Search found 4777 matches

by denovo
Thu Feb 08, 2024 12:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Replies: 96
Views: 16966

Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama

PNWpilot wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:46 pm Hi all,

Given the advice on this forum, I politely declined the houses. I have slept great since making the decision :beer My father has not spoken to me since, but that really is nothing new.

Unfortunately, my siblings all chose to take their respective properties, and are currently "attempting" to market and sell them with the realtor. I have not had an update from any sibling, although I do plan to follow-up with them at some point to see how it is going.

Thanks to everyone for the honest advice on here!
OP, please don't leave us hanging. When you get an update on how your siblings fared, please share it
by denovo
Sun Jan 07, 2024 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Replies: 96
Views: 16966

Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama

If a single family home hasn't been rented for 7 years, and I assume vacant, it suggests 1. Probably in terrible condition. 2. Likely in a very bad area where he couldn't find renters 3. Potential accrued taxes and fines you could be responsible for.

If you know the zip code please share.
by denovo
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Super awkward new employer situation
Replies: 144
Views: 26122

Re: Super awkward new employer situation

I have a strange problem but perhaps someone from this group has experienced something similar and can offer guidance. About 16 months ago I became a self-employed contractor for a publisher and in October they offered me a job. I didn't start right away because they asked me if I could finish out my contract which ended on 12/31/2023. My first day of regular employment was yesterday 01/02/2024. The terms of my hire were that I would work a 4/5 position but the reduced hours aspect of our deal would be handled within our department--not through HR. My salary was negotiated for a 4/5 position and the salary part was included in my offer letter. Since my department director wanted to manage the reduced hours part of the deal himself, it was ...
by denovo
Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurer demands without guarantee
Replies: 17
Views: 1631

Re: Insurer demands without guarantee

My homeowners insurance through Travelers/GEICO (Southern California) is being reviewed, although it isn't due for renewal until Aug 2024. I have been sent a 1 1/2 page list of items required to obtain a Certification of Defensible Space (with regard to wildfires) which will be mandatory if I wish to be considered for renewal. They are requesting photos to prove there are no overhanging tree branches, sworn statements that I have only stones/pavers within 5 ft of my home (no mulch), any fencing or gates attached to the home made of noncombustible materials, annual grasses within 100ft less than 4 inches high, large minimal spacing between shrubs and trees, etcetc. I understand some insurers in CA are videoing properties by drone in order t...
by denovo
Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I finance the car if the APR is lower than the HYSA?
Replies: 20
Views: 2121

Re: Should I finance the car if the APR is lower than the HYSA?

softmax wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:46 pm I've never bought a new car but I might have a deal tomorrow.
I have the cash to pay for the car but the dealer is offering 3.x% APR financing.
My HYSA is yielding something like 4.x%. So what are the reasons not to finance the car?
I could just pay it off when the rate drops.

That said, I'm nervous about getting a loan as they set traps in the paperwork.
For example, is it possible that they squeeze in early payment penalty in the footnote? :confused

I also haven't got a preapproved loan from my bank yet since it runs my credit and I'm not sure if it's necessary.
Some states ban prepayment penalties. However, you are correct there are other junk fees like loan processing fees you have to watch out for.
by denovo
Sun Jun 19, 2022 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Absolutely Crazy Condominium/Insurance Issue
Replies: 50
Views: 6467

Re: Absolutely Crazy Condominium/Insurance Issue

This is why living in a HOA community with shared structure like this sucks.
by denovo
Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plumbing Fixtures - Mid to high end brands
Replies: 32
Views: 4620

Re: Plumbing Fixtures - Mid to high end brands

I am working through specifying components of a custom home build. The home style and finishes is slated for mid to high end (4 to 5 times the average tract house price in the area). I started looking at plumbing fixtures and there are dozens upon dozens of brands out there in the mid to high end range. I don’t even know where to start. For example, I see common names like Kohler and Delta but then see brands that I wasn’t aware of previously such as Hansgrohe and Phylrich. There are dozens and dozens more. Casually looking at a few miscellaneous brands’ catalogs and their stuff all look the same. Same finish options too. Some cost $300 per bathroom faucet and some cost $1,500. No rhyme or reason to layman like me. Yes, I realize this is a...
by denovo
Sat Mar 05, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market
Replies: 53
Views: 4851

