Search found 786 matches

by sschoe2
Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16093

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

I don't really trust electric vehicles. That’s okay, as long as you realize that there’s a huge industry pushing FUD (fear, uncertainty, dread) against electric vehicles. The dealership model is in big trouble with EVs. I’m a capitalist and don’t blame them for pushing back, but would appreciate a fair discussion. Fwiw, my wife was softly anti EV but having lived with my 8 year experience, her next car will be an EV. Btw, I hear battery failure happens, but after 8 years I have never met anyone who has had to do it. It’s always someone telling me that their carpenter’s cousin’s neighbor had to replace a battery. I’m sure it happens, but I’ve also had an ICE need to be replaced and that’s not free either. It's also worth noting that in the ...
by sschoe2
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16093

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

I don't really trust electric vehicles. From what I understand it can cost $10-20k to replace the battery when it wears out and I don't trust those 15-20 year figures being quoted. I just buy fuel efficient subcompacts. My 2009 FIt has 140k miles and is still going strong. My fiance is driving my 2010 Elantra.
by sschoe2
Mon Jul 11, 2022 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to go about filing small claims
Replies: 28
Views: 3007

Re: How to go about filing small claims

I purchased goods from an online vendor in the amount of $4,000. They are in South Carolina. I am in Tennessee. They never delivered said goods. Their customer service is non-committal and wouldn't answer my phone calls. I filed a credit card dispute, and my claim got denied. I was unable to get the exact reason from the credit card issuer. Since the goods were never delivered to me and they have no evidence of proof of delivery, it sounds like a closed case. I also have evidence they never responded to my requests for refund in the email. $4,000 is worth a lot to me and I would like to go the route of filing a claim in small claims court. Can I do it in my home state or do I need to do it where the merchant is? Does it sound likely that I...
by sschoe2
Tue Jul 05, 2022 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?
Replies: 217
Views: 25626

Re: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?

I heard one guy that tapes old plastic water bottles at the ends of the ramps so when he hears the crunch he knows to stop.
by sschoe2
Tue Jul 05, 2022 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?
Replies: 217
Views: 25626

Re: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?

I DIY it as well.

I have a jack and put it on 2 jack stands then just put the Walmart Supertec synthetic brand oil ~$15 and a fram filter on ~$4. I take the old oil to the local autoparts store.
by sschoe2
Sun Jun 26, 2022 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your experiences with Banks
Replies: 41
Views: 3943

Re: What are your experiences with Banks

My experience with BoA was awful and had to file a CFPB complaint against them to get them to do what they were legally mandated to do. I have been with Chase for a long time and have had no issues. I have checking and credit card with them. They keep hounding me to invest with them every time a money transfer to Vanguard posts but they have been widely reported to freeze and liquidate accounts when one of their algorithms is set off and so I don't want my eggs in one basket. I have savings and another card with Alliant Credit Union and no issues and a mortgage with DuPage Credit Union. Overall I have read the most horror stories with BoA, WF, and Citi. The consensus is small banks and credit unions are much more customer friendly as in yo...
by sschoe2
Sun Jun 26, 2022 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your experiences with Banks
Replies: 41
Views: 3943

Re: What are your experiences with Banks

My experience with BoA was awful and had to file a CFPB complaint against them to get them to do what they were legally mandated to do. I have been with Chase for a long time and have had no issues. I have checking and credit card with them. They keep hounding me to invest with them every time a money transfer to Vanguard posts but they have been widely reported to freeze and liquidate accounts when one of their algorithms is set off and so I don't want my eggs in one basket. I have savings and another card with Alliant Credit Union and no issues and a mortgage with DuPage Credit Union. Overall I have read the most horror stories with BoA, WF, and Citi. The consensus is small banks and credit unions are much more customer friendly as in yo...
by sschoe2
Sat Jun 25, 2022 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your experiences with Banks
Replies: 41
Views: 3943

Re: What are your experiences with Banks

My experience with BoA was awful and had to file a CFPB complaint against them to get them to do what they were legally mandated to do. I have been with Chase for a long time and have had no issues. I have checking and credit card with them. They keep hounding me to invest with them every time a money transfer to Vanguard posts but they have been widely reported to freeze and liquidate accounts when one of their algorithms is set off and so I don't want my eggs in one basket. I have savings and another card with Alliant Credit Union and no issues and a mortgage with DuPage Credit Union. Overall I have read the most horror stories with BoA, WF, and Citi. The consensus is small banks and credit unions are much more customer friendly as in you...
by sschoe2
Tue Jun 07, 2022 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: go to gas grill recipes
Replies: 35
Views: 2905

