Search found 6130 matches

by tetractys
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?
Replies: 15
Views: 842

Re: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?

gunny2 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:51 pm Before anyone rips that down, I am not buying or selling a house. And of course anyone who is should get an agent to really nail it down. But as a simple ballpark at least, is it considered reasonable? Anyone in the field who might know?
Between Redfin and Zillow you’ll be in the ballpark. They both guesstimate by surveying the local market activity.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 32
Views: 1444

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

We’ve been going through this whole learning process with our first house. For the mower you can use a push if the lawn is level; but a drive is better for bumps and holes. A corded mower might be problematic around trees. Shovels and spades depend on what you’ll be digging. For a lot of roots and rocks save your hands and get mattock. A garden cart or wheelbarrow is handy. Other things: gloves, boots, hat, rakes, hoes, brooms/brushes, loppers, clippers, snippers, saws, buckets, hoses, ladders, etc. It’s best to acquire things little by little as needed as your knowledge of what works best for your household evolves—every gardener is totally different. Brands are to varied to shill, what’s available and the best deal changes constantly. Yar...
by tetractys
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: M1 adding monthly fee for users under $10k assets
Replies: 13
Views: 1815

Re: M1 adding monthly fee for users under $10k assets

whodidntante wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:38 pm
tetractys wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:07 amA change of agreement should warrant a free exit period.
Pretty sure their T&C's will give them the right to change the T&Cs at any time. After all, they wrote it.
Agreements like that in the USA have not been legal for decades. Has something changed?
by tetractys
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare question
Replies: 3
Views: 278

Re: Medicare question

The official information you need is here:
https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up
by tetractys
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help Finding a Hobby
Replies: 76
Views: 5968

Re: Need Help Finding a Hobby

Build a wooden sailboat.
by tetractys
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grass seed or plugs for bare patches
Replies: 4
Views: 704

Re: Grass seed or plugs for bare patches

Seed is easier to keep level and blend with the rest of the lawn. It’s also more fun to nourish and watch it sprout. Probably a lot cheaper as well.

But I have to ask! Are there grass plug injector machines now that operate similar to implanting hair plugs?
by tetractys
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 19
Views: 2426

Re: Is this a termite?

Svensk Anga wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:45 pm carpenter ants like to eat wet wood. Be sure you are not supplying any such to them.
Yup. Dry non-leaking houses are safe from carpenter ants.
by tetractys
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: M1 adding monthly fee for users under $10k assets
Replies: 13
Views: 1815

Re: M1 adding monthly fee for users under $10k assets

A change of agreement should warrant a free exit period.
by tetractys
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wallet App Organizer
Replies: 1
Views: 358

Re: Wallet App Organizer

hlfo718 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:00 pmAnyone here use Pass2U or any other iOS wallet app? Just wondering if it is easy to add and maintain store cards.
Are these an improvement over the system app? In my experience duplicity apps are almost always inferior.
by tetractys
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4121

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

Doom&Gloom wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:39 pm I've had 4c in a Vanguard MM account for several years now.
I keep waiting to see how long it takes to grow to 5c.
So much for dry powder :oops:
¢ <—
by tetractys
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Loan Depot Security Breach
Replies: 5
Views: 687

Re: Loan Depot Security Breach

I received the letter today also; but never had any loan with LoanDepot and never heard of them before today. I’m wondering if it’s real or not.

The letter is offering 2 years of Experian identity protection; but the provided link doesn’t seem real and there doesn’t seem to be any way to reach the offer through the regular Experian website.
by tetractys
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what point did you prioritize health over money?
Replies: 53
Views: 6058

Re: At what point did you prioritize health over money?

meadowrue wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:02 pmSometimes I wish my kids could have known the 25 year old me, with no stress, just cruising along without a care in the world!
It’s understandable you haven’t mentioned the main cause of stress, raising your kids. My folks didn’t notice it either, and probably wouldn’t mention it if they did (maybe I shouldn’t be mentioning it either); but looking back I can see the enormous toll we kids extracted upon them! One really has to appreciate all the over-the-top sacrifices of parenthood.
by tetractys
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio
Replies: 26
Views: 2543

