Search found 451 matches

by maroon
Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
Replies: 90
Views: 8256

Re: Giving (unequal) money to adult children

One of my siblings was without a job for over a year. My parents gifted thousands of dollars to help with rent/groceries/etc. and I wasn't resentful about it. In fact, I was gifting this sibling money, too.
by maroon
Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Informed Bogleheads Consider My Old Subaru A Cost Effective Gift?
Replies: 20
Views: 1424

Re: Do Informed Bogleheads Consider My Old Subaru A Cost Effective Gift?

I had the timing belt changed at 105K miles on my older Forester. Strangely enough, the Subaru service advisor said NOT to change the water pump; he said the water pump lasts forever. So I didn't. Now my Forester has > 180K miles and all is well, no issues. This car has been remarkably reliable. (Side note: the dealership was cheaper than the local independent Subaru repair shop, as I found a coupon that the dealership grudgingly accepted. The dealership has since changed owners, and the current owners don't accept other coupons.)
by maroon
Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21636

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

I really appreciate the conversation, and the suggested links/resources. This is a topic I'm concerned about, as I'm in the same boat and have been unsure what to do. I have no close friends nearby. I have no kids. I do have siblings, but I'm healthier than they are. My siblings have no kids. I think about this a lot, as I recently and unexpectedly became responsible for an extended relative's care. My extended relative has step-kids, but they declined to help so I stepped in. I became the health/financial POA and took my relative to doctor appointments, collected medical/financial records, applied for Medicaid benefits; once approved, I visited assisted living facilities, chose one, signed the lease, moved my relative in. I'm currently doi...
by maroon
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feb. 7 Update -- Brand new Subaru needs new transmission
Replies: 173
Views: 16216

Re: Brand new Subaru needs new transmission

Do what Jack says (above). I've found SOA to be reasonable. Side note: my older Forester w/ 180,000+ miles is still going strong (not a CTV, BTW). I would buy another, just don't want to pay today's prices so will wait until my Forester dies.
by maroon
Fri Dec 22, 2023 12:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon delivery time issues
Replies: 33
Views: 4062

Re: Amazon delivery time issues

This just happened to me with an item was supposed to be delivered two days ago and hasn't shown up yet. I inquired with Amazon, and was advised the delay is because the closest warehouse doesn't have the item in stock.
by maroon
Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My car was stolen Saturday night!
Replies: 62
Views: 9371

Re: My car was stolen Saturday night!

Was it a Civic SI?
by maroon
Wed Dec 13, 2023 1:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
Replies: 101
Views: 16525

Re: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

Although I hope we are years from such a consideration, your link to that white paper proved to be extremely useful. Was at a Broadway show last week before Thanksgiving and a gentleman sat next to me. He was 78 and an owner of several CCRCs. I asked about the refundability of entrance fees and although pleasant he was, he avoided answering. I asked why and he said it was complicated. Your white paper quenched my curiosity. Thanks and I am glad to hear how well it has worked out for you and yours. Merry Christmas! I agree, that paper is eye opening and should be required reading for anyone considering a CCRC. I like how it describes some CCRCs as offering insurance contracts rather than rental contracts. Essentially you are pre-paying for ...
by maroon
Sat Dec 09, 2023 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some uncommon luxury goods/services?
Replies: 69
Views: 8022

Re: What are some uncommon luxury goods/services?

Has anyone said interior decorator yet?

My wealthy relatives paid someone to hang their artwork at their new house. I hang my own art.
by maroon
Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone found an insurance company with reasonable rate increases
Replies: 17
Views: 2337

Re: Anyone found an insurance company with reasonable rate increases

I use an insurance broker. Over the past 4 years, I've been with Amica, Liberty Mutual, Geico, Progressive. Progressive was the winner this year; much lower than the other insurers (not sure why). I paid in full for a yearlong policy, just so I wouldn't get any mid-year price increases.
by maroon
Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan
Replies: 68
Views: 11311

Re: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan

As as side note, here's a potentially relevant NYT article posted to Yahoo! recently. I just ran across it today. Apologies if this article has already been discussed here.

Facing Financial Ruin as Costs Soar For Eldercare
https://www.yahoo.com/news/facing-finan ... 58568.html
by maroon
Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan
Replies: 68
Views: 11311

Re: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan

I'm currently helping an elderly relative who owns no home, no car, no investments, and has literally < $2K in the bank. To me, this constitutes "basically no cash." Your mom's situation, not so much.

