Search found 117 matches

by cal91
Wed Aug 11, 2021 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractor Broke Sprinkler Line - Who Pays?
Replies: 18
Views: 4149

Contractor Broke Sprinkler Line - Who Pays?

I have a contractor who poured concrete in our backyard. He broke sprinkler lines and drainage lines and is charging us for the repair. This is the first contractor I've hired so I don't have much experience with residential contractors, but I would have thought that anything the contractor breaks they are responsible for fixing. However, in the contract we signed "underground breaks" are in the list of exclusions, as well as the following: The owner, agent for owner, all employees of owner and/or agent of owner shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless owners, agents for owners and all employees of Amundson-Singh Landscaping Inc., from and against any and all liability for trade damage, sabotage, other damage (i.e. but not limite...
by cal91
Mon Feb 01, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]
Replies: 5086
Views: 396887

Re: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]

Here's a question...

Isn't the gamestop stock bound to return to roughly it's previous value, once all the craziness settles? If not, how are these high stock prices sustainable?

I'm sure I'm missing something because I hardly know much about shorting, but in my ignorance it seems like a good idea to short the stock right now. Borrow and sell them at $250. Then in two weeks when they're worth $15, buy them back and return them.

Someone please set me straight if I'm wrong. And I'm sure I am.
by cal91
Fri Jun 19, 2020 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Loan vs Cash
Replies: 38
Views: 3356

Re: Car Loan vs Cash

Thanks all for the comments. Will go over this with my wife and we'll be making a better informed decision. I also have 4 kids and a SAHM and I'm a huge Dave Ramsey fan. I wonder what he would say to you if you called? I think you already know the answer. 1. Buy a used $25k car. Get full coverage insurance. Penny wise pound foolish. You can't afford to lose a $25k vehicle. Or 2. Save another $10k cash and buy a new one. At your income level, that's another 5 months when you can buy a leftover 2020 model at the end of the year. Pay for full coverage insurance. I guess I should've made it more clear in my OP that I'm coming from the Dave Ramsey crowd but several years ago decided I don't agree with a good portion of what he says. He usually g...
by cal91
Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Loan vs Cash
Replies: 38
Views: 3356

Re: Car Loan vs Cash

I know we'd also have to pay more for insurance if we got the loan. Why? Not true for me - maybe this is State-dependent? if I do get a loan I shouldn't spend more than I'd be willing to pay cash. This is my basic tenet. A couple of times I was going to pay cash but couldn't pass up on the 0% loan deals (and at one point I got a further discount on the car to take the loan). Nothing wrong with a 0% car loan - put the money you were going to pay in an interest bearing account (or keep it otherwise invested) and set your car-payments on auto-pay with the money. Why pass up free money. We'd pay more insurance because our lender would require full coverage and a lower deductible, no? If we bought with cash we'd skip the comprehensive/collision...
by cal91
Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Loan vs Cash
Replies: 38
Views: 3356

Re: Car Loan vs Cash

New Providence wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:13 am
cal91 wrote: Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:07 am
We have 4 kids 6yrs and under
With all that action, you probably need a new mattress too. :D
Hahaha... Apparantly we think alike because I got the new mattress for my wife this last Christmas :sharebeer :sharebeer
by cal91
Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Loan vs Cash
Replies: 38
Views: 3356

Car Loan vs Cash

My wife and I have never had any debt beside our 3.25% 30 year Mortgage, and coming from the Ramsey crowd I never thought I'd even consider this question. We have 4 kids 6yrs and under, wife is a stay at home mom. While I'm sure our 2003 salvaged title Honda Odyssey could get another 50,000 miles out of it, I think we're at a point where we can afford a newer, 2017-2019 Odyssey or Pacifica. Our other car is a 2015 Mazda3. Our income is ~$115k / year, and we've got $45,000 saved up. We'd like to keep $20,000 for our emergency fund.This gives us $25,000 max if we're spending cash on a car. Reasons to pay Cash: No monthly payments, lower insurance, won't be tempted to buy more car, etc. Reasons for a Loan: We've got the money invested in our f...
by cal91
Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bed Pillows
Replies: 35
Views: 6987

Re: Bed Pillows

Esther wrote: Sat Oct 07, 2017 10:40 am I want to thank all the Bogleheads who responded to my request for advice on purchasing bed pillows. After extensive research on the Internet and a visit to our local mattress store, we opted for the Coops pillows. They should arrive on Monday. Hopefully we will enjoy sleeping on them.
Looking to buy a pillow and thinking of the Coop. Any follow up on how the pillow has been?
by cal91
Thu Sep 19, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Median employee compensation challenge
Replies: 13
Views: 2143

Re: Median employee compensation challenge

The salary difference is essentially the same from the perspective of the employee's standard of living, but if their clients are all over the nation then, from the client's perspective, that doesn't matter.