Re: go to gas grill recipes

I grill a ton of chicken either leg quarters or whole chickens quartered up. I have an old Weber 3 burner. I keep the middle burner off and the others on low med. I keep the grill 225-300 deg F and flip the chickens every 15-20 min. Cook time is 45 minutes. The trick is to avoid igniting the chicken fat as then you loose control and burn everything.
by sschoe2
Sun Jun 05, 2022 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on high end appliances
Replies: 119
Views: 12132

Re: Opinions on professional high end appliances

I prefer simple basic appliances that you can buy parts for off eBay/Amazon and fix by watching YouTube. Extra Fancy with extra features means less reliability and higher and more frequent repair costs.
by sschoe2
Sun May 22, 2022 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Being Frugal
Replies: 131
Views: 19390

Re: Being Frugal

Frugality/cheapness is often simply a manifestation of anxiety about the future. If you’re the type of person who feels alienated or otherwise bothered by your desire to save pennies at the expense of other people that you are close to in your life, then perhaps it’s time to address your anxiety and also perhaps the general distrust that things will work out in the future. There is definitely truth in this. After graduating with my (awful) MS in chemistry and spending 8 months unemployed, 3 years working a terrible job in my profession without PTO nor health insurance I resolved to build up as many assets as quickly as I can to the point I view excess spending as a literal threat to my survival. I have had a pretty good job for a while now...
by sschoe2
Fri May 20, 2022 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What (if anything) are you reducing in your monthly spending?
Replies: 150
Views: 15135

Re: What (if anything) are you reducing in your monthly spending?

My spending is already bare bones so not much room to reasonably cut. I live off about $35k per year.
by sschoe2
Sat May 07, 2022 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Citibank Savings Account Closed
Replies: 102
Views: 17473

Re: Citibank Savings Account Closed

File a CFPB complaint, Occ, state's attorney general. Even contact your representative. Blast them on social media. Be a major headache for them.
by sschoe2
Sat Apr 30, 2022 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dog breeds
Replies: 150
Views: 12308

Re: Dog breeds

I'm a big fan of poodles. I've had miniatures and moyens from 10 to 35#. No shedding but you have to take them to the groomers every 12 weeks minimum. Very sweet loyal clingy playful. A bit barky. My last 2 were rescues and they are great. I don't have time for a puppy. I adopted a 5 year old 12 years ago and a 6 year old last year after he passed away from CHF.
by sschoe2
Sat Apr 30, 2022 12:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899836

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Down about 10%. I am treading water this year. Putting money in and keeping my net worth about where it is.
by sschoe2
Mon Apr 11, 2022 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

They sell diy urinalysis dip kits for blood for $15. I may just go that route.
by sschoe2
Mon Apr 11, 2022 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

Just thought I would update the thread. I had my employee assistant program find me a doctor and I checked with my insurance. They said they would cover the visit and any labwork ordered as preventative. I also checked Blue Cross cost estimator and it showed $0 for various Dr.'s physicals at that medical group. So I had the physical- no concerns except my low heart rate (I bike 4,500 miles in the spring-fall), I had extensive blood tests and a urinalysis. Blood work is all normal but I guess immuno assay picked up a trace of blood in the urine and they want to repeat the test in a month which I am not too keen on. It looks like they billed $286 and paid $192 for the visit and $914 paid $914 for the labs. I owe $0. but if I repeat the urinal...
by sschoe2
Sat Apr 09, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you grilling?
Replies: 25
Views: 2099

Re: What are you grilling?

I grill Chicken for myself and 2 poodles but I use a propane Weber. The trick is to keep the grill from 200-300f so the grease doesn't ignite, flip it every 15min and it takes 45 to 55 minutes
by sschoe2
Fri Apr 08, 2022 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cashing check for long deceased relative
Replies: 45
Views: 5596

Re: Cashing check for long deceased relative

It depends on the state but in my state, Illinois I used a small estate affidavit to settle mother's estate. Whenever I got a check I just endorsed it myself and put (affiant) next to it. I then used Chase photo deposit and never had an issue but doubt anyone ever checked (they were not large amounts).
by sschoe2
Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair car or replace?
Replies: 53
Views: 3828

Re: Repair car or replace?