I haven't thoroughly read all the replies, but I did notice a mention of "services." Let me tell you all, I've made probably dozens of calls to various local non-profits, the local center for the aging, etc. and I think they must be overburdened as I got zero/minimal help from any of them (waiting lists, haven't reopened the office since COVID, etc.). OP, in your situation, why not see if your mom wants a consultation with an eldercare laywer?
by maroon
Wed Aug 23, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Geico auto premium up 30%, when to get rid of comprehensive/collision coverage?
Replies: 29
Views: 4009

Re: Geico auto premium up 30%, when to get rid of comprehensive/collision coverage?

I don't know the answer to your question, but why not shop around for insurance? I recently switched from Geico to Progressive as I got an unexpectedly good price quote from Progressive. (I have no particular loyalty, am willing to switch insurance companies for lower premiums.)
by maroon
Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 raises [Salary]
Replies: 47
Views: 5884

Re: 2023 raises [Salary]

At my full-time employer - 4%. At my part-time gig - 5%. Both raises are effective this month.
by maroon
Fri Jun 16, 2023 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Narrowed down to buying new Suburu Forester or Rav4. Planning on keeping it 10 years. Any recommendations?
Replies: 59
Views: 7149

Re: Narrowed down to buying new Suburu Forester or Rav4. Planning on keeping it 10 years. Any recommendations?

Hi OP - once your wife drives the SUVs, I bet she'll determine a favorite. But since you specifically mention visibility as a priority, I'll recommend the Forester. The Forester has excellent visibility, as well as very easy ingress/egress. I own a 2010 Forester with 175K+ miles and am quite happy with it. Have fun shopping!
by maroon
Thu May 25, 2023 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal consumer details of a tiny house
Replies: 50
Views: 6469

Re: Personal consumer details of a tiny house

I'm enjoying this discussion. OP, I live in a tiny house (a stick-built house, not a house on wheels). I'd be happy to answer questions if you'd like to PM me.
by maroon
Thu May 11, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: incentivizing saving when living paycheck to paycheck
Replies: 58
Views: 5036

Re: incentivizing saving when living paycheck to paycheck

For me, the light turned on after I read the book "Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" by Beth Kobliner. This book doesn't get much attention/publicity here, but I found it immensely helpful. At the time, I had just graduated from college and was absolutely living paycheck to paycheck. (Note: graduated during a depression, jobs were hard to find and did not pay particularly well.) For years, I'd save maybe $100 per month, but I KNEW I didn't want to be poor when I got old. (That was a motivator for me, too; the last thing I want to do is work retail in my 80s.)
by maroon
Sat May 06, 2023 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Formula for saving?
Replies: 166
Views: 10326

Re: Formula for saving?

I don't have a formula for saving. But I do save a lot, as I've kept my expenses low. I live in a tiny house in the middle of nowhere, drive an old car, and have no debt of any kind (no mortgage, no car payment, no student loans, no credit card debt, etc.). I'm not a super high income earner - unlike many here - but have managed to become 'wealthy' by keeping my expenses low and my savings rate high. I don't actually track my monthly spending or savings, though. This topic really interests me, and I hope to learn more from others here. (Note - I'm aiming for early retirement, so that perspective/goal guides my financial decisions.)
by maroon
Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unnecessary Oil Change? Or Not?
Replies: 142
Views: 13074

Re: Unnecessary Oil Change? Or Not?

I would change the oil every 6 months as recommended. What I'd do, in your case, is spend maybe 10 minutes browsing the websites of your local Subaru dealers to see if there's a coupon on their "services" page. A dealer coupon may well bring the price down to what a Jiffy Lube or equivalent would charge. In my case, I get a free oil change every 3,000 miles from my local Subaru dealership because I bought my car "certified used" there. My owner's manual specifies oil changes every 3,000 miles, so I get the oil changed every 3,000 miles. Meanwhile, the Subaru dealership puts a reminder sticker on my windshield advising the next oil change is in 6,000 miles. I ignore the reminder sticker! Strangely enough, I get a multi-po...
by maroon
Tue Apr 11, 2023 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side hustles for mid to late career folks
Replies: 112
Views: 16401