For example... if you're buying something online and it's $1000 in the Bay Area, but $500 in Florida, you don't say "Well, Bay area costs 2X to live in so it's essentially the same price." You buy the $500 one in Florida.
by cal91
Thu Aug 01, 2019 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why won’t anyone hire me?
Replies: 156
Views: 18368

Re: Why won’t anyone hire me?

Start your own window washing business?
by cal91
Wed Jul 10, 2019 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment

cal91, << What do other employees do when there's nothing to do? I feel like it's gotta be a pretty common issue but either it bugs me more than most and I'm making a bigger deal of it, or no one else wants to talk about it.>> A self-starter has a plan of what they want to learn and do all the time. "Nothing to do" is a phrase that they do not use. << First couple years were not so slow, I was learning more, and working towards my PE, then my SE (just passed, but still need another year of experience to be licensed in CA). Now that I passed the SE exam, and work is slow I'm just feeling so itchy for the next thing.>> The above shows that you are not good at unstructured self-study. To be self-employed, you essentially have to do ...
by cal91
Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment

KlangFool wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:50 pm cal91,

In order to be self-employed, the person has to be a self-starter. Doing whatever necessary without anyone pushing the person to do so. Reading through your post, there is nothing here that shows you are that kind of person. So, it will be a big mistake for you to be self-employed.

KlangFool
Ouch. You almost make me wanna start on my own just to prove you wrong :)

I think that constructive criticism is the best kind.

What specifically would you have found or not found in my post if it was instead written by a self-starter?
by cal91
Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment

All, I really appreciate all of the replies. They were very helpful. I hope my lack of response did not come across as ungrateful. I put a lot of thought and effort into my post and needed a break before posting again. I did talk with my COO, and we went on a trip to a preconstruction meeting yesterday and we ended up getting the job. We'll be doing more training type things such as this in the future. So my plan is to see the company out this next year, and learn a lot from the CEO and COO to try to help the companies success. At the same time, I'm going to pick up another client or two on the side... If things don't look like they're turning around then I'll put more effort into the side until I can go off on my own. If you go out on your...
by cal91
Mon Jul 08, 2019 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Inner Turmoil - Salaried Employee vs Self Employment

I'm starting to get a little itchy to leave my current job and set out on my own. Current Side Work I do smaller non-competitive engineering on the side (wood, cold-formed steel, concrete, etc.). Currently I only have one client, an architect. I average around one $2000, 20hr, job a month through him. I think I can charge a lot more, but have no way of knowing. I do the work before or after work, and my employers know and approve of it because it gives me the required experience for my CA SE. Current Employment I work for a structural steel sub-contractor, have an $88k salary, great health insurance, 4% 401k matching (I put in 10%), and an ESOP. (My share of the company was valued at $13,000 last year, but after a bad year the ESOP is worth...
by cal91
Fri May 31, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those who earn $500k+ per year. How'd you do that?
Replies: 369
Views: 59858

Re: For those who earn $500k+ per year. How'd you do that?

I'd like to hear too... even if only over $200k.

I'm a structural engineer making $90k + benefits. Sounds decent but factor in 4 kids + wife, single income, and living in California it's lean living. Always thought in high school and college I wouldn't have to live this lean having my PE stamp. Even considering starting off on my own.
by cal91
Wed May 29, 2019 3:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are people buying VTI today or waiting for a bigger drop in June
Replies: 30
Views: 4176

Re: Are people buying VTI today or waiting for the bigger drop in June

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Wed May 29, 2019 3:01 pm
Wait! There's a bigger drop in June? Do you know the date? I don't know if I can scrounge up enough cash to buy a share by then. Maybe you can arrange to have it happen later in the year? Can you let me know when that date will be?
June 31st. And to prove I'm sure, if it doesn't drop 20% on that day you can have all the money in my pocket.
by cal91
Thu Apr 25, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do? Sitting on the bench since October
Replies: 66
Views: 8500

Re: What to do? Sitting on the bench since October

Your emotions tell you that if there was a sudden drop, to sell (sell low). If there were steady rises in the last couple months, you need to get back in (buy high).