Re: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market

how would you compare one dealership vs another? Assume you have several within 100 mile radius: 1. Dealer incentives (is there any? May be just free oil change?) Most importantly to me, he is a friend and contributes many thousands of dollars to a non-profit of which I sit on the board, we sometimes hang out together and he tells me the secrets of the trade, such as you aren't going to get the best deal by sending out emails as is the common theory on this board. They wouldn't be able to stay in business if they were the cheapest person all the time. You contradicted yourself. First of all, the prices reported by people on this board who use the e-mail method have been the best method for getting the lowest price. Your dealer "friend...
by denovo
Fri Mar 04, 2022 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market
Replies: 53
Views: 4851

Re: Choosing a Car Dealer in Hot Market

Rose wrote: Fri Mar 04, 2022 8:08 am Bogleheads, I understand we are in the worst period to buy a new car due to shortage. So as a Boglehead, if you really need one, how would you compare one dealership vs another?

Assume you have several within 100 mile radius:
1. Dealer incentives (is there any? May be just free oil change?)
2. Dealership reputation (how would you look this up?)
3. What's included in dealers' mark-up

Or just pick the one closest?

Assumptions:
1. No financing
2. All work usually done by neighborhood car repair service, but willing to go back to dealership if free and < 20 minutes drive
3. Keep car for 10+ year
You buy the car from a dealer who gives you the best OTD price. None of what you mentioned is relevant. Best price=least worst price
by denovo
Mon Feb 21, 2022 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: End of life ... on one's own
Replies: 189
Views: 26334

Re: Who will help us when we're old? Couple without kids

Spouse and I both do a lot to help our elderly parents, from managing their investments and RMDs, to doing their online shopping, to paying bills, and so on. We do not have children or close younger friends that we would feel comfortable asking to take on doing all of this for / with us when the time comes. I suppose setting up a trust could address some of these questions, but the assistance we provide our parents goes beyond what I think a trust would do. I'm thinking of the (future) time when we are still somewhat functional but need assistance with a variety of life tasks (that wouldn't fall under the type of assistance provided in an assisted living home). Are there other services / options that people are familiar with? Nieces or nep...
by denovo
Fri Feb 11, 2022 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I pursue a PhD in my chosen field?
Replies: 105
Views: 9998

Re: Should I pursue a PhD in my chosen field?

Most posters are not recommending this approach, yet you have chosen to do so anyway. Most online forums are full of negative nellies that are not supportive of what the OP is doing. I don't live my live based on popularity rankings from anonymous online forums, so no, I am not going to change my approach based on what people here are saying. However, there have been many good discussions that help frame the choice that I am making, provide context for pursuing a PhD, and allow me to ensure that the path that I am choosing is the best for me. It's great advice, especially if I ignore the negativity and focus on the comments for framing a discussion. Did your company give you a pay raise for the second masters? How about your pending third ...
by denovo
Fri Feb 11, 2022 3:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I pursue a PhD in my chosen field?
Replies: 105
Views: 9998

Re: Should I pursue a PhD in my chosen field?

miamivice wrote: Thu Feb 10, 2022 6:29 pm o me, taking six classes and writing a paper seems like small potatoes compared to the reward of being able to say that I have a PhD.

I fully expect to be accepted. Think it will take about 4 years to complete and then I will be miamivice, phd!

This sounds kind of vain.
by denovo
Thu Feb 10, 2022 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Replacement Decision Help
Replies: 44
Views: 4481

Re: HVAC Replacement Decision Help

I’ve officially entered the paralysis by analysis phase of HVAC replacement and could use some insights from this community. Current A/C and gas furnace are original to the home and 28 years old. Well exceeded its expected lifetime and with the furnace quickly on the way out, it’s time for replacement. Current system is a Lennox probably builder grade base model at install in 1994, 80% efficiency single stage gas furnace single speed blower and 12 SEER 3 ton single stage A/C. Home is 2 story, 2250 sq ft in Central Ohio. Call it 6 heating months and 4 cooling months. Current heating bills range from $100-150 on average in winter. Electric bills in summer are also $100-150. i.e. even with our old system, we have below average gas/electric bi...
by denovo
Mon Feb 07, 2022 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to tip?
Replies: 138
Views: 10859

Re: How much to tip?

sureshoe wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 12:35 pm

The tipped minimum wage is currently $2.13. If you think people are working jobs as servers/etc. for $2/hour with the only hope of tips being "for good service and nothing more" then I don't know what to tell you.
Interestingly enough in some states, the minimum wage is the same for tipped or non-tipped employees. CA is one example. In some states, it is not their full minimum wage, but more than 2.13.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/ ... age/tipped
by denovo
Mon Feb 07, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to tip?
Replies: 138
Views: 10859

Re: How much to tip?

stoptothink wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 5:23 pm Oh yeah, the regular "tipping" thread :oops:
in before the lock
by denovo
Thu Feb 03, 2022 11:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What house price can we afford?
Replies: 29
Views: 3213

Re: What house price can we afford?

