Search found 23014 matches

by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires for 16 year old car
Replies: 125
Views: 9227

Re: Tires for 16 year old car

Earlier this year, I put four new Costco tires on my 2003 Corolla with about 132,000 miles. I hope/plan that these tires will last as long as the car does. We only put about 3,000 miles or so on this car. Just about all miles are local. We normally take our 2008 Camry on any trips.
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires for 16 year old car
Replies: 125
Views: 9227

Re: Tires for 16 year old car

ddbtoth wrote: Sat May 28, 2022 7:53 pm Never cheap out on rubber.
I agree 100 %
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor 403b options - Roth IRA/taxable only?
Replies: 26
Views: 1742

Re: Poor 403b options - Roth IRA/taxable only?

bend_and_bloom wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 9:14 am Hello,

I am starting a new job that offers terrible 403b options. Should I just contribute to my Roth IRA and taxable accounts? I have 30 years until retirement and I'm in the 22% tax bracket.

Also, should I roll over my old 403b and Roth 403b to a tIRA/Roth IRA? My old 403b has great funds and low expense ratios. I would like to have my retirement accounts consolidated but I also don't want to lose money in the rollover process.

Thanks!
You will not work there forever. So, participate in the plan to the maximum you can. Then.after you leave, roll over to an IRA or 401k at next employer.
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Veteran to be cremated
Replies: 10
Views: 1509

Veteran to be cremated

I am a veteran, having served a single Navy enlistment over 50 ago. We live in Virginia, very near Arlington National Cemetery. I do not qualify for burial there, but my (and my wife’s) cremated remains can be placed in the columbarium there. So that is our plan.

We also will want to do this in a way that meets the approval of the Catholic Church.

To accomplish these objectives, what should we do now? Note that my wife and I are in our early an mid 70’s.
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attempting to Label a Canvas Bag
Replies: 20
Views: 1820

Re: Attempting to Label a Canvas Bag

MrWasabi65 wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 4:18 pm I've packed some seasonal and ski clothing and blankets, etc. in heavy duty canvas bags I bought on Amazon. They will go into a storage unit. I am not sure if the bags are made from natural or synthetic fibers, but I am betting synthetic.

Nevertheless, I made some labels for the bags using gaffer's tape - but the tape does not stick. I think duct tape might stick , but how do you write on that?

Any suggestions for ways to label these bags? Thank you.

PS - because someone will tell me to get rid of these, I need to mention that these are what's left over after a deep dive into tossing and donating - so each piece is a must keep for various reasons.
Can you staple separate labels to the bag(s)??
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Value of 2007 Toyota Camry?
Replies: 11
Views: 1963

Re: Value of 2007 Toyota Camry?

Yes, in the last few months, used car values have surged upwards.

We do not need a car now, but I am surprised that the online value or similar sales of 2008 Camrys like ours have actually gone up to more than what we paid in August 2021!!
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you choose a family doctor?
Replies: 75
Views: 6300

Re: How do you choose a family doctor?

How do you choose a family doctor? Note this is not asking for medical advice, but for how you choose medical services. My company changes providers so often, I am often in the position to have to choose a new family doctor. I know I can look on yelp or ask colleagues, but I think that these sources reflect the doctors' bedside manner and not how good they are at diagnosing and prescribing. In fact, on yelp, I chose a physician based on their ratings, credentials, and affiliations only to be passed off to a physician's assistant. I've gone to the office for a year, and have not been seen by the doctor. Are there other forums that rate doctors on their skill? While I am very happy with my Kaiser primary care physician, it is always possible...
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you choose a family doctor?
Replies: 75
Views: 6300

Re: How do you choose a family doctor?

How do you choose a family doctor? Note this is not asking for medical advice, but for how you choose medical services. My company changes providers so often, I am often in the position to have to choose a new family doctor. I know I can look on yelp or ask colleagues, but I think that these sources reflect the doctors' bedside manner and not how good they are at diagnosing and prescribing. In fact, on yelp, I chose a physician based on their ratings, credentials, and affiliations only to be passed off to a physician's assistant. I've gone to the office for a year, and have not been seen by the doctor. Are there other forums that rate doctors on their skill? I have never done this, but I have heard that some such physicians offer a free “g...
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you choose a family doctor?
Replies: 75
Views: 6300

Re: How do you choose a family doctor?

