Link please. I have to see this.
Search found 110 matches
- Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:05 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
- Replies: 129
- Views: 24663
- Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:07 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 8362
Re: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?
No judgement here. We bought a shoddily-constructed house in haste and my spouse hated it for the entire 4 years we lived there.
Pool=no go for me. Waste of time and effort for our lifestyle.
Tough call. You wouldn’t be wrong to start shopping, just take your time this go-round. We certainly learned that lesson from our experience.
Could you find a suitable home and then put yours on the market, thus avoiding two moves? You might have to carry two houses for a while…
Pool=no go for me. Waste of time and effort for our lifestyle.
Tough call. You wouldn’t be wrong to start shopping, just take your time this go-round. We certainly learned that lesson from our experience.
Could you find a suitable home and then put yours on the market, thus avoiding two moves? You might have to carry two houses for a while…
- Mon Dec 04, 2023 11:11 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
- Replies: 141
- Views: 26750
Re: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
Best: bought a buildable lot in our small mountain town. It has appreciated 50% in a few years.
Worst: 10k private equity investment. Now worth 0.00
Worst: 10k private equity investment. Now worth 0.00
- Wed Oct 11, 2023 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: MEXICO City Trip for 4 days
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4066
Re: MEXICO City Trip for 4 days
Centro is the most touristic area. Safe, lots of stuff to see and do, touristy restaurants. My reservation with hotels is that there is little opportunity to interact with other guests and guesthouse owners, which is a fun part of the travel experience for us. We stay in hotels when it’s a convenient place to sleep on our way to someplace interesting. To each his own preference!grtwallchina75 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 16, 2023 12:29 am Thank you, We are IHG member and want to stay at Holiday Inn but not sure yet which part of town to stay, Is centro a good place ?
Roma neighborhood seems bit expensive.
LuckBeALady wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 9:11 am The Red Tree House in The Roma neighborhood is a beautiful and comfortable place to stay (fabulous art work). Check it out!
- Wed Oct 11, 2023 11:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Carbonated Water At Home
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3060
Re: Carbonated Water At Home
Hubs has a SodaStream, uses it daily for 1-2 1 liter bottles. Used to buy 2-3 packs of La Croix or whatever per week, now we only buy canned water for camping trips. Big difference in the amount of packaging/recycling.NYCaviator wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:42 am Would people who have the SodaStream recommend it? Did you find yourself drinking less canned seltzer?
I really like plain seltzer water and we go through 2-3 packs of La Croix and Polar a week. Not sure if we’d save any money but it sure seems convenient.
- Sat Sep 23, 2023 1:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your View Of the Fidelity 2% Cash Back Visa Credit Card
- Replies: 78
- Views: 12344
Re: What's Your View Of the Fidelity 2% Cash Back Visa Credit Card
Unlike my Chase cards, it does not download smoothly to YNAB (my budgeting software of choice).
- Sat Sep 23, 2023 1:14 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early
- Replies: 118
- Views: 16550
- Mon Aug 14, 2023 9:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: MEXICO City Trip for 4 days
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4066
Re: MEXICO City Trip for 4 days
The Red Tree House in The Roma neighborhood is a beautiful and comfortable place to stay (fabulous art work). Check it out!
- Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I Fight a bad VRBO Customer Review
- Replies: 29
- Views: 5549
Re: Should I Fight a bad VRBO Customer Review
We had 2 separate reservations with AirBnB in March 2020 that were refunded without delay after the COVID restrictions prevented travel.
I’ve never used VRBO, at least in part because I was satisfied with AirBnB’s customer service. I have heard some horror stories more recently, and I now prefer to book guest houses, hostels, or hotels.
I’ve never used VRBO, at least in part because I was satisfied with AirBnB’s customer service. I have heard some horror stories more recently, and I now prefer to book guest houses, hostels, or hotels.
- Thu Jun 22, 2023 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: home steam shower--how did you do it?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2052
Re: home steam shower--how did you do it?
We have a steam shower installed by the previous owner.
The walls and ceiling are large tiles. The steam compressor is installed in the crawl space beneath the bathroom.
We live in an arid climate- mildew/mold is not a problem. I do leave the transom window open after a steam shower so it can dry properly.
A steam shower is heavenly after a day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fat tire biking!
The walls and ceiling are large tiles. The steam compressor is installed in the crawl space beneath the bathroom.
