Search found 1701 matches

by Frugal Al
Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5515

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

Regarding “free” installation, I purchased a KitchenAid dw from Best Buy with a free install promo—normally I’d just do it myself. After about 3 years there was a preemptive leak repair program initiated under warranty because of corrosion to the brass heating element mounting surfaces. As it turns out, the installer (whom I tipped generously) used uncommon SECURITY screws to attach the unit to the cabinetry. Two different repairmen were unable to do the repair and I’ve been unable to identify the proper security bit. Lesson learned—beware “free” install deals.
by Frugal Al
Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)
Replies: 64
Views: 7593

Re: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)

skipper wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:17 pm. I've never understood changing the filter every other oil change- just doesn't make sense.
Analyses of oil filter efficiency indicate that a used filter, one that is not past its capacity, actually filters particulates better than a brand new filter, due to a filter bed of filtered particulates. Also, the small amount of old oil left in the old filter has very little dilution impact the on new oil’s additives. The caveats here are to not use poorly made filters and to not use overly extended change intervals. I personally have extended oil filter to the second change interval but never longer than one year total service time—only using premium filters.
by Frugal Al
Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Tom_T wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:23 am "All The Light We Cannot See", limited series on Netflix.
"Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific" are on my watchlist.
(I'm on a WWII kick lately.)
I really enjoyed “All the Light We Cannot See.” I particularly liked the cinematography and thought Ruffalo and Laurie were both good as well. Really surprised by a relative newcomer actor, Aria Loberti, and Louis Hoffman. Totally surprised by this flick.
by Frugal Al
Wed Aug 30, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VOIP and Banks, Financial Institutions
Replies: 29
Views: 3094

Re: VOIP and Banks, Financial Institutions

stargazerlily03 wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:06 pm Would anyone happen to know if any handset will work with OOMA?
Yes, pretty much any handset will work with OOMA. Long time (>10 year) user here—using with a Panasonic handset/answering system. I have OOMA connected to Verizon Home 5g gateway. Only issue is if internet resets itself occasionally the OOMA needs a manual reboot.
by Frugal Al
Sun Aug 06, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quicken Mac vs Windows
Replies: 21
Views: 2973

Re: Quicken Mac vs Windows

I too have changed over to Quicken-Mac with no issues. After a short learning curve I prefer it.
by Frugal Al
Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?
Replies: 68
Views: 7849

Re: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?

I really like the Mother Earth Organic Medium Roast Coffee 2 lb, 2-pack from Costco online. Very consistent roast and usually ships fairly promptly.
by Frugal Al
Mon Feb 07, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your favorite TV stock news channel?
Replies: 59
Views: 4945

Re: What is your favorite TV stock news channel?

I still like the "Money Honey," Maria Bartiromo, on Fox Business, used to be CNBC. All the B-news channels have their own biases--I just happen to agree with most of hers. She is actually a good, knowledgeable, business interviewer. I've never seen anyone more enthusiastic on camera. I think she's married to Wisdom Tree CEO.
by Frugal Al
Sun Sep 26, 2021 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resources to improve Critical Thinking
Replies: 41
Views: 5065

Re: Resources to improve Critical Thinking

The Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision making workshops have been around for years and used by many leading companies as part of their corporate training. I've seen their techniques used successfully in quite a few situations. While some of it might seem to be common sense--the rigorous adherence to the process ensures better and quicker outcomes. Besides, common sense is a rare commodity these days--doubtful it ever was a commodity.
by Frugal Al
Thu May 06, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues
Replies: 113
Views: 12835

Re: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues

tibbitts wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 9:22 pm The Camry has CVT in all Hybrids as far as I know. The last I checked I thought all 1.5L Accords were CVTs.
The Toyota e-CVT in the Hybrid is a very different animal than a CVT in an ICE only vehicle--much more reliable since they do not use pulley chain/belt systems, but rather a motor-generator/planetary gearset system.
by Frugal Al
Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue
Replies: 1223
Views: 231504

