Search found 475 matches

by Cigarman
Sun Oct 01, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.
Replies: 35
Views: 3644

Re: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.

I had a similar problem with the unit outside my master bedroom. Turns out the fan blade was hitting the plastic housing around it. I made sure the unit was level but the problem still happened. Had my service company come out and trim back the plastic housing. Problem went away!
by Cigarman
Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Citi - Points Redemption
Replies: 15
Views: 1212

Re: Citi - Points Redemption

I have been using the Citi Double Cash for about five years now. I get 1% back on purchases and 1% back on payments to the card. However, if I use the percentage back as a credit on my statement, I don’t get the 1% back as a payment. I’m thinking something very similarly works when you use a credit statement to pay for something at a store. To get the most value out of it, have them send you a check every time, that way you get the full 2% back.
by Cigarman
Mon May 01, 2023 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy your steak from these days?
Replies: 52
Views: 5772

Re: Where do you buy your steak from these days?

Local grocery but I don’t buy it unless I’m entertaining.

I’ve tried Allen Brothers but overpriced. Omaha Steaks is so-so. I just think buying locally is the best!

P.S. I serve it with flava beans and Chianti when entertaining!
by Cigarman
Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Even after you think you bought a car, dealerships can 'yo-yo' you and take it back
Replies: 43
Views: 6136

Re: Even after you think you bought a car, dealerships can 'yo-yo' you and take it back

This is also known as "spotting" where you complete all the paperwork and drive home with the car that day. After you have "fallen in love" with the vehicle most people will just roll over and sign the new paperwork/financing. Happened once with me and my wife on a new car. 30 days passed and they called to say there was an issue. Finance guy tried to guilt us into accepting the car with the line "You have driven it for free for 30 days". My response was simple: "You insisted we drive it home that day and this is not my problem. Come and get the car, I will find another dealer to sell me the exact same vehichle." Needless to say, they had sold the trade in and were between a rock and a hard place. Ama...
by Cigarman
Wed Feb 01, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Cigar?
Replies: 8
Views: 994

Re: Boglehead Cigar?

I'm a huge fan of the Nub line of cigars from Oliva. Good selection of wrappers (Connecticut, Cameroon, Habano & Maduro) and usually in the 450 - 460 range (4" long, 50-60mm diameter). They run in the $8.00 - $11.00 range locally (Raleigh, NC) Most of the flavor comes from the wrapper so the lighter the wrapper, the milder the cigar. Personally, when I buy in bulk, I purchase from https://www.holts.com/. Great prices, fast shipping and they are constantly running specials (probably get an email a day from them). If you have a Total Wine store near you they usually have a large selection of cigars and their prices typically beat any independent or chain tobacco store. Enjoy!!!
by Cigarman
Wed Feb 01, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What’s Up with Medicare Advantage Ads?
Replies: 84
Views: 7672

Re: What’s Up with Medicare Advantage Ads?

My 90 year old MIL recently went to the hospital and it was found to have Covid. She was treated and then placed in a rehab center. The social services director called me to go over her case and made the following statement: "The good news is that she has traditional Medicare so there isn't a limit on her rehab and therapy payment as opposed to having a Medicare Advantage Plan." The devil is always in the details! Why do they run so many ads? Because in the long run they are in the business of making money!
by Cigarman
Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?
Replies: 12
Views: 1579

Re: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?

https://clark.com/consumer-issues-id-th ... gency/amp/

It is also quite possible that the “debt” is outside the statute of limitations for your state. You haven’t given any indication of how old it is. Sounds like a fishing expedition to me.
by Cigarman
Thu Dec 01, 2022 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sister has terminal cancer and no will/trust--Atlanta GA
Replies: 13
Views: 2664

Re: Sister has terminal cancer and no will/trust--Atlanta GA

Was her will drawn up in the state she lives in? My FIL had a will drawn up in Indiana but live and passed in Nevada. Nevada is a community property state and Indiana isn’t. Huge mess for the executor (BIL)
by Cigarman
Sat Nov 12, 2022 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout---UPDATE2-The Return Report
Replies: 55
Views: 8824

Re: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout---UPDATE2-The Return Report

I go to Vegas twice a year and always stay at the Palazzo. Has everything I need. I’m an early riser and always joke with the security guards about the women in their 20s doing the “walk of shame” at 5 AM (walking barefoot and carrying their 5” heels no less). DM me on your 90th, would love to celebrate it with you in Vegas!
by Cigarman
Thu Oct 20, 2022 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening a Roth IRA at age 86?
Replies: 30
Views: 2251

Re: Opening a Roth IRA at age 86?

I believe the surviving spouse will go into single filer the tax year AFTER the spouse passed. Mine passed in May of 2020 and I didn’t file as single until tax year 2021.

