Bogleheads.org

homebuyer6426 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 1:41 pm I like these ideas for saving money - here is another one.

Have you tried loose-leaf black tea? It can be purchased at around $15 per pound online at the low end. That's about a year's supply for a heavy tea drinker. You just need a stainless steel strainer to make it. Teabags use the finest "shake" of tea that can only be used once, but with lose leaf tea it's possible to make 3 or more strong infusions from the same tea leaves.

You may be able to increase the quality of the tea while also saving money, by switching to loose-leaf.

You can purchase loose black tea much cheaper at local Indian Grocery store. I believe cost is roughly $10 for 2 pound.

bismarck23 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 12:02 pm I have a large one-time tax bill coming due in April.e normal underwriting process, and see what I get. I don't mind lowering limits on other cards, but I'd rather not do that if it won't make a difference.

I had similar incident in last October (had filed extension).
Earlier, I used to pre-pay BOFA during tax season. It still used to take couple of days for available credit to reset.
In October, I called customer service. They said it will be soft pull!. Also, they asked me how much do I need it raised to? I gave number that was double than my existing credit line and got approved!.
It worked really well for making the tax payment.

chinchin wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:49 pm

NYGiantsFan wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:53 am Our phones are getting old and T-Mobile is not entertaining any request for promotion to upgrade the phone.

Thanks

Did you check https://www.t-mobile.com/offers ?

This is for new customers. They don't treat well existing customers. Due to that, I am trying to go out and come back. Thanks

aristotelian wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:10 pm Get an unlocked phone, then you can use Mint for domestic $15/month. Get local tourist SIM cards wherever you travel. $10 or $20 is usually enough GB for a couple weeks.

That will not work as we want our US numbers to be reachable for several reasons (work, OTP etc) while we travel outside the US.

You have to be off T-mobile for 90 days to be considered a new customer. Another thing to take into account is your current plan. If you're on the older, less expensive plan, you'll not be able to get it back. Thanks for the info about 90 days. We are in older less expensive plan with 5 unused lines on the top of our regular lines. T-Mobile kept offering us free lines and we kept it. We will lose those lines when we switch over and cost of our regular lines will be in fact cheaper with new T-Mobile plans. How many lines do you currently use, how many minutes/text/data does each line use, and how much is your current phone bill? Makes sense they are not willing to give you a deal on a new phone based on what you shared. I have a feeling if ...

DiMAn0684 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:19 pm You have to be off T-mobile for 90 days to be considered a new customer. Another thing to take into account is your current plan. If you're on the older, less expensive plan, you'll not be able to get it back.

Thanks for the info about 90 days. We are in older less expensive plan with 5 unused lines on the top of our regular lines. T-Mobile kept offering us free lines and we kept it. We will lose those lines when we switch over and cost of our regular lines will be in fact cheaper with new T-Mobile plans.

Jags4186 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:00 pm Here is an alternative option:

Go with an MVNO that offers international coverage like Mint Mobile. They charge the same $0.25/minute that T-Mobile charges for international roaming voice calls. Then you can just buy an international eSIM via a variety of apps (Nomad, Airalo) for your international travel needs. Use the plan savings to purchase your phones outright.

Thanks for the details. I am considering MVNO route. I will double check with T-Mobile to see how long do I need to be out in order to qualify for new customer discount.

We have been loyal T-Mobile customer for 10+ years. Our phones are getting old and T-Mobile is not entertaining any request for promotion to upgrade the phone.
We prefer to stay with T-Mobile due to frequent International travel.
I am thinking of switching out from T-Mobile for a month or two before coming back to them as new customer.
Any idea on how long do we need to be off from T-Mobile Network to be eligible for new account from T-Mobile?
Also, any recommendation on which provider should we switch to (beside normal Verzion and AT&T)?

Thanks

Ranunculus wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:39 pm It's great that you came here for information because the penalty for filing the required form late is 25% of the inheritance, with little hope of appeal.

Here is the required form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3520.pdf

Here is an article on the harsh consequences of late filing of the form: https://www.forbes.com/sites/taxnotes/2 ... 4e61676fa6

And here is a recent thread on the topic: viewtopic.php?t=392849

Thanks for the pointer. Focus of that topic seems gift instead of inheritance. I am trying to get understanding on FATCA/FBAR etc with regards to inheritance.

