Search found 251 matches

by euroswiss
Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tips on paying cash for house
Replies: 19
Views: 2733

Re: Tips on paying cash for house

Yes, certified check!
That worked for me many times. Very simple.
by euroswiss
Wed Feb 03, 2021 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: natural gas outdoor stand heater
Replies: 1
Views: 313

Re: natural gas outdoor stand heater

I have a Sunglo natural gas patio heater. Bought it about 10 years ago (model A242, I think). I'm very satisfied with it. They have a whole range of heaters from about $800 to >$2000, so you'll have to check what bells and whistles you want.

Example: https://www.patioliving.com/patio-comfo ... -pcnpc05ss

I'll add that some of these are available form Amazon, but because Covid has led to a huge demand in outdoor heaters, many are backordered.
by euroswiss
Sat Jan 23, 2021 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: good duct tape
Replies: 32
Views: 2443

Re: good duct tape

RCL wrote: Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:48 pm Different point of view ---- Get a new light fixture :wink:
This!!! Fixtures are cheap - life is short :sharebeer
by euroswiss
Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple's Using Up All My Data !
Replies: 46
Views: 5496

Re: Apple's Using Up All My Data !

onourway wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:52 am Make sure to turn on Low Data Mode.

Honestly, I don’t think 500Mb is adequate in this day and age - phones are not designed to work on that limited a data plan. If you really don’t want to go over, then leave cellular data turned off entirely unless you are explicitly using it for something.
Ha! My wife and I share a plan that comes with 100Mb per month (Ting) and we almost NEVER run over. We do have e-mail cellular enabled, so that uses most of the data. Other than that almost everything is turned off (internet use on a case by case basis, but very rare as we both hate the small screen).
by euroswiss
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ventless Clothes Driers
Replies: 19
Views: 2235

Re: Ventless Clothes Driers

I've never understood how an unvented dryer "works" without adding incredible humidity to the house interior. In the winter, that might not be so bad (I don't know), but in any sort of hot or hot/humid summer....?? An unvented dryer simply condenses all the water removed from the clothes and collects it. So, no humid air generated. However, you need access to a drain for this work well - otherwise, you would have to empty water buckets constantly. Very common in Europe. Makes sense too because usually, you do have a nearby drain for the washer already, so this type of system gives you more options on where to place the units. No need to install vents although the appliance itself is a bit more expensive because of the extra conde...
by euroswiss
Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Staining a previously painted porch
Replies: 20
Views: 1407

Re: Staining a previously painted porch

I can only re-iterate what was already said about trying to strip the paint. It will be next to impossible. May be easier/cheaper to just replace all the deck boards, actually. I recently attempted to do something similar - a small, simple wood bench that had been painted. It took an amazing amount of effort and time to get the paint out of all the nooks and crannies. I would NEVER attempt this on am object the size of even a small deck.
Just paint over the existing paint - just like the previous owners did the last 10 times....!
by euroswiss
Sun Aug 16, 2020 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Decision on 529 plan for NY resident
Replies: 6
Views: 578

Re: Decision on 529 plan for NY resident

Agreed - go for it. I chose the NY plan even without the tax benefits (I reside in NC) many years ago and I have not regretted my decision. Strong investment choices and good management. With extra tax benefit, it is definitely a no-brainer
by euroswiss
Thu Aug 06, 2020 4:24 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: how to make default font size bigger?
Replies: 13
Views: 3586

Re: how to make default font size bigger?

LadyGeek wrote: Sat Sep 19, 2015 9:22 am Due to limited resources, we stick with the "stock" forum software. Sorry, but font size control is not supported.
LadyGeek: is this still true or has the forum setting evolved over the last 5 years. This really is by far the worst forum to read in terms of font size!
by euroswiss
Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Appliance Replacement
Replies: 10
Views: 1260

