Search found 293 matches

by Ykcor
Thu Feb 09, 2023 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

OP, it’s not clear whether you have a tax/tax reporting issue yet as we do not know whether your past Forms 8606 were correct or not. You can certainly turn this over to your accountant to figure it out. But some tax preparers are good with backdoor Roth reporting on Form 8606 and some are not. So it’s helpful to understand how it should work to be sure your tax preparer is properly reporting everything you have communicated to them. To that end, consider reading up on the pro-rata rule/Form 8606 per links posted above in this thread. Also consider pulling out your 2021 Form 8606 to see if your 12/31/20 Schwab pretax IRA balance was included and a pro rata calculation on your 2021 Roth conversion (step 2 of a backdoor Roth) was properly do...
by Ykcor
Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

[...] Since $4.5 million plus $7,000 is basically $4.5 million, your 2021 and 2022 conversions have been almost entirely taxable (99.8%). Thanks. Seems crazy since I have already been taxed on that $13,500. But it is what it is. Maybe my accountant can fix it. No, you haven't been taxed on the $13,500 that you are converting. You appear to not understand how the pro rata rule works. What is happening is that the tax is hitting your $4.5 million in the IRA. Like the previous poster pointed out, because of the big mismatch between your IRA ($4.5 million) and new contribution ($13,500), it is as if you are converting that pretax money to Roth while leaving the after tax 13,500 unchanged in the IRA. IRS looks at the big picture. Before convers...
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

If your and your spouse’s Traditional IRAs are only being used for making non-deductible TIRA contributions that are being converted to Roth IRA along with earnings, if any, there is no tax issue. Your return should include Form 8606 for each of you. What is confusing to me is the RMDs that you are taking per your first post. If you don’t have any pretax IRA balances, where are your RMDs coming from? A 401k? The RMD comes from a former Profit Sharing Plan that now is a separate IRA with Charles Schwab. I should say that I also have a small 401K now since I work for the hospital. So maybe I shouldn't do the Backdoor Roth after all? The IRA with Vanguard usually has zero balance. Unfortunately has $7500 since I cant convert to Roth until I d...
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

So, who do I get to correct this mess? Vanguard? my accountant? or an attorney? I am confused as my and my wife's Traditional IRA has zero balance except for a couple days each year until the money is cleared to convert over to a Roth by way of Backdoor conversion. Money in Roth IRA is not subject to RMD. If your and your spouse’s Traditional IRAs are only being used for making non-deductible TIRA contributions that are being converted to Roth IRA along with earnings, if any, there is no tax issue. Your return should include Form 8606 for each of you. What is confusing to me is the RMDs that you are taking per your first post. If you don’t have any pretax IRA balances, where are your RMDs coming from? A 401k? The RMD comes from a former Pr...
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

So, who do I get to correct this mess? Vanguard? my accountant? or an attorney? I am confused as my and my wife's Traditional IRA has zero balance except for a couple days each year until the money is cleared to convert over to a Roth by way of Backdoor conversion. Money in Roth IRA is not subject to RMD. If your and your spouse’s Traditional IRAs are only being used for making non-deductible TIRA contributions that are being converted to Roth IRA along with earnings, if any, there is no tax issue. Your return should include Form 8606 for each of you. What is confusing to me is the RMDs that you are taking per your first post. If you don’t have any pretax IRA balances, where are your RMDs coming from? A 401k? The RMD comes from a former Pr...
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

So, who do I get to correct this mess? Vanguard? my accountant? or an attorney? I am confused as my and my wife's Traditional IRA has zero balance except for a couple days each year until the money is cleared to convert over to a Roth by way of Backdoor conversion. Money in Roth IRA is not subject to RMD. If your and your spouse’s Traditional IRAs are only being used for making non-deductible TIRA contributions that are being converted to Roth IRA along with earnings, if any, there is no tax issue. Your return should include Form 8606 for each of you. What is confusing to me is the RMDs that you are taking per your first post. If you don’t have any pretax IRA balances, where are your RMDs coming from? A 401k? The RMD comes from a former Pr...
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

So, who do I get to correct this mess? Vanguard? my accountant? or an attorney?