That is a good way to lose money fast! Set it to your appropriate AA considering your risk toleration, and forget it.
by cal91
Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?
Replies: 15
Views: 1559

Re: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?

Thanks all for helping me understand the numbers. Now I see SE is still basically taxed the same as W2 income. Yay for Uncle Sam.
by cal91
Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?
Replies: 15
Views: 1559

Re: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?

Okay I've looked through and think I get it, even if I don't like it.

Tax Due From Income = 10%* 19,050 + 12% * (63,943-19,050) = $7292
Tax Due from SE = 0.9235*0.153*12,550 = 1773

7292+1773 = 9065.

So if anyone could please answer one more question:

I thought that no dollar is taxed twice? But my SE is added to come up with my taxable income (although half of the $1773 SE tax payed is deducted). So it seems like on the $12,550 I paid 12% + 0.9235*15.3% for a total of 26.1% ? Is that because the 12% is federal tax, and the 0.9235*15.3% is FICA?
by cal91
Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?
Replies: 15
Views: 1559

Re: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?

For the 1099-MISC Income I didn't have any with holdings or pay any quarterly estimated taxes if that's what you're referring to.

This is my first time having 1099-MISC income so there's much I don't know.
by cal91
Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?
Replies: 15
Views: 1559

Re: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?

Meant to input Married Filing Jointly... No Capital gains.


W2 - $74,382

State Refund - $602

Unemployment Comp - $3611

1099-MISC $12,550
by cal91
Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why am I paying more taxes than expected?
Replies: 15
Views: 1559

Why am I paying more taxes than expected?

I'm using HR Block and I don't get how it's coming up with it's numbers. Here is H&R Blocks summary:

Married Filing Jointly
Taxable Income - 63,943
Tax Due - 9063


Now this is what I come up with:
Tax Due = 10%* 19,050 + 12% * (63,943-19,050) = $7292

If more information is needed let me know. Thank you!
by cal91
Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Under $100k Avg Annual Income Millionaires and How You Did It?
Replies: 117
Views: 17128

Re: Under $100k Avg Annual Income Millionaires and How You Did It?

Tip #1. No kids.

(Disclaimer: I have 3 almost 4)
by cal91
Tue Dec 18, 2018 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invested a lump sum a few weeks ago..
Replies: 31
Views: 8353

Re: Invested a lump sum a few weeks ago..

onourway wrote: Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:52 am Every day I choose not to convert my portfolio to cash I am effectively making the same decision as you.
This made me think... Lets say someone argues that you should DCA your money into the market over a year, rather than lump sum.

If the same logic were used, wouldn't that person also be saying that every year it would be advantageous to pull all of your money out, and DCA it back into the market over the course of the year?
by cal91
Tue Oct 09, 2018 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kirkland (Costco) Razor
Replies: 31
Views: 6377

Re: Kirkland (Costco) Razor

I use a double-edged razor as well - but have been using a single-edged the past few days. The razor is likely an antique but the blades are not, I get a nice shave every time for much less than the cheapest cartridge razor. The main downsides - carrying blades on a plane (they must go in checked luggage), and disposal (though I assume they can be put into recycling.) Put your used razors in this. It stores a TON of used blades and when it gets full, just wrap it up in duct tape and throw it in the trash. https://www.westcoastshaving.com/products/double-edge-blade-bank?variant=2386748801037&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0MPS6-_53QIVzkwNCh3dXwIwEAQYBCABEgLEk_D_BwE I must be missing something. Why store your used blades to later throw away? Why not ...
by cal91
Wed Aug 01, 2018 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Collections Record on Credit Score
Replies: 4
Views: 385

Collections Record on Credit Score

Hey all, In June of 2014 I graduated college and moved. I shared a router with roomates but the router was in my name. I terminated my internet plan and was instructed to mail or physically return the router. Because my roomates were going to be around for another week I told them they could keep the router (I delayed terminating the plan a week) and just give it to Centurylink before they left for the summer as well. Well I never got an email, phone call, mail, or anything from Centurylink so I assumed everything was okay. Recently I found out that the router was never returned, and my debt for the router was sent to collections, which I immediately payed off (was like $80 ). My credit score currently shows a collections record from Jan. 1...
by cal91
Mon Jul 30, 2018 10:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Don't count on Mean Reversion
Replies: 3
Views: 1023

