Search found 511 matches

by Hoosier CPA
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15481

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

We have $1000 hidden in the house. Most will probably think this is crazy, but when Canada froze the bank accounts of certain protestors, I thought I should have some cash on hand at all times. Not that I am in canada or a protestor.
by Hoosier CPA
Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16736

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

About $1350. I just logged in and selected the direct deposit option. I had forgotten about this - my wife must get the email.

About $500 of the $1350 is spending at the 1% level. We probably have some room to improve this. Of course controlling expenses would be even better....
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to invest in select SeekingAlpha Alpha Picks?
Replies: 16
Views: 1357

Re: When to invest in select SeekingAlpha Alpha Picks?

finguy47 wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:47 pm Thanks everyone. Almost complete agreement from everyone that replied.
Although virtually all academic evidence shows that the vast majority of stock pickers cannot beat the market over the long run, it seems many of us need to learn this the hard way. I did but with little money involved early on and I studied equity investing in college and should have known better.
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27853

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

andypanda wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:36 pm "I'd love to scoop one up "

Don't give up. Keep saving and looking.

Image
Well, I actually did just buy one for my wife, 3 years after making that post.
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Jan 25, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
Replies: 52
Views: 5646

Re: Verizon Wireless price increase

I got that too, but they are also increasing our hot spot gb allowance, which is helpful to us, so I'm ok with it. We use our hotspots a decent amount for work.

Looks like they've redone all their plans compared to what we have now. I'll look and see if any changes would help us. I'm not sure how but we have a really good loyalty discount so I'm scared to change too much in case that gets dropped.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feb. 7 Update -- Brand new Subaru needs new transmission
Replies: 173
Views: 16505

Re: Brand new Subaru needs new transmission

Haven't read all of this, but I have an 09 Altima with a a cvt, replaced once under warranty. I'll be glad to see it go and go back to regular gears.

Passengers hate the yo-yo effect of these transmissions but I understand they have gotten better. It was typically just me in it going back and forth to work so that's why I've held on to it for 212K miles. Wife getting a new car soon, so I'll inherit the 12 Odyssey. Never again CVT!

My understanding if JATCO makes most of them for the various manufacturers, but that could be wrong.
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

Found a 23 SR5 premium new, with about $3K off. Looks like that's about the best discount out there right now, using the toyota allocation sheet that a member from here posted on another thread. It's the color she's looking for. It's about 3 hours from me but that's manageable. Most of 4Runners are still listed at MSRP, although they are mostly 2024s by now. They didn't make any changes for 24. Given that has the best discount I've seen online, and it's a Toyota, is it reasonable to expect to negotiate further? I haven't bought a car since 2011, and obviously none since covid/supply chain issues, so I'm out of practice here. Wondering how best to approach it from those with more knowledge/practice of it. There's one other one with a decent ...
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Jan 11, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

..delete
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Jan 11, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

I purchased a 2020 TRD Off Road new in December of 2019. I was trying to find a used 4 runner with 50k or less miles. Everything I found was only about 10% less than buying a new rig, so I bought the new 4 Runner. I absolutely love it. My only complaint is that in 2WD (rear wheel) it is crappy in snow. My previous vehicle was a FWD van. It is easy to put in 4WD and I usually do this when I get close to the mountain when I go skiing. Buy new unless you can save 15-20% on a used rig. I was thinking 20% would be a minimum discount to make it worth it, comparing OTD prices. It's interesting to me that there seem to be better discounts on used limiteds compared to SR5 premiums. On a 4runner forum I saw the limiteds aren't as desirable to those ...
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

retiringwhen wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:36 am
Hoosier CPA wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:33 am ... and I've tried working that angle but that's what she's set on....
You have your answer! Find the best one on the lot made since 2021 (with latest safety features) :-)

Sure would beat buying another Jeep product, yikes!
We actually did well with that Commander, believe it or not, probably because we didn't keep it long. It was an 06. Bought in 20018 for half of MSRP with 20K miles on it (although I'm sure they never sold anywhere near MSRP), drove it for 40K miles and sold it for $2K less than we paid for it.

