Search found 6171 matches

by FrugalInvestor
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transfer Car ownership to daughter or not?
Replies: 41
Views: 4955

Re: Transfer Car ownership to daughter or not?

It seems from my past experience (see post above) that at least our insurance company assumes that anyone in the household my be driving any of the cars owned by any person in the household, which isn't unreasonable in my IMO.

As you'll also see in my post above, when we asked for our son to be removed from our policies and just left on his own (he already owned the car) we were first told "no" but when we pressed they agreed to do so only if we signed a statement saying that he would not drive our vehicles and that the insurance company was released of any responsibility for insuring our vehicles if he was driving. We agreed and received much better rates on our two cars.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4747

Re: about Norway rats

sil2017 wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 11:47 pm Thanks all for your suggestions . I’m kind of stressed right now as I will be on vacation for several weeks . Timing is bad . I wished they were here sooner or not at all .
Is it good to leave a bait when I’m not at home
I’m afraid I won’t enjoy my vacation as much knowing the rat problem is not solved.
Maybe you should consider hiring an exterminator before you leave on vacation to set traps/bait stations and check/replenish them while you're gone. It would likely make the vacation more enjoyable.
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4747

Re: about Norway rats

I've had excellent luck in the past killing both mice and rats with Rat Zappers (I used the Ultra model). They are battery operated and baited with a morsel or two of dry dog food. When the mouse enters the open end to get the food they walk across a metal plate and are electrocuted - actually multiple times because rats have been known to restart their hearts. Once the trap has been activated a red light visible on the exteror comes on. There is also a remote light that can be attached if the Rat Zapper is in a hard to reach location to make it easier to monitor. Here's a link where a the Zapper Ultra can be purchased. You may also find them locally. https://www.victorpest.com/victor-rat-zapper-ultra-rat-trap My Zapper has never failed me ...
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Good or bad time to invest in S&P 500 for Roth IRA?
Replies: 30
Views: 3806

Re: Good or bad time to invest in S&P 500 for Roth IRA?

If you're investing for the long-term now is always a good time.
by FrugalInvestor
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?
Replies: 42
Views: 5533

Re: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?

I have been on a steady campaign to simplify our portfolio since early 50s (now 71). I watch for opportunities to consolidate holdings, pick off runts etc in a tax effective way. Still a ways to go but a lot of clutter has been eliminated. This makes it fairly easy to manage with little time investment. I (we) are in an almost identical postion to jebmke. Going through the market crash in 2008-9 provided me with a golden opportunity to do some huge tax loss harvesting and to re-structure and simplify our portfolio to the extreme - just two funds - total stock market in taxable and total bond market in tax advantaged. We are now to the point that we're also taking social security and about to start RMDs. This means that between social secur...
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Feb 27, 2024 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2311

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

Some look very fake, others look much more realistic. Most require much less ongoing maintenance and last a great deal longer.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2311

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

Have you considered composite decking instead of treated. There are many brands and most are far superior to treated lumber in almost every way, unless you're just trying to get something down for the very short term (i.e. house is being sold).
by FrugalInvestor
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Be careful - could happen to anyone [fraudulent bank transactions]
Replies: 77
Views: 12244

Re: Be careful - could happen to anyone

JoeJohnson wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:48 pm
beyou wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:15 pm I almost never leave much in a checking acct where such transaction could occur. I fund & pay as needed, just in time, precisely for this reason (and due to low rates in checking deposits). Less at risk.
Where do you keep the remainder of your cash and cash equivalents?
Today my excess cash sits in a money market fund in my brokerage account. When interest rates were much lower I kept them in a high yield savings account at an online bank. Like beyou we transfer just enough for monthly expenses and keep a small cushion for emergencies in our checking.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Speed Queen still the "King" of washing machines?
Replies: 45
Views: 11566

Re: Is Speed Queen still the "King" of washing machines?

Tamal wrote: Fri Jul 28, 2023 10:14 pm We purchased a speedqueen top-loader 2 years ago, and really like it. It autofills the tub (if you choose), and gets the clothes clean. Lots of wash options. We are able to wash queen-size comforter no problem. It's easy for us to load/unload.