How do you choose a family doctor? Note this is not asking for medical advice, but for how you choose medical services. My company changes providers so often, I am often in the position to have to choose a new family doctor. I know I can look on yelp or ask colleagues, but I think that these sources reflect the doctors' bedside manner and not how good they are at diagnosing and prescribing. In fact, on yelp, I chose a physician based on their ratings, credentials, and affiliations only to be passed off to a physician's assistant. I've gone to the office for a year, and have not been seen by the doctor. Are there other forums that rate doctors on their skill? [ quote fixed by admin LadyGeek] We have Kaiser Medicare Advantage plus (suburban ...
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you choose a family doctor?
Replies: 75
Views: 6300

Re: How do you choose a family doctor?

JPH wrote: Sun May 29, 2022 11:30 am Talk to some of the nurses at your local hospital. They know many of the doctors you want to avoid.
Excellent suggestion
by dm200
Mon May 30, 2022 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Easiest way to donate anonymously
Replies: 66
Views: 7095

Re: Easiest way to donate anonymously

Hoosier CPA wrote: Tue May 03, 2022 4:29 pm Fairly sure a Fidelity donor advised fund allows you to donate anonymously. We use one for all our giving.

I share your concern - there are groups we have given relatively small one-time gifts to over the years, and I sometimes feel like the follow-up mailings must consume over time all the money we've sent to them.
Yes!!

I do this with my Fidelity DAF.

A great way to donate anonymously.

The possible downside is the minimum amount to open the account.

We do this for all of our charitable donations. Some we do it anonymously and others we want to be acknowledged.
by dm200
Mon May 23, 2022 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much spend on car? Boglehead Standard
Replies: 169
Views: 14727

Re: How much spend on car? Boglehead Standard

Now in retirement, my wife and I choose to still have two cars. We only drive about 3,000 miles per year on each of our two vehicles.

We buy and keep driving older used cars. Our current cars are a 2003 Toyota Corolla (purchased 2 years ago) and a 2008 Toyota Camry (purchased 1 year ago)

We hope that these two cars will last us for many years.
by dm200
Sun May 22, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are there any credit unions I should join now to prepare for a mortgage in six months?
Replies: 13
Views: 1402

Re: Are there any credit unions I should join now to prepare for a mortgage in six months?

Are you, or can you become, eligible to join either Navy Federal credit union or Penfed?

These two credit unions offer very good mortgage loans.
by dm200
Wed May 04, 2022 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225852

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Lots and lots of Robins
by dm200
Tue Apr 12, 2022 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do I keep ducks out of my pool?
Replies: 36
Views: 4300

Re: How do I keep ducks out of my pool?

HomerJ wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 10:54 pm Got two ducks who think my pool is their new home. So much duck poo in there now, I'm going to have to drain and refill the pool I think.

But first I need to keep them from ever coming back.

Anyone else ever deal with this problem?
Roast duck would make a very nice Easter Sunday dinner for the family.
by dm200
Mon Apr 11, 2022 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance
Replies: 13
Views: 1233

Re: Life Insurance

BB81 wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:24 pm Hi there.

I am a 40yo and expecting my first child.

I am the higher earner in the household and would like to take out a 20year term policy to set up my family if something were to happen.

I am very healthy individual and was thinking anywhere from 500k - 1mil in coverage.

I have most of my insurance policies through the same company and was quoted $82/mo for $750k in coverage.

Does this seem reasonable? Is there anything I should look for specifically when selecting a policy?

Thank you!
I would go with 25 year term.
by dm200
Mon Apr 11, 2022 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Request to review Car insurance coverage, are they enough or should be increased?
Replies: 7
Views: 756

Re: Request to review Car insurance coverage, are they enough or should be increased?

