Search found 229 matches

by caseynshan
Wed Dec 14, 2022 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transfer On Death Deed requires removal of dead spouse?
Replies: 6
Views: 553

Transfer On Death Deed requires removal of dead spouse?

Mother in Colorado
Limited Assets all with beneficiaries. Condo is only thing not done, to avoid probate.

Condo is currently Joint Ownership Father and Mother, but father has passed.

Can she sign the Transfer on Death deed?
or are we required to get him off deed first?
by caseynshan
Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Govt Loans vs. Loans from Parents for college
Replies: 7
Views: 770

Re: Govt Loans vs. Loans from Parents for college

thanks for the hints..
child1 will probably need loans for grad school.. and if one gets bank of mom and dad, the other will also.
by caseynshan
Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Govt Loans vs. Loans from Parents for college
Replies: 7
Views: 770

Govt Loans vs. Loans from Parents for college

We have a system where we pay a certain amount for college and then after that, kid is 50% responsible. One kid went to cheap school and is able to get by with job, no loans. Other kid is going to more expensive school. (and the reasons make sense.. I don't want to argue community college, vs out of state etc.. decision is done) So the 2nd kid will need to take some loans. The question is a financial one.. regarding source of loans. 3 options. 1. loan from the 'bank of mom and dad' (mom and dad can handle a default) 2 Govt. Direct unsubsidized loan. 3. Govt. Direct parent plus loan I don't think #3 make any sense. so between #1 and #2 I don't think there is any financial advantage to #2 for kid or parent (assuming the parents are willing to...
by caseynshan
Thu Jul 02, 2020 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Renting an RV for the first time. Any advice?
Replies: 53
Views: 4527

Re: Renting an RV for the first time. Any advice?

If you have to put the RV in reverse. It probably means you failed at thinking far enough ahead.
More time outside= less feeling of cramped inside.
by caseynshan
Wed Jul 01, 2020 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Renting an RV for the first time. Any advice?
Replies: 53
Views: 4527

Re: Renting an RV for the first time. Any advice?

Sounds like you want the RV experience, but luxury and space.

One option is to do a mix.
Something like rent more driveable... something in the ballpark of this https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2021-L ... 5008300059
Then do 2-4 days in the RV while driving or touring a National Park, then 2-4 days at an airbnb or something like that.
Of course you'd be wasting some money when you have the RV parked an airbnb, but presumably cheaper than a driver.
you could rent a car if you wanted while at the airbnb if you are tired of driving the big thing.

That way you can get the RV experience but also get the some space.
by caseynshan
Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iPhone or iPhone 7 for ~$130
Replies: 16
Views: 1760

Re: New iPhone or iPhone 7 for ~$130

In terms of model years I'm not sure updating from a 2015 to a 2016 is worth it. I'd stay w/ 6S until I can jump at least 2 model years.
Or said a different way.. Is it worth spending 100 to go from 5 versions behind to only 4 versions behind.
by caseynshan
Sun Apr 29, 2018 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting OK and KS with family
Replies: 31
Views: 3885

Re: Visiting OK and KS with family

The Illinois River about an hour and a half's drive from Tulsa is perfect for leisurely floating. Would be a fun family outdoor thing to do if it's hot, probably quite a bit more memorable than going to the water park in Tulsa. Would be fun for kids age 5 and 11. See https://www.travelok.com/article_page/illinois-river-float-and-camp-trips Near the Illinois River is Tahlequah, capital of the Cherokee Nation. It's a small town with a University, but has some interesting history and it's not often you get to see the capital city of another nation in your own country, complete with government buildings (Supreme Court, etc.). If you do end up going to the water park (and even if you don't), you should at least stop to take your picture in Tuls...
by caseynshan
Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Backpacking in Guatemala and El Salvador?
Replies: 31
Views: 4372

Re: Backpacking in Guatemala and El Salvador?

also, please do a write up when you get back and post (or PM me.)

especially if you are surfing El Salvador.
by caseynshan
Thu Mar 15, 2018 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Backpacking in Guatemala and El Salvador?
Replies: 31
Views: 4372

Re: Backpacking in Guatemala and El Salvador?

