Search found 449 matches

by dpc
Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DIRECT PAY to IRS from bank account: Issues? Cautions?
Replies: 35
Views: 3069

Re: DIRECT PAY to IRS from bank account: Issues? Cautions?

I've used it for years for all my IRS payments. Never had a problem. I do save my confirmation - I generally print it out and stick it in my tax folder for that year. But that is mainly to help me remember that I've made the quarterly tax payment.
by dpc
Sun Feb 11, 2024 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turbotax for Mac requirements
Replies: 16
Views: 971

Re: Turbotax for Mac requirements

I suspect TurboTax just limits the age of OS they list in order to make their support life easier. I think it is quite likely that it will run fine on older OS versions, but if there's a problem, they can just tell you that they don't support that OS. I doubt if they even do much testing of the older version.
by dpc
Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage
Replies: 73
Views: 15683

Re: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage

I have a 2022 CR-V Hybrid. The miles/gal on the sticker are higher for city than for highway. When highway driving, the batteries don't contribute energy, only weight, so it's logical that highway mileage will be lower than city driving where battery energy reduces fuel usage in stop and go driving, and dynamic braking can help charge the batteries. I think this is true for virtually all hybrids.

For highway driving, I have noted that my mileage drops significantly when driving over 60 mph. Best mileage seems to be at about 55 - 60 mph. We have long stretches of windy two-lane highway, so we do spend some time at those lower speeds. When driving 75 on the freeway across Washington, mileage was quite a bit worse.
by dpc
Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AC Soft Starter
Replies: 9
Views: 1268

Re: AC Soft Starter

I agree that a reduced-voltage could have benefit for an older compressor unit that is NOT adjustable speed (variable speed, inverter technology), IF you were wanting to add a whole-house standby generator and wanted to keep the generator size to a minimum. I would guess that for most compressors and most generators, it would not be strictly necessary, but I suspect a lot of contractors would install one to avoid any issues. Absent a standby generator, there probably is not much benefit to installing one, unless specifically recommended by a qualified HVAC contractor. It could help reduce lamp flicker when the compressor starts, if that is a concern. Remember that the starting torque produced by the motor varies with the square of the volta...
by dpc
Mon Jan 29, 2024 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?
Replies: 44
Views: 2766

Re: Scan & Store Real ID License or be refused medical care?

I have to show my drivers license to buy beer at Rite-Aid (I'm 73!). Some medical offices scan the DL, others just check it. In my part of the country, people wait months to see specialists so I pretty much accept their ID requests. Not the hill I want to die on. Our "enhanced" drivers license in Washington has an RFID that can be scanned when driving across the border with Canada and used in lieu of passport. There's no additional information printed on the DL that isn't on standard DLs, but I don't know what additional info might possibly be on the chip - if any.
by dpc
Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for 100% cotton men's undershirt?
Replies: 32
Views: 3087

Re: Recommendation for 100% cotton men's undershirt?

Kirkland at Costco. 6-pack for $25. White or Black
by dpc
Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022
Replies: 34
Views: 4562

Re: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022

I'm too lazy to walk outside and look, but I don't recall my 2022 CR-V having an auxiliary audio input - it might - I've never had reason to look. Pretty sure the USB input would work, but the suggestion of the CD player with bluetooth is probably the best option. I'd forget about getting anything IN the dash.

But don't drive distracted. I recall a few struggles with swapping out CDs while driving. Don't be like me.

I did copy nearly all of my CDs to iTunes and I have them all on my iPhone. We moved about 8 years ago and all my old CDs are still in boxes. I don't think I've opened the box.

As far as audio quality - in a CR-V I think you'd be challenged to tell the difference between a good quality MP3 and the original CD.
by dpc
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Easier to pay bills with credit card?
Replies: 31
Views: 3701

Re: Easier to pay bills with credit card?

When the expiration date changes (card numbers stay the same) the Auto Pay system picks up the new expiration date automatically.
That has generally NOT been my experience. Expiring credit cards have to be manually updated - but it's not a huge effort.