We don’t know what to spend on a house. We had a baby 8 months ago and now with two kids it’s just impossible to stay in our current home (750 sq ft two bedrooms) Salaries: DH: 90k (3% increase per year) DW: 78k (1k increase per year) Nature of industry(education) these won’t change and can’t be negotiated. Currently retirement savings: 238k Currently have two kids (8 month old and 3.5 year old) We want to retire at 60. DH is 40 DW is 35 Currently save annually: DH 401k: $20500 + match of 5% DW 457b: $20500 + March of 7% put into 401k and 3% goes into retirement healthcare account Roths: $6k to each of ours 529 Kid 1 (3.5 years) 4200 (kid has 20k balance) Kid 2 (8 months) 4200 (has 4K balance) My brother also has 529s for them that he does...
by denovo
Thu Feb 03, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139
Replies: 274
Views: 26865

Re: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Thu Feb 03, 2022 4:48 pm They are going to start losing customers,

I doubt it
by denovo
Wed Feb 02, 2022 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My spouse wants to work as a real estate agent. Should she try for real estate professional status and buy property?
Replies: 26
Views: 2771

Re: My spouse wants to work as a real estate agent. Should she try for real estate professional status and buy property?

Re the "doctor's wife" comment. I make good money as a doctor compared to the average worker but am in a low paid medical speciality (internal medicine hospitalist). I am in a different position than some of the other boglehead physician posters on here who post about their fully funded 529 when their child is 2 years old or having hundreds of thousands of dollars surplus to invest per year. We do spend a lot on kid's expenses with $22k / year private school and other kids expenses. I'm planning on picking up some extra shifts this year (private school is new for us as of last year but was worth it to switch to a school that was actually open during the covid shutdowns). As you can tell from my posted finances our emergency fund ...
by denovo
Wed Feb 02, 2022 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Becoming a Landlord: My Experiences
Replies: 183
Views: 48685

Re: Becoming a Landlord: My Experiences

I am curious how people's opinion of landlording has changed during COVID-19, depending on how many non-paying tenants you had. I fortunately did not have any tenants stop paying through COVID-19.
by denovo
Wed Feb 02, 2022 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My spouse wants to work as a real estate agent. Should she try for real estate professional status and buy property?
Replies: 26
Views: 2771

Re: My spouse wants to work as a real estate agent. Should she try for real estate professional status and buy property?

I really do not mean this to sound snarky but when a doctors wife who does not really need the money starts talking about becoming a real estate agent and property investor that could be a sign that you are in a bubble. Why is she interested in this now and not five years ago? She needs to be very careful. She had been working part time as a nurse at a memory care for the last 7 years ago and quit last April due to covid stresses ( ended up working full time including overnight shifts due to severe staffing shortage while she took care of our kids at home). She has been picking up some extra nursing work intermittently (covid vaccination clinics) but is looking at trying something new. She got somewhat disillusioned with nursing as she sai...
by denovo
Wed Feb 02, 2022 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2907
Views: 515587

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

Does anyone think the market is cooling?
by denovo
Wed Feb 02, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell me about condo/townhouse special assessments
Replies: 45
Views: 8383

Re:

My parents built a home in a small HOA (about 30 homes). In mid-build, the HOA went to court to stop the construction claiming the home did not meet their requirements. In reality it was because the HOA president liked the view of the empty lot across from his house, where my parents were building. My parents ended up winning in court, but due to this gentleman the other HOA members got assessed $4,000 each in court costs. He convinced the other board members that my parents' home violated some restriction and had them believing that if it was not stopped, they would lose all ability to control what types of homes could be built. The HOA won the first round in court because it was the good old boys' network in a small town. When it was app...
by denovo
Tue Feb 01, 2022 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Time Home Buyers With Decent Savings
Replies: 8
Views: 1166

