Search found 318 matches

by mookie
Thu Jan 18, 2024 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Using Fidelity for Their Checking Account?
Replies: 75
Views: 6227

Re: Anyone Using Fidelity for Their Checking Account?

WillyMcG wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 7:00 pm everything else is pushed through Paypal billpay which pulls from my 2% cashback card or last resort billpay against my brokerage account.
Can you explain how you do this? I think most of my payments (credit card, utilities, mortgage) don't accept Paypal billpay. And can you set Paypal cashback debit card to automatically debit from your brokerage account?
by mookie
Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: your system for reviewing credit card transactions
Replies: 86
Views: 9762

Re: your system for reviewing credit card transactions

Looking at the thread on Mint going away, for the purpose of automatically downloading credit card transactions from a variety of credit card issuers, is there a consensus on best product: NerdWallet (I think the only one of these that's free), Credit Karma, Quicken Simplifi, Empower, gnucash, YNAB, Tiller, Monarch?
by mookie
Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: your system for reviewing credit card transactions
Replies: 86
Views: 9762

your system for reviewing credit card transactions

What method do you use to review your purchases, or do you review them at all? My main goal is to catch fraudulent charges. I find it a major nuisance, which I delay, and then have a stack to review, at which point it would probably be too late to appeal any charges. I'm guessing that developing a habit of going to Mint/Credit Karma once a month to review all charges is the best way.
by mookie
Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips
Replies: 10
Views: 829

Re: heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips

fogalog wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 11:00 am I have done this with an Amba Jeeves "I straight" (20w x 30h) unit almost 5 years ago. I hardwired it and used an in-wall Leviton timer (this exact one). I programmed it to come on for 2 hrs each day, every day and it works like a champ.
Thanks. Their website says that their plug-in units cannot be used with that timer. They sell a plug in timer for their plug in units but the timer looks complicated, so I think I'll go with a smartplug as suggested above (I didn't realize the difference between a smartplug and smart outlet).

https://ambaproducts.com/using-timers-w ... wel-racks/
by mookie
Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips
Replies: 10
Views: 829

Re: heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips

jebmke wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:20 am Why not use a smartplug like Kasa or similar. I use them (Kasa) for various timed electrical devices -- mainly lamps but they would support other devices as long as the current draw meets the spec.
Nver2Late wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:40 am We have wireless smartplugs around the house that you can turn on/off or set a schedule of on/off from your smartphone. Seems like a good fit. Ours are by Fiet Electric.

We use them mainly for grow lights and the car block heaters.
I'd like to use a smartplug, but since it's in a bathroom, I think it needs to be GFCI (with a reset button), which I don't think they make yet.
by mookie
Mon Dec 04, 2023 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips
Replies: 10
Views: 829

heated towel rack: smart outlet and other install tips

I would like to install a heated towel rack in my bathroom, mainly to dry the towel between uses. I have limited wall space, 22" wide x 40" height. I'd like to dry 2 bath towels at a time, so due to the limited width on the wall, I think I'll have to go with a swinging towel rack, the Amba J-D006. I would plug it into a GFCI outlet on the same wall. For electrical safety reasons, I'd like to run power to it on a timer rather than having it on all the time, and I think the best way to do that would be a smart outlet, but I don't see any GFCI smart outlets. Basically, I'd like put 2 towels on the heated towel rack, have it run for 2 hours and then automatically turn off. Is there a good way to do this? https://ambaproducts.com/produ...
by mookie
Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads
Replies: 82
Views: 5754

Re: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads

Nobody talked about swapping TIAA Traditional vintages here until last year, and it was brought on by an unprecedentedly rapid rise in crediting rates vs. those for older vintages. And it only applies to unrestricted contracts, which didn't even exist when I started contributing. There are threads here on the topic, but I don't know that there is single definitive tutorial, just as I'm not aware of a single tutorial for timing in and out of Real Estate, where again, there was arguably one huge timing opportunity in its history, under different circumstances than we have today. Over on Morningstar, when you would have thought the Covid aftermath would have brought on a Real Estate timing consensus, there was lots of discussion over what to ...
by mookie
Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads
Replies: 82
Views: 5754