We live in an arid climate- mildew/mold is not a problem. I do leave the transom window open after a steam shower so it can dry properly.
A steam shower is heavenly after a day of skiing, snowshoeing, or fat tire biking!
- Mon May 01, 2023 5:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Taking responsibility for missed connections
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2432
Re: Taking responsibility for missed connections
When COVID caused mass chaos in travel plans worldwide, I learned my lesson regarding third party booking sites. I use Google Flights to find the flights I want and to compare prices, then pay the small amount of extra money to book through the airline website.
Cancelling, rescheduling, and receiving refunds are way more complex-to-impossible through a third party booking site.
Cancelling, rescheduling, and receiving refunds are way more complex-to-impossible through a third party booking site.
- Sat Feb 11, 2023 11:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 9133
Re: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
Living the mountain life is a dream for many, until you can't. I personally know several families that went all in (bought or built a home - major money sunk), moved in only to discover they physically couldn't live at that altitude. Altitude sickness is real (and can be life threatening) and if you have not lived at altitude for awhile/recently it becomes the unknown deal breaker to carefully laid plans. It can affect anyone, no matter their fitness level or age. I echo others, rent for at least a year before buying. It's a good plan for being able to undo things if needed. You know many families that spent the time building and/or buying a mountain house only to move in a suffer from altitude sickness? That is crazy and unimaginable to m...
- Sat Feb 11, 2023 11:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 9133
Re: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
This is our 8th year living in a CO mountain town. 1. Medical care is a concern for sure - I had cancer and made many drives to the Front Range to a tertiary medical facility. We maintain helicopter evacuation insurance ($85 per year for 2). Our local hospital is great for uncomplicated issues. 2. Do you like to shop? If so, you may be driving a lot more often than we do. No big box stores around here except the ubiquitous Walmart. (With your spending pattern I suspect shopping is not a large part of your lives.) 3. Daycare may be a concern but the schools are safe and supportive. 4. Weather varies by location. Our specific weather pattern is very similar and at times milder than Denver. Not as hot, not as cold. 5. Restaurant choices are li...
- Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
- Replies: 52
- Views: 4341
Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Please see an actual MD for your child (and not a PA, NP, etc) the reason you are getting canned answers that the education and experience for non-MD medical practitioners is far less. In order to obtain their Medical Licensure, doctors must obtain a 4-yr undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, 3-7 years of residency (and for some specialties, even more than that). A PA or NP can obtain that licensure in a combined 5-yr undergrad/grad school program. In my experience (both personally and professionally), there are situations where a PA or NP can be appropriate, but for other situations, you need the years of education, training & experience of an MD. I’m a PA in oncology, and I completely agree with this advice. Mid-level prov...
- Sun Jan 01, 2023 10:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: tell me about your "lean years" where you saved less
- Replies: 58
- Views: 8866
Re: tell me about your "lean years" where you saved less
We were 30 years old with a 2 year old child. I was working 24 hours a week and spouse not at all. We had just purchased our first house.
I stopped contributions to retirement and savings accounts. We heated our cabin with wood for 2 years (furnace was broken, no money to fix). Debt began to accrue.
It was a stressful time in many ways. Ultimately, two additional temporary jobs were obtained, the debt was retired, and we got back on track. We are semi-retired (0-6 hours work a week each) since age 56/57.
I stopped contributions to retirement and savings accounts. We heated our cabin with wood for 2 years (furnace was broken, no money to fix). Debt began to accrue.
It was a stressful time in many ways. Ultimately, two additional temporary jobs were obtained, the debt was retired, and we got back on track. We are semi-retired (0-6 hours work a week each) since age 56/57.
- Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Utah mighty 5 trip
- Replies: 66
- Views: 6474
Re: Utah mighty 5 trip
We did Moab, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef in 2 weeks this spring. If I had it to do again I would spend all my time in Zion and Bryce. We hiked and biked.
Canyonlands and especially Moab are amazing but need a couple of weeks to explore.
Canyonlands and especially Moab are amazing but need a couple of weeks to explore.
- Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?
- Replies: 114
- Views: 15784
Re: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?
+1Carefreeap wrote: ↑Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:31 am
I'm fond of saying that I may have not made the best decisions but I could have done a whole lot worse!
Worst financial decision was selling our house in Maine to move to Colorado: 80k in maintenance and improvement costs and decreased value at the time of sale, plus a 20% pay cut for me.