- I consider traveling in places like this to be a Social Good.. Probably on par with taking a 'service trip'. Unless you spend a ton on flights, and stay in US Hotels etc.. a thriving tourist economy can have multiple order positive effects. - Yes it is dangerous the moment you get in a car or van... just like in the US.. statistically that is by far the most dangerous part of any travel whether in US or Central America... - I've spent time in Guatemala but not El Salvador. Yes it is dangerous. https://newrepublic.com/article/113293/900-bus-drivers-dead-guatemala-city-worlds-most-dangerous-job Easy ways to make it less dangerous: don't travel at night, Be a tourist (as opposed to local), don't flash wealth like iphones, don't travel alone,...
by caseynshan
Fri Jan 26, 2018 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Software Recommendations
Replies: 35
Views: 5691

Re: Tax Software Recommendations

TaxCut doesn't do well with State Specific Items.

I've been stuck in an endless loop w/ H&R for several years, and they just don't get it. Calls to their helpdesk are not helpful.

Not exactly a basic thing, but their service is frustrating.
If you make an enterprise zone contribution and get a tax credit in Colorado, the State Requires you to file electronically, but H&R says.. we can't file this form electronically so you must print and mail.. (but Colorado won't let you...), so I have to go out of TaxCut to the State Site and manually enter everything there.. (i'd switch, but I've got a bunch of depreciation items going so I don't want to mess with it.)
by caseynshan
Mon Jan 22, 2018 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and Cons of High Rise Condos for retired couple
Replies: 68
Views: 13050

Re: Pros and Cons of High Rise Condos for retired couple

I"m a big fan of high rise.
My parents move into a high rise from large house.. biggest benefit is maintenance... no need to mow, deal w/ roof repairs, blow out sprinklers, shovel sidewalks, also forced them to downsize stuff, and maintenance of their 'stuff' was taking more time than they would admit.

Biggest benefit, was doing it before 1 got sick.. Now one in Assisted Living, and much easier on other, than if they had still been in a home.

Also, easy to downsize to 1 car, and not drive in bad weather etc.. w/ uber

Yes, HOA can be a pain, but they are handling a lot of the pain that you would be dealing w/ if in house.
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 22, 2017 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I cash out my whole life insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 958

Re: Should I cash out my whole life

caseynshan wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 3:06 pm
GeraniumLover wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:52 pm I was worried the subject of this thread was about considering suicide :oops:
ooops... sorry.. i added 'insurance' so I hope its more clear.
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 22, 2017 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I cash out my whole life insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 958

Re: Should I cash out my whole life

GeraniumLover wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:52 pm I was worried the subject of this thread was about considering suicide :oops:
ooops... sorry
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 22, 2017 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I cash out my whole life insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 958

Re: Should I cash out my whole life

Nate79 wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:34 pm Get proper amounts of term in place then cancel. The only people who recommend this crap is insurance salesman and people who don't know any better.
When you say 'proper amounts of term'.. I thought that meant what I get if I die...
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I cash out my whole life insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 958

Should I cash out my whole life insurance

Bought by my parents a long time ago.

From American General.. small policy, so I don't know much about..
When I called they said :

Death Benefit : $2500
Cash Now : $4700.

On document I received it says 'Total Dividents to Date: $2791'

If I die, I don't want my wife to have to mess with a bunch of paperwork for $2500.. so I think I should just cash out.. (odds are pretty good, i'll make it another 20-40 years)
by caseynshan
Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bitcoin -> Donor Advised Fund... avoid gains??
Replies: 3
Views: 607

Re: Bitcoin -> Donor Advised Fund... avoid gains??

Nate79 wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:51 pm See IRS guidance:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-virtua ... y-guidance
Thanks, that article didn't help me.. (Not because it was bad, just I didn't get it.)

But this indicates yes.
https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/givi ... rity.shtml

and I have held for over a year.
by caseynshan
Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bitcoin -> Donor Advised Fund... avoid gains??
Replies: 3
Views: 607

Bitcoin -> Donor Advised Fund... avoid gains??

I find this hard to believe..

