Search found 8196 matches

by pshonore
Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5279

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

Who is going to order any required testing (termite, water, radon, inspection, etc) ? Are you capable of calling a plumber to replace your water heater? Then you can also do these things. Contract: Attorney. Between a few YouTube videos and a process checklist that can downloaded from any number of places for free after a Google search, the average person should be perfectly capable of figuring out the steps involved in buying a house. Many people already find the houses they like themselves via Zillow and other sites, which effectively act as nationwide MLS systems, meaning that we no longer actually need individual, local MLS systems (sellers and agents will just load the data directly into Zillow and other sites after the MLS systems al...
by pshonore
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing Xfinity (Comcast) modem
Replies: 39
Views: 3073

Re: Replacing Xfinity (Comcast) modem

I've been using an Arris SBG2482AC for more than 4 years with no problems. That also supports Xfinity phone service if you have it.
by pshonore
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?
Replies: 23
Views: 1725

Re: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?

Doh! I knew it was one of the big ones and was too lazy to check it. Thanks for pointing that out. Interesting about the refunds, I’ve never had a problem getting a prorated refund but I imagine that like everything else insurance related, it varies by state. Again, thanks for letting me know. You're welcome. In this case, it varies by insurer, even within the same state. I have had some insurers refund in full, and others with penalty, here in CA. I used to alternate between Safeco and Mercury mostly. Every year the rates change and one could become more favorable. I don't have this "problem" anymore since nobody will even give me a quote anymore. Currently with Farmer's, but if they cancel or don't renew, will probably end up o...
by pshonore
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5279

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

Who is going to write the contact? Normally that falls to the buyers agent although there is nothing to prohibit you from doing it in most states if you are familiar with the process. Who is going to order any required testing (termite, water, radon, inspection, etc) ?
by pshonore
Thu Mar 21, 2024 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calculating Social Security Survivor Benefits for Young Families
Replies: 18
Views: 1033

Re: Calculating Social Security Survivor Benefits for Young Families

Yes the numbers work, but note that the children's benefit is for them. You need to document how it is spent. If you can't spend it all (even after charging them rent, food, etc), you need to "save" it. That money then must be transferred to them when they are 18. I couldn't spend all their survivor money on the kids, so they had nice savings accounts when they went to college. Also, think about your wife. The money for her will run out when the last child turns 18 . If she has not worked at all during this time, getting a job again may be difficult except for a minimum wage job. She could collect your survivor benefits again when she turns 62 unless she remarries. Will you have sufficient funds for her to live in this SS lull pe...
by pshonore
Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calculating Social Security Survivor Benefits for Young Families
Replies: 18
Views: 1033

Re: Calculating Social Security Survivor Benefits for Young Families

Note that if your wife is working, her "child in care" benefit may be reduced depending on her earnings.
by pshonore
Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I take and additional QCD after taking RMD
Replies: 13
Views: 878

Re: Can I take and additional QCD after taking RMD

If you've already satisfied your RMD, I think you're out of luck.

See Ed Slott's webpage for more: https://irahelp.com/forum-post/64368-se ... ional-ira/
by pshonore
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 120
Views: 9452

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

snackdog wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:50 am I suppose new home builders may keep a fraction of a percent more profit on homes with a lower buyer's agent fee. Some of them have razor-thin margins as it is so maybe their earnings soar.
When I was an active broker (more than 10 yrs ago), new construction was always a 4% commission; existing homes were 5-6% depending on circumstances and raw land was 10%. Also it was generally a big faux pas to offer less than full price on new construction.
by pshonore
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22598

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

pascalwager wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:49 pm I've had realtors offer to sell my home for a 1% realtor fee.
There are Realtors that advertise that in CT but the 1% does not include the buyers agent fee; it only covers the selling agent.
by pshonore
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: K-1 from Commodity Index EFT held in IRA
Replies: 4
Views: 528

Re: K-1 from Commodity Index EFT held in IRA

Last time I looked, Commodity Index funds LPs used primarily futures contracts. There is no "operating income" generally and therefore no UBTI like some of the "energy" MLPs
by pshonore
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax deduction for legal fee related to current employment
Replies: 1
Views: 354

Re: Tax deduction for legal fee related to current employment

At one time, one could deduct job related legal fees that exceeded 2% of AGI as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. However that was abolished several years ago.
by pshonore
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How can Medicare Part D be this cheap?
Replies: 30
Views: 5396

