Search found 222 matches
- Wed Dec 30, 2020 1:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: toyota sienna 2021 - buying tips
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2633
Re: toyota sienna 2021 - buying tips
:sharebeer By no means am I trying to change your mind, but you didn't mention you actually test drive the vehicle. If you did, stop reading this š If you didn't, please do, I thought visibility was troublesome in the new Sienna. Fwiw Agh, I may āneedā to buy a 2021 Sienna without personally being ...
- Wed Dec 30, 2020 1:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: buying a 2021 Toyota Sienna in the next few days
- Replies: 34
- Views: 2397
Re: buying a 2021 Toyota Sienna in the next few days
I mentioned this exact thing in another thread, just be sure you test drive the new Sienna as it wasn't explicitly mentioned. Objectively, the third row windows and rear windows are smaller vs Odyssey and Pacifica which limits visibility.
You may think it's fine though, but wanted to mention it.
You may think it's fine though, but wanted to mention it.
- Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: toyota sienna 2021 - buying tips
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2633
Re: toyota sienna 2021 - buying tips
By no means am I trying to change your mind, but you didn't mention you actually test drive the vehicle.
If you did, stop reading this
If you didn't, please do, I thought visibility was troublesome in the new Sienna. Fwiw
If you did, stop reading this
If you didn't, please do, I thought visibility was troublesome in the new Sienna. Fwiw
- Mon Dec 07, 2020 6:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Got a good price on 2020 Odyssey EX-L but the 0.9% promo expired.
- Replies: 55
- Views: 3852
Re: Got a good price on 2020 Odyssey EX-L but the 0.9% promo expired.
Ill try to answer your question - My family, like yours, also just went in the market for a minivan. Tested pacifica and 2021 sienna along with 2021 odyssey. For us, the Honda won after two test drives versus the Pacificas two test drives. The sienna was an odd one. Our car price is a hair under 37...
- Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anybody have a water-powered backup sump pump?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1074
Re: Anybody have a water-powered backup sump pump?
Installed one myself on our new home. Basepump was the brand, highly recommended through research. Comes with backflow preventer certified in my state. Primary considerations are your water pressure, your required flow rate. These pumps only serve a finite range of values that your situation may or ...
- Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Got a good price on 2020 Odyssey EX-L but the 0.9% promo expired.
- Replies: 55
- Views: 3852
Re: Got a good price on 2020 Odyssey EX-L but the 0.9% promo expired.
Ill try to answer your question - My family, like yours, also just went in the market for a minivan. Tested pacifica and 2021 sienna along with 2021 odyssey. For us, the Honda won after two test drives versus the Pacificas two test drives. The sienna was an odd one. Our car price is a hair under 37k...
- Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: HVAC quotes (Replace both or just one unit??)
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2124
Re: HVAC quotes (Replace both or just one unit??)
Just replaced our units three months ago Replaced with American Standard 2.5 ton SEER13 SINGLE STAGE AC (most basic version) 60k BTU 2 STAGE furnace New line set, wire to thermostat, ecobee Also moved new furnace 10' back to give more space in basement, so some ductwork modification In Upper Midwest...
- Tue Sep 01, 2020 8:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: For those with $500k-$1m in investments...
- Replies: 211
- Views: 33868
Re: For those with $500k-$1m in investments...
Just did the math
17% taxable
83% tax advantaged
Do not currently add to taxable on regular basis
Will add additional end of month money when spouse goes back to work (on leave, newborn). Unknown how much.
Lower 30s
17% taxable
83% tax advantaged
Do not currently add to taxable on regular basis
Will add additional end of month money when spouse goes back to work (on leave, newborn). Unknown how much.
Lower 30s
- Wed May 06, 2020 11:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Get My Payment up and running
- Replies: 369
- Views: 25951
Re: IRS Get My Payment up and running
Edit: we received ours thru DD on May 6 as well.
Same story as the last several posts here.
Same story as the last several posts here.
- Thu Apr 30, 2020 8:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
- Replies: 82
- Views: 5960
Re: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
The resale value tells you everything. Just go with that, forget all the noise. Resale value tells you what used car customers tend to think. As shown on this thread lot of people in the US market still *think* Toyota is way ahead of Kia on reliability/durability. But that's pretty questionable. Mi...
- Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: House Siding for MN - LP / Hardie / Steel?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1120
Re: House Siding for MN - LP / Hardie / Steel?
