Search found 912 matches

by nimo956
Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?
Replies: 10
Views: 1183

Re: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?

Go on a site like redfin and pull up all of the sold homes in your desired location for the last 6 months. Then make a list of the buyer's and seller's agents for each house. Count which realtors have the most closings and interview the top 3. That's how I found my realtor and she was amazing. You want somehow who understands your market and knows what a winning offer looks like.
by nimo956
Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do
Replies: 58
Views: 11292

Re: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do

Try to find a copy of their tax return from last year. This will help you locate any bank or brokerage accounts.
by nimo956
Mon Feb 12, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).
Replies: 22
Views: 3811

Re: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).

I did the same thing for my mother after my father passed away. The first point is that this is a shock to the system. It will take your mother time to adjust to this new life. It’s perfectly fine to defer making drastic changes to her life savings for 6 months.

The second point is that this is your mother’s money. You need to invest for her risk tolerance and not yours (even if you think your way will outperform).

Since she is unfamiliar with finances in general, I would start with a portfolio of 75% intermediate term treasuries, and 25% global stock index fund. This 2 fund portfolio very simple to explain, easy to understand, and low risk. Don’t bother with any rebalancing. This is exactly what I did for my mother.
by nimo956
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust
Replies: 86
Views: 9942

Re: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust

I would absolutely interview multiple agents. Here is what I've done (though never for a house in this price range): 1. Go to any real estate website like Zillow and pull up sold homes for the last 6 months in your area. 2. For each one, make a list of both the buyer's and seller's agent. 3. See which realtors are listed the most, and interview the top 3-5 agents. After I did this, it was immediately apparent who the best agent was. She was the most active in my area, and was incredibly driven. She has lived here for 30 years, could tell us everything about the town, neighbors, any issues, etc. She also knew all the best contacts for contractors, plumbers, engineers, etc. and was setting up appointments before we even had to ask. Yes, both ...
by nimo956
Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
Replies: 198
Views: 18378

Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?

Andover. Their public school is decent but Phillips Academy really stands out. Good to know We have long term friends who live there (former neighbours in a foreign country). Their children attended local public schools, even though they themselves had been privately educated for high school back home. It is a beautiful town. There is a direct train line into Boston (at least we took a train and they picked us up near there). Phillips Academy is one of the best private schools in the USA, I believe. It's the kind of place that has its own, excellent, art gallery. Possibly "Dead Poet's Society" was based on Phillips? My friend would have been an able teacher of mathematics and computer science at a place like that (and hockey!) bu...
by nimo956
Tue Jan 23, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
Replies: 198
Views: 18378

Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?

How far out do you consider a suburb? Anything on the commuter line? You could look at Sharon, MA. They have great schools and a top tennis team (at least when I played them in high school).

As others have mentioned, most of the public schools in MA are good. Other pricey areas include Brookline, Newton, Wellsley, Lexington, Belmont, Needham, Natick, Concord, Winchester, etc.
by nimo956
Tue Jan 23, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
Replies: 198
Views: 18378

Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?

How far out do you consider a suburb? Anything on the commuter line? You could look at Sharon, MA. They have great schools and a top tennis team (at least when I played them in highs school).

As others have mentioned, most of the public schools in MA are good. Other pricey areas include Brookline, Newton, Wellsley, Lexington, Belmont, Needham, Concord, Winchester, etc.
by nimo956
Sat Jan 20, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best cookware to buy
Replies: 143
Views: 13943

Re: Best cookware to buy

Others have already mentioned this, but don’t buy a set buy what you need.