Re: Appliance Replacement

Why not stick with a standard 70-90 gallon electric water heater? If the water heater needed replacement, I would most certainly convert to gas. The savings over natural gas vs. electric is real along with other perks of a gas water heater such as a significantly reduced recovery time. The outlier in this situation is that my electric water heater is working just fine. I am trying to decide if it is worth scrapping a perfectly good appliance in order to realize annual savings in my utility bill. With your low usage, chances are that your current water heater and dryer will last another 10+ years. Low usage also makes the payoff for the investment much longer. I would leave both of them alone. You may sell your house before any of it even b...
by euroswiss
Thu Jun 27, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancelling 24 Year Old Credit Card
Replies: 31
Views: 3384

Re: Cancelling 24 Year Old Credit Card

I'll differ from the other answers: based on your current score, killing that old card will have a minimal impact on your score. Even that will recover quickly. I'd go ahead and cancel it. Yes, you could stick it in your safe, but it IS something you will always have to think about and keep track because the info could get stolen. One less card, one less account to worry about if something happens to you and your family members have to sort through your finances. Simpler is better
by euroswiss
Wed Jun 19, 2019 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to take care of this mold in the bathroom
Replies: 8
Views: 2212

Re: How to take care of this mold in the bathroom

Looks like Sheetrock? If so, remove the quarter round, cut the sheetrock a few inches past the damage with a horizontal cut, and replace. Mud the seam, sand, paint. Clean and re-install the quarter round.
This looks like something that has been slowly emerging over an extended period of time, probably caused by some water finding it’s way past a “not always 100% closed” sliding glass shower door to the right? If so, just try to always keep the door as tight as possible.
by euroswiss
Mon Jun 17, 2019 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you a member of nextdoor.com? Any concerns registering your info?
Replies: 71
Views: 9324

Re: Are you a member of nextdoor.com? Any concerns registering your info?

I think its highly dependent on your neighborhood. It can be useful or a complete waste of time. I used to belong to it but quit some time ago. Basically all that ever got posted was lost cats and dogs.

That said, I don't think the requirement of address and phone are a big deal.
by euroswiss
Sun Jun 16, 2019 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alternative to US Postal (USPS) for Mail Delivery of Checks
Replies: 7
Views: 1565

Re: Alternative to US Postal (USPS) for Mail Delivery of Checks

Get a mailbox at a UPS store (mailbox etcetera used to be another choice but I think they went out of business).
by euroswiss
Mon Jun 03, 2019 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best way to deal with mice in a rental property
Replies: 24
Views: 2192

Re: best way to deal with mice in a rental property

livesoft wrote: Sun Jun 02, 2019 2:30 pm What do the tenants want you to do? When I rented, I just took care of mice myself.
This is a trickier question than it might seem. Yes, many rental agreements say that the tenant is responsible for bug or rodent infestations. However, the landlord is on the hook for providing a “clean and livable space”. If the tenant calls the local health department, the landlord will be forced to deal with it in many or most places regardless of what the lease says. Or they will shut down the certificate of occupancy.
Realities of landlording....
by euroswiss
Sun Mar 31, 2019 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Selling house, what is the appropriate realtor's commission?]
Replies: 9
Views: 1639

Re: [Selling house, what is the appropriate realtor's commission?]

While there is room for negotiation, typically, the 6% commission for the sale of your home is split 50:50 with the buyer's agent. So, if your ex-husband lists the property, his brokerage will likely pay 3% to the buyer's agent brokerage and keep the other 3%. That 3% is then split between your ex-husband's brokerage and your ex-husband. The exact split depends on the contract between your husband and his brokerage, but he might get to keep 1-2%. That is really the only piece he can negotiate with YOU. Say, he gets to keep 1.5% and the brokerage takes 1.5% then your ex-husband can, if he so decides, give you his entire 1.5% (probably unlikely?), or some fraction of it. Say, you end up splitting it evenly with him, i.e. you'd get 0.075% and ...
by euroswiss
Wed Mar 27, 2019 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moisture in Basement and House
Replies: 17
Views: 1799

Re: Moisture in Basement and House

I don’t understand what you mean by “dehumidifier doesn’t always work”. If you really run the dehumidifier consistently set to 30-40% then the should be no mold issue. 30-40% humidity is extremely dry - if it never gets above that you are not dealing with mold.
by euroswiss
Tue Feb 05, 2019 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase credit card dispute - denied
Replies: 141
Views: 12101

