Search found 58 matches

by Lynxville
Tue Oct 14, 2014 5:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sale of house-closing tomorrow, buyer is backing out
Replies: 60
Views: 26352

Re: Sale of house-closing tomorrow, buyer is backing out

I sold a house last year and asked for hard money down payment. That means I get to keep it if the deal falls apart. Remember it's never over until it's over, and you have a check. Good luck in the future.
by Lynxville
Thu Oct 02, 2014 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Uninsured Motorist accident - UPDATE
Replies: 47
Views: 5863

Re: Possible Uninsured Motorist accident

First off this has happened to me a few times over many years. The uninsured driver gets away with this all the time. If it was a large amount of damage, they just file bankruptcy. But if there is some bodily injury there on the hook until restitution is paid. That means no drivers license for life. But I think your wife has a stiff neck if you get my drift.
by Lynxville
Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vacation Home
Replies: 27
Views: 4290

Re: Vacation Home

Sounds like a great idea to me. You can deduct all expenses, taxes, interest, and depreciation. I see tax losses, also deductible. After 20 years when you retire and move into the property as primary residence, might not have to pay capitol gains. The hard part is insurance because it's not owner occupied. The most difficult part is to find a responsible person to manage, rent, maintain, and clean the property.
by Lynxville
Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Young Guy, Probably Not Going To Live A Long Time
Replies: 30
Views: 5370

Re: Young Guy, Probably Not Going To Live A Long Time

Hey All: I am in my late 20's, and have been told my medical professionals that I have a couple years to live max. Long story - but not really applicable here. I have worked all my life, got in with some stock options, and saved pretty well. So, I have around 360k in personal savings. It's sitting in a Wells Fargo doing nothing - well, at least not for me it isn't. I guess I've left it in there because I want it completely liquid for my family to use and donate when I die - don't want a bunch of drama for them to go through. However, in the meantime, is there anything I should be doing? Perhaps a high yield savings, CD? I guess those are obvious options - but are they the best ones? I imagine the answer is yes, but would just like a sanity...
by Lynxville
Wed Sep 03, 2014 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Symantec anti-virus] Norton Auto Renewal
Replies: 21
Views: 2621

Re: [Symantec anti-virus] Norton Auto Renewal

Last time I used Norton it slowed my computer down, I like AVG and Avast and there free.
by Lynxville
Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a new tv
Replies: 29
Views: 3909

Re: Help me choose a new tv

I have had quite a few Samsung Tv's and the picture quality is great, they don't last. I had one last 3 month's and was finally replaced after 3 months of screwing around. Two others that lasted just out of warranty and I have another one that the sound is going. I took one that had bars on the screen to a repair place and he said Samsung is junk and told me to throw it away. I have been replacing them with Lg and hope they last longer. I have never had one last 2 years.
by Lynxville
Tue Jul 08, 2014 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Used" car with 32 miles on it?
Replies: 39
Views: 5105

Re: "Used" car with 32 miles on it?

Buy a new one, I don't trust used car salesman as far as I can throw them. I wouldn't trust anything he/she says. I say it's been damaged, in an accident, or ran out of oil.
by Lynxville
Tue Jul 08, 2014 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smokers [for cooking]
Replies: 47
Views: 8130

Re: Smokers [for cooking]

I have lots of grills and smokers and just recently added another one to my collection, it's the Masterbuilt electric smoker. I bought it at HomeDepot and I love this thing. It's easy to use, has remote thermometer so I know the inside temp and internal meat temp. Wonderful smoke flavor, easy to use, food taste excellent, and did I say easy to use.
by Lynxville
Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question About Investment Property Refinance
Replies: 10
Views: 1822

Re: Question About Investment Property Refiance

I always like short term mortgages and equity. Long term mortgage and you pay interest up the yahoo. Crunch those three mortgages and look at what the interest is for the term of the loan. There's money to be made on long term mortgages.
by Lynxville
Wed Jun 11, 2014 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much to sell business that profits $300k a year?
Replies: 3
Views: 1298

Re: How much to sell business that profits $300k a year?