Verizon offers a discount for using a DEBIT card instead of credit card. I put everything I can on autopay via a credit card if they don't charge an add-on. I write about one check a month.
by dpc
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Three fund portfolio - five year retrospective
Replies: 29
Views: 5815

Re: Three fund portfolio - five year retrospective

FWIW, I recall that Jack Bogle used to say that he did not see a need to hold international stocks. I can see the logic of increased diversity, but over the last 20 years or so, the international index fund hasn't really done that well - at least that's been my sense.
by dpc
Sat Dec 30, 2023 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2024: What's in your wallet? Do you still carry cash?
Replies: 10
Views: 1297

Re: 2024: What's in your wallet? Do you still carry cash?

I carry a Tom Bihn minimalist nylon wallet. About three credit cards, drivers license, insurance cards, debit card and a small amount of cash. Generally never more than $100. I like to tip with cash at a few places and it generally can still come in handy. I do use Apple Pay on my phone increasingly - and when I have forgotten my wallet. I don't worry much about germs on cash.
by dpc
Mon Nov 27, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Would people have been better off if there was a way to automate?
Replies: 22
Views: 2538

Re: Would people have been better off if there was a way to automate?

Asset allocation ratio really doesn't have a huge impact over the long term if you are somewhere in a conservative middle range. I recall some long-term studies showing very little difference between 60/40 and 40/60 allocations over 20 or 30 years. The key factor was making the investment and keeping it invested. I also recall that Mr. Bogle was not too hung up on frequent rebalancing. He actually recommended that younger investors just stick their monthly statements in a drawer and not open them. My experience over 30 years is that the market does a decent job of rebalancing between stocks and bonds over a long term. So I'm skeptical that automatic rebalancing would have much impact or improve investment returns all that much. But I'm not ...
by dpc
Sun Nov 12, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waterproofing good shoes?
Replies: 23
Views: 2367

Re: Waterproofing good shoes?

I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years - other than trainers, I generally always buy shoes that are waterproof, or at least claim to be waterproof. My experience is that even the shoes sold as "waterproof" will almost without exception still eventually leak, even after applying waterproofing solution externally. My Danner hiking boots were an exception - never leaked.

If it's convenient, I'd suggest buying waterproof shoes at REI. If the shoes leak in the future, REI is very good about taking them back and replacing them. Or at least they have been in the past.
by dpc
Wed Aug 02, 2023 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC and electrical load issues?
Replies: 32
Views: 1893

Re: HVAC and electrical load issues?

It's called flicker and is a common, but annoying occurrence that is caused by voltage drop when the large compressor motor starts up and draws a very high current momentarily. Assuming the system was properly sized and installed, it is mostly an annoyance - as long as nothing else is shutting off or misbehaving. Do you notice this will all the lights or just a few? BUT... since this is a new unit with a lot of new wiring I would ask the electrician to come back out make sure every connection is tight and ask them to measure the voltages during a start. You might be able to get the power company to come out and do a measurement as well - or they can read it off their smart meter, if you have one. If no issues found and the voltage drop isn'...
by dpc
Wed Jul 19, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EVs and “real world” range in winter?
Replies: 72
Views: 4993

Re: EVs and “real world” range in winter?

If you really need the maximum range, then I would be definitely be cautious about winter range. It will be significantly less than the summer range. Battery output is reduced in cold temperature - this is just physics. The majority of EVs sold in the US still use resistive heating for cabin heat. This can be up to 7.5 kW of battery power. Heat pumps can reduce this by a factor of maybe 3, but are expensive and have become difficult for manufacturers to source. All new Teslas have a sophisticated heat pump system. AFAIK, none of the US car companies offer heat pumps at this time. VW sold in the US do not have heat pumps. VW did offer heat pumps in Canada as an option, but at this time, they can't get the parts, so aren't providing them. I b...
by dpc
Fri Jun 02, 2023 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice on handling a big windfall
Replies: 28
Views: 2972

Re: Advice on handling a big windfall

Do not buy a boat.
by dpc
Wed May 31, 2023 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Olympic national park or Mt. Rainier?
Replies: 24
Views: 1666

Re: Olympic national park or Mt. Rainier?