Re: First Time Home Buyers With Decent Savings

I think you will be fine, you can always sell some of your stock to pay for the mortgage if you fall short later if your partner leaves the workforce to raise the child. Since you have enough to pay for the whole home in cash, I don't think you have to worry too much about the income/mortgage. What denovo said is correct tho, you will be at a disadvantage to others coming with cash. You will have to most likely offer much above asking to compete with them. Or you can try writing a heartfelt letter to the current owner about how you plan to raise a family and put their home to good use or something. Otherwise I do not see someone picking you and your escrow vs someone who will give them cash for the same amount. In theory, they can waive th...
by denovo
Tue Feb 01, 2022 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why should I be holding International, when it has underperformed for so long?
Replies: 66
Views: 8737

Re: Why should I be holding International, when it has underperformed for so long?

jebmke wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:22 am There is at least one very long thread on this that seems to have run its course recently. You might poke around and read through that one (or more) and see if it covers what you need.
Which thread did you have in mind
by denovo
Tue Feb 01, 2022 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Time Home Buyers With Decent Savings
Replies: 8
Views: 1166

Re: First Time Home Buyers With Decent Savings

Hi friends. My partner and I are looking to buy our first home as we're planning on starting a family. We work/live in a VHCOL area so the numbers may seem outrageous to some. Moving is not something we want to entertain. We're looking at more affordable neighborhoods so we can get more bang/space for our dollar, but would love some feedback. Info: Both of us are 30. No kids (yet) Our current NW/Portfolio: Total NW around $6.3M, down from $7M at peak market last November. $4.6M investments (VTI, etc.) $500k in art (highly liquid, if necessary, my passion) $500k in crypto (can also be rebalanced, if necessary) $460k in retirement $150k in cash Salary: $250k/year for me (plus $50k bonus and RSU which I'm not counting since the numbers change...
by denovo
Sun Jan 30, 2022 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting Auto Insurance after not owning a car for a long time
Replies: 22
Views: 2481

Re: Getting Auto Insurance after not owning a car for a long time

Hi - I'm hoping someone else might have similar experiences as this, and could offer some suggestions, please. The last time I owned a car was in 2014. I moved to downtown Chicago in 2014, so I got rid of my car, and hence, haven't had auto insurance since then either. Well, I finally now want to move out of the city, so I figure I need a vehicle in order to make it more convenient to shop for houses. So I bought a cheap used vehicle. I tried to get it insured with Allstate. (I've had Allstate ever since 2005 when I bought my first condo, and since then, have had a combination of owner condo policies, rental condo policies, and auto policies.) I'd never made any claims on any policy with any home/auto insurer in my entire life. I've also r...
by denovo
Sat Jan 29, 2022 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I accept this proposal for installing a home theater?
Replies: 21
Views: 2022

Re: Should I accept this proposal for installing a home theater?

I recently decided that I would like to have a home theater system installed in our recreation room. I checked with three vendors. The first (licensed handyman) no quoted after looking at my house as the job was bigger than he wanted. The second (licensed electrician) didn't get around to replying to my inquiry, after a week, I moved on from him. The third, who has strong reviews and a lot of experience, quickly quoted the job without seeing the house first. What I need to have done - Install three ethernet outlets in rec room closet, route wiring to structured wiring panel in master closet - Install one coax cable outlet in rec room closet, route wiring to structured wiring panel - Route a HDMI cable in wall between the location where the...
by denovo
Tue Jan 25, 2022 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Q: insurance settlement for totalled car
Replies: 15
Views: 1257

Re: Q: insurance settlemen for totalled car

Car totaled in an accident with a 100% at-fault driver. In this crazy era of used-car valuation, was prepared to negotiate an expected low settlement offer from their insurance co. The received offer of approx $22K exceeds my wildest expectations for a car that KBB and AutoTrader listings values at $5-7K. Applicable taxes/fees/registration were added for a total offer of approx $24K. Their offer says value of my vehicle was determined by assessing pre-accident condition, mileage, and options, along with state and policy provisions. 2022 MSRP of this model is approx $24,550. Either the other party has a "replacement value" policy, or their adjuster made an error. Note: The settlement offer letter has my name in the salutation and ...
by denovo
Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I hate my car. When will car prices and inventory normalize?
Replies: 168
Views: 21690

Re: I hate my car. When will car prices and inventory normalize?

