Search found 254 matches

by njdealguy
Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
Replies: 197
Views: 17929

Re: Tesla in Cold Weather

Reading some of these news stories this morning about frozen EVs at charging stations, I learned that the EV battery needs to be at a certain temperature (25?) before it will charge. Is that correct? My personal anecdote is that my company car gained 1% charge in 4 hours charging at sub 20f temps. It was a polestar. Does the Polestar preheat the battery prior to charging? Tesla, for example, will preheat if you have put the charging station into Navigation. The pre-heating is absolutely crucial, and is a big part of a lot of the hoopla over the tesla charging in Chicago mentioned in the other threads. If people weren't pre-heating the battery, it was going to take a very long time, which then causes a chain reaction if too many people are ...
by njdealguy
Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
Replies: 197
Views: 17929

Re: Tesla in Cold Weather

Normchad wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:30 pm
billaster wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:20 pm If the battery needs pre-heating to charge properly, shouldn't the car be smart enough to do that on its own?
The biggest issue (nobody seems to talk about) is people charging at home with a 110V plug.

At cold temps, 110 isn’t enough to warm the battery and charge the car. So you can plug the car in overnight and when you wake up in the morning, it hasn’t charged at all.
Hasn't charged at all and yet still adds some bucks to the electricity bill (based on 1.9 kwh drawn from the 110 outlet per hour multiplied by 15 to 20 cents per kwh charged)
by njdealguy
Mon Jan 15, 2024 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
Replies: 64
Views: 5093

Re: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC

If considering luxury hotels I highly recommend booking through a program like virtuoso or amex fhr. Luxury hotels I've found are often lower priced in dc as compared to most East coast cities.

I've stayed at park hyatt dc numerous times through one of these programs that for same room rate (usually 250 to 300 a night) received $100 food/beverage credit, complimentary breakfast, room upgrade to junior suite, and 4pm late checkout. Just the food credit and breakfast value alone can be worth $160 against the paid room rate

Sometimes on different hotels deals get run such as 3rd night complimentary with 2 paid nights making the deal even nicer
by njdealguy
Sun Jan 14, 2024 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UK Trip Estimate
Replies: 104
Views: 9491

Re: UK Trip Estimate

We did a 10 day trip in May last year (myself, wife, and 5 year old daughter) with 2 nights at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, 3 nights in London Conrad St James, 3 nights in Waldorf Caledonian Edinburgh (had a highlands/loch ness 1 day group tour booked through Viator), and 2 nights in Park Hyatt Paris. All hotel stays were using points, as well as flights into/out of Europe in business class on KLM going in, Air France on the return. Bought Eurrail first class train passes to go between the cities (Amsterdam -> London -> Edinburgh - Paris) Our main out of pocket expenses for the trip was only meals, sightseeing, train passes, and taxes/fees on the award business class flight tickets and was in total around $3500 for whole trip and without poin...
by njdealguy
Thu Nov 23, 2023 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I finance a new car at 2.9% for 36 months or just pay cash
Replies: 31
Views: 4975

Re: Should I finance a new car at 2.9% for 36 months or just pay cash

2.9% is below market rate for loans now, it must be subsidized from the true rate which means there should be more haggling room to bring down the cash price and forgo the loan I'd guess
by njdealguy
Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC comparison quote
Replies: 21
Views: 1951

Re: HVAC comparison quote

Few years ago was replacing 2 central ac units (3.5 ton each) and 2 furnaces. For high efficiency models for these all for Carrier brand was quoted about 21k total by a local big company with great reviews here and about 15k by a "single guy" operation with very questionable reviews.

Was able to get the big company to price match the small one and had the work done. You could try and see if the big companies would do such.
by njdealguy
Mon Sep 25, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Orlando Resort?
Replies: 9
Views: 1229

Re: Recommendations for Orlando Resort?

