Search found 858 matches

by johnubc
Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: rider mower club cadet or john deere
Replies: 21
Views: 2155

Re: rider mower club cadet or john deere

I would take a Zero Turn over a traditional garden tractor any day. Much more agility and a bit speedier.
by johnubc
Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NVidia splitting this year?
Replies: 36
Views: 8984

Re: NVidia splitting this year?

The issue is whether the split results in additional people purchasing shares since they can theoretically do so at a lower price, of course. If this results in an increase in the total value of all shares held prior to the split, and if the increase is greater than would have occurred at the pre-split price, then it has benefited the holder. Some would say that is simply accounting and that anticipating a split is not a reason to purchase a stock. Others might acknowledge the investor psychology possibility and purchase. There is some research indicating that this does occur, but it is selective. There are those who would not split like Buffett, but even he has A and B shares. Tim What you are indicating is single share purchases. Do they...
by johnubc
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?
Replies: 44
Views: 2768

Re: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?

JoeNJ28 wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:25 pm Every state in the country is going to real IDs they aren’t anything special that only certain people get. As licenses renew and the states role out the system everyone gets it.

What makes you think the states can keep the data safe? Remember the big OPM hack
Not everyone is entitled to Real or Enhanced Drivers ID. One does not have to get it.
by johnubc
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?
Replies: 44
Views: 2768

Re: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?

There is really nothing special on the Drivers License between a Real ID and a non Real ID - other than a star. The Real ID information is stored (including copies of your passport) - in a state database. The site does have a need to identify you in order to file a claim. It would not bother me if they scanned it in.
by johnubc
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 458
Views: 61854

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

earflop wrote: Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:05 pm Considering using this as a one-stop shop for DW for the sake of simplicity. All her retirement accounts are at Vanguard and the rest of her transactions are through Zelle/Venmo/Paypal. Don't have any need for checks or a debit card.
How does one get cash - without a debit card - for daily transactions that require it?
by johnubc
Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Edward Jones requiring meeting to set up inherited IRA
Replies: 40
Views: 5403

Re: Edward Jones requiring meeting to set up inherited IRA

I do not see a problem with this. The IRA needs to be addressed - and how does your MIL want that addressed - liquidated, Inherited IRA, donated, etc. EJ would need to understand WHO they are distributing to and how. They are just providing customer service. Now, if you go into the meeting, and they are trying to influence MIL into a certain type of investment - that is a different story. It is often easier to establish an account with the current holder - and then move it out when things are finished, otherwise, there will be a lot of finger pointing as to who is holding up the process.
by johnubc
Wed Dec 20, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I afford to splurge on a Tesla?
Replies: 92
Views: 9563

Re: Can I afford to splurge on a Tesla?

Can you afford it? Yes, most likely. You do not show your full expenses, but on that salary, most likely you can afford it. Why do you want to replace the current car - just for the fun factor? With a 15 mile commute 3x a week - you do not have much time for fun. Even on the weekends - not so much. Search your inner self for why you want that car (a little envy perhaps, a toy for me, etc). I am frugal - and would just keep the cars you have - until one of them needs to be replaced for some reason. They are likely roomier than a Model Y. I would spend the extra money in other ways to get the fun factor - vacation, etc. I very much resist the keep up with the Jones's mentality - just because my neighbor has bought a jeep/boat/tesla/bike, etc ...
by johnubc
Tue Dec 05, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard says we have a trust account????
Replies: 35
Views: 6543

Re: Vanguard says we have a trust account????

