Search found 32 matches

by mike512usa
Fri Oct 27, 2023 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Broken washing machine/laundry center. Repair or replace?
Replies: 20
Views: 2321

Re: Broken washing machine/laundry center. Repair or replace?

I'm mostly in the camp that you either fix it yourself (which is usually way easier than you think) or just buy a new one when it gets that old. Modern appliances are just disposable now, if you have one that's 14 years old (and a Frigidaire which is an economy brand) I'd just buy a new one if I couldnt fix it myself. I would say 8-10 years is pretty common with appliances now. When you pay someone hundreds of dollars to repair, likely to just have more problems around the corner. There's obvious exceptions for high end stuff, but the era of appliances going several decades is long gone. Same here. If you can't fix it yourself, the cost of repair for a 14 yo system is just not worth it. I have space so I bought separate units that are Spee...
by mike512usa
Mon Oct 23, 2023 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming: YoutubeTV vs Philo
Replies: 40
Views: 3527

Re: Streaming: YoutubeTV vs Philo

Have you tried some of the free streaming services such as Pluto, Crackle or Tubi? Pluto imitates cable TV. Pluto even has a channel guide, lots of news channels, and some sports. Just a thought.
by mike512usa
Sat Dec 25, 2021 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, My Dad - good gift for dad?
Replies: 26
Views: 4159

Re: Rich Dad, Poor Dad, My Dad - good gift for dad?

Good choice on the gift. I always found the book Rich Dad was a put down on the biological dad. I like the information and the you can do it attitude. It seems that the author had father issues. I have read that the rich dad was fictional and that the author still has issues with his father who is deceased.
by mike512usa
Sat Aug 28, 2021 1:18 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Dubai Legal Issues
Replies: 4
Views: 2513

Re: Dubai Legal Issues

Cruise wrote: Sat Aug 28, 2021 1:14 pm Your brother-in-law is toast unless he gets a lawyer. He should contact the Philippines' embassy pronto and get a referral. Don't expect to see him soon unless you visit Dubai. The best help you can get him is to help pay his attorney's fees.
A lawyer is my natural reaction as well. I am a bit worried about Dubai. Is your advice based on any knowledge of Dubai? I am quite ignorant of the place other than general knowledge.
by mike512usa
Sat Aug 28, 2021 1:11 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Dubai Legal Issues
Replies: 4
Views: 2513

Dubai Legal Issues

I just got off the phone with my brother in law in Dubai. He has been living/working in Dubai and had rented three apartments on a year lease which he was subleasing. Due to the economy aka covid he is now in the hole. He owes approximately 10k US and is being sued in court. He is under a travel restriction and can not leave the country. He is a Philippine citizen/passport holder. He is going to court in a couple of weeks without a lawyer. He states the cost of a lawyer is 20-40% of what he owes. I don't mind helping out but don't really feel like throwing down 10k help. He estimates it would take him 3-4 years to pay the 10k off. I know this is a unusual situation. Thoughts? Would he be better with a lawyer? Is bankruptcy a possibility in ...
by mike512usa
Thu Dec 03, 2020 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better & Origination Fee
Replies: 8
Views: 712

Re: Better & Origination Fee

seawolf21 wrote: Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:52 pm Who reduced the loan and was this done before or after lock?

The loan was reduced due to closing costs going from being included in the loan to being paid cash AND I paid about 8K down on the loan that will be refinanced. I had extra cash just sitting around so I used it. Was that wrong? This was all done after the rate lock.
by mike512usa
Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better & Origination Fee
Replies: 8
Views: 712

Re: Better & Origination Fee

The house appraised at $516K. The loan amount changed from $180K to $172K. No other changes. I have not been real impressed with Better. I know that there are other, better rates out there but many did not want to deal with such a low loan amount.

I have already prepaid for the appraisal which was $450 and this loan is all done but the signing so I am not real excited about walking but it really ticks me off that they have pulled what seems like a bait and switch at the last moment.
by mike512usa
Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better & Origination Fee
Replies: 8
Views: 712

Re: Better & Origination Fee

So far this has been their response:

I received additional information and while I'm not licensed to speak to these changes I can provide some additional context. Usually there are thresholds for pricing so if the LTV was above 75% beforehand and drops to below 75%, there may be a large hit (usually may increase) to pricing. Same thing if loan amount, for example, is $300k and you reduce it <$300k the pricing can worsen quite a bit. I'm uncertain of what all the thresholds are and I can't speak to pricing but those are the most common reasons for why pricing changes. Alternatively changes to, DTI, occupancy or property type can also cause large changes to pricing.


