Search found 178 matches

by CMD1
Wed Nov 08, 2023 12:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]
Replies: 81
Views: 8601

Re: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]

We bought in west Seattle in 2021 (still low rates) and make a fraction of your family and it works with having an ADU help with the mortgage. There is a very long history of above average appreciation here. Quality of life is high, walking to the beach is great. Housing is expensive, kind of like Boston or NYC back east, sounds like you are coming from a smaller, affordable market where the cost of your house would only cover the cost of the lot here. Like any larger metro sometimes you have to cast your net farther than just pricy Bellevue.
by CMD1
Sun Jun 25, 2023 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement progress check-in; dealing with fear and regret
Replies: 92
Views: 12405

Re: Retirement progress check-in; dealing with fear and regret

You won't hear this much here, but you will be fine, as long as you keep socking away in your retirement accounts. Taxable is all the rage nowadays because of favorable tax treatment but your right to worry it could impact college as retirement funds are generally not considered in the formula. This is a wonderful start for your age and if you're lifestyle is modest enough you obviously will have options down the road.

Focus on your retirement accounts and keep putting money in, and keep that discipline fund focus in those plans and you'll be set.
by CMD1
Tue Jun 06, 2023 12:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel rewards credit cards
Replies: 41
Views: 4466

Re: Travel rewards credit cards

I've always been a cash rewards card person, but have been considering the Alaska rewards cards for a couple reasons.
1. 50k bonus points hopefully to help with a future europe trip
2. companion pass to take our kids to Costa Rica without breaking the bank
by CMD1
Tue May 09, 2023 12:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I need a new credit card. Recommendations?
Replies: 53
Views: 4691

Re: I need a new credit card. Recommendations?

I love the Fidelity card, simple 2% and it does show up on your fidelity log in page.
by CMD1
Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

Has anyone gone through Costco for their furnace? The vendor Costco uses in our area wanted 100% paid before they get to the job site. They claim the funds are held by Costco until completion but have nothing to back that up. This was disclosed after the contract and the contract also didn't back this up. Seems like a non starter, but have any other Costco customers faced this?
by CMD1
Wed Mar 08, 2023 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you go for walks?
Replies: 175
Views: 17254

Re: Do you go for walks?

This might sound silly but I am thinking about taking up walking more actively. However, I had a colleague that seriously damaged their feet from walking too much (they were doing over 30 miles a week). Does anyone recommend a good type of walking shoes if you start doing it more? Altra trail runners for everything: asphalt, concrete, rocks, sand, mountain trails, muddy swamps, cushiony forest floors, rooty forest floors. Just don't start with 10 miles day. Work up to that and then even longer, say 30 miles a day. I think something else damaged the feet of your colleague. For many of my walks I am carrying a pack holding 15 lbs and up of weight. But I didn't start like that. I eased into it. I was a lifelong runner who ran in races from 5K...
by CMD1
Sun Mar 05, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

Thanks everyone. I can keep getting quotes, but eventually I will run out of companies on the Mitsubishi preferred list.

So far we have 7 quotes, not all quoted Mitsubishi but for HPs the quotes range from $17k to $31k ($17k didnt check out very good in thoroughness or online reviews). Labor is really expensive here (one contract said the 2nd highest in the country) but I have no doubt they are also taking advantage of the interest level and the fact everyone cares about being green here. When I ask them they all say they sell far and away more heat pumps than gas.

It should be mentioned this is for a Mitsubishi with their cold climate technology so different needs than someone in the south might require.
by CMD1
Sun Mar 05, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

I'm surprised your furnace failed after only 10 years. You might find the heat exchanger is warrantied to last 10 years, or maybe not. It is worth checking your paper work, if you have it. A typical mini-split system is probably not what your are looking for. But you might like a system that can split its output. Most likely your best setup would be "mini-split" in the MIL apartment - so she can have both heating and cooling - and you get rid of the wall resistive heaters. The furnace was likely had a bad install, it is a Heil the prior owners put in so not exactly high end, but still. I believe there is potential warranty for parts but then there is that darn expensive labor and who is to say it doesn't happen again. Would going...
by CMD1
Sun Mar 05, 2023 1:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

