Search found 2505 matches

by Saving$
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blackout shades for bedroom
Replies: 30
Views: 2150

Re: Blackout shades for bedroom

Top down/bottom up motorized cellular blackout shades, Comfortex brand from BlindsExpress.com The blackout fabric in conjunction with the fit and install details keeps out 99% of the light without the need for the tracks. I measured for them myself, and read all the mfg instructions about how much they take off of the measurements, etc. I installed inside the opening, and measured each dimension in about 5-6 locations to be sure. I ordered them so the top bar would only be 1/16 narrower than the opening at the top. I installed them into the opening, so the fabric cells are almost resting against the perimeter of the frame. This allows almost no light to enter. The motorized feature allows me to program them to open/close automatically. I ha...
by Saving$
Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric mower for mulching
Replies: 30
Views: 2348

Re: Electric mower for mulching

Based on recommendations here and elsewhere, I bought a battery powered EGO self propelled 21" and have used it for 3 full mowing seasons. I bag during the cutting season, and in the fall I use it to bag (essentially vacuum) the leaves. I found I had too much thatch when I mulched but it worked fine for that. The battery lasts a full mow (about 4000 sf of sod) even in self propelled mode, mowing every other week and even carting around what is a fairly heavy and full bag of clippings. I will NEVER use a gas mower again. This thing starts with just the push of a button 100% of the time. There is no need to winterize it. It is very quiet - I can mow early and late without bothering the neighbors. If I start mowing too late in the evening...
by Saving$
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Motorized blind/shade recommendation needed
Replies: 20
Views: 1505

Re: Motorized blind/shade recommendation needed

I wanted Top Down/ Bottom Up motorized, so my options were limited.
Bought the "house" brand from Blinds Express which are basically rebranded Comfortex. They work well, but the batteries absolutely do NOT last up to a year. I have to recharge them every 35-45 days. However, motorized blinds are ABSOLUTELY worth it. It is one of those luxuries I am so thankful I can afford.
by Saving$
Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recent paint work is already failing
Replies: 27
Views: 3214

Re: Recent paint work is already failing

Blistering, lifting, splitting paint failure you describe is primarily due to either trapped moisture trying to get out or incompatible paint.

Trapped moisture can happen from numerous sources
- You had a pre-existing issue
- Contractor prepped the substrate by power washing it and did not let it dry long enough after
- Contractor's prep removed previous sealant or cut through previous flashing protection and water is now getting into an area it was previously not getting into. This usually means water is getting behind something.

Incompatible paint is most often painting latex over previous oil based paint.
by Saving$
Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3470

Re: Basement remodel started without a permit

It is quite common to:
1. Apply for the permit
2. Start as much of the work as you can up to when you need inspections
The hope is that the permit approval process and the start of the work are concurrent.
The risk the contractor takes is that there is some reason the permit is not approved and the work they start needs to be redone/revised.

In your situation, it sounds like they did 2, but have not yet done 1 (apply for the permit).
In any situation, I would delay the 2nd payment until they have both APPLIED for and RECEIVED the permit.
by Saving$
Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture - It's glued, right?
Replies: 91
Views: 7539

Re: Furniture - It's glued, right?

SmileyFace wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:04 pm
Random Poster wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:39 pm I don’t see why it can’t go in on its side and shimmed/scooted around the corners.
Because the height is nearly the same as the length so turning it on its side changes little
59" vs 66" makes a BIG difference...
by Saving$
Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture - It's glued, right?
Replies: 91
Views: 7539

Re: Furniture - It's glued, right?

Set this thing so the 66" part is from floor to ceiling.
Then you have a 59" x 19" rectangle to get through there. Grab some cardboard and make a 59" x 19" rectangle, put it on the ground and start working it though that corner.
What is the thin rectangle at the far upper right of the drawing? Is that the door to the room? If so, pop up the hinge pins and then you can easily remove the door. That will give you another few inches.
by Saving$
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bank login security question - need a dummy SMS number
Replies: 52
Views: 4875

Re: Porting phone# used for 2FA to Google Voice - will 2FA still work?

