice is appreciated! One thing to consider when people are discussing tax rate is that while the tax on the last dollar (marginal rate) is interesting and worth considering, it is really your effective tax rate that helps you understand how much tax you are paying. For example, there is no tax on your first $11,000, then 12% on the next $33,725, etc. As to next steps, it sounds like you have lost a loved one and inherited a windfall. There will be a certain amount of pressure to "do something" but ...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 08, 2023 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 13674

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

Arboecars wrote: Mon May 29, 2023 10:11 am The clogged artery approach seems the most successful. Park you car on the street and another across the street. You just clogged the artery and slowed down the speeder. Try it! It works.
I like the DIY aspect of this approach.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jun 08, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how to avoid paying massive taxes of sale of rental
Replies: 66
Views: 7650

Re: how to avoid paying massive taxes of sale of rental

Seems like a lot to do in order to avoid paying taxes but I know some people really hate paying them.

A friend of mine recently sold 14 units to retire, he was complaining about the tax on his big profits, the depreciation, and the fact that it blew his Obamacare subsidy, only in America......or Greece or Italy :happy
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jun 07, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House or wait forever
Replies: 15
Views: 1947

Re: House or wait forever

Austin TX pretty much 2x in price and we can get at best a 6% rate. What do you suggest? We were thinking using all of that as down payment so that the monthly mortgage is 1800. I would look at a mortgage in relationship to state and federal tax deductions before landing on a figure of up to $700k. How you file your taxes will determine the maximum mortgage for federal. Since you are in TX, I do not think they have income tax so that may not matter. Titling the property and mortgage will be something to discuss and determine with your partner. It will have impacts on things like exempt future profit allowed on future sale and what should happen if you decide to not be together. As for waiting, I live in a HCOL area and people who did not g...
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jun 07, 2023 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for building a house
Replies: 23
Views: 2675

Re: Tips for building a house

What do you love about your current home? Create a list What (other than 1 floor living) would you really need from a new home? Create a list Is there a neighborhood that you would like to spend more time in? Good walks, access to medical, good dining and entertainment access, friends? Create a list, that will be the start of an architectural program. Interview 2 or 3 realtors to see if there is one that seems to get your values and needs. If not, keep interviewing. Their mission will be to find you an existing house that meets your program in your price range. Looking at some houses will either result in a purchase on some additional testing of your program. If you find a home great, if not, then your realtor starts looking for a lot and y...
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 29, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Case of Wine to Cellar and Drink
Replies: 12
Views: 1664

Re: Case of Wine to Cellar and Drink

I am buying a case of wine mostly out of curiousity as to see how it ages and to make use of a hand-me-down wine fridge. Is there a general tactic for this? [Do you have a basement? might be easier if there is a cool area, otherwise might want to look up the wine fridge or use Kill-AWatt to see what it will cost to operate the wine cooler. With electricity cost, it may be cheaper to buy a bottle of Gran Reserva once in a while. I know some makers highlight ageability like Penfolds Bin. Presumably if I like the taste of the wine today, why would I let it move away from that for years? A very good question, so few buyer age wine that it usually has a bad risk to reward ratio. I am no expert but do have friends who age wine in a somewhat seri...
by WhyNotUs
Tue May 23, 2023 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Incipient dream of owning a yoga studio.. Where to begin to learn business basics?
Replies: 10
Views: 1027

Re: Incipient dream of owning a yoga studio.. Where to begin to learn business basics?

Hi, I have been practicing yoga on and off for 10 years. I have an incipient dream of owning a yoga studio someday. I enjoy the community a lot. I understand that fitness trends come and go, but I think there will always be a place for yoga due to its ability to help people of all ages. I'm not in any rush to get into anything too involved; I guess I'm wondering about advice about ideas like: A modest cost first step would be to do a yoga teacher training program. You did not mention what form of yoga made up your practice but the larger strains of yoga will have accessible training programs. Many to most of the people in a class will either never become instructors or will be part-time. There are personal benefits even if you end up not b...
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 22, 2023 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2631

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

Because of the geometry of the frame and my size proportion, I'm not able to pedal standing up while going uphill on this bike. That's about the only real motivation I'd have to get a new bike. For most recreational riders, standing on uphills is really not needed. Another motivation out of the door :happy Not being able to stand on the pedals might indicate the frame is too small for you? Possible but not for me, I rarely stand and pedal it because it is really not worthwhile mechanical advantage unless I am on a short, steep hill and even then the extra work required can be misspent with a poor transition. The front seated climbing position has most of the benefits of increased weight on the pedals and using a little bit different muscle...
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 22, 2023 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2631