We took your advice and looked at the manufacturer websites to get names of contractors, thank you. We wanted a heat pump but the cost difference is so hard to overcome - about $8k for a new 2 stage gas furnace vs $25k for a Mitsubishi HP system. This is nuts to me. Did you happen to get a quote with the specific model and part numbers for the Mitsubishi HP? I'd be curious to look up the prices of the models they quoted you. I've seen quotes with $5k in parts and $20k in labor and profit, and I just don't get it. Heat pumps are not a newfangled technology anymore, they don't take that long to install, so how are HVAC companies getting away with that kind of markup? :? Your likely right on, and even though we are in one of the most expensiv...
by CMD1
Thu Mar 02, 2023 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

I can't wait until my 15-year-old furnace and A/C fail so I can upgrade to a heat pump. Could have made a big down payment with my January gas bill! One serious recommendation is to start with heat pump manufacturer's website, look for their certified installers. Don't start with "your local HVAC guy" who will try this out but isn't an expert. Get someone who specializes, and pick a big name manufacturer. We took your advice and looked at the manufacturer websites to get names of contractors, thank you. We wanted a heat pump but the cost difference is so hard to overcome - about $8k for a new 2 stage gas furnace vs $25k for a Mitsubishi HP system. Many of the non Mitsubishi brands say you still need a furnace for when it gets col...
by CMD1
Mon Feb 27, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

after meeting a few vendors, because we have a 4yr old A/C unit, from a financial perspective it doesn't make sense to ditch the AC to switch to a heat pump so we are leaning towards a new furnace. The AC unit likely cost $10-12k and we would essentially be replacing it with a HP.

As an aside, our furnace is only 10 years old and we were told its super rare for a heat exchanger to fail that quickly so we may pay for a second opinion (service call). Also, we discovered our unit is way oversized for our house - 100k BTU, only need max 60k. And as I understand it now we will experience greater comfort even with a new gas furnace (that was one of the selling points for HP's I had read about).
by CMD1
Mon Feb 27, 2023 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

Panky wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:17 pm

- one output from that branch box goes into our ducted furnace set up - so we could take advantage of our existing ducting and air purification
- another output from that branch box goes into a mini split in our master bedroom
- and we have another ~6 outputs off of the branch box we can use for additional mini-split units if/when we need them (considering addition)
Did you put the mini split in the bedroom because it did not have enough comfort (or no duct at all)? Just curious the reason/need for mini splits if your running heat through the ducts. Also, would you be willing to DM me the vendor you used?
by CMD1
Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, super helpful! We had the first vendor out and they recommended replacing with a new gas furnace given we have a high efficiency setup and our AC is only a few years old. He said they sold 50/50 HP/gas but his pitch didn't make it compelling for electric heat pumps, saying there isn't really an monthly energy savings. Will be talking to more vendors.
by CMD1
Wed Feb 22, 2023 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Re: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

No gas lovers yet 🤣. One thing I hear on heat pumps is you need good insulation etc for it to be effective, is this a red flag that without everything perfect it won't be effective? Also, if it heats slowly, does it cool slowly too (ie sleeping hours or when you're not home and may want a lower temp).
by CMD1
Tue Feb 21, 2023 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8262

Re: Miele

Bogle7 wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 8:15 pm
CMD1 wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 6:05 pm...We were shocked to hear...that they take 2-4 hours to run now.
Why?
Energy Star.
The dishwasher runs at night so who cares how long it takes?
Our MIele takes 2+ hours for a normal cycle and we never have to clean the filter.
Yes, my point was these are very different machines than 20 years ago. And from what I understand you aren't likely to get 20 years out of a new one.
by CMD1
Tue Feb 21, 2023 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8262

Re: dishwasher recomendations

We recently went through this. We were shocked to hear we can only expect 5-7 years or 1,500 cycles out of a new dishwasher and that they take 2-4 hours to run now. Full of sensors. We went with a KitchenAid like another poster because of the design of the third row track, very nice.
by CMD1
Tue Feb 21, 2023 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options
Replies: 52
Views: 6253

Gas Furnance Replacement vs Other Options

Well it looks like our heat exchanger has failed and given the age of our furnace, it sounds like a replacement is in order. Not knowing much about this, I would love options, things to watch out for etc.