I am confused as my and my wife's Traditional IRA has zero balance except for a couple days each year until the money is cleared to convert over to a Roth by way of Backdoor conversion. Money in Roth IRA is not subject to RMD.
by Ykcor
Wed Feb 08, 2023 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Re: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

HomeStretch wrote: Wed Feb 08, 2023 12:43 am Just to confirm - you are doing a backdoor Roth each year (which means you must have eligible compensation to make the non-deductible IRA contributions) and not just a Roth conversion of pretax IRA funds, right?

In order to have IRA RMDs, you must have pretax IRA balances. I am surprised you are doing a backdoor Roth each year as the conversion is subject to pro-rated taxes.
Still employed and make too much each year do an ordinary Roth contribution so I do the Backdoor Roth for myself and wife. Have for several years. Only couple years have I been forced to take the RMD.
by Ykcor
Tue Feb 07, 2023 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cotton Bedsheets
Replies: 19
Views: 2567

Re: Cotton Bedsheets

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:55 pm Advertised thread count is a mess and a total scam on consumers.

Do not be deceived:

https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files ... leassn.pdf

https://www.sleepjunkie.com/highest-thr ... or-sheets/

Image

There is no such thing as a 1200 thread count sheet. This is not mechanically possible.

Here is an option for the well-to-do:

https://www.redlandcotton.com/

100% Made in USA from fiber to finished sheets. Purchase of single fitted or flat sheets is also possible.
Yes, redlandcotton.com supports farmers and workers in North Alabama. Good sheets though not cheap price wise.
by Ykcor
Tue Feb 07, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.
Replies: 26
Views: 1887

Another Backdoor Roth IRA question.

I usually do the Roth Backdoor conversion early in the year and do my RMD in December (I am 73 years old). So this year I funded my T-IRA with $7,500 and waited until it was in the settlement (Vanguard) fund. When I go to do the conversion to the R-IRA online, I am told that the IRS requires, before conversion, if one is over 72 then the RMD has to be done before the conversion. I don't remember that being the case the last two years. So my quandary is whether to call my financial advisor to do the RMD now, or wait until December to do the conversion after the RMD.
Thanks in advance.
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Re: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

tibbitts wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 2:54 pm
Ykcor wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 2:18 pm I checked the other casement windows and see some early problem with the lower wood piece on the sashes making me think after 31 years I may be looking at replacing all the casements soon. I don't think I will go back to Pella, though unlikely to live another 31 years. Any recommendation on a replacement line? Marvin? Anderson? I may use fiberglass in the future.
It seems like 31 years is a reasonable lifetime for a window. Do you need casement windows? Other types might be less expensive.
I think the fire code here requires a full opening window in upstairs bedroom. Also I might do partial replacement each year to take advantage of annual $600 tax credit.
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 22, 2023 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Re: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

I checked the other casement windows and see some early problem with the lower wood piece on the sashes making me think after 31 years I may be looking at replacing all the casements soon. I don't think I will go back to Pella, though unlikely to live another 31 years. Any recommendation on a replacement line? Marvin? Anderson? I may use fiberglass in the future.
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Re: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

carolinaman wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:52 am I had a casement window with lots of rot a few years ago. The frame was good, just the window itself had rot. It was not a name brand and I could not find one the same size. One window place referred me to a guy that specializes in replacing odd size windows like mine. He came out and measured it, made one and installed it a couple of weeks later. It cost me $300 to $400 as I recall. I thought that was high but after reading this article, I got a bargain.

Check window retailers and you may find someone like that.
Thanks
by Ykcor
Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Re: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

So, to be clear...the frame of the window that is attached to the house is fine, but the moveable part is rotted at the bottom? If so, does Pella have a warranty and why aren't they replacing that? I had a two windows in a bathroom from a company long out of business. Also aluminum clad wood. One was rotted out - both the window and window frame were rotted and some exterior plywood under the vinyl siding. Got two estimates. Renewal by Andersen wanted $5K to do both windows and that came after we sat through almost an hour song and dance. Some local window store was about $3K. Neither would fix the original issue which was something on the exterior of the house nor replaced the rotted piece of exterior plywood under the vinyl siding. Now, ...
by Ykcor
Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Re: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

I'm in the process of replacing some windows and doors, and prices are indeed insane. Pella actually had some sort of class action lawsuit on their windows rotting like this, my understanding is they were able to weasel their way out of the "lifetime" warranty. That's part of the reason I went with other brands. I'm also just not a big fan of the way they sell their products, they spend a fortune on marketing. Another one that's even worse is Renewal by Andersen. Early in my window search, I tried Lowes to get a quote and found they were actually WAY higher than dedicated window stores. Like twice the price. Get lots of quotes, the industry is just full of scammers. Huge amount of markup. I almost think the install is more import...
by Ykcor
Sat Jan 21, 2023 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost
Replies: 26
Views: 4704