Re: How can Medicare Part D be this cheap?

scifilover wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:27 am While next year the $2000 limit will make a big change in the Part D landscape, there are many oddities today. In my own situation, I take Eliquis plus a number of generics. In looking at the monthly reports for the costs paid by me and those paid by the insurance company, it turns out that the pharmacy, Walmart, is providing the generic drugs to me at no cost to the either the insurance company or me. I am guessing that the pharmacy makes so much via selling Eliquis that it can eat the cost of the other drugs.
I'm in the same boat. Generics cost me probably $15 - $20 a year total for the four I take at Walmart. Annual cost for Eliquis is approx $1500.
by pshonore
Sat Mar 02, 2024 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes 2022: Better to claim a college kid as a dependent? Or should the kid file their own return?
Replies: 24
Views: 6292

Re: Taxes 2022: Better to claim a college kid as a dependent? Or should the kid file their own return?

I have a question that is related, but doesn't appear to be answered. And, it may help the original poster as well. I'm in a similar situation. I'm filing as MFJ, and our adjusted gross income is somewhere over the maximum $180K. Because it's over the maximum, we aren't able to take any tax breaks, except for $500 for one qualifying child. He's 20, and a full-time college student. From what I see, it would be better for me to NOT claim him as a dependent, and lose that $500. However, he would then be able to take the American Opportunity Tax Credit, meaning he would receive a $1,000 refund. So bottom line is that I would give up a $500 credit, but he would receive a $1000 credit. My question is - how do I NOT claim him as a dependent? It's...
by pshonore
Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mini Excavator Question: CAT vs Kubota
Replies: 25
Views: 2763

Re: Mini Excavator Question: CAT vs Kubota

Here's a short discussion on minis on the Tractor by Net discussion board:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/thr ... dium=email
by pshonore
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accounting Software for Construction Business
Replies: 3
Views: 860

Re: Accounting Software for Construction Business

I've found the "for dummies" series to be a good intro for a lot of topics. You can probably pick up a copy of "Accounting for Dummies" for $5 or so from Thrift Books.
by pshonore
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: rider mower club cadet or john deere
Replies: 21
Views: 2188

Re: rider mower club cadet or john deere

I've had my JD LT160 since 2008 and it still does the job and does it quite well. As several others have said, I recommend buying from a JD dealership and not the big box store as they are NOT the same. I've not owned a zero turn, however, I do agree on the advantages if there are obstacles to negotiate. As with any equipment, maintenance is a must if you expect it to perform well. Besides oil changes you need to keep the blades sharpened. Good luck! I don't know for sure if JD dealers sell the same model numbers as the big box stores but I do know those same dealers prepare all those models for final delivery to the customer. I have a E150 (from Lowes) and its treated me well. If you decide on JD, I would try to avoid the "quick chan...
by pshonore
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax question re house sale in a different state
Replies: 8
Views: 941

Re: Tax question re house sale in a different state

Raycpact wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:34 am The credit will not exceed the amount of NY tax on the gain.

You said you inherited , that is the value you determine your gain from plus improvements. It is not uncommon for CT attorneys to use the assessed value at probate. Thst value may be very low because the assessments are not done annually. It would be prudent to examine the value and perhaps hire an appraiser if the value was not done by appraisal.
Not only are assessments done every five years, the assessed value is 70% of the "replacement" cost so I'm surprised that would fly.
by pshonore
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: North East Heat pump + oil backup feedback
Replies: 45
Views: 4327

Re: North East Heat pump + oil backup feedback

We're also thinking of updating our systems. in Central CT (25 cents per kW) currently have a Buderus oil burner for baseboard heat with a separate super insulated hot water tank. Also have a 20 year old American Standard (Trane) AC system with duct work. That system uses R22. We had an R22 leak last year and its probably time to replace it. One quote we got was to replace the AC unit with a Bosch 20 seer IDS Premium system which should allow us to reduce oil usage significantly although the Buderus will still run but with much reduced boiler temp most of the year. Still trying to sort through the rebates and credits. Had to laugh when the installer talked about installing Nest thermostats. He hates to install them (an easy process) but way...
by pshonore
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New class action-Realtors antitrust lawsuit on comissions-Legit?
Replies: 5
Views: 1252

Re: New class action-Realtors antitrust lawsuit on comissions-Legit?

