Search found 548 matches

by flossy21
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free
Replies: 260
Views: 22877

Re: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free

Age 53/DW 54 and we are FIRE

46% Taxable (Brokerage & Ibonds)
48% Tax Deferred (IRA's)
6% Tax Free (Roth's + HSA's)

I would like to convert as much Taxable as possible to Tax Free but we are using ACA subsidy for our health insurance so we won't convert any until we start Medicare.
by flossy21
Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moneydance specific feedback sought - budgeting/auto transaction pull without subscription
Replies: 5
Views: 591

Re: Moneydance specific feedback sought - budgeting/auto transaction pull without subscription

I started with Quicken in 1997 and imported to Moneydance in 2011. I capture every transaction from our checking, savings, credit cards and investment accounts. Rather than pull the info into Moneydance I go to each financial provider's website and pull a .qfx file via their download link. I do credit cards and checking/savings on the 15th of each month, or shortly thereafter, and investment accounts on the 1st of the month, or shortly thereafter. Moneydance remembers the categories for common things that we do every month so once the data file is imported into Moneydance it mostly has all the categories correct. I just need to review each one and click confirm/accept or change the category. We have about 20-25 accounts in Moneydance and it...
by flossy21
Fri Nov 10, 2023 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023
Replies: 21
Views: 3232

Re: Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023

You may not want to do any Roth conversions as every extra dollar of income from a Roth conversion (or elsewhere) incurs additional federal income tax, additional state income tax, and loss of some ACA subsidy. Based on the figures in your post, and assuming no Roth conversions, it appears you will be paying almost no federal income tax for 2023. $31,500 income less $3000 capital loss less $27,700 standard deduction = $800 taxable income Fed income tax @ 10% = $80 Let’s say you do $20,000 in Roth conversions, bumping your taxable income to $20,800. Fed income tax @ 10% = $2080 For ACA purposes, your MAGI would go from $28,500 to $48,500 with the Roth conversion. Using the Virginia Insurance Marketplace (for 2024), your current ages, and an...
by flossy21
Thu Nov 09, 2023 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023
Replies: 21
Views: 3232

Re: Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023

We receive an ACA subsidy for our health insurance of ~$1,080 per month for 2023. ... How much, if any, of our IRA's should we covert to Roth IRA money for 2023? Understanding Roth Conversion and Capital Gains On ACA Health Insurance would be a good start. If you do the analysis described there, how does it look to you? Thanks for the replies and the links. I downloaded the spreadsheet and ran the analysis. I was not able to find one of the needed values which is the "Second Lowest Cost Silver Plan" or SLCSP value. According to what I could find out this will be sent me on a 1095-A in Feb. 2024. I logged onto the VA Marketplace website and selected only Silver plans. The second lowest cost plan on there is about $14k per year. I ...
by flossy21
Wed Nov 08, 2023 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023
Replies: 21
Views: 3232

Help me figure out whether (or not) to do Roth Conversion(s) for 2023

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - Roth conversion question. mod mkc] I'm hoping the combined wisdom of the board can help me. DW (50 years old) and I (53 years old) are both retired as of end of 2022. We have no employment income (W2 or 1099) for 2023. Our only income in 2023 is Dividends (~$28k), Interest (~$3k) and some Ebay sales (~$500). We own our home with no mortgage. Our annual real estate property taxes are ~$4k. Our unreimbursed, out of pocket medical expenses for 2023 are ~$3k not including our insurance premiums. No dependents. We live in Virginia. We are debt free. We receive an ACA subsidy for our health insurance of ~$1,080 per month for 2023. We have tax loss carryover of $20k+ from tax loss harvesting. We...
by flossy21
Tue Oct 10, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for people who use Mutual Assurance for Homeowner's Insurance in Virginia
Replies: 1
Views: 439

Looking for people who use Mutual Assurance for Homeowner's Insurance in Virginia

I recently decided to shop around for homeowners insurance and came across a company called Mutual Assurance - https://www.mutual-assurance.com/. Apparently they are different from other insurers in that you pay an up front premium and then a lower annual premium. I contacted them and they sent an agent out to inspect our home and property. He took a lot of pictures and asked a lot of questions. A few weeks later they gave me a quote. Basically I would "break even" on my premiums after year 3 with them and it would be about $5k cheaper over the next 10 years. The coverages are similar to what I have currently. I also had them do a quote for an Umbrella Policy and it is competitive with what I have today. They only offer services i...
by flossy21
Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eggs
Replies: 150
Views: 17671

Re: Eggs

Egg bites - like the ones at Starbucks. I use the Instant Pot and make a big batch with 2 different styles and then we can reheat them during the week for breakfast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGG_O1ulW3Y
by flossy21
Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Solar Payback Period
Replies: 59
Views: 5579

Re: Solar Payback Period

I ran your numbers through a Net Present Value calculator with $15k cash outflow up front and then $1.5k cash in flow for 15 years at 3%. The payback is between 12 and 13 years.