I have some accounts for which the 2FA goes to a Google Voice number.
Works fine.
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking
Replies: 166
Views: 20724

Re: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking

OP: Obviously an unexpected development that may require you to revise plans/expectations. Suggest you try looking at this another way. At the ages your kids are, one of the best things for your family may be to have a parent around after school and with a flexible schedule. This investment in your family may buy more than money ever could. Maybe DW can find a totally different type of job that is low stress but comes with benefits (med insurance). One of the parents in a family I know just took a clerical job at a local school district that comes with full medical because the other parent may lose their job and they wanted to ensure ongoing medical. The pay in the job is not really worth it, but with the medical thrown in, it is, and the s...
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank won’t reissue Inherited IRA check to close acct
Replies: 19
Views: 1829

Re: Bank won’t reissue Inherited IRA check to close acct

Ask the bank what they would do if your brother had lost the check. Surely then they would need to reissue it, so they can, they just don't want to. Need to get to the correct person at the bank. However $20k-$30k is, to the bank, a small amount and they probably don't want to bother with it...
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dimmer Switches
Replies: 16
Views: 1732

Re: Dimmer Switches

First thing to try is to replace with the old dimmers with dimmers rated to work with LED's.

If you have any of the paperwork for these LED's it would be helpful to look up (if your paperwork even notes it - many consumer grade fixtures don't) if the LED's are leading edge or trailing edge, and then buying a dimmer to match.

Also be sure the dimmers are rated for the wattage of the fixtures - this used to be an issue on the high end - ie you did not want more wattage on dimmer than it was rated for, but now you also need to be concerned about the low end since some LED's use so few watts.
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....
Replies: 268
Views: 34189

Re: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....

My heart goes out to you. Difficult situation. Agree with those who say he might need to hit rock bottom. The challenge is we don't want rock bottom to be something where they irrevocably harm themselves or others, yet we also can't make things too easy - we won't always be there to catch them and they must learn. No easy answers. Agree with those who posted that maybe you offer to pay for therapy either just for him or couples therapy - this issue is adding all sorts of stress to their marriage, and clearly there is an honesty/trust issue if he did not disclose this info to her. IF (big IF) you believe that with the assistance of his wife and seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, he might be able to make progress, you MIGHT consider a d...
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?
Replies: 67
Views: 8283

Re: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?

Is the reason you 100% know you won't be there in 5 years because you will move to another city, or just another home in this city? - If another city, then either option 1 or option 3 - If the same city, and because you just know you can't stand this particular house (ie for example it has stairs to get to the bedrooms and you know you will need no stairs in 5 years, then my suggestion for option 4 is: Start interviewing local realtors, preferably those who sell (NOT list) many homes in the subdivision. Find one you can work with well, and come to an understanding with them that you are willing to sell off market for the right price. Figure out that price. Your house might be exactly what someone else is looking for and they may be willing ...
by Saving$
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?
Replies: 38
Views: 3713

Re: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?

The conditioned are "in" is called supply air. The other is called return. You have correctly diagnosed that typically when there are temperature comfort issues at least a portion of the problem is insufficient air exchange. You have also correctly diagnosed the potential solutions. Increasing the air exchange may also help with CO2. To confirm increased air exchange can reduce the issue, rig up something temporary to keep the doors partially open far enough to replicate airflow from jumper ducts. So if you were to install a 12" jumper you get about 113 square inches of area, so on a regular 6'8" door, rig something up that has the door open 1.5" - no more no less. Figure out if doing that over many hours resolves t...
by Saving$
Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT has been around for awhile but Turbo Tax puts it in the forefront now?
Replies: 34
Views: 4196

Re: SALT has been around for awhile but Turbo Tax puts it in the forefront now?