Re: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue

Are CVTs inherently unreliable? The Toyota Prius has a pretty good track record. The CVT in the Prius, and all Toyota hybrids is what they call an ECVT, and is a very different technology from conventional CVT's which Toyota uses in some of their non-hybrid vehicles. The ECVT uses motor generators in conjunction with a planetary gearset. There are no chains/belts or spindles/cones. Toyota's ECVT is a very reliable piece of tech. Conventional CVT's, on the other hand, have had a somewhat mixed history, especially the Nissans. Still, they've improved a great deal and there are many high mileage vehicles with few problems. They generally are not repairable, however, and are replaced as a unit. Anyone with a conventional CVT should ensure they...
by Frugal Al
Sun Nov 08, 2020 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: GE Pension Buyout
Replies: 89
Views: 17000

Re: GE Pension Buyout

I agree with Stinky on this, there is no logical reason to take the lump sum at this time given its relative value to the age 65 payout. You may well have other opportunities at a later date with better terms. I'd be curious to know what segment rates are being used for your offer.
https://insight2wealth.com/a-look-at-se ... m-pension/
by Frugal Al
Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 39 Year-Old Offered Pension Lump Sum Buyout - Take It?
Replies: 74
Views: 7425

Re: 39 Year-Old Offered Pension Lump Sum Buyout - Take It?

You might confirm how the lump sum at age 65 is being calculated as it is dependent upon interest rates. I suspect your age 65 lump is calculated assuming today's low segment rates, which inflates the lump sum amount. The future lump sum is usually an estimate and is not guaranteed--whereas the monthly payments are guaranteed, subject to PBGC limits (not a factor in this case).
by Frugal Al
Tue Nov 03, 2020 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Metal Detector users have a recommendation for a first tool?
Replies: 14
Views: 1352

Re: Any Metal Detector users have a recommendation for a first tool?

Seems like a good place to put a plug in for "The Dectectorists." A quirky British comedy mini-series with Makenzie Crook and Toby Jones, available on Acorn I think. It's a great little series when you just need to laugh a bit. It starts out slow--give it a few episodes to get into it. And a thanks to bertilak for recommending it.
by Frugal Al
Thu Sep 03, 2020 7:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Turning 401(k) Plans into Lifetime Investments"
Replies: 47
Views: 5383

Re: "Turning 401(k) Plans into Lifetime Investments"

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Wed Aug 26, 2020 1:49 pm
abuss368 wrote: Wed Aug 26, 2020 1:22 pm I would think the insurance companies would love this.
They do, go look at the group annuity purchases by Prudential. There’s also an annuity only insurance company called Athene Ltd. that is focusing on this market.
There are some concerns with the financial structural of Athene, its reinsurance/coinsurance scheme and it's ownership by a private equity firm. https://www.nbcnews.com/business/person ... k-n1229226
by Frugal Al
Fri Jul 17, 2020 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Some possible luxury SUV choices to buy: Opinions?
Replies: 211
Views: 22937

Re: Some possible luxury SUV choices to buy: Opinions?

Sandi_k wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2020 2:38 pm My RAV4 hybrid is getting 42 mpg. Which is why I sold the 2010 Lexus, at 21 mpg.
I think the new Toyota Venza, available as hybrid only, looks very promising. Why Toyota put rear turn signals low on the bumper while having a large LED fixture across the back is beyond me. I otherwise like the look.
by Frugal Al
Mon Mar 23, 2020 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Copper revisited
Replies: 10
Views: 974

Re: Copper revisited

I think it's a good question. Copper pricing got crazy a while back and that spooked a lot of users. There are some companies that might benefit from the increased germicidal diligence we may face. This one is interesting https://cuverro.com/

Like most things, we all want the benefits but no one wants to pay the higher up front cost for it.
by Frugal Al
Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone (now) regret choosing a lump sum vs. annuity option?
Replies: 16
Views: 1717

Re: Anyone (now) regret choosing a lump sum vs. annuity option?