One should be happy in this situation that Vanguard is protecting the privacy of the Trust and your spouse. Imagine if Vanguard discussed it with a child/son/parent - before they discussed it with the account owner/trustee/beneficiary. You say you are an Agent for your spouse - I am not sure what that means - but that may not be legally enforceable on this account.
by johnubc
Mon Sep 25, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: selling rental home
Replies: 12
Views: 1698

Re: selling rental home

What does the contract say? If it ain't in the contract, it ain't a thing. You did not list the property for sale with the broker. I would just private sale it - title company, lawyer - and be done with it.
by johnubc
Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealership Screw Up on Tax - New Car Purchase
Replies: 23
Views: 2358

Re: Dealership Screw Up on Tax - New Car Purchase

ScooterBob wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 11:30 am It's a money making sales technique. It's a small "profit" for them but over hundreds of sales the money adds up. I bet 95% of people never notice this " mistake". ALWAYS be in control of the sale from start to finish. It's their job to be in control but never let that happen.
Bob
Can you please explain how this is a money making sales technique - the money is tax money, paid to DMV, not the dealership. please explain it to me.
by johnubc
Tue Aug 08, 2023 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $900+ Plumber Bill for 1 Hour Work
Replies: 81
Views: 9022

Re: $900+ Plumber Bill for 1 Hour Work

Did you not keep money in escrow to get this work finished? That should have been done at the closing, as it was all previous to your purchase.
by johnubc
Tue Aug 08, 2023 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car dealer upset with me for completing the "Seller" form on the vehicle title
Replies: 57
Views: 6369

Re: Car dealer upset with me for completing the "Seller" form on the vehicle title

If it is really that big of a deal, the dealer can just get a replacement title from DMV. Having you sign a POA for that title is standard practice around me - as if the title is lost, they want the option to get a new title and sign it over themselves.

No biggie - move on.
by johnubc
Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When will or when did you stop saving for retirement?
Replies: 53
Views: 5268

Re: When will or when did you stop saving for retirement?

I retired in June year and this is what I did: - I front loaded my 401K as always, so it was maxed out by March - I made a deposit into my taxable brokerage account every month including June, then stopped. - My former employer's new benefits coordinator didn't allow front loading my HSA as I previously did. I'm on cobra till the end of this year, so this week I just made a one-time contribution to my HSA to max it out for the year. - Because I front load my 401K, I receive a true-up for matching in June the following year. That just happened for 2022. My last one will happen in June of 2024. That will complete all savings from all sources I'm aware of. My continuing to "save" was not based on reaching any number etc. It was base...
by johnubc
Sat May 13, 2023 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Non-resident state taxes for a few days of business travel
Replies: 56
Views: 6067

Re: Non-resident state taxes for a few days of business travel

ScubaHogg wrote: Sat May 13, 2023 4:16 am
Boglenaut wrote: Fri May 12, 2023 11:05 am This becomes an issue when someone like a professional athlete or music star comes into a state for a day and makes $1M. That gets the attention of the visited state.
Do NFL or NBA athletes have to pay state taxes in every state they play a game in?
Yes. Professional athletes pay taxes their earnings in each state they pay (the portion earned in that state).
by johnubc
Sat May 13, 2023 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Non-resident state taxes for a few days of business travel
Replies: 56
Views: 6067

Re: Non-resident state taxes for a few days of business travel

I recently took a business trip to another state, the trip was for internal reasons (not customer facing) and involved working onsite at the company office for 3 days Next year when I am filing 2023 taxes, do I need to account for these 3 days of working in this other state and file a non-resident state tax return? I'm not sure if this is something that my employer tracks or not either, so assuming this is needed I guess I would need to estimate my average pay per day and then file the NR resident state return for those 3 days of income (and offset this in my state of residence tax filing?) No, you don't need to account for those three days you worked while traveling. When you take a vacation and attend a conference call do you need to acc...
by johnubc
Thu May 11, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse on home loan or not?
Replies: 30
Views: 2809

Re: Spouse on home loan or not?

MrBobcat wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 11:02 pm How does she feel about not being on the title?
One can be on the title and not be on the mortgage.
by johnubc
Wed May 03, 2023 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did I replace my exterior lock with a defective one?
Replies: 27
Views: 2505

Re: Did I replace my exterior lock with a defective one?

knightrider wrote: Fri Apr 28, 2023 1:24 pm
johnubc wrote: Fri Apr 28, 2023 1:20 pm Schlage - the interior knob works locked or not. I actually prefer it, as my kids do not forget to lock the door on their way out. And, you will only do it once.
Interesting to learn its by design. But I am not following you on why you prefer it?
In an emergency - just turn the handle and exit the home, no fumbling with the lock to unlock it before one could get out. My kids just pull the door shut - and do not lock it - so, when they leave the house, the handle is locked (at that point, the deadbolt is theater). But one does not forget to lock the door.
by johnubc
Fri Apr 28, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did I replace my exterior lock with a defective one?
Replies: 27
Views: 2505

Re: Did I replace my exterior lock with a defective one?

