Search found 4577 matches

by Big Dog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?
Replies: 13
Views: 991

Re: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?

I'm a huge fan of Open Social Security. click the Additional info button on the top middle and you can change scenarios.

But be sure to read Mike's article on why he uses the discount rate he does.

https://obliviousinvestor.com/claiming- ... we-assume/
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Underlying Auto Policy amount w/ a 1M umbrella?
Replies: 17
Views: 1226

Re: Underlying Auto Policy amount w/ a 1M umbrella?

can you help me understand how UM/UIM would work in an umbrella? If I am at fault, my insurance will pay regardless if they have insurance. (CA is an at-fault state). OTOH, how/why would an uninsured motorist sue me if they are at fault? They don't. UM/UIM is protecting you from them. Someone runs into you and is at-fault. Your car is totaled, you can't work for a few months, you're in a lot of pain. The other party doesn't have insurance, or has the CA minimum of $15K. Without this insurance once the $15K is exhausted (if they even have insurance) nobody pays for your car, your lost wages, your pain and suffering. With it you negotiate a settlement with your insurer who reimburses you for their liability. To be honest I see this coverage ...
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 25, 2024 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Underlying Auto Policy amount w/ a 1M umbrella?
Replies: 17
Views: 1226

Re: Underlying Auto Policy amount w/ a 1M umbrella?

What did your agent suggest? I've received quotes from two independent brokers and a quote from a local State Farm office. All costs are annual Auto | Home | Umbrella | Total Acuity: $668.00 | $1,558.00 | $140.00 | $2,366.00 Progressive: $395.00 | $1,247.00 | $392.00 | $2,034.00 State Farm: $449.46 | $1,459.43 | $129.00 | $2,037.89 Auto Owners: $541.34 | $1,698.27 | $208.00 | $2,447.61 Notes: - All auto policies are 250/500 and 100 property with 250/500 Under and uninsured motorist except Auto Owners which is 500/500 State farms 1M umbrella doesn't include under insurance or uninsured motorist. I'd have to up the auto policy portion to 1M. The other umbrella policies all include the under insurance and uninsured coverage Of these quotes, I...
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22344

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Isn't it ironic that in the USA - the land of the free market - one could not do that? I am from Eastern Europe and it sounds just absurd to must have an agent. You don't have to have an agent to buy a house. I've done it many times in the past. The reason why you keep reading about this whole "you need to have an agent to represent you" to protect your interest and to guide you through a very complicated process is mostly self serving exaggerated sense of importance marketed by the agents themselves. And most people are sheepy who just believe and follow the conventional wisdom, hence the phenomenon. The only person who matters in the whole process is the attorney. And to also add to the list of things "you don't need"...
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 24, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22344

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Where it gets interesting is that the buyer would now have the option to find the house directly at an open house or on the internet and make an offer on it without using their own agent. Isn't it ironic that in the USA - the land of the free market - one could not do that? I am from Eastern Europe and it sounds just absurd to must have an agent. You don't have to have an agent to buy a house. I've done it many times in the past. The reason why you keep reading about this whole "you need to have an agent to represent you" to protect your interest and to guide you through a very complicated process is mostly self serving exaggerated sense of importance marketed by the agents themselves. And most people are sheepy who just believe ...
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3487

Re: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?

greg24 wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:23 pm We have "a guy". But he is too busy for everything. When we've had this kind of emergency repair, we have texted him a brief description and asked if he had a recommendation, and he replied with a contact. Seems like every time it has worked out well.
We too, had a guy, and when we had a problem, he'd come out late in the evening if he was booked that day. One time, he showed up at 8 pm and worked until 10 pm for a temporary fix. Alas, he retired.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3487

Re: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?

as a homeowner, I try to build a relationships with plumbers and HVAC folks, so when an emergency happens, I'm already an existing customer.