Previously we owned a GE and Electrolux front-loaders. The newer front-loaders were just too huge for our small washroom, and I wanted something reliable, so we tried the Speedqueen. So far, so good.
Which model of Speed Queen did you purchase?
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Feb 15, 2024 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25542

Re: What inferior good do you love?

Ryobi 18v battery operated power tools. Good (not great) quality but an excellent value for the DIY homeowner like me. I suppose my income could rise to the point that I would hire all the work out that I currently use them for, but for now I just keep buying more!
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 25659

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

I'm sure that many if not most here are wealthier than they would be if they hadn't come here.
by FrugalInvestor
Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions on where to move?
Replies: 135
Views: 10690

Re: Suggestions on where to move?

A family member of mine chose to live in the triangle area of North Carolina (Raliegh/Durham/Chapel Hill) a number of years ago and seems to be very satisfied with their choice. I also have faimily in the Atlanta area and surprisingly (to me) the winter temperatures seem to be very similar. I would suggest that you research the triangle area area if you haven't already.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099
Replies: 21
Views: 1807

Re: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099

Got mine last evening. I have a plain vanilla portfolio - Total Stock, Total Bond and Federal Money Market, and am on the new platform. This is typical timing for me.
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Jan 22, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215620

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

I am WELL UNDER $5M with Vanguard. I converted my MF account to Brokerage account a few years ago before moving most assets to Fidelity. I mostly use my VG account to keep cash in VUSXX. The account is owned by a trust, and even though both me and my SO have opted for electronic statements only, we do get a monthly paper statement via USPS. I was not charged that $25 fee however, so I am happy (although TBH I would rather not have the paper statements at all if possible). I have been told by Vanguard that if your account is under the name of a trust a statment MUST be mailed to the trust (even if it is also provided electronically). I don't know the reason for this rule. My taxable account at Vanguard is in a trust. They are not mailing st...
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Jan 22, 2024 3:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215620

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

fetch5482 wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 6:46 pm I am WELL UNDER $5M with Vanguard. I converted my MF account to Brokerage account a few years ago before moving most assets to Fidelity. I mostly use my VG account to keep cash in VUSXX. The account is owned by a trust, and even though both me and my SO have opted for electronic statements only, we do get a monthly paper statement via USPS. I was not charged that $25 fee however, so I am happy (although TBH I would rather not have the paper statements at all if possible).
I have been told by Vanguard that if your account is under the name of a trust a statment MUST be mailed to the trust (even if it is also provided electronically). I don't know the reason for this rule.
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Choosing between DIY and Financial Advisor
Replies: 67
Views: 6733

Re: Choosing between DIY and Financial Advisor

I'm assuming that the % the prospective adviser is quoting you is their management fee. Don't forget that this is on top of other fees. What we often see here is advisers who quote and charge their percentage (in your case 1.35%) and then put their client in high fee funds instead of miniscule fee index funds that Bogleheads typically promote. Then to add insult to injury, the adviser will structure a very convoluted and complicated portfolio that is difficult to understand, expensive to unwind and often tax inefficient. If they go whole hog they'll also promote frequent trading to "fix" anything that is going wrong with the portfolio, which of course they'll charge for as well (even though it's their creation). Personally I hold ...
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Choosing between DIY and Financial Advisor
Replies: 67
Views: 6733

Re: Choosing between DIY and Financial Advisor

I'm assuming that the % the prospective adviser is quoting you is their management fee. Don't forget that this is on top of other fees. What we often see here is advisers who quote and charge their percentage (in your case 1.35%) and then put their client in high fee funds instead of miniscule fee index funds that Bogleheads typically promote. Then to add insult to injury, the adviser will structure a very convoluted and complicated portfolio that is difficult to understand and expensive to unwind. If they go whole hog they'll also promote frequent trading to "fix" anything that is going wrong with the portfolio, which of course they'll charge for as well. Personally I hold a Boglehead 2-fund portfolio (3-fund is fine and maybe be...
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Jan 14, 2024 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Replies: 165
Views: 15898

Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history

mhalley wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:37 pm I seem to recall they don’t bother to check once you are on the plan.