Re: Chase credit card dispute - denied

Chase's position on this is absolutely apalling and shameful, on so many levels, IMO. Ironically, just yesterday I applied for my first Chase credit ever, i.e. an Amazon Prime Rewards card. This story makes me think that was a mistake. I do buy a lot on Amazon so the 5 % back may still be too tempting to pass up. At the least, though, I will keep that credit card under lock and key and only use it for Amazon purchases. Maybe I will also ask for a low credit limit. You should not have had to make the efforts you did to get this on the right track Kudos to you for persevering. It sounds like this will be resolved in your favor but if it does not I wonder if small claims court is an option, either suing Avis or Chase. Unfortunately, I think a...
by euroswiss
Sat Feb 02, 2019 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Inverness, Scotland
Replies: 9
Views: 1004

Re: Things to do in Inverness, Scotland

Not sure I agree that Skye is impossible without a car. I took a train once from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh which was one of the most beautiful train journeys I have ever experienced. Takes 2 1/2hours. Then you can hop onto the ferry (10min?) to the Isle of Skye. Or, instead, you can catch a passenger ferry boat (at least you could back when I travelled the area some 35 years ago...) for a few dollars/pound that takes you all the way to Mallaig for the next railway station back to Fort William, Glasgow or back to Inverness. Absolutely gorgeous, rugged shoreline/cliffs as I recall.
Amazing part of the world - I'm jealous!
by euroswiss
Fri Jan 25, 2019 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Short term investments help
Replies: 12
Views: 911

Re: Short term investments help

I have an extra $50,000 lying around over and above my usual emergency fund of $60k-75k. I'm waiting to see how our tax situation shakes out before deciding what to do with it. We probably won't need and other than paying down my mortgage I don't have any good ideas of what to do with it. We do not have a saving account, mainly because we're in a high tax bracket in a high-tax state so the after rate of savings wasn't worth any effort (for 2018, I expect marginal rates to be 32% Federal and 9.3% state). However, now the short-end of the yield curve is increasing I think putting it in municipal bonds might be worth looking into. I've narrowed it down to two funds, SUB - iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF Duration : 2 years SEC Yield:...
by euroswiss
Fri Jan 25, 2019 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Want the simplest and clearest online platform
Replies: 25
Views: 2666

Re: Want the simplest and clearest online platform

alpenglow wrote: Fri Jan 25, 2019 4:44 pm I greatly prefer Fido's website to Vanguard's.

I would agree. If you find the Fidelity site too complicated, you may need to invest some time in leaning the ins and outs. Fidelity gets consistently high marks for its website, so the problem may be you? Of course, it can't be everything to everyone - if all you need is a good consolidator, then I agree with another poster: check out Personal Capital
by euroswiss
Thu Jan 10, 2019 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get umbrella liability insurance?
Replies: 56
Views: 6776

Re: Should I get umbrella liability insurance?

Yes, you should have some umbrella liability and also renter insurance. Check your lease - depending on your location, it is very likely that it contains a clause that requires you to carry renter insurance.
by euroswiss
Thu Jan 10, 2019 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: resources about a rental property business
Replies: 4
Views: 745

Re: resources about a rental property business

If you are seriously interested in starting to invest in rentals, you are making a huge mistake by not exploring biggerpockets. It is an enormous forum with vast amounts of information. Of course, as it is a real estate site, it is a bit (in some cases a lot) biased, but there is no other place where you will find that much information in one place - for free. You'll have to invest some time to learn how to use the site to your advantage, but it is worth the time. Once you are familiar with the site, you will learn who the most active, most conservative, most aggressive, etc voices are and you can pick and choose who you pay attention to. I assume that is how you use bogleheads.com too - you don;t just believe anything you read on this site...
by euroswiss
Wed Jan 02, 2019 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: drilling into concrete - 2 layers?
Replies: 9
Views: 1604

Re: drilling into concrete - 2 layers?