You can do it for yourself here as well -- https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculat ... ulator.php
by flossy21
Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 150310

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

see pic below...2016 BMW X5 -- It has been a great car. I would like to get another 30k out of it before selling.

2001 Ford F150 5.4L - 185k +/- Also has been a great car for us.

Image
by flossy21
Fri Aug 05, 2022 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hearing aids
Replies: 49
Views: 4690

Re: hearing aids

Here's a previous post and discussion that you might find useful. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=270221&p=4335925&hilit=hearing#p4335925 I'll reiterate what I wrote in that post here... OP -- You should think of hearing aids as a service...not a product. The skill, or lack thereof, of the person who fits your aids and provides your follow up adjustments is the most important factor by a wide margin. It's a hearing instrument that is specifically tuned to your hearing loss and it needs to operate well in all the environments you will encounter; noisy, quiet, speech, music, etc. You can get the best hearing aids that money can buy and have them fit by a lousy provider and those aids won't serve you near as w...
by flossy21
Thu Apr 21, 2022 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ghosted by recruiting team in a strange way
Replies: 60
Views: 7239

Re: Ghosted by recruiting team in a strange way

Focus on what you can control. Tell the recruiter that you are going to pull out of the process if you don't hear back from him/her by close of business tomorrow/today.

If the recruiter doesn't update you by the deadline then email, or call, the person who you interviewed with first and tell them you are no longer interested in working for the company. Be gracious and thank them for their interest.

If they are still interested in you then you will get their attention. If not then you won't hear from them again but at least you will have closure.
by flossy21
Thu Feb 24, 2022 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help diagnose mystery noise in cottage!
Replies: 31
Views: 2428

Re: Please help diagnose mystery noise in cottage!

Lots of great answers here with respect to testing via the electric panel. I would also throw out that it might be plumbing related. Maybe as simple as a toilet that has a leaky flapper causing the toilet to refill every couple of minutes.
by flossy21
Wed Feb 16, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1054

Re: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question

I suggest reading Publication 590-A. Your spouse can make a contribution over their income as long as your income + hers is over the total contibution "Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA Limit" section. You don't need backdoor roth if MAGI is less than $204,000 for 2022. Although I don''t think that is what you were refering to. Maybe you are considering roth conversions? Thanks for the reply. I will give it a read. :oops: Also thanks for reminding me that if MAGI is <$204k then it is just a simple conversion and not a "backdoor" roth conversion. Still a bit confused on terminology. I *think* you are referring to contribution to a Roth IRA for both of you - this year - not conversion . In future years, if you have no earn...
by flossy21
Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1054

Re: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question

We are MFJ for our taxes and we each should be well below the Roth IRA income limits for 2022 so I would like for us to both contribute to our Roth IRA's for 2022. I have read the IRS info on Roth IRA's but it is unclear to me if my DW can contribute beyond her take home pay. In other words, because she is putting almost all her salary into her 401(k) for 2022 will she be able to contribute to her Roth IRA beyond her take home pay which would be <$1,000. Your wife does not need any income to contribute to Roth IRA. She can contribute based on your income. Also, should we be considering a Backdoor Roth in 2022? I am thinking we should wait and do those each of the next few years since we will be in lower tax brackets because of having no W2...
by flossy21
Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1054

Re: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question

ohme wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:52 am I suggest reading Publication 590-A.

Your spouse can make a contribution over their income as long as your income + hers is over the total contibution "Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA Limit" section.

You don't need backdoor roth if MAGI is less than $204,000 for 2022. Although I don''t think that is what you were refering to. Maybe you are considering roth conversions?
Thanks for the reply. I will give it a read.