I thought bitcoin gains were income not Capital Gains.
I have some appreciated bitcoin (In coinbase account)

I called Schwab Donor advised fund, said I could direct that to my Donor Advised Fund, that I'm getting ready to open and I would not have to pay gains.. Does that sound right to you folks?
by caseynshan
Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Please Post Tax Bill Questions Here [was Tax Bill Omnibus Thread]
Replies: 889
Views: 85911

Re: Tax Bill Omnibus Thread

My personal situation/Strategy Feel free to add constructive criticism.. might help someone else.. State Tax - 9k Prop Tax - 3k subtotal 12k (will be limited to 10k in 2018) Mort Interest - 6k charity -15k --------- Total deductions 2017 - 33k Total deductions 2018 - 31k 2018 - 31k more than 24k standard deduct.. so no need to bunch Charity. (I don't want to bunch all 30k/0k.. realistically would only bunch charity something like 26k/4k.. which wouldn't end up mattering.) Can try to reduce SALT a little.. (I have held off on 529 contribution, and will hold that for 2018 which will reduce my State Tax) Prepaying Mort Interest would not be helpful.. could try to prepay state tax.. but due to amount.. probably not worth confusion. AMT not a c...
by caseynshan
Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Please Post Tax Bill Questions Here [was Tax Bill Omnibus Thread]
Replies: 889
Views: 85911

Re: Tax Bill Omnibus Thread

My personal situation/Strategy Feel free to add constructive criticism.. might help someone else.. State Tax - 9k Prop Tax - 3k subtotal 12k (will be limited to 10k in 2018) Mort Interest - 6k charity -15k --------- Total deductions 2017 - 33k Total deductions 2018 - 31k 2018 - 31k more than 24k standard deduct.. so no need to bunch Charity. (I don't want to bunch all 30k/0k.. realistically would only bunch charity something like 26k/4k.. which wouldn't end up mattering.) Can try to reduce SALT a little.. (I have held off on 529 contribution, and will hold that for 2018 which will reduce my State Tax) Prepaying Mort Interest would not be helpful.. could try to prepay state tax.. but due to amount.. probably not worth confusion. AMT not a co...
by caseynshan
Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax-planning - What to pay in '17 before it's too late?
Replies: 33
Views: 2886

Re: Tax-planning - What to pay in '17 before it's too late?

My personal situation/Strategy Feel free to add constructive criticism.. might help someone else.. State Tax - 9k Prop Tax - 3k subtotal 12k (will be limited to 10k in 2018) Mort Interest - 6k charity -15k --------- Total deductions 2017 - 33k Total deductions 2018 - 31k 2018 - 31k more than 24k standard deduct.. so no need to bunch Charity. (I don't want to bunch all 30k/0k.. realistically would only bunch charity something like 26k/4k.. which wouldn't end up mattering.) Can try to reduce SALT a little.. (I have held off on 529 contribution, and will hold that for 2018 which will reduce my State Tax) Prepaying Mort Interest would not be helpful.. could try to prepay state tax.. but due to amount.. probably not worth confusion. Edit (AMT no...
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 08, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Saving for College right before and while student in college..
Replies: 2
Views: 419

Saving for College right before and while student in college..

I have two daughters who are close to college age. Assumptions : I plan on paying a significant portion of their college and they will likely go to expensive schools. (Let's live with this assumption and not discuss it) I have some savings in 529 and Education IRA, and decent amount in Roth that I will likely use. (I'm ok w/ dipping into Retirement savings due to pension) Actual question : So for the last year before college and during college.. I am planning on putting money into 529 as that does save me approx 5% via State Deduction (Colorado). Other Option would be Roth (or 401k as I turn 59.5 about halfway through college.. but I plan on continuing to work at this point, so would not be in lower tax bracket) Regarding Roth vs 529.. Both...
by caseynshan
Thu Nov 09, 2017 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cabo San Lucas - question
Replies: 34
Views: 5670

Re: Cabo San Lucas - question

whale watching, deep sea fishing (can be combined),
big sandy beaches, but most places the water is not... but there plenty of drivable/taxiable beaches that are friendly.
in San Lucas there are boat tours.

most of the snorkeling is slightly advanced for than for a 6/8 year old probabaly

but probably realistically, you will have a hard time dragging them away from the monster resort pools

Guacamaya is fun and kid friendly restaurant..

read about exiting the airport.. that is the one bad part... they have salesmen there, that try to trick you into look at land deals.
by caseynshan
Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