Re: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio

Mez wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:13 amI welcome all suggestions and ideas!
I don’t even want to pay a penny more than I have too, ever. Over the years I’ve been hit with surprise fees, false advertising, institutional fraud losses, you name it. I’ve been at Vanguard for a long time now because avoidance of that stuff is built in to their structure.
by tetractys
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes & Social Security calculation
Replies: 11
Views: 1282

Re: Taxes & Social Security calculation

smitcat wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:26 amI do not understand - please describe how one reports higher or lower income electively?
Are you referring to working more jobs/hours/projects which gains more income?
Or are you referring to reporting more income as in the OP's post?
You can pay yourself $10 or $1,000 per hour.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IdentiyTheft, Minor's CreditHistory
Replies: 1
Views: 332

Re: IdentiyTheft, Minor's CreditHistory

Since it has to do with a SS#, touch bases with the SSA. But in any case, since you didn’t click through to create an account there probably is no saved info.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes & Social Security calculation
Replies: 11
Views: 1282

Re: Taxes & Social Security calculation

LadyGeek wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:46 pm For the record, discussions of dishonest behavior or bypassing the law is totally unacceptable. Taxes are based on US law. Intentionally filing a tax return that does not match your actual income (misreporting your income) is therefore illegal and is known as tax evasion.

pearlmoon - What did you mean by "report" higher income? Do you mean working more to earn higher income which shows up on the SSA report?
Is paying oneself illegal? People do this all the time, for example those that need to catch up on their social security points. They file a 1099-se and pay the proper tax. What’s wrong with increasing one’s salary?
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?
Replies: 38
Views: 3713

Re: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?

I hope there is no permanent damage. Restoring the normal oxygen levels to your children is a good idea.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?
Replies: 74
Views: 8096

Re: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?

msterrr wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:12 pmI'm planning to retire in 5-10 years at 45-50 and I'd like to choose a portfolio construction that offers a high success rate over a longer lifespan / 60-75 year retirement time horizon than most plan for.

Is a 100% stock / percent of portfolio withdrawal strategy really a reasonable approach to longer time horizons?
If your planning retirement in only 10-15 years you should 1. Save like hell, and 2. Invest conservatively.

Unless you already have more than you think you will ever need for retirement, 100% stock would be crazy.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any reason for a 401(k) if already maxing out a 403(b)?
Replies: 4
Views: 551

Re: Any reason for a 401(k) if already maxing out a 403(b)?

Does the 403(b) increase your contribution limit? Is the $3,000 catch-up not available in your 457(b)?

I could be wrong; but I’ve been under the impression that the answer to both the above questions is no.

In the past when I had the opportunity of a 457(b) and 403(b) I chose the plan with the best investments. But in that case neither plan had matching.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Outlet Covers
Replies: 48
Views: 3697

Re: Electrical Outlet Covers

SVariance1 wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:11 pm I would like to cover old ugly beige outlets with modern looking ones. I can’t seem to find any that are not white. I need to cover the outlet and plate. Anyone here ever buy these in different colors?
The outlets themselves don’t have to match; but if you want them to you’ll have to change the outlets as well, or paint them. Sets come in a full rainbow of designer colors now, and can include extras like USB. Look around online and you’ll find them.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity 401k w/ separate Pre-Tax & Roth BrokerageLink accounts... Where do after-tax Roth conversion funds go?
Replies: 1
Views: 250

Re: Fidelity 401k w/ separate Pre-Tax & Roth BrokerageLink accounts... Where do after-tax Roth conversion funds go?

