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new2bogle

I moved to Texas from Ohio.. and then left after a year. While they’re is no income tax, they will get their money out of you via the water and utility districts if you purchase real estate. As I recall, the cost of vehicle registration and drivers licenses were comparable, but insurance costs skyr...

new2bogle

Welcome to Texas, it's a great place.

new2bogle

How about working for the DMV? I recently renewed my registration and had to go in since it was too close to the deadline to do it online. Seemed like a pretty easy desk job for the person doing it. Don't need talk too much, but not isolated in a cubicle by yourself. It is a customer service job tho...

new2bogle

I don't. All excess money goes into one pot, and comes out as needed. I don't pay cash for cars as I find 2% (often lower) finance rates that you can get for cars to be "free" money. My last new car I bought had a loan of ~$22k after trade-in and maxing out how much the dealership would take on cred...

new2bogle

$0 in a 529. I put $25k/year into a mega backdoor Roth, targeted for college expenses. If that were not an option, it would be split between taxable and 529. My state gives no 529 benefits. I plan to stop savings and use cashflow (stop 401k payments, plus the 25k going into backdoor, plus taking out...

new2bogle

We say the unit has never been able to pull the temperature below 73F even when the outside temperature peaks at 80F. I ask what's going to happen when it's 95? It is very helpful to have some of you confirm that an AC should cool 20F from ambient. That's all I ask of this unit. Thanks, You really ...

new2bogle

I'd spend 20 bucks on one of these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ultra-Performance-Non-Contact-Infrared-Thermometer-39102/300227498?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-1_HAND+TOOLS%7CNA%7CPLA%7c71700000034127224%7c58700003933021546%7c92700031755124844&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5s3cBRCAARIsAB8ZjU0RPB5nIV-8YLj...

new2bogle

Sneakers are not business casual. You have to see what other folks are wearing to see what is "acceptable". I would not want to wear something that would put me as an outsider in the company's dress culture. What industry is this in? In tech, pretty much anything goes. There is a senior director dow...

new2bogle

Two months ago I received a non-working item. Emailed the seller through eBay and he refunded my money and cost to ship back. That is a POSITIVE experience.

If the seller works with you and refunds your money, give them a positive review.

new2bogle

US Senator Rand Paul graduated from the Duke allopathic program and does not have a bachelors degree. Probably doesn't hurt to have a father who is a congressman. Things have changed since but you already have the UVA program mentioned above. This virtually never happens. I don't think one celebrit...

new2bogle

gotester2000 wrote: ↑
Fri Sep 07, 2018 1:57 am
OP,

The real cost and conditions are those written on paper and signed. Sales people will tell anything LIE to make a sale.

Fixed that for you

new2bogle

I don't say anything unless there is a direct question "Should I use a FA from EJ?" or something like that. Otherwise, it's just none of your business.

new2bogle

KlangFool wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:01 am
OP,

1% to 5% of your net worth excluding the house. So, for most people, the answer is nothing.

KlangFool

haha!

new2bogle

I've got a Nectar which is pretty firm even though they claim it's just "medium firm". It also has a 1 year trial which is very generous.

new2bogle

VictoriaF wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 05, 2018 3:20 pm
Wasting money on groceries is buying processed food devoid of nutrition.

Victoria

Agreed! Either nutritious food is inherently expensive or hard to find cheap.

new2bogle

You should realize that many of the extracurricular activites for kids are just structured/negoitated babysitting service. They provide parents with some comfort that their children are supervised and hopefully kept safe. The expense of the activities is an angle exploited by the vendors to attract...

new2bogle

I would have said right then and there, "Of course! I am happy to share in the cost of the shared fence that is replaced. Thanks for taking care of this!" Yup. Right side neighbor asked this once and I asked about cost and said sure. He did all the work to get the contractor. Left side neighbor ask...

new2bogle

1) My microwave went out a few years ago - craigslist had the exact same one for $80. Try something used first.
2) You say you just bought the house - did you get the seller to give you a home warranty? Could be that the home warranty covers the microwave.