We love our lives in CO- we’ve each lost 40+lbs, get outdoors every day, and had less stressful work until we mostly retired at age 57-58.
Fortunately, the condo we bought 7 years ago has doubled in value, so it worked out in the end.
- Mon Jul 11, 2022 2:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Europe Travel - logistical issues?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3878
Re: Europe Travel - logistical issues?
There are all sorts of travel issues currently and the situation changes constantly. The best you can do is decide if you have sufficient flexibility in your plans to roll with the changes that happen. If you are on a strict schedule and have a rigid itinerary, then you might need to find some slack or delay your travel. My wife and I have traveled to various locations in Europe and elsewhere recently and invariable there were airline problems that resulted in delays. We had anticipated this and built in large amounts of slack in our plans so that we would not be stressed. This did not suit the "10 countries in 10 days" sort of travel, but worked for us. Travel is always an adventure - now more than ever! +1 We just returned from...
- Sat Jul 09, 2022 7:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: settling a spat [continue investing during downturn?]
- Replies: 53
- Views: 6037
Re: settling a spat
How about halfsies? Invest half “your” way and she can decide when and how to invest “her” half.
When my husband gets spooked by market drops I tell him he is welcome to pull “his” investments out. He never gets around to it. (We consider all the money to be “ours” but the investments are in separate work-related accounts.)
When my husband gets spooked by market drops I tell him he is welcome to pull “his” investments out. He never gets around to it. (We consider all the money to be “ours” but the investments are in separate work-related accounts.)
- Wed Mar 30, 2022 8:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Home options…thoughts?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2280
Re: Home options…thoughts?
I wouldn’t do it. We always enjoyed the flexibility a low mortgage gave us (now both working around 6 hours a week at 57 and 58).
Also- half an acre? That’s a big nope to spending the time and money necessary to farm the grass. Life is too short.
I would wait for prices/supply to improve; meanwhile use your time ro plan what you want and stash money for a big remodel.
Good problem to have.
Also- half an acre? That’s a big nope to spending the time and money necessary to farm the grass. Life is too short.
I would wait for prices/supply to improve; meanwhile use your time ro plan what you want and stash money for a big remodel.
Good problem to have.
- Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2930
Re: Steam shower for a bathroom
We bought a condo that has a steam shower. It is a custom tiled walk in shower with a glass door and a tilting upper window to let out the humidity. It was installed after initial construction and our realtor (who was friends with the seller) told us it cost about 5k.
We love it- we use it after biking, skiing, or hiking on colder days, or after a workout when muscles are stiff. Probably 1-2 times a week in the winter months.
We live in Colorado with an arid climate, so mold/mildew have never been problems.
We love it- we use it after biking, skiing, or hiking on colder days, or after a workout when muscles are stiff. Probably 1-2 times a week in the winter months.
We live in Colorado with an arid climate, so mold/mildew have never been problems.
- Sun Jan 30, 2022 7:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Health insurance and where to live when retiring early?
- Replies: 86
- Views: 8010
Re: Health insurance and where to live when retiring early?
I just stumbled across this article that lists ACA cost by state:
https://healthcareinsider.com/the-cheap ... re-in-2021
Hope this is helpful.
https://healthcareinsider.com/the-cheap ... re-in-2021
Hope this is helpful.
- Mon Dec 27, 2021 5:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Continue term life insurance?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1593
Re: Continue term life insurance?
Every vote has been yes. I agree, and I think spouse agrees but he feels uncomfortable wanting to continue it, because it means he thinks there is a possibility I’ll die. (Which is true! But he hates to admit it.) I don’t mind cold calculations- that’s why I asked you guys to weigh in. You don’t have a horse in the race so you can be honest. No need to apologize for being morbid. The recurrent tumor grew a few centimeters in 3 years. I’m willing to bet I have 3-5 years from now, if it were to recur today. If I make it to 2024 with no recurrence I will feel more confident. Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check out the in force illustrations and selling the policy. Good point on prior premiums being water under the bridge. I think we need to...
- Mon Dec 27, 2021 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Continue term life insurance?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1593
Continue term life insurance?
