Search found 433 matches
- Sat Feb 27, 2021 7:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Giant company restructure impacting compensation - how to maneuver?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 883
Giant company restructure impacting compensation - how to maneuver?
I work for a small services company in the oil and gas space. Normal project manager total compensation used to range from 200k-400k a year for the past few years but then profit sharing was taken away due to the state of the industry last year. Compensation package currently: 40k salary Another 45k...
- Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how much do you budget car repairs/home repairs for?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4704
Re: how much do you budget car repairs/home repairs for?
I budget 400 a month for both, house cost 425k. I’ve unfortunately had to shell out more than that and I’m finding it’s not been enough recently as I’m having to replace the older appliances every few months.
- Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new car - what should I physically inspect on the car?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1494
Buying a new car - what should I physically inspect on the car?
We're going to pick up a new Chrysler pacifica minivan tomorrow. The dealership had to bring it in from a different dealer. I know it was built in September and was at the one dealership since then so I am expecting it to have quite a few test drives on it. What should I be inspecting before I pay f...
- Sat Jan 16, 2021 2:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new car - what after market accessories to get?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 613
Buying a new car - what after market accessories to get?
Taking delivery of a minivan next Saturday. I'm shopping around for accessories now? What do you get to protect your vehicle? Any other must-haves? Currently on the list: -Trashcan -All weather floor mats -Cargo floor mat -Back seat organizer Any suggestions on how to protect leather seats from car ...
- Sat Jan 16, 2021 12:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is the correct premium to pay for a Toyota vs a Chrysler?
- Replies: 53
- Views: 3350
Re: What is the correct premium to pay for a Toyota vs a Chrysler?
Thanks everyone, I'm going with a Pacifica. AWD with leather and top safety package for 36k out the door, couldn't come close with the Toyota.
Thank you for the note on the dealer network, I'll make sure the fluids are all at a proper level.
Thank you for the note on the dealer network, I'll make sure the fluids are all at a proper level.
- Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is the correct premium to pay for a Toyota vs a Chrysler?
- Replies: 53
- Views: 3350
What is the correct premium to pay for a Toyota vs a Chrysler?
I'm looking at purchasing a new Chrysler Pacifica or a Toyota Sienna. They both are listed for similar prices with similar features. The Chrysler guys seem to be coming down in price more than the Toyota dealerships. Plus the Sienna is a hybrid and the Chrysler AWD is not. If you plan on driving the...
- Fri Jan 08, 2021 10:41 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest
- Replies: 638
- Views: 15284
- Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2021 will be a lower income year - any actionable items?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 820
2021 will be a lower income year - any actionable items?
Unless my industry improves dramatically, I expect our household income for 2021 to be 170k. Three people, two adults both working with even income split. One child, two years old and in daycare. 1. I think we’ll be able to do a Roth IRA but what happens if I land a big project and go over in income...
- Sat Dec 12, 2020 9:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1199
Re: 2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
You don't need to go backdoor Roth with a joint income of $175k. Only thing missing is HSA. Well that's simplify things, thank you! Unfortunately our company doesn't offer HDHP health insurance so no HSA available for us. Do either of your 401k plans allow for the "mega backdoor roth"? Go...
- Sat Dec 12, 2020 3:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1199
Re: 2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
Well that's simplify things, thank you! Unfortunately our company doesn't offer HDHP health insurance so no HSA available for us.stoptothink wrote: ↑Sat Dec 12, 2020 3:28 pm You don't need to go backdoor Roth with a joint income of $175k. Only thing missing is HSA.
- Sat Dec 12, 2020 3:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1199
2021 financial goals - what should I consider?
2021 predicted household income - 175k 2021 goals: -Stay under 72k spend (not counting taxes or below goals) -Max two 401ks -Max two backdoor Roth IRAs -7200 to son's 529 -7200 to taxable -16k for IVF, if this is not needed then it'll buy a second car as we are currently a one car household I think ...
- Sun Nov 22, 2020 8:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do I really have to save another $250 a month in the 529?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 4557
Do I really have to save another $250 a month in the 529?
I have a two year old and my income has been severely impacted this year and for the foreseeable future. I have 40k in the 529 and was planning on getting to 50k before he is 3 and stopping contributions for his education as we are hoping to have another child and I would like to divert funds there....
- Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:01 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should I continue to own Vanguard funds in my Fidelity account?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 423
Should I continue to own Vanguard funds in my Fidelity account?