I got the same card in the mail bit did not sell or buy a house. We did do a deed transfer to an RLT. Agree its likely that someone is searching the land records.
by pshonore
Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits
Replies: 45
Views: 4121

Re: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits

25K for a PD limit is ridiculous. That was ok when cars sold for 10K, but it should be at least 50K or 100K today. Of course that would make policies more expensive and more folks might go without and exacerbate the problem
by pshonore
Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida property tax - disability
Replies: 3
Views: 591

Re: Florida property tax - disability

As an example, veterans in CT can get a $3000 exemption from their assessment. With a mill rate of 33 where I live, it saves roughly $100 in property tax per year. Disabled vets and certain others can get more. For that matter, in the town where I live, taxes are capped at 8% of income for everyone - however that unpaid amount is not forgiven but becomes due when the house is sold or transferred. Some folks who have done that for several years are under water big time.
by pshonore
Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Elderly family member still has AOL email
Replies: 28
Views: 2828

Re: Elderly family member still has AOL email

prd1982 wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:00 am Can’t we refer to these as “heritage” accounts? I have an SNET one with no plans to give it up. CT a folks will recognize this name.
And I have an SBCGLOBAL on which succeeded SNET if I recall correctly.
by pshonore
Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Familt got text - house in probate - real estate company
Replies: 13
Views: 2149

Re: Familt got text - house in probate - real estate company

In CT, if you transfer a home to an RLT, it will show up in the land records. This means you would have to search the land records of all 169 towns if you're looking for data.
by pshonore
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Business Owner Tax Questions
Replies: 11
Views: 1220

Re: New Business Owner Tax Questions

I haven't seen Workers Compensation insurance mentioned. The rules for coverage can vary greatly State. Are the instructors ICs? Doesn't sound like a high risk occupation but if someone gets hurt on the job it can be costly.
by pshonore
Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Joint filing of taxes, Corp pay and Teacher's pay with zero Social Security wages
Replies: 7
Views: 860

Re: Joint filing of taxes, Corp pay and Teacher's pay with zero Social Security wages

Does your spouse pay the Medicare portion? In most states where SS is not paid by teachers, the Medicare portion is paid in order to allow teachers to qualify for Medicare after 10 years of payments.
by pshonore
Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture - It's glued, right?
Replies: 95
Views: 8543

Re: Furniture - It's glued, right?

I've made a fair number of beds, dressers and cabinets over the years and the only screws I used were to fasten door hinges, drawer knobs/pulls and bed "ledgers" (which hold and support whatever the mattress/box spring sits on). Drawer rail systems use them as well. Sounds like the your piece is approx 5 ft wide, 5 ft high and 19" deep? Is it possible to draw a rough sketch showing the room dimensions and as well as the adjoining doorways, hallways, passageways, etc, and post it here?
by pshonore
Sat Feb 10, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worth the risk to install thermostats myself, or should I pay to have them installed? Homeowners insurance
Replies: 39
Views: 3936

Re: Is it worth the risk to install thermostats myself, or should I pay to have them installed? Homeowners insurance

Should be easy if there's the same number of wire on both thermostats with the same colors but that's not always the case. DAMHIKT
by pshonore
Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Tax Documents
Replies: 15
Views: 1747

Re: Fidelity Tax Documents

boomer_techie wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:20 am
hoofaman wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 4:59 am It's usually not until mid or end of Feb that I get all my 1099s, I thought one reason waa because they have to wait 60 days after my last dividend was issued to determine if it's qualified or not based on the holding period of that etf
The amount listed as a qualified dividend on the 1099's is not adjusted by your holding period. It is merely based on the payer's declarations. If you did not meet the holding period, you need to reduce the amount when entering it on your 1040.
I believe this is a tax rule that is almost universally ignored. When I was a paid preparer, we never did it. In most cases the data to determine this (purchase and sell dates, etc.) was not readily available.
by pshonore
Thu Feb 08, 2024 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A few questions for 2023 taxes
Replies: 10
Views: 1571

Re: A few questions for 2023 taxes

vrr106 wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2024 4:05 pm On E-Trade, wait until mid to late Feb. They have always been the long pole in the tent when it comes to the final 1099, even before the Morgan Stanley days.
And even more so now that MS has taken over the back office. You likely get two 1099 forms. One for the Etrade side and other for MS. I did get the MS piece the other day.
by pshonore
Thu Feb 08, 2024 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gas snowblower recommendations 2024
Replies: 83
Views: 9544