No regrets with taking a lump sum. I did not accept the first offer from the company, but took it later at more favorable terms/segment rates. Regardless of what happens I'm confident I'll still be happy with the decision--I have an appropriately conservative portfolio. Relying on the solvency of insurance companies, PBGC backstops, and low inflation seemed a more worrisome problem to me, and I have a legacy intent. I can always take SS before age 70 if I choose to. And I also have a plan to consider a commercial annuity between age 75 and 80. Many options--no worries.
by Frugal Al
Mon Feb 10, 2020 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taken for a ride for Car maintenance [Can I dispute Credit card charge?]
Replies: 101
Views: 9581

Re: Taken for a ride for Car maintenance [Can I dispute Credit card charge?]

Nah - the thing is this dealership added things that no manufacturer recommends. The coolant "conditioner" and fuel injection service with an aftermarket branded solution - that's all just highly marked up BS from the dealership. Honda does not state that the coolant needs any additives. I'm not sure on this model, but many new vehicles are direct injected now-a-days - that means that the "fuel injector cleaning" is 99% BS. And no way is it needed at just 25k miles. I highly doubt the CVT fluid needed replacement at that interval either. They took the OP for a ride and it is so blatantly egregious that they should be held responsible. I'd NEVER frequent this dealer again. I agree with surfstar, the OP should be outraged...
by Frugal Al
Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV???? UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help.
Replies: 138
Views: 12004

Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????

I find the new 2020 Toyota Highlander to have a good capability, reasonable looking front grill, and should offer the build and reliability Toyota is known for (it's a newer design for 2020). It is built on car based unibody chassis but has 5000 lb towing capacity with the optional tow package. I think you're going to have to decide if you want the superior hauling/towing capabilities with the associated poorer ride and handling of a body on frame vehicle, or a car based unibody chassis.
by Frugal Al
Thu Sep 12, 2019 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

bob60014 wrote: Sat Sep 07, 2019 11:03 am Really enjoy the programs on Acorn like- Wire In The Blood, Midsomer Murders, London Kills, Good Karma Hospital, The Indian Doctor, Foyles War (again), Kingdom and various documentaries.
Another entertaining series currently on Acorn is Murdoch Mysteries. The stories rely on fictionalized history and occur in Toronto, circa 1900, implementing what was then considered new technology/inventions (the first episode details a murder revolving around the AC/DC electrification debate). The good acting, set design and often humorous writing make for enjoyable entertainment.
by Frugal Al
Tue Sep 10, 2019 5:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selecting funds in Fidelity - 403(b)
Replies: 10
Views: 1414

Re: Selecting funds in Fidelity - 403(b)

Cora, you seem to have a good plan. I like to keep 401/403 investments simple and low cost, while taking advantage of the inherent dollar cost averaging provided by payroll investing. In my opinion the Fidelity 500 Index (FXAIX) achieves that end with a low expense level. You can alter your overall allocation as you grow your personal Roth IRA and taxable investments. If equities allocation gets uncomfortably high you can move some of the FXAIX over to the Vanguard Total Bond. That 95% equities target allocation is a bit high for a new investor, but you can revisit that once you have some significant amounts accumulated. I generally don't recommend higher than 80% equities.
by Frugal Al
Fri Sep 06, 2019 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BofA ShopSafe going away
Replies: 116
Views: 13354

Re: BofA ShopSafe going away

Very disappointing. I use ShopSafe extensively. I doubt I'll stay with BofA with their discontinuance of the feature.
by Frugal Al
Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to rewire, replumb. 30, 40, 50 years? Hot climate.
Replies: 8
Views: 1778

Re: Time to rewire, replumb. 30, 40, 50 years? Hot climate.