Dear Bogleheads, I have recently got a car and got the insurance coverage as suggested by the agent. Please review if they are enough coverage or need to be increased. Family details: Me, SAHM(wife) and 2 kids(both under 10 years) The insurance is from Geico. For You and Others Bodily Injury Liability $100,000/$300,000 Property Damage Liability $50,000 Personal Injury Protection/Personal Injury Protection Primary OPTION A $15,000/$250 Ded. Uninsured Motorist & Underinsured Motorist $100,000/$300,000 Uninsured Motorist & Underinsured Motorist PD $50,000/$500 Ded. Tort Limited Tort Vehicle Coverages: Comprehensive (Excluding Collision) $500 Ded. Collision $500 Ded. Emergency Road Service I Accept this coverage Rental Reimbursement $5...
by dm200
Mon Apr 11, 2022 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need an auto mechanic
Replies: 21
Views: 1967

Re: Need an auto mechanic

lazydavid wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:46 am Costco does not do vehicle servicing. They sell tires, and batteries. That's it.

If you've made some connections in your new area, I'd ask them if they have a preferred mechanic. Otherwise, start looking at reviews for local independent shops. I've found two great mechanics that way. Given that the Astro is the same basic platform as the S-10 pickup and Blazer, parts and expertise in working on it should not be difficult to find at all.
In fact Costco doesn’t even install batteries that you buy there.
by dm200
Fri Apr 08, 2022 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need Help Choosing Medigap Provider
Replies: 11
Views: 1405

Re: Need Help Choosing Medigap Provider

Hi. My wife is going on Medicare soon and we need to pick a Medigap provider. We met with Ship counselor a while back and decided on Plan G. I have Medigap listings for my state that shows the company name and monthly premium. That's helpful but there's more that I'm looking for such as: 1. Which Policy Type - Attained Age vs Issue Age vs No Age. These are the 3 types listed in my state. My wife suggested United Health Care because of AARP endorsement. United Health Care is listed under "No Age" policies and is almost double the rate of the lowest price "Attained Age" policy. 2. Quality of the company. Are they easy to get in touch with, will they be around in a few years. 3. Rates as my wife ages. 4. Coverage if moving...
by dm200
Wed Mar 30, 2022 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting for life - a bad idea?
Replies: 735
Views: 87746

Re: Renting for life - a bad idea?

One thought: Suppose you continue renting and, as is certain, your rent continues to go up over the decades. Almost all rentals do, and will, require a certain income to qualify. Maybe down the road you cannot qualify for renting the home you want.

Once you buy, though, and have a mortgage loan, you will not need to qualify - as long as you have the same mortgage loan.
by dm200
Wed Mar 30, 2022 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Crazy used car market
Replies: 2
Views: 690

Crazy used car market

I am very happy that we don’t need to buy a car now!

It’s amazing to me that the “value” of our 2008 Camry (purchased in August 2021) is well over what we paid.

The same for our 2003 Corolla (purchased in very early 2000).

😊😊
by dm200
Wed Mar 30, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair car or replace?
Replies: 53
Views: 3828

Re: Repair car or replace?

sailaway wrote: Tue Mar 29, 2022 9:03 pm You listed regular maintenance, not repairs. Run the codes in the check engine light to decide if everything is worth it, but yeah, maintenance is generally better than replacing a car.
I agree . All vehicles need tires at some point (either age or miles).
by dm200
Wed Mar 23, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put money needed in 4 years
Replies: 30
Views: 3092

Re: Where to put money needed in 4 years

sksbog wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 7:31 pm 1. Ibonds
2. CDs
3. Savings account
Yes. I would lean towards 4 year CDs.
by dm200
Sat Feb 26, 2022 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would it be ok to have the State minimum on Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have health insurance?
Replies: 65
Views: 5837

Re: Would it be ok to have the State minimum on Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have health insurance?

No!