Schlage - the interior knob works locked or not. I actually prefer it, as my kids do not forget to lock the door on their way out. And, you will only do it once.
by johnubc
Mon Apr 24, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take out a 401K Participant Loan to Get More into the 401K?
Replies: 15
Views: 1458

Re: Take out a 401K Participant Loan to Get More into the 401K?

When you take a loan from your 401k - you have no investments making money for you. Your only gain during that time is the interest you pay to your future self. Overall, a loss to you,
by johnubc
Thu Apr 20, 2023 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Advisor?
Replies: 19
Views: 2479

Re: Fidelity Advisor?

They have cold called me twice. The first time, I politely told him - never call me again. The second time, I initiated a transfer to get all my funds out - they promised, they would not call me again and they have not.
by johnubc
Tue Apr 18, 2023 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Power company AC override? I am gone 15+ days a month and no one is home for context.
Replies: 45
Views: 4182

Re: Power company AC override? I am gone 15+ days a month and no one is home for context.

I have this setup in my home. I save a few bucks - and do not notice when they have utilized the privilege. I get the money either way - and they do let me know the few times they have engaged it. If you are frugal, keep it and save a few bucks.
by johnubc
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unprofessional/Questionable Promotion Process - Help Needed
Replies: 49
Views: 4953

Re: Unprofessional/Questionable Promotion Process - Help Needed

There is no winning here - it is a popularity contest. Start looking for the next endeavor (which could be another position in the large company).
by johnubc
Thu Apr 13, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need help deciding UIUC vs Virginia Tech for Computer Engineering
Replies: 72
Views: 7019

Re: Need help deciding UIUC vs Virginia Tech for Computer Engineering

Simply, save the expense.

VT will even be more cost effective than you have posted - once off campus, housing and meals will be cheaper. These are two good schools - and generically will have the same opportunities after graduation.
by johnubc
Wed Apr 12, 2023 2:40 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Ok, which of you did this? [license plate]
Replies: 80
Views: 14146

Re: Ok, which of you did this? [license plate]

A Vermont, Saxaphone players, perhaps?
by johnubc
Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Employer match from ex-employer?
Replies: 12
Views: 817

Re: Employer match from ex-employer?

It is likely a trueup contribution. To ensure you received your entire (proper) match.
by johnubc
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Question
Replies: 24
Views: 2388

Re: HVAC Question

drdrgolf wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 12:42 pm At our annual HVAC preventive maintenance inspection the tech mentioned that if our 15 year old AC unit needed to be recharged there were no supplies available for that type of gas. It would necessitate replacement of our AC unit. Are there any alternatives to this dilemma?? Any suggestions will be received appreciatively.
Thanks in advance.
Dominic
Find a new HVAC contractor. If he said, it is getting more expensive and harder to come by, yes, I would believe him/her. Saying there are no supplies available is just not true. R-22, R-410a are still available.
by johnubc
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling property in a far away state
Replies: 29
Views: 2222

Re: Selling property in a far away state

Do a quick look at the property on Zillow - and look at that propery and any surrounding property. That will give you a very quick and free assessment.
by johnubc
Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?
Replies: 50
Views: 5500

Re: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?

It all depends on why one was looking to move to a new position -

1- Received a random phone call with a great opportunity - I would entertain a counter offer.
2- Realizing that other opportunities can provide a better life balance and total compensation - I would entertain a counter offer.
3- Coporate culture is conflicting with my personal direction - I would not entertain a counter offer.

