Search found 1360 matches

by daheld
Thu Jan 18, 2024 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sliding patio door replacement
Replies: 20
Views: 2857

Re: Sliding patio door replacement

About 3.5 years ago we bought a 400 Series Andersen gliding patio door. Like you, I was replacing an old door that was original to our home. It was a wooden French door that had been leaking for years before we bought the home. There was some rot around the door frame, under the sill, and extending 6" or so into the floor. We had to sister onto the ends of some floor joists, replace some sub floor, and obviously replace some flooring. The door itself was $2185. I installed it myself to save money, and particularly because of the scope of the job. I felt it was going to be nearly impossible to find someone reputable to do the work, which was more complicated than a simple door replacement, but not a whole room renovation. It was kind of...
by daheld
Mon Oct 30, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home warranties
Replies: 21
Views: 1936

Re: Home warranties

Just adding to the chorus here to avoid home warranties at all costs. I will spare you the gory details, but I had a similarly horrible experience to what others here have described. The seller of the home we bought threw in a one year home warranty, and I wish I'd have just asked for a price reduction by an equivalent amount as the policy cost. They were rude, unresponsive, then didn't cover things they were supposed to per policy.
by daheld
Fri Oct 27, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bees in the basement
Replies: 12
Views: 1651

Re: Bees in the basement

My basement is concrete with multiple rooms and used for the furnace and storage. I don't go down much, every few months to check things. A few days ago I went in the basement and noticed many small spots on the floor. Looking closer, the spots were bees. I'd say easily more than 50 of them, all dead. The basement room has two windows. I checked and I couldn't find any gaps or cracks in the windows or foundation. This summer I noticed a few bees buzzing around, for days, outside of the house near the window of the basement room. Looking for recommendations on what to do next. Thanks. Extermination/removal is one part, but you need to also seal up whatever void in the foundation or door/window allowed them to get in. I would advise you to c...
by daheld
Fri Oct 27, 2023 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?
Replies: 179
Views: 23241

Re: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?

Sprinkler system. After the first few years, I decided that the grass wasn't much greener or better than before I spend thousands of dollars on the system and started paying huge water bills. I finally shut it down permanently and lived in the same house for years with a yard that still looked good enough. I never had one installed but bought homes with one installed and yeah, they seem to need endless maintenance. My feelings are similar with swimming pools. If you got money to burn, go for it, but I estimated a pool in my previous home was averaging about $300 a month in expenses when you factor in everything (resurfacing, electricity, water, repairs, chemicals, etc.). I once thought maybe I needed new windows and talked with someone tha...
by daheld
Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29209

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

Family of 3 (two parents in late 30s and an almost five year old). We average $698 per month in groceries and $329 per month in dining out. Averages are November 2022 through July 2023. We do not particularly pinch pennies, though we do shop at Aldi instead of our local chain grocer and that saves us a lot of money. Outside of that we are not pay a ton of attention to it.
by daheld
Thu Sep 21, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: South Carolina Vacation
Replies: 10
Views: 1520

Re: South Carolina Vacation

Seconding the Beaufort, Harbor Island, Hunting Island area. I am particularly intrigued by the gullah/geechee culture and tradition, and it is an incredibly interesting area. If you visit the area, eat at Gullah Grub and visit the Penn Center.
by daheld
Thu Sep 21, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What length of time to have Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 69
Views: 5418

Re: What length of time to have Term Life Insurance?

tyrion wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2023 12:33 pm Bought 20 year term for both of us right before the first of 2 kids was born.

Now the kids are 18 and 16 and we have 1 or 2 years left. No plan to get more life insurance since we have accumulated enough assets that we don't need it any more, but we will keep the 20 year term in place. It's cheap.
Everyone is different, but this is basically the approach I've taken. My wife would not qualify for term life insurance because of chronic health conditions, but I did. I bought a $750,000 20 year term policy a couple months before our child was born. It's about $300 per year. We won't purchase any other life insurance.
by daheld
Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Went to Pay Homeowner's Insurance Today and Found Company went Belly Up
Replies: 47
Views: 6353

Re: Went to Pay Homeowner's Insurance Today and Found Company went Belly Up

OnTrack2020 wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 7:05 am
UpperNwGuy wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 6:55 am Why not buy your insurance directly from an insurance company? Why rely on a broker?
Because insurance is one of those things that I don't always understand and sometimes need further explanation.
This is part of what a good agent should do. We use State Farm, and I've been really impressed with how willing to explain everything they've been. But it's how it should be. They make a lot of money off policyholders, the least they can do is break things down as needed for customers.

