Search found 167 matches
- Sat Jan 16, 2021 9:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Universal theme parks Orlando: premium experience
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3096
Re: Universal theme parks Orlando: premium experience
Worth every penny. Went last Christmas and made the mistake of going the morning without the fast pass. After waiting too long in the first line, I gladly went over and paid for the unlimited fast pass. We never waited in line more than 20 minutes, and that was on the super popular rides. Worth ever...
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 4:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Life Insurance: term4sale.com and policygenius.com
- Replies: 16
- Views: 878
Re: Life Insurance: term4sale.com and policygenius.com
One thing to also compare is, and/or ask about is if the policy has a disability waiver on it. I purchased a policy online through a broker and their initial quote did not. It wasn't very much extra to add to the policy if I remember correctly and it paid the premium if I became disabled. It's one o...
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 2:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: PPP Second Draw
- Replies: 9
- Views: 963
Re: PPP Second Draw
It ought to be interesting for certain.
We're in a commodities business and our underlying cost is up significantly compared to last year, but our overall sales in quantity are down. So for us, revenue is up, but we're worse off than last year.
We're in a commodities business and our underlying cost is up significantly compared to last year, but our overall sales in quantity are down. So for us, revenue is up, but we're worse off than last year.
- Thu Nov 05, 2020 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Electric Fireplace
- Replies: 8
- Views: 955
Re: Electric Fireplace
Dimplex is going to have the most realistic flame. All brands of electric fireplaces are going to put out the same amount of heat ~1500 watts. The unit that uses water to mist is made by Dimplex (OptiMyst), but it puts out no heat. They are strictly looks, but they nail the realism factor all day lo...
- Tue Oct 06, 2020 6:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Installing mantle on ledger stone
- Replies: 28
- Views: 1416
Re: Installing mantle on ledger stone
You might have luck trying a shelf mantel that uses a hanger board to attach the mantel to the wall. You'll have some spacing where the stones aren't flush with the surface, but the only way to get around that is to remove the offending stones. The hanger board attaches to the studs, but if you're n...
- Sun Aug 23, 2020 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which 3 row luxury SUV?
- Replies: 70
- Views: 5331
Re: Which 3 row luxury SUV?
We've got a 18 Navigator L Reserve with the second row bucket seats and all of the options except the dvd system and love it. I would strongly advice you to consider the L version over the standard. It's not a couple of thousand more, but adds a huge amount of storage space. This. If you are lookin...
- Sun Aug 23, 2020 1:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which 3 row luxury SUV?
- Replies: 70
- Views: 5331
Re: Which 3 row luxury SUV?
We've got a 18 Navigator L Reserve with the second row bucket seats and all of the options except the dvd system and love it. I would strongly advice you to consider the L version over the standard. It's not a couple of thousand more, but adds a huge amount of storage space. The 30-way seats were th...
- Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Comparing HVAC replacement quotes
- Replies: 10
- Views: 835
Re: Comparing HVAC replacement quotes
If you're comfortable with the Bryant dealer, I'd go that route. Lennox makes a good system, but tend to try and find a way to make their parts proprietary or extremely hard to get. Bryant parts are easy to find and reasonably priced. Even being in the HVAC business, we often have to purchase Lennox...
- Tue Jul 28, 2020 10:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
- Replies: 9519
- Views: 665068
Re: Refinance Mega Thread
I’m in Missouri and some of the popular options mentioned are not licensed here. I searched the thread but didn’t see much. Any good suggestions for refinancing in the show-me-state? I’m looking for a competitive rate on a 15 year fixed. Thanks Send me a PM. I'm in MO and have a couple of contacts ...
- Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:19 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: home insurance if you wouldn't rebuild identical house
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1859
Re: home insurance if you wouldn't rebuild identical house
You're looking for a company that offers a cash settlement option. If you search for Chubb, Ace, and affluent insurance on the board, they should come up. There has been some light discussion on the issue. I think some of the higher-end mass market companies are starting to offer it as well, but I'm...
