Update: Took delivery, great car so far.
Spent an hour at dealer - also my old mechanic works for Tesla now at that location, and he helped me examine it at delivery. No issues so far!
Aside from referral, pretty easy purchase, all done via the app.
Search found 1132 matches
- Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
- Replies: 60
- Views: 10518
- Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:17 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Defined Benefit Plan - Make Sense for me?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4422
Re: Defined Benefit Plan - Make Sense for me?
Updating this: Went ahead with Schwab solo DBP.
Slow setup, sent paperwork in June and they got around to opening it in December. Have until Sep 2024 to fund the 2023 contribution, will be around $125k per year x 5 years. More if market tanks, less if investments do well.
Just plopped first $125k in and invested that in SP500.
Slow setup, sent paperwork in June and they got around to opening it in December. Have until Sep 2024 to fund the 2023 contribution, will be around $125k per year x 5 years. More if market tanks, less if investments do well.
Just plopped first $125k in and invested that in SP500.
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 11:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: retire in 50s what do you do
- Replies: 64
- Views: 12223
Re: retire in 50s what do you do
About to hit 50, about half retired. My days look similar to your list, except for 2 of them I’m working 8hrs a day. Read somewhere need 4-5 hobbies to retire to. 1. Turned work into hobby. 2 days of work per week. Much more relaxing. 2. Joined CC for golf/pickle/social 3. Volunteer animal shelter, atop walking the dogs daily 4. Cooking/just enjoying the family. 14yo and about to go to college 17yo. God knows no shortage of School/sports volunteering. 5. Travel: 3-4 big trips per year as fam/friend schedules permit. Galapagos, BVI sailing. 3-4 smaller domestic skiing and golf trips. 6. Sandwich gen: visit our 80+ yo parents in Mexico, and moved the other set down with us. Enjoy then before they’re gone, kids love the grandparents’ stories. ...
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 10:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
- Replies: 60
- Views: 10518
Re: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Well after some feedback online, Tesla called my friend and got the referral link sorted.
So going to pickup a $48k LR Y with hitch tmro.
Hoping it needs little to no service given all the anecdotes here.
Should be great after the 06 odyssey lol.
So going to pickup a $48k LR Y with hitch tmro.
Hoping it needs little to no service given all the anecdotes here.
Should be great after the 06 odyssey lol.
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 7:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
- Replies: 60
- Views: 10518
Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
[Title clarified. Moderator Pops1860] Kind of a rant, but more a WWYD. Ok, so I'd like to get an EV. Tesla Model Y Long Range was great. Ready to buy. Wanted to get a friend referral (so he gets charging perks for his Tesla and I get some perks) and his Tesla app won't generate a code. Tesla can't help him (he's tech savvy, deleted app, redownloaded it, etc). Tesla tech support cannot help him. Also they say they cannot just grant credits, even though they have his login and VIN. But you're a tech company? What if something really goes wrong with the car? So going to test drive some other cars. But nothing catching my eye. Tesla could care less if I buy one of theirs. But it just seems silly to buy a mostly tech product, when they can't so...
- Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:59 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 442
Re: Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
MP, thanks. Sounds like you're affirming that the S-Corp only saves the state tax double taxation on the distribution. SCorp cannot pay my state tax on the W2 salary I earn.
Yup, healthcare phased out of QBI - my HHI >$370k.
Expect SALT cap to remain post 2025, since my HHI will exceed PEASE limits.
Maryland requires you to pay all Maryland tax upfront in q1 for PTET SALT work around. Missed 2023, contemplating what to do for 2024.
Yup, healthcare phased out of QBI - my HHI >$370k.
Expect SALT cap to remain post 2025, since my HHI will exceed PEASE limits.
Maryland requires you to pay all Maryland tax upfront in q1 for PTET SALT work around. Missed 2023, contemplating what to do for 2024.
- Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:12 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 442
Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
Ok, asking if anyone has any knowledge about Maryland SALT cap PTET (pass thru entity tax)? Heard a couple different things from different accountants - pretty confused. Example: $600k paid as a 1099 in Maryland, currenlty LLC/Sole Proprietor rendering physician services. Taxed at 9% Fed and 37% fed due to additional spouse income. I read this on White Coat Investor (Thanks Jim!) https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/ptet-salt-cap/ I'm kind of like example 4. But each accountant said it's not that simple, you don't avoid fed tax on the entire $600k. AFAIK in the S-Corp scenario: You pay yourself a "reasonable salary" - call it 300k. That's a W2 you pay payroll services on (e.g. ADP) to cut regular paychecks, and pay state and fed taxe...
- Sun May 21, 2023 3:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Physicians - how to avoid noncompete clause?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4245
Re: Physicians - how to avoid noncompete clause?
Negotiate through a lawyer who specializes in physician employment. Despite FTC trying to outlaw noncompete, and folks saying "oh you cannot enforce it/don't worry everyone signs it but we don't enforce it", if you sign it, they can come after you. In reality, the practice's coffers are likely deeper than the individual MDs. Sure, they may lose the case, but how much in legal fees do you want to pay? I know of a group that had the non compete as boilerplate, "we never enforce it". The Board turned over, and they decided to start enforcing it. Folks who left the group are now driving 2 hrs a day, to get outside the non-compete. For 2 years. One lawsuit is going through the discovery phase - should take 3 years. And that's...
- Sun May 21, 2023 8:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 7203
- Views: 1422026
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Anyone using Amazon regularly should consider the Amazon Store Card - basically a line of credit you can only use at Amazon, and get 5% back. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=181150 Don't know why Amazon doesn't advertise more. Like OP, I was using the Amazon Visa for 3% back until I found this card. Pretty great, given how much one can buy from Amazon. Do you designate the Amazon Store card as your primary card on Amazon? The reason I ask is because I automatically get the Amazon Whole Foods discount when I check out if I use the Chase card that is my Amazon primary card. It is convienent in that I don't have to fiddle with pulling up q codes at checkout. I don't think I would be able to use the Amazon Store Card at a bric...
- Sun Apr 30, 2023 6:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Help with how to Utilize Solo 401k
- Replies: 6
- Views: 706
Re: Help with how to Utilize Solo 401k
Here is a great WCI post on solo 401ks. Thank you author Dr Dahle! https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/solo-individual-401k/ Verifying this side gig 1099 income is your only income, and the Fidelity solo 401k is your only retirement? employEE limit <50yo is $22.5k in 2030, across all retirement 401k. employER limit is 20% of gross, up to the limit expressed above. Comparing Fidelity vs Vanguard 401k, I wanted a Roth 401k option and only wanted to use 1-2 index funds, so I went Vanguard. I rolled an IRA and a 401k into it to start. I login whenever I want to make a contribution; pick whether it's as employEE or employER, and pick the fund. I don't think Vanguard has a brokerage option, so Fidelity may be better if you want more fund choices.
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:40 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Transferring HSA to Fidelity (nervous!)
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3008
Re: Transferring HSA to Fidelity (nervous!)
I've been in your shoes. 1. Had Payflex for years, just invested in SP500. It was fine for a few years. 2. Then I decided I wanted to consolidate at Fidelity. Opened Fidelity HSA, and once a year, transferred Payflex funds to Fidelity HSA (my plan only permitted annual transfers). Just completed Fidelity Transfer of Assets form - I think you can do and submit online. Give them the Payflex account info and amount. Transfer from Payflex to Fidelity takes about 21 calendar days, can use Fidelity Transfer Tracker (or whatever they're calling it now), but basically it says "awaiting Payflex response" for the majority of those days. It's annoyingly slow, but just make a calendar reminder for youself 21 days later, and log back into Fide...
- Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
- Replies: 152
- Views: 18243
Re: please help me get started with TV streaming
Before you cut the cord try streaming out.
The only live stuff I wanted was English premier league games
And that was a royal pain to find, since they scatter it across platforms. Some on NBC sports. Some on peacock (but in Spanish only) some on YouTube tv. Some on FUBU. Or was it FUBAR?
Anyways, it was super annoying.