You may be dealing with a cinder block wall. If so, you can use a short concrete anchor (for example: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5006AqQ9Slw ), or even a drywall type anchor (like so: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072J ... 6HEFFXK4PX ), that reaches into the hollow space.
by euroswiss
Thu Dec 27, 2018 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ticket for speeding
Replies: 66
Views: 6990

Re: Ticket for speeding

If you are in NC, pay for the lawyer. Really depends on what County you are in. Some allow “improper equipment” pleas (you still pay the court cost but no insurance points), others do not - I think it is at the attorney general’s discretion. Even in jurisdictions that don’t allow improper equipment, you are basically assured a reduction in the charge if you contest it. In some Counties (e.g. Durham County) you can take a safe driving class instead of paying the fine. Again,consult with local attorney. Representation can cost as little as $50 for a improper equipment plea (just did one in Wilkes County.. :shock: .) as competition amongst “ticket chasing” lawyers is fierce.
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 23, 2018 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental property as a means of wealth capture?
Replies: 20
Views: 3408

Re: Rental property as a means of wealth capture?

Agree with others: this is a bad plan! Renting a 650k property out for 3k/mo is a terrible deal, even if she covers most maintenance. While there may be a history of strong appreciation in your market, it is pretty clear that we are getting closer to a real estate peak and you may be far from 5-10%/year over the next decade.
So, financially, this is not a good idea, but even worse are the potential family complications. Stay away from it and invest in some REIT if you need real estate exposure in your portfolio. Since you didn't like even owning your own place, chances are you will make a lousy landlord.
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 23, 2018 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Earbud or Headphone Recommendation
Replies: 6
Views: 1264

Re: Earbud or Headphone Recommendation

I don't find earbuds comfortable, so I prefer a headset type of device. I use the Trekz Titanium (https://aftershokz.com/collections/home ... z-titanium) at the gym and it works great with very good sound quality. Good (rechargeable) battery life. You can get it from Amazon for $75-80.
by euroswiss
Fri Dec 14, 2018 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: International car rental fine: ignore?
Replies: 6
Views: 1009

Re: International car rental fine: ignore?

The rental company charges of 25 Euro fee (on the CC you used for rental) to provide local police your information (name, address etc). You will then receive actual ticket fine letter in mail after several weeks directly from them. The letter will have bank name and account information where you can pay via bank or online transfer (to local police dept and not the rental car agency). Correct. That is how it usually works (I know it all too well...). So, unfortunately, the potentially bigger show has yet to drop... ... forgot to add that usually, these are red-light or speed trap cameras that get you busted without you even noticing. While these are not legal in most of the United States, they are a major part of law enforcement (and revenu...
by euroswiss
Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: International car rental fine: ignore?
Replies: 6
Views: 1009

Re: International car rental fine: ignore?

steve50 wrote: Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:49 am The rental company charges of 25 Euro fee (on the CC you used for rental) to provide local police your information (name, address etc). You will then receive actual ticket fine letter in mail after several weeks directly from them. The letter will have bank name and account information where you can pay via bank or online transfer (to local police dept and not the rental car agency).
Correct. That is how it usually works (I know it all too well...). So, unfortunately, the potentially bigger shoe has yet to drop...
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 09, 2018 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Christmas Tree Fire: Watered Tree vs. Dry Tree
Replies: 18
Views: 2648

Re: Christmas Tree Fire: Watered Tree vs. Dry Tree

Good advice! This always brings up memories from my childhood days (I’m not THAT old... :wink: ): we not only failed to water our tree but we actually used probably a total of 20 LIVE CANDLES (yes, candles clipped to the tree branches)!!!!! Alas, we bought the tree on Dec 23 and took it back down before New Year because, of course, it dropped needles like crazy by then. Still, in retrospect, amazing that we never burned down our house....
by euroswiss
Sat Dec 08, 2018 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skipping last COBRA payment
Replies: 25
Views: 3492

Re: Skipping last cobra payment

Golfview wrote: Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:36 pm Euroswiss,
no one is advocating theft as you suggest, Do you have any knowledge of cobra rules and regulations?Perhaps you should get some insight!,People come here to share ways on improving oneself not make comments without any knowledge on the subject such as what you have done.
Have you ever been told because of your age you would be charged many times over the amount?
Maybe you were told you couldn't get coverage because you had a preexisting condition? They are everyday challenges people face .
The insurance companys are playing by the rules so as long as you play by the same rules what laws have you btoken?
Fair enough - you have your ethics standards, and I have mine. Readers can make up their own minds.
by euroswiss
Fri Dec 07, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skipping last COBRA payment
Replies: 25
Views: 3492

Re: Skipping last cobra payment

BolderBoy wrote: Fri Dec 07, 2018 3:32 pm
Golfview wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:29 pmI though I would share this as a perfectly good way to save some money!
I would leave the word "good" out of your sentence.