I'd recommend one of the resorts thats on Bonnet Creek which I believe is technically on disney property but owned by the independent companies, which has the Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott, Signia By Marriott, etc. Probably a lot more bang for the buck compared to staying directly on disney properties (unless the kids really want that) and these hotels have free shuttle buses for a short ride to any of the main Disney parks. If have points balances with Hilton, Marriott (or can strategically buy points) can be useful too. I've just a month ago stayed at the Waldorf Astoria there for 5 nights for 360k hilton points (which cost $1800 to obtain) with food credit included as HIlton diamond member and effectively $360 a night for a 5 star hotel p...
by njdealguy
Mon Sep 18, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4273
Views: 1072358

Re: Share your net worth progression

moral_hazard wrote: Mon Sep 18, 2023 3:23 pm Age: 35
Job: Software Engineer
96% Equity

Year | Ending Balance in Vanguard

2013 $ 1,437
2014 $ 7,750
2015 $ 153,307
2016 $ 466,659
2017 $ 574,492
2018 $ 694,335
2019 $ 1,081,535
2020 $ 1,399,969
2021 $ 1,834,666
2022 $ 1,551,308
2023 $ 1,850,000

about the same amount tied up in private equities which may or may not end up being liquid / convertible into cash.
Quite a delta from 2015 to 2016! How did you triple your NW then?
by njdealguy
Mon Sep 18, 2023 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Spenders In Retirement $250K+
Replies: 46
Views: 5779

Re: High Spenders In Retirement $250K+

stan1 wrote: Mon Sep 18, 2023 3:42 pm Some ideas:
- Frequent and lengthy travel such as business class airfare and escorted tours. A world cruise in a suite on a luxury cruise line will run $300K or more, and those accommodations sell out quickly so people are doing it.
- Upkeep of multiple large homes and grounds (property taxes, cleaning, repair, landscaping, remodeling projects)
- New cars every year
Your ideas dont seem like a 250k/year lifestyle, more like a 4-10MM per year lifestyle! Based on the 4% withdrawal rule, better have 100 million saved up!
by njdealguy
Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting New York..things to do near Times Square
Replies: 46
Views: 5198

Re: Visiting New York..things to do near Times Square

One thing I'd mention is in areas like Times Square and other relatively crowded areas, be prepared for certain odors that I wont spell out here but was not present just a few years ago in the city. For this reason alone I often choose to use the subway when with my 5 year old daughter in the area even if it was not a long walk (like penn station to times square area)
by njdealguy
Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keeping in touch from Europe
Replies: 59
Views: 4219

Re: Keeping in touch from Europe

Holafly esim card is $47 for 15 days with unlimited data. Had used this plan on recent trip to multiple Europe countries which flipped between different local networks and worked like a charm (mostly 5g speeds).

Of course has to know how to activate this and to switch back to the original plan once leaves Europe.
by njdealguy
Wed Aug 09, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washington D.C. hotel options
Replies: 12
Views: 1274

Re: Washington D.C. hotel options

Have stayed at park hyatt dc many times and never had to pay for parking (always found free street parking within a block although almost always during weekends!)

With your budget can stay in one of the luxury hotels (possibly at much less than 400/night) would suggest looking at virtuoso or amex fhr programs to make the booking where it's the same rate as directly booking with the hotel but with complimentary breakfast for 2, $100 food and beverage credit, guaranteed 4pm late checkout, and room upgrade when available

Recently stayed again at the park hyatt through this fhr program where with room rate of about $250, just the value of the breakfast and food credit made the cost of room more like $100!
by njdealguy
Thu Jul 27, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)
Replies: 207
Views: 26617

Re: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)

For flights over 8 hours (which disqualifies most domestic flights and transatlantic flights between nyc and western europe), happy to pay a premium of $50/hour on top of economy fare to fly in business class, and have got that numerous times. Most recently flew Delhi to NYC on Singapore business class for $1700 round-trip where based on round-trip flying time of 36 hours actually came to under $50/hour TOTAL!

Otherwise have been really into the points game also and mostly saved it for numerous premium clas trips to India (for instance even with points I won't blow about 60k aa miles each way for a flight to europe when flight to india is 70k miles and twice the distance) over the years!
by njdealguy
Mon Jul 24, 2023 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui or Scotland trip with kids?
Replies: 72
Views: 6120

Re: Maui or Scotland trip with kids?