Re: Side hustles for mid to late career folks

I have a side gig blogging for a website. I started out as an unpaid contributor and was eventually hired to provide content. I would call it "good" becuase I enjoy it - my regular day job pays better. Eventually my plan is to Coast FIRE and just work the side gig.
by maroon
Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Timing belt change with low mileage
Replies: 53
Views: 4666

Re: Timing belt change with low mileage

I also have a 2010 Subaru Forester, now with ~175K miles. I had the timing belt done at ~105K miles. Strangely enough, the dealership's service advisor advised me NOT to change out the water pump; he said the water pump rarely fails. So I didn't, and it's fine 70K miles later. Due to the age of your Forester, I'd recommend getting the timing belt done. BTW, I checked into having an independent repair shop (Subaru specialist) change the timing belt, and it turned out the dealership was cheaper after they accepted another Subaru dealership's coupon. I think I had a 20% or 25% off coupon; the dealership reluctantly accepted it and thus was cheaper than the independent shop. The dealership "hates" me - they've been giving me free oil...
by maroon
Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Timing belt change with low mileage
Replies: 53
Views: 4666

Re: Timing belt change with low mileage

I also have a 2010 Subaru Forester, now with ~175K miles. I had the timing belt done at ~105K miles. Strangely enough, the dealership's service advisor advised me NOT to change out the water pump; he said the water pump rarely fails. So I didn't, and it's fine 70K miles later. Due to the age of your Forester, I'd recommend getting the timing belt done. BTW, I checked into having an independent repair shop (Subaru specialist) change the timing belt, and it turned out the dealership was cheaper after they accepted another Subaru dealership's coupon. I think I had a 20% or 25% off coupon; the dealership reluctantly accepted it and thus was cheaper than the independent shop. The dealership "hates" me - they've been giving me free oil ...
by maroon
Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.
Replies: 85
Views: 8320

Re: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.

I agree with the poster(s) upthread recommending actually seeing what your mom is spending money on. My mother-in-law - living solely on Social Security - was donating relatively large amounts of money to her church, and also buying tons of random stuff via mail-order-catalogs. I think your mom needs to get a grip on her spending, as her $80K annual income is not low by any means.
by maroon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Medicaid nursing home for mother]
Replies: 42
Views: 3382

Re: [Medicaid nursing home for mother]

This is very slightly off-topic, but I'm acquainted with someone on Medicaid who was in assisted living and now needs a Medicaid-accepting nursing home w/ memory care services. This person (via a POA) has applied to 15+ memory-care nursing homes and has been accepted by a total of 1. However, that 1 particular facility supposedly has a horrible reputation, so the family ended up taking the person home and is now providing 24-hour care. I guess my point is that it may not be super easy to find a nursing home that accepts Medicaid and has beds available, perhaps moreso if memory care is needed. Best wishes to you and your mother. Reviews are not always accurate. Generally, people like to post negative reviews. Few bad experiences. I'm not su...
by maroon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Medicaid nursing home for mother]
Replies: 42
Views: 3382

Re: [Medicaid nursing home for mother]

This is very slightly off-topic, but I'm acquainted with someone on Medicaid who was in assisted living and now needs a Medicaid-accepting nursing home w/ memory care services. This person (via a POA) has applied to 15+ memory-care nursing homes and has been accepted by a total of 1. However, that 1 particular facility supposedly has a horrible reputation, so the family ended up taking the person home and is now providing 24-hour care. I guess my point is that it may not be super easy to find a nursing home that accepts Medicaid and has beds available, perhaps moreso if memory care is needed. Best wishes to you and your mother.
by maroon
Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?
Replies: 50
Views: 5500

Re: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?

I accepted a counter offer once, as my supervisor offered me large salary increase and promotion to stay. It worked well until he left the company about a year later. My brand-new boss promptly revoked my longstanding telecommuting agreement, claiming she didn't believe in remote work. Remote workers aren't productive, she said. So I found new job. This was in early 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut the office down for the next ~2.5 years. Another time, I quit a job and my former employer paid me a lot of money to come back. I got a massive raise, more stock options to replace the ones I'd cashed out, and an assistant. I was directed to train the assistant on all my job functions. A few months later, I got called into my boss' offic...
by maroon
Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?
Replies: 90
Views: 8641

Re: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?