That's how it worked for me. Had to join when I originally signed-up but have not heard or seen anything from them in the years since. I also requested (firmly) that I not receive any AARP mailings of any sort and was told I could opt out, which I did. I haven't received any mailings in the years since either.
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement
Replies: 25
Views: 3103

Re: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement

OP, You know your current annual expense. Whatever that you don't save, you spent. Take your gross income and minus your savings and taxes is your current annual expense. If you want to spend less and save more, move a portion of your paycheck to a taxable account and invest. Gross income = Annual Savings + Annual Expense + Taxes KlangFool I think the primary reason for tracking expenses in a more detailed manner is to determine exactly where your spending can be cut in order to increase your saving. If you know that you're saving enough this isn't necessary, but if you need to save more it may be. Some people have a much greater propensity to spend than others. IDK, if I know overall spending and I figure out I'm spending more than I shou...
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement
Replies: 25
Views: 3103

Re: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement

KlangFool wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 6:43 am OP,

You know your current annual expense. Whatever that you don't save, you spent.

Take your gross income and minus your savings and taxes is your current annual expense. If you want to spend less and save more, move a portion of your paycheck to a taxable account and invest.

Gross income = Annual Savings + Annual Expense + Taxes

KlangFool
I think the primary reason for tracking expenses in a more detailed manner is to determine exactly where your spending can be cut in order to increase your saving. If you know that you're saving enough this isn't necessary, but if you need to save more it may be. Some people have a much greater propensity to spend than others.
by FrugalInvestor
Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement
Replies: 25
Views: 3103

Re: Sanity check on a simple plan to get to retirement

Ultimately, retirement is a function of expenses. Someone with annual expenses of say $150k is going to need to save approximately 3X as much as someone with annual expenses of $50k. So while it's optional to have/manage against a "budget", it is very useful to have some insights into your expected annual expenses. As such, would recommend tracking expenses for 6+ months, so you can get an idea of how much money is flowing out. Used to recommend Mint, but as they are shutting down, you'll need to look at other options. I'm currently testing out Monarch Money, but free options include Empower (previously called Personal Capital). Again, it's not about having/managing against a "budget", but more having confidence in know...
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Dec 02, 2023 10:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has surviving stock market crash made you more resilient
Replies: 121
Views: 13476

Re: Has surviving stock market crash made you more resilient

I was taught by our mentor Jack Bogle to "stay the course" and "ignore the noise". I listened and the result is that I now "don't just do something, I just stand there".

They are all catchy sayings of Jack's that are packed full of some of the best investment advice ever given which along with experience has taught me to shrug off market crashes. I will re-balance as called for by my plan if I happen to notice that my asset allocation strays out of my target range. Other than that, I ignore the noise.
by FrugalInvestor
Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching from bond funds to individual bonds - timing does not matter?
Replies: 68
Views: 6903

Re: Switching from bond funds to individual bonds - timing does not matter?

Thread Title: Switching from bond funds to individual bonds - timing does not matter? I plan to move from bond index funds to individual bonds to make it easier to match assets to liabilities as I prepare to switch from the accumulation to the de-accumulation phase. [. . .] I'd like to bring up a completely different aspect where "timing might matter" in this sort of portfolio move. And that is the issue of the timing of one's aging self (since it sounds like you are moving towards retirement age.) I am/have been authorized agent/trustee/executor/etc for the portfolios of various relatives who eventually needed help managing their portfolios. Mostly due to old age cognitive decline, but also a middle aged cancer patient. All with...
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone found an insurance company with reasonable rate increases
Replies: 17
Views: 2339

Re: Anyone found an insurance company with reasonable rate increases

I've been with State Farm since my teenage years - I don't wish to admit how long that's been, let's just say many decades. I think they've treated me very fairly. I've shopped price a few times over the years and have never found a significant savings opportunity. My claims experience over those years has been relatively minor but I've had a few small ones (i.e. windshields) and one more substantial but certainly not catastrophic. The claims were always settled in a very efficient manner and the ongoing customer service through the local State Farm agent has always been excellent.

I have no idea if my experience is typical or not but I've been very happy with it.

P.S. I carry auto, home and umbrella insurance with State Farm.
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Nov 26, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mitsubishi mini-split vs the mice and the mice won
Replies: 26
Views: 5078

Re: Mitsubishi mini-split vs the mice and the mice won

Here's a link to the Amazon copper mesh (I meant to include it in my original post above)....