- Fri Jul 24, 2020 8:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Backyard BBQ - easy
- Replies: 42
- Views: 3881
Re: Backyard BBQ - easy
Weber Spirit 210. Should run around $429.
It's all the grill most households need, both size and performance. Have a good warranty and should give no trouble.
It's all the grill most households need, both size and performance. Have a good warranty and should give no trouble.
- Sun Jul 12, 2020 2:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 3165
Re: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?
We're in Missouri and a metal roof runs around $65/square, which at the time we built out house, was cheaper than a traditional roof. It is quiet and has been maintenance free.
Our insurance company offered a $400/year discount if we took a cosmetic exclusion on the roof. I gladly agreed.
Our insurance company offered a $400/year discount if we took a cosmetic exclusion on the roof. I gladly agreed.
- Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:56 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 10854
Re: New construction house - what to consider?
Since you are planning children, the greatest feature you can add is a light switch in the master bedroom that turns on a kitchen light. Ours worked the under counter lights. You will be getting up in the middle of the night for feedings and having that light on will keep you from walking into tabl...
- Sat Jun 13, 2020 12:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 10854
Re: New construction house - what to consider?
ADA height toilets- you don't realize how nice they are until you are somewhere with a "normal" height toilet.
- Sat Jun 13, 2020 12:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 10854
Re: New construction house - what to consider?
My wife and I are particularly noise sensitive and enjoy quiet spaces (master bedroom, offices). Do any of you have thoughts about putting insulation between internal walls to help noise dampening? Is that a "thing" or is that crazy? It absolutely is a "thing" - we have done it ...
- Wed Jun 10, 2020 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 10854
Re: A few things
4. All bathroom fans upgraded for volume and quietness. I'll disagree on this one. When it comes to bathroom fans, I think the louder they are the better. Agree. When we selected our bathroom fans I wanted the quietest fans that were available. They work great, but there is such a thing as too quiet.
- Wed May 27, 2020 3:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
Has anyone seen resources on how loan forgiveness will impact taxation for partners in a pass-through situation? Partnership obtains a $1 million PPP loan and uses it all for qualified payroll for employees and rents and is entitled to $1 million forgiveness. At the end of the year, net income -- t...
- Wed May 27, 2020 1:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Switching Insurance
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2174
Re: Switching Insurance
Well, I did my first quote with Flo at Progressive. I started online, but called to finish the quote. The online quotes and telephone quotes were wildly different. Flo couldn't tell me why. Full coverage for 2 newer cars (250/500/250) for a full year: Progressive $1,222, State Farm $2,142. WIN! Hom...
- Sun May 24, 2020 12:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
Couple of questions. For other expenses, such as rent is it 25% of total loan or 25% of payroll that is forgiven? If the latter the $ amount for other would be smaller as loan based on 10 weeks of payroll and forgiveness is based on 8 weeks. FTE and 40 hours. New guidance says amount forgiven will ...
- Sat May 23, 2020 10:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
Couple of questions. For other expenses, such as rent is it 25% of total loan or 25% of payroll that is forgiven? If the latter the $ amount for other would be smaller as loan based on 10 weeks of payroll and forgiveness is based on 8 weeks. FTE and 40 hours. New guidance says amount forgiven will ...
- Wed May 20, 2020 6:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
For businesses who run monthly payroll... From the latest PPP Loan Forgiveness Application: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/3245-0407-SBA-Form-3508-PPP-Forgiveness-Application.pdf "Alternative Payroll Covered Period: For administrative convenience, Borrowers with a biweekly (or more...
- Wed May 20, 2020 4:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
Couple of questions. For other expenses, such as rent is it 25% of total loan or 25% of payroll that is forgiven? If the latter the $ amount for other would be smaller as loan based on 10 weeks of payroll and forgiveness is based on 8 weeks. FTE and 40 hours. New guidance says amount forgiven will ...
- Wed May 20, 2020 12:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
Couple of questions. For other expenses, such as rent is it 25% of total loan or 25% of payroll that is forgiven? If the latter the $ amount for other would be smaller as loan based on 10 weeks of payroll and forgiveness is based on 8 weeks. FTE and 40 hours. New guidance says amount forgiven will ...