I received inheritance from family member. Inheritance came this year (2023).
What are the steps needed to file FATCA as well as other relevant forms? I will appreciate direction.

I don't have any foreign account/assets at present except this inheritance.
Thank you

Any ideas to improve the investment plan for paying for his college? Are there any ways to save on taxes? Paying after taxes is a significant burden. I am puzzled about my old impression that NOBODY pays the full fee at IVY. Am I the only one paying to subsidize others? It is late to improve investment plan at this stage. Most of investment should be in cash (cash-like) at this moment as first bill of 40k will come due in July (even though semester starts in Sept). Most of students pay full at IVY. Admission is competitive and schools don't have any motivation to offer financial aid/scholarship to anyone when admission rate is < 10% . You are not counting inflation in the cost. Current 80k cost will be closure to 90-95k by the senior year....

Is there any benefit to the alarm-in-a-box (ring, simplisafe, etc.) versus a professionally installed, hardwired system? Just went through this exercise after there was burglary at our home during day when no one was home. I was travelling when burglary happened and family members decided to go with Simplisafe (wise decision). I went through installation/upgrade process. Lesson learned -You will need extra window and motion sensors. Go with system which offers highest of numbers of sensors. Adding each sensor separately is slightly costly. -Simplisafe camera is decent not great (Review next point). Biggest benefit is that it is integrated with security system. It is battery powered and will require charging at some point. Right now, we are...

Youtube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams. You can share with your family members if you want. It allows unlimited recordings of the show. That's the most important feature for me. I able to skip ads when watching recordings. It has all NFL games except Thursday night. That one is on Prime. It has local channels (big 4 ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox)., It gives free preview channels few times a year (Right now HBO is free this week) How would simultaneous streams work if one of the devices is in another location (state)? Would they see channels from the subscribers area? It allows 3 streams with each device getting stream based upon its location. We tested it when our son was in college in different time zone. He used to get local channel to that ti...

jmw wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 2:09 pm You lose some liquidity and your utilization on your credit goes up which may cost you way more than the profit from this arbitrage.

This is very important. As long as you don't have any plan for taking another loan/credit card, you should be fine.
For example, after not using credit line for long time and using 30% recently, score went down by 80 points in a single month. I assume it will start to recover once the line is paid over time.

During free preview, can you record something and watch it after preview ends?

I haven't tried this. I will try and confirm.

Youtube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams. You can share with your family members if you want.
It allows unlimited recordings of the show. That's the most important feature for me. I able to skip ads when watching recordings.
It has all NFL games except Thursday night. That one is on Prime.
It has local channels (big 4 ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox).,
It gives free preview channels few times a year (Right now HBO is free this week)

Our son has myopia (power) since he was child. It gradually increased to about -10 when he started college.
He is 23 right now. He went for eye check up after an year and myopia has increased little bit more to - 12/-13 now. I had discussion with doctors earlier when they indicated that once he stops growing, possibly myopia may not increase.
Does anyone have any experience in this scenario? I will appreciate suggestions on what to do here.
Also has anyone gone through lasik surgery in this type of situation?
Thanks

He should consider Hoboken, Newport (JC), Exchange Place (JC) beside UWS. Almost all high rise residents are there in people in 20s and early 30s. Almost everyone commutes to city from there. Commute from there will be roughly 10 mins to downtown - much shorter than UWS. Rent may be slightly lower. Also, high rise are quite new there. The thing about New Jersey is that everyone is obsessed with "how close it is to New York." And that it's a bit cheaper. If you want to live in NYC, live in the City -- upscale parts of Brooklyn being included in that definition. New Jersey has none of the personality and charm of the New York neighborhoods. It's probably gotten better since I lived in Jersey City, but I hated it there. It was just ...

