Search found 57 matches

by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Aug 07, 2018 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attn: Buffalo area Bogleheads --> St. Catharines
Replies: 7
Views: 871

Re: Attn: Buffalo area Bogleheads --> St. Catharines

Buffalo local here. I have a coworker who commutes from Ontario. He suggested "Niagara Airbus" as a possible alternative. It's a shuttle/tour charter service. I plugged in 1 person one-way trip from the Buffalo airport to St. Catharines - $99. I don't know if that is palatable for you. I cannot speak to the situation of Uber/Lyft crossing international borders.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Dec 31, 2017 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: NY Gov. Cuomo Allows NY Tax Prepayment - but counties still have final say
Replies: 5
Views: 1282

Re: NY Gov. Cuomo Allows NY Tax Prepayment - but counties still have final say

JV,

Erie county resident here. My CPA came running to me to advise me to prepay my taxes if I can. That evening the IRS posted the update on the taxes must be 'in hand' to count and not estimations. I forwarded that post to him. He replied that as part of the executive order, all counties will be issuing warrants dated in 2017. He believes, in his professional opinion, that the IRS will accept this.
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Oct 13, 2017 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WiFi [extender]
Replies: 57
Views: 8112

Re: WiFi [extender]

I tried the plug-in wifi extender. My devices always dropped connection when transitioning between signals. Instead I bought an access point:

Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR Networks Enterprise Wi-Fi System

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-AC- ... biquiti+lr

I went overboard and bought their long-range (LR) model and installed it on the upper floor away from interference. Holy wow!!! I get full wifi signal at the end of the driveway and way in the backyard. Definitely overkill. I'm sure you can get away with their non-LR models. Since it probably protrudes into my neighbors' houses, I made sure the password was super strong.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Sep 11, 2017 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Luxury" Vinyl vs Laminate flooring?
Replies: 35
Views: 8473

Re: "Luxury" Vinyl vs Laminate flooring?

I have no experience with the newer vinyls. But I definitely have advice for laminate. I put it in my upstairs and semi-finished basement. Avoid at all costs if you're dealing with pets and children. My dog would have accidents and my kids would spill things. If these messes weren't found immediately and clean up, the laminate boards would warp at the borders and bubble up.

Laminate does not mix with children and pets.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Sep 09, 2017 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else freeze their credit score?
Replies: 126
Views: 16086

Re: Anyone else freeze their credit score?

Can someone help me understand something? If everything is frozen and then a loan is paid off, will that continue to be updated in someone's credit history? Or the fact that it is frozen, no changes can be made?
by MoneyBagsRx
Wed Sep 06, 2017 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wacky NY college savings plan?
Replies: 9
Views: 1474

Re: Wacky NY college savings plan?

As a NYS resident, I looked into this for the future but am no means an expert nor have I scrutinized every last detail. The "free tuition" plan is a glorified $6,000 scholarship per year with strings attached. The cost of room and board is not included. I plan to still add to my kids' 529's. To cover these other costs, but also for potential graduate school. Who knows, I may have to move in the future, too.
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Sep 05, 2017 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to cut Garden Trellis?
Replies: 24
Views: 3026

Re: How to cut Garden Trellis?

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in-4 ... 69645.html

Not the prettiest way to do it, but to save some money - angle grinder
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Jul 03, 2017 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another health insurance question - term life
Replies: 8
Views: 819

Re: Another health insurance question - term life

hey folks, so i went on term4life and got some quotes. situation: my goal is buying life insurance to financially protect my newborn until she goes to college (or almost wrap up college and become financially independent). the term is 20 years and is about $415 annually. alternatively, i can extend the policy to 30 years for a total of $715 annually, which is around $300 additional per year. my thought process was, do we really need a longer term life? but then again, $300 dollars additional per year is not THAT much in the grand scheme of things. how do parents gauge this type of thought? financially protecting kids to age 20 vs. age 30. You might want to consider whether you need the same full amount of coverage that entire time. That is...
by MoneyBagsRx
Wed May 24, 2017 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance: To what extent does company matter
Replies: 3
Views: 869