1. Does it make sense to consider other options like Mini Split/electric heat pump? If so, what are the comfort gains and energy costs savings like?

2. Can I plug and play with my existing A/C unit?

3. What are the key watch outs when pricing a new system?

This is a 3,000 sq ft house, about 2,200 ft of which this is the primary heat source via ducts. The rest has electric radiator heat as primary (MIL apt) with furnance as secondary heat.

We are in Seattle, so mild to somewhat cold winters.
by CMD1
Fri Feb 17, 2023 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone feel like they missed out by not buying real estate?
Replies: 232
Views: 37729

Re: Anyone feel like they missed out by not buying real estate?

Of course. But you won't get that consensus on here, and on real estate forums you'll generally get anti stock folks. Real estate is a long term game but over decades if bought right it pays great via debt pay down, rental income, appreciation and favorable tax laws. Of course results are neighborhood specific and lots of horror stories, just like there is buying meme stocks. Most of us sell real estate way too much during our lives.
by CMD1
Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million
Replies: 225
Views: 36352

Re: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million

strummer6969 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 11:07 pm
Maverick3320 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:28 pm I guess I'll be the curmudgeon here...is there anything actionable about this thread other than to compare yourself to others?

Posts with titles like this could be misconstrued by those that aren't Bogleheads.
Agreed. Wealth comparisons are silly. I don't see any benefit at all to these types of threads.
I find these very motivational and reinforces to keep going and do more where possible.
by CMD1
Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay down mortgage or contribute to retirement?
Replies: 41
Views: 4174

Re: Pay down mortgage or contribute to retirement?

Re: 3.5x vs 2x. Great if you live in a market that you can fit in this box but in hcol coastal areas this is a dream for most. In our market you can't get a shack for that. Medium home prices 800-1m, medium household income in the low 100k. Take a nice 200k income and your at least 4x. Yet there is a 30 year record of incredible housing appreciation and lack of houses in this area. No guarantee for the future of course. Then, rent. Don't buy. Or, move away from that market. KlangFool It's great advice, at least on paper and I agree. But I've also tried both(living in other cities where you make less often times and your income doesn't grow as fast) and renting where you face lots of double digit % rent increased. Ultimately decided to buy ...
by CMD1
Sat Jan 28, 2023 2:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay down mortgage or contribute to retirement?
Replies: 41
Views: 4174

Re: Pay down mortgage or contribute to retirement?

Re: 3.5x vs 2x. Great if you live in a market that you can fit in this box but in hcol coastal areas this is a dream for most. In our market you can't get a shack for that. Medium home prices 800-1m, medium household income in the low 100k. Take a nice 200k income and your at least 4x. Yet there is a 30 year record of incredible housing appreciation and lack of houses in this area. No guarantee for the future of course.
by CMD1
Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13900

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

Starbase wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 11:59 pm Can a college kid who files his own taxes (even though he lives with parents in the summer) buy a tesla and get the $7500 tax credit?
I don't know alit of college kids with 7,500 in tax liability.
by CMD1
Sat Dec 31, 2022 10:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tesla: Growth or Value?
Replies: 204
Views: 17245

Re: Tesla: Growth or Value?

Ford and gm are down about 45% this year. And it's a different model, they sell at pitiful margins, use a dealer model and make their money on their financial arm. Tesla is fully integrated, they are the car and gas station (charging network) and their bulls will tell you self driving is the difference. They do seem to innovate at a much higher clip and their margins are awesome. We will see who wins. If EVs are the future Tesla is so far ahead in volume and know how.
by CMD1
Sat Dec 31, 2022 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental business in NYC
Replies: 13
Views: 1518

Re: Rental business in NYC

nydoc wrote: Sat Dec 31, 2022 7:18 pm Thanks for your replies. For a novice like me this does not add up at all. I wonder how come there are so many small individual are in this business in New York area?
People like real estate for many reasons, not the least of which rents and property values tend to go up (people have to live so where). It's generally a get rich slow play, although sounds like the owners nearly doubled in 5 years in the favorable market. Plus of course tax incentives help....until you sell and have to recapture it all. Plenty of small investors take little cash flow early on but with a good loan and decades ahead it can turn out well. Also in NYC and other expensive coastal markets people are often betting on future appreciation more than cash flow.
by CMD1
Sat Sep 24, 2022 12:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: At this HIGH LEVEL of interest rate, home prices must come down!
Replies: 72
Views: 7462

Re: At this HIGH LEVEL of interest rate, home prices must come down!

