Search found 1170 matches
- Sun Feb 07, 2021 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
- Replies: 11
- Views: 758
Re: HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
Thanks. Yes, looks like I'm going to have to workout the math on the last pay stub of the year to figure it out.
- Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
- Replies: 11
- Views: 758
Re: HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
Thanks for the 2 quick replies. Does this also make sense to you? If I edit my W2 entry in HR Block software and temporarily change Box 12 Code W to $0, it has no effect on my taxes owed. Does that sound right? I'm not a big fan of blind trust in my employer to just put the right numbers in W2 boxes...
- Sun Feb 07, 2021 6:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
- Replies: 11
- Views: 758
HSA Contributions - Tax Deductability Question
Hi Everyone. I'm currently working on my 2020 taxes using HR Block software. Ran into a problem regarding HSA contribution deductions. Please help as I'm giving myself a massive headache trying to figure this out. Through tax year 2019, I had always contributed directly to my HSA account -- meaning ...
- Mon Feb 01, 2021 11:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Scottish Single Malt vs Domestic Blend Scotch Recommendations
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3618
Re: Scottish Single Malt vs Domestic Blend Scotch Recommendations
Laphroaig 10 is hard to beat in terms of value. Solid offering for ~$50/bottle.
Correct. 3 years maturing in a cask in Scotland, minimum.familythriftmd wrote: ↑Mon Feb 01, 2021 11:00 am Is it even possible to have a domestic Scotch? I thought it had to be from Scotland to be a Scotch.
- Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best 'redundant' backup internet for home work
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2767
Re: Best 'redundant' backup internet for home work
My experience is that during a metro area power outage (e.g. not a single house or block), even if I have a generator, the cable head end will run on battery backup for 2-4 hours and then die. If any of the fiber providers are available at your address (FIOS, ATT Fiber, Google), those would probable...
- Fri Jan 22, 2021 12:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: playstation 5
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3107
Re: playstation 5
Download Discord, create an ID, join a "stock drop" server and monitor it 24x7 until you get lucky. It's about the only way you'll get a PS5, AMD CPU or Nvidia 3k series GPU at the moment. People are camping out at Microcenter (old school, like Black Friday used to be) daily just on a hope...
- Fri Jan 22, 2021 12:29 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: High Income - should I max my 401k contributions early in the year?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2465
Re: High Income - should I max my 401k contributions early in the year?
Assuming your company match is capped at some match %, no, you'd be further ahead to contribute up to over over that max throughout the calendar year. Otherwise, you'd be giving up that company match after you cut back/off the 401k contributions. If you're company matches everything w/p limit, sure,...
- Thu Jan 21, 2021 11:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What Causes Burnout at Work?
- Replies: 124
- Views: 10054
Re: What Causes Burnout at Work?
I also work in IT. Mild burnout is common. I personally don't think it has anything to do with compensation or quality of one's boss. You can have a great boss and be well paid, and still suffer some level of burnout. The reality is most people in IT, especially those in management or tech leadershi...
- Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Group Golf - Recommended Destinations?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1196
Re: Group Golf - Recommended Destinations?
it began (1985) we were living in Upper Michigan and a few of the guys' jobs were intense up til tax filing on April 15. ... As a Yooper (and current Alabama resident) returning north to play in the summer would be intriguing. When my turn comes around, I will suggest your Wisconsin venue. These lo...
- Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Back up sump pump battery
- Replies: 7
- Views: 590
Re: Back up sump pump battery
If it's a 12V, 75AH+ deep cycle battery, yes, it should work. Without a link to the specific battery they're talking about, it's hard to say. Not sure what the 24 in the description you provided standards for -- could be group size, voltage or something else. If it were me, I'd also be looking for a...
- Mon Jan 18, 2021 11:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Car - TSLA OR Honda
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5836
Re: Buying a Car - TSLA OR Honda
Completely different types of cars. Not sure how you go from a van or large SUV to a model y (small) as if you're comparing apples to apples. Model X would the closest thing and that smaller too.
- Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Real reviews of Gas Hot water heaters
- Replies: 31
- Views: 2246
Re: Real reviews of Gas Hot water heaters
Purchased a Rheem 13 years ago, I've replaced the anode 2x - 30 minute job including draining and refilling the tank using an air impact wrench. If you're capable of changing your own oil, then changing the anode is a breeze. I wouldn't replace a WH just for efficiency, or if you are, then at least ...
- Thu Jan 14, 2021 10:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?
- Replies: 138
- Views: 8353
Re: What Kind of Generator Do you Use for your Home Backup?