As for the conversion and the beginnings of dementia, it seems to me that, in all likelihood, your parents would never be able to draw the money out without penalties as they may pass before the 5 years are up, possibly costing them more in taxes.

I’m cynical of the advisors intentions. My mother was sold a $250,000 life policy in her mid 80’s on the premise that if she died, that money would go towards my father’s care. It was nearly $2000 per month. He was already in a memory care and passed 3 years later with my mother still healthy and driving every day.
by Cigarman
Thu Oct 13, 2022 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Caribbean vacation destinations?
Replies: 25
Views: 3939

Re: Favorite Caribbean vacation destinations?

I loved the Cayman Islands, especially Sting Ray City. Try Aruba as well. Both have plenty to do for adults and kids.
by Cigarman
Mon Oct 10, 2022 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying into bungalow colony with no price history
Replies: 47
Views: 5721

Re: buying into bungalow colony with no price history

Here in North Carolina real estate sales are recorded at the county level. It might take some digging but that is your best bet.
by Cigarman
Sun Sep 18, 2022 4:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water heater replacement, etc
Replies: 66
Views: 6439

Re: Water heater replacement, etc

We had a water heater in the attic and replaced it with a tankless one that hung on the outside of the house in North Carolina. Single best decision we made and I think it’s been running for 10 years without a problem.
by Cigarman
Sat Sep 17, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone use a Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer?
Replies: 19
Views: 1866

Re: Anyone use a Foodsaver Vacuum Sealer?

I use it all the time! Make a big pot of spaghetti sauce or chili and freeze it using food saver. Have “canned” peaches using it too! Usually only freeze things for 3 months with it.
by Cigarman
Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Biz owners - Quickbooks or Xero for single employee s-corp?
Replies: 17
Views: 1999

Re: Biz owners - Quickbooks or Xero for single employee s-corp?

I am self employed using QuickBooks. I don’t use the online version because the report writing (customization) of online is not as good as the desktop. If you decide to us QuickBooks just make sure they are only charging you for 1 user on payroll! I paid multiuser for several years until I found out there was several tiers (probably due to software defaults)
by Cigarman
Wed Aug 24, 2022 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout---UPDATE2-The Return Report
Replies: 55
Views: 8824

Re: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout

I always stay at The Palazzo, twice a year. For only 10k in cash you could carry it or do the credit line. Since I bank at Wells Fargo, I take a taxi to their local branch and cash a check (carry 5k, check for 5k)

Eat at Buddy V’s and Delmonic’s! Always my go to places. If you want more tips, DM me, they treat me extremely well!
by Cigarman
Tue Aug 23, 2022 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Penalties for Marriage in Later Years
Replies: 25
Views: 3719

Re: Financial Penalties for Marriage in Later Years

Thanks for the post. Currently 63 and a widower. Really makes one think twice before getting remarried.
by Cigarman
Sat Aug 20, 2022 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large Withdrawal For House Purchase
Replies: 14
Views: 1476

Re: Large Withdrawal For House Purchase

I did this recently and was able to sell specific shares at Fidelity, some that had losses to counterbalance against some capital gains I’m going to have this year. Hence, eliminating or minimizing any taxes I need to pay.
by Cigarman
Wed Aug 17, 2022 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washington, D.C. visit
Replies: 32
Views: 2754

Re: Washington, D.C. visit

Bobby Van’s for steak! Great food, come as you are.
by Cigarman
Sat Aug 13, 2022 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4 days in NY
Replies: 84
Views: 6178

Re: 4 days in NY

Everyone will need passports if you plan to enter Canada by car!!
by Cigarman
Wed Aug 03, 2022 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA-Missing Money
Replies: 20
Views: 3011

PSA-Missing Money

Bear with me. My mother passed in early 2021. My brother, went to five siblings, was the executor and did everything to the letter of the law. So occasionally, I check my family name, which is rather unusual, to see if there is any money floating around. About 15 years ago I found close to $1500 for my mother and her forgotten bank account. So about a week ago I went online and check my family name. bottom line is they were two accounts in Wells Fargo but it turned over to the state of Michigan. Online it said they were both above $250 and I went ahead and applied for the money. Much to my surprise it was more like $95,000. Well my brother, as executor, had distributed all the monies in my mothers estate apparently she had forgotten about t...
by Cigarman
Thu Jul 28, 2022 3:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eyewear from Costco
Replies: 41
Views: 9360

Re: Eyewear from Costco

Don’t forget HSA money can used for eye exams and prescriptions!
by Cigarman
Sun Jul 17, 2022 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to Roth convert
Replies: 9
Views: 1093

Re: What to Roth convert

Probably not enough information posted to give you guidance. How much is in each account and what is your tax filing status, age and anticipated income for the year. I assume your goal is to minimize taxes and RMDs but I could be wrong.
by Cigarman
Mon Jul 11, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floating Deck
Replies: 8
Views: 1573

