Search found 2595 matches

by WhyNotUs
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options during Europe Transportation Strikes
Replies: 12
Views: 1021

Re: Options during Europe Transportation Strikes

When i was in Italy during a strike they announced the strike schedule in advance and we scheduled our train trips accordingly.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10703

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

We travel quite a bit and not yet fully retired.
IF returns continue to be favorable, then we have identified causes that will benefit.

The pendulum has been swinging in a favorable manner but there is no guarantee that will continue.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
Replies: 69
Views: 6694

Re: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS

Thanks for sharing that perspective
by WhyNotUs
Mon Mar 04, 2024 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need better sound for music enjoyment
Replies: 20
Views: 2894

Re: Need better sound for music enjoyment

ELAC Debut will get you more quality than you seek for a lower cost that you are willing to pay.
What you buy will require a few inputs from you, they make bookshelf speakers (either to sit flush against a wall or on a stand so pick the right one for your application) and floor speakers and a center speaker.

For example
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-fi-Center-Sp ... ref=sr_1_8?
https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Books ... ref=sr_1_7?
by WhyNotUs
Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question about Solar panels
Replies: 92
Views: 6294

Re: Question about Solar panels

If your primary motivation is outages, a generator is probably your lowest cost approach. Look for a less noisy one and see if it can work in a "doghouse" to help muffle sound.

You can have battery backup and the amount of things you want plugged in and the length of time determine the number of batteries.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16105

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

Amien wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:42 pm Cold winter weather season, plus frequent 2+ hour trips. Look what happened to EV owners in Chicago during last cold-snap spell of -0 weather.
I live at 7200 feet in the mountains of CO, leave my Leaf outside, and use it most every day. -0 is not common but happens every year.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar/minisplit issues might be solved
Replies: 3
Views: 556

Re: Solar/minisplit issues might be solved

Wow, what a tale. Thanks for sharing it.

If you can, please update in six months to see if the system maintains integrity.

If you bought a new home and were looking to add solar and minisplits, what would be the initial tests that you would perform to assess whether any mitigations were required and who would you have perform them?
by WhyNotUs
Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deep Dive: Poor Tax Efficiency of Vanguard International Funds 2023
Replies: 41
Views: 6039

Re: Deep Dive: Poor Tax Efficiency of Vanguard International Funds 2023

Thanks to the OP, it will take some time to digest but the topline info is very interesting and useful.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16105

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

I guess I will find out in about 6 years when our Leaf gets to 100k. Might be driving a BYD next 8-) At the OPs electric rates, it seems like about a financial wash. I pay <11 cents kWh and have more solar than you and an all electric house and it is a great deal for us, but that is not my primary motivation. What's a BYD? https://www.byd.com/us Largest manufacturer of EVs in the world. If they are allowed in the market, the price of EVs will drop. It will take a big investment in charging infrastructure for the ultimate changes to EVs but lower cost Evs will make a difference. Lack of charging infrastructure and manufacturers focusing on high end products will limit adoption. The growth in usage is pretty good considering the choices made...
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16105

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

RAV4 FW vs. Bolt EUV net cost, I will let you do the math for your area. My local Toyota dealer has a 2024 RAV4 FWD for $32k. It gets 31 mpg combined. The closest Chevy dealer with a Bolt EUV has a 23 Premier that is loaded for $35k. Then I get -$7500 at sale from feds and -$5k from state in tax credit. Neither is an SUV IMO. Last I heard CA was at about 60% carbon-free electric supply (includes nukes) I see the fact that you can buy a compact ev for about the same net cost as an ICE and that one can fuel it for about the same cost as dino juice as great news. I don't think anyone has made the claim that a compact EV costs the same as an ICE. And OP was looking to replace a RAV4, which is an SUV. In general, without purchase subsidies, new ...
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Stories of College Savings: what was your plan, and what happened?
Replies: 98
Views: 7341

Re: Real Stories of College Savings: what was your plan, and what happened?

