Search found 1286 matches

by awval999
Sat Sep 30, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financially Prudent / Practical to Fix Cosmetic Car Damage?
Replies: 17
Views: 2224

Re: Financially Prudent / Practical to Fix Cosmetic Car Damage?

Need to see a picture.
Agree with above. If it literally would embarrass me to drive then I would fix it, even if only cosmetic. I think I would have a high threshold for embarrassment though for a dent. But yes there's clearly a point. I would never drive with a bumper fallen off or cracked lights--- although you could argue those are also safety. I've seen for example cars with different color doors -- likely from a junkyard. Those I would pay to have painted to match.
by awval999
Thu Sep 07, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Engagmenet in 5 months - prenup questions for newbie
Replies: 105
Views: 11173

Re: Engagmenet in 5 months - prenup questions for newbie

Please see a lawyer and realize the advice from from this forum disproportionally skews an older and generationally different from millennials/gen Z.

You can protect future property, sign away alimony.

If you marry you already have a prenup. It’s just the laws of the state of California.
by awval999
Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Renting Cox equipment
Replies: 33
Views: 3154

Re: Renting Cox equipment

I don’t think the $15/month will break you. You certainly seem to have some peace with the rented equipment.
Can you just buy the exact same item from them?
by awval999
Thu Jun 15, 2023 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outsmarted Myself - Automobile Loan
Replies: 49
Views: 5923

Re: Outsmarted Myself - Automobile Loan

Why isn't one of the options :
Sell the VTSAX today and pay the margin loan today.
You have a paid for 2017 SUV and you outsmarted the system for $400.
Pat yourself on the back, drive the SUV to a nice restaurant with a friend or loved one and enjoy your $400 winnings.
by awval999
Sat May 27, 2023 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New SUV Model vs Used Lexus RX350?
Replies: 31
Views: 4401

Re: New SUV Model vs Used Lexus RX350?

A Kia is not a Lexus.
I think you're asking about an Acura? Which is a luxury Honda. Just like a Lexus is a luxury Toyota.
by awval999
Sat Apr 08, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Braun Series 8 or 9, or Panasonic Electric Razor?
Replies: 3
Views: 692

Re: Braun Series 8 or 9, or Panasonic Electric Razor?

I have a Braun Series 7 with the cleaning station. The lemon cleaning solution lasts about 2 months or so. Just re-order them from Amazon. Have had it for 3 years approx. Replace the head every year or so. I like it a lot to be honest. I've never used manual razors, always electric. Previously came from a rotary Norelco. I prefer the Braun. When it dies I would certainly get another Braun. I am not sure of the differences between Series 7, 8 or 9.
by awval999
Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part-D ExpressScript changes?
Replies: 10
Views: 861

Re: Medicare Part-D ExpressScript changes?

Insurance changes, formulary changes, deductibles resetting, prior authorization expirations.
Prescriptions are more likely to have problems. Which slows down the entire operation.
Explaining the issues to each customer. Which slows down the entire operation.
by awval999
Sat Jan 07, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part-D ExpressScript changes?
Replies: 10
Views: 861

Re: Medicare Part-D ExpressScript changes?

This is the busiest week in pharmacy.
Do everything you can to avoid going to a pharmacy, calling a pharmacy, refilling a prescription the first few weeks of January.
by awval999
Fri Jan 06, 2023 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Divorced Bogleheads how did you financially recover
Replies: 131
Views: 17127

Re: Divorced Bogleheads how did you financially recover

Interesting thread.
The people who self select to post at Bogleheads are very goal driven, planners, achievers. A divorce is a black swan and full of uncertainty. The threads are always so emotionally charged because it's not supposed to happen in a perfect Boglehead life. The Boglehead "did the right thing" checked off the marriage box, just like investing in a diversified array of domestic and international index funds.