CurlyDave wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 11:49 pm I have a house which was plumbed with PEX (cross linked polyethylene) and I expect that it will not corrode for centuries. OTOH is is susceptible to being chewed by rats and developing leaks that way.
Western conifer seed bugs and a couple other boring type insects have been known to cause pinhole leaks in PEX plumbing as well. At this point it is still relatively rare.
by Frugal Al
Sun Aug 04, 2019 2:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda/Acura maintenance minders
Replies: 56
Views: 5661

Re: Honda/Acura maintenance minders

suemarkp wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 3:26 pm Some things go by time and not miles. Almost all Honda/Acura's require brake fluid changes at 3 years. There is no maintenance minder for that.
The newer MM system in late model Hondas goes by time and miles--brake fluid is sub code 7. The time starts when the vehicles leave the factory, causing some owners to wonder why they got fewer than 3 years before the reminder.
by Frugal Al
Thu Jul 04, 2019 5:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement plan [Pension lump sum or annuity?]
Replies: 25
Views: 2451

Re: Retirement plan [Pension lump sum or annuity?]

I have finalized my pension cash out of $518,000 to be funded to my Vanguard IRA on August 1,2019. So total retirement assets at this time are close to $1,850,000 pre tax. I now have cold feet and have not pulled the trigger to buy 60% to Total stock market index and 40% to total bond index. I did not think I would be a market timer and this is holding me back from buying today until a dip occurs. What a blessing to be in this position. Now the pressure is on to keep our retirement funds working for us. Any words of wisdom/advice would be apreciated. You have time. Don't pressure yourself to make investment decisions you are not ready to make--there is no hurry. You made the right move with the pension cash out. Your reluctance to allocate...
by Frugal Al
Sun Jun 30, 2019 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

ruralavalon wrote: Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:57 am Where can we find Good Karma Hospital?
Good Karma Hospital is on the Acorn channel.
by Frugal Al
Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

I agree with others who liked the Catch 22 mini-series on Hulu. Currently streaming Hinterland and Shetland--similar crime dramas featuring the beautiful desolation that is part and parcel to norther areas of the United Kingdom. For camera work I think Hinterland gets the nod. Both, however, offer great acting/directing and compelling story lines. As a total opposite, for a change of pace, Good Karma Hospital offers the beautiful tropical colors of India (actually filmed in Sri Lanka) and some comic relief, in a mature way with serious plot lines. Amanda Redman is great as the de facto person in charge of the hospital, but all the characters are great. A real alternative compared to some of the crap Hollywood is turning out these days.
by Frugal Al
Sun Jun 23, 2019 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Quitten" - Replacing Quicken with Google Sheets
Replies: 39
Views: 6306

Re: "Quitten" - Replacing Quicken with Google Sheets

We used Quicken for almost 10 years and stopped cold about a decade ago. We simply did not see any value and thought time could be used with more meaningful and enjoyable things. No regrets. Once set up, Quicken actually saves time if the features are used properly. Granted, if someone just wants a checkbook register there are other options. However, for the consolidation and tracking of investments (among numerous investment companies and banks), spending, budgeting and their related report and anaylysis, I find the program extremely useful and time saving. Another related purpose I find it useful for is tracking income and outgo and reporting financials of an increasingly infirm family member. It provides an easily auditable financial tr...
by Frugal Al
Sat Jun 01, 2019 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement plan [Pension lump sum or annuity?]
Replies: 25
Views: 2451

Re: Retirement plan [Pension lump sum or annuity?]

Although pensions are indeed a good thing, a non-COLA pension with a payout rate not much different than commercially available annuities, and with an IRR not much different than today's bank CD's (granted, different durations), makes taking the lump sum a reasonable choice. Taking the pension should not be considered sacrosanct. The numbers need to support the resultant lack of inflation protection, as well as the illiquidity, inflexibility, and irreversibility of the decision--in this case they don't. The downside of lack of lawsuit protection can largely be insured against. Forgoing an annuitized pension in no way precludes annuitizing a portion of the lump sum at a later date--perhaps (most likely) at better rates.
by Frugal Al
Thu May 02, 2019 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Whole life insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 1138

Re: Whole life insurance

I definitely agree with the previous posters that you are most likely significantly under-insured, but that doesn't mean you should necessarily drop the whole life policy, assuming you can afford to keep it. On a 20 year WL policy, the bulk of the sales load is now a sunk cost. Going forward the policy might produce a reasonable return. Get an in-force illustration to see what kind of cash value it will generate relative to the premium. After determining what your actual life insurance need is, cover the balance with term insurance.
by Frugal Al
Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617450

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

bck63 wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:43 pm I took all the sugar packets at my booth in the diner today. And the bottle of steak sauce too.
That's not being frugal--that's being a thief.
by Frugal Al
Tue Mar 19, 2019 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Monthly pension or rollover?
Replies: 8
Views: 1242

Re: Monthly pension or rollover?