Funded 100% of cost of in-state public university. If they wanted to do something else, they needed to figure that out. They both did. Two good students, both went to out of state private smaller colleges. Lots of scholarships, summer work, and I did supplement a bit when I had a couple of good years. Both graduated with no debt. Private college costs are hard to explain to me.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 168
Views: 11479

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

Where I live, Comfort Dental is the only one participating in these types of plans. Since they offer their own plan, does not seem relevant. I spent a fair bit of time looking into options but figured out pretty early on that Medicare Advantage was not for me. The G plans rose to the top and in the end it was a simple decision. My Anthem plan is about $150 a month and my prescription plan is $70 a month. I will shop prescription plans next year as the cost doubled but I was too busy at the time to look at other options and I don't have any regular meds. The big hole is vision and dental. After looking into options and wanting to keep my current dentist and eye doctor, I decided to just pay cash and buy my glasses from an online discount sel...
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16105

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

I see the fact that you can buy a compact ev for about the same net cost as an ICE and that one can fuel it for about the same cost as dino juice as great news. My utility will be 90% renewable within two years and I will be ability to maintain mobility using renewable energy without a signficant change in budget, wow!
by WhyNotUs
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 168
Views: 11479

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

I spent a fair bit of time looking into options but figured out pretty early on that Medicare Advantage was not for me. The G plans rose to the top and in the end it was a simple decision. My Anthem plan is about $150 a month and my prescription plan is $70 a month. I will shop prescription plans next year as the cost doubled but I was too busy at the time to look at other options and I don't have any regular meds.

The big hole is vision and dental. After looking into options and wanting to keep my current dentist and eye doctor, I decided to just pay cash and buy my glasses from an online discount seller.

After having bought individual health insurance, Medicare is much appreciated.
by WhyNotUs
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do electric cars stop making sense?
Replies: 210
Views: 16105

Re: When do electric cars stop making sense?

If you are planning to hold the car for > 10 years the hybrid warranty is out! Are you 100% sure you can get a replacement battery pack at an affordable cost? Maybe the battery technology has change? Gas will be always there. Maybe, we have an EV and an ICE. The Toyota blew and oil house and killed the engine. It was a little over $10k for a rebuilt engine with install. Our Leaf could have had a new pack for $6k at one time but after 7 years and 80k miles it still was holding 12 of 12 bars of charging so I will never know. There are also non-Nissan shops that were offered to replace with a bigger battery pack. I guess I will find out in about 6 years when our Leaf gets to 100k. Might be driving a BYD next 8-) At the OPs electric rates, it ...
by WhyNotUs
Wed Feb 28, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
Replies: 148
Views: 22535

Re: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow

Glad that you are following through on no quick choices. Seems like you have decided your way forward but waiting for the path to line up best. That makes sense to me. You are in a good financial position to take a break and figure out the next evolution of your life. You seem to be asking all of the right questions and very self-aware in your analysis. Your assessment of your manager seems healthy and you seem to be acting with integrity rather than out of fear or anger. I hope that you can see that.

Maybe having this time to sort through your life changes while still receiving a paycheck is your severance.

Best wishes moving forward.
by WhyNotUs
Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portugal Vacation
Replies: 22
Views: 2902

Re: Portugal Vacation

Beaches typically lead me to the Algarve region.

But if I only had one week, I would not go that far. It would be a missed opportunity not to experience Lisbon for a couple days in my opinion. For a beach town close to Lisbon, take a look at Cascais or Ericiera. If you don't want to rent a car, the train goes to Cascais. Not sure about Ericiera.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA
Replies: 8
Views: 761

Re: Inherited IRA

A few years ago, when interest rates were low, a balanced fund might have been more likely to produce more return but less so now.
For year one, the MM fund should do well. VG has brokered cds that are paying a little over 5% for non-callable in the 12-18 month range if you want a guarantee for year two. For year three, there is one for 2026 at 4.7%.

Those are pretty good returns for a very low risk asset. If you want more reward, I think you are going to need to add quite a bit more risk.
by WhyNotUs
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
Replies: 185
Views: 32773

Re: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful liquor store in our area with a great wine selection. The manager of the wine department is a treasure. Yesterday I walked in and grabbed an empty box and picked three bottles of a proven winner for us (and one of the few that I can remember) and then asked the manager to fill the rest with two whites and seven reds that we would like. He knows our preferences (medium body, $10 a bottle-ish) and fills in the rest. $140 for 12 including tax. Each time we discover excellent new wines and sometimes I remember to take a photo of the label.