Actionable: It's *just* money. Do not let the *love* of money ruin your life. Also, do not pay for a PI, it will not bring you peace. If you feel compelled to hire one, then just divorce.
by awval999
Fri Nov 18, 2022 5:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Burned out - looking for better childcare
Replies: 123
Views: 10134

Re: Burned out - looking for better childcare

You make too much money to have this type of stress than can be reduced by using the money that you and your spouse earn.

What are you working for if not this?
Lol the house rule of hand scrubbing dishes? You make the rules of the house. Change them. Put them in the dishwasher. Have Amazon mail you new sets every month.
You're going to have to suck it up and reduce your taxable savings for the next couple years and pay for more domestic services, weekly maid service, weekend sitters for date nights, etc.
Do not burn out your marriage over these needed expenses the next few years.
by awval999
Sun Aug 07, 2022 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deciding on canceling airbnb due to weather
Replies: 26
Views: 3328

Re: Deciding in canceling airbnb due to weather

Forecast looks fine by the way. Scattered PM storms is normal in the summer. At least for us over here on the east coast.
by awval999
Wed Jun 29, 2022 5:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Choosing Insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 771

Re: Choosing Insurance

My thought is that the deductibles are so similar in the PPO vs. HSA that it makes sense to go with the HSA because you can start building tax-free funds to pay the deductible charges.
by awval999
Sat May 28, 2022 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling / cooking gadget recommendations
Replies: 57
Views: 4699

Re: Grilling / cooking gadget recommendations

jebmke wrote: Fri May 27, 2022 5:26 pm Thermopen instant thermo is the most useful tool I have for grilling.
Came here to say that.
by awval999
Thu Apr 21, 2022 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation Costs
Replies: 63
Views: 5623

Re: Vacation Costs

If you're asking the question and care about vacations you really need to look into the points credit cards.
From east coast we're flying to Arizona then driving to California (Disney) and flying home from there. Hotels free. Flights free. You just have to be flexible. Can't fly over Spring Break weeks near Easter. Obviously there is a car rental and Disney $$$. So it's not totally free. Never is.

Points cards are really valuable for a certain income level. Call it upper-middle income I guess. At an income so high you wouldn't ask the question so the points cards aren't valuable. At a traditional USA middle or lower income the food, gas, car rental, etc., are too expensive and the staycations are a better idea.
by awval999
Wed Mar 23, 2022 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?
Replies: 593
Views: 84128

Re: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?

Wrote SBAR, got approval from my Director and Sr. Director to allow my para-professional staff to work up to 100% remote. Easy to track productivity. I've had a major change of heart over the last year regarding remote work. For para-professional employees (approximately $20/hour) this is a huge incentive for recruitment and our department is always growing. FYI in the end the employees will win regarding remote work. Whether leadership realizes it now or later. We are just at the beginning of the greatest economic resorting since the internet.
by awval999
Sat Dec 25, 2021 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to relocate for remote work and travel?
Replies: 61
Views: 7124

Re: Where to relocate for remote work and travel?

I don’t see how the answer to this question isn’t South Florida. It’s a big metro. You can find something you like for $700,000.
by awval999
Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?
Replies: 53
Views: 5782

Re: Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?

GE StayBright 100-Count 24.7-ft Multicolor LED Plug-In Christmas String Lights --- https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-StayBright-100-Count-24-75-ft-Multicolor-LED-Plug-In-Christmas-String-Lights/1000272479?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-ggl-_-LIA_SOL_157_Holiday-_-1000272479-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-ce5z8bc9AIVTBXUAR2rvwapEAYYAiABEgKLYPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds I firmly disagree with this. The "GE" Christmas lights are not produced by GE, they just license out their name to a company called Nicholas Holiday. I purchased several hundred dollars of these last year, with the intention of replacing old/mismatched/failing lights with a single, high quality brand. 50% of the lights failed in the first year. Getting ...
by awval999
Sat Dec 11, 2021 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Coworker shared he is earning $50k more than me annually
Replies: 184
Views: 26835

Re: Coworker shared he is earning $50k more than me annually

fortunefavored wrote: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:48 am You can do nothing without an external offer. This comes up all the time - what your coworker's make has nothing to do with what they pay you. They will pay you as little as possible.

