Search found 389 matches

by Ninnie
Sat Oct 30, 2021 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vacation home question
Replies: 1
Views: 628

Vacation home question

My aging parents are considering selling their main residence (a condo in a popular vacation state) and moving to their second home, which is near us.
We are considering purchasing their condo to keep it in the family as a place to vacation. We would keep it for personal use - no rentals.

My question is, if my parents stay in the condo rent-free for 2-3 months, and if they also independently gift us an annual amount below the gift tax limit of $15,000 per year, is there a danger the IRS could consider the gift money rent? Is there anything that needs to be reported in this scenario?
by Ninnie
Sat May 01, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long should I keep this car loan?
Replies: 13
Views: 1224

Re: How long should I keep this car loan?

Thanks for all the thoughts and advice. I'll probably pay it off over the next three - six months.
by Ninnie
Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long should I keep this car loan?
Replies: 13
Views: 1224

How long should I keep this car loan?

We bought a new car two weeks ago. Had planned to pay cash, but when we arrived at the dealer (60 miles from our house) it turns out they only accept bank checks. We've paid with personal checks in the past so hadn't anticipated this. It's been a long time since we bought a new car. Is this normal practice now? Anyway, it was the weekend, banks were closed. They needed payment before registering the car, and we were trying to avoid an extra 2.5 hour round trip during the week to organize payment. So we financed at 3%, planning to pay it off immediately. There were no extra fees, no penalties on pre-payment. I paid off 3/4 of the loan online. Now, with $8k left on the loan, I'm wondering if I should just make regular payments and pay it off ...
by Ninnie
Mon Jan 07, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to save on prescription drug costs?
Replies: 60
Views: 6361

Re: How to save on prescription drug costs?

In my case, levothyroxine loses potency if it gets too warm, and thus can’t be mailed in hotter months.
by Ninnie
Mon Jan 07, 2019 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets
Replies: 36
Views: 6459

Re: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets

LlBean, the higher end percale sheets are made in Portugal and are excellent.
by Ninnie
Mon Jan 07, 2019 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to save on prescription drug costs?
Replies: 60
Views: 6361

Re: How to save on prescription drug costs?

Some meds are temp dependent and shouldn’t be mailed. Something to keep in mind.
by Ninnie
Wed Jan 02, 2019 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ideal home size
Replies: 130
Views: 11237

Re: Your ideal home size

We are at 2200 ft.² for two people. To me this is the perfect size. This does not include basement, which is finished, bringing us to 3200 ft.²

Do we need this much space? Of course not. We lived very comfortably in 1600 ft.² for many years. But it is awfully nice to have some extra room to spread out.
by Ninnie
Wed Sep 26, 2018 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movie Forums
Replies: 1
Views: 373

Re: Movie Forums

Not exactly equivalent, but Reddit generally has decent conversations about movies.
by Ninnie
Thu Sep 13, 2018 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subaru Forester - ready to buy
Replies: 43
Views: 5794

Re: Subaru Forester - ready to buy

We test drove the 2018 Forester and have decided to wait for the 2019 model. It depends on if the new model improvements matter to you. To us, they do.

Specifically 2019 is supposed to be quieter and has CarPlay, both were sticking points for us.
by Ninnie
Sat Aug 25, 2018 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Fall of Consumer Reports
Replies: 126
Views: 31818

Re: The Fall of Consumer Reports

drk wrote: Sat Aug 18, 2018 2:52 pm I'm a Millennial and have never used Consumer Reports. The few times I would have, I ran into a paywall and went elsewhere. In the zeitgeist, it's like Reader's Digest or Life magazine.
This. I'm Gen X and agree 100%.

I actually have free access through work and on the occasions that I've thought to check their reviews I've found them pretty useless and far less helpful than other online sites.
by Ninnie
Thu Aug 23, 2018 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I own 1,387 items!
Replies: 128
Views: 13272

Re: I own 1,387 items!

My actionable item is to re-watch Fight Club.
by Ninnie
Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your opinion on online courses?
Replies: 26
Views: 2941

Re: Your opinion on online courses?

The top indicator for a well rated online course is instructor engagement. It's that simple.
by Ninnie
Fri Aug 03, 2018 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: weekender bag?
Replies: 30
Views: 3711

Re: weekender bag?

That's because good quality at a $50 price point does not compute. :D
by Ninnie
Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: weekender bag?
Replies: 30
Views: 3711

Re: weekender bag?

I discovered Floto Imports for nice made in Italy leather weekend bags. I've been very happy with my weekend duffle with a more retro feel. Also have a Dakine for banging about, which has been awesome.
by Ninnie
Sun Jul 22, 2018 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I dont know how to spend money
Replies: 39
Views: 6326

Re: I dont know how to spend money

Are you happy with your job and career? Do you have friends and enjoy yourself with them?