Re: Don't count on Mean Reversion

I agree, I've seen a lot of people, Bogleheads included, misuse the principle of Mean Reversion. Misunderstood Version of Mean Reversion: X has been doing much better than average in recent years, thus it is more likely to start doing worse than average in the coming years. Correctly understood version of Mean Reversion: X has been doing much better than average in recent years, thus it is more likely to start doing worse than recent years. Coin Flipping example: Average results for getting heads instead of tails is 50%. Wow, out of my last 10 coin flips, 8 of them were heads! Misunderstood Version of Mean Reversion: That means in my next 10 coin flips, I expect to get less than 50% heads. (Less than 5 heads.) Correctly understood version o...
by cal91
Mon Jul 16, 2018 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why own a bed?
Replies: 140
Views: 13899

Re: Why own a bed?

The real reason we all use box frames to support our beds is so that we can sit at a comfortable height while putting our socks on in the morning.
by cal91
Mon May 21, 2018 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Combine IRA into 401k account
Replies: 1
Views: 325

Combine IRA into 401k account

I have a Roth IRA account I funded in college before I had a 401K option. Now that I've been funding my Roth 401k account, I'd like to just put my roth IRA funds into my Roth 401K.

Is it possible to do this, or is it more headache than it's worth? My reason to do so is only so I have a single place where my retirement savings are, instead of two.

Roth IRA - Capital One Investing
Roth 401K - Principal
by cal91
Mon Apr 09, 2018 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convert attached carport to Living Space
Replies: 16
Views: 2436

Re: Convert attached carport to Living Space

We've decided against doing the carport. The risk (plus headache) to reward wasn't worth it. Thanks all for the input.
by cal91
Tue Apr 03, 2018 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convert attached carport to Living Space
Replies: 16
Views: 2436

Convert attached carport to Living Space

My current home has an attached carport we're thinking of converting into living space. We would only do it if we think that the improvement adds more value to our home than it costs because we are going to be moving into a larger house in 3 years. The house is just small for my family of 5 right now so it would be nice to have the extra living space for the next 3 years, especially if it adds more value than it costs. We have the smallest/cheapest house in the neighborhood. 3 bed 1 bath 950 sq. ft. Zillow value is at $310 k. There are a couple other homes that had the same floor plan and converted their carport into living space as well. The updated house is 4 bed 2 bath 1200 sq. ft. and zillow value is at $330 k. The addition would be a m...
by cal91
Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paid Family Leave - California
Replies: 26
Views: 6739

Re: Paid Family Leave - California

Just to follow up, I am the Dad, I just like to take credit for having the baby :). 3rd baby, first in California. Wife is an "ambitious" stay at home mom. We (she) ended up having the baby on a Friday. I used a sick day for that day, and helped her over the weekend. I returned back to work on Monday, and didn't take any PFL until two weeks ago where I took off M-F + Monday, all under one claim, which I just submitted. Hopefully I did it right because I can't seem to get a hold of a human being anywhere (no email, no chat, the phone line help is rabbit hole network of computer recordings. For proof of birth I sent in a photocopy of birth certificate even though the photocopy has the "void" watermark all over it. I guess ...
by cal91
Fri Jan 12, 2018 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

Re: When to upgrade House

Thanks everyone for their input/advice, it is appreciated! I respect and have/will consider everyone's posts.
by cal91
Thu Jan 11, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

Re: When to upgrade House

Where are you getting 5.5% fixed interest? FIL owns a business and that is what they are paying us. I know it's a screaming deal, I've pressed him about it saying I don't want him doing us favors but he says that it is beneficial to the company and we should take full advantage of it guilt free. I don't know how it's beneficial but that is what he says. This is getting down into the details, but do remember that when you sell your $300k house, you'll lose 5-6% in realtor fees. That's $15k+ gone. When purchasing you have inspections, lawyer, loan fees, prepayment of interest/insurance/taxes, etc. That can easily run another $10k out of pocket, and then you have moving costs. This will take a bite out of your $160k down. Mom is a realtor but...
by cal91
Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