He should consider Hoboken, Newport (JC), Exchange Place (JC) beside UWS. Almost all high rise residents are there in people in 20s and early 30s. Almost everyone commutes to city from there. Commute from there will be roughly 10 mins to downtown - much shorter than UWS. Rent may be slightly lower. Also, high rise are quite new there. Will he need to work longer hours (except Friday/Saturday)? If yes, you may want to look into safety aspect. Rents are up across NYC since March. Family member told me that he sees line of people on Weekend who wants to rent apartment on the street many times! Have you considered Chelsea/Hells Kitchen? Rent may slightly higher than UWC but it has more younger crowd. Chelsea will couple of minutes train ride to...

Can he just create xoom.com or remitly.com account and link bank account to them? Xoom is Paypal and will be easier to set up.
Once it is set up, he can transfer the money out. There may be limit on $ he can transfer every 3 or 6 months. It will avoid travel altogether.

enad wrote: ↑Sat Oct 22, 2022 8:39 am

NYGiantsFan wrote: ↑Fri Oct 21, 2022 8:53 am

tibbitts wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:44 am Is there even any damage to the screen? I can't see any damage to anything in the photo, but it's not close enough to tell. Is it possible the window was opened from the inside and that entry occurred somewhere else?

Yes. Screen (on ground) was cut along the border on 2 sides (top and left).

Is it possible to have a motion sensing light with a real or faux camera pointed at the intruder as they are attempting to gain entry? Even motion sensing lights on the property (anywhere an intruder might walk along the perimeter of the house)?

Incident happened around noon while family went out for the lunch with friends.

tibbitts wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 9:44 am Is there even any damage to the screen? I can't see any damage to anything in the photo, but it's not close enough to tell. Is it possible the window was opened from the inside and that entry occurred somewhere else?

Yes. Screen (on ground) was cut along the border on 2 sides (top and left).

no credit freezes, 800+ credit rating , Worked for Federal and county Gov't for part of working career, Security clearance done for Federal employment. I think its a reason to drag us us in for upsell I think you're taking this too personal. If not the credit bureaus, they probably use some other data broker (LexisNexis or similar) for online verification, which may have incomplete or outdated information. Frankly, I'm glad that they are thorough. This also makes it harder for identity thiefs to open accounts in your name. You are right about non-credit bureau. Checking/Saving bank account identity verification normally goes through Lexis-Nexis or similar instead of typical 3 standard credit bureaus. Also, your IP address may be providing ...

Also consider removing any “concealment ” near the windows of your home. I’m talking shrubs, trees, fencing,etc. https://i.postimg.cc/QtHgBJ1c/IMG-20221010-WA0000.jpg No concealment. Burglary happened during day around noon. to OP: consider pasting this great picture link into your lst post, use the pencil icon, so it's not buried in the long thread of posts. thanks. Low "bougainvillea shrubs"???? (nasty thorns!). . popular in Hawaii, all colors, very pretty, zero maintenance. Install inside additional locking devices on the window. Perimeter property fence, electric top wire (for pets) optional. .caution signs per code for this. Driveway security automatic gate. Exterior solar webcams, on each corner of the home, or more. (optio...

sc9182 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:15 pm File a claim if theft is large enough and simply move on. If they didn't get in sneakily, they could have got-in by breaking the window or two (Andersen or not).

If the window is leaking before, or afterwards - call Andersen) -- and chances are, they may still deny - due it fact, its been compromised ..

I agree with your views here. My feeling is that they don't want to take any responsibility here which I can understand.
I was just trying to see what can be done to prevent it again for the safety reason.

ResearchMed wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:23 pm

NYGiantsFan wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 3:21 pm I reached out to Andersen service department today and they indicated that there is nothing to prevent window to be opened from outside!

How is this even a thing!?



RM

I had reported it to Andersen online and they reached out and provided service department phone number 888 888 7020. They kept me on the hold for good 15 minutes while researching issue internally. Finally, they said that there is nothing they can do.

windaar wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 5:53 pm

NYGiantsFan wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 3:21 pmthere is nothing to prevent window to be opened from outside!

Please give more details. I can't figure out how this can be possible.

This window was opened from outside. I assume it was prybar.

PoppyA wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 5:29 pm Also consider removing any “concealment ” near the windows of your home. I’m talking shrubs, trees, fencing,etc.

No concealment. Burglary happened during day around noon.