Yes it’s a good idea to know the difference between pre-tax contributions that lower your AGI and will be taxed as income when withdrawn, and post-tax Roth contributions that will grow and never be taxed again.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?
Replies: 203
Views: 21680

Re: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?

psh wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:23 pm Read this article today where the author is suggesting people to invest in gold. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/infla ... 1643208818. Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much? Thanks!
A small ballistic sack load of 10 gram pieces you can swim and run with and keep hidden.
by tetractys
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for upright piano in northern / central NJ
Replies: 17
Views: 1240

Re: Looking for upright piano in northern / central NJ

cadreamer2015 wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 6:10 pm My son is looking for an upright piano in northern / central New Jersey. Not looking to purchase a Steinway. Maybe a used Yamaha upright. I know some people can't get rid of a used piano, but he'd like a good quality piano that he can keep and play for decades. Any thoughts?
There’s plenty of 100 year old pianos scattered about. Some even have original strings. Talk to piano tuners and look around. We got a 1915 William Knabe (preferable to Steinway) in really good shape for free that’s just awesome. It only cost $300 to tune and tighten everything up!

I understand the desire for a real piano. We have a digital too; but it’s kind of like trying to converse with a dead corpse.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bug on TurboTax or My Misunderstanding: I Bond interest tax by state
Replies: 12
Views: 1344

Re: Bug on TurboTax or My Misunderstanding: I Bond interest tax by state

sycamore wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:00 pm
tetractys wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:56 pm
itworks wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:33 pmSupposedly the interest should not be taxed by states …
Why not?
https://www.irs.gov/refunds/now-you-can ... tax-refund
The interest earned by purchasing and holding savings bonds is subject to federal tax at the time the bonds are redeemed. However, interest earned on savings bonds is not taxable at the state or local level.
Oh sorry, I misunderstood your “did some I” as I did some.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bug on TurboTax or My Misunderstanding: I Bond interest tax by state
Replies: 12
Views: 1344

Re: Bug on TurboTax or My Misunderstanding: I Bond interest tax by state

itworks wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:33 pmSupposedly the interest should not be taxed by states …
Why not?
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Azul Wells fans here?
Replies: 9
Views: 1092

Re: Any Azul Wells fans here?

Here’s a financial planner presenting an image of refreshing blue water, wearing blue contacts, walking around in circles, fishing for customers fearing death before 70.

I’m just not curious enough to sign up for his newsletter or search for his fees. I’m not interested in such a bath.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Capital Losses: Strategy to long term capital gain with safety
Replies: 4
Views: 601

Re: Capital Losses: Strategy to long term capital gain with safety

Why do you want capital gains so bad? Try researching tax efficient income streams like munis, or qualified dividend instruments, or something.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Replies: 107
Views: 21183

Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!

BogleMelon wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:05 amAfter reading through the posts on this forum, I can't help but feel like I may be the only one in my mid-40s with a relatively modest net worth of less than $400,000 (and income of a bit less than $130K).
If you're in a similar situation, I'd love to hear from you and know that I am not alone!
This sounds like your doing fine. I wouldn’t call this late blooming at all!
by tetractys
Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 128
Views: 10533

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

Hogan773 wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:08 pmJust curious if any of you Bogleheads found yourselves purposely changing your stripes, and buying extravagant things or much more expensive cars or big trips etc when you could.
The thing is that by the time Retirement comes around, most people probably know what they like and have their lifestyles all set up. They’re long past any chance of falling into the mid-life identity crisis stuff. Changing stripes as you put it would just be self destructive by adding extra headaches and getting in the way. More likely extra or special expenses would be for enhancing what’s meaningful, self growth, family connections, friendships and memories.
by tetractys
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Split bamboo outdoor blinds
Replies: 3
Views: 384

Re: Split bamboo outdoor blinds

GW208 wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 3:21 pm
tetractys wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:55 pm Web search bamboo shades. There are a lot of bamboo product sellers competing online these days.
Yes I have web searched for outdoor bamboo shades and have not been able to find what we're looking for. There are lots of the reed type but no bamboo slats that I can find so far.
Keep looking around, you’ll find something.
by tetractys
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Split bamboo outdoor blinds
Replies: 3
Views: 384

Re: Split bamboo outdoor blinds

Web search bamboo shades. There are a lot of bamboo product sellers competing online these days.
by tetractys
Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?
Replies: 65
Views: 5233

Re: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?