I agree that ONP is probably unrealistic for a day trip from Kirkland. The park is huge. The closest attraction would be Hurricane Ridge, which isn't too far from Port Angeles. Unfortunately, the visitor's center at Hurricane Ridge has been closed for renovation, and then recently burned down.
by dpc
Wed Mar 15, 2023 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spring road trip Washington to Yosemite
Replies: 11
Views: 1085

Re: Spring road trip Washington to Yosemite

Take tire chains.
by dpc
Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Problems with AVAS on hybrid vehicles?
Replies: 19
Views: 3747

Re: Problems with AVAS on hybrid vehicles?

The sound on my Honda hybrid doesn't bother me and no one else has complained. It's not just in reverse.
by dpc
Sun Dec 18, 2022 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Rav4 Prime SE - $3500 over MSRP
Replies: 67
Views: 9606

Re: 2023 Rav4 Prime SE - $3500 over MSRP

I'm assuming these still qualify as a plug-in hybrid for a $7500 tax credit, as the 2022 models did? I looked for one early this year and that is what was driving the price up so high, along with limited quantity manufactured. In Washington state, no dealer received any Primes or so I was told. I found one in Oregon for $4K over sticker. But I wasn't willing to go that high. I bought a CR-V hybrid - but it's not a plug-in of course.
by dpc
Tue Sep 13, 2022 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Central A/C vs ductless mini-splits and tax incentives
Replies: 25
Views: 3595

Re: Central A/C vs ductless mini-splits and tax incentives

Since you already have a forced air furnace with newer ductwork, I would favor a central system over a ductless.

Just as a price point, we recently installed a Daikin multi-split with one heat pump and 5 indoor units (2300 ft2 house) and the total cost was about $16k. Our house had a hot water in-floor heating system, so no ductwork or air handler. I'm in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. It took us 4 months just to get estimates, then another 3 months to get the equipment. So don't wait too long if you want something for next summer - seriously.
by dpc
Tue Sep 13, 2022 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare with a 63rd birthday in December
Replies: 16
Views: 1629

Re: Medicare with a 63rd birthday in December

You can start Social Security benefits starting at age 62 (with reduced benefits), but unless you're disabled, you aren't eligible for Medicare until you are 65, as far as I know.
by dpc
Thu Sep 01, 2022 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid SUVs
Replies: 35
Views: 4998

Re: Hybrid SUVs

I have a 2022 Honda CRV Hybrid. I was initially looking for the RAV4 plug-in hybrid, but found that dealers in my state have received 0 units. I found one in another state, but it was selling for $4,500 over sticker. The plug-in RAV4 currently has a $7500 federal tax credit, so very hard to find. So I then looked for a non-plugin RAV4 hybrid and also looked at the CRV hybrid. Both were in short supply back in Feb. I found the CRV much more comfortable (in drivers seat) than the RAV4. I got it in February and so far it's been good, although I just received a recall notice for a gearbox replacement, which seems fairly significant. In case you've heard about engine problems in the CRV, be aware that the hybrid has a different, larger, non-turb...
by dpc
Tue Aug 09, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best mini split manufacturers- Mitsubishi? LG? (San Diego)
Replies: 26
Views: 2515

Re: Best mini split manufacturers- Mitsubishi? LG? (San Diego)

I just had a new Daikin multi-zone system installed in April. My limited research seemed to show Mitsubishi and Daikin generally rated pretty equally. Mitsubishi is much better known in the US since they pioneered these systems. So far so good. Check the warranties and the contractor.
by dpc
Fri Apr 08, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good websites to register a Professional Corporation?
Replies: 3
Views: 400

Re: Good websites to register a Professional Corporation?