If you think rates will come down one day and can afford the current payments you can refi later. All things being equal you'd rather buy a house for a lower price in a high rate market and refi as rates come down. Lower rates mean higher prices. The question becomes at what point are prices low enough or you find that deal from a motivated seller.
by CMD1
Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles
Replies: 848
Views: 51860

Re: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles

Transmissions are costly repairs on ice vehicles, EV don't have transmissions. Time will tell but Tesla says their batteries may last 500k-1M miles. Could we enter a world where cars last significantly longer. The one unappealing thing is the drag on efficiency on heavy batteries to get the high range Americans demand. At some point does charging get so fast and stations so frequent that you can go with a smaller battery and drop the car price in half. Charging speeds are already getting much better. 2023 ID 4 has already announced a smaller battery.
by CMD1
Fri Jul 08, 2022 12:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College funds or buy a house?
Replies: 17
Views: 1714

Re: College funds or buy a house?

Sounds like you may be in the Seattle market, we are too. We purchased a year ago and after looking for a long time finally found a home with a perfect ADU. Net result, our monthly bill after collecting rent is less than we would pay in rent, by a good deal. It's not for everyone but there are ways to make it work if you want to own. It may be beneficial to wait 6-12 months before buying given the current market however. Also, given the economic engine and the long history of high appreciation in this market it's worth considering finding a way, but only if you have a 7 year plus horizon to own. We wrestled with this decision for a long time, and you are right, without a MIL/ADU, renting is no doubt cheaper in cash flow terms. Of course a $...
by CMD1
Sat Jun 11, 2022 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?
Replies: 181
Views: 14281

Re: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?

We are spoiled in Seattle with excellent local bakeries, many of which are French. My wife thought the croissants in Paris were no better. We also have several local bakery operations that sell in local grocery stores, not cheap these days, but good. Sadly I know first hand much of the country doesn't have these options.
by CMD1
Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Zelle fraud
Replies: 62
Views: 8341

Re: Zelle fraud

Wade Garrett wrote: Fri May 27, 2022 3:14 pm Clark Howard has been very vocal about his dislike & distrust of Zelle
Exactly. Zelle is owned by several of the big banks and as Clark tells it they claim it removes any liability from the bank if you're accounts are cleaned out, pretty crappy and aggressive by the banks. At some point this will be tested in courts. Creating something like this to avoid doing the right thing for their customers is a bit shady.
by CMD1
Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Private School for eldest daughter
Replies: 79
Views: 8759

Re: Private School for eldest daughter

Having grown up poor and being middle class now in a HCOL to VCOL now these threads are always eye opening. Calling smart, high achieving 10 year old's lazy and all the talk about the competitive world of getting into the best school. They are 10 year old's after all. I know it was always there to some degree and we are all just trying to figure out the best for our kids but no wonder some kids are stressed to the max. Nothing wrong with less than the top tier schools and nothing wrong with going for the top.
by CMD1
Wed Jun 01, 2022 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Private School for eldest daughter
Replies: 79
Views: 8759

Re: Private School for eldest daughter

We just made the decision to send our oldest to private middle school and we are on a lower income band then you. We have 2 kids, neither of which requires day care because of their ages and our ability to work from home. We soured on the public school for our oldest during covid and their lack of ability to meet her where she is (several teaches have mentioned she is gifted in math). We never dreamed of private but here we are and we are excited, despite the cost. No expectations of given colleges etc but came to the conclusion it will be a good investment in a child who shows a lot of strengths and will benefit from the environment. FYI - public schools here generally don't give home work in elementary and it seems private schools are lig...
by CMD1
Mon May 02, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good deals on unlocked phones/plans?
Replies: 18
Views: 2035

Re: Good deals on unlocked phones/plans?