Onlineid3089 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 18, 2022 4:27 pm How does the window get opened from outside if it is locked inside? Meaning what about that particular window allows that? Did they take something apart or stick a pry bar in and rip it open or can they somehow undo the latch and run the crank from outside?

I am assuming pry bar. I am trying to see what can be done to prevent from happening again.

We have installed Andersen Bay Window (Casement 400 series) in Kitchen.
Last week, there was burglary in our home where burglar was able to open the window from outside even though it was locked from inside.
I reached out to Andersen service department today and they indicated that there is nothing to prevent window to be opened from outside!

I am trying to see if there is anything that can be done here (we are already putting sensors on that windows) to prevent this from happening.
Thank you.


[Topic moved here from Personal Finance - mkc]

Edit, Adding image

WSC wrote: ↑Fri Oct 07, 2022 9:44 am T
I spoke with an accountant friend who feels that my tax filing will very likely be rejected electronically if I continue to claim DS as dependent. I initially thought I'll simply remove him as a dependent.

This will be case. You can do print and mail return.
Starting next year, IRS will send you separate PIN code each year that you need to submit when you file return electronically.

I had selected expedited option for renewal.
Passport Sent: 9/12
Received by Philadelphia Office: 9/15 (USPS didn't notify it even though we were tracking it).
Check Cleared 9/16
Shipped from Office 9/21
Arrived 9/23 (USPS)

Sandtrap wrote: ↑Fri Jul 29, 2022 12:22 pm Contractors typically go with what's easily available, easily sold, and simple to install.
(if a contractor hasn't heard of something means nothing).

Get the best for "your" home.

1. Panasonic
Panasonic FV-08VQ5 WhisperCeiling 80 CFM Ceiling Mounted Fan,
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

*** fan located over toilet. ( absolutey not in the shower )

Perfect advise. My contractor wasn't aware of this fan when I gave it to him to install during remodel. He commented that he was surprised how quiet it was.

Hi My son is starting process for buying first home and was looking for loan advice FHA or Conventional, Traditional or online bank, I am going to help with down payment what is the best way to do that? We went through this in Q1 2021. Few things to keep in mind. -Bank (loan officer) advise to have first deposit 10% coming from son. -Bank wanted to see that there is enough assets (from son) for the full down payment. -Bank requested last 2 years returns and W2 (from son). -I added my name during the process as bank was providing discount on mortgage for bringing money in. (It may or may not be the best decision for you). For us, about 1/2 point discount helped with decision. -I bought remaining at closing. Bank was fine with that.

We just came back from vacation (Southern Europe) this week.
At work, co-workers started asking question about vacation location to spouse and me. Spouse told everyone where we went. I decided to lay low and told co-workers that we stayed local.
Most of my co-workers are similar age and salary range (may not be at the same net-worth level). I feel that it creates unnecessary envy once you provide details of (expensive) family vacation. What is your suggestion here?

anon_investor wrote: ↑Sun Sep 11, 2022 7:09 pm Who uses Lexis Nexis? By freezimg what kind of account openings are blocked?

It is used when you open checking/saving accounts with banks (at least that's where I am aware of).

HVAC Technician identified that our AC (15 years old) needed refrigerant refill (almost 2 lb) after not cooling well.
This is the first time I had to go through refill.
I am using this as a learning opportunity.
Following questions
-How often should I get AC checked for refill? Our both systems are 15+ years old.
-Can it be checked by myself? If yes, how it can it be checked?
-It required R 22 (costed about $385) from HVAC company. Is it possible to get better pricing elsewhere? How complex is it to refill by myself?
-Considering it required refill after 15 years, should I get it checked for any leaks or is it normal lose the refrigerant?

Thanks

Issue is related with session and load balancing.
When you moved away from one page to next, most likely, you have hit different server due to load balancing. At the same time, someone else was given same session identifier on that server (They need to review their code for session state management). When you hit the server, server thought that you are that user and directed database to produce results for that user.
Duplicate session identifier shouldn't happen but it can happen if coding and configuration is not proper.

BTW, I have heard that Vanguard has outsourced most of their IT to a company (ticker symbol INFY) about 2 years back.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless- ... B00JJY0S4G
It is 3 way switch. Also, allows it to be controllable by WiFi if you prefer.