I don't think skipping lunch is such a good idea. It's great that you pack your lunch, but give yourself a break if you forget it and be kind to your stomach.
by Ninnie
Tue Jul 17, 2018 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Amazon Prime Day]
Replies: 194
Views: 18948

Re: Amazon Prime Day 2018

A few movies I had my eye on were actually priced higher. So much for that.
by Ninnie
Mon Jul 16, 2018 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why own a bed?
Replies: 140
Views: 14072

Re: Why own a bed?

For real.There is nothing we don't talk about on this site. :)
by Ninnie
Sat Jul 14, 2018 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is expensive olive oil worth it?
Replies: 63
Views: 10008

Re: Is expensive olive oil worth it?

I have a very sensitive soy allergy. Therefore I can detect if an olive oil was diluted with soybean oil or (more common) simply transported before packaging in shared containers. It's very common.

I use olive oil that's canned in the country of origin.
by Ninnie
Sat Jul 14, 2018 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Someone is using my cellphone number
Replies: 21
Views: 3330

Re: Someone is using my cellphone number

There is a scam where hackers will steal your cell phone number. That way they can use it to unlock your email and other accounts if you use two-step verification.

In your case, how did you call Best Buy? Hopefully you looked up their number and didn't call the number in the text. That's the only potential for scam I see here. Otherwise someone else probably mis-entered the cell number when they placed their order. The best strategy would have been to ignore the messages and not call back and give out your email.

Some cell phone providers now allow you to lock your account with a pin. AT&T lets you do this online. That helps prevent someone from calling the company and stealing (porting) the number by pretending to be you.
by Ninnie
Sun Jul 08, 2018 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you pay for home services?
Replies: 58
Views: 5286

Re: What do you pay for home services?

Dottie57 wrote: Sun Jul 08, 2018 6:55 pm
VictoriaF wrote: Sun Jul 08, 2018 6:48 pm I rent, clean my apartment myself, and don't have any landscaping. I wonder why these $500 monthly non-deductible costs are never mentioned in Bogleheads comparisons of renting with buying.

Victoria
Because they are a want not a need.

I think my cleaning service will go away next year.
Yes. And if you're renting, you could theoretically be paying for a cleaning service too. If you're renting a house, you may even be responsible for lawn mowing. We have owned our home for 20 years and have never paid for either service. We do both things ourselves.
by Ninnie
Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Older Women Lifting Weights
Replies: 203
Views: 27813

Re: Older Women Lifting Weights

I am in my forties and haven't lifted weights in 20 years, although I have kept lightly active with sports, yoga, and elliptical. I have always had very weak upper body strength. I recently bought a few pairs of dumbbell and in three months have gone from 5 to 7 to 9 lb, planning to move soon to 12 lb. There is no shame in starting low. My arms are already feeling stronger and look more toned. I use the dumbbells twice per week. I aim for 3-4 days of cardiovascular, but don't always succeed.
by Ninnie
Sat Jun 23, 2018 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
Replies: 146
Views: 19555

Re: Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Yes. Ymmv
by Ninnie
Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade-up my $89 Walmart bike
Replies: 44
Views: 3881

Re: Trade-up my $89 Walmart bike

The Trek is a good choice. If you have an REI near you, look at their their bikes too.
by Ninnie
Tue Jun 12, 2018 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chipmunk Repellent?
Replies: 36
Views: 4113

Re: Chipmunk Repellent?

We have the same problem. Killing them is illegal where we live. Will cayenne pepper kill or just deter them? Will it harm other wildlife like birds and rabbits?
by Ninnie
Fri Jun 08, 2018 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: good place to buy window curtains
Replies: 9
Views: 1468

Re: good place to buy window curtains

+1 for Country Curtains. Also happy with our more inexpensive IKEA curtains.
by Ninnie
Sun May 27, 2018 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Near commercial level treadmill
Replies: 36
Views: 5033

Re: Near commercial level treadmill

Another vote for True.
by Ninnie
Thu May 17, 2018 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage decision killing me
Replies: 52
Views: 8459

Re: Mortgage decision killing me

30 year. Better to be conservative about this and pay extra as you go. The difference in rates is not enough to sacrifice that extra cushion and peace of mind.
by Ninnie
Mon May 14, 2018 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inexpensive and comfortable outdoor patio furniture
Replies: 9
Views: 4645

Re: Inexpensive and comfortable outdoor patio furniture

We had good luck at Ace Hardware. The store gave us a great discount over the listed price. Basic black grated metal table and chairs. Light enough to move around and still comfortable. Six years old and still in good condition. If you spend on high end outdoor furniture the elements still take a toll, so this is one of those items that is best to look for decent quality but not at high-end stores. Yes teak is great but heavy and crazy expensive.
by Ninnie
Wed May 09, 2018 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to handle problem employee
Replies: 84
Views: 9081

Re: How to handle problem employee

That wouldn't be a TPS form, would it? :wink:

She sounds like she might have Aspergian tendencies. Although that doesn't really change things for you other than to understand it.
by Ninnie
Tue May 08, 2018 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you know anyone unhappy in a CCRC?
Replies: 43
Views: 7964

Re: Do you know anyone unhappy in a CCRC?

