Search found 258 matches

by MedSaver
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel Medical Insurance for Europe Trip
Replies: 16
Views: 1425

Re: Travel Medical Insurance for Europe Trip

We have Chubb’s Passport 360. It combines trip, medical and accidental death coverage (we don’t need the latter). Our PURE agent recommended it. It isn’t cheap, but we make 2-3 big international trips a year. We pay the same no matter how much we travel. Compared to the Amex Travelex insurance many tour companies push (I assume they get a nice referral fee), it is cheaper. We pay $809 /yr for coverage for me & DW. We are both on a Medicare Advantage plan that provides Emergency and Urgent care coverage worldwide, but does not provide repatriation coverage if needed. Thanks for this info, I hadn't heard of this before you mentioned it. It sounds similar to their "Travel" line of coverages (https://buy3.chubbtravelinsurance.com...
by MedSaver
Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Resident physician nearing the end and with debt
Replies: 48
Views: 5232

Re: Resident physician nearing the end and with debt

I don’t know the specifics of your job but 3 year ramp is very long in this current market. Beware that sometimes they squeeze an extra 6 months out of you by going off the calendar year when you enter on the academic year. Also, your salary ramp is pretty bad. Hopefully you are getting at least 12 weeks off to start, with corresponding increase each year. I personally would not do extra shifts because of the high marginal tax bracket you will be in.
by MedSaver
Mon Jan 15, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors….again
Replies: 110
Views: 20832

Re: Calling all doctors….again

StevieG72 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 2:18 pm Overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the responses.

I seemed to have forgot that my daughter is leaning towards becoming a PA vs. MD. She had discussed this previously with me as she had a course assignment to identify and weigh out the pros / cons of becoming a MD, PA, or nurse. While the conclusion for this assignment was PA, she has still not made a final decision. However, she will be deciding soon to stay on the correct academic path.

The reason for the gap year is to gain clinical hours and study for GRE. Clinical hours seem to be more important for a PA track vs. MD.

My apologies for not recalling these details, all of the responses are very helpful, great information.
This makes way more sense for PA school.
by MedSaver
Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors….again
Replies: 110
Views: 20832

Re: Calling all doctors….again

I recommend just going straight through. Most people take MCAT junior/3rd year, which is perfect for most premeds because they are taking or have recently taken the classes that the MCAT focuses on. If you push that until after you graduate, some of that stuff will be eroding like physics if you're a bio major or o chem if you're a physics major, etc. and you'll have to relearn it just to take the stupid test. If the MCAT specifically is expected to be a hurdle, there are numerous tutoring services that target this and work around undergrad schedules. I'm not sure what you mean by "working full time at UVA hospital", but what it sounds like is low level volunteering helping stock the ER or something. Literally every single success...
by MedSaver
Sun Jan 07, 2024 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car rentals - collision damage waiver (CDW)
Replies: 50
Views: 5652

Re: Car rentals - collision damage waiver (CDW)

I always opt out of CDW, but use Chase Sapphire Reserve because it offers primary rental car insurance as long as you decline the CDW AND pay for the entire rental with the CSR. Has a pretty high annual fee, but this helps make up for it. Depends on how often you rent and if you can use the other perks.
by MedSaver
Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's suits: best time to buy & SoCal shop recommendations?
Replies: 19
Views: 2160

Re: Men's suits: best time to buy & SoCal shop recommendations?

Not sure where you are exactly, but Umberto’s Men’s Clothing in Long Beach does good work. Reasonable prices and in house tailor.
by MedSaver
Tue Nov 21, 2023 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any boglehead locum physicians?
Replies: 7
Views: 996

Re: Any boglehead locum physicians?

I think locums could be kind of fun. You get paid to travel around the country. But I also think the fun wouldn’t last very long. You may end up in undesirable areas. The likelihood that you’ll get dumped on is higher since they don’t have to see you again. Learning new IT/EMR would be a PITA. I am getting requirement emails for other countries now. New Zealand in particular seems pretty desperate. Wouldn’t mind a year there- maybe when I “retire”.
by MedSaver
Wed Nov 01, 2023 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 46530

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Long ago lost most of my faith in jury decisions on civil cases. I am not totally jaded on criminal trials. But in civil cases there is way too much bias against any but especially big corps. Always looking for the deep pockets.
Yeah, if any party needs support in America, it's big corps. Give me a break.
by MedSaver
Fri Oct 06, 2023 1:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - how to join private practice group?
Replies: 13
Views: 1703

Re: Physicians - how to join private practice group?