It is a tedious process, but gathering quotes for homeowners and auto insurance is not complicated. You can do it on your own.
by daheld
Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Price for HVAC system
Replies: 24
Views: 2692

Re: Price for HVAC system

Just paid $13k for an American Standard HVAC replacement.

80% 80,000 BTU furnace
16 SEER 4 Ton two stage compressor

It sounds like you got more quotes, which is good. I would keep getting quotes, and don't be afraid to negotiate. The system we ended up installing was initially quoted at over $16k, but I had a quote from a different installer at $13k. After some negotiation, I got the installer we wanted to match the $13k price. There is typically a TON of fat on the bone with HVAC installs and you have to be willing to negotiate.
by daheld
Tue Aug 15, 2023 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4th grader, National Parks Pass
Replies: 54
Views: 5681

Re: 4th grader, National Parks Pass

Subscribing to the thread mostly to see the responses - we're looking 1t 10-14 days out west next summer to take advantage of the pass. Mostly concerned about crowds at the following locations - any comments? -Yosemite / Sequoia -Grand Teton / Yellowstone I imagine Yosemite and Sequoia are quite busy in the summer, but don't have any actual data to back that up. Yosemite and Yellowstone are going to be two of the four or five busiest National Parks in summertime. FWIW, we have done the Grand Canyon and Zion (both also very, very busy summer NP destinations) in October and they were not busy at all, and the weather was perfect for hiking. We did Yosemite last year in April and it was also not insanely busy. It's worth noting that even durin...
by daheld
Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

HaveaNiceDay wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:18 pm I think you made a good call.

I know everyone is excited about new heat pumps, but in St. Louis, you can go a week or 10 days below freezing and even the new heat pumps cannot keep up with a 80% or 90% natural gas furnace. Congrats on the multiple quotes and your negotiation skills.
Yeah. I just decided a HP was not worth the investment. My parents live in a very rural area and my dad has known the local HVAC guy for 35 years. He got a Lennox heat pump and gas furnace for $9,000 last year. Prices in the city are just different and I could not justify the expense.
by daheld
Thu Jul 20, 2023 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

twh wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 11:07 am Congratulations!

It has been a few years, but this is the thermostat I used: Honeywell THX9421. It may have further versions by now. Went well with the 2 stage systems.
Our thermostat will be the Honeywell VisionPro 8000. I don't need anything super fancy, just want something I can adjust remotely and program a 7 day schedule into.
by daheld
Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Option 1: A/C: Carrier ; 5 stage inverter, variable speed capacity; 4 TON 24VNA948A003 (17 SEER2) FURNACE: Carrier 58TN0A110C21--20; 80% efficient; 2 stage Price: $13,979 Option 2: A/C: American Standard 4A7A5048N10000A "Silver 15" (16 SEER2); Single stage 3.5 TON FURNACE: American Standard S8X2C100M8PS; 80% efficient; 2 stage, ECM blower Price: 12,569 Option 3: A/C: TRANE XR15 Series Air Conditioner; 4TTR5042N1000 - 3.5-Ton Single Stage 15 SEER AC FURNACE: TRANE S-Series Two Stage 80% Gas Furnace; S8V2B080M4PCAA - Two Stage Price: $11,165 Option 4: A/C: TRANE XR16 Series Air Conditioner; 4PXCCU48BS3HAA - 4-Ton Two Stage 16 SEER AC FURNACE: TRANE S-Series Two Stage 80% Gas Furnace; S8V2B080M5PCAA - Two Stage Price: $12,607 -- UPD...
by daheld
Wed Jul 19, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Our 13 year old Carrier AC unit is on it's last legs. A week ago it froze up, we had the system re-charged but the time has come for replacement. Furnace is 21 years old, so it's time to replace both. Home is 2100 sq ft with a full basement. 1968 ranch. We do not plan to move anytime soon at all. Help me compare the following quotes: Option 1: A/C: Carrier ; 5 stage inverter, variable speed capacity; 4 TON 24VNA948A003 (17 SEER2) FURNACE: Carrier 58TN0A110C21--20; 80% efficient; 2 stage Price: $13,979 Option 2: A/C: American Standard 4A7A5048N10000A "Silver 15" (16 SEER2); Single stage 3.5 TON FURNACE: American Standard S8X2C100M8PS; 80% efficient; 2 stage, ECM blower Price: 12,569 Option 3: A/C: TRANE XR15 Series Air Conditioner...
by daheld
Wed Jul 19, 2023 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Our 13 year old Carrier AC unit is on it's last legs. A week ago it froze up, we had the system re-charged but the time has come for replacement. 1. The rooms furthest from the HVAC system are a bit hot in summer and cold in winter. For this reason, I'm considering a two-stage or variable speed system. Any experience with this issue that one of these systems has helped with? 2. I know SEER ratings matter, but I also think it's usually very unlikely that these high efficiency systems make a ton of difference in a situation like ours--our summer electric bill, in total, has never been more than $190. Winter gas bill has never been more than $150. Thanks! I know you had 5 HVAC technicians quote options... How many of those people who quoted a...
by daheld
Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