Re: Gas snowblower recommendations 2024

We've had a Cub Cadet 3x 357cc with hand warmers, power steering, etc. since 2019 that has been great. I think the 3x is largely an unnecessary gimmick but it was on sale cheaper than the 2x sitting beside it when I bought it so here we are. I guess it does hammer through the snow plow drifts at the end of the driveway with no trouble as opposed to my old 2 stage before it, but I have always assumed that is more due to the much larger engine than it being 3 stage. I think I have the same machine (3X by 26). It works well when it starts but don't think I started it last winter due to a lack of snow. I figured I'd empty the gas last week, put in new gas and spray a little starting fluid into the air filter. Guess what - there is no air filte...
by pshonore
Tue Feb 06, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fish at Costco
Replies: 43
Views: 6245

Re: Fish at Costco

Also, isn't all fish frozen first? I believe the only fish that is truly "fresh" is if you buy it from a fresh fish market right near the water. In the US I think all sushi fish has to be flash frozen first to reduce the risk of parasite. The "fresh" fish you buy at the supermarket/Costco is usually fish that was flash frozen and then defrosted. I have read this somewhere on the internet (so it must be true!). If you live inland, the "fresh" fish at the supermarket was previously frozen and has been thawed. So we tend to buy frozen fish to keep in our freezer, and when thawed it's the same quality as the "fresh" fish. We also buy "fresh" but only small enough portions that we consume before...
by pshonore
Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GoodRX price just quadrupled. Is it normal?
Replies: 15
Views: 2661

Re: GoodRX price just quadrupled. Is it normal?

I've been paying $3.28 for a 90 day supply (180 tablets) at Walmart for the last year or so.
by pshonore
Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
Replies: 66
Views: 5091

Re: Oil fired hot water boiler

samsoes wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 2:37 pm
just frank wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:13 am ...
The result is that many or even most places in the US have electricity that is 15 cents per kWh, plus or minus, delivered
...
Nope. Over 32c/kWh here in the Great State of CT.
27c/kWH with Eversource and a low cost generation rate (Direct Energy). Perhaps a bit higher with UI (United Illuminating - the other electric co. in CT)
by pshonore
Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?
Replies: 58
Views: 4783

Re: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?

Had a French door Maytag that lasted 15 years and was replaced about a year ago. That had water and ice through the door and worked well. Replaced that with a Whirlpool that lasted less than a year (control panel and later a compressor failure). Now using a Frigidaire with water and ice through door that also works well.
by pshonore
Thu Feb 01, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
Replies: 66
Views: 5091

Re: Oil fired hot water boiler

I'm currently paying 27 cents per kW to Eversource in CT. That's 12 cents for generation by a low cost reseller/wholesaler and 15 cents for delivery and transmission. I don't understand how people in Texas pay 10 cent all in.
by pshonore
Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Marriage as a FERS annuitant, TSP is no longer >mine< alone
Replies: 10
Views: 1220

Re: New Marriage as a FERS annuitant, TSP is no longer >mine< alone

delamer wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:08 pm I’m a little surprised that you were surprised.

That’s the way employer-sponsored retirement plans work, to protect the spouse’s rights.
I thought that only applied to ERISA plans, but not necessarily government plans although it obviously applies to TSP.
by pshonore
Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Direct pay of Medicare premiums?
Replies: 10
Views: 1307

Re: Direct pay of Medicare premiums?

It's the same reason that taxes are withheld from your paycheck. The government doesn't want to chase people down for money. It's not just that. It's also more efficient. SSA and CMS are joined at the hip so it doesn't make sense to send a payment out one door and claw back part of that payment through a second door simultaneously the same month. It's wasted effort, particularly if there are fees associated with someone using a credit card for payment. also, seems to me that it should simplify things when you croak. When someone informs SSA to stop SS then Medicare charges also stop. I've never heard of anyone on SS having to independently inform CMS to stop this deduction. Actually, since Medicare Part B premiums are paid in advance (unli...
by pshonore
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: T-Bill indicative yield vs. discount rate — difference larger than expected
Replies: 8
Views: 1036

Re: T-Bill indicative yield vs. discount rate — difference larger than expected

How is the discount rate defined? I bought the same 52 week bill. If I divide the interest I'll receive by the price I paid, I get 4.84%
by pshonore
Mon Jan 29, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax software that imports Fidelity 1099s
Replies: 18
Views: 1454