The only live stuff I wanted was English premier league games
And that was a royal pain to find, since they scatter it across platforms. Some on NBC sports. Some on peacock (but in Spanish only) some on YouTube tv. Some on FUBU. Or was it FUBAR?
Anyways, it was super annoying.
- Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2022/2023 Kia Carnival or Toyata Sienna
- Replies: 46
- Views: 4510
Re: 2022/2023 Kia Carnival or Toyata Sienna
Sorry to hear that about odyssey.
I bought an 06 exl when i was in your situation.
Rebuilt transmission at 180k, still going strong at 210k
Neighbors have a couple 05s at 120-150k going strong nothing beyond timing belt.
We all use as our beater cars now no road trips. But they’ve been great.
My anecdotal experienxe prob won’t sway your anecdotal experience, but thought I’d chime in.
I bought an 06 exl when i was in your situation.
Rebuilt transmission at 180k, still going strong at 210k
Neighbors have a couple 05s at 120-150k going strong nothing beyond timing belt.
We all use as our beater cars now no road trips. But they’ve been great.
My anecdotal experienxe prob won’t sway your anecdotal experience, but thought I’d chime in.
- Fri Jan 13, 2023 7:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Golf Clubs Off the Rack vs Fitting
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2439
Re: Golf Clubs Off the Rack vs Fitting
I had a great experience at a fitting.
Made appointment at a store called Second Swing, told them my price range and goals. For me, wanted set of irons 4-9, $700. Lots of options, new sets and used.
Hit 8-10 different 7 irons on Trackman. Tried each club for 6-10 shots. It was clear which 2 clubs were the winners: groupings were tighter/playable, even on mishits. I suppose you could mix your existing clubs into the mix, to see if there is a difference. My 15 year old set did not compare.
Narrowed down to 2 7 iron winners, I tried the other irons in those sets (mostly 4 and 9).
They recommend an hour for irons, and a separate appts for woods/hybrids - you get tired after hitting 100 strokes. I agreed.
Putter can add on anytime.
Made appointment at a store called Second Swing, told them my price range and goals. For me, wanted set of irons 4-9, $700. Lots of options, new sets and used.
Hit 8-10 different 7 irons on Trackman. Tried each club for 6-10 shots. It was clear which 2 clubs were the winners: groupings were tighter/playable, even on mishits. I suppose you could mix your existing clubs into the mix, to see if there is a difference. My 15 year old set did not compare.
Narrowed down to 2 7 iron winners, I tried the other irons in those sets (mostly 4 and 9).
They recommend an hour for irons, and a separate appts for woods/hybrids - you get tired after hitting 100 strokes. I agreed.
Putter can add on anytime.
- Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: SECURE 2.0 Sec 604 Employer Contribution Roth 401(k)
- Replies: 1
- Views: 679
SECURE 2.0 Sec 604 Employer Contribution Roth 401(k)
If I understand the WCI synopsis of Section 604 at https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/secure-act-2-0/ "Employers can now allow the match dollars to go into the Roth subaccount of a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b). This includes matches of payments on student loans. They will be taxable to the employee and immediately vested. Starts in 2022." This means starting last year, the employer match can be Roth 401k. I have a Vanguard individual/self-employed 401k for my 1099, which makes around $600k. In 2022 I donated the max someone <50yo could do, and did $20.5k to Roth i401k, and $40.5k employER contribution to regular (pretax) i401k. Do I dare to hope that Vanguard i401k will let me do the max 2023 66k employEE + employER contribution all a...
- Mon Jan 02, 2023 6:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1696
Re: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Happy New Year!
Thank you for this thread.
I made same mistake as OP - transferred direct to Roth IRA, rather than 2-step backdoor to IRA first.
Went immediately to BH and looked up what to do - found this thread.
And found the Fidelity Recharacterization page easily.
Hopefully within 3 business days will be straight!
Thank you for this thread.
I made same mistake as OP - transferred direct to Roth IRA, rather than 2-step backdoor to IRA first.
Went immediately to BH and looked up what to do - found this thread.