I'd go with Option 1 with the Carrier Inverter unit, 2 stage furnace. I'd make sure you get a communicating thermostat to take full advantage of the modulating compressor. We installed a Lennox modulating system last summer. It's like night and day compared to a single stage unit. It's like driving in fine tuned sports car compared to a 1965 F100. You don't even know it's running a lot of the time. I highly recommend it if it's in your price range. We don't have solar panels so a heat pump wouldn't be cost effective with our NG prices. I'm honestly not sure about a fully modulating compressor and communicating thermostat. Our utility bills are already pretty darn low. The house is pretty tight for a house of it's age. It just seems like a ...
by daheld
Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Having just replaced a system, and tried to optimize everything I could, I would try to be really clear in your mind what you are trying to optimize, 1 or 2 things, and see if there is a winner. For example, if you want to optimize noise reduction, depending on where your air handler is, variable speed might be more valuable (a variable speed system might spend a lot of time running at 20% capacity, a 2-stage is only going to go down to 60 or 70% and if your air handler is somewhere that you can easily hear it, that might still be a good bit of noise). If you never hear the current system currently and your humidity control is already good, maybe a variable speed adds a lot of cost and repair complexity without as much of a benefit. If you...
by daheld
Tue Jul 18, 2023 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

The rooms furthest from the HVAC system are a bit hot in summer and cold in winter. For this reason, I'm considering a two-stage or variable speed system. Any experience with this issue that one of these systems has helped with? Thanks! We installed a Trane XV20i variable speed last year. I don't know how it compares to the models you have listed but I am happy with the variable speed. I have noticed that the indoor humidity levels are much lower. Energy usage is lower, although I'm not sure if I'll recoup the cost with the savings. Appreciate the feedback. I initially considered a heat pump, but kind of to your point, I'm not convinced the investment will save us enough money to make it worth it. I am leaning toward getting a two-stage sy...
by daheld
Tue Jul 18, 2023 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

I don't know enough to specifically advise among the options, but if you are not aware, American Standard is made by TRANE, and Silver is actually their lowest of 3 production lines (Silver, Gold, Platinum). Since you are complaining about lack of cooling/heating farther away from the unit, you might benefit from a slightly larger unit, so maybe a reason to go for a 4-ton than a 3.5-ton. As long as the SEER ratings all meet minimum standards for your locale, they are likely to be comparable at that level. Do emphasize the quality and trust you have in the installer in the equation. Will they replace the lineset or do a test before reusing the old lineset? Will they take care of any necessary building permits for you, or do they make it a h...
by daheld
Tue Jul 18, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4339

Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Our 13 year old Carrier AC unit is on it's last legs. A week ago it froze up, we had the system re-charged but the time has come for replacement. Furnace is 21 years old, so it's time to replace both. Home is 2100 sq ft with a full basement. 1968 ranch. We do not plan to move anytime soon at all. Help me compare the following quotes: Option 1: A/C: Carrier ; 5 stage inverter, variable speed capacity; 4 TON 24VNA948A003 (17 SEER2) FURNACE: Carrier 58TN0A110C21--20; 80% efficient; 2 stage Price: $13,979 Option 2: A/C: American Standard 4A7A5048N10000A "Silver 15" (16 SEER2); Single stage 3.5 TON FURNACE: American Standard S8X2C100M8PS; 80% efficient; 2 stage, ECM blower Price: 12,569 Option 3: A/C: TRANE XR15 Series Air Conditioner;...
by daheld
Fri Jun 23, 2023 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Federal Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Replies: 9
Views: 1904