Hello, I moved my individual 401k from Vanguard to Fidelity. I now own the following Vanguard funds in my Fidelity individual 401k: Vanguard Energy Investor Fund (VGENX) Vanguard Real Estate Index Admiral Fund (VGSLX) Vanguard Total International Stock Index Admiral Fund (VTIAX) Vanguard Emerging Ma...
- Sun Oct 25, 2020 9:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: wait for new toyota sienna?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3572
Re: wait for new toyota sienna?
Re-upping this thread from July to see if there are any new BH-related comments about the 2021 Sienna. I love the thought of having a van, but it’d be my wife’s daily driver and I’m having a hard time getting her on board (2 young kids, dog, currently in an Outback which I would start driving). How...
- Fri Oct 09, 2020 5:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Marketers think I'm elderly. I'm not.
- Replies: 47
- Views: 4494
Re: Marketers think I'm elderly. I'm not.
We get them too. All of the other houses on our block belong to retirees so I'm assuming the marketing departments are just sending them based on average demographic in the area.
- Sun Oct 04, 2020 4:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Solo401k transfer
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1281
Re: Solo401k transfer
Let me know what you come up with. I ran into a similar problem and Vanguard nor Fidelity can help me. Even worse, I'm still in the middle of the transfer from Vanguard to Fidelity. 

- Fri Sep 25, 2020 8:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone use the Blueberry Pediatrics subscription or something similar?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 817
Re: Anyone use the Blueberry Pediatrics subscription or something similar?
It would be nice to not have to take him to urgent care every other week Does your current doctor not do tele? Same-day or next-day office visits (as opposed to UC)? No nurse line to help avoid in-person visits? Yes they do! I guess it makes me nervous to bring a kid into a doctor's office in these...
- Wed Sep 23, 2020 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone use the Blueberry Pediatrics subscription or something similar?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 817
Anyone use the Blueberry Pediatrics subscription or something similar?
Noticed that Blueberry Pediatrics is waiving their enrollment fee. Supposedly for $15 a month you have access to a pediatrician 24/7 via video chat. I'm the first time mom of a two year old in day care who is constantly sick with one rash or an ear infection or something. It would be nice to not hav...
- Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Accident Insurance vs continuing to self-insure?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 738
Re: Accident Insurance vs continuing to self-insure?
I bought it. I have a toddler who has been to the ER twice in the last year with what turned out to be minor injuries so it paid for itself. I guess you just have to figure out what your chances are of using it. I was also rear ended in a car accident and got almost 3k for the ER visit, following up...
- Thu Sep 10, 2020 10:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Comparing health plan coverage for BCBS - how do I do it?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 699
Comparing health plan coverage for BCBS - how do I do it?
I need to pick a health insurance plan by Monday. I am leaning toward the higher premium/lower OOP plan as we always hit the OOP and we would come out ahead. However, the networks are different. The higher premium plan is the Blue Cross Blue Shield Advantage Network PPO and the lower premium plan is...
- Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wood burning inserts
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1609
Re: Wood burning inserts
Thanks everyone, great information. I do not have any other fuel source available besides electricity hence the switch to wood. We are familiar with cutting, stacking, and seasoning wood, have been using the inefficient fireplace for several years. I looked at the brands mentioned and really appreci...
- Wed Sep 09, 2020 9:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wood burning inserts
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1609
Wood burning inserts
I want to add a wood burning insert for my fireplace. My property is fully wooded so plenty of wood to use and I need to cut down my heating costs. 2800 sq. ft house. What features do you suggest? Any particular brands? Can anyone give me a rough idea on price? Thanks!
- Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1275
Re: Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
2800 square foot ranch, difficult areas to get to in the attic. Just got a quote of $5250 for the following: Thoughts? I currently have insulation of R20 in the attic and my electricity bills run $250 in the summer and up to $800 in the winter. Will having this done pay off? Thanks! Does understand...
- Tue Sep 01, 2020 6:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1275
Re: Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
I live in Pennsylvania and I believe our program here is only for low income so I don't quality. I could take out a 1% ten year loan from the state but that seems silly. Our a/c is not in the attic thankfully. End goal is to reduce electricity costs. Would love to pay $100-$300 monthly for electrici...
- Tue Sep 01, 2020 5:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1275
Insulation and air sealing quote - does this seem reasonable?