The insurance company is acting in "good" faith and you are not.
This! Unless your Cobra agreement says otherwise, it sounds like you are ripping off the insurance provider. Basically, you are advocating theft. I'm very surprised this post is allowed on this forum.
by euroswiss
Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Management companies for landlords, pricing?
Replies: 3
Views: 518

Re: Management companies for landlords, pricing?

masonstone wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 8:56 am How much do management companies typically charge for managing a rental for a landlord?
This varies by local standards, quality of property,etc but a good ballpark number is 8-10% of rent plus, typically, up to a full month’s rent as lease-up fee (for finding, vetting, placing the tenant).
Some also take a cut (usually 10%) of any repair and maintenance work that they coordinate.
Most, or all of these number may be negotiable and will also depend on your portfolio size (if you bring 25 rental properties to the deal you will likely get more breaks than with just one or two).
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 02, 2018 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retired in your late 40s or early 50s?
Replies: 87
Views: 17300

Re: Retired in your late 40s or early 50s?

Retired from a great job three years ago at age 56. No regrets!
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 02, 2018 9:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Penfed raises certificate rates 12/1/18
Replies: 25
Views: 3811

Re: Penfed raises certificate rates 12/1/18

https://ycharts.com/indicators/1_year_treasury_rate

Actually, it dropped to 2.69 from 2.70 (earlier in the week)
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 02, 2018 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity atm/debit card - can’t handle multiple accounts?
Replies: 9
Views: 1158

Re: Fidelity atm/debit card - can’t handle multiple accounts?

Ok thanks. Sounds like you’d be ok with accessing ONE account (the default) but want to be able to “see” the status other accounts at ATM by using the same card.
I solve this problem by using online banking on my smartphone in conjunction with one card. I can look at all my accounts online anytime and make instant transfer from one account to the other. I then use my ATM card to make the actual withdrawal from the one account.
Of course, this doesn’t work if you don’t have smartphone access to the internet or don’t WANT to conduct online banking business.
by euroswiss
Sun Dec 02, 2018 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity atm/debit card - can’t handle multiple accounts?
Replies: 9
Views: 1158

Re: Fidelity atm/debit card - can’t handle multiple accounts?

I’m not sure I understand what you are trying to accomplish. Maybe you can elaborate?
On its face, it seems you are asking for something impossible. If you have one card serving checking 1 and checking 2 and you make a debit purchase (most bank cards are debit cards these days), say, pump $10 dollars worth of gas: how is the bank supposed to know which account you want the $10 deducted from.
Again, maybe it helps if you tell us what you are trying to achieve. Are you just trying to minimize the number of cards you have to carry? Or is there a deeper purpose?
by euroswiss
Sat Dec 01, 2018 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Property Mortgage Pay-Off -- Liability
Replies: 7
Views: 1093

Re: Rental Property Mortgage Pay-Off -- Liability

megabad wrote: Fri Nov 30, 2018 1:57 pm
Ten10Power wrote: Sun Nov 18, 2018 11:08 am With the new interest rate, I am breaking even on rent "vs" mortgage.
Why keep the property? A break even on rent vs mortgage is an immediate sale for me. Selling the property would be a very effective way to mitigate liability (with respect to that property).