Re: Insurance: NY Central Mutual vs State Farm

This probably isn't much help. My insurance broker led me to NYCM after having a tough time with USAA (I know, not the norm with USAA). I never heard of NYCM at that time. She assured me it's a big name for my area (Upstate NY). Only claims experience was for a cracked windshield. Relatively simple. However, if I was ever in a crash, I expect my agent to do most of the leg work.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Mar 20, 2017 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much life insurance?
Replies: 20
Views: 3405

Re: How much life insurance?

Something that I do that you may want to consider - staggering multiple polices. My wife and I earn about the same. We each have two (2) overlapping policies:

$500k / 10 year
$ 1 million / 20 year

That way, if we continue to live, our net worth will have gone up over the years AND the duration our dependents will need financial assistance will have gone down. It also keeps the costs down compared to a $1.5 million / 20 year policy.
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Mar 17, 2017 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Emergency Fund
Replies: 16
Views: 2300

Re: Emergency Fund

I have my EF in Ally for years, now that I have learned about I-Bonds, I am moving (laddering) a small amount each month to I-Bonds. The reason I am not transferring the whole EF is due to the 1 year hold. I-Bonds current rate is 2.76% (nominal) and 0% fixed (real). The nominal rate is promised to go up or down every 6 months based on the updated inflation data, but will never be below 0% (you cant lose your principle). I also agree with using I-Bonds as an EF. Once you get past the 1 year holding period, they have good liquidity. If you redeem them before 5 years, you'll have to give up the last 3 months of interest. Unlike most CDs and savings accounts, the interest rate on I-Bonds will adjust semi-annually according to the rate of infla...
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Sep 12, 2016 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Flashlight to keep in home for emergency
Replies: 56
Views: 10439

Re: Best Flashlight to keep in home for emergency

I keep the Fenix LD12 on my person at all times. Small enough to clip onto my front pocket. Uses 1 AA battery. I change the battery every 3-6 months regardless of use and just recycle the battery to something non-important (like a TV remote).

In my nightstand is a Fenix LD41. Closer to a full size flashlight that also uses AA batteries. It is very bright and can light up my whole house.

Both flashlights have SOS and blinding strobe functions. I believe both are water resistant.

Fenix has even more powerful flashlights but I had to draw the line somewhere for something I hopefully will minimally use and cost.

Surefire is also reputable. Great quality but possibly more cost.
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri May 20, 2016 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is $2000 reasonable for bathroom permits?
Replies: 22
Views: 5700

Re: Is $2000 reasonable for bathroom permits?

You are being swindled .... big time! I went online to look at my town's permit fees - very easy to find. ---------- Fixture installation or replacement without a roughing charge, per fixture $20.00 Fixture installation or replacement which includes a roughing charge, per fixture. $20.00 Minimum fee: $75.00 Residential Buildings [new construction] 1 family dwellings, 2-family dwellings, townhouses and condominiums A. For 1 to 2 bathrooms $270.00 Single dwellings 1,000 sq. ft. or less floor area $900.00 1,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. of floor area $1,075.00 3,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area $1,285.00 Over 5,000 sq. ft. $1,500.00 ---------- The first paragraph is assumed if you were making a single change - like gutting a tub. The ...
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu May 12, 2016 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for a dog bed
Replies: 12
Views: 2388

Re: Advice for a dog bed

Use a crib mattress. Good size except for the largest of dogs. Good price ~40-80. More firm than the typical dog beds.
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Dec 24, 2015 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent care FSA question
Replies: 3
Views: 546

Re: Dependent care FSA question

I cannot speak to the actual wording of the law. My plan runs from 12/1 to 11/30 of the following year. All dates of activity must fall within this range. Also, my plan administrator will only reimburse after the appropriate amount of funds have been collected. If I submit a $100 bill and have only paid in $50, they will cut me a check for $50. Since I requested a $100 reimbursement, they will continue to cut checks until the full amount has been taken out of my paycheck. So, if I pay in at $10 increments, I will receive 5 more $10 checks until I reach $100. It is a pain to submit early.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Jan 05, 2015 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have a BJs membership. Should I get their CC?
Replies: 8
Views: 4323

Re: Have a BJs membership. Should I get their CC?