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=copper+mesh& ... _sb_noss_1
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Nov 26, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mitsubishi mini-split vs the mice and the mice won
Replies: 26
Views: 5078

Re: Mitsubishi mini-split vs the mice and the mice won

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:30 pm I used to work in a company where we designed and built our own measurement equipment for natural gas lines. We used non-magnetic steel wool to block any holes to the outside world to keep out varmits. Use a magnet to test the steel wool as there are various alloys and if the magnet sticks, it's no good, will rust and disintegrate.
I've also used copper mesh which can be purchased on Amazon to fill gaps and holes to exclude mice and other critters.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Nov 21, 2023 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

Leesbro63 wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 1:43 pm On ClubLexus.com they are reporting no noticeable MPG improvement with 93 octane. For sure you won’t get a 20% MPG increase versus 20% higher cost for 91 (let alone 93) octane.
That doesn't surprise me at all. I just wanted to reassure Aberjona76 that the information was from authoratative sources and that there would be no negative consequences to using the required fuel vs. the recommended.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Nov 21, 2023 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

We do use 93 octane, and it irks me every time I fill up. I've read that you can use 87 octane from others, but everyone at Lexus says to only use 93. The manufacturer is the authoratative source for this kind of information. Dealer employees (especially salespeople) are often misinformed or just lazy about these sorts of details. If you read your owner's manual you'll find this...  RX350h 91AKI (Research Octane Number 96) or higher [recommended] 87AKI (Research Octane Number 91) or higher [minimum] See online manual here....https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/om-s/OM0E213U/pdf/OM0E213U.pdf The numbers posted on U.S. gas pumps are AKI, so Lexus recommends 91 octane and requires a minimum of 87 octane . If 87 is the minimum it is...
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Nov 21, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

I don’t own one. I drive a Ford Ranger, two seater. I’ve been aware that the Lexus brand might have better value than a Toyota and still have the Toyota reputation. Perhaps the replies would have something to say about the functionality compared to others. Ice and snow driving, comfortable riding, fit and finish, legroom, gas mileage, is the cabin quieter. You understand. I didn’t know from your, OP, question that the discussion would focus on negotiating the purchase without addressing the car itself. Answers to the OP question might give a nod toward these things. The salesperson has something to say about function versus other competitors models. Doesn’t it seem odd for others to answer your question with a discussion about the process ...
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Nov 21, 2023 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

I don’t own one. I drive a Ford Ranger, two seater. I’ve been aware that the Lexus brand might have better value than a Toyota and still have the Toyota reputation. Perhaps the replies would have something to say about the functionality compared to others. Ice and snow driving, comfortable riding, fit and finish, legroom, gas mileage, is the cabin quieter. You understand. I didn’t know from your, OP, question that the discussion would focus on negotiating the purchase without addressing the car itself. Answers to the OP question might give a nod toward these things. The salesperson has something to say about function versus other competitors models. Doesn’t it seem odd for others to answer your question with a discussion about the process ...
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Nov 20, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

I don’t own one. I drive a Ford Ranger, two seater. I’ve been aware that the Lexus brand might have better value than a Toyota and still have the Toyota reputation. Perhaps the replies would have something to say about the functionality compared to others. Ice and snow driving, comfortable riding, fit and finish, legroom, gas mileage, is the cabin quieter. You understand. I didn’t know from your, OP, question that the discussion would focus on negotiating the purchase without addressing the car itself. Answers to the OP question might give a nod toward these things. The salesperson has something to say about function versus other competitors models. Doesn’t it seem odd for others to answer your question with a discussion about the process ...
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Nov 19, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?
Replies: 279
Views: 57028

Re: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?

Dottie57 wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 6:22 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 3:08 pm Why doesn’t this forum improve its GUI and add features? This looks like a forum from 1990s.

ER forum is more modernized.
Forum is maintained by volunteers. The site is free. The software is pretty much straight out of the box which makes it easier to maintain.

