Search found 525 matches

by ensign_lee
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4111

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

The only time I use the dealership service department is for warranty work or recall work.

Everything else goes to the independent shop.
by ensign_lee
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
Replies: 148
Views: 22531

Re: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow

Something along the lines of, “I am performing in the role. I am exceeding expectations. I do not understand why I am being counseled as an underperforming employee. If you want me to leave or need me to leave for budget reasons, eliminate my role and give me a fair separation package. We will both be better off.” Given she is a new manager, I don’t think she will go for it. But it doesn’t sound like she has grounds to fire you. I was going to write something, but this is a much more succinct response. Short, simple, and to the point. This is word for word I would say in your shoes. You should end up getting what you want no matter what. Either (A) You leave and get severance or (B) You get her off your back because you already met your go...
by ensign_lee
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
Replies: 168
Views: 18032

Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?

I still audibly lol whenever I see someone with an aol email address, yes. And I assume that they are computer illiterate. Same with hotmail tbh.

@gmail or @yahoo email addresses are free. I would use one of those.
by ensign_lee
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front License Plate Mount
Replies: 29
Views: 2742

Re: Front License Plate Mount

I live in a state requiring front license plates (TX).

About 15 years ago, I decided it was too ugly, and that the price of the ticket was worth what it cost, assuming I only got pulled over an average of once a year.

In 15 years, I have never been pulled over. And I drive a flashy convertible.

So all that to say, I would not get a front license plate unless you want one. Most cars look terrible with them imo.
by ensign_lee
Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?
Replies: 168
Views: 13611

Re: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?

IMO, used Ford Mach-Es are a bargain right now. The lowest priced ones are around $30k, and the GT trims barely above that at around $33-$35k. The last step up to a GT Performance Edition that is faster than my corvette is "only" another few thousand up to about $38k. And all this for a 2 year old car at worst. For anyone who has the ability to put in a charger at home, this is a steal. My quote for my home (built in 2019) was only $500 for the rewiring work. That's like 2 months cost of gasoline for my corvette, so whatever. And the range on anything with an extended range battery is roughly 300 miles. That's enough to get from Houston to Dallas in one charge. I routinely have fewer miles to empty on my ICE vehicle. I don't see t...
by ensign_lee
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple Roth IRA accounts - Do I need them all
Replies: 4
Views: 696

Re: Multiple Roth IRA accounts - Do I need them all

Merge away! I also prefer 1 for simplicity.

Robinhood is doing a 3% match on any assets you transfer under their custodianship. There's a big thread here on it where people discuss the pros/cons of doing so.
by ensign_lee
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110216

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

manlymatt83 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:40 pm Does anyone know if the value of the match is based off of your holdings when you initiate the transfer or when the transfer posts? Let’s say the transfer takes five days. During that time the market drops a few percentage points.
I think when the transfer posts: As a datapoint, I transferred GOOG stock in kind, and GOOG actually ran up 4% during my transfer.

When I got the bonus, it was on the NAV on the day they received it (4% higher).
by ensign_lee
Mon Feb 05, 2024 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maximizing dormant 401ks: How Would You Do It?
Replies: 12
Views: 1305

Re: Maximizing dormant 401ks: How Would You Do It?

Are you ever planning on doing a backdoor Roth IRA? If not, I'd say just consolidate it at Robinhood with that 3% bonus they're offering (There's a giant thread here on bogleheads about it).

Looks like you'd qualify for ~$3k bonus if you transferred all of them there. Then just put it in VOO or VTI (vanguard etfs) and forget about them until retirement
by ensign_lee
Thu Feb 01, 2024 7:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110216

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

kchico wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 7:06 am
sharukh wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:50 am
veggivet wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:29 am
kchico wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:06 am Does Robinhood pays interest on idle IRA cash like WeBull?
Yes, the current rate is 5.25% if you have enrolled in Robinhood Gold.
Nope. Only for cash in brokerage, not in IRA.
Well that is disappointing. It seems that I cannot even buy VUSXX at Robinhood :(.
No funds at Robinhood. But many funds have ETF equivalents.
by ensign_lee
Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110216

