Search found 8354 matches

by inbox788
Wed Feb 02, 2022 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would I be crazy for selling my paid off car?
Replies: 57
Views: 4696

Re: Would I be crazy for selling my paid off car?

We live in crazy economic times. The solution to not having enough cash seems to be buy a new car. Problems and solutions should be evaluated on their own merits without unnecessary intermingling with other problems. If you were simply selling a car, paid off or not, with the current inflated used car prices, it makes perfect sense. Do you have an unused or spare car to sell or can you get by with one less car? Outright buying a new car or additional car at these high prices now makes little sense for many people, but if you have the cash or the need, by all means. Is the current environment a good time to trade up a vehicle? Now that all depends on the vehicles involved and the deals you're able to make, but for most people, the inflated u...
by inbox788
Tue Feb 01, 2022 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TLH question - CA long term muni fund
Replies: 8
Views: 889

Re: TLH question - CA long term muni fund

I don't think there's a good TLH pair with CA long term muni and although I have some in taxable, I'm wondering if there isn't a better, more tax efficient move (more bonds in tax deferred, iBonds, etc.). I've held it for years, so still showing a small gain for me. I consider it part of my emergency funds and don't have any plan to actually use it ever.

At Vanguard, the closest options I can think of would be the CA intermediate term vs long term tax exempt, and depending on how high your tax brackets, could be better or worse after tax.
by inbox788
Tue Feb 01, 2022 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?
Replies: 30
Views: 2931

Re: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?

Are you saying you currently have a Google Fi phone and phone number and also a Google Voice number? Which app do you use to make and receive calls with your Google Voice number? I have google fiber to my house :thumbsup Thru google fiber, I have a VOIP landline, and it is anchored to the email at gmail. I purchased a cell phone from google fi, and it has google fi service. It is anchored to the same gmail account. I think the idea of using MySudo is a winner. It gives me a headache to try to figure out anything else. Or a burner phone. Even simpler. Oh, I see what you mean by Google Fiber VOIP now, so that's a 3rd different Google phone number service. Unfortunately I don't have either Fiber or Fi to test out with Google Voice, but they m...
by inbox788
Mon Jan 31, 2022 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?
Replies: 30
Views: 2931

Re: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?

Note, I hadn't noticed this recently but looks like they brought over some of the custom call forwarding features from Legacy. These have strange effects and overide some defaults in unpredictable ways. I've tracked down mysterious calls to poorly programmed custom settings.

OP, using text verification seems to try to take over the SMS and voicemail functions. If you use phone verification, it seems to only forward voice calls, so if that's what you need, you can probably use a 2nd google voice number (from a different account).
by inbox788
Mon Jan 31, 2022 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?
Replies: 30
Views: 2931

Re: 2nd google voice number to my google voip?

I'm trying to set up a 2nd number to my google (VOIP) voice number - for volunteer purposes, so that the number may be published for the duration that the volunteer work lasts, then dispose of the number. I already have a google VOIP landline, plus a google fi number, both based off one gmail account. The support person that I spoke with tells me there is no way to have a second number for the account, nor could a new gmail account forward to either of these numbers, since the new gmail account would need to be associated with yet another number. any other ideas, preferably using google voice? The support person did also mention that there are apps by other vendors that might achieve this purpose as well - suggestions? Are you saying you c...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval - low annual mileage car
Replies: 54
Views: 5860

Re: Oil change interval - low annual mileage car

afatcat wrote: Sun Jan 30, 2022 6:46 am I've been changing the oil on my Subaru at the dealer once a year since I only drive around 3500 mi/year. They use the Subaru synthetic. Now I see the manual specifies a 6 month interval or 6k mi whichever comes first. If I had an engine problem, say with the valve lifters, could they really deny the warranty because I didn't change synthetic oil after 6 months with less than 2k miles on it?
You would be one of the last people to reach 2k miles and the dealership service stations would be full, so you wouldn't be able to get an appointment.
by inbox788
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ETF vs. Mutual Fund
Replies: 16
Views: 3812