Re: Tax software that imports Fidelity 1099s

In my opinion, there is no better way to understand how taxes work and to get a handle on your portfolio than to input 1099 forms yourself.
by pshonore
Mon Jan 29, 2024 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CD taxes
Replies: 10
Views: 1537

Re: CD taxes

So, We are looking to purchase a 12 month CD on Feb 5th of this year. The thinking behind this is to push off the taxes on the interest income (Federal, no state) until Feb of 2025 when the CD matures. (because we will not have as much personal income in 2025 for job reasons). However, I haven't been able to get a clear answer on taxes due on the interest??? Would I have to pay the 11 months of interest in 2024 or ALL of the interest the CD makes in just the 2025 tax year?? Thanks for any tax expertise help here... Not sure how a CD will be taxed (perhaps taxed at the 6-month compounding point, if applicable), but a 52-week T-Bill will do what you want. Purchase in brokerage account when it's auctioned mid February. On that note, 52 wk Tbi...
by pshonore
Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: MLP's and tax preparation
Replies: 4
Views: 654

Re: MLP's and tax preparation

I've owned Enterprise Products Partners for over a dozen years now, and I've had no problem at all in using Turbo Tax to handle the Schedule K-1 filing requirements. I've yet to have to pay any individual state taxes, although I do look at the K-1 statement carefully to make sure there isn't any income that would be high enough to require a state filing. I would only hold an MLP like Enterprise in a taxable (non-retirement) account. I've heard that there are possible complications in having an MLP in a tax-deferred account. What I love about EPD is that the quarterly distributions are tax deferred until you sell the underlying security, since the distributions are a return of capital. I have no plans to ever sell EPD, although if was ever ...
by pshonore
Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Connecticut Electronic Filing - Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Connecticut Electronic Filing - Question

One caution with CT Tax website. If you do a partial return (since a lot of tax forms are not ready) , it will save your data for 30 days upon request. So be sure to go in and enter more data sometime in the next 30 days or you'll have to enter everything all over again.
by pshonore
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Connecticut Electronic Filing - Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Connecticut Electronic Filing - Question

I would say the new method takes significantly longer. That might be because I used the former method for probably 20 years. I suppose in time I'll get more comfortable with the new one. Has anyone seen paper forms for filing?
by pshonore
Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use BOTH gas AND electric (heat pumps) to heat your house?
Replies: 26
Views: 3379

Re: Do you use BOTH gas AND electric (heat pumps) to heat your house?

Do you have ceiling fans (reversable) in the rooms? We've found variable speed fans really help mini-splits get the cool air off the floor in the summer and warm air off the ceiling in the winter.
by pshonore
Thu Jan 25, 2024 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ceiling fan Qs
Replies: 30
Views: 2712

Re: Ceiling fan Qs

There's only one fan to get. Seriously, these are excellent fans.
www.Bigassfans.com
by pshonore
Tue Jan 23, 2024 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best car for icy weather? Advice about driving in snowy conditions?
Replies: 113
Views: 7617

Re: Best car for icy weather? Advice about driving in snowy conditions?

ABS brakes have been required on all cars since 2004 and several higher end cars had them long before that. Good advice to not pump them when trying to stop.
by pshonore
Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New gas range vents LOTS of heat into kitchen
Replies: 45
Views: 44373

Re: New gas range vents LOTS of heat into kitchen

Heres an excellent article on makeup air with more info than you probably want to know
https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/hvac/m ... ust-hood_o
by pshonore
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Avoiding Probate
Replies: 11
Views: 1761

Re: Avoiding Probate

Thanks for your input, everyone. Yes, that’s what I was thinking - keeping bare minimum in checking - enough to cover expenses. The beneficiaries are my sisters and we’re all on the same page. No worries there. Regarding unclaimed property - I have been checking 😃. I also did the Treasury.gov “treasure hunt” for missing savings bonds. I got a hit with my relatives SSN and sent in all the required paperwork. Unfortunately, I got a letter back stating they needed the dates on the bonds, bond numbers, address, etc. If I had that info, I wouldn’t be looking. What’s the point of the “hunt”? Government is so frustrating. It irks me to think that my relative may have bonds and the government has no way to track them down. I imagine their system i...
by pshonore
Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Son graduated, can I still claim him as a dependent?
Replies: 24
Views: 3653

Re: Son graduated, can I still claim him as a dependent?

Lets not forget that a parent does not need to provide any support for a qualifying child. A brother, grandparent or a total stranger can provide some of or all of the support; however the student cannot provide more than 1/2 of their own support.