TT may be starting to make changes ahead of a possible expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026. The TCJA is what put the limit on SALT deductions at the same time it increased the standard deduction. We don't know what will happen going forward but it is worth keeping it in mind as you look at possible 2026+ scenarios. There are conversations going on to make some tax changes that would affect 2023-2025. SALT cap has been mentioned. We can’t speculate here, but there is a greater than zero chance the cap could be lifted for 2023-2025. I have no interest in speculating. I would however like to understand the current situation , including the state of the SALT cap. Am I correctly understanding that that current $10k SALT cap is set t...
by Saving$
Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ring alarm system questions.
Replies: 27
Views: 2992

Re: Ring alarm system questions.

A few years ago I did a ton of research on this, and updated it about a year ago. In your situation, the Ring retrofit kit sounds like the best course of action. If you go on the Ring website you will find that you can get professional installation for that. The main reason I personally did not go with Ring is that at the time I had to make a decision, they did not sell a true glass break sensor as part of the system, so that was a non-starter for me. They have since come out with one. I also did not like the look of their sensors, but if you can use your existing hardwired sensors, you solve that. My third reason for not going Ring is that I am wary of how much information I allow Amazon (who owns Ring) about the comings and goings of my h...
by Saving$
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Residential Energy Credits--Requirements
Replies: 9
Views: 1236

Re: 2023 Residential Energy Credits--Requirements

I had questions about the energy efficiency credits for new windows and the front door. The sales rep at the first company I dealt with had some knowledge. I wound up looking at the manufacturer's website to try to figure it out but It was complicated so I emailed the company and they told me what qualified. I was reading through the guidelines the other day and this is basically the official recommendation. Yes, but I wonder how that will work with an IRS auditor. "The company told me I qualified." At least the IRS could publish the minimum efficiency requirements for each year--and leave it up to the taxpayer to confirm (and document) that he meets the requirement for the credit by downloading the equipment spec from the manufa...
by Saving$
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing
Replies: 41
Views: 4990

Re: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing

Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Visa Signature’s cash back structure is: 5% restaurants and gas 3% groceries, discount stores, wholesale clubs, utilities, phone and streaming services 1.5% everything else Each category/type had its own $7,000 annual cap. So it’s 5% on the first $7,000 of restaurants, 5% on the first $7,000 of gas, and so on. The card does not have a foreign transaction fee. https://www.redfcu.org/personal/credits-cards/visa-signature/ This is awesome. Unfortunately I don't think I qualify; the list is very geared towards NW Alabama residents. I suppose I could call to ask to join one of the PTA's on the list, but that would probably be weird. Maybe the Friends of the Library for $25? Is there an eligible organization on th...
by Saving$
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with investing for disabled parent
Replies: 5
Views: 748

Re: Help with investing for disabled parent

Hi all, I'm brand new to investing and the forum. Welcome. This is an awesome place to learn. I you post back to reply to the questions, people here will be able to help. You will get straightforward advice with no agenda except to help you - people here are not trying to sell anything. I have a question about my mother in law who is disabled and lives with my husband and I. She is a 63 year old permanent resident who doesn't have any source of income. Based on the phrasing of "permanent resident" do you mean she came from another country? Did she ever work in the US? If so, how long? The reason I'm asking is that most people who have worked in the US for 40 quarters (the equivalent of 10 years) are eligible for social security a...
by Saving$
Tue Jan 09, 2024 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?
Replies: 98
Views: 16082

Re: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?