Staub 7qt Dutch oven (https://a.co/d/bjwJzps)
Falk 11” copper fry pan (https://www.copperpans.com/classic-fryi ... 8-cm-11-in
Falk 3qt copper sauce pan (https://www.copperpans.com/classic-saucepan-20-cm-29-qt)
All Clad D3 or D5 8” or 10” fry pan
A few All Clad 6qt pots (don’t need copper here)
A cheap nonstick fry pan (b/c they need to be replaced)
Hattori Forums FH series knives (https://japanesechefsknife.com/collecti ... -fh-series)
A nice handmade wood cutting board (https://theboardsmith.com/)
Wok (https://www.wokshop.com/newstore/product-category/woks/)
CCK Cleaver (https://www.chefknivestogo.com/cckcleavers.html)
by nimo956
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Board Games for Two in 2024
Replies: 53
Views: 7083

Re: Board Games for Two in 2024

Battle Line
Codenames Duet
7 Wonder Duel
Azul
Hive
Patchwork
Pandemic
Targi
Onitama
Jaipur
Spirit Island
Carcasonne
Keyflower
Castles of Burgundy
Santorini
Race for the Galaxy
Agricola
Twilight Struggle
Dominion
Android Netrunner
Arkham Horror LCG
by nimo956
Sat Dec 23, 2023 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 774
Views: 146684

Re: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?

I just signed up with Monarch and am very pleased so far. Took less than 10 min to set up all my accounts, and everything seems to work as it should. Mint is an app I used everyday, so I'm willing to pay the annual fee.
by nimo956
Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $1m AUD loan from foreign persons
Replies: 5
Views: 1247

Re: $1m AUD loan from foreign persons

The decision of gift vs loan is not up to me. Estate and tax lawyers in Australia and the US are already involved, and have drawn up the loan agreement. I assume it is compliant with all IRS requirements (which has always been the intent).

The strategy of forgiving interest and principle up to the gift tax exclusion is referenced here by several other Bogleheads (ResearchMed, TomatoTomato, neurosphere and White Coat Investor):
viewtopic.php?t=398417

so it seemed like a valid strategy.
by nimo956
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $1m AUD loan from foreign persons
Replies: 5
Views: 1247

$1m AUD loan from foreign persons

I’m hoping someone can double-check that my understanding of the following is correct: 1. My in-laws, who are Australian citizens want to make a personal loan (not from a trust) of $1m ($667k USD) to me and my husband. 2. I’m a US citizen and my husband has a green card. We live in NJ. 3. The loan would be set at the applicable Federal rate (AFR). 4. We would not make payments on this loan. Each year, the interest will be forgiven and counted as a gift. 5. Because the interest forgiven is less than $100k, which is the IRS gift limit from foreign persons, Form 3520 would not need to be filled out. 6. Lawyers have drafted the loan agreement and included terms that removes our obligation to withhold tax and remit to the IRS. 7. Interest on the...
by nimo956
Sat Dec 09, 2023 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite suitcase?
Replies: 56
Views: 7712

Re: Favorite suitcase?

I got a Travelpro spinner suitcase a year ago and am very happy with it. Good enough in terms of quality for the light travel I do and not too expensive.
by nimo956
Mon Nov 06, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE
Replies: 103
Views: 10231

Re: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE

This doesn't really fit the low-cost or middle of the country requirement, but if you are looking for great public schools and healthcare, and don't mind winters, then something in NJ or MA.

There's central NJ around Rutgers and Princeton, and suburbs of Boston, which are near a countless number of colleges.
by nimo956
Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift
Replies: 25
Views: 1841

Re: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift

erp wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:03 pm
nimo956 wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:04 pm The gift is actually $1m AUD; it is just coincidence that it converts to $650k, which is roughly the same as the mortgage.
If gift givers are non-US, you may be responsible for reporting this (Form 3520). If you don't, penalty can be up to 25% of the gift iirc.
Yes, already aware of this requirement. Receiving money from foreign persons is very complicated with many pitfalls. Have retained a tax attorney to make sure everything is handled correctly. Thank you for pointing it out.
by nimo956
Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift
Replies: 25
Views: 1841

Re: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift

KlangFool wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:40 pm OP,

A) No. Your portfolio is small as compared to the house.