Bogle7 wrote: Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:20 am June 13, 2023
No, its obviously June 14, 2023. 8-)
by denovo
Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for my divorced mother (not sure to sell/not sell house)
Replies: 37
Views: 4621

Re: Advice for my divorced mother (not sure to sell/not sell house)

Watty wrote: Sun Apr 09, 2017 6:28 pm
FundsABlazin wrote: The house may be worth $800k+, not sure what she can/will get. She still owes on the mortgage, probably $250k.

At her age (~68), is it possible to retire on this amount?
The house sounds like it is difficult now and I would think that in another ten years it may be impossible. In many area housing there is a bit of a bubble now and if that pops home prices could drop 20% or more and so keeping virtually all of her net worth in the house is way too risky. In a bad housing market prices not only drop but it can take a long time to sell a house.
This did not age well.
by denovo
Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA: IRS Free-File is Now Open
Replies: 1
Views: 582

PSA: IRS Free-File is Now Open

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile

There are 8 providers participating this year. TurboTax is no longer participating.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/

Some of these companies will also do a free state tax return.

You can qualify with an AGI of up to $73,000.00. I personally like freetaxusa.com for its simple interface, and have used it to help others file taxes, but please note they are only doing free returns for income up to 41,000 this year.
by denovo
Tue Jan 11, 2022 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help! I'm considering buying a timeshare
Replies: 188
Views: 18287

Re: Help! I'm considering buying a timeshare

Laundry_Service wrote: Tue Jan 11, 2022 7:33 am
Wrench wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 6:59 pm Blanket condemnations of these properties are not warranted.
Congratulations for finding a timeshare that works for you. Much like buying whole life insurance perhaps you can find a needle in a haystack but as a whole you're going up against companies who use lots of manipulation to extract as much from you as possible and don't care about using high pressure and misleading tactics.

I live in a tourist destination and find timeshare companies to be extremely predatory and targeted to people who do not understand what they are signing up for.
+1
by denovo
Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is my used 2020 Honda minivan really worth 49k?
Replies: 42
Views: 6269

Re: Is my used 2020 Honda minivan really worth 49k?

onourway wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:21 am I would have your next vehicle picked out and a deal made before selling. The reason prices on used vehicles are so high is because new vehicles are all but unavailable. So unless you can sell now and wait this out (which may take years - and no telling if prices will ever come down or just stay permanently inflated) you won't actually profit from it.
+1
by denovo
Thu Jan 06, 2022 12:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EV and Tesla owners: How important is the supercharger network?
Replies: 99
Views: 9102

Re: EV and Tesla owners: How important is the supercharger network?

I'm a future EV purchaser when the Prius finally gets retired or more likely, gets passed on to one of the kids. While I have been Tesla-curious for a long time I see a growing number of interesting looking other EVs coming onto the market soon. Such as the upcoming Nissan Ariya: https://www.nissanusa.com/ariya.html It seems that one of the big selling points of Tesla is the proprietary supercharger network. I'm just wondering how much value to put on that as an EV purchaser, especially one who might well be doing occasional longer distance trips open road trips like from Portland to Spokane or Portland to the Bay Area, etc. Without having ever owned or driven an EV it is hard for me to put a value on that feature. Will I forever regret ge...
by denovo
Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Italian traffic ticket from 2017 now with attempt to collect in 2021
Replies: 49
Views: 11732

Re: Italian traffic ticket from 2017 now with attempt to collect in 2021

I just received in the mail something from Cedars Business Services. They claim I have a traffic citation in Italy from May 2017 and now (December 2021, a full 4.5 years later!) owe $280. The first sheet of paper includes: "your balance for a traffic citation with the City of Ferrara remains unpaid; therefore, your account has been placed with our office for collections. This is an attempt to collect a debt by a debt collector...." and "This is not a purchased debt. Previous attempts to contact you have failed, therefore the municipality has engaged our office to resolve this unpaid citation on their behalf." There is a second sheet of paper has "notification of traffic infringement" and on the back of THAT pa...
by denovo
Wed Dec 29, 2021 1:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge
Replies: 112
Views: 7739