Our 1950s rambler in the center of the Cities has the original fiber cement siding. Quite frankly, I think it's held up terrifically. One downside to it, as far as I can tell, is that while durable it is brittle so the edges are easy to crack. There are only a few chips at the base where it meets th...
- Fri Apr 24, 2020 6:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Get My Payment up and running
- Replies: 369
- Views: 25951
Re: IRS Get My Payment up and running
Yep, same here. Entered into this morning
- Thu Apr 23, 2020 11:56 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: lawn care cost
- Replies: 107
- Views: 10638
Re: lawn care cost
We paid $40 for signing up at least two weeks or $25 for a single shot
this was for 0.25 acre, "trim mow & blow" (his words, not mine)
this was for 0.25 acre, "trim mow & blow" (his words, not mine)
- Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Get My Payment up and running
- Replies: 369
- Views: 25951
Re: IRS Get My Payment up and running
I finally figured out why the "Get My Payment" tool said my information did not match their records. Check to make sure the address you are entering matches the spelling for what the USPS has for your address. The tool is using the USPS validated version of your address and NOT the addres...
- Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I afford a home in this range?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 2876
Re: Can I afford a home in this range?
I would set aside $50k for a nice Emergency Fund. I would pay off the wife's student loans with the remaining $300k. I would then pay off your $85k as fast as you can. Then save for a down payment. With $700k or $400k income this shouldn't take that long. 2 years. With a new infant you need about 2...
- Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Get My Payment up and running
- Replies: 369
- Views: 25951
Re: IRS Get My Payment up and running
I don't have my payment and site says: According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time. I filed 2018 and 2019 taxes and in both cases used direct deposit. No direct deposit has shown up yet of course. Received this on trying to use the ...
- Wed Apr 08, 2020 7:58 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Reducing home buying price due to coronavirus uncertainty?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4220
Re: Reducing home buying price due to coronavirus uncertainty?
In the Twin Cities market the under $350,000 houses are still going strong. These would be considered starter homes.The over $350,000 market is slowing dramatically. Executive relocation's have slowed way down and move up buyers, which involve two transactions, are sitting out until things settle d...
- Tue Apr 07, 2020 1:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Reducing home buying price due to coronavirus uncertainty?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4220
Re: Reducing home buying price due to coronavirus uncertainty?
Hi all, Let's assume the following: On the housing market with lease ending soon & finances in order for mortgage Not currently laid off, but danger of course exists Company has a good current balance sheet, but some of our customer base are from industries hit by virus My boss very much acts l...
- Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buy a house now or wait?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 3207
Re: Buy a house now or wait?
This is all personal and local, but here is our situation that may or may not be helpful. We are relocating to a different state, we've planned this for many years. We decided to move right when this pandemic was ramping up, and decided to list our house right when the Gov. 'stay at home' order was ...
- Fri Apr 03, 2020 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Global Entry [wait time for interview]
- Replies: 70
- Views: 5016
Re: Global Entry [wait time for interview]
Currently at 5 months to still get 'conditionally approved' in order to set the interview time. Major metro in midwest. Somewhat similar story. 4 of us applied in September. 3 were conditionally approved within a week or two, and completed our interview in November. The fourth is still "pendin...
- Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:06 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
- Replies: 505
- Views: 56579
Re: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
Currently working from home. Expect to be laid off soon. Well, getting laid-off happened a bit quicker than I was expecting. Got a phone call this afternoon from HR telling me that my last day is today. If anyone is looking for an oil and gas transactional lawyer with around 15 years of experience,...
- Tue Mar 17, 2020 9:19 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
- Replies: 505
- Views: 56579
Re: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
Currently chemicals industry - private company - high security due to uniqueness of company financials and setup. No impact w/ exception of no travel for next month or so. Chemicals industry is 'essential' and will not shut down. Many workers, if possible, working from home. At the plants themselves...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 6:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Federal govt position - negotiating leave
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2056
Re: Federal govt position - negotiating leave
See: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=297262&p=5070058#p5070058 Just attempted to negotiate leave based on non-federal service. This was deemed unfair based on past practices and they were unwilling to switch from leave group 1 (4 hour / period) to leave group 2 (6 hour /...
- Fri Mar 06, 2020 3:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2282
Re: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
Quick update - similar to the thread about 'negotiating leave', but also perhaps of interest to others. I ended up receiving an email from the Hiring Manager for another position that was open but knocked down a grade to GS-12, which didn't quite match my existing pay but offered leadership opportun...