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

Leesbro63 wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:04 am
sharukh wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:50 am
veggivet wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:29 am
kchico wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:06 am Does Robinhood pays interest on idle IRA cash like WeBull?
Yes, the current rate is 5.25% if you have enrolled in Robinhood Gold.
Nope. Only for cash in brokerage, not in IRA.
How do I pay for Robinhood gold if all I have is the IRA? They can't deduct from that (I don't think).
You have a brokerage account just for being with Robinhood. I put $84 in there to pay for a year and then set a reminder for myself to cancel Robinhood gold in a year.

Otherwise, yeah, I think they would draw from your IRA? :?
by ensign_lee
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110216

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

EliteZags wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:03 pm wouldn't getting the 3% in Roth be the most bang for the buck since it's an immediate 3% that doesn't impact contribution limit, can appreciate, and never subject to taxes?

where's the 401K/tIRA match's value will eventually be <3% when withdrawn/taxed?


in other words, if you were on the fence about transferring in the first place whether due to mutual fund/ETF conversions or just moving too much in one brokerage, wouldn't you prioritize doing it with at least Roth first since Roth dollars are more valuable/limited and more a of no-brainer to max over 401K, plus the complete tax avoidance
Sure, all else equal Roth matching is > traditional matching. That logic tracks.
by ensign_lee
Mon Jan 29, 2024 1:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110216

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

Took the plunge and did this, and WOW - that was easy and painless. Everything transferred in a week, bonus already in my account. Transferred a Fidelity Roth IRA over on Tuesday 01/23 and everything is ready and available today on Monday 01/29. Assets transferred in kind, so I didn't miss out on the move up that happened last week -> and now I have an extra $3k in my Roth IRA that I didn't before.

Major props for bringing this to our attention OP. Thank you.
by ensign_lee
Thu Jan 11, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exploring options for correcting a bad vehicle purchasing decision
Replies: 42
Views: 5461

Re: Exploring options for correcting a bad vehicle purchasing decision

Do you hate your current car or just that you overpaid for it?

If the latter, I'd say it doesn't matter - that's a sunk cost. Just keep driving it as long as you like it.

If the former, okay, well then yeah, move on from the car. I'd personally look for a new car with 0% financing and sell the car private party, but that's easy for me to say - that's the most annoying option for you in terms of hassle.
by ensign_lee
Thu Jan 11, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance or wait?
Replies: 29
Views: 2615

Re: Refinance or wait?

Never, EVER pay to do a refinance. Take a slightly higher (like 1/8, max 1/4 %) rate to get points to cover the cost of the refinance (or even get paid to!)

Only take free options, don't pay for them.

I refinanced 5x during the falling interest rate environment of just a few years ago. In the end, I was getting paid $2000 to do each of them, and my final rate was 1.875% 15 year. Went down from an initial 3.5% year.

If I had paid each time to refinance, I would have been severely in the red. I don't regret "only" having 1.875% instead of 1.75% because I chose to get paid to refinance instead of paying for the privilege.
by ensign_lee
Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska recommendations
Replies: 21
Views: 2120

Re: Alaska recommendations

https://www.millerslandingak.com/seward ... ght-trips/

If you're looking for a kayaking and hiking adventure, go on a multi day kayak camp trip with these guys. I did a 4 night one with them and it has been a lifelong highlight for me. You get to hike to glaciers other people only get to glimpse from boats, and you get to watch icefalls from your kayak. Life Changingly Amazing

Especially if you go the Northwest Fjord - I've never felt quite so isolated and at peace as I did then. Wow.

Go as many days as you think you can handle - With 5 nights, you could conceivably do 3 nights in the Northwest Fjord and then 2 in the Aialak.
by ensign_lee
Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range
Replies: 114
Views: 15200

Re: Is this a good deal on Tesla model Y Long range

For that price OTD, you could get into a brand new Mustang Mach E with the extended range battery and have 0% financing for 4 years.

