Search found 298 matches

by Keep It Simple
Mon Oct 12, 2015 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SUV recommendation
Replies: 55
Views: 10603

Re: SUV recommendation

Six years ago we bought a 2001 Toyota Sequoia with 45K miles on it for $14,700. It cost over 50K new. I shopped for an older model but with low mileage. The car has been a brick. It has crossed the country 4 times,now has 135K on it, and will probably run to 300K. It gets 20 mpg on the highway, burns no oil between changes, and nothing has broken except two door latches. We don't need the third row seats, but without them it is a rolling kennel for two big dogs. Go Bogle and buy used. I second this. I am surprised that when the question comes up about what the best 3 row suv is, the Toyota Sequoia often gets overlooked. It is extremely reliable, the engine is bulletproof and very powerful, and the leg room is ridiculously spacious...even i...
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New SUV, $50G, Pilot/Highlander/Other
Replies: 151
Views: 32265

Re: New SUV, $50G, Pilot/Highlander/Other

I don't own an SUV, so I don't have any emotional feelings about this. But I am a little bit of nerd and read a lot of reliability reports, both from dealers/mechanics and self-reported. I think people focus spend too much time looking at reviews of new cars and making decisions based on test drives rather than the cold hard data, which can tell you a lot about the future (at least statistically). My $0.02: If reliability is a priority and you'd prefer not to deal with expensive fixes: Land Cruiser is the best choice. I'm surprised it was only mentioned once so far. It's safe buying one with 250k miles on it, and no doubt a new one can last a lifetime. They are unbreakable. Other Toyota SUVS are runner-up, especially the 4-Runner. Not coin...
by Keep It Simple
Sun Aug 30, 2015 12:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TLH for absolute dummies [Tax Loss Harvesting]
Replies: 342
Views: 83707

Re: TLH for absolute dummies [Tax Loss Harvesting]

Livesoft,

My post was meant to point out that keeping track of the cost basis of non-covered shares is complicated and having to do so for decades is not something that is very appealing to some. I was not saying that it is difficult to see which shares have losses...Vanguard makes that easy.

Also I do not think that the IRS would see tracking the cost basis of your non-covered shares as trivial or unimportant.

Are you saying that Vanguard has implemented a screen showing you the cost basis of your non-covered shares? If not, how is tracking non-covered share cost basis simple?

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Sun Aug 30, 2015 11:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TLH for absolute dummies [Tax Loss Harvesting]
Replies: 342
Views: 83707

Re: TLH for absolute dummies [Tax Loss Harvesting]

For those who are unlucky enough to be holding pre-2012 non-covered shares, tax loss harvesting is that much more complicated to the point I'm not sure it is worth the hassle of tracking your non-covered shares cost basis for decades in the future. If you switch to specific id, Vanguard does not provide you the cost basis for each lot you bought pre-2012.

No one ever seems to mention this when they discuss how easy tax loss harvesting is. Try tracking all this when you get to be older and your mind isn't as sharp. Doesn't sound so easy anymore...

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Wed May 06, 2015 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is the "best" cost basis method to choose (Vanguard funds)
Replies: 13
Views: 16827

Re: What is the "best" cost basis method to choose (Vanguard funds)

Also, the Vanguard statement that you quote is a bit misleading. You can elect Specific ID for your covered shares, and use the average basis that Vanguard tracks automatically for your non-covered shares. (Any "election" you make online at Vanguard concerns only your covered shares.) This setup (covered = Specific ID; non-covered = Average) is very easy to use, and probably a good enough compromise for your purposes. House Blend - do you know for a fact that Vanguard will be providing separate and accurate average cost basis for non-covered shares once you elect specific id and sell covered shares. In other words, do we not have to calculate anything assuming we have never sold any shares ever? My concern is that by selecting sp...
by Keep It Simple
Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Propane Heating and Septic Tanks
Replies: 36
Views: 5473

Re: Propane Heating and Septic Tanks

Expect propane to cost up to 3x more than natural gas. It is much more expensive. Depending on the size of your septic tank, normally you should empty it every three years.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Apr 10, 2015 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen upgrade - granite selection help
Replies: 52
Views: 8158

Re: Kitchen upgrade - granite selection help

Have you looked into quartz counter tops? The more you learn about granite, the more you will realize how much upkeep there is. It can stain and you must apply sealants to it frequently. Quartz is non-porous and won't stain and there is no sealant needed. It only costs 5-10% more and is well worth it imho.