Re: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads

Has anyone seen a tutorial on how to do the TIAA Traditional swap to maximize yield? Is the consensus that it is worth doing? mookie, until 1989, no one had to do any TIAA Traditional swaps, because there was no way to receive a single dollar of your accumulation except by annuitizing. Another way of saying that is that all accounts in 1988 were "RA's". I will admit that I have finally done a swap, but that was partly just to have the experience. I'm not trying to optimize my return every year of my life, with total uncertainty about future rate movements. It is very important not to ask your question without saying, explicitly, "I don't care about Loyalty Bonuses, and I will not consider any annuitizations for at least 20 y...
by mookie
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads
Replies: 82
Views: 5754

Re: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads

I was considering I-bonds as an additional income stream in retirement, but now that I see that you have to move in and out of them to optimize the interest rate you're receiving (https://thefinancebuff.com/switch-old-i-bonds-better-fixed-rate.html), I'm not sure if they're worth the hassle. Saying you "now... have to move in and out" of I-bonds to "optimize" isn't a valid criticism, because in fact the fixed rates have always changed over time, so there's nothing new about that. You're framing the option - which is all it is - to replace lower-yielding bonds with higher-yielding new ones, with little or no penalty (but within purchase limits) as a bug, not the feature that it is. In fact you can attempt to optimize the...
by mookie
Sun Nov 26, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads
Replies: 82
Views: 5754

Re: A Question for Crefwatch, Oldzey, and other TIAAheads

As for when we would expect to retire, I would say it could be as soon as 6-7 years, and as long as 16-20 years. Probably 10-12 is the most likely range, but that is a guess at this point. My wife and I have a similar time horizon to retirement, and had to make a similar decision re: Vanguard vs. TIAA. What we are doing now is using TIAA Traditional for the fixed income part of our portfolio (90:10 stock:bond). I still have some legacy total bond market in a retirement account and haven't decided whether to roll this over to TIAA Traditional, which I think TIAA allows. I decided on TIAA Traditional over total bond market, because, as user "student" mentioned, their returns are similar but TIAA Traditional is more stable; and beca...
by mookie
Tue Oct 31, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
Replies: 43
Views: 5724

Re: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower floor--are you happy with it

In the shower, it seems a bit redundant since the water (or steam since you mentioned a steam shower) will heat the tiles. If you plan to sit on the bench in the steam shower, you might want the bench heated if you won’t be laying a towel down on the bench. I think the bath floor might make sense but I’m not sure about the steam shower. On a side note, I just read somewhere (maybe TheSpruce.com or Houzz.com) that steam showers are one of those items people regret putting in due to the cost to maintain and how infrequently they use them. I agree it's a bit redundant on the shower floor, but I've heard that another benefit is that it dries the floor, which would be nice in order to avoid mold in the grout. We plan to use it frequently. I'm n...
by mookie
Tue Oct 31, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
Replies: 43
Views: 5724

underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?

As part of a master bath remodel, I am installing a curbed steam shower with bench, with porcelain tile for the bathroom floor and shower. I am thinking of asking the contractor to install underfloor heating for the bathroom floor and shower floor and bench.

For those who have underfloor heating for their bathroom and shower, are you happy with it? Any tips on managing the install or the brand you used? I've talked to people who are happy with it in the bathroom, but don't know anyone who's installed it in the shower.