I’m pretty sure most specialties offer a job board. Check the national society website for your specialty. This will typically list both academic, employed and private opportunities. Virtually every specialty is in demand, so it should be very easy. In this market, they could just start cold calling practices to look for openings.
by MedSaver
Wed Sep 13, 2023 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does American Express Platinum make sense for us?
Replies: 80
Views: 9900

Re: Does American Express Platinum make sense for us?

MCST wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 8:02 pm
MedSaver wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 11:19 am We have used IAP several times. It has saved us thousands of dollars in international premium cabin flights. It is the main reason we keep the plat card.
What airlines and routes? I called Amex and didn’t seem like there were any options from DEN.
Most recent was AA SFO to FCO (via Dallas) round trip in April $2600 for 2 in business. Unbeatable deal. But yes, not all airlines/routes participate and the available routes/prices change daily. It's easier to track on the IAP website rather than calling.
by MedSaver
Wed Sep 13, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does American Express Platinum make sense for us?
Replies: 80
Views: 9900

Re: Does American Express Platinum make sense for us?

We have used IAP several times. It has saved us thousands of dollars in international premium cabin flights. It is the main reason we keep the plat card.
by MedSaver
Mon Aug 07, 2023 12:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to slow down? What is enough?
Replies: 86
Views: 11488

Re: When to slow down? What is enough?

There has been a lot of good advice here so far. Yes, I am a physician. I am an anesthesiologist at a level 1 trauma center. Our ORs run practically all night. Plus we respond to other emergencies in the hospital. Without getting into the specifics of health care dynamics, there has been a trend of placing more demands on our field in the hospital setting. Essentially, anesthesia is the lubrication that allows hospitals to expand services and, frankly, make money. Our specialty has expanded our scope well beyond the operating room. From a compensation standpoint, that has been a good thing, but from a lifestyle standpoint, it has been less of a good thing. I’m making more money, but working for it. Now, I am fully aware there are other opt...
by MedSaver
Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to slow down? What is enough?
Replies: 86
Views: 11488

Re: When to slow down? What is enough?

Surgery, gas, OB or IR. 24 hours on sucks so much I didn't even consider specialties that typically have such shifts. And 4-5 weeks off is typical in academics, but if your specialty is in such high demand, you may well be able to find a better gig in private practice at the same comp with much more time off. That is, if you don't need to be doing high level research or require trainees. Maybe put out some feelers in your network to see what is available out there without causing waves (until you're ready to pull the cord). That being said, you can slow down now, watch the grass (and kids) grow, with the intention of increasing your workload in a few years to save for retirement. I would not slow down now without the intent to save more in ...
by MedSaver
Thu Jul 20, 2023 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Income - overwhelmed. Don’t know what to do with money
Replies: 45
Views: 8448

Re: High Income - overwhelmed. Don’t know what to do with money

Every new doctor has been in this situation. Slow down. Save your first few paychecks as an emergency fund. Enough to tide you over for 3-6 months. Put extra money into the market using boglehead methods. Get own occupation disability insurance if you haven’t already. Figure out your retirement funding options and shoot for the max. It is unlikely you will be in a lower bracket when you retire. Even though it might seem like it now, most first jobs are not your last job. I don’t know much about Grant Cardone, but my first move would not to buy a rental property. This is for a number of reasons, but the main one is that being a landlord isn’t nearly as passive and easy as a lot of people make it out to be. I assume you’re going to be working...
by MedSaver
Wed Jul 12, 2023 12:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schwab Pinnacle Status
Replies: 120
Views: 19092

Re: Schwab Pinnacle Status

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/ ... -Investors

I guess everyone >$1MM is now with Private Client (or Wealth) Services. I haven't seen any changes on my end though. I didn't even get the email.
by MedSaver
Tue May 16, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received an Optum Debit Visa card for a non existing account
Replies: 9
Views: 1378

Re: Received an Optum Debit Visa card for a non existing account

This happened to me (with Optum bank among others). Someone has your info and is opening checking and savings accounts. They are not requesting credit so the banks allow it. I do not know for what purpose but in my case, this has been going on for two years now. Every few weeks I get rejection letters from various banks and CUs around the country. There is no way to stop these criminals from applying but it doesn’t affect your credit score. You need to place a freeze on your ChexSystems account to prevent them from opening other bank accounts. Also, freeze your credit with the 3 major bureaus. Good luck. Banks are sending HSA debit cards for checking/savings accounts? Any account that can be applied for without credit they will try to open...
by MedSaver
Tue May 16, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received an Optum Debit Visa card for a non existing account
Replies: 9
Views: 1378