I'm interested in making my child pay for part of college, for various reasons.... I don't really want to debate reasons.. really looking for ideas/hints on viability.... Set aside financial issues for a moment. Isn't the point of college to further one's overall education and help start a career? What if your kids had different career goals than one another? Suppose they decided by the middle of high school that: one wanted to be a doctor , one wanted to be an elementary teacher , one wanted to be a minister , and one wanted to have a military career . These are all noble goals, in my opinion, and I would want to help each child reach their goal. (Obviously, most kids aren't sure what they will be at this age and it is likely.your kids wi...
by caseynshan
Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

Bfwolf wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:04 pm OP, can you tell us what state you are in? I think that will help tailor the discussion.
Colorado, but both kids are looking primarily out of state.
I did underestimate in-state tuition somewhat... (i realized i was merging 3 schools, but one has no campus housing so that estimate excluded housing)
Probably closer to 20k for starting point..

I'm not really looking for specifics on how to fund or how much it costs at this point... but what mechanisms parents used to pay for college when they can pay a decent portion, but do want student to have some 'skin in the game'.. (and i've heard some good ideas...)

I'm not looking to debate whether parents should pay everything/nothing.. etc..
by caseynshan
Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

Spirit Rider wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:47 am
BlueCable wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:22 am
NotWhoYouThink wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:37 am
BlueCable wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:16 am Just to be clear, federal loans do not require a cosigner and are not dischargeable through bankruptcy. A family member has around $200k of these loans and no cosigner.
Grad school/professional school? You can't borrow that much money for undergrad. Or has this been compounding for a couple of decades?
Yes, professional school.
The OP can correct me if I am wrong, but like many people, I seriously doubt they were factoring in anything but undergraduate costs.

So, the $200K is misleading, because the 2017 federal undergraduate total limit is $31K. The 2017 graduate total limit is an additional $138.5K.
Yes, we haven't even considered Grad School... but we should.
by caseynshan
Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

This may be getting off topic, the original poster said that he or she was willing to to pay 100% of a non-flagship state University and then possibly some more in addition to that. That is fantastic and a lot more than most students get. When we were going through this one of the most important things was to have frank talks with the kids about what you are willing and able to pay early on and I think that was what the OP was trying to do so they were on the right track. That is a lot different than all the "skin in the game" talk. That said, ... skin in the game... You need to think through just what that means these days. For most working during the school year often means some minimum wage job but the catch is that often to g...
by caseynshan
Mon Aug 14, 2017 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

Thanks for reminding me about thinking about non-college costs.. (car/insurance/outside food etc..)
by caseynshan
Mon Aug 14, 2017 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

runner3081 wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:09 pm This is our plan.

Fund 100% of tuition and books at a local community college for 2 years.

Fund 100% of tuition and books at a university for years 3-4.

If our daughter wants to start in a 4-year university, we would only pay the cost of a CC for the first 2 years. If she wants to live in a dorm or somewhere other than home for any of the 4 years, she would be responsible for shelter/food costs.
Thanks, exactly the kind of ideas I was thinking of.
by caseynshan
Mon Aug 14, 2017 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Re: Plan for making child pay for part of college

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:03 pm

As far as the above - is that per year or total? If it's total, please tell me what school costs $60K for 4 years of college? Why "instate non-flagship" as opposed to instate state flagship?
# 1 - Yes, Per year.
# 2 - Even if student decides to go to school in-state I would like for them to have a little skin in the game.
by caseynshan
Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan for making child pay for part of college
Replies: 111
Views: 10541

Plan for making child pay for part of college

I'm interested in making my child pay for part of college, for various reasons.

My current plan.
Pay 100% up to 15k (just under cost of instate-non flagship school.. I could easily be talked into 20k)
Pay 50% beyond that.
Child responsible for the other 50%.. Scholarships count towards their 50%

Any recommendations or tweaks one would make on something like this.. It's been a long time since I've paid for college..
We did this for Summer Camps/Trips and it has worked well..

I don't really want to debate reasons.. really looking for ideas/hints on viability....

(Kids starting 11th and 9th grades)
by caseynshan
Wed Jul 12, 2017 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Healthy smoothie ideas
Replies: 18
Views: 2362

Re: Healthy smoothie ideas

I make them in bulk and freeze 10 at a time in mugs.. and defrost at the office.. don't over warm or they consistency gets funky

Recipe..ish..