What is the market rent for a unit like yours? A new tenant means cleaning costs, potential painting / fixing of various things, potential time off the market, potentially paying a realtor the first month's rent if you use one. For all these reasons I only raise my rent if my tenant is paying less than 80% of the market rate. When we had a rental condo we had one tenant who was a handyman/contractor for a living. He volunteered to do a most of the maintenance and upgrades for free (we paid for materials only). We never increased the rent. Hated to lose him. In my one property, I have contractor as renter. He takes care of almost everything. I still raised rent this year first time as he has been there for 5 years and our property taxes are...

I want to raise it 16%, I have been charging her below market value, the reason for this is she has generally been a good tenant (mainly not bothering me with trivial matters), I still have a positive cash flow, up until recently the rent usually in by the 5th, I like to have skin in the real estate game etc. She is a manager at a nationwide restaurant chain. I had almost similar challenge. I didn't raise rent for 7 years. 16% - Check your town's rent control law. It may or may not be allowed. If She is a manager at a nationwide restaurant chain, restaurants are doing really well. Manager of chain (one of my ex-tenant was manager) gets paid reasonably well. You should communicate by email or in person in advance. Six month is reasonable no...

Premium for the home and umbrella policy saw significant increase upon renewal. Both premiums went up by 125% each. There is no change in policy and there hasn't been any claims (there has been no claims in last 15 years). Quite strange experience. After making all payments due at the beginning of the month (Didn't have time to go through quotes from other providers), Farmers started giving credit for overpayments!!! Now, when I am checking home policy premium online, it is up by 10% compare to previous year (Earlier it was up by 125%). Similarly, umbrella policy is up by same percentage compare to previous year. It seems that systems transition from Metlife to Farmers is not smooth. They seems to providing random numbers for Premium at re...

$ to $ transfer can only be done through wire for foreign accounts. Money transfer companies (remitly etc) will transfer money in local currency.
Fidelity, Schwab, possibly BofA Preferred Rewards can send out free wires.
10000 is large amount. Banks may ask additional questions.

Our adult child recently purchased condo.
I added my name to mortgage (and deed) as there was significant jumbo mortgage discount (about 1% on 30 year loan) available due to my existing relationship with bank as well as bringing additional money to the bank.

In the long run, I would like to remove my name from both mortgage as well as deed. Our son is capable of paying mortgage on his own (doesn't need any support from us).

What's the best way to do it? I will appreciate guidance.

candb wrote: ↑Sun Jul 24, 2022 1:31 pm I will be in Europe during September and Europe, and will need to access bank and brokerage accounts for work as well as personal.

Curious if anyone has had issues with banks/brokerages denying access from overseas?

You can set up Google Voice phone for 2FA. You can connect Google Voice via https://voice.google.com/ website and receive 2FA code there. That will allow you to having requirement of real phone number. Make sure your bank/broker supports messaging to Google Voice first.

Just to add. I reached out to our previous insurance for a competitive quote.
They are still offering almost similar rate like last year for the property. There is no 125% hike. So, I am assuming that this is MetLife/Farmers specific issue.
Former insurance's auto insurance rate is higher than Metlife (that was one of the reason, I went to Metlife/Farmers to begin with).

Chardo wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 10:20 am What does your agent say about it?

Policy is through work.

mrc wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 10:24 am Did your premiums really rise 125% or just 25%? For example, did they rise from $1000 to $2250? Or from $1000 to $1250?

125+
Home premium alone went up from around 800+ to 1800+

We live in New York metro. Metlife recently sold their auto/home business to Farmers Life. We have combined home/auto/umbrella policy. Premium for the home and umbrella policy saw significant increase upon renewal. Both premiums went up by 125% each. There is no change in policy and there hasn't been any claims (there has been no claims in last 15 years). Has anyone gone through similar rate increase with Farmers transition? I just had transferred to Metlife last year from different provider. Thanks I had a small increase from the MetLife to Farmers transition (also have home/auto/umbrella), but no where near 25%. I do have a group discount through work though. I have through work and premium went by 125%. For example, for home it went up ...