Re: ETF vs. Mutual Fund

I did some TLH Monday with ETFs. Turns out if I had tried with mutual funds, it wouldn't have worked . For this purpose, using mutual funds is simpler, since you can simply exchange one fund for another and it's all done at closing prices all at once . On Monday, when the market was down 3%, trading ETFs, I was worried about 2 things. I had to lookup the effect of settling time (2 day to settle trades), made me concerned I might not be able to immediately turn around and buy something (short answer is you're allowed one round trip; check details if you need more). The other was the volatility that if I sold, I had to buy back immediately so I didn't miss out on a market runup. Intraday on large market indices isn't all that volatile, but I...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9083

Re: When are tires too old??

I'm in SoCal and I seldom see Summer tires being sold. Only time I've come across them is from those seeking performance and track use. Are Summer tires commonly used for everyday driving? Besides cold and snow, I thought Summer tires weren't that good in wet rainy conditions either, which are not uncommon in most areas. I kind of took it for granted that most folks were using all seasons when winter wasn't a factor. Agree that summer tires aren't a "most people" thing. No one is putting summer tires on their Camcordtima, or any other transportation appliance for that matter. But that doesn't mean they're only for cars that see the track. My car has 12 years on (several sets of) summer tires, in the midwest, and has had zero minu...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

Inflation is factored in. The question isn't whether it's factored in. A lot of things are factored in. It's how it's factored in and whether how it's factored in aligns with one's particular situation. Is pension factored in? Well that depends on whether you have a full pension, partial pension or non at all. Using x as gap, pension income is factored in, but is COLA? If 25x is simply the inverse of 4% SWR, then 30 year retirement assumption is factored in, but that single broad figure barely is useful for the 65 year old average retiree without considering their particular circumstances and much less applicable to the 55 or 45 year old early retiree with even more adjustments. Anyway, x is a variable, but turns out 25 is also a variable,...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

willthrill81 wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 9:01 pmBeing underemployed is much more believable.
We're all underemployed and underpaid.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/goldman- ... 19113.html
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

backpacker61 wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:56 pmI think if someone wanted to use 25x all expenses, it would be most accurate to calculate a "Net Present Value" for their Social Security benefit and any expected pension income, then add that to their other retirement savings. Then see if that is 25x of their expected retirement expenses.
How much inflation or growth is factored in the 25x, and if you have other ideas (stagflation, i.e. double digit inflation & low growth), should the adjustment be made in the 25 or the x?
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing Joint Accounts
Replies: 43
Views: 3713

Re: Managing Joint Accounts

In the same vein, how do you work from just one, single account? That seems like a lot of headache trying to keep track of who paid what bill, etc. I'm thinking two joint accounts may be the easiest option? After several years we are finally trying to consolidate everything and simplify. It all depends on what you're trying to achieve, and what you're trying to change from default. Do you want to join things together or separate things? Just because an account is joint doesn't mean both people have to actively use it. For many years, we kept 2 joint accounts, but individually used one each, but over time, because of bills and such, converged on one account. Nowadays, number of transactions has gone down a lot, so even less reason to keep t...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval - low annual mileage car
Replies: 54
Views: 5860

Re: Oil change interval - low annual mileage car

Can someone explain why a Honda Accord owner's manual would say every year minimum, while a Toyota Camry manual would say every 6 months minimum? Honda wasn't sued over sludge. I'm guessing the Toyota lawyers made them do it. From 1997 to 2005, the oil in Toyota’s 3.0L engine was connected to sludge problems for vehicle owners. Oil sludge occurs when engine oil thickens. This causes friction and heat to build up, which can eventually damage the engine. Vehicles involved with oil sludge issues from 1997 to 2005 include the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Celica, Highlander, Solara, and Sienna. https://www.mechanicsdirect.com/reasons-behind-oil-sludge-buildup-in-the-engine-of-your-toyota/ https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/toyota-sludge-engines...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9083

Re: When are tires too old??