We had zero issues with it although I'm sure it was destined to be a maintenance nightmare for someone.

Haven't purchased a vehicle since 2011 so I'm a bit rusty at all this!
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

NYHawkeye wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:28 am Bought a new 2021 4Runner Limited during COVID as the discount for lightly used was just not there. Everything is great with the vehicle except we miss not having blind spot monitoring like our Highlander. I believe that is an option starting in 2022.
That's why I'm looking at new or almost new. I thought the blind spot monitoring started in 2021 so I'll keep that in mind. I'm not big on all of that but she would prefer those kinds of features.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

Has your wife test-driven a 4Runner? The reason I am saying this is that she is coming from a Minivan. When I first test-drove a 4Runner it was a new v8 model with 4wd. I thought the visibility out the front was small and it felt like I was driving a military vehicle. Very stiff with low gearing and you knew it was going to be using a lot of fuel. I then tested a Highlander. It had lots of glass very open and not the enclosed feeling like the 4Runner, and was as smooth as a car. When went with the Highlander and it has been great for many years, however, we do use it like a car or even minivan, not like an off-road truck. Yes we've taken a couple 4runners for test drives. We bought the minivan about 12 years ago when we had a 3 year old an...
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

Re: 4Runner - new or used

MMiroir wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 10:42 am I would get a new one. If you are looking for long term resale, get a TRD, TRD Off Road or TRD Pro model in one of the oddball colors. These will hold the most interest from off road enthusiast who will be driving the resale market for this car 10 years from now.

https://bringatrailer.com/toyota/4runner-n280/
Agree with what you are saying about the TRD but we want the 3rd row (for occasional use for short trips only) and that isn't available in those models.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Jan 09, 2024 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 9019

4Runner - new or used

I know, yet another new vs used thread. Hoping to hear from 4Runner fans on here. My wife is set on a 4Runner to replace our 2012 minivan, as the kids are old enough that we don't always need the space. I work at home and regardless of what we get, we'll keep the minivan and I'll drive it and it will be available for trips. My inclination was to look for something a few years old, which I'm finding might not be the best strategy with toyota, especially post pandemic. Our current 2 cars were bought new (2009 and 2012) and we still have them. Both have over $200K on them. For people with 4runners - I think we've settled in on an SR5 premium. A new one is around $47K MSRP (seems like some dealers are offering $1K-2K off now). From looking arou...
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Dec 14, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with the 529 plan portfolios having bond funds in a rising rate environment?
Replies: 27
Views: 3185

Re: What to do with the 529 plan portfolios having bond funds in a rising rate environment?

I found this thread from a few months back as I was looking at our kids' 529 plans and I was wondering what to do with the bond parts of the funds. I don't sweat bond performance over the past couple years in our retirement accounts but I'm not sure what to do with it for the college funds due to the short time horizon. We have a freshman and two 6th graders. The amount we have saved will probably pay for a year or so of college for each, maybe more, but not 4 years for sure. I haven't used the aged based funds but have followed a glide path and reduced equity exposure a bit. We took a hit on the bond funds. My question - is it safe to say the hit on bond funds is done, now that it appears the fed has paused on increasing rates (I know we c...
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Classic "This Used Car or That New Car?" Thread
Replies: 20
Views: 2233

Re: Your Classic "This Used Car or That New Car?" Thread

CoastLawyer2030 wrote: Tue Dec 12, 2023 7:47 am Talked with the wife and she is happy with a new model, but does not think the Touring trim package is worth it. We are going to opt for the EX-L which makes the difference between the new and used cars about $5,000. Seems like a no-brainer.
That was going to be my suggestion to the options presented. New, but EX-L instead of touring.
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expecting... twins!
Replies: 51
Views: 7170

Re: Expecting... twins!