Get another offer.. ask them to match it.. they either will or they won't.
To be fair, as a hiring manager -- for para-professionals -- this issue is caused by the fact that market salaries have far outpaced the 2020-21 standard "cola" raises. Every new hire I bring in makes the most in the department. It is what it is. I've had to go back to HR for equity adjustments for my staff. This is easier, in my case, because they are para-professionals, and I'm only asking for $1-2/an hour.
by awval999
Fri Dec 10, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HD Health Insurance Bill crosses Deductible into Copay Question
Replies: 17
Views: 1589

Re: HD Health Insurance Bill crosses Deductible into Copay Question

It makes sense to me that you were charged the $150 copay in this situation. That’s what I would expect. Everything before the deductible is into a black hole. You defeated the deductible and then $150 charge remained. Your insurance would have paid the difference between the remaining charges and $150.
by awval999
Tue Nov 09, 2021 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much for Tooth Fairy?
Replies: 111
Views: 8339

Re: How much for Tooth Fairy?

Everyone in this thread is wrong. The answer is a special $2 bill.
by awval999
Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?
Replies: 162
Views: 13601

Re: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?

You don't want it enough if you plan to finance it.
Make it hurt. Sell the stocks.
by awval999
Wed Sep 15, 2021 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mini-split installation
Replies: 40
Views: 5559

Re: Mini-split installation

I had a Mitsubishi mini-split installed by a Diamond Installer this year. $5k total with installation.
Minisplit condenser is outside next to main air conditioner condenser.
Refrigerant line ran through basement, then outside, and up to 2nd floor loft. The line is ran on the side of the house you can't see and covered to match the siding.
by awval999
Sat Sep 11, 2021 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
Replies: 203
Views: 31036

Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?

4 weeks, non-expedited, new passport for minor child. Completely surprised.
by awval999
Sun Aug 01, 2021 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to buy-out employer subsidized mortgage?
Replies: 10
Views: 1342

Re: When to buy-out employer subsidized mortgage?

Regardless of the finances, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with this arrangement and would refinance immediately.
by awval999
Sat Jul 10, 2021 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a vacation ownership/share for us?
Replies: 3
Views: 749

Re: Is a vacation ownership/share for us?

Have you instead considered a hotel? Or VRBO?
by awval999
Sun Jul 04, 2021 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hotel & Credit Card Incentive
Replies: 26
Views: 2640

Re: Hotel & Credit Card Incentive

charleshugh wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 4:43 pm My local tax bill is $5,000. If I pay by credit card they will charge a fee of 2.65% ($132.50). I note that some hotel chains offer credit cards (with an annual fee in the range of $100) that offer 100,000 points or more once you spend $5000 (or some similar amount within 3 months).

My costs would be $132.50 + $100 = $232.50. My wife and I typically would have 10 to 15 hotel stays a year. Does anyone know of a credit card/hotel chain combination that would make this worthwhile?
I do this twice a year.
Only makes sense for the sign up bonus though.
Chase IHG has a 150,000 bonus. We got 8 nights at Holiday Inn Resort in NC.
Chase Marriott has 3 free nights up to 50,000 points a night, worth 150,000 Marriott points if you maximize.
by awval999
Sat Jun 26, 2021 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell or Rent out
Replies: 18
Views: 2076

Re: Sell or Rent out

Easy sell.
by awval999
Thu Jun 24, 2021 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7409

Re: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

Soon2BXProgrammer wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 11:44 pm
awval999 wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 8:28 pm If anyone reads this, I beg you to save your time and create a standard IRS account instead of trying that ID.me atrocity.
I've had an ID.me account since 2013 when it was called "TroopID". It took 2 minutes to create my spouses ID.me account.
Did it have you record a selfie on the rainbow screen?
by awval999
Wed Jun 23, 2021 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7409