Curious for those who have a generator in case power goes out at your residence, how did you decide on which one to buy? * Expected load * 120 vs 240V supply requirement * Cost * Fuel availability * Historical frequency of power outages * Damage /Impact if without power for days/weeks * Portability...
- Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:25 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Bitcoin Mining by Minors
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2157
Re: Bitcoin Mining by Minors
The amount is less than two btc. We are now talking to CPA about this to be sure everything is above board No crypto in our portfolio so never really followed. It will be interesting to see where this leads. I'd also discuss tax implications with that CPA, as I do believe, and I am not a CPA or a t...
- Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pragmatic "audiophile" receiver recommendations
- Replies: 105
- Views: 6427
Re: Pragmatic "audiophile" receiver recommendations
It's hard to beat Denon in the $400-800 range. You'll likely get a reliable, feature-rich receiver that will last you for 10+ years. Less than $400 is hard, since you'll likely be forced into sub-optimal brands that lack critical capabilities. e.g. video switching and transcoding at your required re...
- Wed Jan 13, 2021 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Attn: All Floridians & Arizonans! [Where to Retire in FL/AZ]
- Replies: 73
- Views: 6195
Re: Attn: All Floridians & Arizonans! [Where to Retire in FL/AZ]
OP said they don't have family to worry about, but I do think that if there's any attachment to your current location (business, friends, etc.), you should probably also factor in travel costs - time and financial. For many in the NE and Midwest, FL is just a lot easier to pull off when you still ha...
- Sat Jan 09, 2021 11:23 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Tesla becomes most valuable car company in the world
- Replies: 385
- Views: 35582
Re: Tesla becomes most valuable car company in the world
Can you run your valuation for this scenario: 2020: 500k cars sold. 2021: 750k cars sold. 2022: 1M cars sold. 2023: 1.5M cars sold. 2024: 2M cars sold. 2025: 3M cars sold. 2026: 4M cars sold. 2027: 6M cars sold. 2028: 8M cars sold. 2029: 12M cars sold. 2030: 16M cars sold. I think something like th...
- Thu Jan 07, 2021 12:31 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Tesla becomes most valuable car company in the world
- Replies: 385
- Views: 35582
Re: Tesla becomes most valuable car company in the world
I think many people are underestimating what the competitive landscape will look like in 3 or 4 years. I also think many people overestimate the useful difference between 250 and 500 miles of range (I say this as someone who has driven EVs for 6.5 years). For most people, the difference will only c...
- Wed Jan 06, 2021 6:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard IRA --> Fidelity 401k --> BrokerageLink - Questions
- Replies: 1
- Views: 261
Vanguard IRA --> Fidelity 401k --> BrokerageLink - Questions
I'm doing some financial maneuvering so as to be able to execute a backdoor Roth. Part of this involves moving & consolidating a couple rollover IRAs @ Vanguard into my current employer's 401k @ Fidelity. The challenge is the 401k only offers 3 low-ER index funds (SP500 FXAIX, Extended Market FS...
- Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
- Replies: 5
- Views: 280
Re: CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
How many years are you from retirement? 15+ years from retirement; late 40's now. Prime earning/accumulation years are ahead of me still (or so I hope!). In this interest rate environment I would not give up a 3% CD, since there is no way to make up that EWP by earning a higher rate than you had be...
- Fri Jan 01, 2021 1:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
- Replies: 5
- Views: 280
Re: CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
Bump. Any thoughts?
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 12:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
- Replies: 5
- Views: 280
CD Early Withdrawl Penalty vs. Backdoor Roth
Quick question I thought I'd bounce off the team... I have $34k sitting in a IRA (100% non-deductible funded; 8606'd every year) that I'd like to covert to a Roth using the Backdoor. I recently started a new job that has a 401k that allow roll-ins. My plan was to move all of my pre-tax IRA money int...
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 10:27 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Retiring Early, Geo arbitrarge and housing costs
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1375
Re: Retiring Early, Geo arbitrarge and housing costs
He may be right if you're talking about housing in prime areas of capital cities or other towns where there's high demand. Other than that very small use case, I wouldn't be worried at all. His comments on the countries adopting the Euro and then cost goes up are accurate - seen this firsthand with ...
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 1:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)
- Replies: 139
- Views: 9162
Re: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)
Wow. Shutdown a discussion on cars now..ok Not sure why the immediate response from some is to shut down discourse. I'd love to see metrics from the mods here on how many warnings & reprimands have been handed out within car brand threads. I'm sure it's a large #. These threads usually devolve ...
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)
- Replies: 139
- Views: 9162
Re: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)
This thread is one of the reasons I think car discussions should be banned under the religion/politics rules. Everyone has an opinion, much of which is largely based on their personal experience or bias w/o any other real facts, and trying to use logic to explain/persuade just gets brushed off, or w...
- Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 6 years to college degree?????
- Replies: 139
- Views: 8296
Re: 6 years to college degree?????
The Major matters, a degree in something like communications will be handed out if you show up for 4 years and have a pulse. Meanwhile, Engineering classes are going to require effort on a completely different level, and many people will need to retake classes x1000 At the risk of sounding arrogant...
- Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9184
Re: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
I'm going through the free Python training from MIT now. So, I'm gonna learn the basics of this no matter what, it seems like it would be applicable in a lot of my potential biology jobs anyway. This question isn't just specifically for you but all the IT people. How do you recommend I apply for th...
- Sun Dec 13, 2020 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9184
Re: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
I'd do whatever or whichever you have a passion for, and as best you can tell, has significant upward potential for employment and salary. I wouldn't choose based on just $ or projected employment figures, since if you hate what you do, you'll be miserable. I have some experience with cyber and IT. ...
- Thu Dec 03, 2020 1:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Switch from dual monitors to one big one?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3033
Re: Switch from dual monitors to one big one?
However, they're also running a promo on their Ultrawides for a $200 e-gift card (not sure what I'd get, maybe a new mouse and keyboard or maybe I could sell it). I guess the final decision is if the 38" is worth $310 more Just be careful on the "size" numbers when comparing monitors...
- Thu Dec 03, 2020 12:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: iPhone - What Model Gives Most Bang For The Buck?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2089
Re: iPhone - What Model Gives Most Bang For The Buck?
SE2 is probably the best value.
12 or 12 Pro would be the best buy & hold strategy if you want better performance than the SE2.
12 or 12 Pro would be the best buy & hold strategy if you want better performance than the SE2.
- Wed Dec 02, 2020 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6281
Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
You are incorrect on #3. I just got one for below invoice w GM Military Pricing and Costco (4x4 High Country). Electing to take advantage of price discounts you're entitled to is not negotiating. Published GM Employee/Supplier/Military pricing and published Costco $1k off takes 0 negotiation. Emplo...
- Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buy a used car or brand new
- Replies: 73
- Views: 4802
Re: Buy a used car or brand new
As Jack mentioned above, people who haven't shopped the used car market recently may want to re-evaluate their stance. While I'd normally fully agree that buying 2-3 years used for half price is the best value option, the reality is that most of the used car market is currently priced insanely high....
- Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Mortgage Payoff goes against every fiber of my being
- Replies: 72
- Views: 7765
Re: Mortgage Payoff goes against every fiber of my being
OP: I'm certainly not the most qualified here to answer you, but I think the net net of the responses here is that there's several ways to look at your situation - mathematically, emotionally, etc. The reality is you've done your homework, managed to acquire/save a significant amount and you're curr...
- Wed Nov 25, 2020 12:32 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Need advice for building a 100% fossil-fuel stock free portfolio
- Replies: 95
- Views: 3728
Re: Need advice for building a 100% fossil-fuel stock free portfolio
I think the OP is kidding himself. Sure, if you don't like the idea of directly investing in the stocks of oil companies, by all means - don't. But I just have to laugh at the reference to Apple as a counter-example. I just ordered a new iPhone 12 Pro. You want to know how many components are made f...
- Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Whole House Surge Protector
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2069
Re: Whole House Surge Protector
What happens when it stops a surge? Can it be reset, is there a disposable part to replace, or does the entire unit have to be replaced? No, it's disposable/consumable. You'll eventually need to replace it. I've had an Intermatic for 15 years and it's standing by still ready to protect. The only re...
- Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6281
Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
2020's are $6500 off and dealer's have already come down $3K off sticker with me on 2021's. I'm fortunate to be eligible for employee pricing. No, I'm not an employee. My price would be a couple thousand better than you've listed for a higher end AT4/Denali, which helps, but still barely makes a de...
- Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Whole House Surge Protector
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2069
Re: Whole House Surge Protector
Are there any reasons not to do this? No If I have this done, are there different brands and which ones would be preferred? https://www.amazon.com/CHSPT2ULTRA-Ultimate-Protection-Length-Height/dp/B01AQAKRSS/ref=asc_df_B01AQAKRSS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093823892&hvpos=&...
- Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6281
Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
1) The new 2021's are certainly 100% redesigned. New platform, frame, body, technologies, etc. Rearend is now IRS, G80 is gone. Transmission shifter is now push button - no more steering column. It's pretty clear if you own a previous generation, when sitting/seeing the new one up close, that it's v...
- Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Travel Wifi Hotspot
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1189
Re: Travel Wifi Hotspot
1) For what the OP is planning, unless all travel destinations are urban, I'd have 2 cell plans available - Verizon & ATT ideally. 2) Ensure you have unlimited data on the device/phone plan, inc through tethering, and not a plan that speed caps tethering. 3) I'd expect to have a less than ideal ...
- Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which iPhone should I get?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 4849
Re: Which iPhone should I get?
The specs are more impressive but for everyday usability there is virtually no difference between the two. The major improvements for the iPhone 12 were given to both base and pro models (5G, OLED screen, A14 chip, magsafe wireless charging). The telephoto camera and the LIDAR scanner are probably ...
- Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which iPhone should I get?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 4849
Re: Which iPhone should I get?
The only difference between the regular and pro iPhone 12 models are the cameras and some minor cosmetic differences. From a non-technical consumer perspective, maybe. However, there's certainly technical spec differences between the 12 & 12 Pro justifying the $300 difference IMHO: stainless vs...
- Thu Nov 12, 2020 11:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which iPhone should I get?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 4849
Re: Which iPhone should I get?
I'd go with the 12 due to the newer CPU, 5G, OLED, etc. I just bought a 12 Pro to replace my 6. Contrary to posts above, I do believe there are good reasons to consider the 12 Pro (not max). I'd also suggest thinking through whether you want/need the Max vs. regular size. Cost was not a factor for m...
- Tue Nov 10, 2020 5:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
- Replies: 507
- Views: 34087
Re: PC Build Thread 2020
What motherboards are early adopters of the AMD 5XXX CPUs using? The price of the CPU is one thing. I about had a heart attack when browsing the higher end x570 MBs as some are pushing $600 for the MB alone. The $600 motherboards are for hard core overclockers; there's no reason for a normal person...
- Tue Nov 10, 2020 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
- Replies: 507
- Views: 34087
Re: PC Build Thread 2020
What motherboards are early adopters of the AMD 5XXX CPUs using? The price of the CPU is one thing. I about had a heart attack when browsing the higher end x570 MBs as some are pushing $600 for the MB alone.
- Sun Nov 08, 2020 11:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What happens to treasuries if the US government goes bankrupt?
- Replies: 55
- Views: 5281
Re: What happens to treasuries if the US government goes bankrupt?
Hard to go bankrupt when you own the only money printing press.
- Tue Nov 03, 2020 12:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Improving Wi-Fi coverage: Use existing Cat5e and MoCA? [Solved]
- Replies: 87
- Views: 5967
Re: Improving Wi-Fi coverage: Use existing Cat5e and MoCA?
Backhaul in this context simply means how the network traffic is carried between the wireless access point & Internet router / cable modem. If you only have a single wifi router, then there really is no "backhaul" as it's all within the router. But if you setup a standalone access poin...
- Mon Nov 02, 2020 3:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Powerful Battery Leaf Blowers
- Replies: 86
- Views: 5081
Re: Powerful Battery Leaf Blowers
I have a Black & Decker 36V line trimmer and blower. Both work well for my smaller, suburban ~5k sq ft lot. Well worth the price vs. wrestling with my old gas powered equivalents for such a small, weekly use. That said, I just blew leaves w/ my gas powered blower... there's no way the battery B&...
- Mon Nov 02, 2020 12:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Improving Wi-Fi coverage: Use existing Cat5e and MoCA? [Solved]
- Replies: 87
- Views: 5967
Re: Improving Wi-Fi coverage: Use existing Cat5e and MoCA?
Best solution would be to buy a couple APs (e.g. Ubiquiti) and install them on the top level of both ends of the house. Gigabit wired backhaul to your router.
Easiest solution would be a wireless mesh system. Probably more expensive and slower, but easier setup.
Easiest solution would be a wireless mesh system. Probably more expensive and slower, but easier setup.
- Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: iPhone SE 2020 or iPhone 12 Mini?
- Replies: 138
- Views: 10584
Re: iPhone SE 2020 or iPhone 12 Mini?
I think it really comes down to whether the person is a technical power user or more of a lightweight, basic phone user. 12 is going have 5G, OLED, faster CPU. Maybe marginally better camera, wireless charging, size. SE2 is much cheaper, but you're also getting a phone that's roughly equivalent to a...
- Tue Oct 06, 2020 11:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla maintenance cost?
- Replies: 167
- Views: 10358
Re: Tesla maintenance cost?
Just seems a bit off that someone contemplating purchasing a $100k+ vehicle is worried about maintenance cost/savings on it vs. ICE. As if spending $100/year on 2 oil changes is somehow going to radically change the financial equation somehow. NEWS BREAK: ICE vehicles really don't have the much main...