The annual pension would be about 4.78% of the lump sum withdrawal value. For at least the next three years there will be no inflation adjustments. For clarification, you are comparing single life annuity payout rates with the payout of a single life pension, or is the pension 100% joint life??? The relatively low payout rate of the pension doesn't surprise me given that it is inflation adjusted. Since you have implied there would be inflation adjustments after the initial 3 year period, it makes the decision to take the pension that much easier. Will it adjust fully to inflation after that point? The couple years of taxation should be relatively insignificant over the long run. The only thing that would give me pause would be any indicati...
by Frugal Al
Fri Mar 15, 2019 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2014 CR-V Heater Core Flush cost
Replies: 15
Views: 3201

Re: 2014 CR-V Heater Core Flush cost

I find it interesting that Honda recommends using CLR to flush mineral buildup out of the heater core of a 2014 vehicle. If the cooling system is intact, and hasn't been contaminated by high mineral content water or non-spec coolant, Honda's Long-Life Coolant (120kmiles/10yr life) should resist such a a build-up. There are many coolant orifices in an engine smaller than those in a typical heater core--I'd be concerned about other coolant obstructions causing hot spots and block/head warping. Not really sure what's going on with Honda these days.
by Frugal Al
Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How often do you and your friends change engine oil?
Replies: 167
Views: 11861

Re: How often do you and your friends change engine oil?

I think what lazydavid meant to say, and rightly so, is that oil color is about the worst way to judge oil life. Obviously metal particles and sludge would be problematic. Many people think because an oil is dark or black it is no longer effective, which isn't necessarily the case.
by Frugal Al
Tue Jan 15, 2019 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake fluid replacement?
Replies: 103
Views: 10013

Re: Brake fluid replacement?

lazydavid wrote: Mon Jan 14, 2019 8:36 amI've never opened the bleed valves to compress my calipers. I just open the reservoir cap and let the fluid back up like it's supposed to. This way, if you're not changing the fluid at the same time as the pads (my front and rear pads rarely get replaced at the same time), you don't have to bleed the system.
Although many DIY'ers and techs do it this way, there are some ABS systems that won't tolerate the fluid being pushed backwards through the unit. For that reason, and the risk of contaminants getting pushed up into the master cylinder, best practice is to open the bleed screw on the caliper when compressing the piston for new pads.
by Frugal Al
Sun Dec 30, 2018 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father-in-law denied apartment for lack of income even though he has assets. What to do?
Replies: 91
Views: 12022

Re: Father-in-law denied apartment for lack of income even though he has assets. What to do?

What might be even more frustrating, given what the landlord considers income, and little or no consideration given to asset levels, is if FIL recently converted TIRA funds to a ROTH IRA, requiring no RMD's. I think these income rules need to be reconsidered by the lessors.
by Frugal Al
Sun Dec 16, 2018 4:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Pilot - Improving Traction
Replies: 23
Views: 2567

Re: Honda Pilot - Improving Traction

fh2000 wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:33 amI have a even older pilot, 2006. I do not drive much but I rotate the 2 front tires to the back,and get 2 new ones on the front about every 4-5 years. I consider this is cheap way to provide safety.
Although your intent is good, in a front drive vehicle the best tires should generally be placed on the rear of the vehicle. This is done to reduce oversteer, the swinging out of the rear of the vehicle, which can result in a hazardous loss of control.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech ... ?techid=52
by Frugal Al
Sun Dec 09, 2018 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GE Washing Machine Screeching Sound
Replies: 19
Views: 2995