Only you know your business and it's long term potential. But if there are risks and unknowns down the road, cash in the hand is king. I have sold several businesses in my life and never regretted it. I always made money and after the business was gone I didn't have to work so hard. Is there a possibility you could invest that 1.5m and let it grow, your a young fella and have time on your side. One other thing to think of is if you sell what are you going to do with all that time on your hands? You may have way too much energy to retire so young.
by Lynxville
Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone here own a safe?
Replies: 91
Views: 17797

Re: Anyone here own a safe?

Look for a used, heavy, safe, and save some money. I could of bought a beauty for $500.
by Lynxville
Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tenant advice?
Replies: 46
Views: 4668

Re: tenant advice?

Send them an eviction notice
by Lynxville
Tue Jun 03, 2014 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding/eradicating a "funky" smell from our Prius
Replies: 20
Views: 14318

Re: Finding/eradicating a "funky" smell from our Prius

I left my moonroof open and during the night it rained. Car stunk to high hell. I took a pan and put a quart of bleach in it, set it in the back, (suv) put an electric fan in car and let it run overnight. Worked perfect.
by Lynxville
Thu May 22, 2014 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Time Homebuyers
Replies: 4
Views: 942

Re: First Time Homebuyers

Unless you see a home for sale by owner, no need for a realtor there. Also home sellers might discount there home if there is no sales commission, which they have to pay.
by Lynxville
Tue Apr 01, 2014 5:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Purchasing New Tires for Car and Need Suggestions
Replies: 38
Views: 5014

Re: Purchasing New Tires for Car and Need Suggestions

I have had the best luck with Michelins, recently I purchased new Michelins that are energy savers, I calculated the mpg before and after, I get 1 to 2 mpg more. I took my online quote to a local tire company and they offered the same price and free lifetime rotations.

My local car dealer is offering nitrogen tire filling for $15 for all 4 tires. Not sure you save any gas money, just wondering if anyone has done this and is there any real mpg increase?
by Lynxville
Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Flipping houses
Replies: 12
Views: 1980

Re: Flipping houses

You need to be in a hot market, so when your done you can cash out fast. It's best if your extremely handy to do most of the work yourself. I did a flip once and the market wasn't the greatest at the time, so by the time it sold, with mortgage, taxes, and real-estate comissions I think I broke even. What a waste of time. The trick is to steal the property, get a crew in fast and keep costs down. It's a gamble.
by Lynxville
Thu Jan 23, 2014 5:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The PenFed Craze
Replies: 32
Views: 6543

Re: The PenFed Craze

dual wrote:
Lynxville wrote:GE credit has the same cd's as PenFed, bought them last month.
Could you provide a link to the GE Credit offer?
Edward Jones brought it up on there computer and I bought a ladder of a couple of cd's.
by Lynxville
Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The PenFed Craze
Replies: 32
Views: 6543

Re: The PenFed Craze

GE credit has the same cd's as PenFed, bought them last month.
by Lynxville
Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SPIA or 3% Interest
Replies: 36
Views: 3262

Re: SPIA or 3% Interest

prudent wrote:Do you need more income?
No I don't but sure would spend it. I just thought Spia might make me more diversified. I am also laddered at Penfed and thought another 3% cd isn't needed. Not concerned about leaving money to kids, there doing better than I did. But they will inherit some nice realestate. I am 65 and in good health.
by Lynxville
Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SS numbers and identity theft
Replies: 39
Views: 4591

Re: SS numbers and identity theft

At my doctors office they copy your Medicare card and dl, put that info on the inside of your medical record. Everyone in the office has access to all the info they need to steal or sell the info. I often give out fake or old phone numbers to stores, but sometimes it can backfire. I returned something once and they asked for my phone number to check my purchase date and I couldn't remember what phony number I gave them. As far as Target goes they sent me an email stating that there was no need to cancel credit card, Capitol One said the same thing, but in the Tampa Bay newspaper last Sunday it said cancel it. Capitol one also said they can text me when I make purchases, but I have to have an online account. I thought about it but maybe that...
by Lynxville
Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SS numbers and identity theft
Replies: 39
Views: 4591