This depends entirely on the state your registering in. The actual registration is done through your state's Secretary of State or equivalent. NOLO probably has some informative resources to help you decide on the type of corporation to register as, but the actual registration is regulated by each state.
by dpc
Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I hate my car. When will car prices and inventory normalize?
Replies: 168
Views: 21688

Re: I hate my car. When will car prices and inventory normalize?

When have new car prices ever gone down? When supply is better, the dealer premium over sticker price will decrease or disappear, but I wouldn't expect lists prices to go down.

It's been a surreal experience talking with car sales people recently. They are acting like real estate agents in a hot market. They are selling everything they can get so at least they aren't calling or texting 4 times a day.
by dpc
Fri Dec 10, 2021 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If On Medicare Before SS, How Do You Pay?
Replies: 62
Views: 7620

Re: If On Medicare Before SS, How Do You Pay?

It's been a few years, but I think I just used the Bill Pay feature of my checking account at our credit union. Just entered the payee info once and then they send payment for me automatically at no cost.
by dpc
Fri Nov 12, 2021 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "If you're not getting a raise that keeps up with inflation, you're losing money YoY"
Replies: 86
Views: 9355

Re: "If you're not getting a raise that keeps up with inflation, you're losing money YoY"

I can tell a lot of folks here are young enough that they didn't experience an actual inflationary period in the 1970s and 80s. Nothing to get excited about yet, at least from my experience. When mortgage rates get up to 13%, check back in.
by dpc
Mon Nov 01, 2021 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seasoning Gift Money (Mortgage Application)
Replies: 10
Views: 892

Re: Seasoning Gift Money (Mortgage Application)

The lender will have concerns that this money could be transferred back to your parents soon after the loan is approved. When we gave our daughter some money for a down payment, the lender asked us to sign a statement that this was truly a gift and did not have to be repaid.
by dpc
Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Grounding Question
Replies: 74
Views: 6868

Re: Electrical Grounding Question

The 2011 change applied just to switches. Receptacles have been required to be grounded for decades.
by dpc
Tue Oct 19, 2021 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Grounding Question
Replies: 74
Views: 6868

Re: Electrical Grounding Question

https://iaeimagazine.org/2018/january20 ... on-or-not/

tl;dr: Requirement was added to NEC in 2011.
by dpc
Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Filters
Replies: 76
Views: 6317

Re: Refrigerator Filters

We have experienced problems with the generic filters - mainly plugging up. So I've reverted back to the Whirlpool (or Kenmore) filters. I buy them at our local neighborhood Sears store. Definitely expensive. But my wife can tell the difference in her tea.

The filters help deal with taste and odor issues. It's not a health and safety concern.
by dpc
Thu Apr 15, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare - just A + B?
Replies: 76
Views: 8657

Re: Medicare - just A + B?

Thanks for the answers all. One more medicare question .... I've heard that some docs will not take medicare patients due to the lower compensation. Has anyone found this to be true? If so I suppose that would be a huge advantage for an HMO type advantage plan.
Yes. Before we moved, our long-time doctors' clinic in Oregon would not take NEW Medicare patients. If you were an established patient prior to going on Medicare, they would continue to see you. This is definitely something to be aware of.
by dpc
Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Waiting Till Age 70 to Draw SS
Replies: 129
Views: 11891

Re: Waiting Till Age 70 to Draw SS

I'm late to this discussion, but I have to throw in my $0.02 since this topic always drives me crazy. Bottom line - delaying SS is a great deal if you are healthy and don't need the money right away. The biggest risk in retirement is not dying before collecting SS, but rather outliving your money . Delaying SS benefits reduces that risk. The "break even" argument is absolutely the worst way to approach this unless your retirement goal is to collect as much government money as possible. If you die before reaching this mythical "break even" age, you won't care because you'll be dead and your family won't care either. If you're in position to delay SS for awhile, you should do it and be thrilled to be able to do it. Many pe...
by dpc
Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pour-Over Coffee maker
Replies: 39
Views: 3411

Re: Pour-Over Coffee maker

+1 on Aeropress. Works best if making one cup at a time. But it makes outstanding coffee and clean up is pretty simple.
by dpc
Sun Aug 02, 2020 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless hassle!
Replies: 40
Views: 5273

Re: Verizon Wireless hassle!