Like lots of tire issues raised, does depend where/how you drive. Some say *absolutely do not* drive on summer tires in the winter. That's probably more of a safety issue overall than using winter/snow tires in the summer, but you can do limited driving on chosen days of no snow on the road surface and relatively mild temperature where I live (plenty of opportunities in a typical inner NY area winter). As to keep a car exercised when you can choose where/when to drive. Relying on summer tires for necessary every day driving all the time in an area as cold/snowy as here, or more so, perhaps even unaware of the issue, yeah bad idea. Perhaps roughly similar with winter tires in summer, although again latter practice probably has less downside...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ETF vs. Mutual Fund
Replies: 16
Views: 3812

Re: ETF vs. Mutual Fund

Yes, it is outdated thinking. Retail investments are shifting from mutual funds towards ETFs more and more with each passing year. I used to hold only mutual funds, but my newer positions are all ETFs. This month I've been using tax loss harvesting to shift even more of my holdings from mutual funds to ETFs. I did some TLH Monday with ETFs. Turns out if I had tried with mutual funds, it wouldn't have worked. For this purpose, using mutual funds is simpler, since you can simply exchange one fund for another and it's all done at closing prices all at once. On Monday, when the market was down 3%, trading ETFs, I was worried about 2 things. I had to lookup the effect of settling time (2 day to settle trades), made me concerned I might not be a...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

KlangFool wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:27 pmHow does that makes any sense? At very high savings rate, the person does not need 25X salary to retire.

This is simple math.

If someone saves 50% of the gross salary, the annual expense would be around 30% of the gross income. At 25 times of salary, the person would be at 83 times the annual expense. The person would be able to retire way before that.

KlangFool
Wouldn't work for that person, but 99% of BH aren't saving at that ultra high rate, and nearly no one in the rest of the population (not without another pandemic). https://www.statista.com/statistics/246 ... -by-month/
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

Instead of the expense side, you can also consider the income side with the assumption it's some indication of your retirement expenditure. You'll see 25x salary thrown around. Presumably, the more income you have during your working years, the more expenditures you will have in retirement, which isn't everyone. Your taxes and savings will go down, but inflation and health expenses will likely go up, and over retirement, will tend to cancel out. inbox788, << You'll see 25x salary thrown around. >> I disagreed. And, it can be easily proven to be false. If someone live paycheck to paycheck, then, the person does not save for retirement. Hence, it is pointless to talk about savings. So, where does the 25X salary comes from? If someone LBYM, t...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9083

Re: When are tires too old??

On spares I just further note that on some models they are stowed outside the trunk, even in a few cases subject to sunlight (though you can cover them). The full size spare on my 2005 Lexus GX470 is stowed underneath. The finish on the *wheel* of the spare deteriorated remarkably more than the other four from all the salt/chemicals thrown up on it and lack of direct washing, tendency to eventual failure of rear air suspension on GX's (at around 12 yrs on this car, replaced by steel springs) is probably partly from that also. I replaced the spare tire w/ the other 4 last time (~9 yrs) and will this time (perhaps this year at 8, since I'll probably have the car till the current tires would be 10, but unlikely till new ones would be even 6)....
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?
Replies: 110
Views: 13806

Re: What exactly is the “x” in 25x?

Instead of the expense side, you can also consider the income side with the assumption it's some indication of your retirement expenditure. You'll see 25x salary thrown around. Presumably, the more income you have during your working years, the more expenditures you will have in retirement, which isn't everyone. Your taxes and savings will go down, but inflation and health expenses will likely go up, and over retirement, will tend to cancel out.
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a VOIP like Ooma that can text from a handset?
Replies: 12
Views: 888

Re: Is there a VOIP like Ooma that can text from a handset?