Replacement Pella Window exorbitant cost

An upstairs 29"x41" casement (wood aluminum clad) window has severe rot on base of sash. Pella sales person gave quote of $2,846 to replace whole window. 31 year old home and apparently can't get just the sash as rest of the window frame is all good. Lowes, which carries Pella, gave about the same quote. It is upstairs in a dormer, but can be reached with a ladder from the back deck. This seems like an excessive cost. I wonder if there is any knockoff window that look similar. However it is one of eight identical Pella rollout casement windows in a traditional Williamsburg brick home.

Thanks
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Short term insurance advice......
Replies: 7
Views: 412

Re: Short term insurance advice......

Are you in any position to pay his COBRA for a while until he gets back on his feet? Or, I'm assuming he will receive unemployment assistance.? Maybe you both kick in one-half ($300 each) to help him stay on his COBRA, with him using $300 of his unemployment per month to help pay. Also, if you decide to stay with COBRA, please be "aggressive" about it and stay on top of company/administrator about getting the paperwork and getting premiums paid on time. I would suggest an ACA plan, but without checking prices first, it's hard to know. And, I also believe, that since you have to estimate his income for this year (2023) and it may be a lot lower due to job loss, they may shift him over to looking at Medicaid anyway--it just depends...
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Short term insurance advice......
Replies: 7
Views: 412

Re: Short term insurance advice......

DarkHelmetII wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 3:07 pm 1) if work related injury consider work comp
2) medicaid
3) affordable care act plan
4) aggressively price shop MRI and PT - work with doctors office to get CPT codes (procedure) to get a more apples to apples comparison; some places offer relatively reasonable cash prices, not unheard of that cash price less than insurer negotiated rate, especially if you offer to pay up front
5) medical tourism / Mexico?
6) were there any accident &health benefits with the job (separate from major medical coverage)?

Just a list of possibilities
No, not work related. He might qualify for Medicaid. Unfortunately live in one of the states that did not opt for expanded Medicaid coverage.
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Short term insurance advice......
Replies: 7
Views: 412

Short term insurance advice......

Son, whose employer's company was bought out by another company and he and the others in plant lost their jobs. Unfortunately happened at time when he had hurt back and physically has not been able work until back situation improves. Now medical insurance is lapsing. Cobra is going to be approximately $600/month and he can't afford this. His doctor has ordered MRI and physical therapy. His severance pay was only $5K which will not last long. Any other options? Medicaid or Obama care? He is single and too old to get on my insurance.

Thanks in advanced
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS tax refund delay..,
Replies: 16
Views: 1283

Re: IRS tax refund delay..,

samsoes wrote: Sun Jan 08, 2023 4:10 pm
Ykcor wrote: Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:05 pm My accountant got an extension on my 2021 income tax return and filed October 15. I was to get both State and federal refund for overpayment. I have not received either. Should I be worried?
No, you should never worry. Worrying is pointless.
Yes, Matthew 6:34
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS tax refund delay..,
Replies: 16
Views: 1283

Re: IRS tax refund delay..,

jebmke wrote: Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:12 pm Did the accountant e-file these or paper returns?

If paper, did the accountant get a proof of delivery?

My experience has been that states are in pretty good shape but the IRS is behind, especially on paper returns and some returns filed electronically that get kicked out for human review.
Yes e-filed
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Depot Gift Card problem..
Replies: 23
Views: 4703

Re: Home Depot Gift Card problem..

Update: I went to store (Home Depot) where I purchased to card. They from my credit card were able to pull up the receipt and they scanned the pic of the card that my S-I-L sent me and it showed the card still had $100 on it. My S-I-L said at the store that at his Home Depot they had scanned it twice and it showed zero balance. I told him just bring back to me and I’d give him cash. I guess cash still works.
by Ykcor
Sun Jan 08, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS tax refund delay..,
Replies: 16
Views: 1283

IRS tax refund delay..,

My accountant got an extension on my 2021 income tax return and filed October 15. I was to get both State and federal refund for overpayment. I have not received either. Should I be worried?
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 04, 2023 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Depot Gift Card problem..
Replies: 23
Views: 4703

Re: Home Depot Gift Card problem..