The oxygen sensor look like a very easy DIY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeTyhelG6NM

Purge valve doesn't look too hard either
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drsH7bLisCY
by sschoe2
Sun Mar 27, 2022 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4273
Views: 1072147

Re: Share your net worth progression

12/31/17 $400,218
12/31/18 $532,000
12/31/19 $668,891
12/31/20 $829,828
12/31/21$1,047,940
3/27/22 $1,033,216 (age 41)
by sschoe2
Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

Bb073084 wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 8:56 pm Typically the annual physical visit itself will be 100% covered by insurance. However, any resulting services (such as lab, X-ray, medications, etc….) would be charged at the negotiated rates between your insurer and the provider of said services. If you have not had a physical in 20 years I would absolutely look into critical labs (cholesterol) and also any preventative screenings appropriate for your age and medical background.
My previous employer had bio-metric screening which included a blood draw and a fairly extensive set of tests.
by sschoe2
Thu Mar 03, 2022 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

andypanda wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 9:36 am
The doctor billed me $550 and LabCorp billed me $572. I paid it, I have more money than time and I did request these services. And I don't need the aggravation of calling 2 insurance companies.
Wow Walkinlab was advertising a CBC/14-CMP for <$50. They must really fleece customers with insurance.
https://www.walkinlab.com/products/view ... test-panel
That is precisely why I started this thread. So as not to get ripped off.
by sschoe2
Thu Mar 03, 2022 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

This is coming across as penny wise, pound foolish. Find a doctor you trust (perhaps by personal recommendations of friends, though I run my new physicians by a friend who is a doctor for comment). Do the tests he suggests. If money is incredibly tight and the out of pocket is really a material factor in your life, mention that to the doctor and discuss whether the tests can be safely punted or put off. I think there are plenty of places in life to skimp and cut costs. I'd not personally chose my medical care to be one of them, YMMV. It is not so much cutting costs as trying not to get fleeced by a predatory billing system designed to identify someone who can pay and then wring as much money from them as possible. My medical needs aren't c...
by sschoe2
Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

The Dr. may suggest an EKG. As I stated in other threads, I am an avid bicyclist so my heart rate tends to be in the upper 50's BPM which gets flagged as a bit low.
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

livesoft wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:58 pm
sschoe2 wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:38 pmno I haven't been to a PCP in ~20 years.
That does not mean you have not been to a physician nor does it mean that you have not been hospitalized nor had surgery. All those things can occur without having been to a PCP ever. My experience is that one can get an appointment to any specialist without a referral from a PCP.
I went to a surgeon for 2 inguinal hernias repaired back in 2017 but I don't think surgeons do physicals unless it is a prelude for surgery. I would assume I would go to a general practitioner for a physical?
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

Annual physicals are not free under most insurance plans. And don't settle for a "wellness exam" in lieu of a physical. It's not the same thing. I'm confused. I am pretty much expecting to get a physical exam to consist of listening to my heart for any signs of arrhythmia, .... A trivial to perform EKG is different than "listening to my heart for any signs of arrhythmia." If you have kidney stones, then a physical is not going to discover them. Also a physical is not a colonoscopy. I am not looking for any nonstandard tests. Colonoscopies are not recommended for men my age, not looking for an EKG, spinal tap, biopsy, MRI, etc. All I want is a simple physical and blood screening without playing billing gotcha.
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

UpperNwGuy wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:07 pm Annual physicals are not free under most insurance plans. And don't settle for a "wellness exam" in lieu of a physical. It's not the same thing.
I'm confused. I am pretty much expecting to get a physical exam to consist of listening to my heart for any signs of arrhythmia, exams for any other physically apparent abnormalities, I get pulse and blood pressure done frequently by myself and my dentist and I expect the blood work to be also very indicative of any underlying issues. Seems pretty straight forward.
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

Do you have a regular doctor that you go to? I would start with your requesting a physical from your regular doctor if you are concerned. As for the cost of a physical (or the cost of health care in general) if you don't have your health not much of anything else will matter. no I haven't been to a PCP in ~20 years. I don't disagree that I should get a physical, I am merely asking for the most cost efficient way of obtaining one. Call your insurance, find out what is covered, then find a doctor that takes your insurance, and make sure they don't do any tests or treatments that aren't fully covered. Though what about the new patient fee that most charge nowadays? That isn't covered under preventative and can run several hundred $$.
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Re: Getting a really free annual physical

123 wrote: Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:33 pm Do you have a regular doctor that you go to? I would start with your requesting a physical from your regular doctor if you are concerned.