Always buy unlocked and I just got the pixel 5a, great phone for the money based on most reviews. We are on Cricket currently.
by CMD1
Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody else wondering why we still need car dealerships?
Replies: 48
Views: 4317

Re: Anybody else wondering why we still need car dealerships?

It's interesting how dealers work In much the rest of the world. You test drive a car, then order the model and select each option you want. Makes for more efficient use of land (smaller lots), doesn't satisfy our desire to car shop and drive home with new wheels the same day.
by CMD1
Thu Mar 24, 2022 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell house in super hot market or wait for appreciation?
Replies: 36
Views: 4284

Re: Sell house in super hot market or wait for appreciation?

We had a long term rental we sold in Spokane in 2020 so that we could purchase a primary with an ADU in high priced Seattle. In general I like the idea of keeping real estate because it does well in the long run and the transaction costs are so high. That said the price point of your house (similar to ours) can be tough in Spokane. Spokane doesn't have a lot of great jobs and the people who will rent your house over the years can and most likely will buy so in our experience you will be turning over tenants every 1-4 years. If your looking for cash flow you wouldn't purchase at that price point but you do get better tenants and you already own. The other consideration is the market went nuts there and it's still not a market that you would ...
by CMD1
Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Re: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA

Thanks. Any other thoughts? Still trying to determine if I need to pay the 6% penalty if I am not contributing for 2022 (tactact software suggests if the combined contribution isn't over the limit I don't) and if I need to revise my prior year return (2020)
by CMD1
Sat Mar 12, 2022 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Re: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA

Any tax experts or weekend experts have any thoughts on my questions:

1. If I did not contribute to my Roth in 2021 (after the excess in 2020), am I still liable for the 6% fee. The questions in the software seem to suggest maybe not.

2. Finally, on my 2020 return I did not complete 5329 to show I had excess contributions. Do I need to file an amended return for 2020.
by CMD1
Thu Mar 10, 2022 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Re: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA

Thank you for the response, this is very helpful. I have a couple follow up questions:

1. If I did not contribute to my Roth in 2021 (after the excess in 2020), am I still liable for the 6% fee. The questions in the software seem to suggest maybe not.

3. Finally, on my 2020 return I did not complete 5329 to show I had excess contributions. Do I need to file an amended return for 2020.

Really appreciate any help.
by CMD1
Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Excess Contribution Tax Return help - Roth IRA

I've read through prior posts but haven't fully got my questions answered, so... I contributed $6k each for my spouse and I to our Roth IRA's in 2020. I realized when filing my 2020 tax return of the error and at the time knowing the error did not report the contribution and failed to take action by the October deadline. At the time I thought I could have the amount recharacterized as a 2021 contribution but because I contributed in calendar 2020 that was not possible. I failed to take any action until 12/31/2021 when I did a withdrawal of $12k total (the total contributed), knowing I would face the 6% penalty. My questions: 1. My 1099R has the box checked for "Taxable amount not determined" but in my tax software if I keep that c...
by CMD1
Wed Jan 26, 2022 12:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Maxing 401K frustration
Replies: 113
Views: 12148

Re: Maxing 401K frustration

KlangFool wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 11:50 am

I live in a very affluent neighborhood with a median annual household income of 150K.
In my west coast city $150k is far from affluent for a family, and in fact most are renters at that level. Cost of living matters when you talk about things like this.
by CMD1
Tue Jan 18, 2022 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: used car dilema
Replies: 19
Views: 2453

Re: used car dilema

To be sensible you really need to wait til late this year - the average used car price went from$17k to $30k. If you have to buy now the best advice would be to buy a beater and then get the car you want when prices retreat. Luckily you have 2 cars so you could just suck it up for 8 months and reevaluate.
by CMD1
Wed Sep 29, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car repair prices
Replies: 46
Views: 4114

Re: Car repair prices

Kagord wrote: Wed Sep 29, 2021 3:35 pm Looks like $65 for the Premium pads and rotors, plus maybe $5.75 for a gas cap.