Sounds very sketchy to me.
by mike512usa
Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better & Origination Fee
Replies: 8
Views: 712

Better & Origination Fee

I received an email from Better mortgage company that has me confused. I sent an email questioning why the loan origination fee amount had changed and below is the response that I received. My confusion is that she states the title co. determines the origination fee?! The amount should not change unless the dollar amount of loan goes up. This whole process with Better has been odd. At one point I asked for an updated closing cost estimate because I changed from including closing costs in the loan to paying them in cash at closing. Mrs. Smith acted like that was some big inconvenience and I had to ask multiple times. The property (which I have lived at for 19 years) cleared the title and later she said there was an issue & was not clear ...
by mike512usa
Wed Sep 30, 2020 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401K Overpayment - Ex Employer Asking for Money Back
Replies: 173
Views: 15899

Re: 401K Overpayment - Ex Employer Asking for Money Back

Ok well you scared me enough to at least be a bit more proactive about this. I'm going to send this letter. What do you guys think? do you want for me to polite or honest with? If honest - you can write any number of letters you wish, and send it to whoever you want , it would not matter at all. - your former employer will not do anything with your letter as they can not do anything with your letter. they have zero relationship with you at this point. - instead, I suspect original letter came from the plan administrator. by law, in order for retirement plan to be 'qualified', there are specific rules spelled out in very large piece of legislation congress passed almost 50 years ago (look up 'ERISA'). One of such rules is that plan is a sep...
by mike512usa
Sun Sep 13, 2020 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Streaming Service
Replies: 24
Views: 2925

Re: Best Streaming Service

I pay for Netflix & Hulu and occasionally use the free stuff with commercials. Crackle has several shows that I like which are unique to Crackle. The Roku channel, Tubi, Pluto and even Youtube has occasional stuff worth watching.
by mike512usa
Thu Jul 16, 2020 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who switched my windshield wiper arms?
Replies: 69
Views: 9682

Re: Who switched my windshield wiper arms?

My mom told me a story about when she was younger and being with a female relative. They went to a store and upon coming out her car would not start. My mom's female relative without hesitation swapped batteries with the car next to her and away she went. My mom at a young age was just shocked and did not know what to say.
by mike512usa
Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CALPERS Needs 7% Return
Replies: 107
Views: 15601

Re: CALPERS Needs 7% Return

Do future hires already get the full pension benefit in CalPERS? The only allowable reduction would be for "not yet hired" people or removal of COLAs for those "not yet retired". They will back fill the portfolio the way state governments do for obligations: borrowing or revenue increases. In other words, if they need 7% return, they'll get it somehow, just not via the markets. I contribute 7.5% of my salary to the pension system in my state, which is also the target return. We also do not have COLAs and never have. Is CA a state in which employees contribute nothing (or very little) to their pension and have COLAs? -TheDDC 13% Contribution for BU6. Other Bargaining Units vary but are in a close range. Newer employees w...
by mike512usa
Tue Jan 14, 2020 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Remodel
Replies: 14
Views: 2183

Re: Bathroom Remodel

iamlucky13 wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2020 4:38 pm However, from what you've described so far, I don't see a contractual recourse to require it as a condition of paying the full amount if he is ultimately fixing the problems. I think you're counting on him to recognize his mistake cost you unnecessary time and money, and to accept it as a way to salvage his reputation and hopefully earn future business.
Yes.

I had assumed that he was going to subcontract out the glass but as others have said it seems this will be a lesson learned for me. Thanks to everyone for their input.
by mike512usa
Tue Jan 14, 2020 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Remodel
Replies: 14
Views: 2183

Bathroom Remodel

We are having our bathroom remodeled. I did the main demo with just a false wall about four feet long needed to be removed. It includes a walk in closet 12'x12', bathroom 12'x14', toilet room 3'x6'. I felt the price was fair, $16,500 to include tile install, change out window, custom shower pan, paint, install toilet, cabinet, etc. The contract included us taking care of the cost of cabinet, toilet, lights, finishing items. Not mentioned was the shower glass install. I feel this should be included. Is shower glass normally excluded? We have had the usual remodel nightmares. We have had hot water issues for several weeks due to how he did the valve install. He denied for days that he caused it but finally acknowledged it after talking to his...
by mike512usa
Sun Nov 17, 2019 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney plus streaming deal
Replies: 56
Views: 8332

Re: Disney plus streaming deal

I am doing the 7 day trial. I won't be going beyond the trial period. Too little content. The Disney Vault has ten movies. Lots of old TV shows for Marvel and Disney. I know that new content from Disney/Marvel/Star Wars is going to be limited. I don't really care for Star Wars. If they can not put ALL of the Marvel and Disney movies on the service than they really are not committed to this service.
by mike512usa
Mon May 20, 2019 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disposing of Residential Landscaping Rocks, Concrete, etc...
Replies: 22
Views: 2510

Re: Disposing of Residential Landscaping Rocks, Concrete, etc...