new2bogle

Here's my experience: When I was buying my second home, I kept the first and rented it out. I fortunately got a very good renter and they have been there 6+ years. Only ever had this one tenant - he keeps the lawn up to date, doesn't hassle me about the little things and takes care of my house treme...

new2bogle

There are no such MD programs that are accredited in the United States. Again I’m not denying that CRNAs have an RN degree in the past just as MDs who graduated from United States have obtained a bachelors degree in the past. If you think I’m wrong please give me one allopathic program in the Unite...

new2bogle

There are no such MD programs that are accredited in the United States. Again I’m not denying that CRNAs have an RN degree in the past just as MDs who graduated from United States have obtained a bachelors degree in the past. If you think I’m wrong please give me one allopathic program in the Unite...

new2bogle

I will add my support to KyleAAA's assertions - pay really IS that high in tech, especially in Bay Area (where it is needed) and also in Seattle (where it is not needed as much). The FAANG's pay a lot and also make a lot. I have friends in all FAANG companies (except for Netflix - that guy went from...

new2bogle

For $100 a year, I will gladly let someone else make a house call and tell me nothing is wrong with my heater and A/C. Factor that into your annual maintenance budget. If they tell you something is wrong, you can always question them on why and what the remedy is. Repairs through these companies wi...

new2bogle

We have a Ring doorbell and it is really not as good as it could be. The motion detection takes way too long to start, so much so that often all we see is the back of someone (usually FedEx/UPS) walking away. I've played with the settings quite a bit (you can adjust motion range and depth of sense) ...

new2bogle

The best way to waste money on food is to convince yourself there is a difference in taste or quality that you receive in exchange for an increase in price when it’s really not there. This could be due to brand distinction or the organic/non-organic distinction. Both food and money have a good bit ...

new2bogle

I waste money on groceries by splurging on a few things that allow me to tolerate taking lunch to work instead of paying up for dining out. I buy the $3.50 loaf of 'fancy' bread instead of the $1.5 plain white or wheat. I also use hummus as a sandwich spread even though it is $4 a tub rather than m...

new2bogle

One way to spend more (like you are doing) is buy everything with the word "Organic" on the label. :wink: It would be interesting to do some blind taste tests. The mind can play some pretty good tricks on itself where spending more automatically equates to tasting better. If your grocery budget wor...

new2bogle

Recently there was a thread on how to save money on groceries where someone mentioned they would like to see a thread on how to waste money on groceries. Now I put "waste" in quotes because I don't feel that spending money on high end food products is wasting - but it is definitely not lowering my f...

new2bogle

For people that have owned Mercedes/BMW and also Lexus/Acura/Infiniti - is there a big difference in ride as a daily commuter car? My commute is about 30 mins each way, with maybe 70% of it being stop-n-go, rest on suburban streets. Is the ride of the german car that noticeable once the novelty wea...

new2bogle

For people that have owned Mercedes/BMW and also Lexus/Acura/Infiniti - is there a big difference in ride as a daily commuter car? My commute is about 30 mins each way, with maybe 70% of it being stop-n-go, rest on suburban streets. Is the ride of the german car that noticeable once the novelty wear...

new2bogle

OP - I was in the same position not too long ago. For years I had chosen to go with reliable brands (Toyota, Honda, Mazda etc.) and then I had to make a call on taking a chance and driving what I always wanted (Mercedes, BMW, Audi ...) or continue to play safe but perhaps bump it up to luxury (Lexu...

new2bogle

Sick to death of looking at my wife's 2000 Lexus RX300. Just won't die. Also still looks good as the body style isn't that much different from the newer RX's. If logic prevails, go with the Lexus. If not, get something else. Full disclosure.... I did. Yup. A family member has a 1995 GS that will no...

new2bogle

Mercedes is "luxurious" and has snob factor but expensive to maintain. Lexus is a nicer Toyota but inexpensive to maintain. Just get a Toyota. You're trying to convey something to other people by driving a luxury vehicle and it is really a waste of money. Why do you make the assumption that OP is “...

new2bogle

I may be wrong, but the op strikes me as someone (like myself) that will take the car to the dealership for service. I would gather some facts on these cars. I would go to both the Mercedes dealership and the Lexus dealership and have their service advisor walk you through their recommended mainten...

new2bogle

The Mercedes CPO warranty is good and can be extended for not an unreasonable amount ($2,000?) to basically give you full coverage for 7 years/100k miles or unlimited miles in some circumstances. The 2016 E-class was the last year of the 3.5 V6 engine (E350) which is very reliable. They switched to...

new2bogle

GT99 wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:19 am

That said, Lexus has been at the top in reliability for a long time, so if you're otherwise having a hard time making up your mind, I'd say go Lexus.