Re: When to upgrade House

Another question.... If 950sq ft houses go for 300k in your market, how do you plan to get 3000sq for 500k? Giong by the $/sq of hte current house, the big one is probably closer to a million. Atleast in my area the relation is the more sf there is, the cheaper per sf it is. And thats based on actual comps. But it's a moot point, I've decided I won't be getting a house that large unless my income substantially increases beyond what I expect it to. It's not just the principal and interest. Property taxes and insurance scale with the value of the house, and those will go up over time. In addition, you should budget 1-2% of home value for repairs and maintenance. This includes small frequent repairs and maintenance as well as big, lumpy items...
by cal91
Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to Do and See on Kauai, Hawaii
Replies: 75
Views: 11170

Re: Things to Do and See on Kauai, Hawaii

lthenderson wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2017 2:28 pm Poke was excellent and the best I had was from a food truck in Hanalei on the north side. It was so good that after trying it at a number of places, we went back there just for the Poke towards the end of our trip. I also tried spam musubi, plate lunch and Puko dogs, all recommended by Bogelheads.
Going to Kauai next month... where do I find this food truck? :)
by cal91
Wed Jan 10, 2018 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

Re: When to upgrade House

And yes, I do have a 20 year 1M life insurance policy on myself and 20 year 500k policy on my wife
by cal91
Wed Jan 10, 2018 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

Re: When to upgrade House

Thanks to all the responses! Yes, I know that's way too much house off of 75k. Honestly I don't know why I said 5 beds, that is too much now that I think about it. 4bd 2 bath or even 3bd 2 bath would be fine. The single bathroom is pretty tight right now, but I do plan to stick in this house as long as the wife is happy :) Our 3 kids are all boys and they all share a room (bunk bed + crib). Small living space isn't bad when it's all you've known! Plus they have a nice grass backyard with a sidewalk loop "racetrack" that goes along the perimeter they like to ride bikes on. I just got licensed as a Professional Engineer and am expecting a ~10k raise this month based on experience from others in my office. I also expect to be making ...
by cal91
Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to upgrade House
Replies: 24
Views: 3230

When to upgrade House

My family of five (26yo,24yo STAHM, 4yo 2yo + newborn) currently live in a 2-bedroom 1 bathroom house, 945 square feet we bought two years ago ($224K mortage on $300K house). We plan on having another child in 2 years and another 2 years after that. We can live here for another couple years before we will need to buy a 5bed 4 bath house around 3000 square feet, which we should be able to stay in for the long term. Such houses are about $500 K right now. We're saving up for a $100k downpayment. My income is $75K but I just started my career and my income is expected to go up. Right now our savings are: 5% ($3,750 / year) - House principal payments (about $315 is the "P" of my $1340 PITI) 5% ( $3,750/ year) - Roth 401k, maxes out em...
by cal91
Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HR Block not counting Child Tax Credit
Replies: 5
Views: 884

Re: HR Block not counting Child Tax Credit

livesoft wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:10 pm The Child Tax Credit appears to be nonrefundable. You can read about that in the Instructions and/or on the IRS web site. That is, what does nonrefundable mean?

An issue with tax software is that it seems to hide the instructions and explanations from the taxpayer.
Well then whats the point of having kids?! Kidding!

I figured it out. The taxes already had the 3,000 credited. I owed 4,261 in taxes - 3000 = 1261$.

I just thought I'd get a bit of a bigger refund having a new baby this year. Oh well :)
by cal91
Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HR Block not counting Child Tax Credit
Replies: 5
Views: 884

HR Block not counting Child Tax Credit

I've always used Turbo Tax but this year decided to use HR Block. Am I missing something? I've ran an estimate for my tax return.

This is what HR Block summarizes. (Even though on the Credits tab summary it shows I have a $3000 child tax credit).

AGI = 75,621.
Deductions = 20,744
Exemptions = 20,250

Taxable income = 34,527
2017 Federal Witholding = 2375.40
Actual Tax due = 1261

Refund = $1,114.


Shouldn't this be my summary/refund?