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Brake-Rotors-Ceramic-Clips/dp/B00E1SOLNO

Maybe 1 hour of labor, so $30/hour is $30.
Wow, admittedly I live in a HCOL area but you won't find any labor rates below $80-120/hr around here. Can you really get a mechanic for $30 an hour?
by CMD1
Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit
Replies: 1772
Views: 194711

Re: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit

Marseille07 wrote: Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:40 am
I'm with NYL; you are talking about new applicants, not the folks already in the pipeline correct?
Correct.
by CMD1
Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit
Replies: 1772
Views: 194711

Re: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit

The agent at NY life I was talking with informed me that they are no longer writing policies in Wa for the time being. Seems like a common issue, anyone recently get a policy and who did you use?
by CMD1
Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit
Replies: 1772
Views: 194711

Re: Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act - 0.58% payroll tax - $36,500 lifetime maximum benefit

Society certainly needs much of this and it's interesting that anyone is trying to address it - the long term care industry has been broken for some time since insurers lost their shirts for underestimating the risk. That said this does seem like a raw deal and not the best way to solve the issue. For those of us not high income earners (I'd pay $600 a year) the products available don't seem to be much of a savings and more about "I don't want to pay a tax." But if your income increases over the years its a different story. I listened to our benefits guy at work (large fortune 500) talk to this and how for most people buying insurance won't lead you to come out ahead and was not going to do anything. Reading comments from BH folks...
by CMD1
Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Private School - financially irresponsible?
Replies: 213
Views: 20698

Re: Private School - financially irresponsible?

I imagine a lot of parents are going through this thought process. We make less than half the OP and have been thinking the same, have a highly rated local school in a large urban district that can be inconsistent and all the politics that come from the district level. I don't want to come across as complaining because of a pandemic but our son doesn't to do well with staying focused in remote learning and while the district announced their intention to go back 2 days a week for K-1st it's not happening as the district (large urban school district) bargains with the teachers union. Quite frankly I'm somewhat concerned school won't be back as normal in the fall where we live. So we're considering a moderate priced private school in the area ...
by CMD1
Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you are investing in a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA, do you have a good reason for doing this?
Replies: 156
Views: 11797

Re: If you are investing in a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA, do you have a good reason for doing this?

I tend to do mostly traditional but there is an argument which is rarely mentioned that we currently have historically low tax rates and the reality would suggest we can't sustain current levels at these low tax rates forever so rates are bound to increase at some point so pay the taxes now. Of course individual circumstances play a big part but something to consider.
by CMD1
Fri Nov 27, 2020 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trading a BMW for a Toyota
Replies: 84
Views: 8246

Re: Trading a BMW for a Toyota

I just wanted to give a perspective on the concept of "Can you buy a $10k reliable toyota." We bought a private party 2009 Camry nearly 5 years ago for under $9k and it has been super reliable - only repairs have been tires, battery, oil changes and a water pump. It had low miles at 66k when we purchased but in my experience at the $8-10k range you were looking at 90-130k miles, not higher...unless things changed in the past few years.

I would imagine if you jumped up to 12-14k you would be able to get a low mileage version. Just an option if your trying to keep the costs down. Another thought - the newer camry's get better gas mileage then my era so that could factor in operating costs.
by CMD1
Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Peanut Butter With Little or No Added Sugar
Replies: 81
Views: 6822

Re: Recommendations for Peanut Butter With Little or No Added Sugar

For me it's not just the sugar, but also the added oils (always not good oils, plus peanut butter doesn't need it) I've been using the TJ's but you do have to stir the first time. Pre COVID I liked to grind my own in store (no oil separation), I noticed some stores are bring bulk foods back so maybe grinders are back. Nothing like fresh ground nut butter!
by CMD1
Fri Oct 02, 2020 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Glacier Natl Park and Montana
Replies: 36
Views: 3755

Re: Glacier Natl Park and Montana

+1 for the east side of the park (we camped at Medicine Lake and really liked it), note that it's not on the main going to the Sun road route so you'll have to seek it out. Take the historic boat across the lake and go hiking.

Also +1 for Polebridge, a must do is the bakery in the old historic building (post office?).