B) You are in NJ. How much is your annual property tax? You have to pay that even after you pay off the mortgage.

KlangFool
Property tax is ~$12k per year, so $1k per month.
by nimo956
Sat Nov 04, 2023 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift
Replies: 25
Views: 1841

Re: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift

Just to clarify, there are no expectations that the money be used to pay off the mortgage. We are free to use it however we want (buy furniture, fix up house, save, etc.).

The gift is actually $1m AUD; it is just coincidence that it converts to $650k, which is roughly the same as the mortgage.
by nimo956
Sat Nov 04, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift
Replies: 25
Views: 1841

Math for fully paying off mortgage with gift

Emergency funds: Three months of expenses Debt: $620k mortgage, 30 years remaining at 7.125% Tax Filing Status: MFJ Household Income: $165k - $185k depending on bonus, dividends, etc. Tax Rate: 24% Federal, 6.37% State State of Residence: NJ Age: 38/37 Desired Asset allocation: Currently 100% stock in my tax advantaged accounts with a 50/50 US/Intl split Taxable $650k cash (45%) His 403b at Fidelity $207k (14%) His Roth IRA at Fidelity $252k (17%) His Rollover IRA at Fidelity $334k (23%) His HSA at Fidelity $15k (1%) _______________________________________________________________ New annual Contributions $22.5k his 403b + $15k employer match (10%) $13k his Roth IRA x 2 Questions: I just purchased a house in NJ for $775k. The mortgage is $62...
by nimo956
Tue Oct 17, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite non fiction book?
Replies: 152
Views: 13682

Re: Your Favorite Non-Fiction Books/Audiobooks?

I have a whole non-fiction collection in my Audible app: WW1 and WW2: A World Undone by G.J. Meyer Inferno by Max Hastings The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal American History / Age of Exploration: 1491 by Charles Mann (also see 1493) Albion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson (vol 1 and 2 in Audible) Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris (also see two other works in the series) Roman History: Caesar by Adrian Goldsworthy French History: Napoleon by Andrew Roberts Russian History: Catherine the Great by Robert Massie Stalin by Oleg V. Khlevniuk Secondhand Time by Svetlana Alexievich A People's Tragedy by Orl...
by nimo956
Thu Sep 21, 2023 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Job workload completely unmanageable
Replies: 33
Views: 6406

Job workload completely unmanageable

I usually pride myself on my work ethic and have been successful in my current role for 5 years. Over that time more and more responsibility has been put upon me, all while getting no additional support. I’m about to hit a literal breaking point where there aren’t enough hours in the week to complete what needs to be done. We are in the middle of our planning cycle, and I’m in charge of preparing the projections and slide deck for two different divisions (others in my role only manage one). These presentations go to the CEO, and I need to own all aspects of the P&L. The head of our division bumped up the date of my presentation to suit his schedule without asking me. Then, they asked for a third separate mini presentation to be given on...
by nimo956
Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Me Choose a City/Job Scenario
Replies: 27
Views: 2585

Re: Help Me Choose a City/Job Scenario

I would definitely choose the $30k higher salary that gives more free time.
by nimo956
Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting New York..things to do near Times Square
Replies: 46
Views: 5618

Re: Visiting New York..things to do near Times Square

I live in just outside NYC and would stay anywhere else in Manhattan besides Times Square.
by nimo956
Fri Aug 18, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with first home inspection!
Replies: 24
Views: 1923

Re: Help with first home inspection!

brokendirtdart wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:16 am Do your contingencies allow you to walk away after an inspection like that, because the mysterious oil maybe there/maybe not there would have me running. i have no desire to deal with remediation for that in any state, but especially not one like NJ who is known for layered regulations.
The inspection contingency is limited to major issues like structure, oil tank, radon, mold, etc.
by nimo956
Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with first home inspection!
Replies: 24
Views: 1923

Re: Help with first home inspection!

fatmike91 wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:46 pm Get a radon test.