Not from a landline, but from a Ooma like "handset" that communicates via dsl. No cell phone either. How do you intend to enter text in a "handset"? Iinput method? T9 vs multi-tap? You could use an old Android or Apple phone or even an iPod Touch as a handset, but you still need a phone number to communicate with the public at large. How much of the communications can be achieved via messaging apps? The vast majority of "text" today isn't SMS text. https://support.apple.com/guide/ipod-touch/send-and-receive-messages-iph82fb73ba3/ios (you could just use with Google Voice or other apps) Simpler solution is a cell phone system that's got everything you need. Get a wireless dock for charging and simulating a cordl...
by inbox788
Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a VOIP like Ooma that can text from a handset?
Replies: 12
Views: 888

Re: Is there a VOIP like Ooma that can text from a handset?

yohac wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:09 am You don't mean sending a text from the landline 12 key handset, right? There are multiple services with an SMS feature that is accessed from the service's website or smartphone app. I'd probably just use Google Voice.
+1 Google Voice

For less sophisticated users, an iPhone with low cost prepaid service may be the simplest way to achieve what you desire.

OP, are you looking for a device or a service or system? How does the user currently text?
by inbox788
Fri Jan 28, 2022 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ETF vs. Mutual Fund
Replies: 16
Views: 3812

Re: ETF vs. Mutual Fund

You chose an interesting week to ask the question. If you don't trade them, it won't make that much of a difference. This week was probably one of the few weeks it might had made up to a 3% difference. Nearly all other times will be far, far less to the point of being irrelevant.
by inbox788
Fri Jan 28, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CP80 - IRS Notice "Credit on account: $7372.00"
Replies: 53
Views: 5339

Re: CP80 - IRS Notice "Credit on account: $7372.00"

It really doesn't matter. My certified mail receipt is guaranteed evidence of timely filing. I'm not sure if there is an equivalent for e-filing. I got dinged for late filing in part because my extension was rejected. I had emails from tax software and could have tried arguing it, but there were other complicating factors and it wasn't worth fighting it. For 1040 filings, my experience is it takes 1-3 days to get an acceptance notice, so if you're not getting a confirmation by then, you might want to follow up. But I've had those notices get lost too. I much prefer to e-file. The IRS repeatedly rejected my attempts to e-file last year because it claimed the 2019 AGI I gave didn't match their records (it did). So I filed on paper, included ...
by inbox788
Fri Jan 28, 2022 12:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do with 30lb. propane tank?
Replies: 23
Views: 4396

Re: What to do with 30lb. propane tank?

If you have a propane dealer nearby, take it in and see what they say. The leak might be as little as a cracked washer that's about as hard to replace as a hose washer. If they have to replace the regulator, it might not be worth the cost. Also, just because a tank is 12 years old doesn't mean it can't be used. If it's in good functioning condition, you may be able to get it re-certified for a period of time, but probably not the full 12 years that a new one gets. I don't recall the specific local regulation and it might depend on where you are. A new one goes for $70-100 at Homedepot, so consider that when you value the used one and how much trouble to go thru to salvage some value or green earth benefit. You could list it on craigslist. h...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Assessing Whole Life Policies
Replies: 16
Views: 1490

Re: Assessing Whole Life Policies

To the degree it's helpful, some background: my parents are divorced; both parents approx. 70 yrs, in relatively good health, and retired; both parents with comfortable low-mid seven figure portfolio size. The possibility of cashing these in would not be to provide income, but to simplify her finances and further consolidate into one account. If the policies were to be cashed in, mom would simply shift funds into her .6% AUM-advised portfolio at Megabank Wealth Management. Are all the policies paid up? Were these 1, 7 or 10 pay policies? What's the tax rate? Who's the beneficiary? Some simple math. Cash value is 723k and Taxable Income 534k, so 198k basis. Assuming you deposited $200k in a savings account and it grew to $725k in 50 years, ...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Sequoia.. or Honda Odyssey
Replies: 43
Views: 5042

Re: 2023 Sequoia.. or Honda Odyssey

TarHeel2002 wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:44 pmThe new 2023 Sequoia was unveiled yesterday. It looks pretty amazing.
I just heard the expression Russian Doll Car Design, and looks like it's been around a while, so manufacturers are trying to get away from it, but not in this case. Don't get me wrong, I like the RAV4. Sequoia/Highlander/RAV4/Cross. Only the Yaris HB hasn't gotten the treatment yet. Maybe next year. Enjoy your new car! Hope you don't have to wait long for delivery.
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV Upgrade and 4k
Replies: 69
Views: 6556