Worth looking for a similar store in your community IMO.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Feb 17, 2024 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement Tax Planning
Replies: 12
Views: 1525

Re: Early Retirement Tax Planning

WIth general info you get general results, here's my try Not many here will have a portfolio similar to yours but maybe someone will pop in. Not really a FIRE focus here. You might look at https://engineeringyourfi.com/tax-and-penalty-minimization-tpm-withdrawal-strategy/ In general, you might look to a 3 - 3.5% safe withdrawal rate. You would need $3.5M to meet your withdrawal strategy. In general, your choices for health care are buying the COBRA for your current employee plan (it can help having something familiar as you move forward), or private party insurance (call an insurance broker), or through the health care exchange (some states have their own in conjunction with ACA). Health insurance is expensive, some people arrange their mil...
by WhyNotUs
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get my road paved
Replies: 77
Views: 5875

Re: How to get my road paved

Road repairs and pavement management gravitate to spending limited funds on high traffic roads. We would all expect government to do that. It sounds like your neighborhood road, like mine, does not have enough trips to be a staff priority. Your alternative is to become a squeaky wheel. Presumably, you are represented by someone in the local jurisdiction responsible for the road. This assumes that it is not a private road. Find out who the representative of your area is and invited them out to visit your home and take a look at the road. Let them know that you will invite neighbors who share your concern but may or may not be able to attend. Once they set a day and time, go door to door and ask your neighbors if they can commit to attend a d...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: College Endowment Return vs BH
Replies: 7
Views: 862

Re: College Endowment Return vs BH

I doubt there is utility in this thread.

FWIW, I sit on a couple endowment committees (small seven figures) and there are options that are tempting for non-profits investments. Without having to factor in capital gains or other taxes, a list of investment vehicles become potentials to consider. In the end, for the small ones, indexing still made the most sense to me but it is the duty of someone serving on a committee to consider options.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Feb 10, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?
Replies: 114
Views: 16157

Re: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?

I am pro gift tax return. Keep them in a file for the future.

One often hears about spats about who got what after one dies and there is an estate to settle. The gift tax form is a convenient way to track those gifts and to document that it is the intent of the gifter that it is clearly a gift, not a loan.

People get weird, not all but enough to make the few minutes required to file the form worthwhile IMO.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to Start Soc Sec
Replies: 61
Views: 6812

Re: When to Start Soc Sec

My long term results do not exceed 8% on total account, YMMV. Basic facts - I don't need the money, I was the primary wage earner between my wife and me and I am 3 years older than my wife. You just answered your question, wait and you are ensuring that a surviving spouse will have the benefit regardless of your date of death. Assuming no structural changes, you get an 8% return during the wait. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Does this guy know what he's talking about? Not on this topic. I am not familiar with him so I cannot speak to general finances. But you don't get an 8% "return". You lose the 8 years of benefits from 62-70 (even though they are lower). You get an 8% increase (roughly) for every year you wait until 70....
by WhyNotUs
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hawaii Trip: advice
Replies: 35
Views: 3656

Re: Hawaii Trip: advice

I like to go hiking and snorkeling, I am cheap and probably driving to a lagoon or hike with some beers is more my style. Could be convinced to book a tour. Spouse has motion sickness (so would like to limit ocean activities, but still open to some like whale watching?) - they are more into consumerism, will go on medium difficulty hikes. Looking for recommendations How to split days between islands The Big Island is...big. I have lived on both of the islands that you are proposing. Given your stated interests, I would invest a day going to Volcano NP (hike), a day for snorkeling and in Kona and Hapuna Beach in the afternoon, a day to acclimate upon arrival walking around Kona, and a day on cultural activities (the magic of Hawaii is roote...
by WhyNotUs
Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to Start Soc Sec
Replies: 61
Views: 6812

Re: When to Start Soc Sec

willyd123 wrote: Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:48 am Basic facts - I don't need the money, I was the primary wage earner between my wife and me and I am 3 years older than my wife.
You just answered your question, wait and you are ensuring that a surviving spouse will have the benefit regardless of your date of death. Assuming no structural changes, you get an 8% return during the wait. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Does this guy know what he's talking about?
Not on this topic. I am not familiar with him so I cannot speak to general finances.
by WhyNotUs
Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I'm done working! Looking for critiques of my plan!
Replies: 7
Views: 1936

Re: I'm done working! Looking for critiques of my plan!