Re: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

If anyone reads this, I beg you to save your time and create a standard IRS account instead of trying that ID.me atrocity.
by awval999
Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov
Replies: 80
Views: 7409

Re: Opt out for Advance Child Tax Credit payments available at IRS.gov

anon_investor wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:46 am
aprilcpa wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 8:44 am I am not sure how many here it would affect, but the sign up for opting out of the advance child tax credit payments is now available here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/ ... ts-in-2021

Basically, the IRS is going to pay those who qualify advance payments of their child tax credit beginning in July 2021. Payments will be made automatically unless the taxpayer opts out.
Why would you not want the extra cash flow now?
Because I already adjusted my w4s in March.
by awval999
Tue Jun 15, 2021 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sold One Third 4/9/2020 in Virus Panic
Replies: 21
Views: 3691

Re: Sold One Third 4/9/2020 in Virus Panic

You really don't need to be in the stock market at all.
by awval999
Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better to payoff mortgage
Replies: 16
Views: 2237

Re: Better to payoff mortgage

FiveK wrote: Sat Jun 12, 2021 1:49 pm You won't get unanimous advice on that choice....
This is true.
by awval999
Sun Jun 06, 2021 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Crappy 401k options. Please advise so kindly
Replies: 13
Views: 1160

Re: Crappy 401k options. Please advise so kindly

Adfmacro wrote: Sun Jun 06, 2021 1:28 pm At a 25% match up to 5%. That would be a max match of 1.25% on contributions that will have 1.1% in fees each year. Since the options, match, and fees are not good. In your case max out an IRA each year before considering the 401k. The 401k will allow contributions much higher than an IRA. A Roth IRA would keep your options open for a backdoor Roth in the future.

One thing to check on is if you can roll over your 401k while still working there. Many 401k plans do not allow a roll over prior to leaving the company, but there are exceptions.

If you are able to contribute well above the IRA limit, it may we worth it to get the money in so you will have a nice amount to roll over in a few years.
That’s not how math works.
by awval999
Sun May 09, 2021 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone hate where they live primarily because of the weather?
Replies: 155
Views: 15656

Re: Anyone hate where they live primarily because of the weather?

marcopolo wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 11:56 am Hate is a strong word, but our dislike of the weather in PA was one of the driving factors in choosing our retirement destination. We are now in Hawaii, and couldn't be happier.

Good luck to you.
Today was brutal weather.
by awval999
Fri May 07, 2021 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large House / Confused On Remodel
Replies: 12
Views: 1577

Re: Large House / Confused On Remodel

Doesn't seem like you really like the place. While the numbers are unimaginable to me, I don't know if I'd be spending a quarter of my net worth to update a place I didn't really like.
by awval999
Sun Apr 25, 2021 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for best "value" in Patio Furniture
Replies: 61
Views: 8909

Re: Looking for best "value" in Patio Furniture

If you want "value" then look for used on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, et al and then just buy new cushions.
by awval999
Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house can we afford?
Replies: 28
Views: 4130

Re: How much house can we afford?

60B4E24B wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:56 pm
awval999 wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:34 pm Why do you want to buy a multimillion dollar house in a VHCOL when you could just pull the plug and live the rest of your life at peace?

I will just never understand these questions.
Some people heavily value the amenities that come with living in VHCOL areas.

And it works both ways. I could never live in a cheap, rural area without culture.

OP: you can afford a $2-3MM house without breaking a sweat, assuming your jobs are stable.
Lol.

Oh please. The OP could cash buy a new construction SFH in almost all US cities with plenty of culture for <$1M and still be set for life.
by awval999
Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house can we afford?
Replies: 28
Views: 4130

Re: How much house can we afford?

You never have to work another day in your life.
You have three young children.
You and your spouse are young, happy and healthy.

Why do you want to buy a multimillion dollar house in a VHCOL when you could just pull the plug and live the rest of your life at peace?

I will just never understand these questions.
by awval999
Tue Apr 20, 2021 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone regret paying off mortgage early?
Replies: 2483
Views: 291415

Re: "Nobody's ever regretted paying off the mortgage."