Re: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge

I am in a VHCOL area (So-Cal area) and do landlord-tenant stuff. I pay $50 for service calls and $125 or so for annual HVAC maintenance. I strongly disagree. So you move to a new area, and have only one home (your own.) You call every hvac person in the area saying you will only pay $50 for a service call and $125 for annual (twice, I assume - one for heat and one for cool) maintenance. Every provider tells you they're not interested in providing you service. Now what? No, the a/c and furnace are serviced at the same time. I never understand why people split that out into two services. I also don't understand your hypothetical. This kind of reminds me of the car buying thread that I started where people just can't accept how negotiating an...
by denovo
Tue Dec 28, 2021 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge
Replies: 112
Views: 7739

Re: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge

You hired skilled labor to diagnosis and solve a problem, which they appeared to do at reasonable cost. Would you have been able to make the diagnosis by yourself? I have the greatest respect for skilled folks — from plumbers and welders, to doctors and lawyers — who enter my life at key moments and solve problems for me that I would have been unable to solve myself. Never once, after the fact, did I turn on them and try to devalue their labor. With respect, my searches online put HVAC work at $150/hr at the high end. I am in a low cost of living area. I do not think it's treating a technician with disrespect to not like paying an equivalent $400/hr in hidden cost. Yes, I would need more knowledge and equipment to diagnose this myself. I j...
by denovo
Tue Dec 28, 2021 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge
Replies: 112
Views: 7739

Re: Furnace Repair Part Gross Overcharge

samsoes wrote: Mon Dec 27, 2021 1:57 pm Do you have a service plan for your furnace? If so, the cost of such repairs would be covered and you wouldn't have to worry about the cost of replacement parts.
Those service plans are rip-offs, and have their own service charges. There have been countless threads on it.
by denovo
Fri Dec 17, 2021 4:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost to develop land and build new?
Replies: 24
Views: 3369

Re: Cost to develop land and build new?

ASpenderInRecovery wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 7:52 pm Bogleheads,

and home builders quote 400k for 4 BR 3.5 BA 3,600 sq ft house
Thanks
Quite frankly, your assumption is wrong. That's $111 per sq. ft. In a VCOL area, that will be at least $400 /sq. ft. Re-do your numbers accordingly.
by denovo
Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to get tires? (Disappointed with Costco Tire Center)
Replies: 142
Views: 20555

Re: Best place to get tires? (Disappointed with Costco Tire Center)

Excessive tire wear (inside or outside) is definitely an alignment issue. Alignments are not normally done at a regular service. Moreover, the alignment is just as good as the tech; some are not very good and the tire still wears after an alignment being done. On occasion, I've gone back to the shop and told them to check the specs and do it again. Yes, I realize about it not being part of standard service. (i specifically added it) Good point on not all techs doing good job though. Nail in a sidewall is usually not repairable. Some places will plug such a tire, but most will not. As an aside, you mention that you have frustration with Costco for not fulfilling warranty work "many times"? I've been buying tires for many years and...
by denovo
Sat Dec 04, 2021 3:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home, auto, umbrella, earthquake insurance CA
Replies: 15
Views: 1837

Re: Home, auto, umbrella, earthquake insurance CA

Questions 1. Is there any risk to have auto/umbrella from GEICO and homeowner’s and earthquake from another insurance company (especially one that’s not sold or affiliated with GEICO)? 2. Related to #1. I like the idea of GEICO auto + umbrella + Liberty Mutual HO policy, because Liberty Mutual is an GEICO affiliate, so there is less worry about the overlap between GEICO umbrella and Liberty Mutual HO. Is that a real advantage? If I go this route though I’ll need to buy CEA earthquake coverage on my own, which I’m not sure is possible since the GEICO agent just doesn’t know. 3. Is it worth it to pay extra for HO5 policy rather than HO3 policy? 4. Are there any concerns about CEA being able to payout in the event of something like a 1994 Nor...
by denovo
Sat Dec 04, 2021 3:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home, auto, umbrella, earthquake insurance CA
Replies: 15
Views: 1837

Re: Home, auto, umbrella, earthquake insurance CA

Remember insurance salesmen are salesmen. CEA is the best for earthquake. They have been collecting premiums for over 20 years without a major earthquake. Other competitors are Johnny Come Latelies with smaller reserves. Here is what Fitch has to say. https://www.fitchratings.com/research/insurance/fitch-affirms-california-earthquake-authority-ratings-assigns-f1-to-st-revs-12-10-2021 Fitch believes the CEA's financial flexibility is much stronger than similarly rated private insurers that insure catastrophe risk, which allows its final rating to be elevated a full category above the risk assessment of claims paying resources, to 'A'. The state of California, the insurance industry in California and policyholders in California all have an in...
by denovo
Mon Nov 08, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?
Replies: 166
Views: 16742

Re: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?