- Wed May 20, 2020 6:52 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
It looks like the latest definition of wages has invalidated part of my spreadsheet. Gross wages, it would appear, now include employee state tax withholding and after-tax deductions that aren't retirement contributions. There's a part of me that is wanting to wait to do any additional calculations ...
- Sun May 17, 2020 1:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Re: Tax efficient real estate gift
Gill- yes basis was FMV when she inherited them.
Illumination- I'm thinking that is probably going to be the way to go.
Appreciate the input.
Illumination- I'm thinking that is probably going to be the way to go.
Appreciate the input.
- Sat May 16, 2020 9:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Re: Tax efficient real estate gift
Is it a marital trust from your grandfather that would be included in your grandmother’s estate so it would get a basis step-up at her death? Or is it a credit shelter trust so that it wouldn’t? If it’s a credit shelter trust, would distributing it to her result in more estate tax in her estate? Th...
- Sat May 16, 2020 9:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Re: Tax efficient real estate gift
Why can’t you just keep the present trust and just change trustees? I assume this is a revocable trust and will be included in her estate for basis stepup purposes. Also, I would assume the trust can be easily amended. Gill There are a bunch of more real estate holdings and other items in the trust...
- Sat May 16, 2020 7:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Re: Tax efficient real estate gift
(duplicate post)
- Sat May 16, 2020 7:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Re: Tax efficient real estate gift

My grandmother doesn't care if she gets rid of them now or after she's passed. She's just ready to be done with them too
- Fri May 15, 2020 10:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax efficient real estate gift
- Replies: 10
- Views: 642
Tax efficient real estate gift
I'll preface this out by stating I'm in the process of scheduling appointments with our attorney and accountant. Everything will be drawn up ahead of time including operating agreements, buy/sell, etc.... I'm not a believer in "we're family, no reason to write it down". Better to have the ...
- Thu May 07, 2020 9:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
https://i.ibb.co/wybjjL9/spreadsheet-example.png In the spreadsheet, is EE MO SIT - State tax withholding? If so, is this not eligible for forgiveness? I thought the all items under gross pay (the ones that show up in my paystub are EE Medicare, EE Fed, EE SS, EE State tax) are eligible. The only t...
- Mon May 04, 2020 10:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: HVAC Proposals - Any Thoughts
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1392
Re: HVAC Proposals - Any Thoughts
The prices all seem somewhat high so I would get more quotes. We replaced our A/C two years ago and also considered replacing the furnace. I spent a fair amount of time researching the decision and came to the following conclusions: - Going with an expensive dual-stage A/C or furnace almost never m...
- Mon May 04, 2020 9:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
I've had a Primo Oval XL since 2007, recommend them highly but won't fit OP's price point. My 24" Big Joe doesn't fit his price point either--I paid $1200, and the current model is even more. But the $400 Joe Jr. (13.5") I linked upthread does. :) KJ started out as a good grill with a lot...
- Mon May 04, 2020 9:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
Thank you for that write up. You sound like quite the grilling enthusiast! Quick question. How would you describe cooking on the griddle vs a normal BBQ? DW feels like a griddle would be similar to cooking on a flat top in a pizza shop, would get the job done but may not be the same as BBQ'ing on a...
- Mon May 04, 2020 9:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
For roughly the same money, skip the Weber Q and look at the Spirit 210 or 310. Much better warranty and features for roughly the same money. If you can find a Spirit II 210 or 310, jump on it. It's got a 10 year "bumper to bumper" warranty, including the ignitor. Weber discontinued the d...
- Mon May 04, 2020 7:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
Agree on the Spirit 310. I've had ours for 8 years, replaced the grates and flavorizer bars last spring. People overestimate how much grill space they need, I've cooked plenty of meals for 8-10 adults on it, and it also conserves propane I agree with this. The nice thing is you don't have to use al...