Good luck!

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Average Cost Basis Questions
Replies: 7
Views: 1906

Re: Average Cost Basis Questions

The above helps to address covered shares. What if you want to elect specific id, assuming you have never sold anything, but your account also includes non-covered shares? According to the above FAQ from Vanguard's site, the covered shares would all move to specific id, but how would you then calculate the cost of the non-covered shares? Would Vanguard then send an end of year statement which separates the cost basis for the covered shares you sell vs the non-covered shares? In other words, I am confident that Vanguard will show the correct cost basis for all covered shares sold, but will they show the correct basis for non-covered shares? Thanks, K.I.S. Vanguard will show the selected cost basis for all covered shares sold, and will repor...
by Keep It Simple
Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Average Cost Basis Questions
Replies: 7
Views: 1906

Re: Average Cost Basis Questions

BTW, you may want to read the Vanguard FAQ on cost basis tracking. https://personal.vanguard.com/us/help/FAQCostBasisContent.jsp If I'm currently using average cost, how will changing my method affect unrealized shares? If you're using average cost prior to electing a method, and you sell or transfer covered shares, you've locked into average cost for those shares that were acquired before you changed your method. If you elect a new method, however, the shares acquired afterwards will be calculated with that new method. If you're using average cost prior to electing a new method, and you don't sell or transfer shares, your covered shares will revert back to original cost. The new method you elect is applied to the shares that were acquired...
by Keep It Simple
Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house can we afford by Boglehead standards?
Replies: 31
Views: 13880

Re: How much house can we afford by Boglehead standards?

Johnny Thinwallet wrote:
3) Plus, her employer contributes $2,400 to her HSA while my employer contributes nothing to an HSA. Of course, things can always change and that gap could shrink in future years. Five years ago my employer offered a terrific, low cost medical plan. Now it's horrendously expensive and quite disappointing.
Johnny - can you please give more detail on how your wife receives $2,400.00 dollars to her HSA from her employer. What health plan is she signed up for?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Jan 26, 2015 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: File FAFSA with 7 figure non-retirement portfolio?
Replies: 42
Views: 7173

Re: File FAFSA with 7 figure non-retirement portfolio?

Reviving this thread as it is FAFSA time this year.

A friend is debating whether it is worth it to fill this form out if it is certain he will not receive need based aid. I told him I would ask the most intelligent people I know so here I am.

One other question I was asked by this friend is if he will have to unfreeze his credit if he submits this? Does anyone have any experience with this? If you must unfreeze your credit, do you have to unfreeze all three and for how long?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When your spouse isn't quite as frugal as you
Replies: 94
Views: 13045

Re: When your spouse isn't quite as frugal as you

I know someone who is very similar in thinking as you are regarding finances and I have some tough love advice for you. Please take it as constructive as that is how I intend it. I have found in my life that the one thing that bothers me more than anything else is people who focus on money to a point where it overwhelms all else. I know people who their number one priority in life was money, not peace at home or their kids. I have seen where money is more important to someone than their marriage and caused fights in front of children that certainly caused distress in the kids. In other words, no matter what the question is, the first thought and response was regarding how much it would cost...not about what good it could possibly do. I find...
by Keep It Simple
Wed Dec 17, 2014 10:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why don't YOU follow Buffett's advice?
Replies: 122
Views: 17789

Re: Why don't YOU follow Buffett's advice?

I don't really see a problem with Buffett's idea of 90/10 S&P 500/ U.S. Treasuries. I think it is a pretty sound idea...for someone in the early to middle stages of their investing timeline. I just think he needs to include a caveat that as you near retirement, you need to start adjusting this allocation to less stock and more bond. If he added just one sentence regarding this to his statement, I think he would be giving solid advice. There certainly is a lot worse people could be doing. If you leave his statement as is, then I agree it would only work for the very wealthy.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: STRS Ohio Choice - What to do?
Replies: 15
Views: 5665

Re: STRS Ohio Choice - What to do?