Congrats! We have twins. First few years are tough but then it’s the best thing ever. I’d suggest loosening up your financial goals for a few years and enjoy them. Get back on track when they hit 4
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expecting... twins!
Replies: 51
Views: 7170

Re: Expecting... twins!

Congrats! We have twins. First few years are tough but then it’s the best thing ever. I’d suggest loosening up your financial goals for a few years and enjoy them. Get back on track when they hit 4
by Hoosier CPA
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera
Replies: 18
Views: 2610

Re: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera

I like our eufy. Bought it because the data is stored locally not in the cloud.
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Nov 03, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Mobil 1 extended performance full synthetic oil really good for 20k miles?
Replies: 97
Views: 18893

Re: Is Mobil 1 extended performance full synthetic oil really good for 20k miles?

Just another data point - I use amsoil in both my cars. Change it annually. Normally 15-20k. Have about 210K on each, both bought new and used nothing else. I do check the oil level about 1/2 way through the year.

I assume mobil 1 extended life is similar to amsoil signature.

Edit - both these cars are non-turbos (4 banger nissan and 6 cylinder honda). If I had a "modern" car with a turbo, I don't think I'd wait as long.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Oct 31, 2023 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new Toyota (2023)
Replies: 31
Views: 7315

Re: Buying a new Toyota (2023)

I recently bought a new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and would like to share some information I found useful. Dealerships are still charging markups but these are coming down, especially for the gas (non-hybrid) models. Hybrids are still harder to come by and most would come with markups. Having said that, there are dealerships sprinkled around that country that do not do markups. You can get a vehicle from them, but they would usually have a waiting list, so you might have to wait for a few weeks to get the vehicle you want. The following are some of my suggestions on getting a Toyota: o Get a quote through Costco Auto. Some dealerships still maintain their relationship with Costco, and will give you a slight discount. The offer I have going throug...
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Oct 31, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying a used car online without seeing it
Replies: 18
Views: 2033

Re: buying a used car online without seeing it

There are services that can check out a car for you. My brothers have done that. Probably a couple hundred $ at most. That should take most of the risk out there. Then fly out there to finish the deal - agree on a price and terms ahead of time, but still being able to back out if you see it and it isn't what you expected. It's a different arrangement in that you do any negotiations before you see the car but as long as you have someone independent check it out before you fly out and keep the right to back out, I don't see much risk in this at all.
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Oct 26, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Separate medical/HSA for wife and me
Replies: 4
Views: 677

Re: Separate medical/HSA for wife and me

MP123 wrote: Wed Oct 25, 2023 3:41 pm HSA distributions can be used tax-free to pay qualified medical expenses for you, your spouse, and any dependents. It doesn't matter what (if any) health insurance you have at the time of the distribution. Contributions are where eligiblity comes in.

The family contribution is assumed to be split evenly between both spouse's accounts unless they agree on a different split. So putting $4150 in each account is fine. Good idea to at least get the employer contributions into both.
Thanks for input.
by Hoosier CPA
Wed Oct 25, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Separate medical/HSA for wife and me
Replies: 4
Views: 677

Separate medical/HSA for wife and me

In 2024 my wife and I will have separate medical plans and HSA accounts for the first time. Previously we've always had family coverage through my employer, but starting in 2024 she'll be covered individually by her employer's plan and our kids and I will be covered by my employer's plan. We have always maxed out HSA contributions. What is the best way to do that with separate accounts? For 2024 the max for family ($8300) is double the max for individuals ($4150) so one option is to just put $4150 in each. I'm also assuming contributions to her account can be used to cover expenses of our kids - is that correct? I've perhaps wrongly assumed that HSA accounts were independent of whatever coverage happens to be in place at the time and that H...
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?
Replies: 67
Views: 5856

Re: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?