Thanks to all of the above excellent responses. Will be the last store gift card that I buy. Ironic it was for my son-in-law, who almost every year gets me a Home Depot gift card for Xmas, as he knows I'm a DIYer. This year I was going to return the favor.
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Depot Gift Card problem..
Replies: 23
Views: 4703

Re: Home Depot Gift Card problem..

exodusNH wrote: Wed Jan 04, 2023 2:48 pm
Ykcor wrote: Wed Jan 04, 2023 2:42 pm Gave a family member a $100 Home Depot gift card. He went to his local Home Depot in another state and when tried to use it was told that there was zero balance on the card. Of course I was embarrassed when he notified me. I'm sure I likely can't find the receipt as I purchased the card almost a month ago. Does this happen often and is there any recourse to recoup the money?
Where did you buy the card?

It does happen often enough that they give you separate gift card activation receipts.
At Home Depot.
by Ykcor
Wed Jan 04, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Depot Gift Card problem..
Replies: 23
Views: 4703

Home Depot Gift Card problem..

Gave a family member a $100 Home Depot gift card. He went to his local Home Depot in another state and when tried to use it was told that there was zero balance on the card. Of course I was embarrassed when he notified me. I'm sure I likely can't find the receipt as I purchased the card almost a month ago. Does this happen often and is there any recourse to recoup the money?
by Ykcor
Thu Aug 18, 2022 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should homeowner periodically partially drain tank water heater?
Replies: 40
Views: 5282

Should homeowner periodically partially drain tank water heater?

I read recently in a DIY book that every three or four months you need to drain about three gallons of water from the bottom of the tank to remove sediment deposits. I did this once and the valve would not turn off and I had to call a plumber.
by Ykcor
Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Re: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....

You could "loan" her the money to buy the house. It would need to be legal and have a stated interest rate. You could forgive 30K each year. This would avoid the 1/10th title mess you discussed earlier. Just a thought. My wife and I did that for our son and D-I-L. I wrote up a one page loan document, signed by all four of us, with the IRS minimum interest rate stated and a 3 year term, with an obligation to pay the full amount at the end of the term. My wife and I will then issue a letter each year to both of them forgiving $60K ($15K to each of them from each of us) and they will sign the letter to acknowledge receipt of the gift. I will keep all of the documentation in my files. Sounds pretty simple. Of course over ten years fo...
by Ykcor
Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Re: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....

JoeRetire wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 1:55 pm
Ykcor wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 12:39 pmMy accountant said this would exceed the $30,000 (husband and wife) annual gift and would have to report to IRS.
Did your accountant explain how simple this is to accomplish, and that no taxes would be due?
We are financially well off but at our age unlikely to exceed the $11.7 million estate when we die.
Presumably you have taken your state laws for estates into account as well, not just federal?
Was suggested to "give" $30k annually to her each year she would accumulate 1/10th more equity until after ten years the house is hers.
Was this suggested by your accountant? If so, did they explain why?
No, someone else suggested. But seems complicated.
by Ykcor
Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Re: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....

WAROB wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:00 pm I first read the title as horse and not house and was excited for the replies.

As others have posted your gut is correct. Title in her name, have your accountant file a 709 for you and your wife with your return for 2021 and be done with it. A 270k gift against your lifetime exemption is negligible if you aren’t already close to the threshold.
Thanks
by Ykcor
Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Re: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....

Jackbnimble wrote: Wed Dec 01, 2021 1:11 pm Not so fast, a lot of states haven't raised their gift tax exclusions. So while you probably won't owe any Federal gift taxes you may owe some state gift taxes. It may not be much, but you should have all the facts before you choose your path.

You could "loan" her the money to buy the house. It would need to be legal and have a stated interest rate. You could forgive 30K each year. This would avoid the 1/10th title mess you discussed earlier. Just a thought.
Thanks, Alabama doesn't have an inheritance tax. I should say "not yet".
by Ykcor
Wed Dec 01, 2021 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought daughter a house: Questions.....
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Bought daughter a house: Questions.....