Re: TV Upgrade and 4k

About a decade ago(?) I bought my previous TV that came with 3d glasses and a BluRay of a Rose Bowl game shot in 3d. I was like "hot damn, this is great, I can't wait until I can see all football games like this", which clearly never came because I was in a minority. I paid twice as much for it as I did my TCL. 4k is more inevitable, but the networks and cable companies have to upgrade, which they are loathe to do. I tried these out too, but like EV1, it wasn't time. There are those that will say that GM or the NFL suppressed the technology, in this case for fear the ticket sales would plummet. But more likely, the network bandwidth and cost for all the recording and broadcast upgrades was probably not quite ready. This time arou...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV Upgrade and 4k
Replies: 69
Views: 6556

Re: TV Upgrade and 4k

LG OLED from Costco. You won't be disappointed. Forget the budget? Even the cheapest I see is above the budget and downgrade in size (55"). There is one within the budget, but it's an even bigger downgrade in size (48"). OP, can you expand your budget 2-3X? https://www.costco.com/lg-55%22-class---a1-series---4k-uhd-oled-tv---allstate-3-year-protection-plan-bundle-included-for-5-years-of-total-coverage*.product.100761670.html https://www.costco.com/lg-48%22-class---a1-series---4k-uhd-oled-tv---allstate-3-year-protection-plan-bundle-included-for-5-years-of-total-coverage*.product.100761660.html https://www.costco.com/lg-77%22-class---c1-series---4k-uhd-oled-tv---allstate-3-year-protection-plan-bundle-included-for-5-years-of-total-c...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Stop Retirement Contributions? A behavioral finance dilemma
Replies: 33
Views: 5504

Re: Should I Stop Retirement Contributions? A behavioral finance dilemma

Thanks for the reply. I almost agree that it doesn't matter much where I save given the time horizon (9 years until I reach 60). But if I were to take 50K of my 60K+ 401k contribution and instead put that 50K into taxable savings each year, in 4 years I would have an additional $200k I could use at age 55 if for example I want to acquire the other condo unit (which would be time-sensitive), etc. I agree it's crazy to pass up the tax deduction (that's been my behavioral finance belief for years), but when I run my projection I don't see that a crazy move like that would throw off my goal of $3M+ in retirement savings. Furthermore, I don't see the 401k balance declining much over 30 years with the withdrawl rates (3-5%), inflation (3%) and r...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007583

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

I just tried to made 2 payments with Fidelity Cash Management account and only one went thru. I used the Fidelity routing number: 101205681 and Account number: 17 digit. One success, other failed. There's also 5, 9 and 13 digit numbers (some start with a letter) format, and I realize I should have tried the 13 digit number on the checks. I think that would have gotten through. Next time. https://www.fidelity.com/accounts-trade/determine-routing-and-account-number If you log into Fidelity and go to each of your accounts (in a PC browser not app), near the top you should see "Routing number". Click on that and it will give you the routing number and the correct account number to use for direct deposit, etc. Easier than trying to go...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV Upgrade and 4k
Replies: 69
Views: 6556

Re: TV Upgrade and 4k

Keeping my 2011, 50" Panasonic plasma 1080p HDTV until ATSC 3.0 tuners are standard in all new TVs since I plan to drop cable altogether. I'd bet HD radio becomes standard before ATSC 3.0, but your TV will be the first to fail. Don't worry though, all of these most likely years to a decade away. Still if you want a 75"+ TV today, it will cost less than your current set. BTW, have you partially dropped some cable options, like premium channels or other services like DVR? (your use of "altogether") And what's stopping you? I thought about dropping cable years ago, but kept it around until last year and barely miss it. I had to change a few ways I get content, but overall, enjoy the portability (not tied down to the cable ...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free or cheap .pdf software?
Replies: 20
Views: 2892

Re: Free or cheap .pdf software?