- Thu Mar 05, 2020 10:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Federal govt position - negotiating leave
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2056
Re: Federal govt position - negotiating leave
I had a similar thread not long ago. I would suggest checking FederalSoup and Reddit USAJOBs for information, but in general, it's entirely dependent on your Job Series and the Agency. For me, the job was a Direct Hire Authorized position with critical need. I did not get the position, but it was my...
- Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Job interview question: how do I explain wanting to leave my current job so soon?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4095
Re: Job interview question: how do I explain wanting to leave my current job so soon?
I think some of the advice above is good. Specifically, keep it short & positive, but speak to how staying there would impact your longer term goals for reasons XYZ. I'll give you an example that I had. I left a job after 6 months. Fortunately, I believed it to be a great organization with great...
- Mon Feb 10, 2020 2:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Basic Tax Question?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 355
Basic Tax Question?
Hello, I searched but couldn't find anything directly related to such a [probably] simple question. Perhaps not, though. Our AGI is extremely close to last year. However, we owe $1,000 more, and I am curious as to why. I am focused on why one W2 shows about $1,000 less withheld. I don't understand t...
- Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What is the best way to pay off large debt?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1145
- Wed Jan 29, 2020 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Daughter's Boston Job Offer
- Replies: 115
- Views: 9815
Re: Daughter's Boston Job Offer
I don't think it's unreasonable. My experience has been that biotech may be lower pending the specific job. I also agree that the starting salary isn't truly going to set his/her future salary raises. Performance, market and niche will. I, too, like a poster above went from 78k to 102k in <1 year. I...
- Wed Jan 29, 2020 1:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I install modern water savings toilet in old building? Plumber says absolutely NOT TO
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5689
Re: Should I install modern water savings toilet in old building? Plumber says absolutely NOT TO
Anecdotal but we replaced our super old toilet that used up gobs of water with a 1.28gpf Kohler Cimarron.
It's awesome.
It's awesome.
- Tue Jan 28, 2020 12:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cars for kids upon college graduation
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3175
Re: Cars for kids upon college graduation
Note that I didn't read the responses. I was the benefactor of such a decision, except in high school. My sibling and I utilized a 'hand me down' 11+ year vehicle from our parents. That got us both through high school. Upon graduation from High School we were given new(er) vehicles. One was a few ye...
- Mon Jan 27, 2020 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Global Entry [wait time for interview]
- Replies: 70
- Views: 5016
Re: Global Entry [wait time for interview]
Currently at 5 months to still get 'conditionally approved' in order to set the interview time. Major metro in midwest.
- Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Engineers - What are you making? ($$$)
- Replies: 357
- Views: 44910
- Mon Jan 20, 2020 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pay off Student Loans or Refinance? First Post
- Replies: 25
- Views: 1509
Re: Pay off Student Loans or Refinance? First Post
RegularGuy, I've posted on this subject numerous times, with the same message. We're a few years younger than you, but in the grand scheme of things we're about equal. Yours is unique in that it's extremely similar to my situation. See, I too married a lawyer, and suffered through periods of wanting...
- Fri Jan 17, 2020 11:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Toyota recall
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1910
Re: Toyota recall
No, wouldn't impact and shouldn't impact the decision at all. My opinion is that these are often looked at backwards - There is a recall for a known defect, that's a good thing, plus you haven't even bought the car so it wouldn't impact you. If there was no recall for a known defect upon research, t...
- Thu Jan 16, 2020 10:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Engineers - What are you making? ($$$)
- Replies: 357
- Views: 44910
Re: Engineers - What are you making?
Chemical
Chemicals industry project management
112k mcol
6 years exp
Pmp and pe recently obtained
7% 401k which had been typical
Meh insurance varies wildly by Corp
Chemicals industry project management
112k mcol
6 years exp
Pmp and pe recently obtained
7% 401k which had been typical
Meh insurance varies wildly by Corp
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When can I get rid of PMI?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1635
Re: When can I get rid of PMI?
See this thread: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256251 Also, my post within there (copied from link above): We just went through this process. 1) I had to ask our mortgage provider on the steps / conditions to remove PMI 2) They sent a form that indicated we required: For loans > 2...
- Thu Jan 09, 2020 11:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Insurance Shopping - Progressive / Esurance?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1237
Re: Insurance Shopping - Progressive / Esurance?
Hello, Exec Summary: Highly recommend Progressive I've had Progressive for > 10 years now and have a high status with them. Three years ago I had shopped around for rates as we shopped around for difference home insurance and umbrella policies, of course, all companies want to combine for a 'discoun...