Passengers in your car could receive badly needed care and compensation from union

There are probably many items union will pay that are not part of your health insurance.
by dm200
Tue Feb 22, 2022 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large Auto Insurance Increases Coming
Replies: 152
Views: 25844

Re: Large Auto Insurance Increases Coming

3feetpete wrote: Mon Feb 21, 2022 5:26 pm I just got my GEICO invoice and it had a 20% increase. I am interested to hear what others are experiencing. I think most insurance companies will be increasing their fees a lot. Due to:

-Used car prices are way up making payouts higher
-The cost to repair cars has gone up.
-The lack of repair parts has mean it takes more time to get a repair done and this means rentals will be longer
-Rental rates have gone way up
-Medical costs have gone up
Our auto insurance renewal just came in the mail for mid March and was just about the same premium as six months ago. We have State Farm.
by dm200
Sat Feb 19, 2022 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Split Rent for Co-habitating Couple
Replies: 112
Views: 9641

Re: How to Split Rent for Co-habitating Couple

Watty wrote: Fri Feb 18, 2022 8:47 am
MarkerFM wrote: Fri Feb 18, 2022 8:35 am One of my children is planning to move in with a SO in a VHCOL city.
I would stay out of this and not touch this with a ten foot pole even if they asked for my advice.

If they are old enough to move in together they are old enough to figure this out on their own.

At most I would suggest that they come up with some sort of written agreement about whatever they decide so that there are no misunderstandings.
Yes! Let them work it out together.
by dm200
Wed Feb 16, 2022 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip
Replies: 33
Views: 3169

Re: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

Hello Bogleheads, I want to take my wife and 1 year old down the pacific coast highway in September. Looking for any helpful tips for those who have been in the area recently or done this trip in the past. Tips on best way to do this? Where you would spend an extra night? Surf spots to stop? Great places to stay? Food to eat? Happiness to be had? I would to start north fly into San Francisco and end in LA. We are going to San Diego earlier in the year so SOCAL is covered. I have been to San Francisco in the past but want to really take in everything worth while on the coast line. About a 8-10 day trip. Thank You :sharebeer I will share the best spots of Colorado as a native here if you help me in Cali! We did this in the 80s, but drove nor...
by dm200
Tue Feb 08, 2022 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Executor of an estate
Replies: 86
Views: 10453

Re: Executor of an estate

tom1944 wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:14 am What is your opinion of how best to manage the estate?

Should I liquidate the stocks to protect against any downturn
The estate will not be settled until sometime later this year. The stocks make up 50% of the financial accounts and about 30% of the entire estate
M
Since the date of death there is about a $20,000 capital gain
There are 4 beneficiaries with over 80% of assets left to one party
I would liquidate everything right away. If you don’t, you are subject to severe criticism if the value drops, but will get no credit if the value goes up.
by dm200
Sun Feb 06, 2022 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to tip?
Replies: 138
Views: 10859

How much to tip?

1. Regular meal at a restaurant or diner.

2. Man’s regular haircut at Hair Cuttery. The cost before tip was $24.
by dm200
Sun Jan 30, 2022 1:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security Discrepancy
Replies: 10
Views: 1959

Re: Social Security Discrepancy

single2019 wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:22 pm Employer contributions are also capped. Discrepancy occurs when you have multiple employers during a year. It does not adversely impact your benefits.
Ok. Thanks for the clarification.
by dm200
Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security Discrepancy
Replies: 10
Views: 1959

Re: Social Security Discrepancy

MillennialFinance19 wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 9:46 pm Hello:

Looking over my SS account over the past few years, I’ve noticed that there’s an oddity. My statement says:

Amount paid by you: $55,100
Amount paid by your employers: $56,053

I have no idea why it’s different or if it even matters. Will this impact me at 62 when I try to claim benefits? Any help would be appreciated.
I think individual SS taxes are capped at a certain income level, but the employer must continue to pay the SS taxes.
by dm200
Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car suggestions
Replies: 53
Views: 5788

Re: New Car suggestions

Check out a new Toyota Avalon. The model is being discontinued and I wonder if that means there are bargains available??
by dm200
Sat Jan 29, 2022 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car suggestions
Replies: 53
Views: 5788

Re: New Car suggestions

ralphboy wrote: Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:29 pm I often see old Toyota Camry's on the road. I don't think you can go wrong with them.
I will second that!
by dm200
Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change interval - low annual mileage car
Replies: 54
Views: 5864

Oil change interval - low annual mileage car

The owners manuals on our older Toyota Camry and Corolla specify oil and filter changes every six months.