Having test driven both, the Mach E is a much more polished car.
by ensign_lee
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new car….pay cash?!
Replies: 57
Views: 10732

Re: Buying a new car….pay cash?!

Depending on what car you get, you may have a 0% financing option, in which case take that. Based on what you're looking for, an AWD Mach E may be right up your alley. 0% financing for 48 months + $3000 in rebates from Ford to the dealer ($4000 in some states) on all extended range models. And then further dealer discounts on top of that. Or Subaru is having 0% 48 month financing on all 2024 Outbacks on their lots for example. I was quoted invoice price for those from dealers in Houston, so that's with about $3.5k in dealer discounts. Both of those vehicles would qualify for what you're looking for I think? As a datapoint, I just bought a Mach E with a $3k dealer discount + $3k Ford rebate + 0% financing and am happy. And that's before the ...
by ensign_lee
Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10340

Re: Tesla - ARgh

nisiprius wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:14 am
ensign_lee wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:10 am May I recommend a Ford Mach-E?

I just got one and it's been everything I could ever want and more. Especially if you were cross shopping a model Y, the Mach E is everything that is, but better imo.
Service experience?
Based off of anecdotes from reddit and the mach e forums, it's been as simple as bringing your car to the dealer and them giving you a loaner while they work on your car.

Haven't had any firsthand experiences with it yet, thankfully. Been a night and day difference from my ICE car though - love it.
by ensign_lee
Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10340

Re: Tesla - ARgh

May I recommend a Ford Mach-E?

I just got one and it's been everything I could ever want and more. Especially if you were cross shopping a model Y, the Mach E is everything that is, but better imo.
by ensign_lee
Sat Nov 25, 2023 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pair of pricey college football tickets?
Replies: 70
Views: 8704

Re: Pair of pricey college football tickets?

Random Poster wrote: Sat Nov 25, 2023 2:43 pm
TarHeel2002 wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 7:13 pm So I did buy the pair of tickets ($1250)…and another one for my son because he loves Michigan football! So far no buyers remorse…we are all VERY excited! 🏈
With the game now over, I’m curious if you feel that the purchase was worth it.

And if you think that your answer would be different if the game’s outcome would have been different as well.
Knowing the outcome of the game, I would bet he'd say yes.

There's nothing quite like a close game, over your hated opponents (who are good), and truly getting to rush the field. Wow, I'm jealous.

I'm sure it would have sucked had Ohio State finished the comeback though lol
by ensign_lee
Sat Sep 30, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed -- cell phone disposal
Replies: 30
Views: 3815

Re: Advice needed -- cell phone disposal

What kind of phone is it?

Verizon is doing an "any iphone, any condition" trade in right now for $1000 credit.

And ATT will undoubtedly do another "any galaxy, any condition" promotion when the S24 comes out. Right now, you can trade in non functional S20s (or newer) phones for $800 credit.

I wouldn't chunk your old phone, but I would use it to get a heavily subsidized newer one if I were you. Switch providers if you have to.
by ensign_lee
Thu Aug 17, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube Premium
Replies: 29
Views: 3814

Re: YouTube Premium

Viva La Dirt League for funny skits about gaming

Trae Crowder for fun comedy

Christian Schaeffer and Nikki Delventhal for fun van life scenery

Real Life Lore for learning about things

Kurt Hugo Schneider for fun musical covers

Day9tv for Starcraft and other game related streaming stuff
by ensign_lee
Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transitioning jobs; very tight financial spot
Replies: 23
Views: 3094

Re: Transitioning jobs; very tight financial spot

This honestly seems like a situation tailor made for accumulating short term unsecured debt if it's at a lower % interest than putting things on forbearance, etc.

You just need to borrow 6 months worth of living expenses, and you'll be able to pay it back 6 months into your new job.

Maybe you could put everything on a 0% APR credit card or something?
by ensign_lee
Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: T-Mobile, Xfinity, AT&T now requiring bank accounts to retain auto-pay discount
Replies: 177
Views: 21406

Re: AT&t Auto pay credit decreasing if using CC

Not sure if it's worth the effort, but there's a chance you can still automatically pay all but the last $1 on your credit card manually each time and just let the last #1 be on autodraft.