- Mon Jan 06, 2020 3:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Debt payoff
- Replies: 102
- Views: 6722
Re: Debt payoff
OP, you're doing great. I'm glad you are attempting to pay down your debts. This thread doesn't cover this forum in glory. Screaming that they can't afford the car if they need a loan, telling them they're doing everything wrong, etc. OP, follow Dave Ramsey's recommendations for paying down debt. J...
- Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2019 accomplishments
- Replies: 56
- Views: 3585
Re: 2019 accomplishments
- paid off $27k in loans (2018 car, one student loan)
- maxed both rIRA
- maxed both 401k
- added to 529 for 75% of max state tax deduction
To a good 2020.
- maxed both rIRA
- maxed both 401k
- added to 529 for 75% of max state tax deduction
To a good 2020.

- Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2282
Re: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
Update to Close this Thread: - They asked for references - Those references were contacted within one day - I was then requested to come in for a second interview, which was arranged for late December. It was another 2.5 hours, with one more hour of PBI method interviewing that the VA utilizes - I r...
- Thu Dec 19, 2019 11:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Millionaire Teacher - Andrew Hallam
- Replies: 70
- Views: 11057
Re: Millionaire Teacher - Andrew Hallam
I Am close with someone in their early 30ās making over 90k nearing 100k due to summer school and other extra curricular To make things even crazier the Illinois TRS tier 1 will give that person a lifetime pension of 75% of salary COLA. If the person ever gets into admin, they may, the salaries are ...
- Thu Dec 12, 2019 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2282
Re: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
Raising the issue of promotion to the 14 would not be appropriate in my view. Instead, ask to see a staffing chart of the function to determine what grade level opportunities exist. Also, upon meeting the 14 level folks, you may get a sense of how long they will continue to work there. Thank you; s...
- Wed Dec 11, 2019 2:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2282
Re: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
If someone gave you a relocation bonus when the announcement said it would not be done, that would be a huge problem. I am rusty on some things, but did the announcement mention a recruitment bonus? There are two parts in the job posting: 1st Part: RELOCATION PROVIDED: NO 2nd Part: RELOCATION/RECRU...
- Wed Dec 11, 2019 1:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2282
Fed Interview - 2nd Round - Some Questions
Hello, EDIT 3 - 5 - 2020: See final post and associated thread, if interested https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=305933 EDIT 12.17: references contacted/2nd interview attempting to be scheduled prior to end of the year if schedules allow, and travel arrangements to interview si...
- Wed Nov 27, 2019 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Honda Lane keep assist
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6242
Re: Honda Lane keep assist
Our 2018 Hyundai Sonata has this feature. Here are our thoughts: 1) The Hyundai has four modes (I forget what they're called). The four are: Mode 1: OFF - there is a button to turn it on / off at your desire Mode 2: Alert Only - if you cross a line, the graphics flash and there is a beep, but no cor...
- Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Contractor who billed for unrequested services - will not discuss invoice with me
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4418
Re: Contractor who billed for unrequested services - will not discuss invoice with me
Note: I work with / manage and select contractors quite often for large construction, mechanical & electrical scopes. I've done own projects at our home as well. There was a very similar thread not long ago. I find the typical responses to be un-necessarily fearmongering. I'm not sure why. I als...
- Wed Nov 13, 2019 4:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Employer requesting increased travel
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3153
Re: Employer requesting increased travel
My opinion echoes others. I've been travelling for work for several years (5 now) varying from 25% to 95%. I've quit the job that had increased demands. Subsequently, my salary has increased by over 50% switching jobs, and I still dislike travelling 25% even with more pay. I'm also looking to get ou...
- Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: IHG credit card and Rewards Nights ...
- Replies: 39
- Views: 2375
Re: IHG credit card and Rewards Nights ...
I recently switched from the $49 to the $89 AF card. Here is what I learned, and, in case anyone wants to know, why I switched as well: 1) They kept the $49 AF on the old card. At first blush, I refused to upgrade. So I kept that until about two months ago. The $49 has NOT changed. They also reduced...
- Wed Nov 06, 2019 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Received bill from sub-contractor after paying general contractor in full
- Replies: 17
- Views: 4030
Re: Received bill from sub-contractor after paying general contractor in full
A few comments: Re-read the initial post. Sounds as though you expected changes from the project from the HVAC sub. If so, and you would have approved them anyway in writing, then this entire thing is based on how the sub contractor quoted the work to the GC & that you should've been aware on ho...