Re: Federal Tax Credit for Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Does anyone know if you are able to claim a credit related to the current Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 if you have previously claimed a credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005? As I understand it, the energy efficiency savings related to the IRA are not tax credits, but direct rebates given at the time of purchase. The time that these savings become available will differ by state, because, to my understanding, the program was established on a federal level but is still being fleshed out and will be administered by individual states. Once federal regulations around the program are fully written, it will be up to the states to establish their programs and determine how the program will be administered. I checked with my state DOE, and ...
by daheld
Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which route for car purchase, budget shortfall coming
Replies: 56
Views: 4817

Re: Which route for car purchase, budget shortfall coming

If I were in this situation, one thing I would immediately do it explore the possibility of term life insurance instead of life and disability insurance. You don't provide any specifics on your policy offers, but I pay $28/month for a $750,000 20 year term policy.
by daheld
Fri May 05, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: lighting for deck steps
Replies: 13
Views: 1398

Re: lighting for deck steps

I know you specifically mentioned not wanting something with wiring, but if you have an outdoor outlet, low voltage is incredibly easy to DIY. Just this weekend I installed some low voltage landscape lighting from Volt Lighting. Cannot recommend highly enough.
by daheld
Fri Apr 28, 2023 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Awkward Vanguard Personal Advisor call
Replies: 30
Views: 5168

Re: Awkward Vanguard Personal Advisor call

The most helpful thing for us was that it provided a buffer to not make any rash investment decisions. Definitely an underrated point. In my 3 decades of investing now my biggest lesson is that we are each our own worst enemy and the behavioral mistakes we make are the most costly over time. It almost doesn't even matter what advice the advisor gives; it's all about preventing us from making changes. :) Agreed. We got married in the spring of 2016. Combined accounts and made investments in accordance with our desired AA, etc. By the end of 2016, I was convinced the electoral turmoil was going to crater the markets. I am really glad we were using PAS and that buffer existed, because I probably would have made a stupid decision. I think I ha...
by daheld
Fri Apr 28, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Awkward Vanguard Personal Advisor call
Replies: 30
Views: 5168

Re: Awkward Vanguard Personal Advisor call

We used PAS for a few years, and I definitely believe it has it's place. My wife and I used it right after we got married, as we combined taxable investment accounts and set a plan in place for our financial future. It was not a bad experience, per se, but after a few years we found it unnecessary. I self-manage our investments, with input and consultation/running things by my wife. I am not an expert by any means, and this forum has been immensely helpful. I think at 0.3%, if it provides sufficient peace of mind it can be worth it. On the other hand, I found the general investment/financial planning advice we got from our advisor to be basically useless and just kind of common sense stuff. The most helpful thing for us was that it provided...
by daheld
Mon Apr 03, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to track expenses? Quicken or …?
Replies: 117
Views: 10028

Re: Best way to track expenses? Quicken or …?

We are meeting our savings goals, but I’d like to get a handle on where we are spending the rest of our money (i.e. groceries, eating out, travel, etc.) Most of our charges go on an Amex card, but their “spending report” is pretty useless since the categories are so broad. What tools exist that are easy to use and helpful? Quicken seems to be getting more expensive and now requires a monthly subscription, but I haven’t really tried it in years. YNAB doesn’t seem like a good fit since we don’t really need a budget (and our income is highly variable from month to month). I don’t want to spend a ton of time manually trying to do a spreadsheet either. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I built a pretty simple pivot table. We have about four...
by daheld
Mon Apr 03, 2023 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

We are in a quite similar position in terms of employment (1 Fed), income, housing and overall expenses. We are further ahead on our investments but we are also about 5 years older and do not have children. I think your investment choices seem pretty solid. Your AA is slightly higher on the stock side as compared to us but we had a nearly identical AA to you at your age. We chose to reduce our stock allocation after hitting 25x expenses as we are on the more conservative side and have chosen to go with 65/35 for the foreseeable future. It helps us sleep well at night. We are likely over-saving too but since we don't feel we are denying ourselves some "wants" I figure "make hay while the sun shines". I second the idea of...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