That way you still get the rewards on your credit cards + maybe get your cell phone protection still, but don't lose the discount.
by ensign_lee
Mon Jul 17, 2023 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas to experience Alaska as a tourist?
Replies: 23
Views: 2518

Re: Ideas to experience Alaska as a tourist?

https://www.millerslandingak.com/seward ... -kayaking/

An overnight kayak trip in the Kenai Fjord was probably a top 3 experience in my LIFE. Take at least 1 night (preferably 2 or 3, but min 1) and go kayak and camp in the Northwestern Fjord.

It was life changing. The solitude. THe animals. The remoteness. Just WOW.
by ensign_lee
Thu Jun 01, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi for Whole House - Your Recommendations?
Replies: 81
Views: 5596

Re: Wifi for Whole House - Your Recommendations?

alfaspider wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:53 am In 2023, there's no reason not to go for a mesh network. Coverage is so much better than a single router hotspot and seamless unlike a hotspot plus extender.
Solid agree.

I love my google wifi network for ease of use. But literally any mesh network should be good.
by ensign_lee
Tue May 30, 2023 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best car camping two person tent with dog
Replies: 56
Views: 4312

Re: best car camping two person tent with dog

If it's 2 people plus a dog, you really want a 4 person tent.

I recommend the Kelty Night Owl 4 person. It's what my wife and dog and I use.
by ensign_lee
Fri Apr 21, 2023 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Getting laid off in July, best way to manage 2023 401k contributions?
Replies: 19
Views: 3150

Re: Getting laid off in July, best way to manage 2023 401k contributions?

Max our 401k for sure at the 30+% marginal tax rate. You have taxable investments to pull from if you need it.

Plus, you might not have the chance to contribute at your next company until you've been there X number of months, so you might miss out on teh space this year even if you find a new role.
by ensign_lee
Fri Apr 21, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you need an HOA for 2 unit Condo?
Replies: 27
Views: 2007

Re: Do you need an HOA for 2 unit Condo?

Mike Scott wrote: Fri Apr 21, 2023 11:38 am Would it not be easier long term to rent the second one directly rather than sell it to someone who will rent it out?
This seems like your actual best bet vs hastily setting up an HOA and having the buyer agree to be bound by it.

I can't imagine being told at the 11th hour as a buyer "oh by the way, we set up an HOA that you're bound by. And the other unit is in charge of it."
by ensign_lee
Fri Apr 21, 2023 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you need an HOA for 2 unit Condo?
Replies: 27
Views: 2007

Re: Do you need an HOA for 2 unit Condo?

To be honest, if the owner of Unit 1 (your family member) wants to control what happens in Unit 2 (3rd party sale), they need to own it. Otherwise, put yourself in the shoes of the owner of Unit 2. It's your property and you're being told what you're allowed to do with it? WTF? Wouldn't you be upset? Otherwise, yeah - an HOA would presumably be able to stop this, but a 2 person HOA sounds absurd for the very reason you're talking about - you can have tied votes all of the time. And if you're going to say that Unit 1 has tiebreaking vote or something, then that is a VERY material thing you would need to disclose before the sale. Because that means that Unit 2 is entirely at the mercy of Unit 1 - most people would expect a VERY substantial di...
by ensign_lee
Tue Apr 18, 2023 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London or Grand Canyon, Yellowstone?
Replies: 21
Views: 1579

Re: London or Grand Canyon, Yellowstone?

This really will depend on what your family enjoys.

Do they like culture? Cities? Crowds? London.

Do they like being away from it all looking at a sky full of stars? And spending their whole days hiking? Then the Grand Canyon.