Forgive me for not reading all the posts before commenting, but I only have a couple minutes and wanted to reply... My wife's a teacher covered by STRS like some others in here. Even though she expects to teach long-term, we don't really know if that's going to happen or not. And we were even slightly more uncertain about that a) when she first signed up and b) a couple years ago when she hit the 5-year eligibility to switch plans. So she's been on the Defined Contribution plan since day one. Do note that, when she started teaching, the vesting period was 1 year for the school/employer contributions, not the current 5 years. I'm not sure how much that would have altered our original decision. In terms of planning and investing, however, th...
by Keep It Simple
Thu Dec 04, 2014 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: STRS Ohio Choice - What to do?
Replies: 15
Views: 5665

Re: STRS Ohio Choice - What to do?

runner9 wrote:It may be down the road for you, but I strongly second Ohio 457 if you have extra money to invest. If/when 403b people come to talk, just run away.
Interesting comment. Do you recommend staying away from any 403b if your state has high fees for that group of products, even if you are maxing out all other tax-deferred accounts and could be putting some into that 403b?

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Oct 27, 2014 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Done with Honda, not sure what next car should be?
Replies: 77
Views: 11512

Re: Done with Honda, not sure what next car should be?

c078342 wrote: German cars are superior.
I needed a good laugh....that's a good one!

Wait...was he serious?????

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 24, 2014 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contributing?
Replies: 12
Views: 2328

Re: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contribut

From SSA: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf (For government workers not covered by SS): Your Social Security benefits will be reduced by two-thirds of your government pension. In other words, if you get a monthly civil service pension of $600, two-thirds of that, or $400, must be deducted from your Social Security benefits. For example, if you are eligible for a $500 spouse’s, widow’s or widower’s benefit from Social Security, you will receive $100 per month from Social Security ($500 – $400 = $100). Thanks BL. So there's the catch. If you have a generous pension coming to you, then it is possible that two thirds of that pension will be more than what your spousal benefit will be...thus no spousal benefit. Very interesting... K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contributing?
Replies: 12
Views: 2328

Re: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contribut

Thanks goblue100 - that's exactly what I was looking for.

So according to the publication above, a spouse who was under a government or state pension system and did not contribute to social security is still eligible for a spousal benefit albeit a reduced benefit. If anyone has any other take on this that they can contribute please let us know.

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 24, 2014 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is the recommended amount of international holdings?
Replies: 15
Views: 2499

Re: What is the recommended amount of international holdings

joyandjerry wrote: The actively managed funds have done well for us, so we are keeping them for now.
Could you please inform us of the analysis you used in order to come up with the above conclusion?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 24, 2014 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contributing?
Replies: 12
Views: 2328

Re: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contribut

Thanks for the responses.

So if a spouse has not worked under social security, but has worked his/her whole life(30 plus years) under a pension plan instead, would that exclude him/her from spousal benefit under Social Security?

Thank you,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 24, 2014 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contributing?
Replies: 12
Views: 2328

Is spouse eligible for SS benefit without ever contributing?

I read on the Social Security website that even if a spouse never worked under Social Security, they may be able to get spousal benefits if they are at least 62 and their spouse is already receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

Can anyone shed light on how this would work? The site mentions that they "may" be able to get spousal benefits. What would allow you to get them or not?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Tue Oct 07, 2014 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hyundai vs. Toyota
Replies: 45
Views: 8672

Re: Hyundai vs. Toyota

If you really don't know which car is more reliable and longer lasting just look at the resale values of Toyota vs Hyundai vehicles. The market does not lie. Inferior manufacturers try to lure you in by offering more gadgets and lower pricing; unfortunately you will pay later. I prefer to pay more now and save in the long run.

Buy a Toyota or Honda.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair Van or buy new Van/SUV?
Replies: 20
Views: 2771

Re: Repair Van or buy new Van/SUV?