The first few years, while you are living off of taxed savings, you might have room to sell some of the individual stocks and pay little to no capital gains. See this thread for more: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=393233 I would start by reducing my exposure to your former employer. Looks like you are in good shape for your spending pattern so focusing on a tax efficient withdrawal strategy might be the best place to put your energy. I read you as saying that you have inflation protected pension, if so, I would keep those. Between SSA and those, you will have low stress with market volatility. I personally would not have a bunch of high yield at this point, they are called junk for a reason. YMMV, I think cd yields are ve...
by WhyNotUs
Mon Feb 05, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan
Replies: 31
Views: 2814

Re: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan

While many of criticisms of individual dental plans are correct, another concern is that "self-insuring" can create an incentive for one not to have regular cleanings. We are learning more about the benefits and importance of dental health. Regular cleanings are a good investment in health.

I have had good dental coverage, a prepaid plan with a franchise dental outfit (Comfort Dental), and no coverage. If you can get it through work, that is usually the best option. If you do not have coverage, discipline yourself to get the cleanings.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling rental property
Replies: 9
Views: 871

Re: Selling rental property

Not while painting between the lines. Congrats on your good fortune, I have sold a few and just considered it a cost of doing business to pay taxes. 1031 is common route for investors but it sounds like that is not a good fit for your situation.

Biggerpockets.com forum may have some ideas for you but I would urge careful review of the advice before implementation.

Income=taxes
by WhyNotUs
Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How can I tell if Solar Panels are working effectively?
Replies: 21
Views: 1892

Re: How can I tell if Solar Panels are working effectively?

Tigermoose wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:02 pm So the reason my summer month net generation showed so low on my SCE statements is that I was using a ton of it and only had a small amount to send back to the grid.

I think we are using a lot more energy now than we did in 2021. Next step is to figure out why.
Did you add air conditioning or electric vehicle, they are most likely big ticket users.

Kill a Watt meters are fun to check things that plug in. They cost about $30 and your electric utility may have them to loan.
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of moving to Denver
Replies: 59
Views: 6675

Re: Thinking of moving to Denver

I would echo that Boulder might be a good fit for you.
Great trails, great biking, lots of crunchy food options, tech businesses, all of the benefits of a major university.
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jan 31, 2024 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Replies: 96
Views: 16962

Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama

Do you have the realtors name and contact info? That would be a good chat, see if they have connections to someone who might buy all three at a discount. The work to create optimal value does not seem like your interest so I would just bulk sale them and maybe you get a vacation or 529 funds out of them. If you have the addresses, it would likely take minutes to check the tax status of each of the properties through the county treasurer and assessor websites. A quick look at Zillow would allow you to see previous sales in the area (you have to select sold rather than for sale) and the for sale will give you an idea of the market. If in the end you do not wish to participate, you could also ask you siblings (who seem more interested) if they...
by WhyNotUs
Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Our Plan To Sell Everything & Travel Full-Time - Plan & Portfolio Review Request
Replies: 65
Views: 11357

Re: Our Plan To Sell Everything & Travel Full-Time - Plan & Portfolio Review Request

It has been several years since I was in Vietnam but at that time expats that I met were living along the coast for more like $4,000 a month in comfort. Backpacker style was more like $2,500. A friend was living in Laos for $2k. SEA is a good place to shakedown your travel plan.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 12897

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

The comments would have benefitted from a description of income. If one has started SS and has a pension or other monthly income, then it may be that IRA or taxable withdrawals are play money. This is especially true of government retirees and older people from the pension era.

Another person may be trying to hold off until 70 to take SS and have no pension or other monthly income. They are trying to figure out how to live off of their IRA and taxable savings for some number of year. Winging it in that situation is a bigger challenge it in my mind.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust
Replies: 86
Views: 9851

Re: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust

In addition to discussing the commission rate and marketing strategy, also get clear on other costs. The staging cost is out of scale and at the full commission should be part of the deal where I live. There is a lack of inventory in many locations and realtors need listings, don't be afraid to ask them to sell you on a package of services at a rate that is the best you can get. There is no rational basis for the 5 or 6% commission in high end markets. I live in one where homes start at $1M and go up fast. The difference in effort between a $1M sale and a $6M sale is modest since most homes here sell with no financing. Your realtor will likely get about a quarter of the commission for reasons that are equally irrational IMO. Hopefully chang...
by WhyNotUs
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can We Retire in Hawaii? Please Critique
Replies: 214
Views: 37526

Re: Can We Retire in Hawaii? Please Critique

Glad you found a situation that is working for you.