And found the Fidelity Recharacterization page easily.
Hopefully within 3 business days will be straight!
- Mon Dec 05, 2022 2:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: House wired for CAT5, what do I do?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 16520
Re: House wired for CAT5, what do I do?
OP, I have similar wiring, and was similary intimdated. It is easy. All bedrooms, TV areas, and media areas have ethernet outlets that terminate in the basement as a bundle of ethernet jacks. Also in the basement is an ethernet cable from my Verizon Fios router. In the basement, I bought this 16 jack Netgear unmanaged switch, and plugged in 15 ethernet cables and the 1 Fios cable. https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Ethernet-Unmanaged-Protection-GS116NA/dp/B00023DRLO/ref=sr_1_3?brr=1&qid=1670273438&rd=1&s=electronics&sr=1-3 IIRC it only assigns IP addressese/data flow to the live jacks. At the user-end I plug in either the Smart TV, playstation, or audio device (e.g. Sonos). At some locations I need a splitter to run ethernet wir...
- Fri Oct 07, 2022 6:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New EV: Type of Level 2 Charging for Garage?
- Replies: 135
- Views: 10444
- Fri Oct 07, 2022 5:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New EV: Type of Level 2 Charging for Garage?
- Replies: 135
- Views: 10444
Re: New EV: Type of Level 2 Charging for Garage?
NEMA 14-50 plug and Juicebox charger $600 with $200 state rebate.
Lexus NX450h+ since August.
Have filled up tank twice in past 2 months, both on long distance trips. It's great!
Takes 3.1415926 seconds to grab cord and plug in. Takes 6.96969696 seconds to unplug and loop around Juicebox holder.
Lexus NX450h+ since August.
Have filled up tank twice in past 2 months, both on long distance trips. It's great!
Takes 3.1415926 seconds to grab cord and plug in. Takes 6.96969696 seconds to unplug and loop around Juicebox holder.
- Wed Sep 07, 2022 1:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 417
Re: Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
Vanguard i401k does permit incoming rollovers.
I had to call and get specific instructions.
I had to call and get specific instructions.
- Wed Sep 07, 2022 9:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 417
Re: Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
Ok sounds good
Get about $1000 per year in 1099 misc for various medical surveys/committee work, so will just do it that way.
Thanks all!
Get about $1000 per year in 1099 misc for various medical surveys/committee work, so will just do it that way.
Thanks all!
- Wed Sep 07, 2022 9:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 417
Can I move funds in into i401k but have no new contributions?
401k funds at Voya - leaving this company. New company 401k doesn't take rollover.
We do annual backdoor Roth, do not want IRA.
Can I open i401k at Fidelity and roll Voya i401k into it?
Don't think I'd really add any new funds into the i401k.
We do annual backdoor Roth, do not want IRA.
Can I open i401k at Fidelity and roll Voya i401k into it?
Don't think I'd really add any new funds into the i401k.
- Fri Jul 08, 2022 2:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1008
Re: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
Thanks, did not go for it.
- Fri Jul 08, 2022 5:14 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1008
Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
Buying the Lexus NX450h+ Plug-In Hybrid. Lexus variant of RAV4 Prime. Do I buy the extended warranty? Comes with: "Basic Lexus Manufacturer Warranty – For 48 months or 50,000 miles, a basic limited warranty covers repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or craftsmanship of any part supplied by Lexus (subject to exceptions). Powertrain Lexus Manufacturer Warranty – For 72 months or 70,000 miles, the powertrain warranty covers repairs that are necessary to fix defects in the materials or craftsmanship of components in the engine system, transmission and transaxle, and the front- or rear-wheel drive system." For $4000-5000 more (negotiating), can extend another 48 months/50k miles. All service done at Lexus dea...
- Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
1 day later, I have deposits in on 2 cars
2022 Bolt EUV Premier $38k - $6300 chevy discount. Add 1k for CarPAl, and that is about 34k + TTR. ETA ~3 weeks
2023 NX450H+ $56k + 7500 dealer markup + 1k CarPal + TTR. ETA ~4 weeks
Lexus is not a deal by any means, given the dealer markup. But CarPal found it halfway across the US, there are none to be had around me. This one is loaded with a bunch of unneeded crap from Lexus, but hey, what my partner likes, my partner gets.