I would vote the latter, but that's because I hate crowds and people on my vacations.
by ensign_lee
Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023
Replies: 40
Views: 4181

Re: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023

Seems like the Mueller Hut Hike requires some scrambling experience. Not sure my girlfriend would feel comfortable doing this but I will discuss with her. Thank you for the recommendation. The Doubtful Sound Kayak looks great - perhaps staying in Te Anau for two nights, making one day to drive to Milford Sound to do the hikes or other activities on the road there and another day to spend time in the Doubtful Sound would be great. Seems like the Kayak tour is 459 NZ or $285 USD per person - any reason why the price is like this? Even the round trip charter flight + cruise from Queenstown to Milford Sound was only a little bit more expensive than this. I will PM you regarding the Airbnb's :) Great idea on the helicopter tour in Mt Cook - whi...
by ensign_lee
Mon Apr 17, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023
Replies: 40
Views: 4181

Re: New Zealand Travel Suggestions for December 2023

I've been to New Zealand twice, including for my honeymoon just last month. South Island is one of my favorite places on earth, second only to Alaska. Here are my recommendations to your itinerary: Spend 2 days in Mt Cook so that way you have the opportunity to do the Mueller Hut Hike. It's harder, but better than the Hooker Valley Track (which is also worth doing). Spend 3 if you want to ice climb one day too. Lodging is tight in Mt Cook itself, but you can find airbnbs and hotels about 30 minutes out if you need to. Visit the Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise if you can find availability. Pick the smallest boat available (avoid RealNZ - the "death star" of tours there. They're not BAD, persay - you'll just feel like cattle)....
by ensign_lee
Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: You've won the race. Do you still contribute to a Roth?
Replies: 48
Views: 8745

Re: You've won the race. Do you still contribute to a Roth?

You can always withdraw your contributions to your Roth IRA, so why not?
by ensign_lee
Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Firing a realtor
Replies: 66
Views: 7934

Re: Firing a realtor

It's too late to fire him for your previous transactions - but based on what you said here, he didn't really provide you any value for the last few transactions you used him for (buying this house and selling your old one). In fact, you said he provided straight up NEGATIVE value.

I wouldn't use him again. Lose his number.
by ensign_lee
Wed Apr 12, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do anti-tailgating bumper stickers help?
Replies: 144
Views: 9823

Re: Do anti-tailgating bumper stickers help?

lol no. If anything, it would make me tailgate you more dangerously.

And I say this as someone who in general does not tailgate.
by ensign_lee
Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Nisiprius has 49,000 posts
Replies: 112
Views: 14866

Re: Nisiprius has 49,000 posts

I think I recall reading his posts back in the recession of 2008 about something cool and novel he was going to try to juice returns over and above the market average. And it would have worked in almost any other timeframe too!

I applaud your effort Nisiprius!
by ensign_lee
Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone go case-less with their iPhone?
Replies: 78
Views: 6513

Re: Anyone go case-less with their iPhone?

Otterbox commuter case is very sturdy and barely adds to the profile of the phone (imo).

I drop my phone way too much to go caseless.
by ensign_lee
Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Helicopter Tours on Kauai
Replies: 18
Views: 2282

Re: Helicopter Tours on Kauai

No doors is cool, and makes it so you don't have a reflection back at you in your pictures. I would advise for it.

That being said, with 7 people, you may have to do TWO helicopters. Otherwise, some people are going to get stuck in less than ideal seats.
by ensign_lee
Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Samsung Galaxy - Otterbox Commuter or Defender
Replies: 20
Views: 2208

Re: New Samsung Galaxy - Otterbox Commuter or Defender

I've been very happy with the commuter case for my last 2 Samsung Galaxy phones.

If you drop it on its face, it's fine UNLESS you drop it directly on something pointy - but in that case the defender series wouldn't have helped anyway. I found the heft of the defender case too bulky for me.
by ensign_lee
Wed Feb 22, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?
Replies: 50
Views: 5500

Re: Reject or Accept a Counter Offer?

I've taken a counter offer 3 times in my career.

Twice it worked out great - no problems, no hard feelings - same job, just more money.