The bathroom is on the 2nd floor and I live in PA, so will probably be using the heat ~4 months/year. I am also going to have a Panasonic whisperquiet exhaust fan that has a heater, so it will be a warm bathroom!
by mookie
Wed Oct 04, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

LittletonRetire wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:12 pm I really love the thermostatic valve we put in the shower. Makes me feel special to just push a button and have the shower come on.
Does a thermostatic valve make it so that as soon as you turn on the water, it is already hot? Is it electronic? Can you provide a link to yours?
by mookie
Sun Oct 01, 2023 8:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239601

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

If you have accumulated a lot of TIPS (in my case I accumulated over $250K), over significant time, with semiannual compounding, the difference in pre-tax asset value between TIPS and I-bonds becomes pretty significant for you or your your heirs. If there is a 1.5% yield average advantage for TIPS over I-bonds, after 30 years, with a $250K initial investment, it would amount to about $141K (56%) more in asset value than if invested in I-bonds. After 10 years it would amount to about $40K (16%) more in asset value. https://www.calculator.net/interest-calculator.html?cstartingprinciple=250%2C000&cannualaddition=0&cmonthlyaddition=0&cadditionat1=beginning&cinterestrate=1.5&ccompound=semiannually&cyears=30&cmonths=0...
by mookie
Sun Oct 01, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

Saving$ wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 11:14 am Second best decision I made was to use a rubber/cork product for flooring. It is slip resistant dry AND wet, it is never as cold as tile, it is easy to clean due to no grout. These rubber / cork products are VERY different than typical sheet vinyl and are not available at your standard big box or even flooring retail outlets. They are typically used in commercial installations.
Do you remember what cork/rubber floor product you used for your bathroom? Was your contractor able to install it? Are there any concerns about water getting in between joints/seams?
by mookie
Thu Sep 28, 2023 7:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239601

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

My wife and I each bought $10k in I bonds in January 2022, and our intention is to keep purchasing $10k each annually. Am I correct about this series of steps to exchange for a higher rate:
1. Sell our January 2022 I bonds on Treasury Direct tonight ideally, or tomorrow.
2. On October 25, check projected I bond rate for November 2023 I bonds--if October rate is higher, than purchase $10k each as our 2023 allotment, and $10k each as a gift for each other that day, to make up for the 2022 bonds that we sold. If November rate is projected to be higher than October's, then make the purchase November 25, 2023. Present the gift to each other in a year where the gifted bonds' rate is higher than that year's.
by mookie
Sat Sep 23, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239601

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

iamfinethanku wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 11:40 am However, per Finance Buff blogpost and TIPS watch post, appears optimal timing for selling for me would be Jan1, 2024 - which would prohibit my buying I bonds next year.
I think you're referring to this TFB post: https://thefinancebuff.com/switch-old-i ... -rate.html

Can you provide the link to the TIPSwatch post?
by mookie
Sat Sep 23, 2023 1:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239601

I bonds algorithm

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] Is this correct? This is for a married person, without getting into the more complicated steps of buying for children, trust, etc. 1. Compare previously purchased I bonds rate to current I bonds rate. If current I bonds rate is higher, than sell old I bonds during the correct window (see article below). 2. In a year in which you sold I bonds because the current rate is higher, then buy $10k in I bonds for myself and $10k as gift for spouse, and spouse does the same. 3. If a future year’s rate is better than a bond bought within a few years prior (so that the taxes from selling won’t be so great), then repeat steps 1 and 2. If a future year’s rate is worse than a bond that was bought as a gift, the...
by mookie
Fri Sep 15, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

We have ceramic tile in our bath which we are replacing for two reasons: 1) cold in winter and 2) grout is difficult to clean. I don’t know if the same issues apply to porcelain tile (or your climate). We have a fixture that is a combination fan and heat lamp just outside the shower. Highly recommend for cold winters, if applicable. With what are you replacing the ceramic tile? I like the waterproof vinyl planks (floating floor), but heard that they're not good for the bathroom because the joints between the planks are not waterproof, so water can get trapped underneath them. I'd also like to minimize grout in the shower and bathroom, but because of the steam shower, I think I'll have do tile from floor to ceiling in both the shower and th...
by mookie
Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