Also, in NJ if your underground oil tank leaked YOU are completely responsible for remediation. So this means if you need to remove 10's of thousands of cubic yards of soil it's your cost. If you need to dig up the neighbors house or the highway it's your cost. Figure out the oil tank. That needs to be the seller's issue, not yours.

Also, keep in mind there can be more than one oil tank.

Chimney flu can also be a pain in some NJ towns. Assume it will need to be re-lined. Probably a few $K? Is the water heater gas, and does it vent into the chimney?

/
Radon test is still pending. Yes, the hot water heater is gas and vents into the chimney.
by nimo956
Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with first home inspection!
Replies: 24
Views: 1923

Re: Help with first home inspection!

fatmike91 wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:38 pm Well. That's a long list. Some of it might be material. How bad do you want the house?

I'd solve 1,2,5,6 and 10 to my satisfaction before moving on (and 9 if there is lead paint).

Everything is negotiable. Decide what matters to you.

I would also look for ANYTHING that was updated and go find the permits for the work.

Where is the house? What state? Some folks might have some local knowledge.

/
The house is in Princeton, NJ. I just submitted a request for all permits.
by nimo956
Thu Aug 17, 2023 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with first home inspection!
Replies: 24
Views: 1923

Help with first home inspection!

I'm under contract to purchase my first home in Princeton, NJ and just received the inspection report. This is an older home from the 1900s. Engineer thought the quality was above average, but before going back to the seller, I need help determining what is urgent vs. non-urgent, and cheap vs. expensive to repair. I have no knowledge of home construction, so any help is appreciated. 1. Chimney flue needs to be re-lined. A few cracks and gaps were noted, and metal caps over the flue need to be installed. 2. Old oil tank was possibly removed 25+ years ago, but current owner cannot confirm. Metal detector identified presence of metallic object (though no fill pipe or vent pipe present). Need an exploratory dig to confirm and possible remediati...
by nimo956
Sun Aug 06, 2023 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy new vehicle quickly
Replies: 43
Views: 4326

Re: Need to buy new vehicle quickly

Thank you all for the quick advice. I can't believe it didn't occur to me to just rent a car for a week or two to cover the move/closing! That way at least I won't be quite so rushed.
by nimo956
Sun Aug 06, 2023 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy new vehicle quickly
Replies: 43
Views: 4326

Need to buy new vehicle quickly

Hi, I am currently under contract to buy my first home in the Princeton, NJ area. I currently live in Hoboken, NJ and do not have a car, but will need one in the next 30 days after I close. I have no experience buying a car and don't even know where to begin in terms of narrowing down the models, what's available, how to negotiate, etc. I'm working from home, so all I need is something to drive around town locally. I don't expect to put a lot of miles on it each year. I can't decide between sedan vs. crossover, or hybrid vs. non-hybrid. My husband is 6'3", so I'd like something he can comfortably fit in as well. I'd also like something that's cheap to maintain/repair over its life. My budget is ~$35k. Any suggestions on where to start?
by nimo956
Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Santoku knife?
Replies: 42
Views: 3761

Re: Santoku knife?

I'd browse the Japanese Chef Knives website. I like the Hattori FH Series:

https://japanesechefsknife.com/collecti ... ood-handle
by nimo956
Mon Jul 03, 2023 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows
Replies: 48
Views: 3511

Re: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows

Silo
Drops of God
Severance
by nimo956
Sun Jul 02, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is this move to NYC worth it?
Replies: 109
Views: 9458

Re: Is this move to NYC worth it?

I made a similar move for a similar salary. I chose to live in Hoboken to avoid the city tax. You could also look into JC. I find it cleaner and a bit nicer than many parts of Manhattan, but it’s still a bit of a pain to get in to the city. My commute to 33rd st is about 40 min door to door.

Also, rent in Hoboken for a 1bd with A/C, laundry and elevator is $3.6k. I imagine it’s closer to $4k in Manhattan now so plan accordingly.