Once, I got laid off 6 months later - but that may have also been in part because my boss, who counter offered me, left 4 months later anyway.
by ensign_lee
Tue Feb 14, 2023 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12416

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

This looks like a great situation you found yourself in. Do it!
by ensign_lee
Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max 401k vs just getting down to the 12% bracket
Replies: 44
Views: 4587

Re: Max 401k vs just getting down to the 12% bracket

At 12%, I would put money into a Roth 401k instead. Or contribute that money to a Roth IRA. ESPECIALLY if you are currently in a state with no income taxes.
by ensign_lee
Thu Feb 09, 2023 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amazon Credit Card & Chase app
Replies: 16
Views: 1520

Re: Amazon Credit Card & Chase app

I'm sure there's an opt out feature for communications with Chase.

I'd say it's worth the 5% on amazon. PLUS, Chase is the administrator for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. I've been "churning" those cards repeatedly over the years. Open it, get the bonus, close it. Wait 2 years. Open another one, rinse-repeat.

Gotten several thousands of dollars worth of airfare over the years that way. I'd say a relationship with Chase is probably a net positive imo.
by ensign_lee
Fri Feb 03, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cellphone plans for international roaming
Replies: 25
Views: 2289

Re: Cellphone plans for international roaming

Adam11 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:41 am The real perk here is that your phone’s IP address is still American no matter where you are, therefore no VPN hoops to jump thru if you’re trying to access U.S.-based services that block international connections (i.e. Sling, HBOmax, Disney+, etc.).
Are you sure about this?

I just came back from sabbatical in South America and Africa and I had to use VPNs if I wanted to use HBO Max - and youtube TV straight up would not work, telling me my device was outside the US.

I used the ATT "International Day Pass" at $10/day that you're referencing.
by ensign_lee
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

Just under $2,000 . I went on sabbatical this last year, so I had a lot of food and vacation related spending.

Looking forward to getting the money back. :D

But this will probably be my last big rewards check. With the removal of the extended warranty coverage, I will only be using this card for food, gas, vacation, and Costco purchases in the future.

No more large durable purchases (unless from Costco).
by ensign_lee
Mon Sep 12, 2022 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do school districts determine home prices? If so, how much?
Replies: 27
Views: 2667

Re: Do school districts determine home prices? If so, how much?

In TX, here is my imo pretty good datapoint.

I live in a cookie cutter new development home. It cost roughly $500k. It is tracked to the "good" schools.

An identical home, less than 1 mile away (same floorplan, same everything), but tracked to the "bad" schools cost $275k to $300k.

So at least in my experience, the gap is at least $200k. Which boggled my mind.
by ensign_lee
Mon May 02, 2022 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good deals on unlocked phones/plans?
Replies: 18
Views: 2035

Re: Good deals on unlocked phones/plans?

For unlocked, I don't know of any great deals alas.

Best locked one I can think of is the $800 for any samsung galaxy in any condition promo that ATT is doing. You can literally buy an old broken for-parts S8 for like $20-$30, and then turn around and "sell" that to ATT for $800. Granted, it's $800 in bill credits over three years, but that does still make any upgrade to the newest Samsung Galaxy S22 (and all its iterations) and the Samsung Galaxy Flip worthwhile.

My friends and I are on the "unlimited extra" 5G unlimited plan and *after* $5 of taxes and fees, we're paying roughly $35/month with the 4 of us. Seemed worthwhile to me.
by ensign_lee
Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TreasuryDirect is "unavailable"
Replies: 39
Views: 7200

Re: TreasuryDirect is "unavailable"

Try now. I just went through the whole process from signup to purchase in about 15 minutes.
by ensign_lee
Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2021 Refund Times
Replies: 296
Views: 29855

Re: 2021 Refund Times

Filed on 04/09, still hasn't been paid out yet as of 04/26. IRS website says scheduled for payment on 04/27 and to look for it by 05/02.

Longest I've had to wait in awhile, but I've owed the last several years. Just screwed up my calcs this year, whoops. I do remember refunds being processed within 48 hours back during the Obama administration.

Maybe I'm just getting cranky in my old age lol.