I recently experienced #2 - where an opportunity that I found had a better total compensation package - was and able to use that to leverage my currently employer to sweeten the deal for me. It has worked out well for me.
by johnubc
Wed Feb 15, 2023 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5731

Re: US Customs

Stop worrying about this. Should you budget extra time - yes - but not because of the incident, because of staff shortages. Enjoy your international flight.
by johnubc
Mon Feb 13, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HOA asking to be named as add'l insured
Replies: 39
Views: 4495

Re: HOA asking to be named as add'l insured

What is your legal relationship with this HOA? If there is none - there is no way I would entangle myself with them. If there is a relationship - I would ask - Who is asking for this and why? Once they respond, I would consult my own lawyer (and even might still not entertain the HOA).
by johnubc
Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?
Replies: 88
Views: 5669

Re: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?

I would fly. And I do fly, quite often.

Why would you want to take on the wear and tear on your new Forrester? Also why have the risk of an accident on you, your car and your insurance? In theory, the mileage paid is supposed to reimburse you for the costs of the travel, but when I add it up - it does not work out - wear on the car (Oil, tires, wipers, etc), gas expense - and the wear and tear on you - 8 hours of driving may be exhausting (add a little weather or accident delay) an 8 hour drive can be 12-14 hours.

Yes, there are delays with flights right now - but if you flight gets canceled - that is out of your control. If you are delayed in traffic - that is on you.
by johnubc
Fri Jan 27, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Co-owning a home after divorce
Replies: 48
Views: 6088

Re: Co-owning a home after divorce

Don't do this. It will not work out for you. Talk to the bank and see if there is a legal method they would approve of that would allow you to keep the mortgage.
by johnubc
Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to safely transfer large home down payment funds?
Replies: 21
Views: 1665

Re: How to safely transfer large home down payment funds?

Wire the funds - to the escrow company - this is likely the way they want it. Trying to ACH it over can take a few days and if you need to spread it out, take way longer. The escrow company likely uses wired transactions - and they know how it all works. Make it easier on yourself and stay within their comfort zone.

The escrow company is the entity that will make sure everyone is paid properly - it is the entity that you trust and the seller trusts to make sure you both have the proper transaction completed.
by johnubc
Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax question: can I write off “travel expenses” from work to home - state and city
Replies: 27
Views: 3179

Re: Tax question: can I write off “travel expenses” from work to home - state and city

I really do not want to comment - other than to say, get a second opinion from another accountant.
by johnubc
Sat Jan 21, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much are you helping your kids through college?
Replies: 144
Views: 16640

Re: How much are you helping your kids through college?

I paid for half of undergraduate tuition. Room, board, books - tuition - to some great state schools (UVA, VTech, JMU). Them having skin in the game was an awesome teaching experience for them. They saw some of their classmates who had no skin in the game doing a Victory Lap year.

I also split the cost of a reasonable car with them - 50-50. I do not regret this decision one bit. They were able to use some of their savings, offset with scholarships (Rotary, Golf club, etc) and with on campus jobs. They graduated, not only debt free, but also with money in their investment accounts.
by johnubc
Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do when your 401K does not have true-up
Replies: 29
Views: 2809

Re: What to do when your 401K does not have true-up

What is TRUE UP ??? Lets say your employer matches 6% of your contribution. Normally, that is taken into account on each pay period - and the employer will only match at that 6% rate, so that is you contributed at the 10% rate you are kinda missing out on the full match. If you hit the contribution limit early in year - you will likely have shortchanged your match - as the employer will not be matching for the rest of the year, as you are not making any contributions. Salary 100k - 6% match - equal pay check contributions will lead to a 6k match. Salary 100k - 6% match - front load to first half of year will lead to a 3k match. The True Up - is when the employer 'looks' at your total contribution over the year and 'True's Up' the match so ...
by johnubc
Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractor stating floor needs to be leveled for tile
Replies: 45
Views: 4502

Re: Contractor stating floor needs to be leveled for tile

If the floor is "rolling" up and down - as shown on a level with the daylight showing through - it needs to be leveled. This is different from pulling a slope on the floor from one side to the other.
by johnubc
Tue Jan 03, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone - trouble with group text messages
Replies: 10
Views: 1118

Re: iPhone - trouble with group text messages

Have you recently changed providers? The provider has to enable group messaging on their end. I recently switched - as my provider (not a major one) - was unable to get group messaging working on 1 of my family lines.
by johnubc
Tue Nov 15, 2022 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does Vanguard have an interest bearing savings account?
Replies: 13
Views: 1773

Re: Does Vanguard have an interest bearing savings account?