That Honda has another 100,000 miles in it. Definitely get it repaired at an independent mechanic though.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Treadmills [vs. Ellipticals]
Replies: 55
Views: 7913

Re: Treadmills

Can anyone share what they paid for the Sole f80? Amazon is asking $1,500.00 free shipping.

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

How is Saab doing now?

Is it because they were such great cars?

The market knows all.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

But most people don't know Suzuki Aerio and SX4 are made in Japan, can be had with AWD systems as good as Subaru's and they are very inexpensive in used market. Or they don't know that 2003+ models of SAAB 9-3 is one of the safest cars money can buy according to IIHS, later models (2005+) are as reliable as Volvo or any other better European brand, and they are ridiculously inexpensive. I had several Saab 9-3s in my fleet and they were the WORST cars we had, and we were a Chrysler fleet. Those cars were in the shop so often that the drivers were getting personal Christmas cards from their technician. Most of the problems were electrical. There is nothing more fun than getting a call from an executive who is on the Kennedy freeway during a ...
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 24, 2014 10:00 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Bogleheads.org android / iphone app
Replies: 23
Views: 5605

Re: Bogleheads.org android / iphone app

I think it's fines as is...I just zoom when needed.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 24, 2014 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

These are for rather similar 2 door coupes. Honda - 1997 (i.e. 17 years old), mileage 169K, price $2950. Key notes: Check engine light comes on and off. Manual transmission Pontiac - 2005 (i.e. 9 years old), mileage 139K, price $2650. Key notes: Recently passed safety and emissions and was serviced. Auto transmission. Somewhat nicer looking car to my eyes, with, it seems, somewhat longer feature list. While I would want an in-person look and test drive before making any final decision, it seems to me the Pontiac offers far more bang for the buck. I don't see you're point at all. If the Honda will last to 250,000 - 300,000 miles and the Pontiac will maybe last to 200,000 mile...which is the better deal? The Honda because it only costs $300 ...
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 24, 2014 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

If it were me, I would NOT be looking at Hondas and Toyotas - I'd probably be going out of my way to avoid them, as anything in decent shape is going to be overpriced. I would be looking for a well maintained, low-ish mileage car, probably American made, possibly one of the discontinued brands (including Saturn, Pontiac, Plymouth). Something that depreciated fast and hard, even though it isn't very old or high mileage. If it were me, I Would be looking for a Honda and Toyota. I would go out of my way to find one as even thought they are more costly initially, you will save money in the long run on maintenance, not to mention aggravation. I would not be looking for an American made discontinued brand. I would put reliability at the top of m...
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 23, 2014 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

countofmc wrote:
rooms222 wrote:In my area, the 2001-2003 Mazda Proteges are around or just below $3000, partially because the next generation was called the Mazda 3. The 2005-2006 Scion Xb has stability control and is in the $3500-4500 price range.
Whoa, if you can get a 2005-2006 Scion of any type in that price range I'd go for that. I believe Scions have that typical Toyota reliability.
I agree - that would be a good deal and should have Toyota reliability...just try not to look at it(just awful looking).

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for student buying cheap used car
Replies: 54
Views: 6775

Re: Advice for student buying cheap used car

I highly recommend getting her a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. These two cars should be reliable even with higher mileage. In order to get one that is not a beater though, she will have to pay more than $4,000.00. Is it a possibility that you would lend her money so she could spend $6,000 - $7,000? That would get a decent Honda or Toyota.

Good Luck!

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Big iPhones - How to Upgrade Early?
Replies: 18
Views: 3485

Re: New Big iPhones - How to Upgrade Early?

I'd wait for the Moto X coming out later this month. It looks awesome and works with flashplayer(a big downside to Apple). Seems like half the videos I want to play on the Iphone won't work.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/moto-x-revie ... 64474.html

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 18, 2014 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066581

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Forgot to ask...has anyone seen "No Country For Old Men"? Is it any good?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066581

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Just watched "Django Unchained" - it was ok.

I will next be watching "3:10 to Yuma" which I hear is very good.

Honorable mentions...if you haven't seen these yet, you must:

"Kingpin" - comedy
"Dumb and Dumber" - comedy
"Anchorman" - comedy
"Lincoln Lawyer" - suspense
"The Ring" - horror

Enjoy!