Don't let your mom do this, at least not at this magnitude.

You asked for advice, at least consider the advice. You want to know which account to spend from, and the wise posters here are cautioning against gifting the money. I know someone who's ~95 years old, with dementia, and her 24-hour care costs $$$. Your mom's only 72; who knows what health concerns might develop in the future. You don't want to be passing the hat to all your relatives asking for money toward your mom's care in 20 years, right?
by maroon
Wed Jan 11, 2023 12:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon giving up on its own delivery?
Replies: 45
Views: 8961

Re: Amazon giving up on its own delivery?

I get that message occasionally, too.

For me, Amazon delivery is very reliable; it's USPS with the delivery issues. In fact last month USPS delivered my monthly Subscribe & Save package to a different house. I never got my items, and Amazon graciously credited my account. I'd much rather have Amazon deliver my orders than USPS.
by maroon
Fri Jan 06, 2023 12:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job application requires an exact salary number
Replies: 164
Views: 12222

Re: Job application requires an exact salary number

I don’t understand the discussion here. If you are applying for a job on a website and you haven’t been discussing the role with anyone at the company prior to application, then I would argue more often than not the applicant needs the job more than the job needs the applicant. In these situations, starting off from a combative frame of mind (“I’ll just put $1” “how dare they ask me to give a number first!” “They will just lowball me”) and with an attitude that by doing so the applicant is “weeding out” potential employers as if no mismatch of supply and demand exists is unlikely to meet with long-term success, I’d argue. If you’re applying and have already had conversations and the paperwork is a formality, then it likely doesn’t matter m...
by maroon
Mon Jan 02, 2023 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job application requires an exact salary number
Replies: 164
Views: 12222

Re: Job application requires an exact salary number

Normchad wrote: Mon Jan 02, 2023 2:16 pm Put down what you want and expect. A number you’d accept.

There are a few similar threads around here about this. In times like these, you need to be able to tell people what you want. If you can’t do that, they can’t give it to you. Don’t over complicate things.
I agree with this advice.

I switched jobs last year. One of the interview screening questions was "What is the minimum salary you would accept?" I was not able to skip the question, or enter $0 or N/A. The position had a salary range so I ended up specifying 90% of the max as my "minimum." When I was offered the job, that's the salary I was offered. I would have felt awkward trying to negotiate (and there wasn't much room to negotiate anyway).
by maroon
Sun Dec 11, 2022 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High mileage cars - when to buy new one?
Replies: 48
Views: 6322

Re: High mileage cars - when to buy new one?

My car is a 2010 Subaru Forester, bought "certified used" in 2012 for $17,500. It had 22K miles when I bought it; now has ~175K miles and is still going strong. I've recently been thinking about buying a new Forester, specifically the Wilderness model, but am loath to pay > $40K for a Forester (or really any car). Because my car's been so reliable, I've tentatively decided to keep it for another year or two until new/newer car prices drop. This conversation has been very helpful for me, thanks to all for the comments. (Also, I do have access to another car if this one needs repairs or gets wrecked or whatever...)
by maroon
Sat Oct 22, 2022 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: WSJ Article today on workplace expectations - Lie Low or Grand Opportunity?
Replies: 101
Views: 9744

Re: WSJ Article today on workplace expectations - Lie Low or Grand Opportunity?

Okay, I'm Gen X. I moved to a new position at a larger organization for a significant pay raise and a shorter commute. My former employer advertised my position, got 0 completely qualified candidates, and hired someone a few years out of college with minimally relevant experience. There's no one at my former organization who can fully train him, as the job is quite specialized. So I'm doing my best to provide supplemental training via phone calls and occasional meetings. I feel for him, but then again he applied for a job for which he has no direct experience. Good for him for reaching, though!
by maroon
Sat Oct 22, 2022 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: WSJ Article today on workplace expectations - Lie Low or Grand Opportunity?
Replies: 101
Views: 9744

Re: WSJ Article today on workplace expectations - Lie Low or Grand Opportunity?