I have enough money to save/have fun, but after 5 years I’ve had enough and am looking to move to a more suburban area.
by nimo956
Sat Jun 24, 2023 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you make *deep dish* style pizza at home?
Replies: 8
Views: 1360

Re: Do you make *deep dish* style pizza at home?

My husband makes this all the time. The secret is to use a large 12” copper frying pan (2.5mm thickness). The recipe he uses is on Serious Eats under Neapolitan pizza.
by nimo956
Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hired remote, forced into office. Should I stay or go?
Replies: 118
Views: 9720

Re: Hired remote, forced into office. Should I stay or go?

Just ignore the order and don’t say anything. Who is going to know you aren’t going in if the rest of your team is remote? No one is going to spend time checking this and following up on people.
by nimo956
Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hired remote, forced into office. Should I stay or go?
Replies: 118
Views: 9720

Re: Hired remote, forced into office. Should I stay or go?

Just ignore the order and don’t say anything. Who is going to know you aren’t going in if the rest of your team is remote? No one is going to spend time checking this and following up on people.
by nimo956
Tue Jun 20, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How long to vest at your company?
Replies: 28
Views: 2693

How long to vest at your company?

I recently joined the benefits committee at my company, so I have some influence over our choice of 403b provider, investment options, etc. We currently offer a 10% match, which I think is generous, but on a 3 year vesting schedule. I think this is excessively long, as my previous company was 1 year. I intend on pushing for this to be reduced, but am curious what the standard is?
by nimo956
Sun Jun 18, 2023 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How does anyone fly on points anymore? (United especially)
Replies: 115
Views: 12917

Re: How does anyone fly on points anymore? (United especially)

A few days ago, I booked a round trip ticket from JFK to Melbourne (with a single stop in Auckland) through Qantas. It’s cost 110k points + $300 in fees. Flight leaves next week and will last for 1 month. I did have to be completely flexible on the start and end dates, as most flights were 300k+ points one way.
by nimo956
Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Watches for $1K
Replies: 45
Views: 6093

Re: Watches for $1K

I’m very happy with my Stowe watch:

https://www.stowa.de/en/
by nimo956
Thu May 25, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for Direction (Burnout/Mid-Life Crisis?)
Replies: 46
Views: 8294

Re: Looking for Direction (Burnout/Mid-Life Crisis?)

You don't have to do anything drastic at the moment like quit your job, but at the very least you can start to take back control to restore your work-life balance. Stop working more than 35 hrs / week. Push back on unreasonable demands. Learn to just say no. The worst that can happen is that they fire you, which you wouldn't mind anyway.
by nimo956
Sat Mar 11, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10827

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

I have been down this rabbit hole before, and it is overwhelming given the amount of conflicting information and false reviews.

I found a small family business in Canada that build their own bed: https://www.swissdreambeds.com/best-sle ... in-canada/.

The design is simple and the quality is outstanding. I was having problems waking up with a sore back and the latex mattress + tri-slat system really helped.

The entire bed frame + mattress was $3.4k. You really get a lot for your money by buying direct and cutting out any middlemen.
by nimo956
Tue Feb 07, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gift Tax Exemption Question
Replies: 6
Views: 917

Gift Tax Exemption Question

I am a US citizen and my spouse is an Australian citizen with a green card. We live in NJ. My spouse's parents are both Australian citizen's and reside in Australia.

They asked recently about gifting $17k to each of us (so $17k x 4 = $68k per year). My understanding is that the gift tax exemption of $17k and the lifetime limit of $24.12m per couple is only for US estates.

Since they are in Australia, do they only need to be concerned with Australian law? Are there any implications for us in the US receiving gifts from foreign relatives?
by nimo956
Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What’s Your 2023 Budget?
Replies: 201
Views: 26573

Re: Thread: What’s Your 2023 Budget?

Family of 2 living in NYC, mid-30s, HHI $171k, NW $950k.