And that's probably what I will do, but the drive between the two cars is different, not better/worse, just different.

new2bogle

Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:47 am

For those who don't do it themselves and don't have a good independent mechanic, then sure. You're going to be gouged by Mercedes.

That would be me.

new2bogle

I will be buying myself a new used car sometime in the next few months. Right now I am deciding between a 2016 GS 350 or an E350. These seem to be in the $30k-$35k range right now which is what I want to spend. (I'm open to an IS also, but not a C-class). My major concern is long term costs. We have...

new2bogle

Austin area resident here. USAA renewal packet for homeowners ins. just came in. 21% increase (no claims) from 1800/yr to 2300/year. Contemplating whether to accept it as is. I have read/heard good things about USAA if I ever have to make a claim. Or shop around to possibly save??? I think you shou...

new2bogle

amindu wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 21, 2018 2:00 pm
Amica has always been on average 25% more than others every time i shopped the market, Geico is very competitive in TX.

Do you use Geico for homeowners as well?

new2bogle

Thanks for all the responses. What is interesting is a few years ago when I switched to Amica, they were the cheapest out of the major providers (I did not check each and every registered insurer). I'll check out a few (or find an agent). I think maybe I can save some just on teaser rates as I suspe...

new2bogle

If it's anything like the composite boards I regularly see at Lowe's, they cost much more than pressure-treated wood. If your old deck lasted 30 years with pressure-treated wood, why not save some money and use it again? My parents have composite boards for their two story massive deck. It is a tre...

new2bogle

Happens after every major hurricane. Harvey was probably the most expensive and destructive in Houston since Allison. This gets passed on to everyone IME, not just the people with Houston properties, but the entire state. I just didn't think it would be so huge in areas that do not get affected. I ...

new2bogle

My Amica insurance is renewing soon and I'm seeing huge cost increases: autos increase +33% per year, (no violations from last year) same for home. Even umbrella ins is going up. This is not in the Houston area. Are Texans (not in Houston/gulf coast) seeing similar increases? Just wondering if I sho...

new2bogle

I have a 2010 Camry hybrid, less than 80k miles. I'm looking to unload in the next few months... I believe KBB is ~$8k private party, but it is fully loaded. Maybe you'll have to make a trip out here for a test drive.

new2bogle

100Mbps should be good enough. I have 200 Mbps but in my house there can be 4 HD streams at the same time (Netflix, youtube, directv now, etc). I've noticed that some of the really good 1080P content can use 20Mbps. The problem with spectrum in my area is that ping latency is around 20ms. I think th...

new2bogle

My brother in law gives employees in his practice a well matched 401k and generous bonuses. As he told me, "I don't see how they can live on market wages".

new2bogle

I have family in SA and have been visiting the City for 30+ years. I still very much like Rudy’s. Tried many others but always go back there - it has been very consistent over the years and is also very consistent across its locations. Certainly not “high end” but very good, in my opinion. I always...

new2bogle

You need to change from "sunny_socal" to "sunny_soco". But I bet the sun here is >> warmer than socal. I would check with Amica. Back a few years ago, I switched to them (from State Farm) as they were the cheapest I could find (also in Austin). I've got primary house, rental house, two cars, umbrell...

new2bogle

I don't understand what the issue is: Price it high and if it doesn't sell, lower the price. Entertain all offers. It sure doesn't seem like you need to sell it anytime soon, so you have MONTHS to figure out what it will sell for by putting it out there. If I was buyer, I would low-ball you and tel...

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