Re: Received an Optum Debit Visa card for a non existing account

This happened to me (with Optum bank among others). Someone has your info and is opening checking and savings accounts. They are not requesting credit so the banks allow it. I do not know for what purpose but in my case, this has been going on for two years now. Every few weeks I get rejection letters from various banks and CUs around the country. There is no way to stop these criminals from applying but it doesn’t affect your credit score. You need to place a freeze on your ChexSystems account to prevent them from opening other bank accounts. Also, freeze your credit with the 3 major bureaus. Good luck.
by MedSaver
Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $480k in debt
Replies: 75
Views: 11730

Re: $480k in debt

Are you eligible for loan forgiveness? If so, you'll have to crunch the numbers and see if some sort of IBR or PSLF makes more sense than paying it off sooner. In the case that you are not eligible for forgiveness, I would refi to a lower rate ASAP and pick a short term (like 5 years) to push the rate even lower. Pay your loan on this schedule and save the rest. Live like a resident for the duration of your loan repayment and you're home free. Don't buy a crazy car or a crazy house.
by MedSaver
Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - should I encourage my spouse to specialize?
Replies: 28
Views: 3774

Re: Physicians - should I encourage my spouse to specialize?

Don't give unsolicited advice, especially if you aren't in the medical field. As you note, if she loves it she may thank you, but the corollary is If she hates it, she may very well blame you. You say there isn't much downside to fellowship, but this is wrong. Fellowship cons: More responsibility, more call, less sleep, less pay, more stress, less vacation. The big one for me in fellowship was the increased responsibilities; you're a quasi-attending and a lot of people are going to be relying on you and making major decisions based on your opinion even though you're still learning.
by MedSaver
Fri Nov 25, 2022 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Shall I dump chase sapphire Reserve for Amex Platinum?
Replies: 24
Views: 4232

Re: Shall I dump chase sapphire Reserve for Amex Platinum?

I have both. CSR: Everyday spend. There are good deals to be had with Luxury Hotels and Resorts Collection/Visa Infinite Hotels. Best redemption value is not through the travel portal, but transferring them to partner airlines and using them for premium class flights. You'll have to look at their list of redemption partners to figure out if there's an airline that services your destination (E.g. I just did a random search on Singapore Air from SFO to DEL and it would cost 298k points/miles, but $13,000 (!) for a single round trip ticket). But I get it, using points like this can be stressful and there may be no redemption availability for the dates you want/need. There are travel companies that will compile all your awards/points/miles from...
by MedSaver
Thu Oct 20, 2022 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has Anyone Used WamBam Fence?
Replies: 5
Views: 1146

Re: Has Anyone Used WamBam Fence?

I'm not a fence professional, but I think there is zero chance that this is as stable as a regular fence with concrete footings. Even on their promotional video with an 8 foot section of fence, those posts are wiggling around. I would absolutely not consider doing this for a 500' section of fencing.
by MedSaver
Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...
Replies: 90
Views: 11803

Re: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...

runner3081 wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:49 am 2) Last week, tried to send 2K via Zelle to a new contact (hadn't sent to them before). Had to call, wait for 40 minutes and answer some questions to verify my identity and unlock sending. Yes, a pain, but I am happy that they have these safeguards in place.
Not sure waiting 40 min for assistance is a safeguard.
by MedSaver
Thu Sep 22, 2022 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: bought T-Bill at Schwab for first time
Replies: 10
Views: 1083

Re: bought T-Bill at Schwab for first time

I'm not great with math, but wouldn't that be 0.207%?
by MedSaver
Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for doctors about malpractice policy cancellation
Replies: 13
Views: 1872

Re: Question for doctors about malpractice policy cancellation

billaster wrote: Sat Aug 20, 2022 11:41 pm
JPM wrote: Sat Aug 20, 2022 4:50 pm In our area, an ER doc generally averages once med mal case per year and most of those are settled for nuisance value, defeated, or withdrawn.
Do you mean individual ER docs are sued each year or one out of a collective group of ER docs in your area is sued each year?