:oops: Also thanks for reminding me that if MAGI is <$204k then it is just a simple conversion and not a "backdoor" roth conversion.
by flossy21
Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question
Replies: 6
Views: 1054

Wife and I Plan to FIRE/Downshift Work this year -- Roth IRA Question

I am hoping the collective Bogleheads wisdom can help me with a question. DW and I are planning to leave our jobs in April/May this year and we will not earn any further W2 income for 2022. We have not yet decided on whether we will seek to earn W2 income in future years. She is less than 50 years old. I am over 50 years old. Starting in January 2022 I have directed all my salary into my 401(k) and I have hit the 2022 IRS 401(k) contribution limit plus my catch up contribution. My gross income will be below $100,000 for 2022. Starting in January 2022 my wife is directing 90% of her salary into her 401(k) but she will likely not hit the 2022 limit before leaving her job. Her take home pay after the 401(k) contributions, taxes, etc. is <$100 ...
by flossy21
Thu Jan 27, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Flight or Fight - An Inheritance Issue
Replies: 94
Views: 13346

Re: Flight or Fight - An Inheritance Issue

sorry about your situation and condolences on your loss. I've seen this type of situation more often than I care to. are you sure you're eligible for a share of the estate at all? By this I mean, how do you know the siblings didn't change the Will before your mom died? I've seen this happen more often then I care to as well. So perhaps you'd want to see if you could find out when the most recent/last will was completed before you spend money on a retainer/lawyer, only to receive $0 because you were written out of the Will. Not sure how to do that perhaps you could talk to the courthouse if family/lawyer has to send the will to the county, etc? once you find the details, then you know if there was money stolen from your mom by your siblings...
by flossy21
Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best plumbers epoxy (or flex seal) for copper pipe
Replies: 34
Views: 3626

Re: best plumbers epoxy (or flex seal) for copper pipe

I've never used a patch material on a pressurized line. It seems like you're just slapping a band aid on the underlying problem. Small leaks eventually become big leaks; usually when you are not there which can cause major water damage. If I were you I would print out the picture and take it to Lowe's or Home Depot. Find the guy/gal in the plumbing aisle and show it to him/her. Tell them you want to replace the whole section of pipe and fittings from above the "tee" and after the "90" at the bottom of the picture. Tell them you want to use Sharkbite fittings and Pex piping. Sharkbite fittings come in straight couplings, 90 degree elbows, Tee's, etc. There's no glue or soldering required. All the fitting just push togethe...
by flossy21
Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Science of Seasoning a Carbon Steel Skillet
Replies: 37
Views: 4198

Re: The Science of Seasoning a Carbon Steel Skillet

Check out this forum which is the Bogleheads of Cast Iron Collecting and restoration...

http://www.castironcollector.com/restore.php
by flossy21
Fri Oct 22, 2021 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?
Replies: 135
Views: 22219

Re: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?

75-g is huge If you actually need that size, I'd think the tankless would pay for itself in efficiency, right? Any gas/city/etc rebates for that route also? We're in an ultra-low nox required area, and I found a Rheem 40g for under $700 last year, that also qualified for a utility rebate of $75 or so. DIY - hope that was my last DIY, though! (12 year warranty) We currently have a 50g that can't properly fill a jet tub in the master bath. I tried to convince the builder it was inadequate, but he insisted it would be fine. To use the tub I need to crank up the temp on the hot water heater. Getting mixed opinions from the installers. One won't even install it. One claims I'll run out of hot water when I run out of propane. Go figure..... The ...
by flossy21
Fri Aug 13, 2021 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best vehicle for active family of 4 and dog?
Replies: 53
Views: 13645

Re: Best vehicle for active family of 4 and dog?

My BIL and SIL have 2 kids in car seats plus a dog (Golden Doodle). They bought a VW Atlas about a year ago. It has 2 seats in middle section and then a cargo area under the hatch. The dog rides in the middle between the kids. It seems like a nice ride and I know they have been pleased with the car.
by flossy21
Tue Jul 13, 2021 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Counteroffers [Employment]
Replies: 25
Views: 2809

Re: Counteroffers [Employment]

Currently the market is very candidate centric in that individuals, and not employers, are in control. Employers are desperate for people and will do whatever is needed to hire and keep good people. This won't always be the case. When the pendulum swings the other way it may come back to bite employees who didn't show loyalty.
by flossy21
Mon May 17, 2021 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Accounting Software?
Replies: 8
Views: 1572

Re: Personal Finance Accounting Software?

You might want to check out Moneydance. I used Quicken from 1997 to about 2015 but imported over to Moneydance when Quicken started using a subscription type model. Moneydance is much cheaper and does the same things as Quicken.

http://moneydance.com/

It's a one time purchase and then they charge for updates every 2-3 years. I think they will let you try it for free for a few months as well.
by flossy21
Wed May 12, 2021 3:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When would you buy cryptocurrency?
Replies: 199
Views: 18137

Re: When would you buy cryptocurrency?