I don't edit .pdf, but MS Word and Google Docs can save PDF formats and do a little editing. See if it's enough for your needs.

https://www.apowersoft.com/edit-pdf-in- ... drive.html
by inbox788
Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007583

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

Thanks for the info - trying to avoid the papercheck route and trying to decide whether I should get rid of my bank account where I can zelle so easily for a few people. You can use Venmo/Paypal with a Fidelity account to pay people if you want. Though I specifically keep a non Fidelity account just for Venmo/Paypal/Zelle to keep it seperate. I just tried to made 2 payments with Fidelity Cash Management account and only one went thru. I used the Fidelity routing number: 101205681 and Account number: 17 digit. One success, other failed. There's also 5, 9 and 13 digit numbers (some start with a letter) format, and I realize I should have tried the 13 digit number on the checks. I think that would have gotten through. Next time. https://www.f...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Accidental wash sale
Replies: 11
Views: 1344

Re: Accidental wash sale

what is your cost basis accounting method? are these covered shares? if so, how is the broker reporting it?
by inbox788
Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9083

Re: When are tires too old??

michaelingp wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 4:09 pm Any side wall cracks replace them for sure. Personally, I've read a lot of different numbers, but 10 years is definitely on the high side. I had an RV that we only used a few weeks a year. I replaced the tires with practically all of their tread at about 8 years. $900 (ouch!).
Not cheap for the use, but that's less than $10/month. OP will probably get more use and cost less.

I'd inspect the tire and if there are signs of damage, I'd replace immediately. If the tires appear good, but are just old, I'd look to replace them soon, but can wait for the next sale. Presidents Day?
by inbox788
Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?
Replies: 62
Views: 7525

Re: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?

Mostly during the extended period. PCM failed twice, leaving my wife stranded on the side of the road in need of a tow both times. I think each of those incidents would have been about $2700 all-in, but was covered. Valve cover gaskets or head gaskets (no longer remember which) leaked and needed to be replaced, which also required replacing the belts, tensioner, and idler. A couple of ignition coils--I replaced the other 4 out of warranty along with all 6 sparkplugs when one of the rears failed later on. Trans cooler leak. Couple other things here and there. Humorously enough, the entire reason we bought the extended warranty was because at the time Lexus was having major problems with water intrusion into the HID headlamp assemblies, and ...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 25, 2022 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?
Replies: 62
Views: 7525

Re: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?

lazydavid wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:36 amWe mitigated this somewhat by purchasing an extended warranty. The one we had on the Lexus saved us close to $10k.
Yikes! What was that costly on a Lexus? When did it occur (was it during regular or extended period)?

As far as the Q5, there are a number of 10+ year old used Q5 on Autotrader, so it's not like they all fall apart after 3 or 5 years. Still, I'm more inclined to buy new and get rid of it before costly problems start or leasing one for 3 years and seeing what new electric options have materialized when it's time to return.
by inbox788
Mon Jan 24, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?
Replies: 125
Views: 33540

Re: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?

I just pay Google Domains $12 per year for my .com domain, forward each .com email address I use to a Gmail account, and set up each Gmail account to send email as a .com email address by default. No Reply-To or other service needed and it works fine for my needs. Are you able to send and receive from emails@youraddress.com? Or do they come from your@gmail.com address? Do you loginto @youraddress.com or @gmail.com address? I'm trying to remove the @gmail.com address from daily use and only for setup, and this seems to be achievable with a yahoo.com email, except for the login. It's probably worth transferring the domain to Google Domains if they make it simpler and works better. I pay, too, for the reasons livesoft lists as well as to have...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 23, 2022 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?
Replies: 125
Views: 33540

Re: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?

The feature deprecation is pretty annoying. It would be better if I could assign different license levels per user. The lock-in of consumer Google experiences (Photos, YouTube, etc.) and Play purchases by the business account is not comforting for the future. If I get time I'll be looking at how to transition to a provider with less of a track record for arbitrary product cancellations. G Apps has lasted a relatively long life. Have you visited the Google Graveyard lately? https://killedbygoogle.com/ While it was nice having it for free for the past decade, at this point we as a family are so entrenched with our current Workspace accounts that the best option for us is to become paid customers. The Starter plan ($6/mo) still comes out chea...
by inbox788
Sun Jan 23, 2022 2:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?
Replies: 125
Views: 33540

Re: Does anybody else out there still pay for an email address?