Recency Bias? I'm retired now, and have been investing for decades. Rebalancing works as a tool to control behavioral issues from the inability to handle volatility -- the financial benefits are pretty much unproven. In this case, the OP stated that the money wouldn't be needed for 50 years. There are no fixed-income products available to a 16-year old investor that have a duration appropriate for 50 years. Life annuities offer the potential to last that long, but aren't available to purchase at that age. That doesn't mean OP should never own fixed income, nor is that implied by what I wrote. I also wrote " probably doesn't make sense to buy fixed income", and " can make sense to use a 100% equity allocation". Both of t...
by tetractys
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5219

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

We don't wear shoes in the house, and I have been buying cheap slippers from Kohls, but they end up getting gross after a month or so. The cheap polyester felt holds moisture and smells. We like socks. I like wool socks in the winter. Socks are easy to change and launder. We also have cheap oversized slide sandals quick to slip in and out of, stationed at less clean areas like the kitchen, garage, and garden. We really protect our floor surfaces and enjoy a clean house. The only problem is that holes wear into our socks after 1 or two years. I’m looking for a way to reinforce them that is easy to apply, stays soft, won’t peel off, and will remain comfortable in shoes. I also have slippers because we don’t heat our house much and sometimes ...
by tetractys
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?
Replies: 65
Views: 5233

Re: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?

GAAP wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:06 pmIF this money is truly not going to be touched for 50 years, then it probably doesn't make sense to buy any form of fixed income, and therefore can make sense to use a 100% equity allocation.
This is an idea that we see pop up when times are good like they have been for more than ten years now—recency bias.

There’s good reason why at least 20% or so should be put into bonds, to increase long term returns by smoothing out volatility and allowing the benefit of rebalancing.

The benefit of rebalancing is especially important when factors like small and value are included.
by tetractys
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 3864

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???

BeachPerson wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:02 amI prefer red, blue and white colors since they seem easier to see in bad weather.

Anyone else prefer these colors for safety?
I believe running with lights on is much more important than paint color. Paint color for the most part disappears in bad weather and in the dark.

Yellow is the most distinguishable color and is the last color to dissipate in low light situations.

Warm lighting is best for headlights because even though they are slightly less bright, they don’t night blind other drivers to the degree of cool headlights.

Probably for actual safety it would be best to have a camouflage paint job to blend in with the surroundings.
by tetractys
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry
Replies: 81
Views: 9770

Re: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry

Charles Joseph wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:28 amWhether investors know it or not, they are engaged in an ongoing zero-sum, life-and-death struggle with piranhas, and if rigorous precautions are not taken, the financial services industry will strip investors of their wealth faster than they can say 'Bernie Madoff'".
-- William Bernstein
These piranhas have created their own Amazon river of currency to swim in, with endless tributaries added all the time, into every facet of the financial industry—not just investing. It’s always a good idea to avoid as many of those tributaries as possible.
by tetractys
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4570

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

You can jet into Anchorage and fan out from there by float plane and chopper.
by tetractys
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Replies: 60
Views: 4772

Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?

After an Apple phone it might just seem too cheap and junky. I like smaller phones too and I wish Apple would bring back the older 5 size.

The SE 3rd gen is available new.
by tetractys
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BND only in retirement account?
Replies: 17
Views: 2811

Re: BND only in retirement account?

Yes be aware of the tax consequences of capital gains and qualified dividends. There’s as many ways to handle those tax consequences as there are investors.
by tetractys
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion better in market downturn?
Replies: 20
Views: 1801

Re: Roth Conversion better in market downturn?

comfortzone wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:15 pmHypothetically is converting in a market downturn advantageous?
Yes as stated above. Those who converted end of 2022, beginning 2023 got a good deal. Holding one’s breath for the next downturn would be questionable.
by tetractys
Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Out of room in tax advantaged accounts. Now what?
Replies: 7
Views: 1668

Re: Out of room in tax advantaged accounts. Now what?

nassau34 wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:09 pm I have my assets in the right locations for the most part as far as bonds in tax-deferred and growth stocks in Roth, and I'm out of tax advantaged room. I no longer have earnings, and am not in need of income. I think about Roth conversions, but haven't warmed up to the idea in my situation yet.