Plain vanilla is good.
Agreed. For Boglheads simple is good, low cost is good, easy to administer is good. Stay the course!
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New TV: OLED vs QLED
Replies: 53
Views: 17027

Re: New TV: OLED vs QLED

The last TV I purchased in 2021 is a Samsung Neo QLED. It's our primary TV and is great for our needs. But your needs may very well be different than ours. We have a large picture window directly behind our viewing area which has seating off to the side as well as in front.....so we need a TV that is both bright and handles reflections well and also has a very wide viewing angle. But your needs are probably different than ours. I like using the RITNGS.com site to choose a TV because it provides a lot of objective ratings based on your speicifc viewing environment as well as what you typically watch (i.e. sports, movies, video games, etc.). I have a preference for Samsung TVs but there are other excellent brands. The most important thing is ...
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Nov 16, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29303

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

This is correct. Medicare assignment simply means that the provider agrees with Medicare over costs. A provider can take Medicare without taking Medicare assignment. Very few do this, by the way, and the number is getting smaller. Healthcare providers that take Medicare, but don't take Medicare assignment, are allowed to charge (but not all of them do) up to 15% more in excess charges. G covers excess charges, N does not. Excess charges are all but dead, by the way, and getting deader. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh_RFjGpVo4 Meowcat is referring to what is termed "non-participating providers." They don't accept assignment but will accept Medicare patients on a selective basis and are allowed to charge 15% over the amount that...
by FrugalInvestor
Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29303

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

stan1 wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 3:56 pm Overall possibly a better choice for healthy seniors than those who need more care.
Most of us are healthy until we're not and the question is usually not if, but when that will happen. Personally, the one thing I refuse to roll the dice with is my health.
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Nov 13, 2023 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

Baseballmom94 wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:56 pm Any other questions, just ask!
Thank you very much for that very informative reply!
by FrugalInvestor
Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

hvaclorax wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:21 pm I have lusted for a RX350h the last few years. I hope you get some replies.
Me too!

I'm guessing that part of the reason for the lack of responses are that supply has been very restricted so not a large number have been sold. I'm reading about Lexus being hit especially hard by chip shortages. Fortunately I'm not in any hurry to buy but still hope to get some responses with first hand experience buying and driving.
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Nov 12, 2023 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

We would like to buy a new ('23 or '24) RX330h in the near future. If you've gone through the process with this vehicle lately and could fill me in on what to expect regarding availabily, lead time, pricing and any other pertainent facts I would appreciate it.

We'll be test driving one soon but I like to be as knowledgeable as possible about the market as well as the vehicle when I make my first contact and it's been over 5-years since my last new car purchase.

Also, your (owner) evaluation of the RX350h ('23 or '24) would be very useful.

Thanks in advance.
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Nov 09, 2023 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Non-Polarized, glass lens sunglass recommendations?
Replies: 25
Views: 2766

Re: Non-Polarized, glass lens sunglass recommendations?

hvaclorax wrote: Thu Nov 09, 2023 4:40 pm Why are no polarized glasses needed? Please explain.
HVAC
We have a head-up display in our car that we both love and wouldn't do without. It displays a great deal of information - from speed to speed limit to blind spot monitoring to navigation directions (and more), and all without taking our eyes off the road. Unfortunately it is difficult or impossible to see with polarized sunglasses, especially on a bright, sunny day so we always seach for (and so far have found) non-polarized sun glasses. We usually find them at Sunglasses Hut although the choices are very limited.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Oct 10, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA insurance for early retirement
Replies: 82
Views: 10163

Re: ACA insurance for early retirement

For the purposes of the ACA (ACA MAGI), Roth conversions are included.
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Oct 05, 2023 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those who retired <50 years old, how did you spend your days?
Replies: 22
Views: 5365

Re: For those who retired <50 years old, how did you spend your days?

I concentrated on improving my healh and fitness and pursuing hobbies that I had no time for while working a very high stress job. I supported my wife as much as possible as she cared for her mother whose health was failing for a number of years.