I have a question for the Bogleheads. I am a 57 year-old cancer survivor. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and underwent surgery, chemo, and radiation at the time of diagnosis. 2 years ago I had a recurrence and underwent massive surgery that gave me an approximately 50% chance of cure. So far, so good. I had a 20-year level term insurance policy for 200k that was cheap. Now that the term has expired, it increases every 6 months (290>466 was the most recent jump). I have checked and I will not be eligible for any further life insurance. I don't work enough to have workplace benefits. Should I keep paying for this insurance? I can afford it but it will eventually get too pricy. I think I may have a few more years to live. Even if the cancer recur...
- Sun Nov 21, 2021 10:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: No wires, No BT external TV speaker
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1907
Re: No wires, No BT external TV speaker
I wear headphones when I watch TV. My headphones plug into the Roku remote, but Bluetooth headphones might also work.
Hearing aids work well, too.
Hearing aids work well, too.
- Sun Oct 31, 2021 11:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: HSA Limits
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1579
Re: HSA Limits
One quirk I will add to the above is that the extra catch up contributions at age 55+ are NOT shared in the family limit. Each spouse's catch up must go into his/her own HSA. This can be a little confusing if a couple goes many years focusing on spouse A's HSA and putting the entire family limit there, and then then spouse B turns 55 and becomes eligible for the $1000 catch up contributions. Spouse B's catch up contributions must go into his/her own HSA and not into spouse A's HSA that has been used the whole time for the family limit. To clarify, if both members of the couple are over 55 years old: 2022 limit 7300 family contribution (in his HSA account) Spouse 1 1000 catch-up (in his HSA account) Spouse 2 1000 catch-up(in her HSA account...
- Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:09 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: UPDATE: I have learned my lesson. No more preaching finances to my friends or family
- Replies: 165
- Views: 30735
Re: I have learned my lesson. No more preaching finances to my friends or family
I ran a patrol shift for the last 25 years of my career. On day one of a new officers shift I explained the benefits of our 457b plan. I had their FTO take them to city hill and accompany them to HR to enroll. As their boss I was privy to their step increases and raises. I would remind them to increase their contribution so that half the raise went to deferred comp. I had a very high success rate since I had authority that was respected. Guys stop by my home every now and then to thank me for forcing them to save. None of my advice given to family or friends was followed. I never felt the need to advise anyone, but like you, I ended up in hiring position at megacorp (this is 20 years back). I hired many, mostly young people in their 20s. W...
- Mon Jul 26, 2021 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Have you ever taken a huge salary cut to live somewhere you wanted to be?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5381
Re: Have you ever taken a huge salary cut to live somewhere you wanted to be?
I took a 25% pay cut to live in a more hospitable climate which was located within driving distance of my and husband’s extended families. No regrets.
I would take the Germany job in a heartbeat. We have several dear friends there and I love the civic-mindedness of German culture.
I would take the Germany job in a heartbeat. We have several dear friends there and I love the civic-mindedness of German culture.
- Sun Jun 13, 2021 10:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mid life and beyond
- Replies: 32
- Views: 7274
Re: Mid life and beyond
At this point the other house is not an option so I will just go all in in paying of the debt, with the exception of contributing to the 401k, which I feel I need to do for tax and and to fund my retirement. There was an easy way out a couple of years ago, but I decided not to take it. I feel better about it, but it would have saved me a lot of money… I did the same- ignored Dave’s (IMHO) bone-headed advice to discontinue 401k contributions but otherwise I went all-in on paying off non-mortgage debt. Hindsight is 20/20- don’t waste time regretting the past; everyone makes mistakes. Just make better decisions in the future. Best of luck to you. Sounds like you’re on the path to a comfortable future. And it seems like spending more money on ...
- Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mid life and beyond
- Replies: 32
- Views: 7274
Re: Mid life and beyond
I was definitely not born smart. I woke up in my late 30’s in a lot of debt: cars, credit card, student loan, mortgage.Stormfloatter wrote: ↑Sat May 29, 2021 8:20 am
Did you have to go to that transition or were you born “smart”
I followed Dave Ramsey’s “baby steps” to get out of debt, and simultaneously found the fine folks here at Bogleheads to help guide my investment decisions.
I’m 56 now and on good financial shape, despite cutting my work back to 1 day a week due to health issues.
Change is possible. You have to keep your mind flexible and your options open.
- Wed May 26, 2021 3:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Would you downsize from 2 cars to 1 car household in my situation?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3279
Re: Would you downsize from 2 cars to 1 car household in my situation?
We did it. We both live within a mile of our workplaces in a bike friendly town. Grocery store is 8 blocks away.