I would not tell a 10 year old the family's income, but this is your kid, and you know the kid best. HOWEVER, I would do everything in my power to help a 10 year old who is interested how to do taxes. In my experience, THE SINGLE BEST way to understand taxes is to do them BY HAND. The software "interviews" are convenient, but very much obscure the steps and their respective calculations. Thus, I would download blanks of the tax forms, including schedule C, and work through it with him. Ask him which business he plans to open, and make up a set of numbers prior for advertising, insurance, inventory, etc. - whatever is applicable. Have your kid go through filling out the forms, referencing the "numbers" you have previously...
by Saving$
Tue Jan 09, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Customs in Atlanta airport and a few questions
Replies: 11
Views: 1759

Re: Customs in Atlanta airport and a few questions

Often you can check your bags at your initial check in location, all the way through to your final destination, even if you are changing planes. This is even more probable if you are booking your entire flight through Virgin via some sort of code share. The probability increases with Delta being the codeshare airline at check in. This is because Delta itself serves many international markets, so Delta agents are trained in how to check passports for Delta's own passengers who are flying to catch an international connection. When you land in Atlanta, your domestic flight is likely to come into Concourse T,A,B,C,D or E. You will leave your gate, walk down the concourse to the escalator, take the escalator to the lower level, and then either t...
by Saving$
Sun Dec 03, 2023 11:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...
Replies: 36
Views: 3306

Re: Need advice on cleaning fungus and mold from crawl space...

Makes sense. I’ve only seen a very little bit of moisture under the plastic. I (and the $25K guy) didn’t see any evidence of water entering from anywhere. I suppose it is just years of humidity that has caused the mold/fungus on the joists. Me personally, I think mold and fungus fears are over rated. I would find someone to encapsulate the crawlspace really well and put a dehumidifier down there. Once it dehumidifies the air, the mold and fungus will die off on it's own and cease to be a problem. I wouldn't spend money to scrape it off everything or remove the old insulation and reinsulate. The reason is that the dead spores are essentially inert at that point and aren't in your living space where it might agitate asthma. The encapsulation...
by Saving$
Mon Nov 20, 2023 3:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RMD options in year of retirement...
Replies: 6
Views: 1383

Re: RMD options in year of retirement...

ee_guy wrote: Mon Nov 20, 2023 12:41 pm Retiring on Dec 31 (2023) is a tricky date. According to this article, if you work on Jan 1 (2024), there is no RMD for 2023. But if your last day of work is Dec 31, 2023, a RMD is required for 2023.

https://www.kitces.com/blog/still-worki ... ent-owner/
I must have worded something wrong to elicit this reply. The retirement was long before 12/31/23, but was in 2023. Thus they won't be employed on 12/31/23 and thus 2023 RMD's are required. Question is whether they can be split between 2023 & 2024...
by Saving$
Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RMD options in year of retirement...
Replies: 6
Views: 1383

RMD options in year of retirement...

Let's say a person keeps working well after any RMD age, and then retires. Let's use age 80 for this example. - For any personally held IRA's they would have been required to start taking RMDs at the appropriate age. - For many employer 401k, 403b and 401a plans, RMDs are not required if actively working. This person would be required to take RMD's in the year of retirement, as RMDs are required for the calendar year if you are not employed on 12/31. However, in the year of retirement you are also allowed to delay taking RMDs until 4/1 of the following year. Obviously if you delay taking the full RMD past 12/31 in the calendar year of retirement, you will have 2xRMD's in the following calendar year. HOWEVER, for a retiree trying to avoid IR...
by Saving$
Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: We Don't Want to Pay for Phone Landline Anymore, but need to keep the Number
Replies: 50
Views: 6493

Re: We Don't Want to Pay for Phone Landline Anymore, but need to keep the Number

anon_investor wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2023 3:43 pm
yohac wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2023 3:34 pm Absolute cheapest would be Google Voice but you’d have to first port the landline number to a cell carrier, and then port from there to Google Voice.
+1.
+100
by Saving$
Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart Dimmers and other stuff
Replies: 5
Views: 718

Re: Smart Dimmers and other stuff

If you start down the smarthome path, don't make the mistake to not having a specific plan. Also, depending on your setup and size house, and proximity of other wifi signals, don't make the mistake of putting smart devices on your home wifi network. In addition to wifi, there are other wireless protocols, such as zigbee, zwave, thread and soon to be matter. Determine if yours is a pro or anti Apple, Google/Alexa house and make your decision from there. Personally, I bought a Hubitat Elevation, which has NO ongoing subscription fee, and Inovelli brand Z-wave smart dimmers (they now have zigbee; may have bought those if they were available then). The Hubitat has an integration with my security system, so I can use the motion detectors from th...
by Saving$
Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why different LED bulbs behave differently?
Replies: 29
Views: 5443

Re: Why different LED bulbs behave differently?