A couple observation on farming there that you probably already know..
Internet and youtube can be a big help in keeping equipment going. We bought a used tractor to save money, that was a mistake. The environment is hard on the moving parts and rust never sleeps. From Hawi, i had to go to Kona for parts back then. If i had a do over i would have kept a stache of top replacement parts and bought or built a covered area for tractor.

Consider value added ag products. More money in arranged flowers or delivered flowers than individual stems.

The Red Hill situation is horrible. What a disgrace. I hope the your detox plan works.

Good luck
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Adios, Vanguard
Replies: 465
Views: 93437

Re: Adios, Vanguard

The fact that there are currently three or more brokerages that provide low cost index funds and good customer service is a good thing for all.
I have differences with VG current management choices but there is no doubt that much good has come from Bogle's work to turn the tables on MF and advisor costs.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Jan 06, 2024 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it make sense for parents to drop Genworth LTC policy?
Replies: 48
Views: 6833

Re: Does it make sense for parents to drop Genworth LTC policy?

#3 would be my least likely course forward given your description. $10k does not seem like a meaningful amount of money to your folks and cuts the value of the benefit in half.

If they have only paid $27k into the policy, then is likely pretty recent purchase. Buying a policy at this point is going to be expensive. For me, the choice would be between #1 and #2.

My first inclination would be to keep it until I see how this actually shakes out rather than what the company proposes to the insurance commission.
by WhyNotUs
Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Board Games for Two in 2024
Replies: 52
Views: 6361

Re: Board Games for Two in 2024

https://cribbagecorner.com/variants/

bhwabeck3533 wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2024 6:55 am
WhyNotUs wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:38 pm
FWIW, there are lots of versions of cribbage and it can be fun to try different variations.
Tell me more. I've been playing cribbage for sixty years, and typically play a two-person game. We play three and four (partners) as well. What other "versions" and "variations" of cribbage are there?
by WhyNotUs
Fri Jan 05, 2024 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hardwood Flooring
Replies: 15
Views: 1998

Re: Hardwood Flooring

Labor costs cary by the area. I live in a VHCOL area so it would cost me 2 to 3x more than a medium cost place.
The cost to be expected include removal of whatever flooring is there, any work that is needed to prep the floor for the wood, install, sand and seal.


Fillmore wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2024 3:12 pm If I move in my rental property on my sister's suggestion I should install hardwood floors.

She said my brother in-law can do the installation.

Was wondering how much to pay him ? I would only want the living room and walk in hallway, small, I'm guessing about 400 or so square feet.

Any pitfalls to hardwood flooring ? The only thing I can think of is they seem cold in the winter months.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jan 04, 2024 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time flying to Europe (2024)
Replies: 37
Views: 5438

Re: First time flying to Europe (2024)

Congrats on your trip, I expect that you are very excited. 1) How far in advance should you purchase flight tickets? I assume prices will fluctuate but I am not sure of the best timeframe to make this purchase. I don't know that there is a magic number. I would run a search for your dates to see what is out there and if you use a site like www.momondo.com you can set up a fare tracker. It will email you with fare changes. One of the benefits of purchasing early can be seat selection. If you look up the flight number and aircraft, then you can go on seatguru or seat expert to assess seat options. In my experience, foreign airlines are often better than US carriers. Personally, I try to avoid AA for instance. If you are unfamiliar with the a...
by WhyNotUs
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Board Games for Two in 2024
Replies: 52
Views: 6361

Re: Board Games for Two in 2024

Hmm, not sure Wingspan meets "concentration" limitation, that thing has more rules than the Tax Code.

Sequence is a good one but the box is a little bigger than I like for camping.
Bananagram, Farkle, and Pass the Pig are all easy to bring on camping trips.
A deck of cards and a Book of Hoyle is a good way to learn more card games
Five Crowns is more fun with 3 or more but good with 2
I used to have a travel scrabble and enjoyed it but must have left it somewhere.

FWIW, there are lots of versions of cribbage and it can be fun to try different variations.
by WhyNotUs
Thu Dec 28, 2023 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on single vacation?
Replies: 108
Views: 24970

Re: How much to spend on single vacation?