BanquetBeer wrote: Mon Sep 11, 2023 6:52 am I would also built it for passive water flow to the drain (where the glass meets the floor - when the caulk fails will the water run back into the shower or will it make a small puddle on the floor outside the shower?
I'm trying to decide between using an Acrylic or composite (Terestone) shower pan vs. tile. If I go with tile, I'll ask for it to be curb-less, although I wonder if that's is more prone to water pooling and glass door seal problems (the door has to be sealed because of the steam shower).
by mookie
Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

atwnsw wrote: Sun Sep 10, 2023 9:31 pm Heated floors and heated towel bar. Also, magnifying mirror and full body mirror.
I'm undecided on the floors and towel bar, since the fan will have a heat blower. I've never had those things, so I don't know what I'm missing!
by mookie
Sun Sep 10, 2023 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

I am doing a master bath remodel, replacing a bathtub with a 3'x5'x8' steam shower enclosure. I am planning to use large (2'x4') porcelain tile for the shower walls and bathroom floor, and smaller tile for the shower floor and ceiling. I might also do tile to 3' on the bathroom walls. There will be a bench at the end of the shower stall and a niche in the wall next to the bench. The shower ceiling will be sloped to the wall with the bench, and there will be a frameless glass wall with pivot door (instead of transom window to air out the steam, I am planning to leave the shower door open). My contractor will be installing a Mr. Steam or Steamcore 6kW steam generator, 30" wide vanity, comfort height elongated toilet, Toto washlet seat, P...
by mookie
Thu Aug 31, 2023 8:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Money Market Optimizer Spreadsheet - Releases, Bugs, etc.
Replies: 389
Views: 104211

Re: Money Market Optimizer Spreadsheet - Releases, Bugs, etc.

What a wonderful spreadsheet!

I am in the 24/32% tax bracket with 3% PA state tax, and the spreadsheet is showing that FZEXX has the highest after-tax yield. However, I see that I cannot set this as a core position in my Fidelity brokerage account--so does that mean that I manually sell SPAXX (my current default/core position) to buy FZEXX when new money comes in? I have >$25K now to put in it, but can I buy more in the future in smaller amounts?
by mookie
Wed Aug 30, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder
Replies: 12
Views: 1431

Re: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder

You haven't given the alpha code for your flavor(s) of TIAA Traditional, like RA, RC, RCP, GSRA. You'll get better advice if you do. I have a GRA plan (liquid) and my wife has a GSRA plan (illiquid). You have some good replies already. I would not be 90% or 100% in equities in the five years before I wanted to retire. It's swashbuckling Finance Bro stuff (Opinion.) I don't like to sound like a Boglehead, but you are obeying a fallacy when you plan to live off dividends and interest, and not touch your principal. There is no sin (and indeed, no difference) in selling small amounts of appreciated stocks for retirement income. It is not true that your are "invading your principal" and will run out of money before your die. Because T...
by mookie
Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder
Replies: 12
Views: 1431

Re: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder

You really need to look at the details of your TIAA contract. I believe you get it only if you annuitize, so it's like an extra incentive to annuitize. Have you decided that's what you're going to do. I am also pretty sure it's graduated, not all or nothing, so you get some benefit even if you aren't contributing as much now. I'd say it couldn't hurt to do some contributions now. Also you probably can't buy TIPS in your 401k, but that is the best place to hold bonds, so if TIAA Traditional is the best choice in your employer plan I would go with it. For what it's worth I have most of my bond/fixed income allocation in TIAA Traditional in my 401k, supplemented with I Bonds and a TIPS fund that I have in my HSA. I probably won't decide wheth...
by mookie
Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder
Replies: 12
Views: 1431

Re: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder

Regarding TIAA vs TIPS, I think the big question is what risks you are seeking to hedge against. TIPS are inflation protected and will outperform when there is unexpected inflation. If you are primarily concerned about inflation risk, they are the clear choice. However, many also want bonds to reduce volatility and provide income during market crashes, which are often (not always) deflationary. In the event of deflationary market crash, nominal bonds will be better. TIAA Traditional is also guaranteed not to lose nominal value, which could happen to TIPS in the event of deflation and/or rising interest rates. Yes, it was a complicated question(s)--thanks for breaking it down. That's a helpful way to think about it, and I guess the answer i...
by mookie
Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder
Replies: 12
Views: 1431