Like a couple others have noted, we bought Eufy cameras and a doorbell this summer. My wife sleeps with them, so that's something. I'll agree it's nice to keep an eye on packages that arrive. We have kids ages 12 - 15. They can be home without us but they are still younger kids. If another parent is picking them up, it's nice to have the confirmation as to when they left or when they got home. Also if they walk the dog we'll see they came back. I went with Eufy because all the data is stored locally and there are no monthly fees. They did have a security issue at one point so who really knows. We bought wireless since I didn't want to deal with the wiring. We bought them in June. The doorbell is hard wired for power. We also have two camera...
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who is using a personal finance app?
Replies: 38
Views: 5740

Re: Who is using a personal finance app?

I've used ynab since 2018 or so. Like it for tracking and planning. Wish it had some useful reporting capabilities. I can export transactions and do some work in Excel but it's a bit of a pain.

From experience I'll never keep using something that doesn't auto import transactions.
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Sep 21, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lazy workout routines: what to add to rowing?
Replies: 58
Views: 5546

Re: Lazy workout routines: what to add to rowing?

I am a complete a barbell evangelist. If I only was able to do 1 set of exercises it would be barbells. I could not believe how once I started there was an immediate change in the quality of life. I now had muscles which among other benefiTs took away a lot of body pain. I have a full set up of 1⁄2 rack, 45 lb Olympic bar and 275 lbs of Olympic weights, all in my living room so always 100% available to me. +1 Consider the starting strength program. I bought that book and am slowing starting that program - I had a weight routine but I'm replacing exercises with the lifts in that book. It's a bit overwhelming to read and learn as it is very detailed but it seems everything you need to know is in there. You should also buy the companion CD. A...
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Sep 21, 2023 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lazy workout routines: what to add to rowing?
Replies: 58
Views: 5546

Re: Lazy workout routines: what to add to rowing?

coffeeblack wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 1:09 pm
vnatale wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 1:02 pm I am a complete a barbell evangelist. If I only was able to do 1 set of exercises it would be barbells.

I could not believe how once I started there was an immediate change in the quality of life. I now had muscles which among other benefiTs took away a lot of body pain.

I have a full set up of 1⁄2 rack, 45 lb Olympic bar and 275 lbs of Olympic weights, all in my living room so always 100% available to me.


+1

Consider the starting strength program.
I bought that book and am slowing starting that program - I had a weight routine but I'm replacing exercises with the lifts in that book. It's a bit overwhelming to read and learn as it is very detailed but it seems everything you need to know is in there.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Sep 19, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone take the CFP courses in the last 5 years for personal benefit?
Replies: 16
Views: 2706

Re: Anyone take the CFP courses in the last 5 years for personal benefit?

I think you could get the info and knowledge for a lot less than $6K.

There are a lot of concepts misrepresented on forums like this that you could learn from textbooks - efficient frontier, portfolio construction, using bonds to improve risk-adjusted returns, etc. I would find a textbook list from an financial planning degree and start there. I studied a lot of it in college but it's been a couple decades now...
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Sep 18, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kids & cashless businesses
Replies: 18
Views: 2379

Re: Kids & cashless businesses

We usually just send one of our seldom used credit cards with our kids and cross our fingers they don't lose it. I don't like this solution. I definitely don't want to send a debit card though.
by Hoosier CPA
Wed Sep 06, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Advice on Buying a Mini Van
Replies: 71
Views: 8137

Re: Your Advice on Buying a Mini Van

2012 Odyssey EX, bought new. 203K on it now. Picked Odyssey because we had three in car seats at the time and they could all fit in middle row. Liked the way it drove too compared to the others we looked at. Worked great when the kids were little and great now that they are older. Wife is ready for something new though. I'll keep driving it when I upgrade her car. Hopefully it has another few years on it as it's great for just about anything. No real issues with it other than replacing worn out struts and had to replace a sliding door actuator (now I think I need to do the other one but it's simple). For maintenance - I disabled the VCM very early on as it started to use just a bit of oil and that's a tell-tale sign. Hasn't used oil since. ...
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Sep 01, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: As I wait it out for a hybrid Sienna, Honda Odysseys are becoming more available…
Replies: 31
Views: 4379