ThankYouJack wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 3:01 pm
I've taken a bunch of long vacations and absolutely love them when there's a lot to do and explore (especially being outdoors). Life gets boring staying in the same spot 365 days a year ;)
Seems like your concern is really about lifestyle creep rather than whether you can afford the trip. Your internal dialogue about the townhome for $5k less and the house may be a symbol of that. If you want to have a long trip and resist lifestyle creep temptation, then you probably already know the way forward.
by WhyNotUs
Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything special to see in Denver?
Replies: 33
Views: 3819

Re: Anything special to see in Denver?

FB01 wrote: Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:52 pm However, i will be flying to Denver. Is there anything to see in Denver for me to spend 1-2 nights in Denver or should I just visit the National park and leave Denver.

FYI - I have 2 kids 11 and 13 and not interested in museums or breweries.

Any suggestions are appreciated?
Would need to know interests to say more but some generic points- Denver has one of the best baseball stadiums in the US (but team is not great).
Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the best concert venues in the US.

Boulder is in between RMNP and Denver and it has great hikes, outdoor pedestrian mall, lots of events, etc.
by WhyNotUs
Tue Dec 26, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security claiming strategy: CFP rec differs from Open SS model
Replies: 54
Views: 5134

Re: Social Security claiming strategy: CFP rec differs from Open SS model

mhalley wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 7:50 pm Perhaps a third recommendation, say from maximize my social security might help you finalize the decision.
I had a little time and paid for Maximize my SS service. I did not see any value added compared to Open Social Security. In fact, the opposite. I was hoping to gain some kernel of info that would justify the expense but failed.

OSS is from the spirit of the early days of the internet, knowledgeable people sharing objective information and open to making adjustments based on better input. Thanks Mike!
by WhyNotUs
Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card recommendation: one card to rule them all?
Replies: 95
Views: 13888

Re: Credit card recommendation: one card to rule them all?

I am in United territory as well. The Chase United Explorer card is a pretty decent deal for regular united flyers. $0 and 60k miles to sign up and then $95 a year. Includes free bag for each flyer and two club passes.
by WhyNotUs
Mon Dec 25, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 days in Cuba in February
Replies: 11
Views: 1833

Re: 3 days in Cuba in February

Walking tour of Habana Vieja- I did my own due to when I had time but would have preferred to have someone helping me learn more about the neighborhood.

The capital is also interesting, it was a surprise to find a copy of the DC one in Havana's core. The area around it is a worth a look as well, people are outside and that makes it lively.

The Malecon is kind of touristy but if you walk past the area where the taxis stage, it is the people of Havana enjoying their day.

I found Fusterlandia fascinating and met the artist.
by WhyNotUs
Mon Dec 25, 2023 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to I (safely) heat a cold bedroom?
Replies: 49
Views: 5710

Re: How to I (safely) heat a cold bedroom?

Heat pump is a good place to start looking. If the rooms are adjacent, a two head pump could be an option. Your electrical panel will need checked to see whether you have extra capacity. There are tax credits available to lower initial cost and operating cost is low depending on your electric rates.

FWIW, ideal sleeping temp is in that temperature range. A good comforter might be a low cost first choice.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what ... my-bedroom
by WhyNotUs
Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Jacuzzi
Replies: 7
Views: 839

Re: Buying a Jacuzzi

Buy a quality tub through a local dealer that provides ongoing service.
Unless you have a big family or it is a short term rental, a smaller tub will be less expensive to purchase, operate and maintain.
Where I live 7,200' elevation, insulation is an important consideration but your local dealer will make a good recommendation.
As others have noted, there is likely to be costs beyond the purchase, such as site prep, electrical work, and inspection.
If it will be used in the winter, try to get it reasonably close to an entrance to the house.
by WhyNotUs
Sat Dec 23, 2023 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does a SUV have more utility than a sedan?
Replies: 297
Views: 144681

Re: Does a SUV have more utility than a sedan?

As a phrase SUV does not really mean anything any longer. There was a time when the case for it was a higher clearance vehicle with 4wd or later AWD that would allow for larger tires for off-road or off-pavement use. Some of the big-boys qualified for the 6,000 lb vehicle tax break and that pushes some early adopters outside of the wilds. Where I live, realtors were able to take advantage for instance.

Now the phrase SUV does not really mean anything other than a marketing phrase. There are small ones to mammoth gas hogs. It is the current version of the mini-van and rarely has anything to do with the original case.