Closing on $300K home mid January in another state. She is single, sober mid thirties who is employed. My preference would be to make title to her and not have to worry about anything else. Would also save some on homestead property tax exemption. Also home owners insurance is higher for second home. My accountant said this would exceed the $30,000 (husband and wife) annual gift and would have to report to IRS. We are financially well off but at our age unlikely to exceed the $11.7 million estate when we die. Was suggested to "give" $30k annually to her each year she would accumulate 1/10th more equity until after ten years the house is hers. Don't know how this works as don't want to make out a new title every year. Will be a cas...
by Ykcor
Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a home: cash vs mortgage
Replies: 38
Views: 3290

Buying a home: cash vs mortgage

Will be a $400K purchase. I can pay cash but will stretch liquid reserves. Interest rates still low. Should I get the mortgage and get the interest deduction? Price of home will be same either way.
by Ykcor
Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]
Replies: 61
Views: 10786

Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator...

Sandtrap wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:29 am Criteria

Must fit through the door
Must fit the space and look good
Must match the other appliances
Must be selected by spouse


Perhaps get a second generic frig/freezer for the garage while you are waiting.
j🌺
Well the appliance store where I have done business for years are going to give me a loaner refrig until the SubZero replacement comes in. So all is good.
by Ykcor
Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]
Replies: 61
Views: 10786

Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator...

JTcheek wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:02 pm I can’t speak to those brands, but I have a built in Viking, and I will be replacing it with another brand when it dies. Also, I really hate the idea of spending $10-$12K on a refrigerator but worry about how the space will look with a standard fridge, and how bad that will bug me.
Wouldn't bug me but would bug my wife and when wife not happy they no one is happy.
by Ykcor
Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]
Replies: 61
Views: 10786

Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]

This thread has been reopened with a new related question, see later in thread.

Moderator Pops1860

30 year old Sub-Zero went out (at least the refrigerator side). Don't want to spent $1500 on a compressor which would take 4-6 months backorder. Also will take 4-6 months to get a new $10-12,000 Sub-Zero replacement. Any thoughts on the few other makers of 48 inch built in refrig-freezers like Cafe or GE monogram?
by Ykcor
Wed Jun 09, 2021 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New house conundrum...Buy or rent?
Replies: 8
Views: 1298

Re: New house conundrum...Buy or rent?

If she is out of college, my feeling would be that there is value for her meeting her own expenses within her own means. She can have a roommate or get a less-nice apartment. If she is going to be a graduate student, living walking/biking distance to campus is ideal (I assume a new build would be farther away). Maybe even graduate student on-campus housing which could be a good social experience (and place to meet a potential spouse). If it were me, as a single young adult, I would want my neighbors to include a lot of young people and other grad students (not a single family neighborhood). One exception could be if she wanted to live near her sister and help out with child care while she has the flexible schedule of grad school (if applic...
by Ykcor
Wed Jun 09, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New house conundrum...Buy or rent?
Replies: 8
Views: 1298

Re: New house conundrum...Buy or rent?

Daughter lives in small university town. Her current townhouse rental lease will be up this summer. Inflated rentals now are $1200 -$1800/ mo. for small condo, if can find one. My wife and I plan to either retire there, or live a good part of the year there, when I retire in 2-3 years. So we have been looking for a home close to grandkids, anyway. I can buy a new speck home (1600 sq feet heated space) for$242K, or can buy a partially built higher quality (3000 sq foot) semi custom house by a quality builder for $398K. We would let daughter live there until I retired. The smaller house could be a cash purchase with no stress on my financial situation. The second home will likely involve a mortgage partially. We have no other debts..Even the...
by Ykcor
Tue Jun 08, 2021 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New house conundrum...Buy or rent?
Replies: 8
Views: 1298

New house conundrum...Buy or rent?

Daughter lives in small university town. Her current townhouse rental lease will be up this summer. Inflated rentals now are $1200 -$1800/ mo. for small condo, if can find one. My wife and I plan to either retire there, or live a good part of the year there, when I retire in 2-3 years. So we have been looking for a home close to grandkids, anyway. I can buy a new speck home (1600 sq feet heated space) for$242K, or can buy a partially built higher quality (3000 sq foot) semi custom house by a quality builder for $398K. We would let daughter live there until I retired. The smaller house could be a cash purchase with no stress on my financial situation. The second home will likely involve a mortgage partially. We have no other debts..Even the ...
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 23, 2021 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone towers: Any health issues living near?
Replies: 17
Views: 1105

Cell phone towers: Any health issues living near?