I posted about this in another thread recently, but I recently switched employers. The person previously in my positon moved during COVID, and wouldn't return to work when everyone got called back onsite. So I got the job. I agree with the previous comments about expecting new hires to do/know the job from Day 1. My new employer is pretty much expecting this, which is reasonable given the large salary they're paying me. Fortunately I am very experienced in a very niche occupation (think one person per organization).
by maroon
Tue Sep 27, 2022 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Take 50% pay cut for quality-of-life?
Replies: 88
Views: 10696

Re: Take 50% pay cut for quality-of-life?

I just started a new job with a very nice pay bump. You know why? Because the person previously in the job declined to come back from WFH. He moved away during the pandemic; when the company recently recalled people back to the office, he asked for an exemption and was turned down. In lieu of full-time WFH arrangements, the company offers several alternatives: a 4/10 schedule, a 9/80 schedule, or WFH 2 days/week. I think this is a reasonable post-COVID response. Seems the folks requiring full-time WFH arrangements are out of luck. OP, you have plenty of options and I daresay that a 3 hour R/T commute via train is very doable, especially for such a high salary. I would suck it up if I were you, rather than take a 50% pay cut to go elsewhere....
by maroon
Wed Aug 03, 2022 1:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Interview - Asked about Salary
Replies: 314
Views: 22840

Re: Interview - Asked about Salary

I applied for a new job recently, submitting an online application which required applicants to specify the minimum annual salary they'd accept. I knew the position's salary range, and specified my salary requirement at 90% of the maximum rate. Lo and behold, I was offered the job at that exact rate. Now I wish I'd aimed higher.
by maroon
Sun Jun 26, 2022 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hiring managers, at what frequency do job changes become a red flag?
Replies: 33
Views: 3281

Re: Hiring managers, at what frequency do job changes become a red flag?

I once hired someone who had a job tenure of about 1.5 years at previous positions. The person stayed at my workplace for 1.5 years. The employee was truly excellent, and I wish had stayed longer. So I wouldn't expect someone whose resume is full of 1-2 year stints to change his/her tune. (To me, when an applicant changes jobs every couple of years, it's not necessarily a red flag but it's perhaps a heads-up.) I've been reading a FIRE blog, and the blogger's advice is to change jobs every couple of years to earn more money. I know I stayed in one job for 5+ years and only got offered a signifcant raise when I said I was quitting. I'm thinking some employees are jumping ship every couple of years to earn more elsewhere - it's not because the...
by maroon
Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Burned out / Decent Net Worth in late 30s
Replies: 68
Views: 9559

Re: Burned out / Decent Net Worth in late 30s

GolfnCycle wrote: Sat Jun 18, 2022 3:15 pm We have not seriously considered this, but it's worth thinking about further. Are there any cities in particular that you would recommend with good public schools? It seems like even the LCOL areas are $1M for a decent house these days. Thank you...
So I work with low-income individuals and many of them can't come up with $150 to repair an appliance or fix a plumbing leak. How about you try some volunteer work to help the needy and maybe you'll realize you have it made. I guarantee you there are decent houses in the USA that cost < $1 million. You clearly have a lack of awareness about how many or most Americans live.
by maroon
Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mattress recommendations?
Replies: 67
Views: 8583

Re: Mattress recommendations?

I recently got a Saatva Classic in luxury firm, and it's far better than my previous cheapie mattress. I'd recommend it. The luxury firm is just a touch too firm for me so I may see if I can get a topper. (Thanks to SubPar for mentioning this!) The delivery truck had 16 Saatva mattresses on it, and the driver said that's what he delivers daily to my local area. That's a whole lot of mattresses! And they're not cheap, mine was a bit over $2,000. Yeah, best of luck. I bought my Saatva 6+ years ago, so hopefully their customer service hasn't changed! I slept on mine for 2 weeks before contacting them about it being too firm. They "strongly recommended" that I wait at least a full month before making the determination. Ultimately, af...
by maroon
Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mattress recommendations?
Replies: 67
Views: 8583

Re: Mattress recommendations?

I recently got a Saatva Classic in luxury firm, and it's far better than my previous cheapie mattress. I'd recommend it. The luxury firm is just a touch too firm for me so I may see if I can get a topper. (Thanks to SubPar for mentioning this!) The delivery truck had 16 Saatva mattresses on it, and the driver said that's what he delivers daily to my local area. That's a whole lot of mattresses! And they're not cheap, mine was a bit over $2,000.
by maroon
Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have You or Someone You Know Given Up on Buying a Home?
Replies: 54
Views: 8304

Re: Have You or Someone You Know Given Up on Buying a Home?