You probably need a different motion sensor. Bulb color (what you see as orange, yellow, bluish light) is measured in Kelvin. If you want to reproduce an incandescent bulb, look for LED bulbs that are 2700k. The bulb you did not like the color of is probably 4000k or higher. Brightness (what you perceive as a 40, 60 or 100 watt incandescent equivalent) is measured in Lumens. To mimic a traditional 40 watt bulb, you want about 550-600 lumens. Your 60 watt equivalent too bright LED is probably 850-900 lumens. LED bulb manufacturers still indicate brightness based on incandescent wattage equivalents, but there is no standard, so when LED's first came out, many people were disappointed that a bulb advertised as a 75 watt bulb replacement did no...
by Saving$
Tue Nov 07, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9194

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

Second best decision I made was to use a rubber/cork product for flooring. It is slip resistant dry AND wet, it is never as cold as tile, it is easy to clean due to no grout. These rubber / cork products are VERY different than typical sheet vinyl and are not available at your standard big box or even flooring retail outlets. They are typically used in commercial installations. Do you remember what cork/rubber floor product you used for your bathroom? Was your contractor able to install it? Are there any concerns about water getting in between joints/seams? Sorry to reply so late; have not been on here in awhile. I used Expanko, because they had a rolled product that was about 48" wide, which meant fewer seams. Great product. Shocking...
by Saving$
Tue Nov 07, 2023 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
Replies: 43
Views: 5576

Re: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?

I installed it on a new build, because I did not want a cold bathroom floor. Would I do it again? Probably not, but not because I don't like it. I like it ALOT. It heats the floor almost instantly. I used the Schonox heating system https://hpsubfloors.com/portfolio-items/schonox-hps-comfortsafe/ Unlike many of the systems available at the big box stores, this one does not step the power down - it takes 120v direct, which is part of why it heats so quickly. The heated floor was not the only issue I addressed in the build. The house is built very tight (ACH 1.1 for those who are into these things), so there are no significant drafts making the floor cold. The crawlspace is sealed and conditioned crawlspace, so the crawlspace is the same temp ...
by Saving$
Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: co-owning a house with family member
Replies: 13
Views: 2062

Re: co-owning a house with family member

That is a great example. Thanks for giving me more to think about. I was thinking something much simpler. I put 30% down, so I get 30% of the sale price which would be 67.5k in this case. So the family member only gets back 21.5k. This looks unfair if you compare with the mortgage payment of 30k, but I guess this is the result of 8% mortgage rate and only 4% annual equity gain. Another way to look at this is if they had instead bought a 70% cheaper house without my help. I believe they would end up with the same result of 21.5k back on 30k payment. Does this make sense? Another fact to note is that even though I put my 30%, they will be making a significant down payment - close to 30%. I would parse it a little different. You put 30% down,...
by Saving$
Tue Nov 07, 2023 12:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House is cold at night - need suggestions on what to do!
Replies: 110
Views: 11193

Re: House is cold at night - need suggestions on what to do!

I have not read the entire thread, but gathered that you live in California, and that you have had insulation, HVAV and other contractors come in who all want to sell you their own services. You absolutely need to hire a HERS rater. CalCerts and CHEERS are California programs that certify the raters and energy experts. Go on their websites and find the companies near you. Then filter out all the companies who either do HERS ratings + sell (HVAC, insulation, etc), filter out the companies who market to builders about how to pass the California testing, and filter out any companies who have an inspection process overview failure on CalCerts. That will leave you with a probably still substantial list of independent 3rd party raters who are pro...
by Saving$
Sun Sep 17, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