What is a CCRC?
by Ninnie
Wed May 02, 2018 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!
Replies: 129
Views: 17855

Re: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!

Given how much you've cut out in other areas along with your hashimotos, the cravings could be your body's way of telling you that it needs more energy and you may have a nutritional deficiency/thyroid imbalance/autoimmune issue to address. I would not dismiss this as a simple sweet tooth.I'll pm you since this is veering into medical territory.
by Ninnie
Fri Apr 27, 2018 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon to raise Prime membership in US to $119 from $99
Replies: 145
Views: 16912

Re: Amazon to raise Prime membership in US to $119 from $99

I found that Amazon now has a big problem with counterfeit merchandise that I simply don't have to worry about when I shop with their competitors. It would be interesting to know how much of a problem this really is. I recently read a bunch of articles on this subject with plenty of anecdotal examples, but as a percentage of sales it's hard to know what it really means. I think some types of items are smart to avoid like athletic shoes, watches, handbags, cosmetics and supplements. Obviously you need to check the track-record of the third-party seller. But I have had really good luck with many third-party sellers so it's unfair to malign them all. In fact, often things arrive packaged better than directly from Amazon. I can think of one it...
by Ninnie
Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire at age 40?
Replies: 158
Views: 27214

Re: Can I retire at age 40?

This thread is hilarious.

Make sure to save enough for the divorce that will come when your wife works as a teacher while you sit at home.

Not to mention the work ethic that you'll be instilling in your children.

Find a different job. The beauty of your position is that it can pay less, so you have options.
by Ninnie
Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone tried a sunrise alarm clock?
Replies: 55
Views: 8130

Re: Anyone tried a sunrise alarm clock?

I can sleep in a fully lit room. After all my eyes are closed while I'm sleeping. In fact, I never bother fully closing the curtains since it makes no difference to me. I suspect the sunrise alarm only works for a certain type of person. We heavy sleepers need something a little more jarring.
by Ninnie
Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it very hard to learn Spanish?
Replies: 81
Views: 9479

Re: Is it very hard to learn Spanish?

LOL about the trimador.

The extent to which Spanglish is invading the language is stratospheric and quite entertaining, even in Spain where it's been less prevalent than in Latin America. A few years ago my young cousin from Spain kept "flipando" about things. I instinctively understood her, but when I called her on it she had no idea she was "flipping out" based on an English phrase. She also had studied English quite extensively but never made the connection. While it's true that Spanish has been historically more stable than English, that's noticeably started to shift since the advent of the internet.
by Ninnie
Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

CULater wrote: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:53 pm Pretty soon, your next car will be an Uber. Really makes no sense to sink so much money into owning a car and maintaining it when it spends about 90% of it's time sitting around parked somewhere. Expensive decoration.
Uh no. I'll be keeping my own car. Somehow I don't think I'm the only one.
by Ninnie
Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

The 2019 Forester will have new front seats so that's something to look forward to testing. I don't love the current seats. It will be a bit larger and more powerful. No more turbo option. CarPlay included. The new facial recognition concerns me. Are there potential privacy implications? Can it be shut off?
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 26, 2018 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car?
Replies: 49
Views: 5679

Re: New car?

I vote for new car. With the details you've given us (150,000 miles, other minor issues, wife who wants Pilot, children - safety features, AC - Texas) I think this is pretty much a no-brainer. The AC repair is not a cheap one. With the mileage on your car, I wouldn't put a lot of money into it.

This coming from someone who drives a 14-year Honda also. But mine has 116,000 miles and no other mechanical issues,functioning AC, and drives one adult to work off-highway for just a few miles each day.

Tell us what you think of the Pilot if you get one!
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 19, 2018 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?
Replies: 36
Views: 6262

Re: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?

URSnshn wrote: Mon Mar 19, 2018 11:10 am A great glass tea kettle is https://store.moma.org/kitchen-dining/c ... a#start=22

The one caution - it is GLASS - so follow the directions and don't, when hot, put it on a cold surface, etc. You do have to watch this tea kettle (no whistle). And, if children, you might skip. It is one great tea kettle though and worth consideration for a number of reasons.
This is so cool. It may be the winner. Thanks.
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 19, 2018 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?
Replies: 36
Views: 6262

Re: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?