Do you have any small jobs that need to be completed: faucet replacement, small drips, etc.? Sure, these can be DIY, but by hiring somebody, you can get a feel for their work ethic. That way when the hot water heater starts leaking, you made one call, and they came out same day. For HVAC, we started soliciting bids for replacements ('within the next year'). Met up with 8 firms, and when the compressor died a few months later, we knew who to call and what equipment we wanted.
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AARP/UHC Medicare supplement plan cost analysis: What am I missing?
Replies: 8
Views: 783

Re: AARP/UHC Medicare supplement plan cost analysis: What am I missing?

you are overthinking this. CA allows folks to change plans every year without medical underwriting (Birthday Rule), so if you don't like who you pick this year, you can change them next year. My suggestion is to purchase one of the cheapest Plan N that you can find.


fwiw: in my SoCal zip, UHC is one of the most expensive plans. (USAA is the cheapest.). You can compare approved rates on the link below.

https://interactive.web.insurance.ca.go ... f?p=111:30
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 22, 2024 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you assume legislative cuts in Social Security and other federal benefits?
Replies: 49
Views: 2084

Re: Do you assume legislative cuts in Social Security and other federal benefits?

This isn’t going to be a productive thread. This is a deeply political question. Not exactly is a bad way, but one that the moderators will limit. We can talk about the future difficulties that SS will face. Demographics for example. There are multiple valid solutions out there but they all require political solutions. Cuts in benefits, higher retirement ages, higher taxes, increased immigration are the top options. Doesn't have to be. The question, as I understand it, is, with all the info that we know today, are people assuming cuts to SS or federal benefits (for those eligible) in their retirement planning. One does not have to explain why, which coudld be political. A Yes or No is not. In answer to OP, No, I am not assuming cuts to SS;...
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Debt in Collections
Replies: 7
Views: 1109

Re: Medical Debt in Collections

don;t forget, any debt forgiveness may result in a 1099 next year which gets added to income. (Even if it doesnt; result in a 1099, I believe you are supposed to self-report it on your 1040.)

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-c
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 21, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax - Need to File Amendment but ran out of licenses
Replies: 9
Views: 794

Re: TurboTax - Need to File Amendment but ran out of licenses

mariezzz wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 2:46 pm Shouldn't you be able to file an amendment under the same license that you used to file the original return? I thought that's what my brother said he did last year - he opened up his return in TT and somehow there was an option to file an amendment. If not, I'm surprised at TT.
yes, I have amended returns with teh same account.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/am ... /L6kO691J8
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3704

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

happyisland wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:52 am
wilked wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:21 am I always enjoy in these threads:

-Lots of non-Tesla owners letting everyone know that someone they know had quality issues with their Tesla
-The actual owners within the thread relating their personal experience of more or less issue-free ownership
Both of those types of anecdotes being pretty useless. The interesting stuff is the aggregate data on quality, repairability, etc...
Absolute correct, except there are few sources of data on quality and repairability. Sure, Consumer Reports does its thing, but CRs customers are a very small slice of the market and tend to be older. (If you are used to driving a US car with comfort suspension, the Tesla ride is gonna feel 'harsh'.)
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 20, 2024 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why
Replies: 89
Views: 4978

Re: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why

I don't mean the specific company but is it A, B, C, etc. Plans in a handful of states also provide ' + " plans. If available, you'd see Plan G offered as well as Plan G+, Plan N offered as well as Plan N+, etc. The + plans provide for health club, dental, vision and hearing benefits over above what the coverage provided by the Plan letter. These additional '+' benefits are provided by the insurance company and aren't regulated so the offering can vary from one company to the next. I've seen the cost for '+' run from $15 to $22 extra per month. Personally, I have Plan G+. Plan G for the fullest coverage (I only pay my Medicare Part B deductible each year) and the '+' because I find the extra premium well worth it. Ding, ding, ding. In...
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax enters California adjustment for Treasury interest on wrong line.
Replies: 20
Views: 1928

Re: TurboTax enters California adjustment for Treasury interest on wrong line.

if you received a 1099-Div, the issuer considers the payments to be Dividends. If the issuer considered them Interest, they would have sent you a 1099-INT. Your beef, such that it is, is with the issuer of the 1099, not TurboTax.
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3704

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

I have two model 3's, both from 2018, and I have none of those issues. The only maintenance I have done since purchase is changed the windshield wipers, added windshield fluid, replaced teh 12v batteries (one under warranty), replaced the cabin air filters, and rotated tires. And of course, wash and wax.
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "The Call" from SSA - how do you confirm legitimacy?
Replies: 11
Views: 1841

Re: "The Call" from SSA - how do you confirm legitimacy?

