Search found 2595 matches
- Thu Dec 21, 2023 8:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Why is this NOT a BogleHead Retiree Income strategy ?
- Replies: 97
- Views: 17551
Re: Why is this NOT a BogleHead Retiree Income strategy ?
Many, many people have done that or similar fixed income strategies. It meets some of the BH criteria- it is simple, low cost, easy to stay the course, but it does not include diversity. Others have pointed out the considerations and possible concerns but you might consider a portion in TSM, even if only 20%. 1) Goal: A person 65 YO (on Medicare and $3000/mth Social Security) has $2,000,000 liquid cash and wants to live comfortably (defined as $125,000/yr after tax) without touching Principal. 2) Investment: Invest $250K in 8 different Bank CD's currently paying 5.25% (FIDC insured) ... then in 5 years, re-evaluate the financial landscape. Wash/Rinse/Repeat...or adjust as needed. What am I missing in this simple "Retirement Income"...
- Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wine discount for large quantity
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3670
Re: Wine discount for large quantity
You have probably started a relationship with your favorite local wine store, if not, great reason to start one. Stores are offered specials for buying larger quantities, there are likely to be opportunities to help them qualify for larger orders with your desired cases.
- Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Low income buyer for EV in California - confusing process for 2024
- Replies: 4
- Views: 756
Re: Low income buyer for EV in California - confusing process for 2024
My understanding is that in 2024, the $7500 federal credit will come off of the purchase transaction (point of sale) rather than through tax filing for those married filing jointly up to $300k ($150k single). This will make a big difference for some buyers. The efforts are to try to bring more evs into reach for middle income buyers or less. For a vehicle like the Bolt, it is a great deal for some households. In states with state tax credits it can bring the net cost below $20k. Hi If you are low income <$44K in income in california and purchase an EV what sort of rebates can you get in 2024. You qualify for federal of $7500 of course. But I think you get California rebate as well. I tried searching https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/0...
- Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
- Replies: 185
- Views: 32781
Re: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
Interesting website, I downloaded the pinot noir and malbec lists and they aligned pretty well with my experience on the ones that I am familiar with. Thanks for the link, I will try a few more of their recommendations.
nonnie wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:15 am Since so many folks on this thread are posting essentially 'I can't tell the difference between an expensive and inexpensive wine" here you go:
https://www.reversewinesnob.com/search/ ... -of-lists/
- Sat Dec 16, 2023 4:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
- Replies: 60
- Views: 9933
Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
We have Electrolux stackable with unvented dryer. The first year included a main board failure and learning the different styles of washing and drying. Now that we are used to it, it is okay but our old Kenmore's were much simpler work horses. They lasted almost 20 years, I doubt these will due to complexity and expense of repairs of current products. I almost never buy extended warranties but I did on these. It is nice not thinking about cleaning vent to outdoors or potential for fire.
- Sat Dec 16, 2023 4:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
- Replies: 185
- Views: 32781
Re: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
A bit of it may be the types of wines that one enjoys. I drink medium body reds and that is a great example of a slice of the market where there are lots of very good wines in the $10-15 range. With boxes, the prices is even less.
I have drank high priced wines but it is really wasted on me, given my preferences.
FWIW, our group requires each couple to bring a bottle of the type for that night (red, wine, champagne/bubbly, desert,etc) in a brown paper bag. A little bit is served in rounds. After sipping, you try to guess varietal, location, year. It is fun and humbling but a good way to discover what you enjoy. Occasionally someone will slip in a high priced wine and it is especially funny to hear the comments
I have drank high priced wines but it is really wasted on me, given my preferences.
FWIW, our group requires each couple to bring a bottle of the type for that night (red, wine, champagne/bubbly, desert,etc) in a brown paper bag. A little bit is served in rounds. After sipping, you try to guess varietal, location, year. It is fun and humbling but a good way to discover what you enjoy. Occasionally someone will slip in a high priced wine and it is especially funny to hear the comments
- Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Used Nissan Leaf S purchase 3rd car for kids
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2365
Re: Used Nissan Leaf S purchase 3rd car for kids
I am on my second Leaf, 2013 S and 2020 SV. Sold the 2013 to someone for a high school student transport. It still had 12 bars after 80k+ miles. They thank me when I see them. If you are up for getting a little geeky buy the app Leaf Spy Pro and an OBD-II that goes with it and ask if you can check the battery with it. It will tell you the health of the battery, number of charges/quick charges, etc. Hello, Long time lurker. I am considering purchasing a used 2022 Nissan Leaf S through a private party. It has low mileage (<11k), still within warranties. It seems like a good deal about 14k, at least 3k below kbb and 4-5k than any dealership. This would be a car for my kids mainly to commute to local college daily and maybe less than 50 miles a...