Probably never but... I believe in the Bogleheads' Investment Philosophy -- https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy These are it's tenets... 1 Develop a workable plan 2 Invest early and often 3 Never bear too much or too little risk 4 Diversify 5 Never try to time the market 6 Use index funds when possible 7 Keep costs low 8 Minimize taxes 9 Invest with simplicity 10 Stay the course Crypto does not suit my portfolio because I never bear too much or too little risk. Crypto is more risky than stock and bond index funds and I don't need to take on any more risk that I have with my current portfolio. Crypto does not suit my portfolio because I never try to time the market. Crypto is on a run and it is the en vogue...
by flossy21
Fri Apr 23, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Porsche Macan Excessive Tire Noise: Options?
Replies: 84
Views: 9235

Re: 2019 Porsche Macan Excessive Tire Noise: Options?

UPDATE for all of you kind folks that took the time to offer suggestions and support. I took my car to the dealer this morning. A sevice guy looked at the tires and said without equivocation that the noise is due to uneven tire wear. He also made a comment that Pirelli tires "do that". The service department apparently (you can't go in and watch like the old days) did an "air drive". With a technician in the vehicle and traction control disabled, the car was lifted off of the ground and the wheels were accelerated to see if there was still noise when the tires were off of the surface. NO noise, I was told. So this test eliminates other possibilities such as a bearing, the drive train etc. Bottom line: with 12,250 miles ...
by flossy21
Wed Apr 07, 2021 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Porsche Macan Excessive Tire Noise: Options?
Replies: 84
Views: 9235

Re: 2019 Porsche Macan Excessive Tire Noise: Options?

Rather than buy new tires, it might be worth your time to investigate sound deadening/sound isolation systems/mats/blanket/insulation. You would basically apply these materials in your wheel wells and body panels to deaden the sound. Here's a video of someone installing these mats in the wheel wells of a Porsche Cayman -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDNCLYb3sCc Here's a video of someone installing these mats in the floorboard and doors of a car -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVF65oGCgZY I'm sure a high end car audio shop will give you a quote for both or you can investigate DIY if you are into that type of thing. The benefit of this method vs. new tires is that you have addressed the root cause and it won't matter what tires or how ...
by flossy21
Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wife needs hearing aids, cost concerns
Replies: 51
Views: 5191

Re: Wife needs hearing aids, cost concerns

Here's a previous post and discussion that you might find useful. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=270221&p=4335925&hilit=hearing#p4335925 I'll reiterate what I wrote in that post here... OP -- You should think of hearing aids as a service...not a product. The skill, or lack thereof, of the person who fits your aids and provides your follow up adjustments is the most important factor by a wide margin. It's a hearing instrument that is specifically tuned to your hearing loss and it needs to operate well in all the environments you will encounter; noisy, quiet, speech, music, etc. You can get the best hearing aids that money can buy and have them fit by a lousy provider and those aids won't serve you near as w...
by flossy21
Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you have a gas log insert in your fireplace?
Replies: 21
Views: 2359

Re: Do you have a gas log insert in your fireplace?

DW and I have a Kozy Heat RVT34BW direct vent propane insert in our fireplace. This is Kozy Heat's Roosevelt model w/ Birchwood Insert. It has a multi-speed blower unit on it that pushes hot air into the room. The unit's combustion chamber is completely sealed from the room. It pulls air and pushes exhaust out of two pieces of metal vent tubing that terminate on the top of the chimney into a pagoda looking structure that separates the two flows so it is not pulling exhaust in for combustion air. It operates on a remote control that can be as simple as on/off or can operate on a thermostat in the remote that tells the unit to turn on/off and varies the blower speed. In early 2020, I paid $4,311.00 for the unit, venting, remote and chimney ca...
by flossy21
Wed Mar 03, 2021 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ebay - items you've sold
Replies: 42
Views: 3563

Re: Ebay - items you've sold

The last item I sold on Ebay was an empty Blanton's bottle with the box, cloth bag, figural cork and the little tag that hangs on the neck. After expenses and shipping I "profited" about $20. It sold the first week I posted it on the site. I used my phone to do the posting and it took about 5 minutes. A buyer in CA near San Francisco was the buyer. I have no idea what he/she intends to do with the purchase.
by flossy21
Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:54 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 97th Birthday, Taylor Larimore
Replies: 146
Views: 12378