2800 square foot ranch, difficult areas to get to in the attic. Just got a quote of $5250 for the following: Air seal top plates, plumbing & electrical penetrations. Air seal the perimeter of the laundry room closet ceiling. Seal the top of the furnace room ceiling with drywall, foam board, &...
- Sun Aug 23, 2020 6:12 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I being too conservative?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2229
- Sun Aug 23, 2020 12:13 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I being too conservative?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2229
Re: Am I being too conservative?
Thanks everyone! For the stock portion, no I’m not all in VTI. I’m 30% international and then slice and dice in mid cap, small cap, reit and energy plus total stock market. However I’ve heard Bogleheads treating paying mortgage principal as part of their bond allocation and we just paid off the hous...
- Sat Aug 22, 2020 11:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I being too conservative?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2229
Re: Am I being too conservative?
I don't think a 10% bond allocation is very conservative. I think you could go up to 20% bonds without veering into conservative territory, honestly. Do whichever you're comfortable with. If in doubt, mirror the 90/10 allocation, and invest $9,000 of it in taxable stocks and $1,000 into I Bonds. Th...
- Sat Aug 22, 2020 11:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I being too conservative?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2229
Am I being too conservative?
30F with a DH and 2 year old Making 160k a year between the two of us House of 425k is paid off Only debt is 9k on a tractor loan at 0% APR My asset allocation was 90/10 and the 10% was in IBonds. However after maxing out 401ks/IRAs/529, I only have about 10k extra a year and I'm questioning whether...
- Fri Aug 21, 2020 9:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I sell everything in 401k before transferring?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 520
Should I sell everything in 401k before transferring?
I am going from a Vanguard solo 401k to a Fidelity solo 401k. Do I need to sell everything so it's in cash before the transfer? If I transfer as is, will I be paying penalties to hold Vanguard funds at Fidelity? I don't mind liquidating and buying the Fidelity equivalents, just not sure which step t...
- Tue Aug 18, 2020 7:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What to do with solo 401k?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 345
Re: What to do with solo 401k?
You have two solo 401k? One for the s-corp (which I assume you own 100%) and other for a schedule C business which is essentially over. Is that correct? Ignoring for the moment whether you are allowed multiple solo 401ks in this case, I would think that if you simply declare the business over you w...
- Tue Aug 18, 2020 7:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Opened two solo 401ks under one control group - how to fix?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 209
Re: Opened two solo 401ks under one control group - how to fix?
Have a little more information - I last contributed anything to the s corp solo 401k in September of 2017. I opened the sole proprietor 401k in November of 2017. Can I just amend the plan documents then and roll the s corp solo 401k into the sole proprietorship one?
- Tue Aug 18, 2020 5:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Opened two solo 401ks under one control group - how to fix?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 209
Opened two solo 401ks under one control group - how to fix?
I have an s Corp that I own 100% and a sole proprietorship that is in an unrelated business. I opened a solo 401k for both and have been contributing (never hit any limits). Just realized that I, as the owner, can only have one plan between the two. One plan is with Vanguard and one is with Fidelity...
- Sun Aug 16, 2020 10:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What to do with solo 401k?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 345
What to do with solo 401k?
I have a solo 401k for an s Corp that hasn’t had revenue since 2017 as I took a w2 job. The corporation is still active and I file $0 returns. I am now considering not getting back into that business and trying to figure out what to do with the solo 401k that is at Vanguard. Would prefer not to roll...
- Tue Aug 11, 2020 9:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Chase Amazon Prime Card--4% back
- Replies: 76
- Views: 7890
Re: Chase Amazon Prime Card--4% back
Mine is also just 3% through November
- Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: deferred payroll tax implications?
- Replies: 77
- Views: 5695
Re: deferred payroll tax implications?
Any clue how this impacts people who were working extra hours? My base rate is $3150 every two weeks but I've been pulling in ~4200-4500 checks due to extra hours. I hope I didn't shoot myself in the foot.
- Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Better toddler sneakers than New Balance?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1512
Better toddler sneakers than New Balance?
My toddler began walking with the use of leg braces and insurance paid for New Balance shoes to fit around the braces. He no longer uses the braces but we have continued to purchase New Balance sneakers for him. His physical therapist says they are the best shoes for support and she strongly recomme...