Re: 401a & 403b same as 401k?

toddthebod wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:15 am
It would be easier for you to tell us the one state you live in rather than someone here listing the rules for the 49 states you do not live in.
I posted the state the retiree lives in, since that is what seems relevant to the discussion. Why will it matter where I live?
by Saving$
Sun Sep 17, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9194

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

Many of the above suggestions are great and things I also did. What I do not see mentioned that will contribute more to comfort than ANYTHING else is to be absolutely obsessive at an OCD level about air sealing when things are torn down to the studs. You want your gyp/cement board to be your SECONDARY air seal layer. So do some googling about appropriate air sealing in your climate, and focus on sealing. If you can eliminate the uncontrolled air leakage, which is amplified in a bathroom due to the exhaust fans, you can exponentially increase comfort. The exhaust fan will pull air out of the bathroom, and so that air has to be replaced with other air pulled in. If your space is not air sealed, air will pull from 20 degree exterior at air lea...
by Saving$
Thu Sep 07, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

Re: 401a & 403b same as 401k?

Can you please explain this? I have an interest in the retiree simplifying things, since I'll probably be the one handling this if/when the retiree ever can't do it on their own, and since simpler will be less prone to error and will enable retiree to do on their own longer. However, if there any downside, I'd like to note that so we can discuss the pros and cons. Retiree has pretax accounts as follows: - IRA that was rollover from previous employer 30+ years ago that has been at Vanguard - 401a pending rollover to Vanguard - 403b pending rollover to Vanguard Is there a reason for the 401a and/or 403b to remain separate IRA's at Vanguard or to not be rolled to Vanguard at all? If they are all separate, but all at Vanguard, will Vanguard st...
by Saving$
Thu Sep 07, 2023 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC experts: Is my A/C undersized for my home?
Replies: 45
Views: 3661

Re: HVAC experts: Is my A/C undersized for my home?

I'd suggest getting a full energy audit (including blower test) and a Manual J calculation done. That is the only way to really address this. The problem may not be the size of the unit. It could be anything ranging from a leaky house to a poorly running unit (that is properly sized). Nobody here can tell you what the root of the problem is. Yes, that's my next step. I should be using an independent HVAC specialist that is unrelated to the company that installed my current system? for the audit you might be able to get it done for free. Some utilities provide this service. Ours was done by a business that focuses on insulation, crawlspace encapsulation etc. An HVAC contractor is probably the place to get the Manual J. Some know how to do i...
by Saving$
Tue Sep 05, 2023 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

Re: 401a & 403b same as 401k?

Bump...I've googled this extensively with no answers so hoping some Bogleheads can either provide some links or some info...
by Saving$
Sun Sep 03, 2023 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question about login.gov
Replies: 20
Views: 3714

Re: Question about login.gov

So if I am using the same login.gov credential to log into multiple agencies, wouldn't it be similar to using the same username/password for all my accounts which Bogleheads in general believe is unwise? No. Thanks for answering my questions. It's a single sign on solution. Just make sure you setup 2FA preferably with a hardware key. Thank you - this made me look up "2FA with a Hardware key" which is apparently something I should pursue. However, I have a need to create a login.gov account sooner rather than later. So if I create one now without having such a hardware key, can I later change the login.gov account to using a hardware key? Also, EFAST2 account I have as the administrator of my Solo401k noted a login.gov account wil...
by Saving$
Sun Sep 03, 2023 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

Re: 401a & 403b same as 401k?