- Sun May 03, 2020 7:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
Weber genesis about $800 at big box stores. Expensive but 100% worth it in the long run. Buy the best, maintain it and keep it clean and it will last forever, and more importantly it will be easier to cook great food. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Genesis-II-E-315-3-Burner-Propane-Gas-Grill-in-...
- Sun May 03, 2020 7:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
Agree on the Spirit 310. I've had ours for 8 years, replaced the grates and flavorizer bars last spring. People overestimate how much grill space they need, I've cooked plenty of meals for 8-10 adults on it, and it also conserves propane I agree with this. The nice thing is you don't have to use al...
- Sun May 03, 2020 5:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
Agree on the Spirit 310. I've had ours for 8 years, replaced the grates and flavorizer bars last spring. People overestimate how much grill space they need, I've cooked plenty of meals for 8-10 adults on it, and it also conserves propane I agree with this. The nice thing is you don't have to use al...
- Sun May 03, 2020 4:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
Most if not all of the Weber Q models use small, expensive propane cylinders, not the cheap standard 20lb ones. The Wirecutter reviewed grills at https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-gas-grill/ and for your $500 budget, really liked the Weber Spirit II E-310. This particular grill uses a full siz...
- Sun May 03, 2020 4:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6918
Re: Best BBQ for the money?
For roughly the same money, skip the Weber Q and look at the Spirit 210 or 310. Much better warranty and features for roughly the same money. If you can find a Spirit II 210 or 310, jump on it. It's got a 10 year "bumper to bumper" warranty, including the ignitor. Weber discontinued the de...
- Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
For those opening separate bank account just for PPP forgiveness. How are you going to handle FICA tax payments where the employer side is not forgivable? Split the payments up, employee side payment from new account, employer side from another? That makes things a little difficult, especially when...
- Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
You'd probably win an award for doing so. I think the intention is to make sure your payroll stays the same and worst and increases at best.Stormbringer wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2020 7:46 pm Are there any issues with increasing headcount and using the PPP funds for the new positions?
- Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
The employER portion of FICA is excluded per the SBA's definition of payroll costs. The only employER taxes you can include are state and local unemployment premiums. I would assume the limit to 401k would be whatever the standard match is for the employee's salary. We match 3% so we can't give any...
- Wed Apr 22, 2020 2:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
We're transferring the forgivable portion to our account that pays the entire amount. That way there's a paper trail for the transfer, and the amount is verified by the payroll reports and EFTPS confirmations. I'm thinking of opening up an account for my PPP funds as well. I wanted to be sure I abs...
- Wed Apr 22, 2020 1:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
We're transferring the forgivable portion to our account that pays the entire amount. That way there's a paper trail for the transfer, and the amount is verified by the payroll reports and EFTPS confirmations. I'm thinking of opening up an account for my PPP funds as well. I wanted to be sure I abs...
- Tue Apr 21, 2020 9:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
For those opening separate bank account just for PPP forgiveness. How are you going to handle FICA tax payments where the employer side is not forgivable? Split the payments up, employee side payment from new account, employer side from another? That makes things a little difficult, especially when...
- Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
About 8 weeks forgiveness starting when you receive the funds. Depending on when you receive the funds and on what date you pay payroll — some companies might get to deduct for forgiveness 2 or 4 payrolls (depending on if you pay monthly or biweekly) and others 1 or 3. Unless you bring payroll forw...
- Tue Apr 21, 2020 6:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
4. Nothing, however we were advised not to go above the 100k pro rata limit (1923.08/week * 8 weeks) including their current salary. Can you clarify this? In determining the amount of the loan, payroll costs are capped at 100k per employee as you mentioned. But for forgiveness, the US Treasury webs...
- Tue Apr 21, 2020 4:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
- Replies: 369
- Views: 27790
Re: Optimizing PPP Forgiveness
We were hoping or had read that benefits like retirement contributions and health insurance were over and above the 100k limit. Any other views on this out there? That's my understanding too. Based on this from the U.S. Treasury Department, it seems fairly explicit that retirement contributions and...