According to an American Medical Association survey, only half of ER docs have ever been sued and only 3% of ER docs are sued each year.
Holy cow, Batman! Your ER docs are all getting sued once per year? That seems really high. Med mail must be expensive.
by MedSaver
Sun Aug 21, 2022 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for doctors about malpractice policy cancellation
Replies: 13
Views: 1872

Re: Question for doctors about malpractice policy cancellation

These questions might better be answered by the insurance companies themselves. However, if it were me, I would absolutely renew and/or get tail.
by MedSaver
Wed Aug 03, 2022 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has Anyone Done this Travel Hack to Save Money???
Replies: 9
Views: 2007

Re: Has Anyone Done this Travel Hack to Save Money???

Airlines can ban passengers who do this. Some get away with it. Can’t check bags and can’t have a return flight scheduled.
by MedSaver
Sat Jul 30, 2022 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?
Replies: 44
Views: 7260

Re: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?

At Schwab, you generally can choose a dedicated financial consultant with assets of $250k or more: https://www.schwab.com/invest-with-us/professional-advice Galawdawg, thanks for being so helpful about Schwab! I have over $250K at Schwab in taxable. I don’t have a dedicated consultant assigned and haven’t needed to reach out to them yet. I’m now in a place that I’d like to meet with them to get another set of eyes on my retirement plan. Is that something they will do? Plus it would be nice to have someone my wife can contact if something happens to me. Please contact schwab and let us know how things turn out. My guess is there are various levels of “complimentary” support based on total assets and AUM. It’s inconceivable that folks with 9...
by MedSaver
Sat Jul 30, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?
Replies: 44
Views: 7260

Re: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?

I guess it depends on the definition of “made available”. All I know is I did not see a personal rep link in my account until >$1 million in assets.
by MedSaver
Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?
Replies: 44
Views: 7260

Re: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?

At Schwab, you generally can choose a dedicated financial consultant with assets of $250k or more: https://www.schwab.com/invest-with-us/professional-advice I have my financial consultant's direct phone line, direct email and cell phone number. He has offered to be my primary point of contact for anything I need at Schwab and generally responds the same day or the following business day. Take a look at the FAQ portion of my Schwab information thread to find out how to select and choose a financial consultant near you. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=355173 If you consider Schwab, I recommend you select and contact a financial consultant first . They will be able to arrange to match any competitor's promotional transfer off...
by MedSaver
Sat Jul 30, 2022 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?
Replies: 44
Views: 7260

Re: If you have over $1M at Fidelity or Schwab, do you have a personal rep?

Schwab will provide a personal rep above $1 million (it was actually more like $1.2 million). This is total assets, not a AUM. She reached out saying she is available but I haven’t had need to contact her yet.
by MedSaver
Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

Nope.
by MedSaver
Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

navyitaly wrote: Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:19 pm military Navy specifically HPSP..go see a Medical Recruiter….HPSP is the best deal on Earth for aspiring medical professionals.

https://www.med.navy.mil/Accessions/Hea ... ogram-FAP/
It’s probably not a good deal. WCI addresses why it’s not in his book, but it’s basically because the required commitment after graduating pays so much less than what could be made just by taking on the debt and going straight into the regular workforce. Also, the armed forces residency is not for the faint of heart.
by MedSaver
Sun Jul 24, 2022 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

I do not consider noncompletion a “real” risk. Can you provide some evidence for your assertions? I know hundreds of doctors and every single one of them graduated residency. Some took a little longer if they had some sort of hardship, but they all got through it. 4% fail rate is high for med school. I would consider that a red flag. Also, even if your numbers are correct, they add up to <10% at worst. Here's a source: https://ausoma.org/medical-school-tips/dropout-rate-for-medical-students/#:~:text=Those%20entering%20medical%20schools%20who,18.4%20percent%2C%20confirms%20the%20AAMC. I'm not certain that I otherwise understand your point above. All the practicing lawyers I know graduated from law school and successfully passed the bar. AUS...
by MedSaver
Sun Jul 24, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

I do not consider noncompletion a “real” risk. Can you provide some evidence for your assertions? I know hundreds of doctors and every single one of them graduated residency. Some took a little longer if they had some sort of hardship, but they all got through it. 4% fail rate is high for med school. I would consider that a red flag. Also, even if your numbers are correct, they add up to <10% at worst.
by MedSaver
Sun Jul 24, 2022 12:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