Re: As I wait it out for a hybrid Sienna, Honda Odysseys are becoming more available…

This is a slightly dated thread but still very relevant. DW and I are considering the Toyota Sienna Hybrid because it comes with AWD. But the electric motor setup and batteries and likely need for only expensive dealer servicing and repairs given the complexity, has us in doubt. The Honda Odyssey V6 engine and platform is similar to my Honda Passport which has been bulletproof for several years. We keep our cars until they die so longevity is an issue. The warranty on the batteries on the Sienna is 100k miles. Then what? But, the Honda is only front wheel drive. For those with the Honda Odyssey, how does it do in the snow, ice, rain, mud, slushy wet sand? Are the center seats easily removed? How do you like it? Reliable? What about Sienna ...
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Sep 01, 2023 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Intuit invasiveness
Replies: 22
Views: 2006

Re: Intuit invasiveness

ynab doesn't share your info. As a trade-off the service isn't cheap. I think it's worth it but ymmv
by Hoosier CPA
Wed Aug 30, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care
Replies: 58
Views: 4638

Re: Lawn care

Pretty much. Most of them put down way more than you actually need. You can get by with buying 2-3 bags of fertilizer a year and put it down yourself at the following times: 1. Pre-emergent weed and feed (crabgrass preventer) - Use hand or walk-behind spreader and spread it yourself when soil temps reach 55 degrees in the spring. 2. General fertilizer - buy a bag and spread it yourself Memorial Day weekend. 3. General fertilizer - buy a bag and spread it yourself Labor Day weekend. All-in-all, you can do an entire year's worth of "lawn treatments" by yourself with a couple hours of your time and about $100. Agree, this is all you need to do annually. Depending on where you live you might want to push the labor day one later a mon...
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Aug 28, 2023 10:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is My Car Battery Really Shot? **UPDATED**
Replies: 68
Views: 4887

Re: Is My Car Battery Really Shot?

lthenderson wrote: Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:59 pm
rockstar wrote: Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:48 pm This is what I use, and it matches what AAA tells me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DD ... UTF8&psc=1
Thank you. Looks like what I need.
I think something like that will pay for itself over time and doesn't require much skill to use. I have the following one, but I'm sure they all work the same:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A ... UTF8&psc=1

The last time I had one tested at autozone, they basically had a voltmeter, which doesn't tell you anything. You need to be able to test the CCA.
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?
Replies: 361
Views: 50123

Re: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?

I'm (hopefully) still 2 decades from retiring, but I wonder if the same traits that make it possible to save a comfortable amount for retirement make it hard to spend the nest egg once retired.

At this stage in life I do wonder about the dilemma of over saving (working too long) vs under saving (running out of money). I keep coming back to seeking to find more meaningful work as I get older so that it becomes more about serving people than making money. I don't know, just my thoughts for now. I'd guess most of the population not on this site isn't at risk of over saving.
by Hoosier CPA
Tue Aug 22, 2023 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you sold a house just to buy another one..... did you really profit?
Replies: 51
Views: 8158

Re: If you sold a house just to buy another one..... did you really profit?

I've always viewed one of the primary financial benefits of home ownership to be an inflation hedge, and that is kind of what is going on in your example. Home appreciation doesn't really benefit you (actually hurts given increased insurance, maintenance, etc.) unless you are downsizing but having some skin the market (generally) protects you against inflation in that part of your expenses. In terms of monthly cash flow renting may be cheaper but I'd think most would be negatively impacted by home appreciation as rents for the most part follow home prices (over the long term at least).
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"
Replies: 466
Views: 49612

Re: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"

We have an 09 and a 12, both with over 200k now. Wife is definitely ready for a new or newer car. I can't seem to make progress on making that happen, as I lose interest as soon as I start looking at current prices. Plus I have enough skills to replace most parts at home. The two we have were bought new and under $50K combined. I'm fairly sure the next one for her will be in the mid-40's on its own. I don't see value in 3 year old car prices these days either. I think I need to learn to accept that the pricing from 2019 is gone and not coming back.
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How is American Express better than a 2% cashback Visa/Mastercard ?
Replies: 80
Views: 10232

Re: How is American Express better than a 2% cashback Visa/Mastercard ?