As for the cost of a physical (or the cost of health care in general) if you don't have your health not much of anything else will matter.
no I haven't been to a PCP in ~20 years.

I don't disagree that I should get a physical, I am merely asking for the most cost efficient way of obtaining one.
by sschoe2
Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting a really free annual physical
Replies: 77
Views: 9288

Getting a really free annual physical

I found the thread on new patient fees and am not sure what to do to just get a physical and not have a billing free for all. I have Blue Cross PPO. I haven't been for a physical in ~20 years. My previous employer did biometric screenings which was full CBC/CMP blood screenings. The new employer (acquisition) doesn't and I would like to get an actual free physical. I don't have any significant health concerns. A lot of the urgent cares around here advertise physicals for sport/employment etc. Would that be a cheaper option since they probably wouldn't charge a new patient fee since by their nature they deal with mostly new patients? For lab work I have no idea what insurance will typically cover. Probably just CBC and cholesterol though I s...
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 27, 2022 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your hobbies?
Replies: 561
Views: 16633

Re: Hobbies for Boglehead Types?

Bicycling. My club had rides almost every day of the week except winter. There are different pace and distance groups but mine rides 16-18mph for 35-45 miles about 3.5 hours or so.
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 27, 2022 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to best pay for medical procedure?
Replies: 12
Views: 1627

Re: How to best pay for medical procedure?

I'd look into dental tourism Mexico, Turkey etc first.
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 27, 2022 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Do You Pay Your Monthly Bills?
Replies: 86
Views: 11165

Re: How Do You Pay Your Monthly Bills?

I use my bank bill pay for almost all bills. The only semi regular I pay by check is the dog groomer.
by sschoe2
Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase as a One Stop Shop
Replies: 59
Views: 11394

Re: Chase as a One Stop Shop

I prefer not having all my eggs in one basket. Chase is rather notorious for freezing and terminating customer accounts on a hair trigger when one of their risk algorithms is set off by a transaction. I have my checking account and a credit card with them but if they did freeze me I could open an account at my credit union and be back up within hours.
by sschoe2
Tue Feb 22, 2022 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3g shut-off
Replies: 46
Views: 5369

Re: 3g shut-off

ATT was harassing me for years about my old Pixel 1 Sailfish which was 4g & VOIP but ATT wouldn't certify it. They offered me a free burner phone, the kind of phone you use to phone your ransom demands or buy narcotics, but I declined and picked up a Pixel 3 off Ebay for $175 last july. They initially said I had until the end of 2021 but then stated they would terminate 3g early.
by sschoe2
Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:47 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ukraine - Russia - Conflict - Cash reserves [Romania]
Replies: 40
Views: 8355

Re: Ukraine - Russia - Conflict - Cash reserves

Things will be volatile in the short term but eventually it is likely a repeat of Crimea in 2014. Russia will annex a chunk of eastern Ukraine, Europe and the US will slap sanctions, eventually it will become a fact of life and the world will move on. Noone is risking WW3 over Ukraine, Europe's basket case.
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 13, 2022 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay raises for 2022
Replies: 421
Views: 63178

Re: Pay raises for 2022

Within 48 hours he had 8 interviews. He put my wife as a reference on his resume for an opening at her employer (tech) - my wife has only been there since August Yep, I actually interview people, we currently have 4 open roles right now and are totally struggling to find talent so I am super surprised that they would risk losing someone who not only has the skillset but also has a huge amount of domain knowledge about their systems all over a 1% raise - seems clinically insane to me but who knows how they think? To me it makes no sense whatsoever... it would be comical to lose an existing proven resource over what is essentially 2 grand extra in compensation. To clarify with my specific anecdote, our family friend made a HUGE mistake which...
by sschoe2
Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: End of life ... on one's own
Replies: 189
Views: 26333

Re: End of life ... on one's own

To be honest if I reach the point where I can no longer live alone or enjoy life I have no desire to drain my savings keeping my body going. I'd rather leave my money to family and good causes.
by sschoe2
Sat Feb 12, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: WHEN do you prefer to file your taxes?
Replies: 141
Views: 14253

Re: WHEN do you prefer to file your taxes?