Re: Happy 97th Birthday, Taylor Larimore

Happy Birthday!
by flossy21
Wed Oct 14, 2020 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reverse Countdown Timer
Replies: 53
Views: 5131

Re: Reverse Countdown Timer

If you use Alexa enabled devices in the house you could try this. 1.) Buy an Echo Flex w/ a smart plug - https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Flex-Amazon-Smart-Plug/dp/B08491JYSK/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=echo&qid=1602676022&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-8/url] 2.) Buy the Echo Flex accessory Motion Sensor -- [url]https://www.amazon.com/Made-Amazon-THIRDREALITY-Motion-Sensor/dp/B07VF43BG1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=echo+flex+accessories&qid=1602676196&sr=8-5 2.) Buy the Echo Flex accessory Motion Sensor -- https://www.amazon.com/Made-Amazon-THIRDREALITY-Motion-Sensor/dp/B07VF43BG1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=echo+flex+accessories&qid=1602676196&sr=8-5 3.) Plug the Motion Sensor Accessory into the Flex and plug...
by flossy21
Thu Aug 20, 2020 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max the HSA?
Replies: 28
Views: 4061

Re: Max the HSA?

Sasha -- I concur with the group that advises to max your HSA. In addition, each individual can have as many HSA accounts as they like. You aren't limited to your employer's plan but, if you close your employer's plan, you won't get the tax break until you file your taxes at the end of the year. You can have an HSA through your employer's preferred custodian and any others you choose at the same time. What I do for my wife's HSA is that I roll the bulk of her HSA money over to Lively each year. That way she gets the payroll deduction immediately and the $0 cost, low ER investment choices from Lively/TD Ameritrade. Fidelity offers a great $0 cost option as well. Here's the wiki on HSA's. You should study this closely and then develop your st...
by flossy21
Tue Aug 11, 2020 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What YouTube channels do you watch?
Replies: 112
Views: 16235

Re: What YouTube channels do you watch?

Sailing La Vagabond
by flossy21
Thu Aug 06, 2020 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Tracking Software
Replies: 35
Views: 5160

Re: Personal Finance Tracking Software

Frugalbear wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2020 9:52 am
flossy21 wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2020 9:41 am Moneydance meets all your criteria.

http://moneydance.com/
I am on their website now:

sooo $50 one time fee and that is it?

Does it appear as an icon on your desktop?

Thanks!
Yes -- it is a one time fee.

Yes -- it is an icon on your desktop.
by flossy21
Thu Aug 06, 2020 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Tracking Software
Replies: 35
Views: 5160

Re: Personal Finance Tracking Software

Moneydance meets all your criteria.

http://moneydance.com/
by flossy21
Wed Jul 29, 2020 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford a second home?
Replies: 73
Views: 6766

Re: Can we afford a second home?

Can you use the house or property to generate some income? Maybe use it as an AirBnB during times when you are not going to be there?

Adding to the income side would help with the mortgage payments.
by flossy21
Thu Jul 23, 2020 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top Load Washer Dry Time
Replies: 20
Views: 1479

Re: Top Load Washer Dry Time

If you are not familiar with Wirecutter then you should be. Kind of like a more modern Consumer Reports.

Here's their report on washers and also top load vs. front load.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... and-dryer/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog ... g-machine/
by flossy21
Wed Jul 08, 2020 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do I fix my mistake/blunder with recruiter/offer
Replies: 33
Views: 3258

Re: How do I fix my mistake/blunder with recruiter/offer

Definitely tough, and I'm not sure how bad you want the position. But, try saying something like this: "Hi [recruiter name], I appreciate the offer and I'm very excited about the opportunity. I know there is a lot I can contribute. That being said I have made a terrible mistake when I provided my salary range, and you are going to think I'm pulling a bait and switch so I apologize. After reviewing my current total compensation package, it just doesn't make too much financial sense to accept this position unless we can get closer to Y + 15 range. Is is correct to assume your company does not have enough flexibility to get to this figure? Again, I apologize for my initial range not being accurate. I'm still hopeful we can come to a pack...
by flossy21
Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Job candidate sending messages via LinkedIn
Replies: 62
Views: 5290

Re: Job candidate sending messages via LinkedIn

Your company may want to revisit with these candidates for future roles and it's important to leave them feeling as if they had a fair hearing with feedback. The feedback loop to candidates in this case should be going through the recruiter. The recruiter should have provided feedback to this candidate.