I completed my online SSA application a couple of weeks ago and recently received an email saying to expect a phone call from them. If you recently did this (talked on phone with SSA re application), would you please tell me what the call was like? Did they call during the timeframe you selected? Do you have to "confirm" personal info to them like SS#, etc (this is my greatest concern on an inbound call)? How did you verify that the call was actually from SSA? Thanks! My phone automatically blocks non-known numbers, so when SS left me a message, I called them back, and got into the telephone queue for the rep who left me the vm. Yes, they asked for personal info to confirm I was who I claimed to be. But prior to divulging my info...
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It
Replies: 13
Views: 1180

Re: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It

I guess I'm not seeing the issue. You have already purchased HO from another insurer who you like. You want to cancel this (former) insurer and get a refund. Sign the waiver and get your cash. No harm, no foul.
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 24
Views: 2194

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

what is your definition of a true seller's market? A seller's market in the Bay Area is certainly different than one in say, St. Louis. And doesn't it also depend on price? An inoperable bathroom is not gonna be too attractive in a $1.5m home. What if this was the only bathroom or the master? (another unknown) Gonna turn off a lot of potential buyers, which shrinks the bidding.
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 24
Views: 2194

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

deleted, dupe
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 24
Views: 2194

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

Nothing "wrong" per se. This happens all the time. Perhaps the bathroom was dated? Sure, the seller may not get a 100% return on the BR investment, but it could help sell the place faster. Many RE agents have a buyer in their pocket already. It makes for a quick and easy sale. Does it mean that the buyer left some money on the table, sure, but again, quick and easy sale. Does the Agent make a quick buck? Yes, to that too. If it is really a "seller's market" - it is hard to imagine a bathroom remodel causing a house to sell faster. How long did the remodel take? Everyone I know in true sellers markets have done one open house and gotten multiple offers. It's like an incredible 2 week process or less to get under contract...
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 24
Views: 2194

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

Nothing "wrong" per se. This happens all the time. Perhaps the bathroom was dated? Or, really ugly grout that was chipped and could not be cleaned? Sure, the seller may not get a 100% return on the BR investment, but it could help sell the place faster.

Many RE agents have a buyer in their pocket already. It makes for a quick and easy sale. Does it mean that the seller left some money on the table, sure, but again, quick and easy sale. Does the Agent make a quick buck? Yes, to that too.

It's in the Agent's best interest to get the highest price with the least amount of work. The seller coudl have said, No, to the pocket friend, and marketed teh house for a few weeks.
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22344

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

gift article on teh WSJ on this very topic with some examples of how Buyer's agents could be compensated in the future.

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/a-look- ... _permalink
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 33
Views: 2733

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

I have a 265, but do not wear it to bed. Don't see the actionable value of any sleep reports. As to the article, not sure anyone who purchases a Garmin is gonna have a high RHR to begin with.


https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/healt ... -to-sleep/
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help my kid out - International Relations Masters
Replies: 38
Views: 3571

Re: Help my kid out - International Relations Masters

02nz wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:57 pm I don't have in-depth knowledge of the individual programs, but from my experience working in this area, my impression is that Tufts is the best-regarded of the programs to which she was accepted.

But: If her main interest is in the think-tank world, she may want to think about a Ph.D. My impression is a master's won't get you far in that area, unless you are already well-known in the field for other reasons.
I agree, and as a result, I'd suggest the financial deal at Michigan which has plenty of connections to DC. UM will also prepare her well should she consider a PhD. But if not a doctorate, she definitely needs some overseas work.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 120
Views: 9418

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

I think all aspects of the real estate business from benefit from the collapse of the fixed fee structure. They will add new fees and hide them in all kinds of new ways we can't even imagine today. In place of a single bundled commission fee there will be a plethora of new fees and charges to deal with. The possibilities are endless, advertising fees, fees for "for sale" sign placement, rental, and removal, open house charges, walk-through fees for showing the home to prospective purchasers, listing fees, hourly charges for accommodating appraisers and home inspections, etc, gobs and gobs of fees like you've never seen before. Many of the fees might not be dependent on the closing of a sale. That's a good point. Heck, top agents ...
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22344

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

The seller has never paid for the buyer's agent. That was all a scam perpetuated by NAR. The buyer has always paid the full commission for both sides. Just because the closing sheet shows the commission coming out of the seller's cut, doesn't mean that's where the money originated. That's simply shifting around numbers. I get what you're saying from a logic standpoint - ultimately all the money is coming from the buyer. But people don't always behave logically. You could say the exact same thing about employer-provided health insurance, since ultimately the employee is paying for that insurance by forgoing a larger salary and paying for it themselves. But that's not how it works in reality, since we see posts all the time in this forum fro...
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Death of Joint Tenant/Owner
Replies: 20
Views: 1866