I have the Perks Elite Mastercard. A good deal if you spend money at BJs. The fine print: Eligible Purchases do not include BJ’s Club purchases of exempted items restricted by law or regulation, sales taxes, bottle deposits, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco-related products, lottery tickets, gift cards, propane, gasoline, BJ’s Member Services (such as auto buying program, cellular phone services, optical department, travel) , other purchases not recorded through BJs.com or Club front-end registers or as posted at the Membership Desk. Eligible Purchases also do not include balance transfers, convenience checks, cash advances, overdraft advances, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, purchases of money orders, travelers checks, foreig...
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Sep 16, 2013 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online bill pay: shot myself in the foot.
Replies: 18
Views: 3839

Re: Online bill pay: shot myself in the foot.

You're not alone. Just 2 weeks ago my coworker paid $7500 to her Macy's card instead of $75.00. She was a wreck all day.
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Door to door annoyances--easy way to stop?
Replies: 60
Views: 6495

Re: Door to door annoyances--easy way to stop?

My doberman pinscher in the front yard has done wonders for keeping the solicitors away. Granted, to prevent the accusation of "your dog bit me" I make sure I'm also outside on the porch watching.
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with the re-circulated air in airplanes
Replies: 26
Views: 2672

Re: Dealing with the re-circulated air in airplanes

The other comments about pressure and humidity sound solid to me. If she gets sick such as cold-like symptoms, consider using an N95 mask. They're relatively inexpensive and when properly sealed, keep 95% of contaminants out. You can also make sure you take some extra vitamins (vitamin C, zinc, multi-vitamin) though this is not proven. However, if you buy the idea, it's basically what the over-priced Airborne is made out of.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Aug 03, 2013 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jacuzzi... What to do
Replies: 15
Views: 2168

Re: Jacuzzi... What to do

Call a few local pool companies and get quotes for winterizing the jacuzzi and closing it for the season. This involves properly draining the system (removing every last drop of water). You can always reevaluate your situation next year. Or ask them on their opinion for longer storage times.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Should You Trust Your Retirement To A Target Date Fund?
Replies: 34
Views: 4934

Re: Should You Trust Your Retirement To A Target Date Fund?

This hits home for me. Due to my limited choices in 403b plan, I have an array of Vanguard S&P 500 and Mid-cap index funds, plus a choice of 2010 through 2055 target dates by T Rowe price. I went through this last year and originally had some of my portfolio in the 2050 target (I was gullible to think this is what I needed based upon name and the spread of their assets). Well, lo and behold, I looked under the hood of the remaining T Rowe target date funds, and basically found out the 2010 target date allows me to keep a higher percent of bonds (Appropriately for my strategy) and reduce the ER from 1.1 to 0.2 (numbers are approximate). So now I just tweak my other portfolio holdings to stay at my goal, and I save money! But, I would arg...
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any Reason Not to Invest in a 529?
Replies: 53
Views: 4982

Re: Any Reason Not to Invest in a 529?

Directly from the Boglehead Wiki: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/529_Plans Downsides of 529 Saving Plans: Risk. These plans are not guaranteed to make a profit—accounts can post losses in a tough stock market. Parents must be aware of the risks, and be prepared in case they come up short. Short track record. Most programs have only been around a few years. Limited choices. Account holders have a fairly limited range of investment choices, but new options (and new plans) are being introduced constantly. Less disclosure. States are not required to share their performance with investors on a regular basis. Account manager fees. These are higher than average, and can be as much as 1-2 percent of annual earnings.[4]I" Personal opinion: The ...
by MoneyBagsRx
Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are you Walking in your Father's footsteps?
Replies: 83
Views: 11316

Re: Are you Walking in your Father's footsteps?