I file as soon as I get all the forms I need, which is usually the last week in Jan or first week in Feb. I takes me about hours. Freetaxusa for fed and MytaxIllinois for state.
by sschoe2
Fri Feb 11, 2022 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free in-home Covid test Kits
Replies: 360
Views: 41940

Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

I placed my order on Jan 19th, nothing yet no notifications of delivery or on informed delivery.
by sschoe2
Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prescription Price using Canadian Pharmacy from US
Replies: 63
Views: 5878

Re: Prescription Price

niagara_guy wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:45 pm i just found this link. Evidently Costco will let you purchase rx without a membership:

https://customerservice.costco.com/app/ ... n-drugs%3F


and, when our dog was really sick we save a boatload of money by getting rx filled at costco.
They are required by law to. A pharmacy cannot restrict access. I used Costco for a dog prescription as well.
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: self-pay surgery?
Replies: 34
Views: 3416

Re: self-pay surgery?

hicabob wrote: Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:06 pm I've never had to use them but this place looks interesting and shockingly enough - they tell you what the cost will be! Self pay only I think, they do not accept insurance.
https://surgerycenterok.com/
That is amazing. Up front pricing and $3k for a hernia repair. As I said, regular hospitals have negotiated rates over $20k
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: self-pay surgery?
Replies: 34
Views: 3416

Re: self-pay surgery?

I agree with mhalley. You will get [insert vulgar metaphor] in the USA without an insurance negotiated rate or even with one. Even something as simple a hernia repair that costs <$2k abroad will incur charges upwards of 6 figures. Look abroad. Heck even with decent coverage when I had 2 inguinal hernia's laparoscopic repaired, I paid $2k in bills out of pocket and insurance paid over $20k for a procedure that costs ~$2k even in developed countries abroad.
by sschoe2
Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33088

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis?

I wear a $30 digital Casio to work. I find having a stopwatch and countdown timer very helpful for chemical processes.
by sschoe2
Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?
Replies: 313
Views: 42933

Re: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?

Bicycling.

I bike 4,000-5,000 miles a year. I spend a few hundred $ a year on parts, apparel, and consumables for it. I consider that money well spent from a health pov.
by sschoe2
Thu Feb 03, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Elderly mom almost out of money
Replies: 356
Views: 36839

Re: Elderly mom almost out of money

She needs to reduce her expenses as quickly as possible. She should have done this much earlier.

She needs to sell the house.
She needs to find either a room mate situation or move to a place with a very low COL.
If she is able she needs to consider getting a job to subsidize her meager social security and pension.
She needs to minimize her expenses and as Dave Ramsey would say go on a beans and rice budget.
by sschoe2
Wed Feb 02, 2022 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do we spend too much in groceries?
Replies: 105
Views: 12103

Re: Do we spend too much in groceries?

For myself and 2 dogs (1 small 1 medium) I am still at $300/mo
Generaly staples:
-Chicken $0.59/lb leg quarters I make them on the grill or in really bad weather pressure cooker or oven
-rice
-potatos ~0.40/lb
-oatmeal
-milk ($2.50/gal) to make yoghurt in Instant pot
-grapes ($1-2/lb) and bananas
-milk bones ~$2/box
by sschoe2
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Minimalists on here?
Replies: 345
Views: 43418

Re: Any Minimalists on here?

I can't compare to some minimalists, but yes I strive to only spend what I need to to maintain a minimal level of comfort. For myself, that amounts to about $35k/yr. $20k on PITA ($6k property taxes) on a 1,200ft2 house, $3,200 groceries, $2,700 pets, $,2000 utilities etc. The rest goes to maxing out my 401k and rIRA and some for taxable.
by sschoe2
Sun Jan 30, 2022 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where are you seeing PERSONAL inflation issues
Replies: 22
Views: 1527

Re: Where are you seeing PERSONAL inflation issues

gas pump
nat gas for heating is nearly double.