At this point do I just do my best to be mindful of what I'm doing to my AGI/MAGI relative to ACA/IRMAA harm, while trying to maintain my desired asset mix using my taxable accounts?
Asset location to the degree your practicing it is very overblown. It can certainly be argued that it is at least as good to be able to balance each account individually. Tax efficiency for the long run is much more important.
by tetractys
Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blackout shades for bedroom
Replies: 30
Views: 2150

Re: Blackout shades for bedroom

2nd blinds.com—they’ve done well by me. For light around the edges order the edge guards.
by tetractys
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise
Replies: 39
Views: 3572

Re: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise

I’m paid $175 in gift cards every year to have a video or at home health conference, see my doctor, get some tests and a vaccination. Last year I used them for groceries and Starbucks. Gym use, exercise and yoga classes are free. Plan D, dental and vision are free. Is this unusual? I view it as a fractional reimbursement of Plan B.

I’m sure a lot depends on the healthcare market competition within your state.
by tetractys
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k rollover deposit to IRA being refused since it bring me over $7,000 yearly limit.
Replies: 16
Views: 1948

Re: 401k rollover deposit to IRA being refused since it bring me over $7,000 yearly limit.

Denken wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 10:07 am Hi. I'm trying to rollover my old 401k to my Vanguard Roth IRA. I have the F/B/O check and am trying to mobile deposit it but the full amount is being refused since it goes over the $7,000 yearly contribution limit. What should I do?
A 401k goes into a Rollover IRA. Later you can make Roth Conversions from the Rollover IRA into the Roth.

Open a Rollover IRA first to deposit your check into.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?
Replies: 36
Views: 3315

Re: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?

I have a 2014 Camry with 124k miles that is leaking oil from the rear main seal. I was quoted about $2,300 to fix it. I figure the car’s value is ~$8-9k. The question I have at this point in googling around is there are various ‘stop leak’ products that make claims to fix problems like this. The one I found at AT-205 re-seal; which I pour in with the engine oil. Part of me figures the math on something like this makes sense--Try a $20 fix to avoid a $2,300 repair--Another part of me says putting at risk $8-9k because I tried to cheap out on a repair is a worse idea. I could afford a new car so money is not really the issue—just would feel stupid if I spent money to repair something that could have been fixed a lot easier or feel even more ...
by tetractys
Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.
Replies: 37
Views: 4318

Re: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.

HappyPappy wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:05 amIs there any reason to think the old adage "if it's free, then you are the product" does not apply when it comes to all these free sites?
They are only free for a base portion of their product—enough to be part of the Free File Alliance. Other added services are charged for, such as state returns, 1040x, audit services, advanced tech support, print outs, etc.

TurboTax lost it’s qualification for the Free File Alliance in favor of charging exorbitant prices.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 03, 2024 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If I own a house for 30 years and I replace the roof twice, do both replacements count as capital improvements?
Replies: 80
Views: 9862

Re: If I own a house for 30 years and I replace the roof twice, do both replacements count as capital improvements?

That’s how I understand it. The old roof is gone and cannot be included as a capital improvement. The new roof has replaced the old roof and can be included.
by tetractys
Sun Mar 03, 2024 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.
Replies: 37
Views: 4318

Re: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.

happenstance wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:22 am
marcopolo wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:45 am
rts58 wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:42 am TT has been a bad corporate actor
In what way?
They aggressively lobby Congress to prevent the IRS from creating tax software and to keep the tax code deliberately complicated. And they try to funnel users using dark patterns into more expensive products when their cheaper offering would work just fine (Deluxe vs Premier).

https://www.propublica.org/article/insi ... s-for-free
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2023/0 ... ax-filing/
Anything Intuit falls into the general category of “bad corporate actor.” TurboTax is just one digit.