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 6:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fractional Real Estate Ownership - Thoughts?
- Replies: 95
- Views: 12288
Re: Fractional Real Estate Ownership - Thoughts?
There is a market for fractional products but it is the ultra wealthy. If one already has a couple of residences and does not want deal with another property it can make sense. The ones that I like (but do not qualify to buy) include storage of your personal items and a concierge who makes sure that when you arrive your photos are on the wall and your favorite wine is in the unit, etc. They are adding value for people who can afford to pay for the level of service and would have paid for it anyway if they owned a unit but did not have 7 others to share the costs with. They can be at a uniquely well located area (base of a ski run, golf course, etc.) that has a land cost that would make an individual unit very expensive. The combination of l...
- Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Converting small bedroom into master bath?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2693
Re: Converting small bedroom into master bath?
I forgot to add, the bedroom to bath conversion is next to an existing bathroom. We also have a crawlspace (no basement steps to worry about). I would think running the sewer and plumbing lines would be fairly simple being so close to existing lines. Venting a fan out the sidewall would also be easy. Laundry room is also on the first floor. It would be easier to use the existing bathroom vent, if possible Our current interior doors are not ADA compliant, which is an opening of 32", so that would need to be factored in. If you know anything about framing, figure out the layout adjacent to your door frames, it may or may not be a big deal to adjust your door frames. In general, if there is a non-load bearing wall will a few feet clear n...
- Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Massive tax bill, is it worth it to keep working?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 6020
Re: Massive tax bill, is it worth it to keep working?
Another voice to the choir about ESOP. There are experts for fee that will inform your key staff about the option and test if it is viable for your situation. You will likely end up holding a note and may not get the price your CPA thinks it might be worth but if it looks like a good fit you would have reason to believe the company will carry forward and that your employees can become owners. That is a happy ending when it works, thus the need for some expertise in the transition.
- Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Things to do in San José , Costa Rica
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1171
Re: Things to do in San José , Costa Rica
It is a big city so here are some generic picks, if there is a Saprissa soccer game while you are there, check it out. I was lucky enough to be there for national championship game and it is a great memory. The Mercado Central is a great slice of Tico lifestyle. We did a walking/food tour but I do not recall the provider.
Small Law Survivor wrote: ↑Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:00 am We are going on a one week trip to Costa Rica with Road Scholar. However, we're planning to spend a couple of days in San José before the Road Scholar program begins. I'd appreciate any thoughts about what we might enjoy doing during those two days. Either in San José or one-day excursions out of San José.
Thanks in advance.
Small Law Survivor
- Sun Dec 03, 2023 10:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: We want a new hot tub / spa — in ground?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2651
Re: We want a new hot tub / spa — in ground?
Any experience with stand alone hot tubs? We have plenty of electricity (solar) and cost is not much of a concern. We have a sauna and a soaking tub; would we use an outdoor hot tub in a Boston winter? Close it after the season? In-ground was not an option due to cost for our application. The service seemed unnecessarily complicated as well but I di not spend much time on it once I looked at cost. I live in the Rocky Mountains so digging down can also be an adventure. We use our above ground tub 3-4 nights a week in the winter. My enviro sin is a propane heater that we put beside the tub to make entry and exit more comfortable. Winter is my favorite time to use it but we use it all year, love the winter sky. Our tub is on our patio about 6...
- Sun Dec 03, 2023 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gym is not honoring the contract.
- Replies: 37
- Views: 5083
Re: Gym is not honoring the contract.
Listen to the first part of you. You are getting a good value and things change. You sent an email to the district mgr, if they agree them you are set, if not I would compliment them on their local facility and say that you disagree but enjoy their service.
This is a circle too small to be spoiling your gym experience.