I am considering moving my family from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area, taking out a mortgage in the process, and am seeking the collective wisdom and advice of this forum about whether such a move is a good idea. Background Info and Current Expenses: Partner and I are in our upper thirties with stable jobs. We have three kids, all under the age of five, and do not plan to have any more. All kids are currently in private school/day care, at a total cost of about $85k/year. We now live in a smaller place in a HCOL area but want to move to a larger place in a VHCOL area. We believe the move will substantially increase our family’s quality of life. HHI is currently about $375k/year gross, but will likely soon drop to about $325k–$350k/year gross...
by denovo
Mon Nov 08, 2021 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: car lease regret--options?
Replies: 23
Views: 2996

Re: car lease regret--options?

A friend signed a lease on a car yesterday (in Arizona). She thought she knew what she was paying, but after signing all of the documents she found out it would be $20,000 more than she expected over the course of the lease. What are her options? Is there a way to renegotiate or cancel the lease? Would purchasing the car outright be a good option now? She is happy with the car, but not the price she is paying for it. (I don't know the lease details but told her I would ask here to see if you good folks can give her advice.) Helpful answers only, please. She works very long hours, doesn't have a lot of time to research this, and is already feeling heavy regret. EDIT: Thanks for the suggestions! I'm far away & don't have the lease detail...
by denovo
Sat Nov 06, 2021 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for lowest rate for FIXED home equity loan?
Replies: 3
Views: 647

Re: Looking for lowest rate for FIXED home equity loan?

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 2:13 pm Why do you say that a refi is not applicable just because you don’t have a mortgage. This would simply be a cash out refinance. I did one back in 2010 to finance my business.



Cheers
plus uno
by denovo
Fri Nov 05, 2021 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: delete
Replies: 13
Views: 1016

Re: Why won't a bank make change for non-account holders?

jumbopapa wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 3:08 pm I needed to exchange some bills for larger denominations, so I just stopped by the bank near my house to do this. I thought it would be no big deal, but they refused to do it because I wasn't an account holder.

I'm new to the area, so I don't belong to any local banks. Policies like these are a surefire way to ensure I don't become a customer of a bank.

What would have taken 30 seconds has resulted in the loss of a potential customer.
Why doesn't a company who I have no relationship with provide me with a free service? :confused
by denovo
Fri Oct 29, 2021 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy a (first ever) new car?
Replies: 29
Views: 2562

Re: How to buy a (first ever) new car?

Hey all, Looking for some advice on buying our - first ever - new car. With baby #2 on the way plus 2 good size dogs, we've decided to just go for a minivan. We have had good experiences with Honda, and already have one Odyssey in the (extended) family so pretty much have decided on that model. We keep our cars a long time (10 years), and with the inflated used car market right now we're just going to opt for new. We can either pay cash or use financing and pay it off quickly - whatever makes the most sense to hopefully get the best final price. Here's my issue: I've never bought a new car! haha. My wife and I naively went into a Honda dealership all like...hello can we test drive an Odyssey? The guy was all...bahahahaha...we don't have an...
by denovo
Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??
Replies: 226
Views: 19277

Re: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??

As someone who knew nothing about the story, never read any of the books or the prior film, it was confusing and plodding. At the same time the cinematography was nice. I wonder if a second viewing would help. Serious question. I like complex movies where you are not spoon feed, where you have to work a few things out for yourself. It is a fairly complex story but I think they did a good job telling it. Of course, I have read (and studied) the book multiple times so things came naturally to me. And many people find the book complex and confusing. So what do other people think? Would a second viewing help? I read a few things and talked to a friend who read the book afterwards, and it started to make more sense. But watching it a second tim...
by denovo
Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??
Replies: 226
Views: 19277

Re: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??

goshenBogle wrote: Sat Oct 23, 2021 3:45 pm I have read several reviews of the movie that rate it only so-so, not very good, which is disappointing since I am a BIG fan of the book.
Have you seen the new Dune movie?
If so, what is your opinion?
As someone who knew nothing about the story, never read any of the books or the prior film, it was confusing and plodding. At the same time the cinematography was nice.