My daughter looking to buy a small home in a newly developed neighborhood. However, there is a fake tree looking cell phone tower approximately 150 yards from the home that she likes. I know the American Cancer Society has said there is no evidence that these cause cancer but that don't necessarily mean they are safe for pregnant women to be in fairly close proximity to. Any thoughts?
by Ykcor
Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Acura TLX or RDX owners?
Replies: 27
Views: 2641

Re: Any Acura TLX or RDX owners?

I have a 2013 RDX. It is a great vehicle. My only complaint is that Acura used to have a timing chain instead of a timing belt as regular Honda have. Now they have the belt which has to be replaced at 100K miles at a cost of 800-1200 bucks.
by Ykcor
Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a townhouse (second home) what are the buyer's costs....
Replies: 3
Views: 632

Re: Buying a townhouse (second home) what are the buyer's costs....

Does it make sense to "buy" points on the mortgage? Is Lending Tree a reasonable place to start with finding a mortgage loan?
by Ykcor
Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a townhouse (second home) what are the buyer's costs....
Replies: 3
Views: 632

Buying a townhouse (second home) what are the buyer's costs....

....other than the purchase price. Which costs are negotiable? Doubt would be any advantage to a purely cash purchase with interest still very low.It has been 20+ years since I purchased a house.
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

aqan wrote: Tue Apr 06, 2021 1:36 am OP what was the last big DIY project you did?

Edit: $2400 seems pretty reasonable. I agree with the comments above, unless you are doing this for fun....
Three or four years ago I put in a trench drain at my daughter's house as water was coming down a hillside and standing on her patio. Had to rent a concrete saw and cut thru a 5" concrete slab and trench the water down the yard to the street. It was sandy soil in a different state and I got my S-I-L to do a lot of the digging. He owes me but if he comes to my house the grandkids come along and "Poppi" would not get any work done.
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

Just do it. We once bought a house with yard drainage problems, didn't discover this until the first heavy rain. - Took about 1' of dirt off the whole yard since it was above the level of our house. About 10 truckloads, each $250. - Dug about 3' deep and installed "french drains" complete with gravel bed and filtered pipes - Above that I placed surface drains, leading down to the street where I punched through the curb for drainage Only hired out the dumping of extra dirt and drilling the hole through the curb. Rest totally DIY, including renting bobcats and little backhoes on weekends. It was a fun project. Probably cost me $7k, including a brand new irrigation system and 2000 sq ft of turf. Would have cost $30k if we had hired ...
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

crefwatch wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 6:15 am Does the ground freeze in your area? My self install 4” PVC sch 40 has risen.
Seldom temp ever gets in teens Fahrenheit. It had been years since ground froze.
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

forgeblast wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 6:43 am always over engineer water. If four is recommended go with 6 or 8, 100 year floods and rain events are more common. Anytime we did water mitigation work (when i was working part time with a landscaper) we made it larger then it needed to be.
Agree
by Ykcor
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

I've used the rental ditch digger. They are great. They will go through roots, and lift out big rocks. But they pulverize the soil and lawn, and it's quite a bit of work to get all the dirt back in the trench when you're done. I think I trenched over 1200 feet for a sprinkler system, it only took about 90 minutes with the trencher to do that. so it's very fast. For this, I'd actually just use a shovel. Pull the grass back, only dig as deep as you need to. Put the dirt back in, and flop the grass back over to cover it all up. My yard slopes, so the top of the drain pipes are just about 4 inches deep...... Would be back breaker to hand dig with shovel in Alabama red clay. I do plan to remove a 8-12 inch strip of sod and place to one side of ...
by Ykcor
Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Re: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

regularguy455 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 9:25 pm Wife said no so I think you have your answer
You may be right. I love my wife, but hate it when she says "I told you so".
by Ykcor
Mon Apr 05, 2021 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....
Replies: 37
Views: 3971

Talk me out of DIY Yard drain project.....

My driveway has a swale and collects water when it rains. I want to put a 12-18 inch catch basin at edge and run 130 feet of 6" smooth pvc pipe across front lawn to woods. This will go under the brick sidewalk from house to mailbox. I got two bids for project from local landscape companies, one $2400 and other $3600. I figured materials $500 and renting trencher from Home Depot $200. Would call 811 to identify underground utilities. My undergrad degree was engineering so I understand the mechanical and fluid dynamics. It's clay soil and will require some labor. My wife says no hire it done.