- Thu Nov 30, 2023 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vent over an oven range
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6143
Re: Vent over an oven range
Probably more like 90% of the time. When this range dies, we will go induction and the percentage might drop to 75% as my superpower is smell.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:11 pm Do you guys turn on the range fan every time you cook with gas?
Seems like it would be infuriating for anyone else within earshot. They're consistently the loudest fans possible and I've only ever used it when something was smoking and needed to be vented.
- Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vent over an oven range
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6143
Re: Vent over an oven range
There are microwaves with advanced filtering built in to go above a range in similar situations. If your range is SS you should be able to match at reasonable cost. You will need to replace filters on schedule. If it is gas, I would replace with electric next time.
- Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Outside steel door cost
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2322
Re: Outside steel door cost
First you need to measure the opening for your door. 36 x 80 is common but not always the case. Then you need to decide whether it will have glass and how much 1/4 lite, 1/2 lite are common. You have already decided on steel so that helps. You can try homeadvisor.com (formerly Angi's list) for ballpark. If you go online to a home improvement store in your area, pick a steel door and click for installation. If they offer install in your area, someone will come out and check your opening and prepare a proposal. You might have to put something down to start the process that will go toward your purchase. There are doors at every price point so no one can tell you exactly until you pick a door, it will depend on your rough opening, whether it is...
- Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:08 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Firecalc.com - What is acceptable percentage?
- Replies: 77
- Views: 9857
Re: Firecalc.com - What is acceptable percentage?
Switch to dynamic withdraw scheme for your fun money and ride with the waves.
- Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)
- Replies: 42
- Views: 5264
Re: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)
Do you get bored with the Peloton? We have a regular stationary bike with no screen that I never use. I find it painfully boring and have no motivation to just get on and pedal. I'm worried I'll feel the same way about Peloton after about a month. I've also thought about getting a rowing machine, but that takes up a ton of room and I'd get pretty bored with that as well. If you do not like your current stationary bike, you will probably be bored with a Peloton. I have a Schwinn IC4 and Jrny but also have access to Peloton app. Once I get into my cadence and zone, my mind can go anywhere the images on the screen, work, or pondering life. Sometimes I look at the video of biking in other countries and sometimes not. Sometimes I will fiddle wi...
- Mon Nov 27, 2023 10:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bought a House. Good Decision?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1683
Re: Bought a House. Good Decision?
The total value of home goes in the plus column and mortgage in the minus column.
Enjoy your home
Enjoy your home
- Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying a House with Foundation Issues
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3252
- Mon Nov 13, 2023 10:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
- Replies: 271
- Views: 29328
Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Having recently gone through the process, some tips for anyone heading into Medicare. The out of pocket issue make it wise to buy a supplement plan. It would be a big risk if you have assets to not have any plan. • I think that you can do a pretty good job advocating for yourself by looking at two options (sort of three) 1. Medicare Advantage (C) with PPO. Prescription plan is typically a part of MA plans so you will need to have your prescriptions at hand to type in to see the cost with the MA plan 2. Medicare Supplement G. The subcategory would be to consider a G plan with high deductible. A separate Plan D for prescriptions is required and there are likely to be several offered in your area so you will need to plug your rx info and see h...
- Mon Nov 13, 2023 8:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cost of health care in retirement
- Replies: 71
- Views: 17260
Re: Cost of health care in retirement
For those of us who have been self-employed for the work life and had a spouse and children, those numbers represent a significant decline in spending. For those with a gold-level coverage plan included in their compensation, they may be shocking.