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

Are the more expensive bikes about function or status? Or perhaps both? Higher end bikes and class 1 ebikes offer mechanical advantage, which means less energy to move mass. There are riders in triathlon who benefit from mechanical advantage as they need energy for running and swimming. Long distance riders benefit from mechanical advantage by increasing riding distances. There is also gear people who like quality gear regardless. A Porsche and a Chevy will both get you to the grocery store bu the experience is different for at least some people. I've got a few follow up questions: I don't really see the point in lighter bikes since I am using it for fitness, not competitively, and so I don't mind the extra grams. Or maybe I'm missing some...
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 22, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2631

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

FunnelCakeBob wrote: Mon May 22, 2023 12:56 pm Because of the geometry of the frame and my size proportion, I'm not able to pedal standing up while going uphill on this bike. That's about the only real motivation I'd have to get a new bike.
For most recreational riders, standing on uphills is really not needed. Another motivation out of the door :happy
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 22, 2023 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to sell our motorhome?
Replies: 29
Views: 3961

Re: How to sell our motorhome?

We bought from ad on RV Trader
by WhyNotUs
Sun May 21, 2023 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2631

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

Probably not, if your body feels good riding this bike then you are in a good spot.
That bike might benefit from some investment though, have you replaced the cassette, chain, had the bottom bracket checked?
Might be time for more than a yearly tune.
by WhyNotUs
Sun May 21, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cycling vacation packages?
Replies: 21
Views: 2090

Re: Cycling vacation packages?

What type of experience are you seeking? Paved? Gravel? Miles per day? Number of days? I have done bike packing, self supported by one of us driving each day and lodging to lodging, they are all different. I have not done a Vermont Bike Tour Company or Backroads trip, but I know others on here have so they will likely chime in. For me, that is a little too predictable but for others, it is a necessity to enjoy the trip. The closest we have done is renting a farmhouse in Portugal that was owned by someone who had a bike touring business there. They provided us with great hybrid bikes and gps with 7 rides between 25 and 75 miles programmed in. We rode and then got to sleep in the same bed without loading everything up, it was fun. The farm ca...
by WhyNotUs
Sun May 21, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 13674

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

I find it mildly amusing how people with no training, education, or experience in the operation of roads and highways seem to think that their judgment is better than professionals who have been working in the field for their whole careers. I wouldn’t tell my dentist how to repair a cavity nor would I tell a carpenter how to construct a bookcase. I spent over 40 years as a Professional Engineer working for a State Highway Agency and later for a contractor. Although I have some knowledge of setting speed limits, it was not my area of expertise and I would no sooner second guess the decision to set a speed limit on a certain road just because I lived on it and I felt that some drivers were driving too quickly. I have a certain amount of empa...
by WhyNotUs
Sun May 21, 2023 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So we made the mistake of trying to build a home...
Replies: 170
Views: 29535

Re: So we made the mistake of trying to build a home...

We finish the architect process in May 2022 and we put things out to bid with 8 different builders. Bids come back ranging from 1.7m to 2.5m to construct a 2700 sqft 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with unfinished 900sqft basement house. That's after we put in 100k of architect and engineering fees. If you continue moving forward, consider selecting a GC at Schematic Design that is willing to work with you toward a guaranteed maximum price contract. You, the builder, and architect then work together to get through design development with a plan in your budget. Am I correct in assuming that the 900 sf basement is not included in the 2700 sf? If so, the numbers are still high but believable. We struggle for some time trying to get more bids and to imple...
by WhyNotUs
Fri May 19, 2023 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 13674

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

Johnny Thinwallet wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 2:34 pm
Other?
One piece of the puzzle that I did not see (I did not read every comment) is accident data. How does the accident rate compare to similar settings? With limited resources, most local governments focus on areas with known threats to life and property.

When you said the road engineer created a perfect place to speed, if there are not incidents, there may not be an incentive for an expensive response.
by WhyNotUs
Fri May 19, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 13674

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

Traffic calming is the subject of much debate. For many years, individual jurisdictions would impose a tactic and then someone would present it at a conference and 50 local engineers would be inclined to try that. After many ideas and millions of dollars nationwide, the feds finally brought together engineers to do some testing with adequate protocols. The result was the US Traffic Calming Manual. It continues to be updated as more data is turned into information. For a lay version of current findings, check out https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer Or find a copy of the manual. Based on your description so far, it looks like a chicane or lateral shift might be employed with a pretty low cost. There are lo...
by WhyNotUs
Fri May 19, 2023 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should we buy this vacation/investment condo?
Replies: 31
Views: 2640

Re: Should we buy this vacation/investment condo?