I'd try chatting on line or calling customer service agent. It might work out.

I just switched to Verizon and was offered an 8% discount for signing up for autopay using bank account or debit card (not credit card). Seemed like a good deal.
by dpc
Wed Apr 29, 2020 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Highlander or RAV4
Replies: 57
Views: 4831

Re: Highlander or RAV4

FWIW, I believe that the hybrid version of the RAV4 has better acceleration that the standard version. Both have the same engine. If you want a V6 or need towing capacity, then Highlander makes sense. But gas mileage is quite a bit better in the RAV4.
by dpc
Sun Mar 22, 2020 11:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If Stocks WILL Go Lower Than it is Now...
Replies: 133
Views: 13714

Re: If Stocks WILL Go Lower Than it is Now...

I have no real expertise in investing, but I did want to make a comment - I see no reason to assume that the market is anywhere near a bottom. It can go down much further. The next few weeks will be nothing but bad news as the economy worldwide grinds to a near halt. Unemployment, bankruptcies, bond defaults. So if you're "staying the course" as I am trying to do, you'd better be emotionally prepared for much worse to come. I hope I'm wrong (I often am), but I expect the pain to get worse.

Stay safe,

Dave
by dpc
Sat Mar 07, 2020 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Applying for Spousal Benefits
Replies: 7
Views: 1098

Applying for Spousal Benefits

I just applied on-line to start my SS retirement benefits in July (I'll be almost 70). My wife started retirement benefits on her own earning record at age 62 (she's 68). Her spousal benefits should be more than she is getting on her own record.

My dumb question: Does she need to apply separately for spousal benefit, or does it happen automatically somehow?

Thanks,

Dave
by dpc
Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: S Corp VS. LLC
Replies: 1
Views: 311

Re: S Corp VS. LLC

I would find a CPA that you want to use and ask them. An S Corp gives more avenues for "creativity", but LLC is much simpler, tax-wise. NOLO has some good reference books regarding the choices. If you expect your income to be high, then S-Corp might make more sense.

FWIW, when we started our business, the local attorney recommended S-Corp and the CPA recommended LLC.
by dpc
Tue Nov 12, 2019 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

I've dealt with building codes for 40 years. The short answer is that the code is the code. Trying to apply logic only frustrates you. Just follow the code. However, in this case, there are actually good reasons for this requirement and it is common throughout the US. Battery-powered CO detectors are inexpensive - just do it.
by dpc
Fri Nov 01, 2019 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part D - Drug Plan
Replies: 5
Views: 772

Medicare Part D - Drug Plan

I originally signed up for the Humana Walmart plan because I have only one prescription and they were the least expensive. However, I note that for 2020 the premium will be increasing from $20/mo to $45/mo. I found this by going to the Medicare.gov site and confirmed on the Humana website. I haven't received any other notice of this %100 increase. We'll be switching plans, I guess. Is this just a churning tactic by Humana to generate more revenue?

So during this open enrollment period, check your 2020 premiums closely.

Dave
by dpc
Tue Oct 15, 2019 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to stay in Maui?
Replies: 24
Views: 2913

Re: Where to stay in Maui?

Stayed at the Maui Coast Hotel in Kihei a few times when I was working over there. It's close to the beach, restaurants, etc. Clean and nice, but certainly not a fancy resort. We found the area to be pleasantly funky - lots of dive shops, etc nearby. But that's been a few years ago now.
by dpc
Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keep car entertainment system with fast clock or get refurbished one?
Replies: 33
Views: 2074

Re: Keep car entertainment system with fast clock or get refurbished one?