Just went on a Europe trip couple months ago with 5 yr old daughter that included few days in Scotland. Had a all day bus tour booked from Edinburgh to the highlands and loch ness. Daughter is super crazy for dinosaurs so main motivation to wake up very early that day was to pursue looking for Nessie AKA loch ness monster, and claims to have saw its head while our bus was driving on side of that lake!
by njdealguy
Tue Jun 13, 2023 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing Hot Water Heaters
Replies: 11
Views: 1382

Re: Replacing Hot Water Heaters

Why does hot water need to be heated?
by njdealguy
Thu Mar 02, 2023 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can We Afford a 3M Home
Replies: 32
Views: 5486

Re: Can We Afford a 3M Home

9Iron wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 8:32 am
h8trswana8 wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:29 pm
er999 wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:17 am Just out of curiosity what does 3 million buy there in terms of lot size and house size? In my area (Portland, Oregon) 3 million would be a waterfront mansion (see https://www.realtor.com/realestateandho ... 9870-54696)
NYC real estate = millions for 1500 sqft :x
Seriously… consider moving to the Suburbs. Look at the train schedules, find a place in Westchester within 30 - 45 minutes express train ride to the city.
Or try to Chatham/Westfield/Madison areas in NJ (Where get slightly lower income taxes and avoid the NYC city income tax!). Not a long train ride and 3 mill gets you a nice mansion (or even something very decent at half your budget!)
by njdealguy
Sat Nov 19, 2022 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideal Home PC Setup?
Replies: 30
Views: 3844

Re: Ideal Home PC Setup?

I could not imagine using a laptop trackpad, keyboard, and 14" monitor for more than 30 seconds so I'm really not sure how to advise you other than to say it sounds like you aren't very picky or particular about what you want. Size of monitor is a personal preference. Consider your office space too and what will fit, also where your seating position will be relative to the monitor. I find a minimum of 27" with a 1440p monitor to be fine. 27" UHD or 4K would be fine for me. I buy one that has a stand that is fully adjustable in height, tilt, and swivel which are more expensive. Should be able to find some in the $500-600 range, maybe less with Black Friday sales. Do not get a low cost 1080p 27" monitor. Make sure your gr...
by njdealguy
Mon Nov 14, 2022 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hong Kong Airport
Replies: 13
Views: 1311

Re: Hong Kong Airport

I've read in a different article that if your traveling in business or first class masks can be removed while sleeping
by njdealguy
Sun Nov 13, 2022 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best EV for around $50k, or RAV4 Prime???
Replies: 133
Views: 17579

Re: Best EV for around $50k?

Not sure how the deals are in today's market but back in April of last year was able to obtain Audi Etron that had about 73k sticker price for around 51.5k after combination of discounts/incentives including federal 7500 tax credit, costco 3k coupon, 8% dealer discount and some manufacturer incentives (no sales tax on evs in my state). Awesome car it's been (only shortcoming I find compared to my Tesla model 3 is it doesn't do autosteering/autopilot)
by njdealguy
Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla owners: 240V outlet or Tesla wall connector?
Replies: 17
Views: 3614

Re: Tesla owners: 240V outlet or Tesla wall connector?

I actually have a 14-50 outlet installed outside my garage in weather casing for my Tesla model 3 which i park on driveway outside, and do unplug/replug the portable charger that came with car everytime I do a charge. Has held up fine so far for 2 years.
by njdealguy
Tue Aug 23, 2022 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AppleCare+ for new iPhone SE
Replies: 25
Views: 2602

Re: AppleCare+ for new iPhone SE

Companies sell insurance for a profit. In the long run of your life and purchases, unless you are super clumsy odds are it is not in your best interest to buy insurance. The only time insurance can be a wise decision is when you can't self insure. As an example health insurance. It is very expensive, but a serious healthcare event can run 100's of thousands. On the other hand. $399 phone is pretty easy to replace and I would never insure for that. I used to agree with you, but recent experiences have changed my mind. The cost analysis is a lot more complicated than "it must be a bad deal because the insurers make a profit". The reason for this is that the insurers do not pay the same amount for a repair as you would. Health insur...
by njdealguy
Mon Aug 22, 2022 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AppleCare+ for new iPhone SE
Replies: 25
Views: 2602

Re: AppleCare+ for new iPhone SE

You should be paying your monthly phone bill with a credit card that offers insurance for free. Examples of cards that include cellphone insurance include: American Express Platinum ($50 deductible, $800 max per claim, 2x claims per year) Wells Fargo Active Cash ($25 deductible, $600 max per claim, 2x claims per year) Chase Freedom Flex ($50 deductible, $800 max per claim, $1000 claim limit per year) Chase Ink Preferred ($100 deductible, $1000 max per claim, $3000 claim limit per year, 3x claims per year) These all cover theft but do not cover "lost" phones. This is the one downside to having phone service with Mint Mobile since you pay annually and therefore cannot get this free cellphone protection since you must pay your *mont...
by njdealguy
Fri Aug 19, 2022 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Second car purchase, need advice
Replies: 35
Views: 2954