- Sun Nov 12, 2023 10:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
- Replies: 271
- Views: 29328
Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Pros: the added perks that some people will find value in
often no monthly cost for premium to insuree other than Medicare B, good for people on very tight retirement budget
Plans are slowly getting better (ex. PPO MA plans with some national coverage)
Cons: Insurance company has financial incentive to deny care to you and to reduce payments to Drs and hospitals
Preauthorization required for many services
Copay & MOOP can be changed yearly
Gotcha: We are paying MA plan $1000 per month per person
If you move or get sick, or your Dr leaves the network but not medicare, or the MOOP becomes too high, or you get denied service, and want to switch to medigap, you are subject to underwriting (ie they can easily say no)
often no monthly cost for premium to insuree other than Medicare B, good for people on very tight retirement budget
Plans are slowly getting better (ex. PPO MA plans with some national coverage)
Cons: Insurance company has financial incentive to deny care to you and to reduce payments to Drs and hospitals
Preauthorization required for many services
Copay & MOOP can be changed yearly
Gotcha: We are paying MA plan $1000 per month per person
If you move or get sick, or your Dr leaves the network but not medicare, or the MOOP becomes too high, or you get denied service, and want to switch to medigap, you are subject to underwriting (ie they can easily say no)
- Wed Nov 08, 2023 6:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Solar-powered backyard office needs more power
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3960
Re: Solar-powered backyard office needs more power
The extension cord is the cheapest and most practical solution. For something more expensive and fun, if you can assess the addition power needed, then a portable power system could be a fun supplement. The sun could charge it over the week and top it off when your lithium is full. Then you would have a little power station for camping, parties, tailgating, etc.
- Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retiree Portfolio Model
- Replies: 1807
- Views: 544163
Re: Retiree Portfolio Model
Have been digging into this a bit after a failed effort last winter (not enough time to clear my desk and play with it). The presets fouled things up for me last time, was surprised by the numbers that were inserted that prevented me from just ignoring sections that would not apply, like inherited IRAs and major one time expenses. That is a doozy of a spreadsheet, thanks Bigfoot . Am about four hours in over a couple of days and seeing fewer problems. Hoping to get to the finish line this time as I will need a withdraw strategy before too long. As a lifelong saver, it is work for me to get my brain around spending those savings but that is psychology rather than excel. I had started to try to create my own excel sheet to answer my questions...
- Sun Nov 05, 2023 9:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: "Winter" Questions - How you do keep your house / car warm?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 7041
Re: "Winter" Questions - How you do keep your house / car warm?
Two story home at 7,200' in Colorado. We have a heat pump system with backup electric baseboard set at 55 degree. Heat pump temp is 68 (ish).
Car (EV) sits outside but has a delightful feature that allows one to schedule it to preheat for your departure time or to turn on heater from your phone. Also have seat and steering wheel warmers. If cabin is pre-heated, one can drive to work with little cabin heating.
Car (EV) sits outside but has a delightful feature that allows one to schedule it to preheat for your departure time or to turn on heater from your phone. Also have seat and steering wheel warmers. If cabin is pre-heated, one can drive to work with little cabin heating.
- Fri Nov 03, 2023 10:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Finding and buying land
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1344
Re: Finding and buying land
Has anyone successfully done this and if so how? I feel the way I am approaching it doesnt work and grateful for best practices or just ideas anyone wants to share. The value adds in this equation are infrastructure and zoning. Buying land that has both is fine for someone looking to buy a lot to build a home but to be an investor in raw land one needs to either research where infrastructure and zoning are likely to change or be prepared to pay to make that happen. Increasing the entitlements on a property is a business that usually requires professional skill. There are also people who buy raw land for its forest or crop value but that does not sound like what you are seeking. Just buying a lot and sitting on it with the expectation that ...
- Thu Nov 02, 2023 10:02 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
- Replies: 1512
- Views: 167417
Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Finally had a reason to contact customer service. Emailed question on Monday, no response by Thursday. Called Flagship number, got someone who provided info that I would expect from a cocktail conversation. Am primarily a DIY person, but mine is an issue that only they can fix. It is not something of financial significance but rather related to accounts that only they can fix. Not that big of a deal in the big picture but also a waste of time contacting them.
- Thu Nov 02, 2023 9:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Social Security PIA, Open SS Calculator
- Replies: 5
- Views: 637
Re: Social Security PIA, Open SS Calculator
If you are looking at the big decision, then I dig a little into understanding inputs from SSA and OSS a little more.
If you create a SSA account you can review your earnings record and estimated monthly payment at 62, 67, and 70.
The assumptions for using ISS are available at:
https://opensocialsecurity.com/about
You can use alternative mortality tables to adjust for being a healthy or very healthy non-smoker.
If you create a SSA account you can review your earnings record and estimated monthly payment at 62, 67, and 70.
The assumptions for using ISS are available at:
https://opensocialsecurity.com/about
You can use alternative mortality tables to adjust for being a healthy or very healthy non-smoker.
- Wed Nov 01, 2023 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3116
Re: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?