I will procure more wealth than my parents for several reasons: (though I have not considered inflation) 1. Parents' values wisely sent me to a state school to obtain my degree (cut my potential debt by 75%). 2. Father instilled 'frugality' into me. The things I will not pay for sometimes even surprises myself. I stop to reflect and realize how much of my father I have become. 3. My mother did not work while my siblings and I were young kids. This saved them childcare, but also did not permit higher incomes during those years. On the flip side, my wife will probably work at least part time during our kids upbringing. Though, things could change. Maybe I'll play Mr. Mom and go to the spa! Haha! The weirdest thing is my father, recently, with...
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finance Home Remodeling
Replies: 29
Views: 3490

Re: Finance Home Remodeling

I'm not qualified at all to comment on finances. BUT, with regards to the home remodeling, is there any way to reduce the costs by doing some of the work yourself? Or even find a handyman to do some portions for a smaller fee compared to a general contractor? I mention this because my wife and I wanted a new kitchen floor. We had the job quoted to about $15,000. We said "no way!" and with some preparation and a whole lot of YouTube, we managed to do the job ourselves for $2,000 in materials in 1 week. I mean, what a difference! And for the record, we have minimal skills with regards to this type of stuff. So, for your situation, depending on what it is, try and find a way to shave off some of the costs. Can you buy the materials y...
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Mar 03, 2013 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: leather vs cloth car seats
Replies: 32
Views: 7050

Re: leather vs cloth car seats

Why not just buy the car you want, then put on seat covers that match?
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Putting in offer for house, seller wants contingency on purc
Replies: 25
Views: 4089

Re: Putting in offer for house, seller wants contingency on

My in-laws did something very similar just 2 years ago. They were selling their house, buying a new house. For the new house, they had a contingency that they would complete the sale if they sold their old house. This was so that they didn't wind up with two houses (and they needed the money from the first sale, to pay for the second). As the seller in your situation, this makes sense, because if they sell their current house (the one you're buying), but don't find/buy a new house, they're now homeless. I think this practice is normal. I would further discuss this with your lawyer (you should have one, even if not needed). They can put things in the contract such that you get your full deposit back if they walk away from the sale, or they h...
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for pharmacist jobs with a criminal background
Replies: 28
Views: 6946

Re: Looking for pharmacist jobs with a criminal background

Two things to consider: 1. Depending on state laws, a 'felon' may not be licensed/registered as a pharmacist. Here in good 'ol NY, one must "be of good moral character." Basically implying you cannot have a criminal record. So, if he's already licensed to practice, he may technically be in the clear. 2. I agree with awval999. The market stinks for pharmacists. The market is saturated anywhere within 100 miles of a pharmacy school. He may have to look out in the boonies to land a job. I'm sure employers are not pleased with the idea of an applicant having a criminal record. When you are involved with controlled substances on a daily basis, the idea that your employee is a 'criminal' does not sit well with most. Diversion is too com...
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nursing as a career: Bogleheads' perspective?
Replies: 34
Views: 5469

Re: Nursing as a career: Bogleheads' perspective?

This has always been the case, independent of economic cycle. No hospital will hire more nurses than the bare minimum. Sometimes I had 30 patients and the desk -- iow, there was no one else but an aide. That was too much. 5 patients plus desk is not unreasonable at all. 12 hour shifts have been around for decades. They are an improvement over 16 hour double shifts which were common, in fact an essential part of the health care system, before the 12 hour shift. What is this "my nurses" and "our nurses"? Nurses work for their hospital and have their own professional interests at stake. They are there for patients, not for other hospital employees like you. Word to the wise, watch your attitude or you'll find yourself at o...
by MoneyBagsRx
Fri Mar 01, 2013 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nursing as a career: Bogleheads' perspective?
Replies: 34
Views: 5469

Re: Nursing as a career: Bogleheads' perspective?