SS numbers and identity theft

I was unfortunate and shopped at Target during cc theft. Everyone always tells you to be careful who you give your SS number to and not to carry the SS card with you. Your Medicare card has the number plastered on the front. If you loose your walled a thief could steal your identity. The last few weeks dozens of people have seen my SS card. Doctors, nurses, hospitals, intake clerks, office clerks, and billing departments. If someone can hack Target I think my local doctors office or the local hospital would be easy to access there data.
by Lynxville
Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seller financing newbie
Replies: 11
Views: 928

Re: Seller financing newbie

I did this twice and both times I had to call the buyers each month and say where is my money. I wouldn't do it again and I had an attorney do the paperwork. I eventually got paid but it's a hassle. My friend did this last year and the guy just called him and said take the building back. Be careful. Just thought of another one, neighbor next door to me sold his house, rental with option to buy. People lived there 2 years, and trashed the place really bad, and moved in the middle of the night.
by Lynxville
Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone familiar with this? Bank asking for info...
Replies: 86
Views: 17584

Re: Anyone familiar with this? Bank asking for info...

Wells Fargo pulled that on me, while I was in the bank. I said why are you asking me this and they said they wanted to get to know me better. Told them none of your business.
by Lynxville
Sat Jan 18, 2014 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SPIA or 3% Interest
Replies: 36
Views: 3262

SPIA or 3% Interest

I have a good chunk of money at 3% interest, I am well diversified in my investments, and retired. Just wondering if putting this money in a SPIA would be better than just leaving it there for the interest money?
by Lynxville
Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting Our Starter Home - Pros and Cons
Replies: 31
Views: 4797

Re: Renting Our Starter Home - Pros and Cons

Does your mortgage require you to occupy the home and can they call the note due? If you rent the house out, make sure you have extra cash for prolonged vacancies, repairs, evictions, and lawyer fees. Will you be close by to manage the property, make repairs, collect rent, and show the property?
by Lynxville
Tue Jan 07, 2014 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much life insurance should you carry when retired
Replies: 47
Views: 4082

How much life insurance should you carry when retired

When I turned 65 a couple policy's ran out, still have some but was wondering if I should buy a term policy for the wife and me.
by Lynxville
Thu Dec 12, 2013 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Search for passive income- through real estate?
Replies: 27
Views: 4425

Re: Search for passive income- through real estate?

There is money in the right real estate, depending on location. But most people don't have the stones for it. It can be very aggrevating and can take lots of your time. If you don't have the time it will take lots of your money to own. To run the property right you have to actively manage it. If you decide to buy, do so on a small scale and see how you like it.
by Lynxville
Sat Nov 30, 2013 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Property Question
Replies: 16
Views: 2499

Re: Rental Property Question

As a young man I started out with one unit and rolled them up over the years and ended up with 70 units. More cash flow, more appreciation, more depreciation, and in the end more money. Some people have the stomach for tenants and some don't. Never had any luck with property managers, cost way to much and spend your money way to easy. Best to keep an eye on the farm yourself or have that close relative that can watch over things for you.

Good luck in whatever you decide is right for you.
by Lynxville
Thu Nov 28, 2013 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Purchasing rental property vs. REITs
Replies: 27
Views: 8123

Re: Purchasing rental property vs. REITs

I like the cash flow, but is the location good? I made the big money on appreciating property values. (location, location, location) It may be a while until property values rise, but eventually they will. In the last 6 month's I have noticed some appreciation in my area. With the new mortgage rules starting in January 2014, I believe many buyers will not qualify for mortgages, so the rental market may be a good business to be in.
by Lynxville
Thu Nov 28, 2013 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Property Question
Replies: 16
Views: 2499

Re: Rental Property Question

I can't tell you whats right for you and your family, but I know what I would do. First off I like living in the same city I have rental property. Just in case I have problems or repairs I can do myself and save money. I would roll the property up in a 1031 exchange on a larger property. No capitol gains taxes if you do. You could also take some of the money out of that house and use it to buy your own house. There would be some capitol gains on that money. I always used rental income to invest in other areas, nice to have your eggs in different baskets. I am glad to see your rental is almost paid off, congratulations on that.
by Lynxville
Mon Nov 25, 2013 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a place for annuities in retirement?
Replies: 10
Views: 1513

Is there a place for annuities in retirement?