- Sun Jul 26, 2020 10:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Help me figure out a five year plan
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1175
Help me figure out a five year plan
We just paid off our mortgage and thus I need to figure out our next set of goals. After maxing out our 401ks, we have an extra 30k a year to put toward goals. Need to prioritize and figure out if we should split some goals and finance others. We cannot pay cash for all of them so maybe we don't do ...
- Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: wait for new toyota sienna?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3572
Re: wait for new toyota sienna?
I'm debating myself. The current Sienna is ten years old so I'm leaning toward waiting but I'm also nervous to buy the first few of brand new model. Unfortunately I definitely cannot wait until next year so I'll be watching this thread.
- Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 401k True Up - company dragging feet, what to do?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 790
401k True Up - company dragging feet, what to do?
My employer owes me a 401k true up for 2019. Last year and the year before that they paid it by April 15. I asked HR about it back in May and they said they had the figures and were going to be working on it that week. Nothing happened. I followed up in June and was told they just didn't get to it a...
- Sun Jul 19, 2020 8:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best fire alarm for young children
- Replies: 17
- Views: 674
Best fire alarm for young children
Our fire alarm went off and my toddler didn't even stir from his nap. Thankfully the alarm wasn't caused by anything serious but now I am thinking I need to get fire alarms that call a name or says something to stir the child from sleep. Does anyone have any suggestions for such a product?
- Sun Jul 12, 2020 7:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is it necessary/advisable to probate my fathers will?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 857
Re: Is it necessary/advisable to probate my fathers will?
Not an attorney but I track down heirs as a part of my living and will leave you with the one I dealt with this week - Some mineral interest passes down to the heirs of an aunt. Aunt is currently deceased so it should go to her heirs. She has a will that leaves everything to her sister instead of he...
- Sun Jul 05, 2020 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Neighborhood Noise
- Replies: 189
- Views: 13757
Re: Neighborhood Noise
I live in a rural area and it’s not quiet. I’m on 20 acres and can still hear the compressor station on the parcel a hundred acres away. The coyotes chatter and howl all night long and my dog barks all night long at them. I have bull frogs in my pond that I can hear from the house 300’ away. My neig...
- Wed Jul 01, 2020 10:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Payoff Mortgage?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1340
Re: Payoff Mortgage?
I just sold some stock and will be paying off my mortgage on Friday. My pay was recently cut heavily and I am having cash flow problems so this will be some welcome relief.
- Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Worth fixing the car?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1049
Worth fixing the car?
2009 Honda Civic, 210k miles on it, ac does not work, something wrong with the wheelwell for the last several years. We just put in a new battery and went to go get it inspected and they said we need new brakes (~$400-$500). Battery was $145 Inspection will be $75 whether we do anything or not Worth...
- Sun Jun 28, 2020 5:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 2059
Re: Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
Luxaire model number THJD60S41SA aprox 13 seer http://www.upgnet.com/PdfFileRedirect/840621-LTG-C-1112.PDF Hmm, was that audit done by the utility company, or a contractor that sells HVAC units? If utility company they messed up. If a contractor, well then, hmm. 3rd party service contracted by the ...
- Sun Jun 28, 2020 5:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 2059
Re: Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
Thanks so much everyone! You can see how much I know about the topic. We used 2131 kWh last month which everyone says is super high. So I spent two hours and turned all breakers off except for the essentials and after one hour, the meter read 2kW than the hour before. Then I turned the AC breaker ba...
- Sun Jun 28, 2020 4:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 2059
Heat pump/ac using 4 kWh - how do I fix this?
In an attempt to figure out why my electricity bills are so high, I went through and turned off breakers to determine how much electricity things were drawing. Turns out my heat pump is using 4 kilowatts an hour to cool my home. Which translates to about $10 a day! There has to be a better solution?...
- Sat Jun 27, 2020 2:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Erie insurance - experience?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1304
Re: Erie insurance - experience?
They are selective with who they will cover. We had them for auto for many years but they wouldn't cover our home because of the way the fireplace was installed. We didn't feel it was necessary to put a lot of money into a working fireplace so we got homeowners elsewhere. Eventually the savings of ...
- Sat Jun 27, 2020 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Erie insurance - experience?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1304
Erie insurance - experience?
I'm shopping around our home owners/car/umbrella policies and Erie is coming out about 2/3 of the cost of my current insurer. I have heard they drop people very quickly, which isn't necessarily a problem, as long as they don't give you trouble if you have to have a claim. For those who have/had Erie...