I agree that the nursing field is not recession proof (there are no guarantees in life). From a hospital pharmacist's perspective, my nurses are not recession proof because they are being stretched as thin as legally possible. They work 12 hour shifts, and being forced to manage as many patients as their contracts allow. Just the other day, on our general medical unit, our nurses had to each watch 5 patients overnight AND perform desk duties (can't be in 6 places as once). As a field, it's a great middle of the road career (not academically and financially demanding like med school, residencies, fellowships, etc). Very flexible in career enhancement options. If my kids wanted to go into nursing this is what I would tell them: 1. Consider nu...
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Feb 09, 2013 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do things look to you young investors these days?
Replies: 87
Views: 11076

Re: How do things look to you young investors these days?

I jumped into the workforce in 2010. I'm glad that I got in when I did. My gut tells me that I started investing in the last major chunk of the recovery (ie. a 15% return for 2012). I know that my accounts will compound beautifully over the next 40 years and prepare me for a comfortable retirement. I don't expect it to be all sunshine and roses the whole way (I'm a realist).

Success is for the risk takers.

Stay the course!
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Graduation Tips for an 18-Year Old?
Replies: 17
Views: 1953

Re: Financial Graduation Tips for an 18-Year Old?

I've been out of school for 3 years, now. 1. Having a pre-funded account for school is a huge starting point for him. Personally, I would not let my kid have the option of ruining such a successful start and let him flush these funds down the toilet (if even possible). 2. Credit cards are great. You definitely need to let him start building credit. Look into getting a "college student" type card. It will give him a better rate and/or higher limit, than most 18-yr olds get. I'm not sure if I would put the parents name on the account (for liability sake), but, I would want to have some control over it (see the monthly bills, be able to pay it off if the kid royally messes up, etc). You can always be in control of the card in this se...
by MoneyBagsRx
Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you pay your taxes/insurance separate from your mortgage?
Replies: 42
Views: 5257

Re: Do you pay your taxes/insurance separate from your mortg

I pay them myself, but here is the real reason why:


There is a chance that your mortgage lender may NOT pay your insurance - not at all, or not on time. They may make an oops, and you won't know unless you manually verify yourself, or you get that late notice with fees. I'm too OCD to rely on someone else to manage my money.


The idea that the lender also pads the balance keeps more than they need - which may lead to fluctuations in your monthly mortgage cost - is also something I'm not crazy about.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Jan 19, 2013 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Bogleheads having less fun?
Replies: 70
Views: 7636

Re: Are Bogleheads having less fun?

Are you kidding? I'm having loads of fun. I click on my boring index-based portfolio summary, look at the %15 return for last year and I get warm all over. Knowing that this portfolio will compound over the next 40+ years gives me huge piece of mind for my future. I compare this to some of my coworkers who: 1. Don't save for retirement and expect to retire at 62 and live with social security alone 2. Spend every last dollar, complain they don't have any money, tell me how their going our tonight to a really expensive restaurant, and whine how their kids leech off of them while they go to private schools. 3. Complain how they're going to pay off their three kids' Parent Plus loans until the end of eternity (Disclaimer, I know I will not alwa...
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Nov 12, 2012 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .
Replies: 15
Views: 1840

Re: Heated pool costs

Flashes1 wrote:
MoneyBagsRx wrote:No matter what you do, get a solar cover!
Did you need the solar cover in the summer months? Or is it something that's really only needed in the spring and fall?
I'm in the western New York area so our pools are only open during summer months (May - Sept). It's going to depend on your area and your average water temps. But, as previously posted, I saw a ~10 degree improvment.
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .
Replies: 15
Views: 1840

Re: Heated pool costs

No matter what you do, get a solar cover!