Should a small percentage of your net worth be in annuities? If so which ones? Spia?
by Lynxville
Thu Nov 21, 2013 4:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CFP and retirement investing help! Not sure what to do?
Replies: 1
Views: 377

CFP and retirement investing help! Not sure what to do?

I talked to 4 planners, the first one, Edward Jones pushed annuities and one fund. The second one pushed 3 annuities and wim. The third one pushed Franklin Income Fund with fees and sales charges of $13,823 per 100K. These look horrible to me. I then called VG for help, they basically wanted me to pick my own poison. I am all cash right now and need some help in deciding what to do. I am not a gambler and do not, nor can I afford to lose my principal. But I would like to get some extra income today, and invest my tax exempt retirement money for 5 years until I am 70 1/2 to make minimum with-drawls. The other cash I have was in Cd's and it's a sizable amount that I want to use for 5k worth of income per year now and adjust it higher as I get...
by Lynxville
Sat Nov 02, 2013 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Variable annuity
Replies: 7
Views: 1336

Re: Variable annuity

Thanks for the responses, I guess if it sounds to good to be true. I might just be better off with Vanguard 3.2% cd.
by Lynxville
Fri Nov 01, 2013 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Variable annuity
Replies: 7
Views: 1336

Variable annuity

I am looking for some cash stream and retired. I did search the site but didn't find the info I wanted. It pays 5% for life and has a good death benefit. I know annuities are not very popular, but it seems like a no brainer for me to invest a modest amount of my portfolio. I was looking also at Vanguard cd rates, 3.2% and a few bond funds. Your opinion is appreciated.
by Lynxville
Fri Oct 25, 2013 6:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Federal Reserve proposing banks keep 30 day supply of cash
Replies: 3
Views: 694

Federal Reserve proposing banks keep 30 day supply of cash

and assets on hand, small banks 21 days reserve, during severe economic downturns. What the heck's coming down the road? Maybe I should keep 30 days of cash under my mattress? Sounds like there gearing up for a run on the banks.
by Lynxville
Sun Oct 20, 2013 6:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Twitter IPO?
Replies: 60
Views: 4205

Twitter IPO?

Any opinions on whether this would be a buy and hold?

Thanks
by Lynxville
Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good Real Estate move?
Replies: 47
Views: 5270

Re: Good Real Estate move?

This sounds crazy, if it were my daughter, gift her the money. In my experience the savings and loan is very interested in where the down stroke came from. Also they made me sign off that is was a gift. If it's a gift there is tax on that money. It sounds to me that OP daughter might not be responsible enough. Giver her the cash unless you cannot afford it. If you want have a side agreement consisting of unrecorded land contract for 30k, by the way which is illegal. She claims the interest and taxes. As an investment there would be depreciation and the father would have to pay taxes on the rent. Another option is for the father to buy the property and rent it to daughter. He claims the tax deductions, daughter doesn't make timely rent payme...
by Lynxville
Wed Jun 12, 2013 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security timing for married couple
Replies: 10
Views: 1465

Re: Social Security timing for married couple

Everyone thinks there going to live a long healthy life, but many don't. Some that do, are not healthy, and may not enjoy life. Keep that in mind when planning retirement. The person that manages my retirement money just died at 50. He was going to take SS at 70 also.
by Lynxville
Fri Feb 01, 2013 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Duke Energy and FKINX-A
Replies: 10
Views: 3117

Re: Duke Energy and FKINX-A

Thanks for your replys. I am sitting on a large amount of cash, that's not making much income. I am really interested in increasing monthly cash flow.
by Lynxville
Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Duke Energy and FKINX-A
Replies: 10
Views: 3117

Duke Energy and FKINX-A

An advisor I talked with wants me to invest in these two. I am retired and just hate the low cd rates and looking for some extra income. Just wanted opinions on these two.