Re: Death of Joint Tenant/Owner

ComputerShare has only one way of doing things: their way. Definitely ask about cost basis, which should be adjusted as of the date of death upon transferring of shares. Personally, I'd then ask for a check and close out the account.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with empty tIRA account after back door Roth IRA
Replies: 13
Views: 1879

Re: Dealing with empty tIRA account after back door Roth IRA

I had something similar at Fido, which was a few bucks, so I called them and told them that I wanted the total balance transferred plus any residual interest. They made it happen. (btw: Vanguard has a box to check to make it happen automatically.)
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?
Replies: 59
Views: 4116

Re: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?

If your current provider doesn't want your business for whatever reason, time to try a different provider. why not ask friends and neighbors for recommendations to another PT service in your town? Ask your doc's office for a different PT recommendation and to give you a hardcopy of the orders. Do you have an academic medical center nearby? Go on Yelp or other reviews and search. Simple.
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should "fellowship" be taxed ?
Replies: 7
Views: 884

Re: Should "fellowship" be taxed ?

the portion of a fellowship that covers tuition is not-taxable, but the portion that covers room & board, general living expenses, or reimbursement for teaching (TA)/conducting research (RA) is taxable.

If you are asking whether it "should be" is a political question and not discussable on this forum.
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22344

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Much ado about nothing, IMO. And I think the relatively small settlement shows that.

Gonna cause house prices to decline? hahahahaha
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA and year after LCE
Replies: 8
Views: 1286

Re: IRMAA and year after LCE

I had two years of LCE. But the second year was initially denied. This was during the end of COBRA, so SS offices were only partially open, and most SS employees were working from home. I requested reconsideration from the Regional SS office, and complained to my Congressional Rep. The reconsideration was approved in the next week.
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?
Replies: 19
Views: 2168

Re: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?

I did hire an attorney to navigate probate and this is what her paralegal sent me regarding these shares: "First, all the certificated and uncertificated shares need to be transferred into the estate’s name using the EIN. Then, as the executor of the estate, you can instruct Citibank to sell them (there may be some forms you have to complete to get them sold). Once they are sold, the proceeds of that sale need to be deposited into the estate checking account. Distribution to yourself and your brother does not happen until the accounting phase." I met with her in person to sign the inventory of assets and she said that normally most people just cash out the shares instead of transferring them to the heirs but that I could split th...
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?
Replies: 19
Views: 2168

Re: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?

fwiw: the cost basis for inherited stock is calculated as the average between the high and low on the day of death. For mutual funds, its the closing price of the day of death.
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell relatively expensive fund and generate tax hit?
Replies: 8
Views: 680

Re: Sell relatively expensive fund and generate tax hit?

Make sure you have dividend reinvestment turned off.

How much money in tax are you talking about? $1k or $100k? If the former, I'd simplify life and sell teh fund since you no longer have interest in it.

btw: don't forget that you can always donate appreciated shares to your favorite charities. Or gift them to kids if they are in lower tax brackets. (cost basis transfers to them)
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College degree worthwhile for marketing?
Replies: 124
Views: 8435

Re: College degree worthwhile for marketing?

how are her math skills? Could she take a class in Finance or Data Analytics? (any quant-style course woudl make her more marketable if RE doesn't work out)

But yes, finish the degree.
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental upcharges?
Replies: 13
Views: 1443

Re: Dental upcharges?

my dentist does stop by during a cleaning to take a look, but doesnt charge for it. Sometimes he's looking for future work -- hmm, see a possible cavity on #32, but we'll watch it. Or, he's doing quality control on the hygienist: don't' forget to get those stains on #7.

You should ask your dentist if there is a fee to take a look outside of the annual exam?
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell Home or Keep and Rent It
Replies: 11
Views: 1064

Re: Sell Home or Keep and Rent It

why would you want to be a long-distance landlord in tenant-friendly state? Take the cap gain exclusion of $500k, pay tax on the balance, and don't look back.
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process
Replies: 21
Views: 1573

Re: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process

under CA law, you have the choice to take your car to any body shop of your choosing. You can use SF's recommendation, or find your own. CA is an at-fault state. As long as they can collect from the other guy, your rates should not increase. When my D was rear-ended, I told her to take teh car to an approved Audi body shop, with great reviews, but which was 2x the approved insurance rate. They ended up haggling, and finally split the difference. Total repairs cost significantly more than initial insurance estimate. Once they started taking things apart, they found more damage underneath. Refused to accept a second-hand, aka junk yard, quarter panel as recommended by insurer. So my rec is to go to an independent shop of yoru choice that does...
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted
Replies: 15
Views: 1207

Re: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted

is your local pharmacy the preferred provider in your Part D plan? What is the deductible amount of the plan he chose?