What number of days and average daily rate are required to get your $120k income?
What did you rely on for those assumptions?
Same for management expense?

truenyer wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 11:33 pm
Proposed vacation/investment home price: $900k
approx mortgage payment: $4500/month
potential rental income: $120k/year
management and other fees: $60k
by WhyNotUs
Fri May 19, 2023 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: survey - of land-?
Replies: 47
Views: 3296

Re: survey - of land-?

A survey is the starting point. The original plat will not solve your dilemma since that was from when your lot was created and the neighbros wall would not have been there. You need not do a topo survey of your entire site, you could hire a surveyor to do an Improvement Location Certificate here in Colorado. Even if it goes by another name in CA, your surveyor will know what it is. It displays property boundary and improvements. Most people and/or lenders will want one before closing. In your example below, the neighbor discovered that driveway encroachment when they did a survey. One easement giving easements is often the wise course is that zoning has minimum lot sizes, maximum lot coverages, minimum pervious surface, etc. and when you g...
by WhyNotUs
Thu May 18, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 924

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

Might want to check your formula for cap rate, I think you have included P & I
I get about 10% cap rate, almost 20% cash on cash. Looks good at 10 years as well.
Jimbo Moneybags wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 1:32 pm With those numbers, the cap rate is barely over 5%. For that type of residential rental property and the risks associated with it, I'd want to see a cap rate of 7% or higher for the investment to make financial sense.
by WhyNotUs
Thu May 18, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 924

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

Assuming that there are no deferred maintenance items, it works. I would put a portion aside each month for asset maintenance.
by WhyNotUs
Wed May 17, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help With Basement Noise Reduction Products
Replies: 18
Views: 1118

Re: Need Help With Basement Noise Reduction Products

I used this for a school construction project with sound isolation needs

https://www.homasote.com/products/440-soundbarrier
by WhyNotUs
Wed May 17, 2023 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Descaling sewer lines
Replies: 19
Views: 1956

Re: Descaling sewer lines

Parkinglotracer wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 4:41 am If I’d estimate the risk of fracture is the same in both procedures I’d try it myself but understand why one might not to mess with it.
That would not be my estimation. Most jobs have techniques to using tools properly and I would estimate that someone who did it every day would have less risk of damage than someone, like me, would has never descaled a pipe. I would laos suspect that their tools might be different than one rented by Home Depot.
by WhyNotUs
Wed May 17, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Descaling sewer lines
Replies: 19
Views: 1956

Re: Descaling sewer lines

The coating is basically creating a pipe within the pipe. Our is coming up on 50 years and was ready for it.
We chose the epoxy, which requires not using water drains for two days. When we found two days to do it, Roto was short on employees and bailed on the job. We will try again this summer but it is a challenge to match their schedule and ours. We will figure it out though during one of our camping trips.
unclescrooge wrote: Tue May 16, 2023 9:47 pm
WhyNotUs wrote: Tue May 16, 2023 9:22 pm My bid last year in HCOLA
40' descaling $2600
40' descaling and epoxy coating $5100
What is the epoxy coating? Does it cover with a warranty?

What did you choose?
by WhyNotUs
Tue May 16, 2023 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Descaling sewer lines
Replies: 19
Views: 1956

Re: Descaling sewer lines

My bid last year in HCOLA
40' descaling $2600
40' descaling and epoxy coating $5100
by WhyNotUs
Tue May 16, 2023 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: survey - of land-?
Replies: 47
Views: 3296

Re: survey - of land-?

Now I am thinking I may want to sell my home and move to something smaller. Should I have a survey done? It is likely that the buyer will require a survey. You can do it now and see if there is a problem or not and use that survey in your transaction or wait until under contract and see whether the buyer asks for one. Given the potential, I would personally hire the surveyor now and know what the situation is. If yes and survey shows his wall is partially on my land - what then? Range of choices, you would need to discuss with your neighbor. Options that come to mind are lot line adjustment (in essence sell or give them them the property, need to check your zoning before reducing your lot size), easement that gives them the right to the us...
by WhyNotUs
Mon May 15, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening 2023
Replies: 70
Views: 7929

Re: Gardening 2023

Zone 5B. We will probably have at least one more freeze and/or snow. Hardening starters for Memorial Day planting.
Picking first spinach and have lettuce, kale, and second batch of spinach just coming up.
It has been such a long winter, I am a little concerned about planting more.