I don’t see any mention of a 529 college savings account for your 4 year old. Why aren’t you contributing to a 529 college savings plan so that money can grow state & Federal tax free & can be taken out state & Federal tax free for qualified college expenses? If all the 529 money isn’t used for college expenses, $35k can be used to fund your child’s Roth IRA if the 529 account is open for 15 years. Of course, your child has to have earned income & up to the annual maximum contribution amount each year. I would fund no more than 3 years of in-state college costs to make sure the 529 isn’t over funded. You can save the other 1 year of college costs in a taxable account to be on the safe. bill We are! :D 529: $31,000 balance, ...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

If you are interested in this discussion, please provide the amount in each account type:Roth, Tax-deferred, and taxable. KlangFool A) Roth account: 25% B) Tax deferred account: 50% C) Taxable account: 25% With only 500K in your tax-deferred account, why would you pay 20+% taxes during retirement? 500K/25 (4% SWR) = 20K per year. And, you have many years to do Roth conversion before social security income kick in. KlangFool I am very confused by this response. Thanks for your time. 1) You have only 500K in your tax-deferred account. If you withdraw 4% per year, it is 20K per year. 2) Your pension is 36K per year. 3) Your retirement income is 20K + 36K = 56K per year. 4) So, why do you think you will pay more taxes in retirement (56K) than ...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

1) How much of your portfolio is in A) Roth account B) Tax deferred account C) Taxable account 2) Why do you think by contributing to the tax-deferred account and put the tax savings into your taxable account would not give you better tax diversification? 3) There is no balance in your portfolio now. You have too much money in the Roth account. You are paying too much taxes. 4) Your pension income is 36K per year and your social security income is 60K per year. 5) Please explain how you will pay more taxes in retirement than now? Especially most of your money is in the Roth account. KlangFool Most of our money is not in a Roth account. Roughly 1/4 of our total retirement portfolio is in Roth dollars. If you are interested in this discussio...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

What’s your estimate of your pension at MRA, and your Social Security? Does your $60,000 expenses today carryover to retirement? My guess is that you are oversaving, given that you plan to work until MRA. If $60,000/year in expenses is correct, then why do you need to save $59,000/year for retirement? I will probably get somewhere around $3,000/month in FERS pension at MRA. SS between by wife and I will likely be around $5,000 per month total. I have run the numbers exactly before, and this is an estimate from what I remember. We'd both like to travel quite a bit in retirement, and I would like to build a cabin on some family land at some point. So expenses will increase but likely not exorbitantly. I understand we are likely saving more t...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

daheld, "plus some of my TSP is in Roth and I have about half my future TSP contributions as Roth contributions." In summary, you are paying a lot more taxes unnecessary by contributing to the Roth TSP now. KlangFool Hi Klangfool, As you know, it's a balancing act between paying taxes on the Roth now versus paying later, in retirement, on traditional distributions. I have taken what I consider to be a relatively middle-of-the-road approach, but I don't mind hearing your thoughts on a better option if you care to give it. Thanks for your critiques. 1) How much of your portfolio is in A) Roth account B) Tax deferred account C) Taxable account 2) Why do you think by contributing to the tax-deferred account and put the tax savings in...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

What’s your estimate of your pension at MRA, and your Social Security? Does your $60,000 expenses today carryover to retirement? My guess is that you are oversaving, given that you plan to work until MRA. If $60,000/year in expenses is correct, then why do you need to save $59,000/year for retirement? I will probably get somewhere around $3,000/month in FERS pension at MRA. SS between by wife and I will likely be around $5,000 per month total. I have run the numbers exactly before, and this is an estimate from what I remember. We'd both like to travel quite a bit in retirement, and I would like to build a cabin on some family land at some point. So expenses will increase but likely not exorbitantly. daheld, "plus some of my TSP is in ...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

We are in a quite similar position in terms of employment (1 Fed), income, housing and overall expenses. We are further ahead on our investments but we are also about 5 years older and do not have children. I think your investment choices seem pretty solid. Your AA is slightly higher on the stock side as compared to us but we had a nearly identical AA to you at your age. We chose to reduce our stock allocation after hitting 25x expenses as we are on the more conservative side and have chosen to go with 65/35 for the foreseeable future. It helps us sleep well at night. We are likely over-saving too but since we don't feel we are denying ourselves some "wants" I figure "make hay while the sun shines". I second the idea of...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