Re: Second car purchase, need advice

My buddy who runs a service station / is a mechanic says AWD cars are more expensive to keep running. I live in Syracuse where it snows like hades. A front wheel drive car with snow tires does great in snow in my 20+ years driving here. I do Hondas, Toyotas, Lexus - search Craigslist almost everyday to find local, 1 owner, private individual, with < 50K miles in very good shape. With patience one can find some beauties. If I am in a rush I’d by new or used from dealers. Good luck in the hunt. Has been discussed ad nauseam (on this board and many others); it's just a fact that proper tires are far more important in the snow than the drive wheels. A FWD car with solid snow tires will be absolutely fine (and much better than AWD on all-season...
by njdealguy
Fri Aug 19, 2022 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Reduction Act - Clean Energy tax credit for home purchases
Replies: 82
Views: 12058

Re: Inflation reduction act and EVs, solar, etc

Looks like the renewed solar tax credit of 30% isn't tied to a income limit unlike the new version of the EV credits which are.
by njdealguy
Wed Aug 17, 2022 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need new laptop, suggestions on what to buy?
Replies: 34
Views: 3043

Re: Need new laptop, suggestions on what to buy?

I second the suggestion on LG Gram, and there's quite a good deal at Costco until 8/28 for this model on sale at $1099 for nearly top notch specifications and probably the only laptop available in the market that is under 3 pounds while being 17 inch

If can use the Costco Citi card would get 4 years warranty in total:

https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-17%22-in ... 71154.html
by njdealguy
Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal: HNW $10M, how did you do it? [High Net Worth]
Replies: 206
Views: 34102

Re: Personal: HNW $10M, how did you do it? [High Net Worth]

I think it's an interesting indicator of wealth because it is discretionary, the difference in experience is not that great, and it is does not have lasting value. So, the dollars you are spending are a pretty good proxy for wealth. It is interesting, although a lot of folks travel a ton for work and/or have airline branded credit cards and rack up miles and status that enable them to upgrade when flying for leisure. I'm American Airlines Gold status (which might as well be called Copper given how low on the totem pole of status it is!), but even that lowly designation occasionally yields me a first class upgrade. For myself, airplane ticket class doesn’t factor at all into my thinking in terms of NW and when to retire. Yeah, sometimes bei...
by njdealguy
Tue Aug 16, 2022 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Diminished Value Car Accident Claim
Replies: 53
Views: 6441

Re: Diminished Value Car Accident Claim

Glad to see the insights on this thread. My 2022 Tesla Model 3 was rear ended a few months ago and caused minor rear bumper damage thereby needing a bumper replacement that is already completed. Even though it was very minor damage, just because it will show up on carfax as an "accident" im sure it will ding the resale value by at least a couple to a few thousand, so a good idea to pursue this. The insurance of the at fault party is Geico, who I'm sure will try to give very low offer or outright try to deny the claim saying there was nothing significant in the accident!
by njdealguy
Tue Aug 09, 2022 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 214006

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

The network capital funding login continues to show under online payments, We apologize, payment processing is not available this time. Please try again later.

Getting bit concerned now as its 8/9 now and dont want to end up incurring late fees after the 15th. Not sure if should mail a physical check to the listed address or to call the phone number to pay.
by njdealguy
Thu Jul 07, 2022 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Classic men's suit, what and where to buy? In San Diego.
Replies: 42
Views: 5148

Re: Classic men's suit, what and where to buy? In San Diego.

I've had good luck with K&G Fashion Superstore that has a decent variety of suits and suit separates with most common but not high end brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Nautica, etc. Should be able to find a decently fitting suit separates jackets and trousers for at most $150 to $300 from one of these brands.

If want to step it up for higher end such as Hugo Boss, Hart Schaffner Marx, Brioni, etc, would suggest to go to an outlet mall for stores directly run by the brands or to a Off Saks 5th store or a Nordstrom Rack for finding suits of these brands but at discounted prices.
by njdealguy
Fri May 06, 2022 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your Net Worth Regression
Replies: 350
Views: 59834

Re: Share your Net Worth Regression

My NW went from 1.1MM down to 950k......actually about half of that is unchanged home equity so my actual investment portfolio went from about 550k to about 375k.