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy another fridge or freezer? Or neither?
Replies: 16
Views: 5541

Re: Should I buy another fridge or freezer? Or neither?

A deep chest freezer for sure. That would be way more useful than a fridge.

I recommend a GE deep chest freezer. Home Depot has recently had a good deal on them.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350
Replies: 77
Views: 26072

Re: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350

mbk734 wrote:The Honda Pilot is a tank and the EX-L trim with 4WD is very nice. You can buy it brand new for less than a 4 year old Lexus, used for even less. More reliable, will last longer, cheaper to maintain/repair, lower cost of owning, lower depreciation. That being said, the Lexus is a sharp car and get what you want. :beer
I don't think this is exactly true. The 4WD Pilot EX-L starts at $36,970.00. Where do you find the 4 year old LX 350 for more $37,000.00? Also, I believe data will show that both the LX 350 and the Pilot are at the top of reliability charts.

I do agree you will pay more for maintenance on the Lexus if you use a dealer.

The Pilot is a tank and very reliable...that we can agree on!

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 17, 2014 5:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair/maintain the BMW or get a new car?
Replies: 30
Views: 6701

Re: Repair/maintain the BMW or get a new car?

WHL wrote:I'll mention it regardless of your perception of not being a DIY'er - you should learn how to do these basic maintenances yourself. Oil, brakes, transmission fluid, etc. are not complicated repairs. A 20 dollar Haynes or chiltons manual and an hour watching videos on YouTube is really all of the prep you need to do basic and most intermediate repairs.

I make good money but I'll be damned if i am going to give it away for a job i know I can do myself.
Aaaaah...now if only I had some time......

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350
Replies: 77
Views: 26072

Re: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350

livesoft wrote: I have purchased two CPO Lexus SUVs: 2001 RX300 and 2011 RX350.
Livesoft - what would you say are the main differences between the RX300 vs The RX 350? Did the RX 300 or RX 350 have any unusual maintenance issues at all? If you had to recommend a (2006) lower mileage(50,000-70,000) RX 330 vs a same mileage 2009 RX 350 which would you recommend? Why?

Also, how many miles would you expect to run these into the ground?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 16, 2014 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350
Replies: 77
Views: 26072

Re: Car-Certified Lexus LS 460 Vs New ES 350 Vs New RX 350

woodguy00 wrote:We bought a 2009 RX350 as CPO from a dealer in early 2012. We paid about $4k below asking price. Best vehicle we've ever owned. Normal maintenance so far (oil changes, tire rotations and a front end alignment.) all done by a small local independent shop. Actually haven't been back to the dealer about 1 1/2 hours away.

The RX350 is very comfortable driving while having AWD for snow and dirt roads. Incredibly quiet. I'd buy another. The purchase process was relatively painless.
Wow - it sounds like you got a pretty good deal on this, woodguy00. Would you mind sharing the mileage, trim level, and price paid before tax?

Thanks,

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice on which tablet to buy
Replies: 44
Views: 5167

Re: Need advice on which tablet to buy

Go with the Google Nexus - just find what size Nexus works for you.

Considering that 85% of the world runs the Android platform(Nexus has this), why get tied down to Apple? Sure they are good, but they are no where near as compatible with as many software programs as the Android platform is. One major flaw with apple is that they refuse to work out a deal with "Flash player" so many of the videos you want to watch won't even load.

The Google Nexus is very reliable and the display is great ...just buy a good case for protection.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLK350
Replies: 33
Views: 11306

Re: BMW X3 vs Mercedes GLK350

Are you sure you want either of those?

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair/maintain the BMW or get a new car?
Replies: 30
Views: 6701

Re: Repair/maintain the BMW or get a new car?

Chan_va wrote:I have owned used BMW's for the past 15 years. BMW's are as reliable as other cars if maintained properly.
This is not the experience of the vast amount of past BMW owners. Maybe you are the lucky one :wink:

I always viewed getting a BMW as a good idea if and only if you have money to burn. There are other choices out there that are as prestigious and drive as well but are reliable.