It used to pay to stay with a company but that has not been true for a while. Unfortunately, we need to shop around every couple of years now. I good independent broker who services many lines may be helpful in your search.
Since State plays a big role in rates, rates from other areas are not likely to be helpful. FL is after all FL
Since State plays a big role in rates, rates from other areas are not likely to be helpful. FL is after all FL
- Wed Nov 01, 2023 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 7638
- Views: 1713131
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Social Security Made Simple and Can I Retire?- Mike Piper
I like they he gets right to the point instead of trying to fill pages
I like they he gets right to the point instead of trying to fill pages
- Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Design Build?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 970
Re: Design Build?
Normal, yes. There are other models but it costs a lot more than $10k to get to construction drawings.
- Sat Oct 28, 2023 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Evaluating Medicare / Medigap options for 2024
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4359
Re: Evaluating Medicare / Medigap options for 2024
I am at a loss on how to evaluate the various Medicare plans for 2024. I'm not sure that I even understand the difference between a group insurance plan and a individual plan, or between a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan. I retired 10 years ago and took advantage of my former employer's health care insurance for retirees. I have a group insurance plan -- Anthem Medicare PPO with Senior Rx coverage. Anthem is my primary provider; Medicare is secondary. I pay a monthly premium out of my pension -- my former employer pays a portion of the premium. So far, you do not seem to have expressed a need or desire to change from your current plan. Sometimes life is okay with the simplest option. Having said that, the plan that m...
- Thu Oct 26, 2023 8:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Building a House -- Review my modular house floor plan
- Replies: 53
- Views: 6343
Re: Building a House -- Review my modular house floor plan
Absolutely fair points. A house nearby on a 44 x 150 sq ft lot and 3 story construction with garage facing the street and two levels stacked on top of the garage went for over $1.5 mill. FWIW, I think building a separate mod garage and having your first floor at ground level would be an aesthetic upgrade and easier to get those kiddos out if there is an emergency. The garage doors, stairs and deck distract the eye from the 30' box, I expect that the two sides not shown will be tough. The 25' tall trees shown are a good idea but pricey unless you work in that field. If so, I would move them a farther from the home and buy the biggest deciduous ones that I could afford on the west and south sides. As a practical matter, people build this sty...
- Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Rx sunglasses?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5640
Re: Rx sunglasses?
The seller that I use, $39glasses.com and most others have a download rules that you print and use to determine PD.NYCaviator wrote: ↑Fri Oct 20, 2023 9:01 pm For the online buyers, how do you get the glasses properly measured? I like to try on my glasses in store to see if they look good, and part of the “fitting” is the technician measuring your pupil distance (or something like that).
- Sat Oct 21, 2023 3:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Deceptive Medicare.gov information [Biased towards Medicare Advantage]
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4180
Re: Deceptive Medicare.gov information
It looks like the MA insurance companies are trying to dominate the market so that they can prevent congress from acting on their abusive practices. Once you get enough people on board with higher copays/deductible but lower monthly, the pool in supplements will trend toward less healthy people and MA can lap up the gravy. MA insurers have already been able to get the gov't to forgive them for their overcharges before 2018 and the overcharges since then are on a slow roll and then they will appeal their penalties. Meanwhile they need to gobble up market share in the hope of being able to control the market. That said, OP may be on to something wrt to the marketing materials. MA plans have gone from 1/3 new enrollments to 2/3rds, so somethin...
- Wed Oct 18, 2023 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Getting rid of my father’s boat
- Replies: 29
- Views: 4445
Re: Getting rid of my father’s boat
My dad has a boat he doesn’t use and hadn’t touched in years in a marina that is about an hour and a half from my house and an hour from his house. This statement makes selling the sailboat a heavy lift. Boats that sit will have issues that are revealed when you bring them back into service. The brightwork, sails, throughports, sheets, electronics, navigation lights, etc. will all need to be examined and possibly repaired or replaced in order to make it sell for a reasonable price. If it would be fun for you to spend a few months learning and doing that, then you might have a $10k boat. The fact that it is still floating after years of sitting is a positive. If you do not want to try to fix it up, I would check with the Dock master at the ...