Annual 2023 Budget:

Savings- $70k (41%)

Taxes- $33k (19%)
Rent + Utilities- $47k (27%)
Insurance- $7k (4%)
Groceries- $6k (4%)
Vacation- $4k (3%)
Restaurants/Shopping/Other- $4k (2%)
Total Spending- $101k (61%)
by nimo956
Tue Nov 22, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Polo shirts - good quality?
Replies: 27
Views: 3832

Re: Polo shirts - good quality?

You want polo shirts by Kent Wang. Real mother of pearl buttons instead of plastic, and the collar is properly constructed (rather than being a single layer of ribbed fabric that loses its shape).
by nimo956
Tue Nov 15, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC apartment rental for a young professional
Replies: 122
Views: 8907

Re: NYC apartment rental for a young professional

Don’t discount looking in Jersey City. 10 min subway to FiDi, plus you don’t have to pay city taxes.
by nimo956
Fri Sep 30, 2022 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...
Replies: 90
Views: 12025

Re: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...

Ally used to have amazing customer service, but something has changed recently. I used to be able to chat with someone 24/7, I'd be connected instantly, and issues were resolved on the first attempt. Now queues for phone and online support are ridiculously long. I spent hours jumping through hoops recently just trying to order a replacement debit card that was damaged.
by nimo956
Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for places to visit and things to do in Acadia National Park
Replies: 20
Views: 2101

Re: Recommendations for places to visit and things to do in Acadia National Park

Do a sea kayaking tour to see some seals and bald eagles.

Look for picnic tables next to people’s home with a sign that says live lobster. I ate at such a place every night of my trip there. 2 lobsters, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and pie for about $30!
by nimo956
Fri Sep 16, 2022 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have personal insights into using a "Reverse Mortgage"?
Replies: 13
Views: 1665

Re: Anyone have personal insights into using a "Reverse Mortgage"?

We used a reverse mortgage for my grandfather when he needed 24/7 care. He had a pension to cover regular monthly expenses, but it wasn’t enough to pay for private in-home care. I think the care cost around $175k per year. His only asset was his house, so a reverse mortgage was the only way to allow him to stay in his home, which was his wish. The unfortunate reality is that most people who are bedridden and require 24/7 care don’t live very long. We only needed to pay the $175k for about 2 years before he passed away. So while it is a lot of money each month, most people won’t need to pay that for 10+ years. My personal opinion is that the home was unsuitable for him and should have been sold at least 10 years before we reached the crisis ...
by nimo956
Fri Sep 09, 2022 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Keeping job hunt quiet
Replies: 35
Views: 2715

Re: Keeping job hunt quiet

HR won't be conducting background checks, reaching out to references, etc. before an offer is made and accepted. To do so for every prospective candidate would just be a major waste of time/resources.
by nimo956
Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bespoke clothing
Replies: 48
Views: 5502

Re: Bespoke clothing

I can personally vouch for Drinkwater’s in Cambridge, MA. I would not recommend any of the online options. I tried one once but the shirt never came out quite right. I also used Alan David in NYC to make me a winter coat, which came out very nicely. I’m sure there are many options for true bespoke in NYC if you look.
by nimo956
Tue Aug 16, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estate Tax Pitfalls [US citizen and Australian spouse]
Replies: 4
Views: 745

Re: Estate Tax Pitfalls

I am a US citizen and my husband is an Australian citizen with a green card. We both currently live in NJ. His parents are Australian citizens living Australia. They have assets and real estate in Australia that he stands to inherit. Are there any pitfalls we need to be aware of if the assets exceed the US federal estate tax exemption of $24m? His parents should provide for him in trust rather than outright, to keep his inheritance out of his estate for estate tax purposes. He'll have to consider whether he wants the trust to be domestic (U.S.) rather than foreign to avoid the throwback rules, which are onerous. The trust will be exempt from generation-skipping transfer tax, and will be exempt from New Jersey income tax (except on any New ...