TIAA Traditional annuity vs. TIPS ladder

I am in my mid-40's and planning to retire in 15-20 years. My target asset allocation is 70% total US stock market index (VTI)/20% total international stock index (VXUS)/10% fixed income. In retirement, I plan to pay expenses from interest/dividends and a TIPS ladder, which I will start building up in the five years before retirement. I have Roth IRA, 401k, 403b, and Roth 403b accounts, but no pension, and I'd like to defer drawing down my retirement accounts and starting Social Security for as long as possible. For the 10% fixed income portion of my portfolio, I switched from total US bond index (BND) to TIAA Traditional earlier this year because I realized that I don't need/want bonds as "ballast"; BND does not match my 15-20 ye...
by mookie
Fri Jun 23, 2023 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home steam shower--how did you do it?
Replies: 14
Views: 2051

Re: home steam shower--how did you do it?

BuddyJet wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 7:32 pm I had the same contractor problem but finally one would follow mr steam directions for plumbing drains and supply. City code can also be a challenge so have contractor check code.

I did catch the wrong insulation being used before the walls were closed.
I want to do this the right way, and I have no experience in managing a remodel. I was not planning to get a permit from the township, but do you think I should? Do you have other tips about how do the install properly?
by mookie
Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home steam shower--how did you do it?
Replies: 14
Views: 2051

Re: home steam shower--how did you do it?

Swanstone's website shows it is rated for steam usage but I have no experience with it or how to rate the material for steam unit sizing. I'd talk to mr steam about placing unit under bench. I'd be concerned that space or under sink would not meet the ventilation requirements. I have my units as free standing units in closets or in a cabinet above toilet with mesh inserts in top and doors for good air flow. Yes, I see that the Swanstone website says it can handle steam, it's rated to 450 degrees. I'm not sure what I'll do for the ceiling, because the wall panels come as a kit for just the walls. https://swanstone.com/product/sqmk96-3636-36-x-36-x-96-swanstone-square-tile-glue-up-shower-wall-kit/sw000020/sw000020-sq-215 Mr. Steam's video he...
by mookie
Thu Jun 22, 2023 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home steam shower--how did you do it?
Replies: 14
Views: 2051

Re: home steam shower--how did you do it?

jmorgans wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:39 pm I have a Mr Steam which was installed by the previous homeowner 12+ years ago. It just had a minor repair and is working great. Mine is installed underneath the bathroom sink which seems easiest for access to plumbing.
Thanks!
Is it ceramic tile in your shower?
Is it easy to find service people to do a repair?
I read that the steam generator cannot be in the steam shower enclosure, so under the sink is a great idea, although I'm not sure it will fit under my 36wx34h" vanity. There is a closet 6 ft away, on the other side of a second bathroom.
by mookie
Wed Jun 21, 2023 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home steam shower--how did you do it?
Replies: 14
Views: 2051

home steam shower--how did you do it?

I am renovating my master bathroom. It is a small space, 104 x 60". We are going to replace the 30 x 60" bathtub with a 32x60" shower, and are considering making it a Mr. Steam steam shower, (additional ~$6K materials, ~$3K labor). There is no closet on the other side of the shower, so I'm not sure where the steam generator will go. 1. Some contractors say that steam showers cause mold problems. Is that true? I understand that you have to have an exhaust fan in the bathroom, and a sealed in glass wall with transom window. I am planning to get a Panasonic Whisper fan. Most of them go up to 110 CFM, but a few go to 150 CFM, and I think I'll go for 150 CFM, and set it on a timer every time I leave the steam shower. 2. Can I put ...
by mookie
Mon May 22, 2023 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

wilked wrote: Mon May 22, 2023 7:50 am Do you have a 3D design you can share?
No. Not sure who would make that--I don't know how to.
by mookie
Fri May 19, 2023 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