I shove everything into my regular 90gal trash can. I have an old mower in there right now. I had to take the engine and wheels off for it to fit. The engine and wheels went last week. Next week, I will start clearing out the attic again. I have been tossing boxes of old business records and junk. If it is too big than I break it up or take it apart. It's free and good excercise.
by mike512usa
Thu Apr 04, 2019 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Landlord looking to buy out my lease. Whats a reasonable price?
Replies: 75
Views: 7324

Re: Landlord looking to buy out my lease. Whats a reasonable price?

I would ask some clarifying questions to feel him out. How soon does he want you out? Would he be willing to pay a professional moving to expedite the move? If it is an ASAP move, I would state that it would be possible but my costs would increase drastically because of limited time to search, possible storage costs, moving costs, time costs, etc. Is this what he is looking for? If so I would ask for the four months rent, moving expenses, and costs for the inconvenience. I suspect that it is an ASAP thing otherwise why ask to cut short a four month lease.
by mike512usa
Wed Feb 13, 2019 3:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity - Automatic Investment from Payroll Direct Deposit
Replies: 3
Views: 1652

Re: Fidelity - Automatic Investment from Payroll Direct Deposit

I have spent several days playing around on the Fidelity website. It appears you can do this under accounts & trades > update accounts/features > automatic investments . You can choose for it to go directly to a fund and not the core account. I have not done this yet but it was nice to discover. Honestly, the fidelity website is a bit overwhelming to me. It has many, many features . . . so many it is like jumping into a rushing river to me. At times it seems useful info is hard to discover. I was attempting to find the return on my Core position which was FDIC deposits. Never cared before because I don't keep funds in it but I was going to park some possibly. That was an adventure to discover the info.
by mike512usa
Sun Feb 10, 2019 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity - Automatic Investment from Payroll Direct Deposit
Replies: 3
Views: 1652

Re: Fidelity - Automatic Investment from Payroll Direct Deposit

I don't know if it is just me but their cash core thing is stupid. If I wanted that I would just set up another fund, fund that and transfer funds when needed to wherever. This forces you to fund the cash core then transfer which is redundant to me. I don't see any other way around it. If there is please let me know. Fidelity is a secondary IRA account that I fund so I have just recently been playing with their website. I have found the websites of my pension fund, 401k/457s, and vanguard much easier to use.
by mike512usa
Tue Dec 25, 2018 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Holidays for extra money.
Replies: 64
Views: 5679

Re: Working Holidays for extra money.

I am a correctional peace officer for the state of California. 2.5x pay for the holidays. I usually pass. I usually pass on the overtime as well. I will normally only work overtime when required. I am 50 and it is not worth my time. I would rather spend it with the family besides at 100k per year before taxes and deductions I don't feel the need.
by mike512usa
Fri Aug 31, 2018 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Decent compensation to move to Bay Area CA?
Replies: 290
Views: 29279

Re: Decent compensation to move to Bay Area CA?

[/quote] As HEDGEFUNDIE said... Houses are a LOT more expensive here $320K wont get you a studio unless you go way outside the cities.... You will be paying much more in state taxes too. 529 contributions, if they apply to you, are not state tax deductible in CA. In addition to that Gas and day care will cost more, and you'll spend a big proportion of your time sitting in traffic. Take the job if you want to live in the Bay Area, or if its an awesome opportunity you are excited about. Financially though, it doesn't look like its going to be a good deal for you. Ask the company about full time remote work. They might be open to it. [/quote] I live in Manteca (approx 1.5 hours from SF bay area) in a 5br 2600sq ft house of average quality wort...
by mike512usa
Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wife's new Job and Tax Question
Replies: 2
Views: 520

Wife's new Job and Tax Question

My wife has gotten a part time job as a home health care aide. She works a registry (?) and thru them United Cerebral Palsy locations. It is not much money but she enjoys it. I feel that it helps her get a more realistic view of "life", offers her opportunities to interact with people, and a bit of spending money. My question/concern is how they pay her. They pay her $12 per hour and it appears that she gets ALL of that without any deductions for medicare, social security, with holding for taxes, etc. It seems to be some kind of independent contractor setup? I have done some basic research online but I am really unfamiliar with this type of arrangement. I know it is not much money but don't want to get blind sided with a big tax b...
by mike512usa
Fri Feb 23, 2018 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good Hotel in DC
Replies: 46
Views: 5108