I recall one time in the last 5 years when we could have used a second car. Our car was in the repair shop after hitting a deer and we needed to go to the airport 3 hours away. We rented a car, no big deal.
I recall one time in the last 5 years when we could have used a second car. Our car was in the repair shop after hitting a deer and we needed to go to the airport 3 hours away. We rented a car, no big deal.
- Wed May 26, 2021 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Poor Timing Between Buying and Selling Home
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2823
Re: Poor Timing Between Buying and Selling Home
If supply is as short in your area as it seems to be all over the US, someone will snap up your house. It’s not January 2008.
Get on the stick and get it ready! Take some vacation days if you need more spare time.
It will all work out.
Get on the stick and get it ready! Take some vacation days if you need more spare time.
It will all work out.
- Wed May 12, 2021 3:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How did you figure out what to Retire TO?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 4710
Re: How did you figure out what to Retire TO?
I retired about 7 months ago at age 56. I understand the folks who say “do nothing”-that’s how my husband rolls For myself, I’ve always been happier when my day includes some “do-nothing” time (which includes surfing the web and watching TV), some fun exercise(mountain biking or hiking), an hour or two of work (like gardening, cleaning, vacuuming the car), hobbies like playing piano or practicing my horrible Spanish, and socializing with friends 1-3 times a week. I’ve recently come to realize that most of those things don’t happen if I leave them until “later”. My days go better and I’m happier with some loose structure- mornings are for work and exercise, afternoons are for sedentary hobbies, and evenings are for doing nothing. Nothing rig...
- Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to Deal with Worry of job loss and providing for family?
- Replies: 127
- Views: 14369
Re: How to Deal with Worry of job loss and providing for family?
The above advice is very wise. Bogleheads are the best.
I don’t know if this will help you, but I occasionally run “worst case scenarios” in my head, which lowers my anxiety. What is the worst thing that could happen if you lose your job?
Would you need to move to a small apartment or to a less desirable neighborhood/city/town/state? Will your kids starve? Exceedingly unlikely. Will they be dirty or neglected? No. Would you need to drive an older car(s)? Survivable. Move in with family for a while? Not optimal but again, survivable. Live out of a van or RV? I have a feeling you are resourceful enough to prevent this situation. Etc
I don’t know if this will help you, but I occasionally run “worst case scenarios” in my head, which lowers my anxiety. What is the worst thing that could happen if you lose your job?
Would you need to move to a small apartment or to a less desirable neighborhood/city/town/state? Will your kids starve? Exceedingly unlikely. Will they be dirty or neglected? No. Would you need to drive an older car(s)? Survivable. Move in with family for a while? Not optimal but again, survivable. Live out of a van or RV? I have a feeling you are resourceful enough to prevent this situation. Etc
- Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
- Replies: 415
- Views: 38728
Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
That’s a pretty bold claim.
I’ve lost 45 lb over 5 years without tracking one single calorie.
I move more (mostly walking, with random bike rides, skiing, or hikes) and I dropped the daily afternoon snack of 3 fun-sized snickers and a Diet Pepsi.
It seems like the daily crapfood snack stimulated my appetite to eat more food in general and crave carbs.
- Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Unloading Massive Collection of Classical Music
- Replies: 59
- Views: 8443
Re: Unloading Massive Collection of Classical Music
My husband recently passed away. He was a classical violinist, and one of the things he left to me was his classical music collection. It is HUGE—probably thousands of CDs—each carefully researched, famous recordings, etc. I’m very sorry for your loss. My husband absolutely LOVES carefully researching famous classical music recordings, and then going to thrift stores, Goodwill, library sales, etc and FINDING those exact recordings and purchasing them for anywhere from 10c to 1$. Very rarely are they priced at more than a buck or two. It’s the thrill of the hunt, I guess- he never buys new CDs. If you donate them, please know that someone out there is going to stumble on these little gems and will celebrate “scoring” (see what I did there?)...
- Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
- Replies: 1849
- Views: 215631
Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well
I got a letter from Freddie Mac saying they bought my mortgage. Lenderfi is my current servicer. The letter says to keep making payments to “my current servicer” which the letter identifies as “The Money Source Inc.” The phone number listed on the letter for The Money Source is a Lenderfi number. So is The Money Source another name for Lenderfi? I don’t recall seeing that name anywhere. My lenderfi payment is supposed to post today so I’ll check it out and see if the loan amount updates once the bank draft is completed. We refinanced through Better.com for 3.25% 30 year in March 2020 and send our mortgage payments to The Money Source, Inc. I like their website interface and so far everything is seamless. I guess TMS is a mortgage payment p...
- Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
- Replies: 1849
- Views: 215631
Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well
If I've locked with LenderFi already (yesterday), does LF allow you to re-lock at a lower rate if rates drop? Sorry, I'm relatively new to refinancing and always assumed that once you lock your rate, that's it. I've seen a few people post that they can sometimes get a better rate even after locking. No. They very much discourage shopping around once you lock with them. This includes floating the rate down. I was able to float my rate down after locking. Better.com matched a slightly better rate (2.85 to 2.625 30 year fixed on a condo) and cut my closing cost to zero after I got a better offer from Loan Depot. Unless I am misreading this, the two of you are not talking about the same thing. LenderFi very much discourages shopping around onc...
- Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
- Replies: 1849
- Views: 215631
Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well
I was able to float my rate down after locking. Better.com matched a slightly better rate (2.85 to 2.625 30 year fixed on a condo) and cut my closing cost to zero after I got a better offer from Loan Depot.truenyer wrote: ↑Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:25 amNo. They very much discourage shopping around once you lock with them. This includes floating the rate down.Indi808 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:07 am If I've locked with LenderFi already (yesterday), does LF allow you to re-lock at a lower rate if rates drop? Sorry, I'm relatively new to refinancing and always assumed that once you lock your rate, that's it. I've seen a few people post that they can sometimes get a better rate even after locking.
- Sat Dec 26, 2020 8:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tips for Frugal Living
- Replies: 284
- Views: 33278
- Sat Nov 28, 2020 6:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kitchen Pots and Pans - Any Recommendations?
- Replies: 119
- Views: 10813
Re: Kitchen Pots and Pans - Any Recommendations?
We bought a 4 piece All Clad set (plus lids) in 1996. We use all the pieces on a frequent basis- DH cooks several nights a week and the pans still look great. DH says the even heat distribution is excellent.
Nonstick is another story- have never found anything very durable. We just buy new nonstick skillets every couple of years.
Nonstick is another story- have never found anything very durable. We just buy new nonstick skillets every couple of years.
- Mon Jul 13, 2020 10:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Helping my nephew out of his rut
- Replies: 94
- Views: 13359
Re: Helping my nephew out of his rut
Our nephew was not a great student, had a job at a supermarket after high school. He was stuck and unsure of what to do. We encouraged him to go to junior college.
He chose a 9-month lineman training program and now makes 50k a year more than he was earning before his training program.
Kudos to you for supporting and encouraging your nephew. I think ages 18-20 are a tough life transition for a lot of young people, even without the added difficulty of losing a parent.
He chose a 9-month lineman training program and now makes 50k a year more than he was earning before his training program.
Kudos to you for supporting and encouraging your nephew. I think ages 18-20 are a tough life transition for a lot of young people, even without the added difficulty of losing a parent.
- Fri May 15, 2020 11:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Worth refinancing?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1458
Re: Worth refinancing?
I just closed a refinance with Better.com. I found them to be organized and quick.
Rate: 3.25% 30 year loan on a condo (condo rates tend to be a bit higher)
Closing costs:
-$1564 loan costs
-$2485 prepaid interest and escrow
+$2008 credits
+$2500 Amex credit
So for about 2 hours of work gathering documents and responding to “tasks”, I lowered our rate from 3.9% to 3.25% and actually ended up with a credit.
It’s worth it to shop around. I checked with my original lender as well as 3-4 other loan providers.
We will pay it as a 15-year but wanted the flexibility of a lower 30-year payment in case of a change in circumstances.
Rate: 3.25% 30 year loan on a condo (condo rates tend to be a bit higher)
Closing costs:
-$1564 loan costs
-$2485 prepaid interest and escrow
+$2008 credits
+$2500 Amex credit
So for about 2 hours of work gathering documents and responding to “tasks”, I lowered our rate from 3.9% to 3.25% and actually ended up with a credit.
It’s worth it to shop around. I checked with my original lender as well as 3-4 other loan providers.
We will pay it as a 15-year but wanted the flexibility of a lower 30-year payment in case of a change in circumstances.
- Mon May 04, 2020 12:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Considering getting an espresso maker - thoughts?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5587
Re: Considering getting an espresso maker - thoughts?