What’s your estimate of your pension at MRA, and your Social Security? Does your $60,000 expenses today carryover to retirement? My guess is that you are oversaving, given that you plan to work until MRA. If $60,000/year in expenses is correct, then why do you need to save $59,000/year for retirement? I will probably get somewhere around $3,000/month in FERS pension at MRA. SS between by wife and I will likely be around $5,000 per month total. I have run the numbers exactly before, and this is an estimate from what I remember. We'd both like to travel quite a bit in retirement, and I would like to build a cabin on some family land at some point. So expenses will increase but likely not exorbitantly. daheld, "plus some of my TSP is in ...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

somedays wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:38 pm Any reason you prefer TSP over Roth TSP?
We have $170k in Roth IRAs and are maxing both Roth's yearly, plus some of my TSP is in Roth and I have about half my future TSP contributions as Roth contributions.
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

What’s your estimate of your pension at MRA, and your Social Security? Does your $60,000 expenses today carryover to retirement? My guess is that you are oversaving, given that you plan to work until MRA. If $60,000/year in expenses is correct, then why do you need to save $59,000/year for retirement? I will probably get somewhere around $3,000/month in FERS pension at MRA. SS between by wife and I will likely be around $5,000 per month total. I have run the numbers exactly before, and this is an estimate from what I remember. We'd both like to travel quite a bit in retirement, and I would like to build a cabin on some family land at some point. So expenses will increase but likely not exorbitantly. I understand we are likely saving more t...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Re: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

Questions: 1. We hope to retire at 55 (her) and 57 (me), which will be my minimum retirement age. We will both be covered by FEHB healthcare in retirement. Does retiring at this age seem feasible? 2. Any thoughts on our international exposure? I am always a bit leery and it seems sort of high, but I know it's not outside the norm. Open to thoughts. 3. Anything we could be doing better or that we're not thinking of/are missing? 1. Yes, it seems feasible. 2. I think the international exposure is fine, keep it above 30% of stock for the full diversification benefit. 3. You might benefit from running the numbers to see if paying extra on the mortgage ($150/month) is still worthwhile. With interest rates climbing like they have, it could be bet...
by daheld
Fri Mar 31, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!
Replies: 27
Views: 2073

Portfolio/Retirement Checkup; Input Requested!

Details of our retirement savings and financial picture below, with questions following. Mostly looking for a checkup and to make sure there's nothing we're missing. We've kind of been on autopilot the last few years, which I realize is the point. :D Ages: 38 and 36. I am a fed, covered by a FERS pension. One child, 4 years old. Do not plan for more. Emergency funds: ~10-12 months split between PNC savings and Vanguard Money Market fund. Debt: Mortgage $149k, 20 year fixed rate 3.25%. Refi'd in May 2020. Paying about $150/month extra and mortgage will be paid off in about 2037. Home purchased 2018 for $294,000. Do not plan on moving. Tax Filing Status: MFJ Tax Rate: 22% Federal, 6% State State of Residence: MO Income: $190-$205k, MCOL Midwe...
by daheld
Thu Mar 30, 2023 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Speed queen owners- TR5 or TC5? Any issues?
Replies: 13
Views: 3769

Re: Speed queen owners- TR5 or TC5? Any issues?

We bought a TC5 last year after our 25 year old Amana quit. In terms of mechanics, it is nearly identical to the old Amana, which is what I wanted. It's simple with essentially zero bells and whistles. I was able to work on the Amana very easily on the couple of occasions it broke down, and that's my plan for the SQ. We've had zero issues thus far from the TC5, and I plan to replace our dryer with a matching SQ when it eventually quits.
by daheld
Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volt Landscape Lighting Question
Replies: 5
Views: 625

Re: Volt Landscape Lighting Question

jm1495 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:23 pm Check on the volt forum too. They are helpful in providing guidance and design ideas.
THANK YOU! I somehow missed there was a forum on their site. After just a few minutes I think I may have figured out a solution.
by daheld
Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volt Landscape Lighting Question
Replies: 5
Views: 625

Re: Volt Landscape Lighting Question

mkc wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:26 pm I don't recall Volt offering a soffit downlight recess/puck, since their lights don't have a diffuser over the bulb. Their downlights have a shade over them so you can't look straight at the LED). Per the Volt website, "Care should be taken with these fixtures that they are never within direct view of the occupants since the unobstructed LED chips are very bright when viewed directly."