If I were you I would reach out to the recruiter and ask them to close the loop with the candidate.
by flossy21
Fri May 29, 2020 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carolina/Virginia Summer Vacation
Replies: 56
Views: 4274

Re: Carolina/Virginia Summer Vacation

Thank you all for the suggestions and tips - this is very helpful. Things have evolved a bit since my original post last night as my wife is really pushing for a more "resort style" place on a beach with a nice pool. So this is likely going to push us out of an OBX type area and more toward some of the touristy places that will have a bigger crowd. Hilton Head is probably farther than we want to drive from Shenandoah. I'm trying to avoid Myrtle Beach proper. How is North Myrtle Beach? Is it one and the same with Myrtle Beach, or does it offer a bit quieter atmosphere? It seems like most of the lodging along the NC beaches are houses rather than condo/resort type places with a pool. My wife is really pushing for that nice pool whe...
by flossy21
Tue May 26, 2020 1:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody do any GOOD timing the market?
Replies: 123
Views: 10057

Re: Anybody do any GOOD timing the market?

On 03/12 I bought $20k worth of VTSAX in the taxable account. I had been sitting on it in a high yield savings account for a couple months waiting for a dip. It's up to $25,131 as of right now. I freely admit it was pure luck on my part to time it that closely.
by flossy21
Tue May 26, 2020 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Air conditioner stocks
Replies: 27
Views: 2524

Re: Air conditioner stocks

Check out Lennox (LII) and Johnson Controls (JCI).

The equipment you are describing is part of the "Consumer Durables" sector. Normally consumer durables suffer in a recession because consumer confidence is down. Think about it...are you going to rush out and buy a new refrigerator to replace your current fridge or wait and see how things go with COVID and the economy? Most people would opt to wait or to have the old fridge repaired rather than spend the money on a new fridge right now.
by flossy21
Wed May 13, 2020 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dentist charges $10 for PPE
Replies: 240
Views: 16349

Re: Dentist charges $10 for PPE

It sounds like the ADA has brought this up to the individual dental offices. It seems like collusion to me. I imagine there will be a class action lawsuit around this issue soon.
by flossy21
Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW X5 - advice on purchase
Replies: 49
Views: 4718

Re: BMW X5 - advice on purchase

My wife's car is a 2016 X5 with the M Sport Package. Six cylinder with twin turbos. It will flat out fly. It's fun to drive and loves the interstate or the curvy roads. Get the high end seat package as well. Very comfortable.

We have about 70k miles on it and no major issues so far. Just regular maintenance like tires, brakes, etc. It's not cheap. Once the warranty period ran out I started taking it to a local independent shop for service.

I suggest you check out these forums...

One of the posts at the top of the forum here is their pricing guide -- https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forum ... .php?f=179

Also check out here -- https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/foru ... 1-F15-F16)
by flossy21
Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home/Auto/Umbrella insurance quote discrepancy
Replies: 8
Views: 715

Re: Home/Auto/Umbrella insurance quote discrepancy

I think you need more data so basically more quotes.

Have you checked out Geico or Progressive? I recently used policygenius.com and was able to get multiple quotes that way as well.
by flossy21
Mon Apr 06, 2020 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Panicked and moved to cash. What to do next?]
Replies: 106
Views: 14922

Re: I am a Massive Loser

You are in great shape for someone your age. You need to create an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) and implement what that document recommends. Every time you get the urge to do something then pull out the IPS and read it again.

Bogleheads Wiki on the IPS -- https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Investm ... _statement
by flossy21
Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rural Home: Getting Hardwired?
Replies: 39
Views: 3420

Re: Rural Home: Getting Hardwired?

I don't know where you are located but in some places you can get long distance wifi internet. You would likely need to put up a tower to access the service.

The link below will take you to the Wireless Internet Service Provider Association (WISPA) website (https://www.wispa.org/. You can find out if there is any service in your region...

https://members.wispa.org/members/direc ... rg_id=WISP
by flossy21
Wed Mar 18, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why not liquidate?
Replies: 48
Views: 5015

Re: Why not liquidate?

Right now there are 100's if not 1000's of labs that are testing every kind of drug known to man on the Virus. Early reports are that some of these drugs are showing positive results. See the link...

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/bay ... ght-report

Imagine if there is an announcement tomorrow that a daily dose of some cheap, widely available, drug can make one immune to the virus. The stock market would rebound instantly and you would be on the sideline watching.

I'm not saying it will, or won't, happen because no one knows.