1-2 cups milk
sometimes yogurt
4 scoops protein powder
3-4 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 banana
2 cups frozen fruit (usually mixed berries and peaches) slightly defrosted


my kids are vegetarian, so i get plenty of nutrients but end up light on proteins and fats.
by caseynshan
Fri May 12, 2017 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowstone Itinerary
Replies: 31
Views: 5839

Re: Yellowstone Itinerary

If you want to go see wildlife in Lamar Valley, you have a MUCH better chance if you are there around sunrise or sunset. (although wolves are still rare)

If you are wanting to go from Mammoth to Lamar to West Yellowstone that will be tough unless you are really good at getting out of hotel early..

might be easier to stay 2 nights in mammoth or gardiner or Mammoth to cooke city or canyon
by caseynshan
Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cold weather family summer vacation ideas
Replies: 32
Views: 4828

Re: Cold weather family summer vacation ideas

Antigua Guatemala isn't as cool, but cooller than you think in summer partially due to altitude, and very fun.. we usually are wearing light jackets at night.

New Zealand/Australia, probably requires 2 weeks, but is cool. (South island colder than North in summer) We did a camper van on North Island and had an amazing trip. (8 days Wellington-> Auckland)
by caseynshan
Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traveling to Italy - 3 weeks in 2017, advice appreciated
Replies: 124
Views: 16736

Re: Traveling to Italy - 3 weeks in 2017, advice appreciated

For letting the kids wander on own.. I'd suggest Lucca or Venice.
Lucca is nice as it has a smaller city center that is separate from the rest of city, and has easy day trip train access to Florence and Pisa.
by caseynshan
Mon Jan 09, 2017 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ways to charge money on Credit Card
Replies: 21
Views: 3676

Re: Ways to charge money on Credit Card

I group my charitable giving for this.. don't give for 2 or 3 months and then give a larger amount for Credit Card mins.
by caseynshan
Sat Dec 24, 2016 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age
Replies: 118
Views: 12277

Re: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age

Cycling is definitely something I've thought about and may get into. The price, for even middle of the pack road bikes has scared me off though. May change at some point. Never really considered tennis, but may give that a chance as well. Cycling, there are few things sweeter than passing a guy on a $4000 bike when you are on a $800 and just slowly dropping him. The irony is that It's often a guy that is 20-30lbs overweight and a significant part of the price difference in bike price is so he can shave 5lbs off the weight of the bike. Tennis, Look for an a club that has a regular doubles group.. makes it easy to drop in and out as needed, and if it's a larger seeded group, you will end up with other players of similar level. Because you ar...
by caseynshan
Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age
Replies: 118
Views: 12277

Re: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age

Hockey : no. I tried taking up hockey at about 35.. I pretty much failed.. my back couldn't take it.. There were 3 types of players on all the teams in the level 1 league I played. Guys 18-25 hadn't played much and played super physical. Lots of rough contact, Guys 30+ mostly played when they were kids, and were slow and out of shape, but could puck handle and skate and avoid getting hit. It would have taken another 2 years for me to be able to move into the less rough category and I just couldn't do it. After 2 years.. i couldn't take the 3 day recovery from every game anymore and gave up. I did hear that the league I played in was tougher than most.. Triathlon : Yes I have done triathlon at many ages, and is easy to get into at any age.. ...
by caseynshan
Tue Oct 25, 2016 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental 'Discount Plans' for uninsured
Replies: 22
Views: 3671

Dental 'Discount Plans' for uninsured

MIL has no dental insurance. (Medicare HMO plan for health)

She needs some dental work done.

I'm looking at something like this Dental Discount Plan for her. Looks like you still pay 100%, but you pay 100% of the insurance negotiated rate, which is often 50% of cash rate.
( I already called our dentist and they do not offer any cash/prepay discounts)

Has anyone used a discount plan. Anything I should look at more carefully, looks like a pretty good deal.

http://www.dentalplans.com/dentalplans/ ... code=80204
by caseynshan
Fri Aug 12, 2016 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What does the BH community do with their pets when they travel?
Replies: 78
Views: 8583

Re: What does the BH community do with their pets when they travel?