We downsized 5 years ago to achieve some financial goals. It was a tough transition and at times we feel like we are stepping on one another (we have two young kids), but the home has been a God-send in more ways than one (long story). The problem now is that to get 400-to-500 sq foot more would require us to spend DOUBLE, heck maybe even triple the amount of money our current home cost. If you are even just a little bit frugal, that is a hard pill to swallow and you learn to love the house you are in. We feel like there are a lot of people in our situation, staying put until prices come down (they wont) or until they are at a breaking point with their home. I think this situation is the exact same with automobiles, people are going to lea...
by maroon
Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139
Replies: 274
Views: 26838

Re: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139

I keep Prime because I live in the middle of nowhere and Amazon can deliver in two days, sometimes the next day! And even find my house! Honestly I think Amazon is losing money on my Prime membership. (I live too far out of town for other delivery services like DoorDash.)
by maroon
Sun Feb 06, 2022 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car repairs for Subaru, dealing with dealership, and/or manufacturer
Replies: 70
Views: 5724

Re: Car repairs for Subaru, dealing with dealership, and/or manufacturer

I own a 2010 Forester that I bought certified used w/ ~22K miles. It now has ~160K miles and it hasn't needed new brake pads/rotors since I bought it. I take my Forester to the dealership for free oil changes, and they perform a full inspection, so I presume they'll let me know when it's time. I live in the middle of nowhere, so mostly rural driving (minimal stop-and-go/city traffic). And I have a very light touch on the brakes.

I did have one problem right after the warranty expired - a broken sunroof - and Subaru of America agreed to fix it for free. So I concur with the others who've recommended contacting Subaru directly. Happy driving to you!
by maroon
Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Elderly mom almost out of money
Replies: 356
Views: 36839

Re: Elderly mom almost out of money

Seems like there's a pretty strong consensus here. As an aside, I'm a working individual bringing in a decent paycheck, and I don't spend $4,200/month on expenses. Your mom's gotta cut back, unless y'all kids want to make up the shortfall. Maybe you can send some money to me, too. :happy Not to make light of your mom's situation, clearly she has a loving family. Best to you.
by maroon
Sun Jan 02, 2022 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side Hustles of 2021?
Replies: 19
Views: 3675

Re: Side Hustles of 2021?

My side hustle: website content provider (writer). I work evenings and weekends - whatever hours/schedule I want - and the gig provided about 15% of my total income in 2021.

Years ago, I did a fair amount of restaurant mystery shopping. The income was negligible, but I visited a lot of upscale restaurants and enjoyed a lot of fine dining.
by maroon
Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received a large check incorrectly made out to husband
Replies: 22
Views: 3469

Re: Received a large check incorrectly made out to husband

In short, having the check reissued to the university is likely best. I'm mildly surprised that the university administrator suggested otherwise, though I understand each university has its own processes and preferences.

Just to check - I'm presuming this is an institutional award, rather than an individual award, yes?

For an institutional award, the university (or university foundation) is the applicant and thus the awardee. Therefore, it's pretty rare for a check to be issued directly to the principal investigator. I've only seen this happen once; in this case, the original check was returned to the sponsor and a new check issued. Congratulations to your husband on the research funding.
by maroon
Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney experience
Replies: 301
Views: 26008

Re: Disney experience

Normchad wrote: Tue Dec 28, 2021 5:10 pm
maroon wrote: Tue Dec 28, 2021 1:54 pm Here's the answer - go on Super Bowl Sunday.
This is brilliant!
Thank you! This tip is from personal experience.
by maroon
Tue Dec 28, 2021 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney experience
Replies: 301
Views: 26008

Re: Disney experience

Here's the answer - go on Super Bowl Sunday.
by maroon
Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday Gifts for Employees
Replies: 40
Views: 3135

Re: Holiday Gifts for Employees

I have two jobs: a full-time job and a very part-time (evening/weekend) gig.

Last year, my full-time job gave me a gift card to a local restaurant. My part-time gig gave me a >$1,000 bonus.

This year, my full-time job catered an evening holiday party. My part-time gig gave me a > $1,000 bonus.

Side note: what's up with evening work parties? I say have it during the day on work time!