Thanks for all the good ideas. The discoloration is annoying but has been there all along. The urgent problem is that it is malfunctioning and not shutting off or allowing itself to be shut off. If we stay with electric, I guess I will need to reset my expectations on how long such an appliance should last.
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 19, 2018 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of bike do I need and how much should I spend?
Replies: 44
Views: 4501

Re: What kind of bike do I need and how much should I spend?

+1 hybrid. If you have an REI near you, they have good starter options. As do many other good bike shops. Used may not be the best option for you since you don't know what you are looking for. You could get a good bike for about $500.
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 19, 2018 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?
Replies: 36
Views: 6262

Re: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?

But is there one that will last without malfunctioning or rusting? Even the glass ones have metal bottoms that rust. The ceramic ones chip and crack. And the electronics are cheap and not built to last. Our Cuisinart was top rated and we went through two of them (first replaced by the store for free) in three years.

A stove top will still rust eventually but less points of failure. Like refrigerators, it seems there is no model built to last unless you're willing to pay an insane amount (Simplex=Subzero) and even then reports from newer owners are that they are not what they used to be.
by Ninnie
Sun Mar 18, 2018 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?
Replies: 36
Views: 6262

Re: Stovetop Tea Kettle Recommendations?

Our Creuset kettle rusted through last year. We found ourselves in a similar position - the search was far more complicated than expected. In the end we gave up and decided to give an electric kettle a try. We got the Cuisinart PerfecTemp Electric Kettle. Couldn't be happier with it. It has optimal temperatures for different kinds of teas, even French Press coffee. What a difference. I never want to go back to a stove-top one temperature fits all kettle. I guess there's a reason electric kettles are so popular in Great Britain where tea is so popular. Two years after I wrote this, the electric kettle is failing. Going back to stove-top. Doesn't look like the available options have improved. Any updates from satisfied/dissatisfied users? I'...
by Ninnie
Sat Mar 17, 2018 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

On paper, the CR-V. If you test drive it and enjoy it, it provides the best combination of quality, reliability, and features. Has CarPlay.

In practice, I prefer the seats and handling of the Forester but will not buy it until they add CarPlay, hopefully in 2019.

I'm not big on technology in cars, but at this point think it's short-sighted to buy a new car without CarPlay.
by Ninnie
Fri Mar 09, 2018 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help Solving A House Smell Mystery
Replies: 50
Views: 15085

Re: Need Help Solving A House Smell Mystery

Our first house had an unusual smell. Turned out to be the DIY refinishing job the previous owners did on the hardwood flooring. Went away once we had the floors professionally redone.
by Ninnie
Mon Mar 05, 2018 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AmEx Delta Gold is now Honoring Bonus
Replies: 87
Views: 13243

Re: AmEx Delta Gold Not Honoring Bonus

willthrill81 wrote: Sun Mar 04, 2018 10:41 am I'm not a fan of AMEX if it involves bonuses. A couple of years ago, we applied for one of their bonus cards that would supposedly give us 6% cash back on grocery purchases. Before we took out the card, we specifically asked one of their reps if our local grocery store would qualify for this, and they said that it would. We later found that to be completely wrong, which meant that we got no benefit from the card at all, and AMEX wasn't interested in doing anything about it.
That's too bad this happened to you. It isn't the norm though. We use our Amex BCP at a variety of grocery stores, including a few local mom-and-pop stores, and it always counts as grocery.
by Ninnie
Sun Mar 04, 2018 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom remodel decision
Replies: 41
Views: 3357

Re: Bathroom remodel decision

If you have a clear preference, you should get what you like.

If you're on the fence, a double sink is a great selling feature. We added one to our master bathroom in our first home in a neighborhood where they are not common. We kept the shower size as it was. The bathroom was a huge success when we sold. But we made the decision based on our preference, not based on selling.
by Ninnie
Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Visa now 5% back at Whole Foods
Replies: 30
Views: 4168

Re: Amazon Prime Visa now 5% back at Whole Foods

In our case we reach the $6k Amx BCP cap in 6-7 months.

Assume another $5k spend at WF for the rest of the year. Just the 2% difference over the 3% back the basic Amazon card gives pays for the Prime fee. Then we get all other benefits of Prime on top of that.
by Ninnie
Mon Feb 26, 2018 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Visa now 5% back at Whole Foods
Replies: 30
Views: 4168

Re: Amazon Prime Visa now 5% back at Whole Foods

I'm not suggesting anyone change their shopping habits. But for those of us who already shop at WF, it's great.