I also began to develop a more organized long-term plan for our retirement finances which has been a process of continuous improvement. I can honestly say that what I've learned from Bogleheads has substantially enhanced both our current and future retirement situations.
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Sep 30, 2023 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using a brick and mortar with an internet High yields savings account
Replies: 20
Views: 2583

Re: Using a brick and mortar with an internet High yields savings account

I also use a brick and mortar bank for checking and direct deposit. I keep any extra cash in a Vanguard MM fund. It is easy to transfer between them by pulling to Vanguard or pushing from Vanguard. There are no fees and no minimums. The MM fund currently yields 5.27%. I have no need for an on-line savings account. Same here....and my wife likes the brick and mortar bank's billpay service. We make small monthly auto deposits which qualifies us for zero fees on the checking account. When online HYSAs were paying relatively higher rates than money markets, I used a HYSA. Once our Vanguard Brokerage account money market fund began outpacing the HYSA I moved back to it. I've chosen to maintain a small amount in the HYSA to keep it active becaus...
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Sep 30, 2023 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY attic insulation removal
Replies: 21
Views: 3139

Re: DIY attic insulation removal

I would definitely get more quotes and I would also definitely hire out the work. I've worked with a lot of insulation in my years - but not removal. It's miserable stuff.
by FrugalInvestor
Thu Sep 21, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: changing G plan to N supplement plan?
Replies: 64
Views: 6650

Re: changing G plan to N supplement plan?

i’ve heard often that excess charges are rare. i’ve found that all of my doctors are in this approved group. Any practice that accepts original Medicare that I've asked has said that they accept Medicare assignment, which is the term for not billing for excess charges. The risk is not so much what is happening today, but if some providers stop accepting assignment, it perhaps could snowball to where nobody accepts it. Plan G premiums likely would go up if that scenario were to transpire, so it would not necessarily protect you from that. ........ The practices charging excess charges are often nationally known major research hospitals. Going to one of these is not an everyday occurance but when you do the problem and the bills can be very ...
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle personal portfolio
Replies: 37
Views: 5509

Re: Jack Bogle personal portfolio

I don't know anything about your personal financial position but I'm sure that Jack Bogle's and mine were not at all similar. For that reason I wouldn't look at his asset allocation choices to guide my choices and I doubt that you should either.
by FrugalInvestor
Tue Sep 19, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire Question
Replies: 30
Views: 2721

Re: Tire Question

The last time I took my car to Costco to have the tires I purchased there rotated they found a nail in one and plugged it free of charge. I can't tell if you bought your tires there or not. If you did, take it there and have them check the tire.

If you have a Discount Tire nearby, they will usually plug a tire for free even if not purchased from them. Of course if it's not repairable they'll offer to sell you a new tire(s).
by FrugalInvestor
Sun Sep 17, 2023 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: changing G plan to N supplement plan?
Replies: 64
Views: 6650

Re: changing G plan to N supplement plan?

I think your reasoning is sound. However, I went with Plan G for a couple of reasons and am very happy that I did. First, almost immediately after going on Medicare with the G plan I had a very serious illness and (fortunately) ended up at a high profile provider that charged excess charges. They were all paid. Second, when making my original decision I weighted simplicity of administration heavily. I've seen older people struggle with tasks that I'm sure were very straightforward when they were younger. I want taking care of my bills and particularly my medical bills to be as streamlined as possible as I age. I've found through fairly extensive use that Plan G is about as simple as it can get to administer by the patient. I would definitel...
by FrugalInvestor
Sat Sep 16, 2023 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Use of a VPN
Replies: 105
Views: 16544

Re: Use of a VPN

Wiggums wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 9:52 am I don’t use a VPN at home. When traveling you may not always be able to connect to a trustworthy network, which means prying eyes may be able to access the data you transmit.
Same here. VPN usually off at home and often on when traveling.
by FrugalInvestor
Fri Sep 15, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion Advice
Replies: 47
Views: 5771

Re: Roth Conversion Advice

I really appreciate all of the posts here. But I'm feeling a bit over-whelmed. If I wanted some help with this, who should I turn to? There isn't a widely-accepted recommendation for that among Bogleheads. This is mostly a d-i-y site so you're going to get more recommendations for software to make recommendations than for people to. Probably among the advisers commonly discussed here Planvision might be one suggestion, although I don't have experience with them myself and I'm not sure just how intricate the conversion analysis specifically is going to be. They have a wait list and my understanding and you still have to invest your own time to enter all the required data into their system (having you do that is part of the cost savings vs. ...