Re: Floating Deck

Thanks for all the great replies. I’m in NC and will check all the local codes.
by Cigarman
Sun Jul 10, 2022 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floating Deck
Replies: 8
Views: 1573

Re: Floating Deck

It’s actually a fireplace, not a fire pit. However, permeable pavers may be an option. Won’t move in until August, just doing the leg work now. From what I have researched I could build the floating deck so it is only about 8” above ground level to avoid adding steps.
by Cigarman
Sat Jul 09, 2022 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whether to sell or rent
Replies: 17
Views: 1516

Re: Whether to sell or rent

Sell! Why complicate your life unless you really, really want to be a landlord.
by Cigarman
Sat Jul 09, 2022 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Floating Deck
Replies: 8
Views: 1573

Floating Deck

Looking for feedback from those who have built a floating deck. I just went under contract on a house that has a large, outdoor fireplace that has a path leading up to it. Local ordinance prevents me from installing a patio in front of the fireplace (doing so would exceed the allowable impermeable limits on the property) so I’m thinking of putting in a floating deck on deck blocks. Maximum size would be 12’ x 8’ pending approval of HOA. Looking for your experience with floating decks assuming HOA approves. Thanks for your collective wisdom!
by Cigarman
Fri Jul 01, 2022 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Whole Life Policy - Cancelation and Implications?
Replies: 11
Views: 1010

Re: Whole Life Policy - Cancelation and Implications?

Dump it. You have adequate term and this is of no value to you. Invest the payment and be extremely happy in 20 years.
by Cigarman
Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help English major apply to colleges that might offer merit scholarships
Replies: 125
Views: 9098

Re: Help English major apply to colleges that might offer merit scholarships

Faber College almost meets all her criteria (almost) :D !

Sorry, couldn’t resist.
by Cigarman
Tue Jun 07, 2022 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Estate Plan - what can go wrong?
Replies: 18
Views: 2889

Re: Your Estate Plan - what can go wrong?

Make sure you understand your state’s laws. My father-in-law had his wheel drawn up in Indiana but lived in Nevada. His wife was in the memory care unit and he figured he would pass before she did. (it was his second wife, divorced from the first). He ended up passing about nine months before she did but as a community property state, half his assets went to her. Her sons from her first marriage were not in his will but because of the state laws, 50% of his estate went to her and then her sons received a portion of his estate according to her wI’ll

It’s a huge mess for my brother-in-law to deal with (my wife, his sister, passed a couple years ago before her father.) There is also real estate involved which complicates the matter.
by Cigarman
Mon Mar 21, 2022 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestion for one week in DC with 9&7 yr old
Replies: 40
Views: 3226

Re: Suggestion for one week in DC with 9&7 yr old

And don’t forget the National Archives! Constitution and Declaration of Independence!
by Cigarman
Mon Mar 21, 2022 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestion for one week in DC with 9&7 yr old
Replies: 40
Views: 3226

Re: Suggestion for one week in DC with 9&7 yr old

Contact your Congressman and get them to arrange a White House tour and private capital tour!
by Cigarman
Mon Mar 21, 2022 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: filing 941 for 1 man operation, Sub- S
Replies: 7
Views: 589

Re: filing 941 for 1 man operation, Sub- S

I use Federal Government’s EFTPS to pay my taxes, but it is monthly not quarterly. Does not appear to be a way to file the 941 on line through this. My CPA prepares it and I have to sign and mail in. Costs me more than those services but I don’t have the desire to do it myself.
by Cigarman
Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 18k to finish off garage space
Replies: 29
Views: 3784

Re: 18k to finish off garage space

Why not just paint the dark boards to an off white and see if that is sufficient to remove the gloominess?
by Cigarman
Fri Feb 25, 2022 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much landscaping can we afford?
Replies: 18
Views: 2613

Re: How much landscaping can we afford?

1-2 hours a month for lawn maintenance is extremely low. Besides that, unless you hire a service, there are tons of other things you need to do to maintain a well landscaped yard. Don’t know if it is feasible but an artificial lawn might be in order. Higher upfront costs but no trimming, cutting or watering. California has to live that in the long run. This is outside of landscaping which I consider flowers, shrubs, etc. Even with a service to trim, weed, etc you will probably spend a few hours each week doing something….
by Cigarman
Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three-season Sunroom Cost
Replies: 9
Views: 2758

Re: Three-season Sunroom Cost

At nearly $250 per sq ft, I would shop it around. Three seasons probably means very little insulation and what not!
by Cigarman
Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas for a couple
Replies: 14
Views: 2280

Re: Vacation ideas for a couple

Fly to San Francisco

Do 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach

Spend a day in Carmel and stay at The Highlands

Pacific Coast Highway to LA

Drive to Vegas. Stay at Wynn, Palazzo or Bellagio

See Hoover Dam

Grand Canyon and Skywalk

That would cover the first 8 days
by Cigarman
Wed Nov 24, 2021 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Things to look for during "blue tape" walkthrough
Replies: 34
Views: 4557