You may as well rename the thread:
"Nobody's ever regretted *having children*"

You'll get the same hot takes and opinions.

Paying off the mortgage is an emotional decision. Similar to choosing your life partner, having children, or selecting a retirement date. All of these things have financial implications, but they are *secondary* to the emotional life choice. Literally the definition of *personal* finance.
by awval999
Sun Apr 18, 2021 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would a Shift to Primarily WFH Affect Promotion Opportunity?
Replies: 32
Views: 2727

Re: Would a Shift to Primarily WFH Affect Promotion Opportunity?

Normchad wrote: Sun Apr 18, 2021 3:41 pm Does your boss go to the office everyday? If so, that’s your unambiguous answer.
/thread.
by awval999
Sun Apr 18, 2021 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would a Shift to Primarily WFH Affect Promotion Opportunity?
Replies: 32
Views: 2727

Re: Would a Shift to Primarily WFH Affect Promotion Opportunity?

It's very company dependent.

I think the most obvious answer would be, the position that you're aspiring to, is it WFH or is it on-site?

Just like they always say--- "dress for the job you want, not for the job you have."
by awval999
Sat Apr 17, 2021 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who can truly afford to buy a house in this market?
Replies: 26
Views: 2972

Re: Who can truly afford to buy a house in this market?

You realize that banks will let you hang yourself from the gallows with mortgage debt right?

Like a quick Google shows a maximum 45% DtI ratio. So with a $100k combined salary that’s a $3750 PITI payment. That’s at least $500k mortgage right there.

Like most normal people don’t have financial sense. They just do whatever the bank says they can do. This is why they have car payments and the rest.
by awval999
Sun Apr 11, 2021 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What would you do - housing?
Replies: 11
Views: 2483

Re: What would you do - housing?

Would you consider moving?
You have a big family and a SAHM.
You can live like a King out here in the Midwest with a 5 bedroom new built house and make the same salary.
by awval999
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Remodel during housing hysteria?
Replies: 54
Views: 4634

Re: Remodel during housing hysteria?

Just no way I'd ever do anything like this.

I personally am not able to *borrow* that much money and spend it on a *promise* like a renovation or building a new house.

I would sell the house and buy what I wanted. If it doesn't exist, then I wouldn't buy it. I just personally do not have the trust and imagination that a renovation project would require.
by awval999
Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mixing Bogle and Ramsey to build my portfolio
Replies: 90
Views: 10064

Re: Mixing Bogle and Ramsey to build my portfolio

Ramsey has helped millions of people.

There are many roads to Dublin, and they don't all involve index funds.
by awval999
Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mixing Bogle and Ramsey to build my portfolio
Replies: 90
Views: 10064

Re: Mixing Bogle and Ramsey to build my portfolio

Your emergency fund is too low for a young family of 4.
I'd bump it up to 5-6 months expenses and $25k-$30k.
by awval999
Sat Apr 10, 2021 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off advice
Replies: 31
Views: 3199

Re: Laid off advice

Can he get health insurance through his wife's job?
If not, then he (and you) will have to price an Affordable Care Act policy (with any subsidies) vs. paying for COBRA continuation coverage.
He is not going to be eligible for Medicaid due to his wife's income. And Medicare doesn't start until 65.
by awval999
Tue Apr 06, 2021 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Staying at a company after giving notice? (counter-offer)
Replies: 58
Views: 7282

Re: Staying at a company after giving notice? (counter-offer)

This is so very company and leader specific.

For some companies and leaders, even considering leaving Megacorp is a unimaginable betrayal. Accepting the counteroffer is just buying time for them to train your replacement and replace you.

For other companies, it’s “touché and congratulations” and “I’d love to see if we can match that” and “no hard feelings anyway”.

The reason why they say to never accept a counter offer is that it is so so rarely solely about compensation. There’s always something more. Comp is just the excuse to save face as you depart. For both you and your former leader.