Obviously, it's bothering you more than it does me, but there's no certainty that a refurbished unit won't been the same, or worse. I really doubt they check the clock accuracy that closely. I have the same problem with my 2012 Honda. These units have a free-running crystal or ceramic oscillator. They are not terribly accurate. I wonder if the cars with built in nav system synch this clock to the GPS?

That said, I'd have few concerns regarding a refurbished unit. They generally just plug directly in. The local service tech just pulls the old unit, and plugs in the new one.
by dpc
Sun Jul 28, 2019 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hawaii in August
Replies: 31
Views: 3538

Re: Hawaii in August

It's hot there now. I just got back from a 1 week business trip to Honolulu. It should be a bit cooler by late August - not sure when the trade winds pick up again. Honolulu is a big city with a lot of traffic and all of the features of a big city on the mainland.

I've been to Maui and Oahu. I would much prefer Maui for a vacation, especially with a little one. Less hectic and more relaxing - at least to me. Several nice resorts and lots of beach. Lots of options for snorkeling, diving, tour boats. I hear Kauai is lovely, but never been there. I suspect you'll get lots of opinions.
by dpc
Sat Apr 20, 2019 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LLC taxed as S Corp - SS and Dividends
Replies: 16
Views: 1512

Re: LLC taxed as S Corp - SS and Dividends

It's been a while, but my recollection is that in an LLC taxed as a partnership, self-employment tax must be paid on all income received by the members. When taxed as a corporation, self-employment is paid only on direct compensation to member, not on corporate profits.

This seemed to be the major disadvantage of an LLC at the time we started up. We decided that other advanatages outweighed this drawback. S Corps avoid this issue.

Also recall that if you have to wait five years to change your taxation status with IRS.
by dpc
Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap pricing and Medicare generally
Replies: 21
Views: 2466

Re: Medigap pricing and Medicare generally

The Medicare.gov website has a good table explaining the differences in the Medigap plans. It will also show the available plans and companies in your state if you enter your zip code. Probably a good starting point.
by dpc
Thu Apr 04, 2019 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Webinar tools recommendations
Replies: 2
Views: 250

Re: Webinar tools recommendations

I don't know about free, but I've used GoToMeeting (GoToWebinar) several times and it works pretty well. I wasn't paying for it, so know nothing about the cost structure. You can record the sessions. You might see if they have a trial offer or special deal for non-profits.
by dpc
Wed Apr 03, 2019 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you set money aside as a 1099-MISC Contractor?
Replies: 5
Views: 562

Re: How do you set money aside as a 1099-MISC Contractor?

If you receive a salary, not sure how you can be considered a contractor. Welcome to the world of the self-employed. You have to pay estimated taxes which includes, effectively, your Social Security payment as well. When you make more money, you pay more taxes, but you still end up with more money. It's a good problem. If you're paying out $45,000 in taxes due for 2018, then I'd expect you're paying a penalty for underpayment. Taxes will always have to be be paid - if you running out of money, you have to reduce your spending. Bonus is taxed at the highest marginal rate, so it always seems that it is all taken by taxes. April 15th is a dark day for the self-employed since your 2018 tax due must be paid off, as well as estimated quarterly pa...
by dpc
Sun Mar 31, 2019 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: cost/benefit of a home elevator/escalator
Replies: 20
Views: 1829

Re: cost/benefit of a home elevator/escalator

Retrofitting an elevator into an existing house could be a major project. The stair lifts are not very attractive, but they work well, and can be removed pretty easily.

My penny-pinching father resisted buying a stair lift for the basement stairs for a long time, even after being forced to use a walker all the time. He finally gave in and had one installed, but died without ever getting to use it. But it seemed like a good solution - if you don't wait too long.
by dpc
Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice men's jeans
Replies: 52
Views: 16927

Re: Nice men's jeans

My Costco only carries even number waist sizes and unfortunately I fall between two of the sizes.
Same. The Costco jeans are a great buy, but they stopped making the 33 waist and neither the 32 or 34 fit me. I also had no idea Amazon sold their own line of jeans.