AGI = 75,621.
Deductions = 20,744
Exemptions = 20,250

Taxable income = 34,627
2017 Federal Witholding = 2375.40
Child Tax Credit
Actual Tax due = 0

Refund = $2,375.
by cal91
Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real estate going bonkers
Replies: 10
Views: 2618

Re: Real estate going bonkers

ohboy! wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:38 pm Prices are maybe 10% higher than the peak 9 years ago. Markets and money supplies are considerably higher. Maybe this house worth $1.2m by next fall.
Where can I see real estate price histories? Zillow only shows me last 5 years :/ Thanks in advance
by cal91
Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real estate going bonkers
Replies: 10
Views: 2618

Re: Real estate going bonkers

Wait for the bubble to pop. Then buy.
by cal91
Fri Jan 05, 2018 6:35 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Misuse of adverse when averse was meant
Replies: 160
Views: 24863

Re: Misuse of adverse when averse was meant

roymeo wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2018 5:59 pm If people do it wrong enough, it becomes correct.
It makes my hair literally catch fire.

https://www.google.com/search?ei=shNQWu ... gJIIbYUyo4
by cal91
Fri Jan 05, 2018 5:58 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Misuse of adverse when averse was meant
Replies: 160
Views: 24863

Re: Misuse of adverse

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English". In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. Growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year is expekted when the troublesome "ph" will...
by cal91
Tue Jan 02, 2018 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My 2017 Budget
Replies: 37
Views: 7026

Re: My 2017 Budget

California Family of 5 (26yo + 24yo + 4yo + 2yo+newborn) Gross Income = 75K

16002 PITI
8039 Tithing/Charity
6888 Food (including eating out)
6000 Medical Costs (hit max OOP w/ baby)
4994 Walmart
2950 Health Insr
2875 Gas
2605 Concrete Patio Home Improvement
2492 Utilities
1727 Amazon
1032 Car Maint/ DMV costs
952 Chiroporactor
790 Misc. Shopping
753 Internet
745 Home Depot
664 Auto Insr
509 Target
480 Phones
462 AirBnb
414 Gym
120 Netflix
107 Life Insr

Savings/Investments:
5233 Savings for downpayment on bigger house
5512 Employee 401K

Taxes:
4405 Soc Sec
2375 Fed
1030 Medicare
640 CA DI
602 State

Because of my itemized deductions and tax credits (3 kids, mortgage insurance, charitable giving), I expect a full federal refund :)
by cal91
Fri Dec 29, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Growing Peril of Index Funds: Too Much Tech
Replies: 67
Views: 9352

Re: The Growing Peril of Index Funds: Too Much Tech

gd wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2017 6:32 am Can't read the original article, but I'd be more concerned if my index fund was heavily weighted to steel manufacturers.
As someone in the steel industry I'm curious what you are saying.
by cal91
Thu Dec 28, 2017 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)
Replies: 20
Views: 1990

Re: Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)

Uniballer wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2017 1:55 pm If the material is falling apart, flaking, etc. then you will need professional help removing it. But, depending on state and local laws, you might be able to cheaply remove it yourself as the owner if the material is not friable.
Really? I have heard that it is unadvisable to attempt to remove it yourself.

Well I think I'll just get this stuff tested. I've been trying, unsuccessfully so far, to find a place near by me (Roseville, CA) that tests asbestos. Any suggestions?
by cal91
Thu Dec 28, 2017 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)
Replies: 20
Views: 1990

Re: Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)

TallBoy29er wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2017 1:29 pm I am curious why you now think it may be the case? Is it anecdotal evidence (all houses around here have asbestos ceiling tiles), or is it evidence based? If it is just a wondering curiosity, you probably don't have any need to disclose, because you truly do not know.
Because I have learned that asbestos was common in building materials prior to 1977, especially in white ceiling tiles. I simply did not even know about asbestos before.

Thanks for your posts TallBoy29er and miamivice
by cal91
Thu Dec 28, 2017 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)
Replies: 20
Views: 1990

Think Home might have Asbestos (what to do?)

Hello, I bought my first home last year. It was built in 1954 and has 12"x12" white ceiling tiles. I knew nothing about asbestos at the time and was not informed at all by anyone through the process of purchasing the home. I've since learned that there's a good possibility my ceiling could have asbestos, but it's not an issue if it's undisturbed. I currently live in this house with my wife and three young children. I have future plans to either landlord or sell this house when we move into a bigger house. Before, I wanted to remove the ceiling tiles and replace them with DIY ceiling slats (wife and I like to do that stuff). Now I'm not so sure. I'd definitely get the tiles tested before doing that... Anyways here are my questions....