OP here, after further research, we're nearing final decisions. We're hiring a contractor from a trusted referral, who quoted a price for labor, and these are the materials. (I accidentally posted this in a different thread.) 1. replace 30x60" tub with Swanstone shower wall panels and pan 32x60x96" 2. NuCore vinyl waterproof floor (small bathroom--59x73" including toilet and vanity, excluding shower): https://www.flooranddecor.com/nucore-fl ... k-and-tile 3. frameless sliding glass door: Guardian Glass with ShowerGuard vs. Kohler Levity with CleanCoat: https://www.lowes.com/pd/KOHLER-Levity- ... /999936556 4. Panasonic Whisperquiet fan (there is currently no fan): https://www.lowes.com/pd/Panasonic-Whis ... 5002179891 5. keep...
by mookie
Fri May 19, 2023 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile
Replies: 29
Views: 5882

Re: shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile

OP here, after further research, we're nearing final decisions. We're hiring a contractor from a trusted referral, who quoted a price for labor, and these are the materials: 1. replace 30x60" tub with Swanstone shower wall panels and pan 32x60x96" 2. NuCore vinyl waterproof floor (small bathroom--59x73" including toilet and vanity, excluding shower): https://www.flooranddecor.com/nucore-flooring/strada-marble-tile-luxury-vinyl-tile---cork-back-100844174.html?impressionList=rigid-core-luxury-vinyl-plank-and-tile 3. frameless sliding glass door: Guardian Glass with ShowerGuard vs. Kohler Levity with CleanCoat: https://www.lowes.com/pd/KOHLER-Levity-74-in-H-x-56-625-in-to-59-625-in-W-Frameless-Bypass-Sliding-Bright-Silver-Shower...
by mookie
Sun May 14, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile
Replies: 29
Views: 5882

Re: shower walls: single panels (Swanstone) vs. tile

When I framed everything in, we added in places to support a shower door and future grab bars. Was going to put in a glass shower door, but we've got a 2 year old and figured we'd spend more time fighting the door than we would fighting the kid while giving them a bath. When they're old enough the curtain is going to go away. Thank you for providing those details. Will there be holes in the Swanstone left over from the shower rod if you decide to convert to a glass door? I was considering a shower curtain for the ease of maintenance, with the option of converting to a glass door with Shower Guard from Guardian Glass if I don't like the shower curtain. But if the shower curtain rod leaves holes, I may just go for the glass door from the out...
by mookie
Sun May 14, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile
Replies: 29
Views: 5882

Re: shower walls: single panels (Swanstone) vs. tile

bbqguru wrote: Sun May 14, 2023 10:06 am Super easy to install. It cuts with a circular saw and you can attach it to drywall or most any other type of substrate. We used silicone to attach the panels to GoBoard (foam waterproof tileboard) and it was ready to use within a day.

100% would use it again.
I have quotes for labor from two contractors from trusted referrals. They have experience with tile and panels, but not Swanstone specifically. Do you think I need to find someone with Swanstone experience specifically? If so, I'll have to go off of the referral from the bathroom supply store, rather than a personal referral.
by mookie
Sat May 13, 2023 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile
Replies: 29
Views: 5882

shower walls: panels (Swanstone, Onyx) vs. tile

I am hiring a contractor to do a master bath remodel. We are replacing a 30x60" tub that has tile walls with a 32x60x96" shower, with a pan and three walls that will either be large tile or shower panel. I am strongly leaning towards the panel material because of the lack of grout, and hence easier maintenance. I am aware that all the seams (between the panel walls, between the walls and the shower pan, and between the pan and the floor) are caulked, and that caulking will need to be replaced periodically, just like with tile. The materials that I am considering are Swanstone and Onyx Collection. https://swanstone.com/product/sqmk96-3662-36-x-62-x-96-swanstone-square-tile-glue-up-shower-wall-kit/sw000022/sw000022-sq-203 https://on...
by mookie
Fri Apr 07, 2023 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Bonds and Bill Bernstein's Maxim
Replies: 115
Views: 23275