"If you have the G Suite legacy free edition, you need to upgrade to a paid Google Workspace subscription to keep your services. The G Suite legacy free edition will no longer be available starting July 1, 2022." https://support.google.com/a/answer/60217 It sure was nice while it lasted. So what are folks who only use one or a few email addresses doing? Switching to Google Workspace? Or are there better and cheaper alternatives? I'm looking into just email forwarding options vs 1 or 3 mailboxes at namecheap (Renews at $14.88 and $38.88/year after promo period). https://www.namecheap.com/hosting/email/ iCloud+ might be an option. Custom Email Domain United States4 (USD) 50GB: $0.99 200GB: $2.99 2TB: $9.99 https://support.apple.com...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I hate my car. When will car prices and inventory normalize?
Replies: 168
Views: 21687

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

This is why I don't think that there will be a quick resolution to this problem even if there is a growing backlog of assembled vehicles waiting for chips. The manufacturers are going to have to trickle those existing cars into the market, or sell them as used if they sit for years. They aren't going to suddenly flood the market all at once. Manufacturers aren't sitting on sellable cars when they're getting full value on the right now. They're not deciding between trickle and flood, but forced into trickle mode because of constraints (parts, employees, etc.). The dealers are the ones watching and playing games trying to hold the high prices. They've got room in their showrooms and the pipeline is empty, so they'd rather wait if they can, b...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: From brand new to 10 years old - how to maximize vehicle resale value?
Replies: 41
Views: 2500

Re: From brand new to 10 years old - how to maximize vehicle resale value?

We deal with this almost monthly....we take in a car and detail it, clean it up, serivce it to specs and generally speaking the owners get top dollars for it...the average person cannot hold a candle to what a real pro detailer can do...they have certain skills...a certain cult kinda thing...hell the guy works for me and he wont even tell me what he does most of time. Service as by the owners manual NOT the dealership ideas. Take your car to a shop where the serivce will be logged into car fax or the like. Use a name brand oil product and stick with it...brand is not a huge issue but for gearheads they love to see Mobil or Castrol...take care of all the little things and you will be amazed how it ends up... We have a lof of clients that ge...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy a new car now?
Replies: 38
Views: 4820

Re: Should I buy a new car now?

Yes 8m is a world number. US is no longer the world's largest new car market, China is. From memory China about 18m cars pa, USA about 14m? The problem was that chip making capacity was switched to consumer electronics manufacturers who responded to surging demand in 2020 (Playstations and X Boxes have been selling for 2x list price, I believe). The car makers have traditionally squeezed their supply chains (remember its the Tier One suppliers who are buying a lot of the chips, rather than the OEMs themselves) and rely on Just-in-Time ordering. Except this time the system could not instantly respond. I get just in time, but there are contracts in place for providing chips for the 18m + 14m + rest of world annual production. They're not foo...
by inbox788
Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to gift college education funds to children of a deceased parent.
Replies: 34
Views: 2679

Re: How to gift college education funds to children of a deceased parent.

So long story but one of my employees passed away and before he passed he was really worried about how his kids would be able to finish college..so I told him relax, I got this...and I will do that..my question is this...If I just gave the money to the kids I think that screws up their financial aid deals? Both are brilliant kids and will graduate in a year or two...so...since the univeristy is pretty close to us why cant I just go in an pay their balances each semester...thats basically what their dad did...is it that simple? What am I missing...There is no Mom in this deal due to a divorce and lots of other issues that frankly are not my deal...and I dont want to get into that mess anyway...I just want to do what I told my guy I would do...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for college help
Replies: 21
Views: 2514

Re: Paying for college help

I was originally thinking of using a Roth account for savings (I don’t think we will make more in retirement) as opposed to the State of Oregon 529 Plan for a portion of the tuition and the rest out of pocket. Back when I setup the Roth account, the 529 plan allowed for a tax deduction up to $4,865 for joint filers. They have since changed to a $300 tax credit which I don’t believe is the same benefit as before the change. I was planning to transfer a portion out of the Roth savings and place into the 529 plan and then make up the rest out of pocket. I no longer follow that plan since the state is no longer giving the deduction. Depending on your income, it might be worth capturing the $300 credit. (If $3000 gets you 10% return for what re...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Uber issue - how to handle?
Replies: 41
Views: 3569

Re: Uber issue - how to handle?