Each car is driven about 3,000 miles per year. Any other or different ideas or opinions?
by dm200
Thu Jan 27, 2022 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uncovered Labwork
Replies: 12
Views: 2771

Re: Uncovered Labwork

My guess is that this is some kind of coding error. Perhaps the wrong code/procedure numbers were used.
by dm200
Thu Jan 27, 2022 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planning to buy a house 5-10 years
Replies: 37
Views: 3405

Re: Planning to buy a house 5-10 years

insaner wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:31 pm Hello everyone,

23M - VHCOL Los Angeles. I am setting money away to buy a home in the distant future. I am planning to have about $150-200k down payment in the next 5-10 years. Damn, at this rate I might need closer to $250-300k HAHA. Where should I hold my money? I maxed my i-bonds ($10K) and I have most of my money in VT. I am hearing people say that VT isn't the optimal choice to hold money for 5 years because the market can take a big downturn. I do agree, but I also do not want to hold all my money in a HYSA.

What are your thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks in advanced.
Why wait??

Buy now (or soon) and enjoy having a home for longer. So what if you need to get a large mortgage to do so!!
by dm200
Thu Jan 27, 2022 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is is still valuable to donate eyeglasses?
Replies: 8
Views: 1380

Re: Is is still valuable to donate eyeglasses?

backpacker61 wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:58 pm I believe the Lions Club still collects and distributes them. I believe you can get them to them by taking them to any Walmart Vision center.
Yes. I believe this is still true.

A friend who is an ophthalmologist got a whole big set of such glasses from the lions club for her to take to Haiti where she fitted many needy folks there with vision problems, easily corrected with the proper glasses.
by dm200
Tue Jan 25, 2022 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9096

Re: When are tires too old??

In this area, all weather tires year round work very well.
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9096

Re: When are tires too old??

Some sources suggest six years from date of manufacture, while some others suggest ten years. The month and year of manufacture is on the sidewall of the tires. My wife and I only put about 3,000 miles per year on each of our older cars (2003 Corolla and 2008 Camry) So even after ten years, there will be lots of tread remaining. What do others think about when tires are too old and should be replaced? Ten years is an okay benchmark especially with those two cars. Neither has low profile high performance tires (I'm assuming) nor is it likely they've ever seen high stress use (like an autocross or on a track but again I'm assuming) so they likely still have good tread. Inspect them every season for tread depth and be sure to inspect the oute...
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance drama - enforcing the will
Replies: 66
Views: 10866

Re: Inheritance drama - enforcing the will

My father-in-law passed away a couple of months ago. My wife is the youngest of 4 siblings. The older 3 are from a different marriage. Prior to this event, there was little contact between her and the others. Not on speaking terms. All of the siblings are in different states. Wife has a copy of will, which states all investment accounts/money from house sale to be split evenly 4 ways. All of the belongings were left to my wife Executor of the estate is one of the siblings. When FIL passed, a discussion resulted in argument between my wife and the executor sibling. Since then, radio silence. How do we make sure we follow FIL wishes as the will outlines? If the amount at stake is sufficiently high, I would engage an attorney qualified and ex...
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9096

Re: When are tires too old??

arcticpineapplecorp. wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:52 pm Do you have to get the car inspected yearly? If so, I'd say when the tires no longer pass inspection.

Otherwise don't many tires have a 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first? What does the manufacturer say?
Annual safety inspection, but that only looks at tread remaining.

These tires were on the car when I bought it, so I don’t have any warranty information.
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CD Choice
Replies: 15
Views: 1760

Re: CD Choice

sport wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:39 pm I am planning on buying a 2-year brokered CD at Vanguard to fill a rung in my CD ladder. The two best choices are:
1. 1.00% payable monthly, callable each month beginning May 2022.
2. 0.90% payable semiannually.

Which would you recommend I choose?
I would choose 2 because 1 can be called.
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Tips For Uninsured Dental Care
Replies: 33
Views: 3261

Re: Any Tips For Uninsured Dental Care

To do a proper apples to apples comparison, use the standard dental procedure codes.
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When are tires too old??
Replies: 91
Views: 9096

When are tires too old??