I'd sell the BMW and go with your instinct of getting a Honda Accord.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 09, 2014 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?
Replies: 55
Views: 5915

Re: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?

I think it would help some of the people here that have replied to know what your income range is(exact figures not needed) and what you have saved and are currently saving per year.

Also, one of the posters above mentioned that a 15 year mortgage can save thousands...actually it is more like tens of thousands and over a hundred thousand in extra payments depending on the mortgage amount. Use Bankrate to see the difference in total payments. It is pretty startling.

To answer your question, you will never know which is better except in hindsight, so I think the 15 year is the safer bet...if you can afford it.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?
Replies: 55
Views: 5915

Re: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?

If it is a jumbo loan and a bigger down payment would get you a better interest rate then that might be a good idea. If you the house will not be paid off by the time you will retire then getting a shorter mortgage to have it paid off by them could be a good idea. Maxing out any deductible retirement accounts would likely be a higher priority to me before paying down the other debt, but that could depend on the details of your situation so there is not enough information to know for sure. I would assume you are not in a low tax bracket so I would not be too excited about the Roth. You may likely be able to do Roth conversions when you are retired and in a lower tax bracket. I don't believe this is a jumbo loan but I also don't understand t...
by Keep It Simple
Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?
Replies: 55
Views: 5915

Re: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?

Without knowing all of the info regarding your personal situation, I would give this advice: Consider putting as much as you can towards the down payment while still leaving a very healthy emergency fund to fall back on if ever needed. Combine this larger down payment with a 15 year mortgage and I don't think you can beat this strategy for reducing long term cost. This will of course mean that things will be tighter in the short term, so it is extremely important to examine correctly your employment stability. Use any extra savings to fill your tax advantaged space, and then if anything is left I would put the extra money towards paying off the student loans more quickly. Lastly, if going with the 15 year mortgage will make things so tight ...
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The daddy of all grill islands
Replies: 35
Views: 9693

Re: The daddy of all grill islands

airahcaz wrote:
Keep It Simple wrote:Google "Weber Summit Series"

An absolute joy to grill on and bulletproof. They even have a few built ins. Now if you really want the "Grand Daddy" of all grill islands, then type "weber grill centers". You will pay dearly for those.

K.I.S.
Well, the Weber Summit S-660 is under $3K, well within budget, butwondering what is out there that may have even more counterspace and more built-in look....

Or is it that this is the best they come, componentized, and any other built-in is actually now a custom landscaping job?
Did you check out the "Weber Summit® Grill Center with right-hand social area"?

Those will get you more counterspace and more cost...


K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The daddy of all grill islands
Replies: 35
Views: 9693

Re: The daddy of all grill islands

Google "Weber Summit Series"

An absolute joy to grill on and bulletproof. They even have a few built ins. Now if you really want the "Grand Daddy" of all grill islands, then type "weber grill centers". You will pay dearly for those.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Specific identification of shares and Vanguard
Replies: 11
Views: 2452

Re: Specific identification of shares and Vanguard

rkhusky wrote:
Keep It Simple wrote: ... the numbers Vanguard will provide you with will be accurate and you will not have to track it yourself.
Unless Vanguard makes a mistake. I prefer to also keep track of it myself. But then I also reconcile my check register and credit card statements too.
Good point...but I think if people are left to track this themselves then they will be less likely to take advantage of the benefits of tax loss harvesting. I feel pretty confident we can trust Vanguards' numbers...but of course the only way to be sure is to track it yourself too.

K.I.S.
by Keep It Simple
Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Specific identification of shares and Vanguard
Replies: 11
Views: 2452

Re: Specific identification of shares and Vanguard

Also, it appears that for those who have both non-covered shares and covered shares, if you have not sold any non-covered shares ever, and you then elect for specific id, then you can use the average cost per share that Vanguard provides you and the 1099-b you are sent will show the correct basis numbers for those shares. This is because Vanguard separates out non-covered shares and covered shares on the 1099-b they send you. So you can sell non-covered shares using the avergae cost basis they provide you, then sell covered shares and they will provide the correct cost basis per lot you bought. Either way, no tracking on your part. I know some on this forum have expressed concern about how it may be more difficult than it is worth to track ...