- Wed Oct 18, 2023 1:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Unique RV Park and Single Family home mix opportunity.. thoughts?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4596
Re: Unique RV Park and Single Family home mix opportunity.. thoughts?
That would be an off-ramp for me, YMMV.
If you start looking for bank financing, get clear right away about whether they want to tie up your other assets as collateral. My banker would not lend on a business with poor evidence of profitability, i.e. tax forms showing profit and a P & L that matched the tax info.
- Fri Oct 13, 2023 3:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Unique RV Park and Single Family home mix opportunity.. thoughts?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4596
Re: Unique RV Park and Single Family home mix opportunity.. thoughts?
"Any pointers on valuing a property of this type? " Valuing a property without good accounting is a big challenge. Since Net Operating would be a key number in the process, I would be conservative on anything that did not have accurate information. If the NOI is really $50k and you can get it for $500k, I would continue looking into the deal. I would start with the assumption that the systems in the park have not been properly maintained and that I am going to need to be prepared to sink some cash into them before too long. I would require the seller to provide me with a report on the proper functioning of septic for instance. I would spend time studying the zoning and permitting info to confirm what is really allowed in detail an...
- Thu Oct 05, 2023 10:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY attic insulation removal
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3139
Re: DIY attic insulation removal
you will want a respirator, full body suit, head lamp and portable light. You can rent the equipment to suck it up. If you are going to blow in the new insulation yourself, then the coverage is the same with a different rental equipment. Blowing it in is a more pleasant job than sucking it out IMO.
P.S. both area a two person job to work efficiently and safely.
P.S. both area a two person job to work efficiently and safely.
- Thu Oct 05, 2023 10:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cell phone plans
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2283
Re: Cell phone plans
Verizon also has prepaid plan in that price range (additional discount for auto pay and length of service. I have used it for years and have experienced times when we did not have the same quality of service as post paid users. So my wife and I had a shared Verizon plan for many years, total with fees was about $120/mo for up to 8GB of shared data. Recently switched to Visible and for $50/mo. we both get unlimited data. Only caveat is that speeds can be slowed down during times of high congestion (have not had an issue so far but I suppose it could be a problem... don't really stream video over mobile and probably 90% of my data usage is on wifi networks anyway. Odd thing is, Visible is owned by Verizon. Same network. Why would anyone not s...
- Mon Sep 04, 2023 3:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Interest from CD's
- Replies: 41
- Views: 6527
Re: Interest from CD's
A 6% APY could be the answer for what I was looking for, but Im wondering is this a legitimate thing or some kind of scam? Not a scam but not a great website IMO. First, a little more info on cds might help you be a better buyer, see: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Comparing_CDs One thing that I did not see in that wiki discussion was callable cds. The short version is that for set it and forget it, you want a non-callable cd. A callable cds would allow the bank to buy back your cd at any time, which provides them with insurance against falling interest rates. The highest paying cds are sometimes callable. Also, keeping less than $250k with any one bank is usually advised as that is the FDIC limit. I am seeing more like 5.4% for 13-18 mon...
- Mon Sep 04, 2023 2:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a first car (Nissan Leaf?) at 35
- Replies: 60
- Views: 6005
Re: Buying a first car (Nissan Leaf?) at 35
Chevy said a few weeks ago that they will keep the Bolt name and use it on a new product. After the battery fire issue was addressed, apparently the name grew to be a positive (by Chevy standards).just frank wrote: ↑Sun Sep 03, 2023 3:16 pm
I also hadn't realized that production on the Bolt was ending with the 2023 model year, and this new Bolt orders are ending around now.
Buy
Our
Latest
Turd
Sorry Frank, I could not resist. They are good cars for the price.
- Sun Sep 03, 2023 10:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Things to do while cycling indoors
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3581
Re: Things to do while cycling indoors
I use Jrny for cycling tours on my stationary bike. I usually have the sound off to listen to my music but they also offer some music or coaching.
- Sat Sep 02, 2023 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: All electric HVAC on solar panel home?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3869
Re: All electric HVAC on solar panel home?
That would be easy for me as I have already gone all electric. We have Solar hot water, solar on roof, and solar on pole mount, EV, and heat pump as primary heat/cooling source. It is the least that I could do for next generation of people, flora and fauna.hoops777 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:39 pm Ok.
Thanks for all the great replies.