Re: Good Hotel in DC

there can be a dramatic difference in hotel rates and availability depending on the day of the week and time of the year. This is right on the money. Plan your dates of travel carefully - a Thursday to Monday stay might be a third of the cost of a Monday to Thursday stay at the same hotel the same week. DC's Metro system isn't perfect, but it works reasonably well and can get you to most of the attractions conveniently and is far preferable to trying to navigate the area by car. I'd particularly recommend hotels located close to stations on the orange/blue/silver or red lines. I hope that I am not hijacking anyone's thread. If it is bad form please let me know. I too was planning on visiting D.C. later this year. I have a mad plan about dr...
by mike512usa
Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it good idea to buy yearly maintenance from HVAC company
Replies: 14
Views: 2553

Re: Is it good idea to buy yearly maintenance from HVAC company

I have been at my home almost 16 years now. The home was brand new when I moved in. I have had the HVAC tech out twice over that time and it cost around $100 each time. Minor stuff like blown fuses. I have not had it serviced once. One company put in new energy efficient fans etc. through some energy conservation deal that cost me zero. I am sure at some point I will have to drop some money into it or just replace the whole thing. I don't a service plan would cover a major overhaul or replacement so it has all been money saved in my opinion. I don't generally believe in insurance/service plans/warranties. I carry term life and health and that is it. That has been my experience.
by mike512usa
Wed Dec 13, 2017 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have a Variable Appreciable Life Insurance Policy - should I ditch it?
Replies: 5
Views: 734

Re: Have a Variable Appreciable Life Insurance Policy - should I ditch it?

Not knowing the specifics it is hard to judge value of either decision. My gut instinct would be to cash out and invest the proceeds after getting a term life policy. Policies other than term seem to be overly complicated which to my simple mind says that it is not worth it. I see too many things hiding behind legalese to obscure their real value. A tool for each job usually works best.
by mike512usa
Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much did you contribute to your 401k in 2017?
Replies: 155
Views: 17132

Re: How much did you contribute to your 401k in 2017?

457: Approx 13k for the entire year
401: Approx 1.5k for the entire year
IRAs: Approx 3-5k
Age 49 and Married

I feel like the under achiever in the group but I know that I am a freak at work. We make 90k+ before taxes. One guy hit 250k. Even still most are amazed that I save so much but to me it is normal. I have a nicer house than most, decent cars, the toys that I want, kids do scouts & music lessons. I do separate savings for the kids college funds. I have some really cool toys. I am not depriving my family of anything so why not save. I just get blank stares most of the time.
by mike512usa
Sat Dec 09, 2017 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2017 Tax Software $9.95 , State $14.95
Replies: 61
Views: 14427

Re: H&R Block 2017 Tax Software $9.95 , State $14.95

Thanks. I got the Deluxe and will start filling out form soon. I always start early to make sure that I that I take every legal deduction possible.
by mike512usa
Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Savor credit card
Replies: 20
Views: 2951

Re: Savor credit card

The main cards I use

Costco's Citicard

Costco Gas 4%
Restaurants/Travel 3%
Costco 2%
Other 1%

Capital One

Everything 1.5%

Barclay Card

Grocery 2%
Other 1%
by mike512usa
Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "I took all my money out of the stock market and it feels amazing"
Replies: 69
Views: 12355

Re: "I took all my money out of the stock market and it feels amazing"

sport wrote: Tue Nov 07, 2017 4:20 pm With most investing decisions, I have concluded that "all or nothing" is seldom the best approach. If your allocation is too risky for your taste, sure, cut back. However, this does not mean that you need to cut all the way back to zero! Sometimes life does not turn out the way one might project. Having a growth component on one's portfolio, even if a smaller percentage, is probably a good idea.

Well said and I advice I would recommend.
by mike512usa
Sun Nov 05, 2017 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Income for disabled young adult
Replies: 6
Views: 1086

Re: Income for disabled young adult

This is a very difficult and emotional situation. I had some cousins that were mentally retarded (not sure if that is PC). The two boys were blessed with a family that took care of them. As my aunt and uncle got older they made arrangements for their brothers to take care of them. The two boys were also blessed with brothers that were willing to take over their care. I feel that having a responsible, caring and honest guardian may be your biggest concern. Once the money is gone there are programs/assistance that will be available but it can also be a battle to get it. It is good that you are planning this now.
by mike512usa
Thu Nov 02, 2017 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When a "credit union" is not a credit union
Replies: 9
Views: 2172

Re: When a "credit union" is not a credit union

I have always been a fan of credit unions but they seem to have lost their advantages with the arrival of internet banks. Perhaps an internet credit union?