Have you rerun the prescriptions in the Medicare site to see if the drug plans have changed?

https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/# ... &year=2024
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update
Replies: 33
Views: 2997

Re: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update

billaster wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:42 am
hammockhiker wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:49 am The notable decrease in efficiency can be traced to federal regulations regarding water usage by dishwashers. Currently the standard is that dishwashers use no more than 5 gallons, but there's a proposal to cut that to 3.5 gallons. Older dishwasher weren't constrained by regulations, used more water and cleaned better.
One of the most popular dishwashers often recommended here is the Bosch which uses 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per cycle. More water doesn't necessarily mean better.

Perhaps not, but more water does mean faster. :D
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Replies: 37
Views: 3262

Re: Kitchen Cabinet Cost

jfmiii wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:20 am
gotoparks wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:17 am If you live in a high-end neighborhood and house, it is probably OK. I wouldn't over-improve a kitchen with high-end cabinets if the neighborhood didn't support it.
We do live in a wealthy area, so I am sure there is zip code inflation. Our home is worth $1.3-1.4mm and that price point is about the average.
it does depend on the local area. Homes in our VHCOL suburban tract run in that price range, but no way would anyone pay that much extra for such cabinets. They will look beautiful, but teh fanciest cabinets on the block are not much of an upsell. When we move, I will just pay a cabinet specialist to have ours painted and add some new hardware.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 02, 2024 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property
Replies: 26
Views: 2547

Re: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property

paint, clean the carpets, wash windows, and wipe down the counters & cabinets. Should take care of 99%.
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11934

Re: Mid-career change to law?

law pay for Jr Associates is bimodal.

https://www.nalp.org/salarydistrib
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA
Replies: 40
Views: 4632

Re: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA

Do you still need two cars?
by Big Dog
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose: Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Replies: 23
Views: 2614

Re: Help me choose: Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra 2?

I wouldn't be concerned with obsolescence with Garmin. They last a long time, and customer service is excellent. I've had an issue or two over teh years, and they have comp'ed me a replacement refurb. Gotta a 265 for a birthday present, but I still have my two original gamins working, one is going on 20 years.

(I'm a runner, so not concerned with swimming.). My D's fiancé used to work for AAPL, and on their watches. He loves is AAPL watch but said for serious athletes/training, Garmin is better.
by Big Dog
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: umbrella insurance tiered pricing choices
Replies: 7
Views: 977

Re: umbrella insurance tiered pricing choices

Parkinglotracer wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:58 pm
SunRainSnow wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:53 pm
Parkinglotracer wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:39 pm I just bought a 2 M policy from Usaa for about $300 a month ... I don't know if you need to be a service member to buy an umbrella policy from Usaa. I know you don't have to be a member to buy life insurance from them.
$300/mth? $3,600 a year for $2 million is very expensive I think. Maybe you’re a high risk but I’d shop around a bit more. Mine is a tenth of your cost for $2M.
my mistake $300 a year - sorry about that.
I also have USAA for $2m, at $350/yr. Definitely shop around
by Big Dog
Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance question for 22 year old.
Replies: 9
Views: 1226

Re: Health Insurance question for 22 year old.

I'm a big fan of HD+HSA plans for young health folks. Surprised that the company does not make a starting contribution to the HSA, such as $250.

But what is the cost for you to keep him on your plan (until 26?) and just have him pay you the delta?
by Big Dog
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits
Replies: 45
Views: 4117

Re: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits

scophreak wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:23 pm
Rotarman wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:35 pm - My insurance advised me this is NOT what uninsured/underinsured insurance is for(I carry both). That is only for bodily injury at least in my state, this will be a collision coverage claim thus my premium increasing and being on the hook for deductible
What state are you in?

I could be mistaken, but as far as I am aware, underinsured motorist coverage covers BOTH medical and property damage.
It certainly does cover property in CA (per state law), but unless teh OP wants to share his/her state, we can't be more helpful.