Its just about where it was before the 2020 pandemic crash and largely due to greed and not following the advice on this website and instead gambling on numerous individual tech stocks and funds like Cathie Wood's ARKK. Pre-pandemic used to be mostly in total market index funds. Sucks to no longer be millionaire for more than a year and virtue of staying the course!
by njdealguy
Thu May 05, 2022 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frustrated with my used car buying experience. What am I doing wrong?
Replies: 63
Views: 7394

Re: Frustrated with my used car buying experience. What am I doing wrong?

Dear Bogleheads, Last year, you helped me decide I am better off not buying a car as discussed here and here . I'm wondering if it's time to buy a car now and am quite frustrated with the car buying experience so far. In the past year since I got my license, I have tried the following services: ZipCar - I have used it the most. I average $403/month over 9 months of usage. Each trip on average costs me $103 (34 trips in total). - Most of these trips have been for pleasure i.e., drives during the weekend to explore the North-East - However, we did use it for personal errands a few times (groceries, doctor visits, etc.) What I like about ZipCar: - No hassle - Cars are generally available in my neighborhood. However, there are occasions during...
by njdealguy
Thu May 05, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you consider a large paycut to move back into a leadership position?
Replies: 47
Views: 5270

Re: Would you consider a large paycut to move back into a leadership position?

Seems quite low TC go me for a high management role. To put in perspective I make 265-280k TC between base salary/bonus as an individual contributor ordinary coder in the financial industry for an investment bank (not front office)

To move to senior management would expect at least 20% more total pay than currently make to start with.
by njdealguy
Sat Apr 16, 2022 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need recommendation on Hybrid vs BEV(Fully electric) vehicle
Replies: 32
Views: 3473

Re: Need recommendation on Hybrid vs BEV(Fully electric) vehicle

I own a Tesla. Honestly though, today, it doesn’t make financial sense to buy a full electric over a hybrid. So if you buy a full electric, it has to be for some other reason. I absolutely love mine, but it’s not a money saver. Of your two choices, I think they’re both good. I think either would be a fine choice. Personally, I’d pick the Lexus over the Kia. But I don’t have a strong or compelling argument. It would just be my preference. Best of luck in your decision making! I think you’ll be happy with either one. Depending on circumstances, Tesla certainly can be a money saver I'd say. Recently took delivery of the cheapest Model 3 which was ordered back in September last year with a state rebate of $5k (where the terms are need to keep ...
by njdealguy
Mon Apr 04, 2022 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wanting to purchase a fun vehicle
Replies: 106
Views: 8902

Re: Wanting to purchase a fun vehicle

02nz wrote: Sat Apr 02, 2022 3:07 pm
bloom2708 wrote: Fri Apr 01, 2022 9:25 pm $4-5 gas, no car is fun.

Find fun elsewhere.
The electric ones are very fun, not least when blowing past the gas stations charging $4-7 per gallon!
I'm having plenty of fun with a Tesla Model 3 base model car I took delivery last month for 37k (Reserved over 8 months ago and involves NJ 5k chargeup rebate & no sales tax!)

Got almost all my charging for free from free charger at local library which is 5 minute walk from my home, so dont have to care if gas prices go to $15 a gallon :D

Can flip this car now for a 8k or 9k profit but plan is to keep car for 3 years (hopefully putting 50k plus miles in this time) and it will hold at or near a break even value or 37k at that time.
by njdealguy
Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2021 software offer
Replies: 278
Views: 36346

Re: H&R Block 2021 software offer

Even though time consuming, I generally prefer to use more than one software every year (Such as both TurboTax and HR Block) to fill out everything required on my taxes to make sure all the final calculations and total tax matches.

This year it didnt cost a cent to file our fed/state taxes as what I did is use TurboTax online deluxe version which only charges when proceeding to file/submit the taxes but not while filling out and calculating, and then used Credit Karma's free (Square Cash App) online tax filing tool to re-fill all the details and all calculations matched.
by njdealguy
Sun Mar 27, 2022 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrade the car now or wait?
Replies: 53
Views: 4874

Re: Upgrade the car now or wait?