Re: GE Washing Machine Screeching Sound

earlywynnfan wrote: Fri Dec 07, 2018 1:46 pm I'm new to this forum, but I'm amazed that Bogleheads would buy anything but a Speed Queen!!
Sadly, as of 2018 Speed Queen is no longer the go-to machine. It's very difficult to find a reliable and effective washing machine today.
by Frugal Al
Wed Oct 03, 2018 3:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension plan choice of annuity or cash payout
Replies: 27
Views: 3388

Re: Pension plan choice of annuity or cash payout

Yes, but a 4% inflation indexed withdrawal may not always be sustainable. Also, Dr. Wade Pfau says that the breakeven point where a real annuity starts paying more than a nominal annuity is about 15 years. Many retirements don't last 15 years. A 4% inflation indexed withdrawal is essentially equivalent to a real annuity. Your inflation adjustment essentially costs that extra 2% or 3% withdrawal rate. Of course we don't know what inflation will do, or how long we'll live. If we're talking a single life, age 65, with no bequest motive then yes, the 6% to 7% nominal payout seems a reasonable trade-off compared to a 3 to 4%, inflation indexed SWR. However, if we're talking a married couple, age 65, we'd want a 100% jt life annuity, for which p...
by Frugal Al
Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension plan choice of annuity or cash payout
Replies: 27
Views: 3388

Re: Pension plan choice of annuity or cash payout

nedsaid wrote: Mon Oct 01, 2018 11:04 amI was thinking about various Boglehead threads on this topic. Lots of folks seemed to believe that 3% withdrawal rates were more sustainable than 4%. A sizeable minority still held to 4%. This is one reason that I tell folks to look at Single Premium Immediate Annuities, you effectively boost your sustainable withdrawal rate to 6% to 7%.
You are, however, comparing an inflation indexed sustainable withdrawal to a nominal 6% to 7% withdrawal.
by Frugal Al
Wed Sep 26, 2018 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles
Replies: 172
Views: 31059

Re: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles

You Escape has an IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor). It will tell you when your driving necessitates a change, which will be no later than10,000 miles or one year. If you don't want to do it then, reset it for 50% life and then do it. I agree, Rick, and said as much in my earlier post. I don't agree with ignoring it and resetting it for 50%, and then doing it. If proven it was done, that would void the mfrr's warranty for oil related issues. Newer Maintenance Monitor/Maintenance Minder algorithms even keep track of elapsed time (such as 1 year) in addition to the other driving parameters affecting oil life--older maintenance algorithms did not. Most owners manuals advise the oil to be changed in accordance with the maintenance reminder a...
by Frugal Al
Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles
Replies: 172
Views: 31059

Re: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles

aude wrote: Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:54 amI see a couple of things missing here. With today's synthetic oils and the correct filter, you can substantially extend oil change intervals (OCI) IF you do two things.
Not if he wants to maintain warranty against oil/lubrication issues.
by Frugal Al
Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles
Replies: 172
Views: 31059

Re: Oil change interval for low-mileage vehicles

I suspect your mechanic is recommending changing every few months because he's using conventional dino oil, not synthetic. We don't know if your 2017 Ford Escape is a turbo (Ford Ecoboost) or not--turbo??? Direct injected engines have their own set of issues. If it's a turbo model, I think less of your mechanic for recommending dino oil. If it was my vehicle, with many short trips, and it's turbo charged, I'd choose a full synthetic, SN Plus rated oil of the proper viscosity recommendation, 5w-20, along with a top tier filter and just follow your maintenance monitor.
by Frugal Al
Wed Aug 08, 2018 4:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Universal life policy – continue, contribute, or cash out
Replies: 12
Views: 1675

Re: Universal life policy – continue, contribute, or cash out

FunnelCakeBob wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 2:36 am Whole life is a complicated financial instrument that few would or should want to enter nowadays. The sunk cost is gone and out of their hands. But there's nothing wrong with taking time with their decision.
To be clear, this is universal life, not whole life. The cost is not gone, the cost of insurance eats away at the 4.5% guaranteed return, netting about 0.6% return on the cash value. It might be different if the insurance was needed.
by Frugal Al
Tue Aug 07, 2018 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Universal life policy – continue, contribute, or cash out
Replies: 12
Views: 1675