I did the MD/PhD program, which paid for my medical schooling and paid me a stipend of $29,000 through all my years of medical school. Financially, it was not worth it given the time and effort invested - it should only be done by someone truly interested in a more lab-based research future. Medical school choice is the most important factor. Some schools will set you back $150,000, while others will put you a solid $300,000 in the hole. As long as you are in a reputable US medical school, any will do. Something to keep in mind - around 20% of those who enter medical school do not complete medical school and/or residency training. She needs to make sure that she is committed to this path before starting. Imagine going that much into debt a...
by MedSaver
Sat Jul 23, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for medical school
Replies: 54
Views: 6137

Re: Paying for medical school

It's a little too early in the process to provide much helpful info. Once she has been accepted to one or more schools, that's when the rubber hits the road. Average med school debt currently is $200k-300k. Who knows what it will be when she attends. The debt will start to balloon in residency unless she pays something (I myself paid interest). MD/PhD pathway usually pays for med school, but the added stress, social disruption (you don't graduate with the class you start with) and opportunity cost are probably not worth it unless she absolutely wants to do research or go into industry. Most academic docs participate in research and do not have PhD's. A lot of people pooh-pooh med school debt saying, "But they're a doctor. They're rich ...
by MedSaver
Wed Jun 22, 2022 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: chase sapphire + travel insurance?
Replies: 7
Views: 947

Re: chase sapphire + travel insurance?

Jags4186 wrote: Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:26 pm
4) Contract COVID during your trip. You aren’t covered for any medical services

Since there are no more COVID restrictions for traveling back to the USA, if I were to contract COVID on a trip I would probably just put 2 masks on and come home. You’ll want to travel medical insurance and make sure COVID is a covered issue if you are that concerned. Having just had COVID, it wasn’t much worse than a cold.
I just flew back from Canada. Even though there is no testing requirement, we still had to attest that we were not Covid positive and did not have symptoms of Covid in order to check in online. Whether or not you want to lie about this I do not know, but trying to get through customs while obviously ill could have consequences.
by MedSaver
Sat Jun 04, 2022 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel related credit card
Replies: 35
Views: 3833

Re: Travel related credit card

We have both Amex Plat and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Amex has: better lounges (for us at least), $189 CLEAR membership benefit, International Airline Program, $100 Saks credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, better point redemption partners, Amex travel portal. CSR has: easier point redemption/accumulation, better sign up promos, $300 travel credit, Luxury Hotels and Resorts portal, Priority Pass. Amex gives a discount through Schwab for up to $200 depending on your Schwab holdings. At an annual fee of $495, it's a no brainer. CSR is also an easy one for us since it's our card for everyday spending. A few notes - Link your CLEAR account to delta or united frequent flyer programs and the price drops to $119, then you can...
by MedSaver
Mon May 02, 2022 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry - Don't waste your $ applying
Replies: 52
Views: 8095

Re: Global Entry - Don't waste your $ applying

On arrival is easiest. But I ended up doing a standby interview at sfo. You just sit near the interview place, tell the customs agent why you’re there and wait for an opening. I only waited for a few minutes. It seems like they really tried to squeeze everyone in, but your mileage may vary.
by MedSaver
Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to travel Business/First class.
Replies: 147
Views: 19070

Re: When to travel Business/First class.

If you're inclined to DIY awards bookings, check out: https://www.awardhacker.com/

If you're not, I've heard good things about the Cranky Concierge: https://crankyconcierge.com/
by MedSaver
Sun Apr 10, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to travel Business/First class.
Replies: 147
Views: 19070

Re: When to travel Business/First class.

I would do it for transcontinental or greater. It’s just nice to get to your destination rested and not “waste” time feeling like a zombie for a day on either end. Other perks like lounge/shower access can make the flying experience more tolerable as well. Can add up quickly though depending on how often you’re flying. Also, there is a little bit of insurance built into being a “premium” customer. I mean, who is the airline going to be nicer to if there’s a cancellation/strike/whatever, the guy up front paying several grand, or the one in the back barely covering fuel costs?

Being able to spread out a little during these Covid times is an added plus.
by MedSaver
Wed Mar 23, 2022 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford 5M house with ocean view?
Replies: 480
Views: 51513

Re: Can we afford 5M house with ocean view?

financial.freedom wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 3:38 pm
MedSaver wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 3:31 pm My wife and I make similar amounts as you guys. I think I am in the same specialty as you. However I don’t work 70 hr weeks…

It sounds like your mind is made up, so good luck. But I would never consider a $5M home. Especially if I was WFH and could live anywhere.
we can't live anywhere, DW works at hosp

i have a procedure day once a week
Bro, our job market is gangbusters right now. You shouldn’t be working 70hrs for that income. If I did 70 hours my income alone would be like $1.1M per year.
by MedSaver
Wed Mar 23, 2022 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford 5M house with ocean view?
Replies: 480
Views: 51513

Re: Can we afford 5M house with ocean view?