Probably not a good idea but can try speculating (anti boglehead market timing lol) that the market stays as crazy as it is now for at least few years and try buying something now if can find even a slightly good deal (Such as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe widely discussed on Leasehackr) in hopes that it holds most or all its value for a few years to resell. I've been lucky in that regard just had an Audi Etron for over a year in a lease and after driving it for 15k miles sold it to an Audi dealer getting back everything I paid in the lease payments plus another 9k profit on top of that! Recently picked up a Tesla Model 3 base model where am hoping it holds all/most of its value for 3 years and where if I want to flip it now can make at least 8k pr...
by njdealguy
Fri Mar 18, 2022 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do I sell my gold eagle coins?
Replies: 34
Views: 6220

Re: How do I sell my gold eagle coins?

I'd suggest checking with Pinehurst Coins too if is interested and amount offered, Ive sold them numerous coins over the years for purchases made with the US Mint and is reliable in giving purchase orders if will buy yours and then prompt payment afterwards.
by njdealguy
Mon Feb 14, 2022 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on pork ribs
Replies: 43
Views: 3532

Re: Need opinion on pork ribs

Baby back, less fatty. If you have the means, for this volume and that your lack of experience may not play well for this qty, I would consider calling in the day before and just picking up at the local favorite BBQ shack with an assortment of the usual sides and disposable plates/utensils. Just give them the count of people, likely to be 12-15 full racks, and enjoy the lack of stress that would otherwise be present cooking and cleaning for this amount of people. Have a few trash bags and paper towel rolls handy. +1…it’s usually worth it to spend a little extra to let the pros handle a one off job. Or can get those already cooked baby back ribs Costco sells, I think for about 7.49 per pound (dry rubbed) in the section with the rotiserrie c...
by njdealguy
Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to go vacation late March?
Replies: 57
Views: 6466

Re: Where to go vacation late March?

quietseas wrote: Sun Feb 06, 2022 11:26 am It's not beach weather but the advantage of going to Berlin or Amsterdam during late March is much less over-crowding than in peak months. Pros and cons of course.
I second the idea of Amsterdam and it being in late March/early April is almost the perfect time to catch the annual tulip festival in Keukenhof, a day trip from Amsterdam.

I'd also suggest finding ways to travel hack your way to use points for flights/hotels which can really stretch that 7.5k budget to lot more (in general no matter where your adventure takes you)
by njdealguy
Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?
Replies: 63
Views: 7898

Re: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?

Been driving an Audi Etron for a year which like a lot, and recently took delivery of a base Tesla M3 thinking if would like it more. I did not for the same reasons you stated, even if overall mechanical performance was a bit better on the Tesla. Audi wins hands down big time on interior and that "luxury" feel Just flipped the Tesla last week to Vroom for a 7k profit after keeping it for just a month! Heh - we have a winner in Tesla :-) Cars (brands/models) always have been highly subjective and personal. If someone says XYZ car is the best in the world - there would be 70%-80% distractors at minimum (just because). Just rode eTron -- its one wonderful drive loved it -- but at 210-210 Miles/charge (in winter, per the owner) -- it...
by njdealguy
Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?
Replies: 63
Views: 7898

Re: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?

Been driving an Audi Etron for a year which like a lot, and recently took delivery of a base Tesla M3 thinking if would like it more. I did not for the same reasons you stated, even if overall mechanical performance was a bit better on the Tesla. Audi wins hands down big time on interior and that "luxury" feel

Just flipped the Tesla last week to Vroom for a 7k profit after keeping it for just a month!
by njdealguy
Mon Dec 27, 2021 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Flying first/business
Replies: 79
Views: 8640

Re: Flying first/business

If someone is to budget 75k a year in airfare alone for a couple for multiple premium class domestic/international travel, can pretty much double that amount as whoever budgets that much will probably also stay at the highest end hotels at their destination, like four seasons caliber.