Re: Universal life policy – continue, contribute, or cash out

We are told that the OP does not need the $100k death benefit. The relatively meager increasing cash value (from $17,000 to $18,000) over the nest 10 years indicates that the cost of insurance must be about $8500 over that same 10 year period (based on the 4.5% "guaranteed" return)--for insurance that is not needed. These are rough numbers. Given the 4.5% dividend is offset by an expensive cost of insurance ($850 per year average over next 10 for about $82,500 of actual coverage) and since the insurance isn't needed, I see little reason to delay cashing the policy in. Obviously, these are all before tax numbers.
by Frugal Al
Mon Aug 06, 2018 5:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: February warm weather vacation
Replies: 19
Views: 2327

Re: February warm weather vacation

oilrig wrote: Sun Aug 05, 2018 8:50 pm You could go anywhere in the caribbean on that budget. I suggest Puerto Rico, USVI, or BVI. Or you could visit all 3 in one trip and go island hopping :)
You can find lodging for $100/night or so and the meals wont break your bank. Trust me, you will have a much better time hanging out in the caribbean than doing any beach vacation in Florida.
Plus 1000%! And USVI and PR satisfy your desire to stay in US. I'm partial to St. John, USVI, myself.
by Frugal Al
Sun Aug 05, 2018 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car price ratio to NW
Replies: 140
Views: 11702

Re: Car price ratio to NW

Definitely agree that the car price/net worth is not the metric to use for buying a vehicle. The TOTAL cost of ownership vs income over time of ownership should be considered, in conjunction with other expenses and debt. Buying an inexpensive used car just to meet some arbitrary percentage of income is not prudent either, particularly if one has to skimp so much that you're purchasing more often because of unreliability. Consider all transportation expense components including depreciation, maintenance and insurance over length of ownership. Some people have different transportation requirements than others and drive more or less than others. In my opinion there are no easy rules of thumb here other than managing one's transportation expens...
by Frugal Al
Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moral dilemma - What would you do?
Replies: 54
Views: 6964

Re: Moral dilemma - What would you do?

Every company has something called as mission, vision and values . The values end up costing money or revenue loss but they are there for a reason. I do agree with your point, Carpe. But more appropriately, it should be that the values MAY end up costing money the company, at least in the short run. In the long run they may well preserve the company. When I was a purchasing exec at a megacorp we differentiated between suppliers and vendors. Vendors often offer low value added and little or no ongoing relationship other than providing a product. Suppliers, on the other hand, were understood to be important for our long term success, and that for all to be successful, it had to be win/win. Its amazing what some posters can rationalize as bei...
by Frugal Al
Fri Jul 20, 2018 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [A Splendid Exchange, by William Bernstein - on sale for Kindle]
Replies: 19
Views: 2673

Re: [A Splendid Exchange, by William Bernstein - on sale for Kindle]

Thanks for the heads-up, Dr. Bernstein. Looking forward to this read--I've enjoyed all your books.
by Frugal Al
Thu Jul 05, 2018 10:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SS taken at 62 vs. 70, but measured from 70+
Replies: 189
Views: 14896

Re: SS taken at 62 vs. 70, but measured from 70+

It's perpetual stream of income, Cruncher. Are you not aware that a 60/40 comes close to earning 4% real for life? Some say it's actually 4%, I believe Bengen says 3.5% for 60/40. It's not magic. So yes, 8 years later, you can have the same amount of money, that is inflation adjusted, and have the payments from it too. But that's worst case. AVERAGE real return of a 60/40 is actually well north of 5%. I was picking 5% to be conservative. It's not only not magic, it's not true. Azanon, I believe you have a profound misunderstanding of the Trinity study. The 4% sustainable withdrawal rate + inflation only requires about a 1.25% real return to succeed. The failures are due to a bad sequence of returns. You cannot assume a 60/40 allocation wil...