I bought a 8 mil solar cover ($120 for a 25k gal pool) and my temps jumped on 10 degrees average. Warranty says it will last 7 years.
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the deal with free prescription cards?
Replies: 22
Views: 2313

Re: What's the deal with free prescription cards?

dandan14 wrote:I've seen several "free" prescription cards lately. Some are advertised on TV. There's even one apparently sponsored by my county -- as they have them free to pick up at local pharmacies or print online.

What's the catch? Anyone know?

The catch is two fold:

1. Sometimes these cards are only good for a specific number of fills. If this is a maintenance medication, such as for cholesterol (the patient has a high chance of always being on it), the patient will be on it for the rest of their life. Therefore, the insurance company may pick up the tab of the first few fills, but guarantee themselves future sales.

2. It gets you (or your doctor) to choose their product and not a competitor (since its "free")
by MoneyBagsRx
Wed Sep 19, 2012 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: road trip to buffalo worth it?
Replies: 60
Views: 5391

Re: road trip to buffalo worth it?

Well, being a local, I can definitely comment on the food: Anchorbar is what put us on the map (besides the blizzard of '77). Nice large, crispy wings! About $37/bucket of 50 wings. Prices have definitely gone up! Throw in a drink or two and you can easily spend $60+tip. But, IMHO is the best place to go. Others tell me the rest of the food is amazing, but I've never had anything but wings there. Then, there's Duff's. Lots of people love it, but they are small, saucy wings (just a differently style). I have only been to the following: 3651 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226 But since it may be closer, you can try 550 Dick Road, Depew, NY 14043. It's the original that President Obama went to (and got hit on by a local, haha!) I personally wou...
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Aug 16, 2012 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pool Chlorine
Replies: 15
Views: 3651

Re: Pool Chlorine

There seem to be hundreds of thousands of people that just use household bleach in their pool on a regular basis - there's a whole community here: http://www.troublefreepool.com/bbb-for-beginners-t5208.html Does anyone here have any experience with this or do you just go through the cycle of continuously draining your pool and filling it back up? Are there other options available to avoid this dump and re-fill? My pool is about 30,000 gallons so having to dump out 10,000 gallons and refill every season is just ludicrous. YES! I do the BBB (Beach, Borax, Bicarb) method. And it works amazing (and inexpensive). You are absolutely correct about CYA (stabilizer). I found out once I made the switch, my use of chlorine tabs is almost nonexistant....
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Jul 26, 2012 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC purchase advice
Replies: 50
Views: 6527

Re: PC purchase advice

Daggerboard,

Check out http://www.digitalstormonline.com/

Reputable place that builds computers for you. I've bought from here in the past and loved their work. I priced out the components and basically paid $100 for them to put it together for me (on a $1,600 rig). But what made it worth it, was the 4-year warranty plus free shipping. After they put it together, they actually run your computer for a period of time to make sure all of the components work and the build is stable.

No BS added software on these computers.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Repair Books and Resources
Replies: 7
Views: 1238

Re: Home Repair Books and Resources

I was given two books when I moved into my house, last year. So far, I love these books. How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding and Maintaining Your Home, Updated and Expanded http://www.amazon.com/How-Your-House-Works-Understanding/dp/1118099400/ref=dp_ob_title_bk I like the first book because it explains everything in a simple manner with pictures! Also gives bits of advice of what you can/should conquer on your own, and when to call the professional. Black & Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: with 350 Projects and 2000 Photos http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Complete-Photo-Repair/dp/1589234170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341848135&sr=8-1&keywords=black+decker+home+repair I have used this book les...
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Apr 21, 2012 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a home with cash
Replies: 11
Views: 2067

Re: Buying a home with cash

By buying with cash, you're only removing the bank from the picture. Personally, I would pay the few hundred bucks for the services of a real estate (RE) attorney and a RE agent. I just bought my first house last year and the headaches and protection these two entities saved me were well worth it (being in the lovingly complicated state of NY). The attorney was a flat fee, which you could probably haggle down the price since half of their work is usually coordinating with the bank (being its removed from your situation). Depending where you are in the process, the RE agent's services could be of value, still. Between coordinating home inspections, doing research on houses, etc. Since RE agents usually work for commission, if you're cutting ...
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Apr 19, 2012 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford CEO: Battery Is Third of Electric Car Cost
Replies: 51
Views: 5052

Re: Ford CEO: Battery Is Third of Electric Car Cost

FNK wrote:I hope there is a city in the world that will take the plunge with http://www.skytran.us/.