Agree, if all you cover with the rent is the mortgage then you are bleeding significant cash. Based on that alone, you should sell, unless you have some emotional attachment to the property.
As far as liability, a good umbrella policy is cheap and much better suited to guard against that.
by euroswiss
Tue Nov 27, 2018 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Broken Sewer pipe - $10,000-$20,000 to fix
Replies: 58
Views: 8001

Re: Broken Sewer pipe - $10,000 to fix

fposte wrote: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:05 am

It's quite likely that they're not going to hand-shovel but bring in equipment--sewer pipes are buried deep--and equipment costs.
This may be a regional thing but actually in crawlspaces, sewer pipes are NOT typically buried deep. In fact, I have a half dozen rental properties with crawl spaces and in every case, the sewer pipes actually run above ground for most of the crawl space and only enter the ground near the foundations. Of course, specific topographies may make a difference, but I'd think there is a good chance that the OP's pipe can be dug up rather readily (although digging with only 2 ft clearance is a HUGE pain in the neck). If so, 10k is VERY expensive.
by euroswiss
Tue Nov 27, 2018 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ideas for a Xmas holiday in central Europe
Replies: 22
Views: 2773

Re: ideas for a Xmas holiday in central Europe

Lots of good advice already. I agree with skipping Venice - its too far out of the way and better visited in Spring or Summer.
Also, be aware that many (or most) places/shops/events other than specific Christmas events are closed on the 24th, 25th AND 26th (Stefanstag), and again on New Year's Day, especially if these connect with weekends, in Germany/Austria, so plan on a lot of self-guided sightseeing.
As far as weather, yes, you could hit a mild spell, but you could also run into some seriously cold weather (especially farther east such as Vienna or even Prague), so bring some layering options.
by euroswiss
Mon Nov 19, 2018 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real estate capital gains - advice needed
Replies: 10
Views: 1526

Re: Real estate capital gains - advice needed

khale7 wrote: Sun Nov 18, 2018 1:05 pm Thanks all. It was co-owned. DW thought she gave up ownership some 20 years ago.
So, if I understand correctly then your dad was really your sister’s and your tenant (even if he paid no rent) and has not been on the deed for the house for 20+ years? If that is the case, then the tax situation is likely even worse than you think because you may have to recapture appreciation on top of capital gains.
If all three of you were on the deed then your dad’s portion will get step up treatment and yours will be taxed. Consult an accountant!
by euroswiss
Wed Oct 31, 2018 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DAF - Vanguard or Fidelity? (donor advised fund)
Replies: 35
Views: 5501

Re: DAF - Vanguard or Fidelity? (donor advised fund)

Agreed - the higher minimum (I think it is 20K at Vanguard) is what kept me from setting it up there as well. I'm sure other than that, VG is fine. I actually went with Schwab in the end and have been very pleased (though I'm sure Fido is ok too)
by euroswiss
Wed Oct 31, 2018 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Time to sell our condo? Advice needed.
Replies: 24
Views: 3007

Re: Time to sell our condo? Advice needed.

When doing your math make sure you include closing costs (mostly carried by the seller). If you do sell for $225000 then you actually collect closer to $205000 (before subtracting mortgage). So you may not be left with 50K. Just double-check.

Edit: never mind - looks like you already accounted for that... although if you allow a few grand for pre-sale repairs, it still doesn't seem you get to 50K. So: 225K-20K (closing)-5K (repairs) - 118.5K (mortgage) - 27K (student loans) - 18.5K (car) = 36K

Personally, I would tend to stay put
by euroswiss
Tue Oct 23, 2018 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS - Anyone deal with you owe us more tax letter?
Replies: 13
Views: 2132

Re: IRS - Anyone deal with you owe us more tax letter?

To keep it short. I received a letter back in July stating I owed more tax(2016) due to a 1099 for they received from a brokerage house from some RSUs I cashed in. Income was reported via w2 and I had no record of that 1099. Also tried to ding me for a Roth roll over. I responded to letter with supporting documents before deadline they gave (8/15). We are here at the end of October and I have not heard back whether or not they accepted my explanation. Should I follow up or is the ball in their court? Got the response yesterday in the mail. Nothing changed so I am responding again. I did miss a ST gain. But they are trying to ding me on the full amount of of the sale. I've got the documentation showing what I have. I see that you finally go...
by euroswiss
Tue Oct 16, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard changing my Admiral shares to Investor Shares
Replies: 26
Views: 6547

Re: Vanguard changing my Admiral shares to Investor Shares

NYCwriter wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 11:32 pm
Moving to Fidelity creates an additional set of issues, and even more transaction fees for your holdings. So you'd be punishing yourself, not Vanguard.