Yes - depending on what features you would like to have with this account.

viewtopic.php?t=385191
by johnubc
Wed Nov 09, 2022 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Risk of having over $250,000 in Savings account
Replies: 12
Views: 1538

Re: Risk of having over $250,000 in Savings account

correction - A joint account is only FDIC insured up to the 250k amount. [/size] Open two individual accounts at the same bank. Keep the joint account - up to 250k, plus another account of a different type (savings, cd, etc). Open two accounts at different banks. There are ways to get more coverage using beneficiary's - but for the short term, it is not worth the effort to set it up. https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/brochures/insured-deposits/ Noted on a Joint account - where I was reading indicated that the account was only insured up to the 250k limit. To me, the below reads that one needs a second account - which I had indicated. "If all of these requirements are met, each co-owner's shares of every joint account tha...
by johnubc
Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Those pesky rodents
Replies: 59
Views: 3754

Re: Those pesky rodents

try a bucket trap - 5 gallon bucket and a paper towel roll - works like a charm. Here is an advanced version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cL-A3uJ_44
by johnubc
Tue Sep 13, 2022 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can (adult) child file for ACA by himself?
Replies: 17
Views: 1836

Re: Can (adult) child file for ACA by himself?

Yes, they can apply to the ACA exchange.

You stated that your future insurance will not cover them - which means that they do not have an alternative insurance provider.
by johnubc
Thu Sep 08, 2022 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I Need a Lawyer (Real Estate Transaction)?
Replies: 13
Views: 1170

Re: Do I Need a Lawyer (Real Estate Transaction)?

Yes, for simplicity sake - get your own lawyer. It will not take much time, but make sure all the documents are in order.
by johnubc
Tue Aug 30, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I have to have an account at parent's brokerage to inherit from it?
Replies: 20
Views: 1908

Re: Do I have to have an account at parent's brokerage to inherit from it?

8foot7 wrote: Tue Aug 30, 2022 4:48 am RBC required new accounts for each beneficiary. We then immediately transferred ours out.

This - Do not try to fight the issue. Just open the account as they wish, and then you can control moving/selling the funds at your leisure. It is the easiest way. Otherwise, when it gets screwed up, they will blame your request for an external account.
by johnubc
Wed Aug 17, 2022 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Back Yard Fence -- DIY or Pay Someone?
Replies: 49
Views: 3133

Re: Back Yard Fence -- DIY or Pay Someone?

Seriously consider using Vinyl Fencing. Nailing 2x6's to 4x4's - will likely devalue your property. Also, if you are doing this yourself, consider renting a Dingo for the auger.
by johnubc
Fri Aug 05, 2022 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to say "No" for an extended warranty?
Replies: 117
Views: 7478

Re: How to say "No" for an extended warranty?

"No, I am not interested in an extended warranty"

"If you persist in trying to sell it to me, I will find another dealer."
by johnubc
Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repatching drywall cut in two different areas on the same wall
Replies: 38
Views: 2765

Re: Repatching drywall cut in two different areas on the same wall

You wall is textured - it is not a simple 'mud n tape n sand' this type of wall. It will be very very difficult to just fix those two areas without them being noticed.
by johnubc
Wed Jun 29, 2022 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lease Transfer Risk Help
Replies: 4
Views: 525

Re: Lease Transfer Risk Help

Your lawyer can easily take care of this - making the legality of #1 contingent on #2 being executed.
by johnubc
Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should we charge for concessions for our HOA event?
Replies: 31
Views: 2831

Re: Should we charge for concessions for our HOA event?

Make it free.

When you go down teh path of assigning tickets - how do you compensate for the family of 2 vs the family of 7. It will become too complicated. Post a sign - that folks are expected to limit items and be reasonable.

And free is not free - these folks have paid for this event already - through the use of the HOA and donations.