Though not Skytran, itself, Orlando's Disney World uses a tram system :wink: Much more antiquated, I know.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do we bogleheads Splurge?!
Replies: 138
Views: 14510

Re: Where do we bogleheads Splurge?!

Cigars and whiskey!
by MoneyBagsRx
Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any reason not to max 401k
Replies: 8
Views: 1750

Re: Any reason not to max 401k

The tax savings alone (by reducing my taxable income) make it worth it for me. Even if I have to deal with higher expense ratios. (EDIT) But, my ER's are still less than 1.
by MoneyBagsRx
Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paying off the house by the end of 2012
Replies: 12
Views: 1332

Re: Paying off the house by the end of 2012

I think you left out the loan rate for your mortgage. Since you are towards the end, I will guess its on the higher side of today's rates 8+ percent? Which if the case I would definitely vote it trumps any taxable contributions to any type of investment.

I am generally hesitant to forego the emergency fund (which I cannot tell how much there actually is). I personally like a cushion. And from my personal experiences, if I'm prepared for it, it won't happen :-)

Being conservative, I would probably vote to pay it off over 18 months and feed your e-fund a bit (depending on the exact numbers).
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Jan 03, 2012 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are online mortgage estimates reasonable?
Replies: 9
Views: 930

Re: Are online mortgage estimates reasonable?

Wisely pick a payment that you can feel comfortable with (I completely agree with the others). You will need that extra money around putting it into fixing up the house, making aesthetic changes, and anything else that comes up.
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Jan 03, 2012 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it make sense to lease a Prius?
Replies: 28
Views: 2804

Re: Does it make sense to lease a Prius?

Talk to a sales guy and have him show you the numbers. If the resale value of a prius is so wonderful, they should be able to give you a fair lease (though this is probably not the case due to [im assuming] relatively high demand). I was recently in the market and was on the fence whether to buy or lease. I had the guy crunch the numbers for me and it came down to the fact that if I leased, they valued the car at a 50% reduction in value after three years. Now, maybe this does fall on the curve for normal, but the idea of spending so many thousands a year and then giving the car back (and not having any value for a trade-in) just didn't cut it for me. What I'm trying to get at is to make sure they show you the value of the car when you turn...
by MoneyBagsRx
Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When lendors run your credit...
Replies: 3
Views: 595

Re: When lendors run your credit...

I have no proof to back this up, but I asked my friend who is a car salesman while selling me a car just last month. I told him between shopping around for auto loans I was concerned about the multiple credit checks, as well. On top of it I just bought a house four months ago. My friend said depending on the credit agency, they view all of the "pings" in a small window of time (a few weeks was his guess) as a single credit inquiry. this must come up a lot when people shop for any type of loan.
by MoneyBagsRx
Mon Dec 19, 2011 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New solar panels are installed
Replies: 113
Views: 11198

Re: New solar panels are installed

I'm going to throw a thought out there and I'm not sure if it would make a big deal or not. What about the consideration of inflation on the original ~25k purchase and its affect on the return on investment? I know you qualified for rebates and the like, but for math's sake let's put that aside. You said the system was guaranteed for about 25 years (then lets say it dies). So in 25 years the money would be valued at approximately $50k (I used CPI's inflation calculator from 1985 to 2010 - because it can't calculate into the future so please forgive any inaccuracies). So wouldn't one have to weigh their savings against this number instead? I do accept the fact that you would have to factor in inflation for the savings over the years as well....