Well,
that may be true, although I'm guessing that this transfer would be quite smooth. In addition, you'd likely get offered a few thousand dollars incentive by Fidelity to make the transfer. So, not necessarily a bad deal.
That said, I agree: Vanguard did nothing wrong here.
by euroswiss
Mon Oct 08, 2018 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity or Vanguard [Portfolio help requested]
Replies: 23
Views: 3500

Re: Fidelity or Vanguard

I’d leave it at Fido too, unless you are dissatisfied with them for some reason. The differences between the big firms (Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab) are small, so it comes down to personal preference. Obviously, this board tends to be a bit biased toward Vanguard.
by euroswiss
Mon Oct 08, 2018 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we safely retire early?
Replies: 18
Views: 3781

Re: Can we safely retire early?

I usually consider myself pretty bullish on these questions but based on the numbers you provided, I would NOT be comfortable pulling the plug anytime soon. If you were, say, both between 55 and 60 years old, then I'd go for it, but you have potentially 50 years of retirement to deal with, so I think you are running too thin.
by euroswiss
Sat Oct 06, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: place to buy stock certificates?
Replies: 4
Views: 961

Re: place to buy stock certificates?

HI guys wanted to buy my nephew some stock certificates. it reminded me when my uncle purchased me some bonds when I was born, so I thought to pass on the same.. Is there any place you guys know of to purchase some stock certificates so I can give to my brother, didn't want him to have to setup an account ( which he doesn't ) or for his kid. Thanks I bet you can get certificates from Fido or Schwab (for a fee). Or try Moneypaper.com for companies that actually offer DRIP shares. In any event, I would re-think this. Certificates even today are already mostly a pain in the neck to deal with (as you are finding this is true on the buyer side, but even more so on the seller side). If its just one share you expect your nephew to frame and hang ...
by euroswiss
Sat Oct 06, 2018 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I sell my rental properties?
Replies: 6
Views: 994

Re: Should I sell my rental properties?

If your numbers are accurate then you are bleeding serious cash on both of these properties. As a rule of thumb, 50% of your collected rents will go to expenses (property manager, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancies, CapEx, etc). The other 50% are debt service and your profit. If I understand your numbers, your debt servicing accounts for most of the the collected rent (certainly more than 50%), so you loose money every day. Unless you can change this (increase rent, decrease expenses), you need to sell these properties as quickly as possible. I strongly recommend you join the (free) real estate forum www.biggerpockets.com and post your situation there. You will get far more detailed responses from a generally very expert audience. And...
by euroswiss
Wed Oct 03, 2018 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comcast Triple Play modem
Replies: 9
Views: 835

Re: Comcast Triple Play modem

There are many more ways to get voip than the (usually expensive) offerings from the cable company. In addition, most feel that the devices they usually offer are not as good as seperate devices you can buy seperately. Paying more up front to decrease monthly fees forever is the best deal. I would recommend buying a seperate modem and wifi router, and get a cheaper voip device from someone like Ooma (I pay about 5 bucks a month in junk fees for it). https://www.ooma.com/voip/ooma-home-and-business-phones/?offer=OFFICE_PROMOFS&purchase_code=SEM-OOMA&xutm_source=SEM&xutm_campaign=SEM-910431492&xutm_medium=SEM-Google&xutm_term=Office&_vsrefdom=SEM-910431492&om_phone=866-574-1753&keyword=Ooma&adid=2626367865...
by euroswiss
Mon Oct 01, 2018 8:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paying expenses out of pocket in tax-advantaged accounts?
Replies: 11
Views: 1587

Re: Paying expenses out of pocket in tax-advantaged accounts?

Nate79 wrote: Sun Sep 30, 2018 4:30 pm Step 1: don't have expenses in your IRA. Then it makes the question moot.
Agreed, this is definitely the way to go for a simple tIRA or Roth, but once you get to things like self-directed IRAs, then you will be faced with maintenance fees.