Their suggestions for downlighting are here:

Volt Guide To Outdoor Downlighting
Thanks, I'd found that previously. I really don't like their downlights. Oh well.
by daheld
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volt Landscape Lighting Question
Replies: 5
Views: 625

Volt Landscape Lighting Question

I have read all the landscape lighting threads around here and have a question specifically about Volt lighting solutions for use in soffits. Has anyone installed Volt lighting in soffits, and which product did you use? For some reason, I thought they offered a simple, recessed puck style light, but all I'm seeing are big, gaudy downlights meant for use in trees. Please let me know if you've used Volt products as downlights in soffits, and if you have any tips or pointers.

Thanks!
by daheld
Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car seat:Doona vs travel system
Replies: 29
Views: 2395

Re: Car seat:Doona vs travel system

Highly recommend the Chicco KeyFit 35 - (at least as of two years ago) this is their latest/newest version and is better than the 30 many websites recommend (it works longer before you have to transition them to their next seat). Highly recommend pairing it with a stroller that you can click the seat straight into - for us that was a Baby Jogger Citi Mini with the adapter installed to accept the Chicco car seat, but many options out there depending on your preferences (ours was super light and easy to fold since we have stairs to deal with). You have to remember you'll have a sequence of situations: (1) to start, they need an infant aeat both in the car and in the stroller. So ideally you want that to be the same seat including to make sle...
by daheld
Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Shouldn't lifestyle creep be accepted?
Replies: 96
Views: 10515

Re: Shouldn't lifestyle creep be accepted?

Wannaretireearly wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:49 am It’s definitely crept up on me. Luckily income has also gone up.
I’m still of the opinion the 1/3 rule is an amazing target. Save 1/3 gross, taxes on 1/3 gross, and spend roughly 1/3 gross. It’s a recipe for success all around imo.
This is where I've settled too. We still think about our spending, but worry about it a lot less. We max both 401ks, both Roths, and contribute to a taxable brokerage and 529. When I add it all up, we save 32.8% of our gross income. I'm comfortable with saving at our current level and spending the rest.
by daheld
Thu Jan 26, 2023 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits
Replies: 52
Views: 9991

Re: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits

Thanks for this. It is really helpful. We have a furnace and water heater that are both between 15 and 20 years old. I am really hoping both make it until this program is implemented and we can take advantage of the point of sale rebates. According to the calculator, we can't make more than $129k before falling off the rebate cliff. We made about $12k more than that last year, but that was with $20k extra income due to the sale of a classic car. I am thinking for this one year we will make all of our 401k contributions traditional in order to lower our AGI and hopefully stay under the income limit. Again, thanks for putting this together. I've been googling for months but kind of struggling to link all the pieces together. I got in touch w...
by daheld
Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Zion National Park in Feb
Replies: 13
Views: 2099

Re: Zion National Park in Feb

I would stick to Zion and focus on just hitting one NP. While driving through southern Utah is beautiful, I prefer to spend my time hiking and not seeing the scenery through a windshield. As someone else suggested, Valley of Fire is a good route to drive.
by daheld
Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FEHB For New Hire
Replies: 30
Views: 2870

Re: FEHB For New Hire

I use the APWU Consumer Driven plan and I've been really, really satisfied with it.
by daheld
Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits
Replies: 52
Views: 9991

Re: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits

Thanks for this. It is really helpful. We have a furnace and water heater that are both between 15 and 20 years old. I am really hoping both make it until this program is implemented and we can take advantage of the point of sale rebates. According to the calculator, we can't make more than $129k before falling off the rebate cliff. We made about $12k more than that last year, but that was with $20k extra income due to the sale of a classic car. I am thinking for this one year we will make all of our 401k contributions traditional in order to lower our AGI and hopefully stay under the income limit. Again, thanks for putting this together. I've been googling for months but kind of struggling to link all the pieces together. I got in touch wi...
by daheld
Wed Jan 25, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Standing Desk vs. Standing Desk Riser
Replies: 16
Views: 1402

Re: Standing Desk vs. Standing Desk Riser

Bought this on Black Friday as I started a hybrid position earlier this month. Really satisfied thus far.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexispot-EC1W-R ... r=8-5&th=1