How can I figure out which states that applies to? Why don't you just name the state if you are seeking free legal and tax-preparation advice? I'd think that the customer's own accountant or lawyer might have an opinion about whether stronger protection from lawsuits or judgements is actually important for the customer. One value of an IRA rollover can be simplification of paperwork, especially if there are multiple retirement plans. OK sure - just thought a link to an article that explains this would be more useful to a greater audience than info on one state. The retiree lives in Georgia and does not have either an accountant or lawyer. As a relative, 25+ years ago I advised the retiree to contribute to their employers retirement plans, ...
by Saving$
Thu Aug 24, 2023 11:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks
Replies: 48
Views: 6942

Re: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks

In regards to hardware, buying one with a key backup helps if the batteries die, but makes it possible for someone who is adept at bumping locks to still bump and enter. Some locks offer codes, some finger prints, others both, all with & without key. As for the door handle, just install a simple passage set on the door and rely on the deadbolt lock for locking. I’m probably playing with fire, but I actually disconnected the shaft that normally connects the key cylinder to the thing that turns the deadbolt. So basically they physical key is useless (as is bumping or picking). I do have other ways of getting into the house though in the event that the electronic switch fails. Or you could just use an electronic lock that does not have a ...
by Saving$
Thu Aug 24, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

Re: 401a & 403b same as 401k?

ResearchMed wrote: Sun Aug 20, 2023 8:35 pm
Saving$ wrote: Sun Aug 20, 2023 3:16 pm 2. Is there any reason to not combine the two into one IRA?
In some states, 403b ERISA money that is rolled over to an IRA account that is NOT commingled with outside money will have some/all of the ERISA protections. (These include protection from bankruptcy proceedings.)
How can I figure out which states that applies to?

Neither the 401a or 403b are TIAA; they are both Principal, and the funds have high ER's. The retiree is not interested in annuitizing, and I doubt Principal has decent annuities. Appreciate the info.
by Saving$
Sun Aug 20, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: carryon luggage
Replies: 74
Views: 6548

Re: carryon luggage

20 years ago, when I was travelling weekly, I spent $400 on very good luggage with a lifetime warranty. I still have that luggage, but the company who made is long since shuttered. The lifetime warranty was apparently for the life of the company. I've had it repaired 3 or 4 times, but parts are difficult for them to source, it is a pain to repair (drive to repair place and back twice) and each repair is at least $80. Even though I am loath to throw things in the landfill and far prefer to repair, the next time this bag needs repair that I can't do at home, I won't get it repaired. I'll spend the money a repair would cost (or less) and buy the absolute lightest carryon bag I can get from Costco or TJ Max or Marshalls. The older I get the mor...
by Saving$
Sun Aug 20, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks
Replies: 48
Views: 6942

Re: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks

Determine how far you want to take your Smart Home journey... A simple electronic lock will require you to program everything at the lock, and will have limited options, but is low cost. A smart lock that comes with software will be easier to program and have a few more options, but those options will still be limited. It will often work via bluetooth which requires your phone, or via wifi, which can clog your local network. A smart lock that works via zwave or zigbee will connect to a hub such as the Hubitat Elevation or Home Assistant(both of which can be 100% local). They may also be certified to work with Apple Homekit (which can be local), Alexa, or Google Home (neither of which is local). Once you decide on the platform that works for...
by Saving$
Sun Aug 20, 2023 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
Replies: 72
Views: 7436

Re: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system

You don't need or want a new 5 ton system. I'd explain, but it just so happens this was posted today: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/5-tons-is-never-the-right-answer/ I have a 5 ton unit just for my living room. New in 2020. Runs about 8 hours per day in summer. No issue. Do you have a 6,000 - 7,000 sf living room, or a 2,000 sf living room 3 levels high ? If not, you almost surely would have been better served (higher comfort, lower install cost, lower operating cost) in determining why one room has that kind of load, and taking low cost measures to address the load (air sealing usually has a high payback), rather than using a 5 ton for a single room. The run time duration is not much of a measure - my ducted mini splits run 24/7 wit...
by Saving$
Sun Aug 20, 2023 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401a & 403b same as 401k?
Replies: 23
Views: 3677

401a & 403b same as 401k?