Re: I Bonds and Bill Bernstein's Maxim

2) a nice fat TIPS window opened up late last year, and prudent and smart investors like Allan Roth jumped through it. Strictly hypothetically, were I, just say, writing a new edition of an old book, I'd still recommend their purchase, and cross all twenty fingers and toes that the TIPS window hadn't completely closed by the time it came off the presses and onto Amazon.com. Can someone explain what Dr. Bernstein means by "TIPS window" and that it might close? He means that real interest rates constantly vary and that one wants to buy TIPS when the real rate is high. Any time while that is true is a "window" of opportunity. This is a serious issue. If you were to buy a 30 year ladder of TIPS at 0% real that would pay you...
by mookie
Fri Apr 07, 2023 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Bonds and Bill Bernstein's Maxim
Replies: 115
Views: 23275

Re: I Bonds and Bill Bernstein's Maxim

Bill Bernstein wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 12:29 pm 2) a nice fat TIPS window opened up late last year, and prudent and smart investors like Allan Roth jumped through it.

Strictly hypothetically, were I, just say, writing a new edition of an old book, I'd still recommend their purchase, and cross all twenty fingers and toes that the TIPS window hadn't completely closed by the time it came off the presses and onto Amazon.com.
Can someone explain what Dr. Bernstein means by "TIPS window" and that it might close?
by mookie
Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

You seem to have staying clean as your main concern. There are companies that will install a solid faux granite shower/bathtub so you have no grout and just seals at the corners. Otherwise if you have room for a full 3ft wide shower do that, its the best bathroom upgrade aside from possibly double sinks. I hate grout. Any recs on quality panels for a shower install? I told a contractor my priorities of no mildew, minimal maintenance, and longevity, and he recommended a fiberglass shower pan (Dreamline), fiberglass panels (which can have built-in shelves and can install grab bar), and shower curtain. https://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Standard-Ovation-32-in-x-60-in-x-72-in-5-Piece-Glue-Up-Alcove-Shower-Wall-Set-in-Silver-Celestial-2968SWT...
by mookie
Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6053
Views: 1036267

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

The convention here at BH - if you have time to look through the entire thread, is to have both a CMA and separate brokerage account. CMA for cash management and brokerage for taxable long term funds like total stock. From a cash flow standpoint, the CMA or multiple CMA (below) accounts take care of the day to day income/expenses. I use a separate second CMA as an ATM cash only account and keep only a couple hundred at most in there and NOT linked to the other CMA or brokerage account. That isolates my debit card I use only for ATM withdrawal, from my main CMA that is attached to bill pay, and the brokerage. Others on this thread advocate for ability to link CMA/brokerage accounts . . . I'm in the keep; them separate in case one gets hacke...
by mookie
Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6053
Views: 1036267

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

The convention here at BH - if you have time to look through the entire thread, is to have both a CMA and separate brokerage account. CMA for cash management and brokerage for taxable long term funds like total stock. From a cash flow standpoint, the CMA or multiple CMA (below) accounts take care of the day to day income/expenses. I use a separate second CMA as an ATM cash only account and keep only a couple hundred at most in there and NOT linked to the other CMA or brokerage account. That isolates my debit card I use only for ATM withdrawal, from my main CMA that is attached to bill pay, and the brokerage. Others on this thread advocate for ability to link CMA/brokerage accounts . . . I'm in the keep; them separate in case one gets hacke...
by mookie
Sun Mar 19, 2023 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

ResearchMed wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:59 pm OP: Do you live in an area with real freezing temps? (Not just an occasional dip into the lower 30's F?)

If so, please see my comment in my post above about how we had a nice showerhead on an exterior wall, without any plumbing in that wall at all.

If there are no serious cold spells, then this isn't an issue.

And wilked: I assume you didn't have worries about freezing pipes?