With that said I do multiple business/first class international trips (reduced now due to pandemic) purely playing the points game, with a NW of only barely over $1MM!
by njdealguy
Mon Dec 13, 2021 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof
Replies: 46
Views: 3732

Re: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof

I have a great house for solar panels in North Texas - South-facing and no tree obstructions. I don't think you want south-facing; north-facing allows the panels to go on the back of the house. Some HOAs won't allow visible solar panels. If you have a decent hail-resistant roof it takes a fairly powerful hail storm to damage it sufficiently for insurance coverage - and you're likely to have a lot of other damage as well. Wrong, you definitely want to be south facing much as possible otherwise it's not worth pursuing the project. North facing panels will generate approximately 67% of the annual production you would get on south facing ones for same panels. Can run some calculations on pvwatts.nrel.gov and would see what I mean. That's not c...
by njdealguy
Mon Dec 13, 2021 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof
Replies: 46
Views: 3732

Re: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof

I have a great house for solar panels in North Texas - South-facing and no tree obstructions. I don't think you want south-facing; north-facing allows the panels to go on the back of the house. Some HOAs won't allow visible solar panels. If you have a decent hail-resistant roof it takes a fairly powerful hail storm to damage it sufficiently for insurance coverage - and you're likely to have a lot of other damage as well. Wrong, you definitely want to be south facing much as possible otherwise it's not worth pursuing the project. North facing panels will generate approximately 67% of the annual production you would get on south facing ones for same panels. Can run some calculations on pvwatts.nrel.gov and would see what I mean. Thanks njdea...
by njdealguy
Mon Dec 13, 2021 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof
Replies: 46
Views: 3732

Re: Solar questions and advice for a 20 year old roof

tibbitts wrote: Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:59 pm
Buddhacab wrote: Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:20 pm I have a great house for solar panels in North Texas - South-facing and no tree obstructions.
I don't think you want south-facing; north-facing allows the panels to go on the back of the house. Some HOAs won't allow visible solar panels. If you have a decent hail-resistant roof it takes a fairly powerful hail storm to damage it sufficiently for insurance coverage - and you're likely to have a lot of other damage as well.
Wrong, you definitely want to be south facing much as possible otherwise it's not worth pursuing the project. North facing panels will generate approximately 67% of the annual production you would get on south facing ones for same panels. Can run some calculations on pvwatts.nrel.gov and would see what I mean.
by njdealguy
Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How would a Boglehead buy a new Apple laptop?
Replies: 65
Views: 6717

Re: How would a Boglehead buy a new Apple laptop?

I'd look at Best Buy open box deals for the M1 Macbook Air which comes and goes fast when available.

Earlier this year I was able to get the base M1 Air in silver from open box in excellent condition (essentially someone else's return from 2 days ago) for $650 when the new one goes for $999. This had the remaining manufacturer warranty and by using my Citi premier card (Citi costco gives same benefit) the warranty was extended by another 2 years.
by njdealguy
Wed Oct 13, 2021 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone negotiate a car lately? Any room as consumers?
Replies: 177
Views: 24640

Re: Anyone negotiate a car lately? Any room as consumers?

H-Town wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 11:22 am I'm curious what is the urgency of buying a car with thousands of dollars dealership fees tack on the MSRP?

Bogleheads are known to not going with the crowd.

Why don't we just chill and wait for the buy opportunities?
Market timing! Chill & wait may take years to clear up.
by njdealguy
Sat Oct 09, 2021 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus 20k mile service cost comparison
Replies: 72
Views: 8471

Re: Lexus 20k mile service cost comparison

And this didn't include replacing the engine air filter (not oil filter)? At Valvoline instant oil change all this even if pay their ripoff markups for the filters would cost $200 max

Alternatively Walmart charges $45 for full synthetic oil change and $10 to rotate 4 tires. And free installation of air filters if the filters are bought at Walmart
by njdealguy
Wed Oct 06, 2021 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Rationalizing This Car Purchase?
Replies: 61
Views: 7137

Re: Am I Rationalizing This Car Purchase?

And Tesla just raised overnight their price on base model 3 or base model y by 2k. Already seems to be taking advantage of slowly jacking up prices based on anticipated federal package that may or may not pass.
by njdealguy
Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Rationalizing This Car Purchase?
Replies: 61
Views: 7137

Re: Am I Rationalizing This Car Purchase?

Since your from NJ, kind of missed the boat where by ordering before the September 15th cutoff date the NJ chargeup $5k rebate on the base model 3 would be applicable (car has to be capped at 45k msrp)

With the huge Tesla backlog where expect delivery early next year, there's speculation the fed rebate applicable when car is delivered would be $8k, so hence a probable opportunity to receive the base M3 for a sub 30k price all in.