We have owned a Breville Barista Express for about 8 years. It was sent off for reconditioning after year 7- two weeks of torture and gnashing of teeth!
I make 4 cappuccinos every day for hubs and myself. It’s a delicious cuppa, not the very best I’ve ever had (that memorable one was in NYC in Little Italy), but pretty close.
It takes a month or two to dial in the grind and get the tamping pressure just right. And of course the quality of your beans, water, and milk really matters.
I make 4 cappuccinos every day for hubs and myself. It’s a delicious cuppa, not the very best I’ve ever had (that memorable one was in NYC in Little Italy), but pretty close.
It takes a month or two to dial in the grind and get the tamping pressure just right. And of course the quality of your beans, water, and milk really matters.
- Thu Apr 23, 2020 6:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Best Covid19 resistant job
- Replies: 155
- Views: 12744
Re: Best Covid19 resistant job
Maytag repairman?
Charmin Squeezer?
Charmin Squeezer?
- Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:58 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: My friend says his Roth and 401k are higher than before the pandemic started
- Replies: 49
- Views: 6433
Re: My friend says his Roth and 401k are higher than before the pandemic started
My family members who gsmble seem to think they never lose money. Then where does the money come for all those huge buildings? The casino owners must be really generous people.
I hate to say it, but I think people sometimes get confused about how well they are doing with their money. Witness spending your tax return or raise two or three times over.
- Tue Apr 14, 2020 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash out 401k to pay off mortgage? (Forbes article)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1030
Re: Cash out 401k to pay off mortgage? (Forbes article)
Thank you all for your comments and explanations. I never stop learning from this forum; I appreciate you gals/guys sharing your expertise.
- Mon Apr 13, 2020 5:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash out 401k to pay off mortgage? (Forbes article)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1030
Cash out 401k to pay off mortgage? (Forbes article)
This smells like a bad idea to me, but I would really appreciate commentary from you Smart People. “Cashing out your 401(k) and using the proceeds to pay off your mortgage lets you borrow at a low rate and invest at a high rate and do so at no risk. Yes, your 2020 taxes will increase, but there will likely still be a large net gain. The fact that your 401(k) is invested in stocks doesn’t matter. Once you adjust for the risk, investing in stock is no different from investing in today’s low yielding long-term Treasury bonds. I.e., on a risk-adjusted basis, stocks are now yielding a very low return.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/kotlikoff/2020/04/08/given-current-rates-cashing-out-your-401k-to-pay-off-your-mortgage-can-make-you-a-bundle/?fbcli...
- Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are your personal expenses down during stay home and shelter?
- Replies: 180
- Views: 16009
Re: Are your personal expenses down during stay home and shelter?
I have to ask, because $500/week for dining out is something I can’t even imagine, why? I don’t mean to be negative or harsh as obviously it’s affordable for you and by all means spend your money how you choose, I just can’t imagine that $26,000 yearly in food could easily be halved and saved in regular times. I didn't dare ask this. Thanks for asking. Not to mention the health effects of eating out that much. Add the alcohol in. Yikes. I guess you don't care about a long retirement if you eat $500 out per week. I think this may be unnecessarily snarky. 26k may be a small part of the poster’s yearly income- there are some seriously wealthy people on this board. And you could easily spend as much on a beautiful organic salad or fish or sush...
- Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?
- Replies: 246
- Views: 32846
Re: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?
We moved from Maine to Colorado (not the front range) 5 years ago for weather. Got completely sick of gray skies, mud and bug season, super short days in winter.
We love it here. Housing costs more, but we no longer pay $360/month for heating oil. Electricity is cheaper. No snow plow bills in winter. Property tax is 50% less on a slightly larger home. We both walk to work now, we only have one car that sits in the garage for a week at a time. We love being able to recreate out the front door without bugs, mud, ice, frigid temps, so many rainy days.
I do occasionally miss rain and thunderstorms, but honestly not much else other than our dear friends who still live in ME.
We love it here. Housing costs more, but we no longer pay $360/month for heating oil. Electricity is cheaper. No snow plow bills in winter. Property tax is 50% less on a slightly larger home. We both walk to work now, we only have one car that sits in the garage for a week at a time. We love being able to recreate out the front door without bugs, mud, ice, frigid temps, so many rainy days.
I do occasionally miss rain and thunderstorms, but honestly not much else other than our dear friends who still live in ME.