Someone else mentioned it - but I have an amex card I rarely use but had two deals I recently used:

$8 off disney bundle

$120 order from dell.com

They have a lot of other "deals" if they fit shops you are purchasing from already
by Hoosier CPA
Mon Aug 07, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Last year it was about I-bonds, now MM and T-bills -- question about BND
Replies: 39
Views: 6015

Re: Last year it was about I-bonds, now MM and T-bills -- question about BND

What's the best way to buy T-bills? Maybe a dumb question.

I have 20k in ibonds that I think I'm going to sell. Just bought to get the high rate for a year, from emergency fund money.
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: recommended 10% - 15% of income [saving for retirement]
Replies: 63
Views: 7022

Re: recommended 10% - 15% of income

When you stop working your investments will need to cover your expenses, less anything you get from a pension or social security. You can use any metric you want to measure progress over time, whether that's a percent of gross income, net income or expenses. Of these I think net income is the least useful because it's variable in the sense that if you save more in retirement accounts, you're impacting the denominator and the numerator. I try to measure my saving as a percent of gross income and try to increase that over time. But I compare my portfolio to my current annual expenses. My goal is to get that to 25x, which is the 4% rule. I'm 20 years or more from retirement so I really have little idea what my expenses will be in the long run ...
by Hoosier CPA
Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: trade in a 3 year old mazda cx-5?
Replies: 38
Views: 3521

Re: trade in a 3 year old mazda cx-5?

The old rule of thumb was a car loses 20% in year 1 and 15% each year after that. Compare that to the 9K. Yours has low miles and I'm not sure if the rule of thumb is anywhere near real world anymore post covid.
by Hoosier CPA
Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to live in Chicago
Replies: 42
Views: 4896

Re: Best way to live in Chicago

I used to have to travel there for work fairly regularly. Never had issues getting a room. Of course I was paying for it but I don’t remember the prices being unreasonable.
by Hoosier CPA
Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to live in Chicago
Replies: 42
Views: 4896

Re: Best way to live in Chicago

I used to have to travel there for work fairly regularly. Never had issues getting a room. Of course I was paying for it but I don’t remember the prices being unreasonable.
by Hoosier CPA
Fri Jul 14, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is selling I-bonds in the current environment a wise move?
Replies: 86
Views: 8693

Re: Is selling I-bonds in the current environment a wise move?

We bought some last May and June ($20K total), and intend to sell them once we hit the 3 months of the 3% rate. Purpose for us was just chasing higher rates with our e-fund, and it is money we don't want market risk on. I can do better in money markets or perhaps a CD, so I'm going to do that. It may be market timing but I don't see inflation going up substantially any time soon.

I'm not 100% sure yet on this decision. We may wait to see what the next interest rate is before making a decision.
by Hoosier CPA
Wed Jul 12, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suit for a wedding “on the cheap”?
Replies: 64
Views: 5126

Re: Suit for a wedding “on the cheap”?

Stafford brand at JC Penny's was good for cheap suits around 10 years ago. May have changed since then.
by Hoosier CPA
Sun Jul 09, 2023 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Cell Phones In Secondary Market
Replies: 10
Views: 1036

Re: Buying Cell Phones In Secondary Market

Backmarket.com is good for this. I bought a phone for my teenager on that, because I thought there's a good chance he would damage or lose it. Worked out great. Iphone SE which is smaller than most of the ones they offer now.
by Hoosier CPA
Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Accord EX Vs Hyundai Sonata SEL
Replies: 16
Views: 1475

Re: Honda Accord EX Vs Hyundai Sonata SEL

Can you still get an accord with a traditional transmissions (not a CVT)? If not I'd look at a camry.

I prefer non-turbo engines and transmissions with gears.