Some sources suggest six years from date of manufacture, while some others suggest ten years. The month and year of manufacture is on the sidewall of the tires. My wife and I only put about 3,000 miles per year on each of our older cars (2003 Corolla and 2008 Camry)

So even after ten years, there will be lots of tread remaining. What do others think about when tires are too old and should be replaced?
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Viewing Giant Sequoia Trees
Replies: 37
Views: 3342

Re: Viewing Giant Sequoia Trees

Highly recommend Sequoia/King's Canyon National Parks for Sequoia viewing. There are tons of groves and the park can help you figure out which ones suit your needs the best, from fully ADA paths to remote backpacking. Plan early, lodging in the parks is difficult to get, either staying in the lodges ($$$) or park campgrounds. I highly recommend AGAINST renting an RV unless you are experienced with them. The roads are winding and mountainous and it will be a nightmare for you and anyone behind you. Still lots of snow up high in May, June would be a better bet. Something like a 5 hour drive from LA, you can also fly in closer (Visalia?). Yosemite is great, but there are more Sequoias in Sequoia and it gets (a little) less traffic. Watch a su...
by dm200
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Tips For Uninsured Dental Care
Replies: 33
Views: 3261

Re: Any Tips For Uninsured Dental Care

Cosmic Pony 8 wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 1:08 pm My wife and I recently retired, so are not covered by a dental plan. We have been calling around and the prices for an exam and cleaning vary widely and seem really expensive. Anyone found an affordable solution or do we just stay with our current dentist. ($150.00 for a cleaning.)
I am also retired and on Kaiser’s Medicare Advantage plan. I also have the advantage plus option that provides discount dental work from participating dentists.
by dm200
Sun Jan 23, 2022 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do I enter the workforce after 16 years?
Replies: 42
Views: 6269

Re: How do I enter the workforce after 16 years?

Hello BH I decided to quit my job in 2004 within information systems division of a megacorp to be a full time mother. Both of my children are in college now. DH wants to either take a sabbatical or wants to do freelancing as he is burnt out from high stress job. We have no debt and enough financial cushion to pay our bills for 18 months. The only concern is healthcare insurance. I have a masters in computer science and information systems but my skills are dated. What are my options for going back to workforce or to get a job with benefits like health insurance? What education/skills can I build relatively quickly? What kind of jobs would consider me given the large gap in employment? TIA Perhaps look for some kind of sales support positio...
by dm200
Sun Jan 23, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Joint account and inheritance
Replies: 17
Views: 1951

Re: Joint account and inheritance

aristotelian wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 12:04 pm You have it backwards, TOD beneficiaries supersede any will. I'm not sure whether joint ownership supersedes TOD. Would be a good idea to consult an attorney in any case.
This is my understanding as well. With so much at risk seek advice from a competent attorney
by dm200
Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice re Charitable Contributions as Part of Estate Plan
Replies: 6
Views: 759

Re: Advice re Charitable Contributions as Part of Estate Plan

I'm working with an attorney on estate planning, and I've realized that there is an order-of-death scenario in my family in which our estate would end up going to a charity. Unlikely, but not impossible. So, I need to give the attorney the name of a charity to plug into our documents. My wife and I are dedicated to fighting global warming and biodiversity, and it would be great to find a good charity that was effective (or trying hard) in one of those areas. Any suggestions on an organization, or how to research this, would be appreciated. Small Law Survivor A DAF can be very helpful in giving you a lot of flexibility. We have a fidelity DAF. More specific to your situation- My late father was in a similar situation and intended to leave a...
by dm200
Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice re Charitable Contributions as Part of Estate Plan
Replies: 6
Views: 759

Re: Advice re Charitable Contributions as Part of Estate Plan

Small Law Survivor wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:17 am I'm working with an attorney on estate planning, and I've realized that there is an order-of-death scenario in my family in which our estate would end up going to a charity. Unlikely, but not impossible. So, I need to give the attorney the name of a charity to plug into our documents.

My wife and I are dedicated to fighting global warming and biodiversity, and it would be great to find a good charity that was effective (or trying hard) in one of those areas.

Any suggestions on an organization, or how to research this, would be appreciated.

Small Law Survivor