Re: Things to look for during "blue tape" walkthrough

Turn on every faucet and run the dishwasher to make sure all the connections are correct. My first house had the lines on the dishwasher backwards and my current rental has them wrong on the bathtub.
by Cigarman
Fri Nov 19, 2021 5:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking For Printers for Small Book
Replies: 7
Views: 794

Re: Looking For Printers for Small Book

You may want to try BookBaby. I've been in the printing business for over 40 years, PM me if you want and we can discuss more in details. There is a lot of variables making no one "right" answer to this question. Similar to "How Long is a Piece of String". LOL
by Cigarman
Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace or Shampoo Carpet?
Replies: 12
Views: 1113

Re: Replace or Shampoo Carpet?

Replace both. As the owner of many cats over the years it is nearly impossible to get the stain and the smell out unless done immediately after the accident. You might want to pull up the rug a few days before install to check the flooring underneath, especially if it is plywood. Check the area to see if it soaked all the way through.
by Cigarman
Tue Nov 09, 2021 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is HSA deduction mandatory? (!)
Replies: 22
Views: 2712

Re: Is HSA deduction mandatory? (!)

Wouldn't putting the HSA amount into a Roth (if you qualify for a Roth) achieve the same goal? Tax free growth and tax free withdrawal?
by Cigarman
Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: owning a home vs renting
Replies: 9
Views: 1236

Re: owning a home vs renting

Sounds like someone should develop an app!

To me, either one is a lifestyle choice. I’m currently renting after selling my house a year ago on a hot market. I think making such calculations can help in the decision making process but not an end all.
by Cigarman
Mon Nov 01, 2021 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend non-permanent adhesive?
Replies: 20
Views: 1353

Re: Recommend non-permanent adhesive?

Go with the traction tape per 18_Apex. I have used on concrete and brick, indoors and outdoors, with great results. Can pull up with little or no residue that is easily cleaned off.
by Cigarman
Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 50293

Re: Is anyone still waiting on the IRS tax refund like me?

I’m on the opposite side of the long wait! E filed on Oct 15 and received federal rebate on the 25th and state rebate yesterday.
by Cigarman
Wed Oct 27, 2021 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st time homebuyer: negotitate realtor fees? Buy with Redfin or traditional agent?
Replies: 55
Views: 4932

Re: 1st time homebuyer: negotitate realtor fees? Buy with Redfin or traditional agent?

I sold my house through a realtor and the buyer used Redfin. Not sure how much the buyers agent helped them find the house (I am in NC, buyer was in CA) but the Redfin agent was very active in preparing the offer and negotiating the price post inspection. All in all I had no complaints with the process.
by Cigarman
Sun Oct 24, 2021 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Crossroad, Need Advice
Replies: 20
Views: 2632

Re: Personal Crossroad, Need Advice

As a solo start up, can you go 6 months without a paycheck? 400k is a big nut but I don’t know your business. What if their is no income for a while? Don’t get me wrong, I started my own business 23 years ago and couldn’t be happier. As a single employee I’m essentially have to be available 24/7, 365 days a year but I would not trade it for anything! I love the freedom and only have to answer to my client base.
by Cigarman
Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Our bed is shot!
Replies: 52
Views: 7428

Re: Our bed is shot!

Second on the Sleep Number with an additional mattress pad. First one was still going strong when we upgraded to the one where we can adjust the feet and head up and down. Best part is the King is actually two separate “mattresses” so each person can adjust the firmness to their liking.
by Cigarman
Sat Oct 23, 2021 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking Advice New Job in Chicago - 29M
Replies: 28
Views: 3086

Re: Seeking Advice New Job in Chicago - 29M

Rent until you are out of school. Try and figure out your driving schedule and pick a location that minimizes your overall driving between clients, office and school. (This is why you are renting, so you can relocate if things change drastically). Can't speak to the budget factor as I have no clue how expensive housing will be, increase in such things as auto insurance, etc.
by Cigarman
Wed Oct 20, 2021 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas
Replies: 59
Views: 5584

Re: Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas

My parents had 6 kids, it would have been a nightmare trying to please 2 or 3, let alone 6! However you might want to make a big batch of pasketti sauce (kid talk) or chili and freeze it for quick meals that most kids seem to like.
by Cigarman
Wed Oct 20, 2021 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Less common one-person S-corp deductions
Replies: 68
Views: 4844

Re: Less common one-person S-corp deductions

I am a one person S-corp and have never taken a home office deduction even though I work from home. My CPA advised me that the space should be used 100% for work and mine clearly isn’t. My understanding is that home office deductions are a red flag for the IRS.