Thank you in advance
by Lynxville
Fri Jan 18, 2013 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to Invest in - Real estate, or buy a business?
Replies: 24
Views: 2549

Re: What to Invest in - Real estate, or buy a business?

A resturant needs active management by an experienced person. No one will run the business better than the owner and by the way you need to put your mattress in the resturant. Walk away. If your rentals are in an area that has strong rental demand, good rents, and apartment prices at the bottom, why not trade your houses up to multi-family units? Multiple single famaly units are more labor intensive than lets say a 16 unit building. On a larger building you can have an onsight manager to watch your investment. Just never leverage yourself to far. Keep plenty of cash on hand for unexpected expenses. While your on vacation your rentals will be picking up your bar tab.
by Lynxville
Sat Sep 29, 2012 7:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Election market timing?
Replies: 4
Views: 780

Election market timing?

Justs trying to get opinions on when to get out of the market during an election year? I know market timing is not a science but historicly there may be some bump ups and then I'll bale.
by Lynxville
Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ford
Replies: 13
Views: 1533

Ford

I bought F at $1.14 and should of sold at 18.00 but didn't. Now I am wondering if I should sell or hold? What does everyone think?
by Lynxville
Thu Mar 22, 2012 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to invest in?
Replies: 4
Views: 598

What to invest in?

I have a number of friends that are retired and are so tired of cd rates, there even looking at annuitites they don't understand. Any safe places to make a little money? I am interested and so are my friends. I don't know what to tell them.

Thanks
by Lynxville
Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allianz Annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 3733

Re: Allianz Annuity

Thanks for the excellent posts, even a friend of my neighbor is interested in buying one. So I printed some responses and the articles linked in the posts for them to read. I also highlighted the important points in red ink.

Thanks
by Lynxville
Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allianz Annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 3733

Re: Allianz Annuity

First off my neighbor made another appointment for Friday and it sounds like she might pull the trigger. So anyone that has an opinion please chime in before it's to late. I'ts not my duty to tell other people what to do with there money but I know she cannot afford to lose her money, but she is somewhat desparate to do better than cd's or the stock market. I attened the meeting on Monday and the first thing they said was is anyone a government agent and no tape recording this seminar. Not fond of the way things are going so far. Here's the math, Allianz equity index annuity, if you invest $100.000 you get an immediate $6,000 bonus, to cover any lose you have on cashing in a cd. You earn 7% on the 100k per year for 10 years, after one year ...
by Lynxville
Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allianz Annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 3733

Re: Allianz Annuity

Thanks for the replys, going to the meeting today, will report back, wish I had a small tape recorder, also I wrote down the great questions posters recommended, see what kind of responses I get. Also thought of a few good questions myself.

I can see that a 7% return may be calculated with return of principal, but that sounds very deceptive. So what does that return percentage actually mean, nothing?
by Lynxville
Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allianz Annuity
Replies: 26
Views: 3733

Allianz Annuity

Some friends went to a free a lunch to listen to seminar about senior investing. Many of my friends are somewhat desparate to find income with there idle cash. Not fond of annuities myself, they are going to another 2 hour seminar about the mystery investment that supposedly pays 7% interest and is exempt from creditors, nursing homes etc. I did some research and it seems Allianz has class action lawsuits against it. I couldn't find a rating for the company. At the seminar they had previous customers do testimonials, about how they trusted the salesman, blah, blah. This salesman Stan Lane admits he makes $80,000 per month, which means to me there are some nice comissions on these annuities. He hasn't mentioned the word annuity yet, but it's...
by Lynxville
Thu Nov 17, 2011 3:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Phoenix annuity, fixed
Replies: 107
Views: 8095

Re: Phoenix annuity, fixed

Thanks for your replys, I am getting nervous and think I will pass, plus they are trying to sell the same annuity to some friends, and will suggest they don't buy either.