My wife and I make similar amounts as you guys. I think I am in the same specialty as you. However I don’t work 70 hr weeks…

It sounds like your mind is made up, so good luck. But I would never consider a $5M home. Especially if I was WFH and could live anywhere.
by MedSaver
Tue Mar 15, 2022 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career in Dermatology
Replies: 35
Views: 5493

Re: Career in Dermatology

I would go check out sdn if you haven’t already. It seems like PE backed practices are flourishing to the detriment of good jobs. This is happening in all specialties, but derm is no exception.

When I see reports that X,Y, Z specialists would definitely pick their specialty if they did it again, it almost exactly correlates to compensation. In other words, if derm paid what FP pays, I suspect there’d be quite a bit fewer people picking it again despite all the candidates claiming they love skin. This is all cyclical, so pick something you like doing and hope the job market cooperates when you graduate.
by MedSaver
Sun Mar 06, 2022 1:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Identity Theft Process
Replies: 10
Views: 1410

Re: Identity Theft Process

Bmac wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2022 10:09 pm Probably via one’s IRS online account. If you are able to successfully register.
https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account
I registered ok using ID.me (which was pretty slick for the federal government). Once inside, it's not that intuitive though. When I went to "Get Transcript", it says "Return Transcript N/A" for 2021, which I hope means that no one fraudulently submitted a return for that year. If that's the case, I don't understand how these scammers are making money just opening random debit and checking accounts.
by MedSaver
Sat Mar 05, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Identity Theft Process
Replies: 10
Views: 1410

Re: Identity Theft Process

Bmac wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2022 9:05 pm Have you filled your 2021 taxes yet? Metabank is, I believe, a subsidiary of H&R Block and the bank it uses for its Emerald Cards (prepaid debit card for refunds). I’d be very concerned that someone has filed using your SSN if you haven’t already. And in that event, get on the phone with the IRS.
That would be bad. Is there any easy way to check if a fraudulent tax return has been filed? I’d prefer not to waste a bunch of time with a call to the IRS if possible.
by MedSaver
Sat Mar 05, 2022 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Identity Theft Process
Replies: 10
Views: 1410

Re: Identity Theft Process

Duckie wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2022 8:46 pm
MedSaver wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:24 pm How are these fraudsters still able to open financial instruments in my name if I have my credit frozen with a fraud alert on file? Anything else I should be doing?
ChexSystems handles consumer reports specifically for banks. You can freeze your account there. That should help.
Thanks for this tip. I didn’t know about Chex. Placed a freeze so fingers crossed.
by MedSaver
Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Identity Theft Process
Replies: 10
Views: 1410

Identity Theft Process

In mid-February, I got an electronic alert from BofA saying "Congratulations on your new checking account and credit card!". I have another BofA credit card, but no checking or savings accounts with them so I knew this was bad news. I also got another "Welcome!" email from a bank I had never heard of that same morning. After a few hours on the phone, we got it sorted out and BofA (and the obscure bank) canceled the accounts. I immediately alerted the Big 3 credit bureaus and placed credit freezes with a fraud alert. So I'm think that we are all good...except today, I get a new Scarlet debit card which is linked to a checking account at MetaBank, both of which I have never before heard of until now. I called the number on...
by MedSaver
Tue Mar 01, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Loosening the purse strings: Tesla Model Y vs Lexus ES/RX?
Replies: 127
Views: 11793

Re: Lexus or others for semi-autonomous highway driving?

I drove a loaner 2020 NX with adaptive steering/cruise and it was a little squirrely for my taste. I think Tesla is your best bet regarding OEM driver assist tech. However, if you are willing to go aftermarket, I have heard rave reviews about comma.ai which can bolt onto most recent lexus/toyota/honda vehicles. Costs a few grand, but could be well worth it to get a high reliability car with great driver assistance.
by MedSaver
Sat Feb 26, 2022 1:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much landscaping can we afford?
Replies: 18
Views: 2604

Re: How much landscaping can we afford?

$30k seems low. Especially for pavers. Those suckers are expensive.