So let me ask it a different way.
If you were me and had to buy a new system, would you buy a traditional HVAC with gas or go the heat pump route?
Appreciate all the help and I realize I am not providing all the data but the solar panels have worked great and covered our electricity to this point.
- Sat Sep 02, 2023 8:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a first car (Nissan Leaf?) at 35
- Replies: 60
- Views: 6005
Re: Buying a first car (Nissan Leaf?) at 35
What would you choose out of these options? Personally I'm leaning towards #2 or #3 because I hate haggling and the guys at the indie dealership have glowing online reviews and seem honest (I test drove half a dozen different cars on their lot and they were very helpful). Or should I do something else? Maybe save a few grand by going for a ~150mi variant of the Leaf? Go for something older than 2021/2022? Get a different model entirely? Wait for prices to drop further? Enlighten me, o Bogleheads :) Used cars prices seem to be trending downward and new ev availability is increasing so this seems like a better time to be looking than a year or two ago. We have a 2020 Leaf and previously had a 2013 Leaf. Both have served us well and neither r...
- Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: All electric HVAC on solar panel home?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3869
Re: All electric HVAC on solar panel home?
It is a good question. Let's assume that your duct work is in good shape.
If the only consideration is economic, then getting a calculation would require pricing the modern, high efficiency gas furnace and A/C vs. central Heat Pump with rebates and tax credits for capital. Getting an operating cost for either could be addressed by providing your utility bills to contractors bidding on your project.
If externalities are included, then one needs to look at the transition toward more reliance on renewable electricity.
PG & E offers this advice
https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/s ... pumps.page
If the only consideration is economic, then getting a calculation would require pricing the modern, high efficiency gas furnace and A/C vs. central Heat Pump with rebates and tax credits for capital. Getting an operating cost for either could be addressed by providing your utility bills to contractors bidding on your project.
If externalities are included, then one needs to look at the transition toward more reliance on renewable electricity.
PG & E offers this advice
https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/s ... pumps.page
- Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: First Time Landlord - Miscellaneous Questions
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3025
Re: First Time Landlord - Miscellaneous Questions
1. Do you require the tenant to pay for all utilities: gas, electric, sewer, water and trash? It depends if there is a separate billing for each or if there are shared costs including in condo or HOA fees. Know that when the billing is changed with renters, they can discontinue it at any point and it is your job to put it back on your account. This is improtant for heat source in winter, for example. 2. Is there a free template for lease contracts that you found helpful? If so, can you point me to the website? If you are going to rely on a free one, it needs to be written for your state as tenant laws are local and state primarily. It is the written document that will determine what happens if/when things go bad. Is this the best place to ...
- Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Parents selling cabin
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2128
Re: Parents selling cabin
A real estate attorney can handle the paperwork and the title company can deal with the title report and insurance. Their attorney will review the title prepare the contract and review the title work and closing documents.
Their costs are the land and building the cabin, money from the sale beyond that is income and income is taxed. They can adjust closing date if they think they will have a better tax situation next year.
Their costs are the land and building the cabin, money from the sale beyond that is income and income is taxed. They can adjust closing date if they think they will have a better tax situation next year.
- Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Move or renovate ugly but functional house in great location?
- Replies: 73
- Views: 9614
Re: Move or renovate ugly but functional house in great location?
A great reminder to all about buying a flipper house. Many, if not most, focus only on cosmetics.
I would stay. I would also recognize within myself that I am need something to change in order to feel at home. You might consider starting a list of the things that bug you (ex. hot cold reversed) or your unaddressed questions (lead in water). After about a month of compiling a list, prioritize the 5 that you really need in order to feel better. You have the resources to pay someone to fix those things and/or to get answers to your concerns. Pay for those. Wait six months and start another list, repeat.
Your wife and family seem like they have found their home, now you need to make it yours.
I would stay. I would also recognize within myself that I am need something to change in order to feel at home. You might consider starting a list of the things that bug you (ex. hot cold reversed) or your unaddressed questions (lead in water). After about a month of compiling a list, prioritize the 5 that you really need in order to feel better. You have the resources to pay someone to fix those things and/or to get answers to your concerns. Pay for those. Wait six months and start another list, repeat.
Your wife and family seem like they have found their home, now you need to make it yours.