For purposes of retiring after RMD age, are the rules for a 401a & a 403b the same as the rules for a 401k? Specifically:

1. If both 401a & 403b are entirely pretax dollars, is there any reason they should not both be rolled over from the ex employers expensive company to a Vanguard IRA?
2. Is there any reason to not combine the two into one IRA?
3. Are both of these subject to full RMD (based on 12/31/22) balance prior to the rollover to an IRA for an owner who retires after RMD age?
4. Is there anything about these that would be different than a 401k for the owner, once the owner retires?

Thanks.
by Saving$
Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Construction Home Owner: 1st year Work Request to fix the house Rejected
Replies: 35
Views: 4204

Re: New Construction Home Owner: 1st year Work Request to fix the house Rejected

I have posted/edited the installation instructions on my first post. All I wanted is to line up the exhaust fan with the hole so that I don't need to worry about that when I replace the same microwave in the future. Thank you for all the responses. I am not alone to feel the builder should correct the problem. If I were you, I would insist upon a code complaint installation. Only lining up the exhaust fan with the hole would not be sufficient for safety and code compliance. And even though you think it is "obvious" that the duct is supposed to vent out rather than recirculate, builders are very adept at giving themselves outs. So in this case if the exterior exhaust is not written anywhere contractual, the builder is simply pivot...
by Saving$
Wed Jul 26, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
Replies: 72
Views: 7436

Re: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate the article on the 5 Ton. it is a question we have discussed a great deal. We ended up going with the Carrier 5 Ton and carefully picked the installer based on a ton of reviews and walking through the project with each Rep that bid. Out of 5 bids there were two that stood out and had a great deal of knowledge. The 5 Ton issues really does depend on the house. We are 3900 Sq Ft but have very high ceilings and two walls of windows for views. There is also tax credits we found on the more efficient 5 Ton. The difference in cost becomes very small. Even if you really need 5 tons (which, your 3900 sf indicates your comfort would be increased by doing simple air sealing and getting your load down to 4 ...
by Saving$
Wed Jul 26, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
Replies: 72
Views: 7436

Re: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system

He makes a couple of good points, but his expertise is suspect because he refers to square footage and never mentions ceiling height. It's the volume of air that needs to be conditioned that matters, and measuring the floor cannot tell you that. There is a vast difference between houses with 8-foot ceilings, 9-foot ceilings, 10-foot, and even 14-foot. Then we have cathedral ceilings and walls-of-windows to factor in. He hits the high points, but it's not useful design info. LOL. Allison Bailes is one of the foremost experts on residential HVAC in the US. I can assure you: - If you hire Energy Vanguard to do a manual J calculation for your system, they absolutely take the volume into account. - He has articles about volume, about ceiling he...
by Saving$
Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Construction Home Owner: 1st year Work Request to fix the house Rejected
Replies: 35
Views: 4204

Re: New Construction Home Owner: 1st year Work Request to fix the house Rejected

Obviously, it is a workmanship problem. The microwave vent is set to vent outside, which now the airflow misses the target, the hole of the side of the wall. **The builder decided they will not fix it. An email was sent sent to the builder early morning and it was response late afternoon. Here is the message: "the microwave does not act like a regular kitchen hood. It acts as a circulation type of vent to alleviate smoke while cooking. As for the grease you are speaking of, there are no items on the unit that would make grease and drop. Sometimes while cooking some foods, it can splatter up. This can be cleaned by removing the microwave filters under the unit (they just slide) and throwing them into the dishwasher. This also allows yo...
by Saving$
Wed Jul 26, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to correct error on previous year Form 5500-EZ EOY asset amount??
Replies: 4
Views: 474

Re: How to correct error on previous year Form 5500-EZ EOY asset amount??

Bump...or if any member has a suggestion on how I might determine the correct response...?
I have to file the 2022 form by 7/31/23, so getting nervous about this.
Thanks.
by Saving$
Tue Jul 25, 2023 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system
Replies: 72
Views: 7436

Re: Need New HVAC 5 Ton system

You don't need or want a new 5 ton system.

I'd explain, but it just so happens this was posted today:
https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/5-t ... ht-answer/