Getting UBER Cash for a refund is a scam. I had a problem with UBER Eats, and the customer service gave me a UBER Cash credit, but I couldn't spend it. When I placed my next order, the UBER Cash balance was drained and then the app complained I underpaid on my credit card by the amount of the UBER Cash credit that was spent. Tried escalating but they just had no clue, didn't fix it and I just gave up. I would avoid UBER, they are just a terrible company. Never had issues with Lyft nor Grubhub nor Doordash. Only reason I used Uber Eats was my employer gifted us instead of holiday parties, but using on my own a few times I ran into this scam of a practice. No reason to continue using Uber IMO. I don't know about interfering with market force...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 18, 2022 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Uber issue - how to handle?
Replies: 41
Views: 3569

Re: Uber issue - how to handle?

$20 isn't a whole lot of money to me but I get upset by the whole principle of it. When I find myself saying "it's not about the money, it's the principle," that's a good sign that it's a waste of time to fight. If you're fighting for principle, you might as well make it a class action. What state did the transaction take place? What is your home address state? So far the driver and Uber HQ are both CA, so does involvement in Dallas somehow nullify CA laws? These consumer laws are geared towards products purchased at retailers, but some or similar laws may apply for services and cross-border or online transactions. https://www.oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/refunds https://www.termsfeed.com/blog/return-refund-laws-usa/#California I...
by inbox788
Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy a new car now?
Replies: 38
Views: 4820

Re: Should I buy a new car now?

I am not sure what the news is re chip shortages. Estimates are about 8m cars were not built in 2021 that would have been had it not been for disruption due to Covid & chip shortages. New chip production facilities can take 3 years plus to site & commission due to the very long lead times on specialized manufacturing equipment. American car orders have surged - consumers have record high savings & that triggers a surge in orders for durable goods (housing, too). The effect is more muted in other countries. My guess is it is 2023 before we can say the shortage is definitely over. Is that 8m number US or world? And what happened to the chips that were going into those cars? Weren't they planned for and ordered 3 years ago? https:...
by inbox788
Mon Jan 17, 2022 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy a new car now?
Replies: 38
Views: 4820

Re: Should I buy a new car now?

noriskfinance wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 3:52 pm7. RX350 is rumored to be coming out with a new version for 2023. Would want the new version if rumors are true.
It's not news that it's a bad time to buy a car right now. What's unknown is how long before things get better. The last 2 cycles for the RX were 6 years (04-09, 10-15) and the current one is already 7, so I believe the rumors. If you buy now, you'll suffer 3 big depreciation steps. New car, return to normal market and new model, so really poor timing.

It's best to wait about 6-12 months (or 18 months if they delay the new model another year -- unlikely). By then, you'll probably pay more for the newer model, but hopefully the parts shortage and supply crunch should be resolved.
by inbox788
Mon Jan 17, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency Fund - How much, where to place it, why use it?
Replies: 24
Views: 6032

Re: Emergency Fund - How much, where to place it, why use it?

Those Roth IRAs seem to come up a lot, and I hadn’t appreciated their flexibility till just recently. But since I am very conservatively investing the emergency funds, it doesn’t seem like the Roth’s benefit of tax free growth will mean much to us. On the other hand, what are the disadvantages of placing the emergency fund into a Roth? None, right? So why not do it? No one advocates adding stocks to an emergency fund at any point? Just to help it not get whittled away by inflation? Or theoretically should my short term bond fund eventually help out in that regard? Roth is a great place for some emergency funds, especially if you never need to tap into them. The idea is to invest aggressively in Roth and swap the conservative investment els...