RM
I live in PA, and it can get cold, but I think all of the plumbing currently is interior (none of the faucets are on an outside wall).
by mookie
Sun Mar 19, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

I'll add some thoughts. Curbless shower usually requires a larger shower area or the slab most likely needs to be dropped. This is hard to do on most remodel jobs since the slab is already set. Because your shower area and your bathroom overall is small, you may be better to go with a small lip of 2-3 inches or a shower base. If your area for the shower is only 30" wide, then a) need bypasss doors if no room for a door to swing open b) swing door in this case may only be 18 inches wide and c) you can do with no door and have the base or floor slant toward the shower head where the drain would be located. You may consider a trapaziod shaped base. This will give you more moveable space within the shower as they can be 42 X 42-inches and...
by mookie
Sun Mar 19, 2023 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

This was the 3-D design https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PkaGrALi5AyBW6J230C7GKOoyC1W_Uik/view?usp=sharing Did you hire a designer? Where did you find them? Like with investment advice, I'd prefer someone independent, but the only ones I've found are employees of the store. If choosing among the options were only a matter of taste and price, I wouldn't need their advice, but the questions I have are are about longevity and maintenance. Anyways, I think I've made most of the decisions thanks to the advice in this thread: shower; down-sloped corner shelves; large tiles to ceiling with grab bars; Panasonic whisper exhaust on timer w/nightlight or heat lamp; heated floor depending on price; vanity w/drawers; washlet with outlet. I'm still deci...
by mookie
Sat Mar 18, 2023 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

Bogle7 wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 3:59 pm
mookie wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:58 pm
Bogle7 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:38 amHire a bathroom designer. They are better at this than you. And, better than a contractor. Don’t cheap out.
A number of replies recommended a curbless shower--how do you keep the water from getting outside the shower, especially if it's a relatively narrow space (the width of a standard bathtub)? Is it really less chance of mildew than a shower pan?
Magic.
And, see "designer" above.
Do you use the designers that are employed at the local bathroom supply stores? Won't they try to upsell?
by mookie
Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

Bogle7 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:38 am Hire a bathroom designer. They are better at this than you. And, better than a contractor.

Curbless shower will reduce mold and be “universal design”.
We love our Runtal Versus towel warmer.
Spend the money on a Toto toilet with Nexus washlet.
Wife would kill for a heated floor.
Panasonic Whispergreen fan with timer.
One sink. You don’t need two.
Shower head + handheld shower.
Don’t cheap out.
A number of replies recommended a curbless shower--how do you keep the water from getting outside the shower, especially if it's a relatively narrow space (the width of a standard bathtub)? Is it really less chance of mildew than a shower pan?
by mookie
Fri Mar 17, 2023 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

alpenglow wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:27 am
barnaclebob wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:17 am You seem to have staying clean as your main concern. There are companies that will install a solid faux granite shower/bathtub so you have no grout and just seals at the corners.

Otherwise if you have room for a full 3ft wide shower do that, its the best bathroom upgrade aside from possibly double sinks.
I hate grout. Any recs on quality panels for a shower install?
A tile installer (granted, he's biased) told me that the Bath Fitter liners can be problematic because if water gets behind it, it's trapped there, and mold will grow.
by mookie
Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

Thanks everyone! You're responses prompted me to add three more questions (7-9) to the original post.
by mookie
Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

bathroom remodel options

I have a small (bathtub + 60x74" area) master bathroom that needs to be remodeled. I'm looking for input on the following choices. My priorities are that it last a long time and be simple to maintain and clean, with minimal risk of mildew/mold. 1. bathtub vs. shower. My wife and I are in our 40's and our kids use the other bathroom that has a tub. We rarely use the tub, but I like having the option of using it, so I'm leaning towards getting a tub. I think a tub is less likely to get mildew like you might get in the corners of a shower. On the other hand, a shower is nice because there is no step and you have the option of installing a seat. 2. glass vs. shower curtain (if we go withh a bathtub). I like the simplicity of the shower cur...