For us this has made a HUGE difference.
We still have to have someone come by, but much less often.

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
Animal can only leave at certain times of the day, but can always get in.
Only the animal you want can get in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NH6NR0
by caseynshan
Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Sapphire Question
Replies: 15
Views: 1974

Re: Chase Sapphire Question

scornovaca wrote:
prudent wrote:The bonus is a true "bonus" - on top of whatever points you earn.
Don't forget about the 5k bonus for adding an authorized user.
You might want to avoid this.. If you want your spouse to get the 50k by getting their own card, as the sapphire now has some pretty hard limits about getting new account.. (If you've signed up for 5 cards in last two years I believe... and in this case 'Authorized User' counts as a card.)
by caseynshan
Mon Apr 18, 2016 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?
Replies: 92
Views: 13609

Re: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?

Recently tried passport photo apps, But the pictures kept getting slightly colored backgrounds.. I gave up and went to walgreens.. was about $7
by caseynshan
Mon Apr 04, 2016 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: travel health insurance with major health issues
Replies: 12
Views: 2073

Re: travel health insurance with major health issues

I organized a trip for some friends 2 years ago, one had a significant procedure 3 months before travel.

I looked at about 20 insurances, I immediately found that about 15 wouldn't cover for various reasons. I ended up calling the other 5, I had two scenarios that I thought would be the most likely for her to need medical evacuation. None of the 5 would cover either scenario, for various reasons.

So point is, double check the details.
by caseynshan
Fri Apr 01, 2016 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: do you do airbnb ??
Replies: 64
Views: 8734

Re: do you do airbnb ??

I used to use it. Then I had a host change their mind about renting to us the day before we arrived. Airbnb allows hosts to cancel at minimal or no cost. It really messed up our trip. Never again. If a host cancels one day before arrival, it will automatically show up in their reviews forever. So there is a significant cost. From your link An automated review will be posted to your listing's profile indicating that you canceled one of your reservations. These reviews can't be removed, Nope. If you read my link carefully, you'll see that a review is an additional penalty that airbnb can choose to apply. It isn't automatically applied. We tried to post a review describing the cancellation, but airbnb didn't allow it because we hadn't stayed ...
by caseynshan
Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: do you do airbnb ??
Replies: 64
Views: 8734

Re: do you do airbnb ??

perl wrote:I used to use it. Then I had a host change their mind about renting to us the day before we arrived. Airbnb allows hosts to cancel at minimal or no cost. It really messed up our trip. Never again.
If a host cancels one day before arrival, it will automatically show up in their reviews forever. So there is a significant cost.

From your link An automated review will be posted to your listing's profile indicating that you canceled one of your reservations. These reviews can't be removed,
by caseynshan
Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2016 Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek (or Honda Civic)?
Replies: 28
Views: 7995

Re: 2016 Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek (or Honda Civic)?

We really liked the HR-V, but ultimately decided against it as it is it's first year, and I was advised by car folks smarter than me, to never buy a car in it's first year.
(We ended up w/ the Subaru Legacy Sedan, which is longer than I anticipated.)

I agree AWD over winter tires in your situation, as Winter tires in the bay area in the winter would not make much sense(I believe, but i"m not an expert on the area), and it's a pain too keep 2 sets of tires)

casey
by caseynshan
Fri Dec 18, 2015 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Subtle Economics for Teen
Replies: 23
Views: 2531

Re: Subtle Economics for Teen

Does a teen that has no knowledge of what an interest rate have any hope of following this storyline..?
by caseynshan
Thu Dec 17, 2015 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Subtle Economics for Teen
Replies: 23
Views: 2531

Subtle Economics for Teen

My 9th grade kid will be taking an ECON class next semester.. any recommendations on movies that has subtle economic theories for us to watch over Christmas Break..
by caseynshan
Mon Nov 02, 2015 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Protein Bars and Smoothies
Replies: 82
Views: 10105

Re: Protein Bars and Smoothies

I make my own smoothies and then freeze coffee mugs of them.. .. i can make 5-10 at a time that way, and then defrost at work

my approx recipe for about 5

3 cups of protein powder
about two cups of milk
cup of juice
2-3 cups of frozen fruit, slightly defrosted.. primarily berries and peaches..
banana
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
teaspoon of vanilla