2022 Bolt EUV Premier $38k - $6300 chevy discount. Add 1k for CarPAl, and that is about 34k + TTR. ETA ~3 weeks
2023 NX450H+ $56k + 7500 dealer markup + 1k CarPal + TTR. ETA ~4 weeks
Lexus is not a deal by any means, given the dealer markup. But CarPal found it halfway across the US, there are none to be had around me. This one is loaded with a bunch of unneeded crap from Lexus, but hey, what my partner likes, my partner gets.
- Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Ok I signed up for CarPal
https://car-pal.com/pricing/
Should be interesting
Markup will be $1100 over MSRP and they source car.
Asked for some sort of Plug-In (Leaf/Bolt EUV/Prius) for <$35k all-in, by Sept
Also asked for a Lexus 450h+ by early 2023.
https://car-pal.com/pricing/
Should be interesting
Markup will be $1100 over MSRP and they source car.
Asked for some sort of Plug-In (Leaf/Bolt EUV/Prius) for <$35k all-in, by Sept
Also asked for a Lexus 450h+ by early 2023.
- Mon Jun 20, 2022 3:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Probably going to push off until December or January.
In DC Maryland Virginia area before Tax Title Registration, but including any fed tax credit and dealer markup
Bolt is $35k
Leaf is 43k
No Mini SE or anything else available.
Most dealers are like “yup, we get about 2 cars every 3-4 weeks”. And one Nissan place said Nissan stopped letting I them pre-order.
Wife just ordered a Lexus NX450H+ to replace her car. That was thru a car auto buying service $1000 above MSRP. I may do that with a leaf.
In DC Maryland Virginia area before Tax Title Registration, but including any fed tax credit and dealer markup
Bolt is $35k
Leaf is 43k
No Mini SE or anything else available.
Most dealers are like “yup, we get about 2 cars every 3-4 weeks”. And one Nissan place said Nissan stopped letting I them pre-order.
Wife just ordered a Lexus NX450H+ to replace her car. That was thru a car auto buying service $1000 above MSRP. I may do that with a leaf.
- Fri Jun 10, 2022 8:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
- Replies: 58
- Views: 6887
Re: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
I'm about to probably repeat your saga.
Thanks for the update.
Thanks for the update.
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 2:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Let’s face it, it’s 24 miles a week, third car.
I’d get a trek e-bike if It wasn’t for winter.
Availability is really an issue for anything new or used. 2017 and younger Leafs are $25-30k used if you can find one.
Sooooo…May just hoon a used Miata and order something that will come in by November.
I’d get a trek e-bike if It wasn’t for winter.
Availability is really an issue for anything new or used. 2017 and younger Leafs are $25-30k used if you can find one.
Sooooo…May just hoon a used Miata and order something that will come in by November.
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 10:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Love all the replies
At this point, it's going to be whatever is available first at Carmax, Carvana, or the mechanic/dealer I know who has access to the nationwide auctions.
Kia Soul EV sounds like it would work too
At this point, it's going to be whatever is available first at Carmax, Carvana, or the mechanic/dealer I know who has access to the nationwide auctions.
Kia Soul EV sounds like it would work too
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 9:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Thanks for all the posts.
Leaf is prob the economical route.
And economical is prob the way to go since I need this car for only 2 years really.
Teen driver 1 will drive a 2021 CX5 from Fall 2022 - Fall 2024, then leave for college.
Teen driver 2 won't be driving until 2026 - at which point the EV/PHEV market will be through its 1st gen and supply chain issues (hopefully).
Leaf is prob the economical route.
And economical is prob the way to go since I need this car for only 2 years really.
Teen driver 1 will drive a 2021 CX5 from Fall 2022 - Fall 2024, then leave for college.
Teen driver 2 won't be driving until 2026 - at which point the EV/PHEV market will be through its 1st gen and supply chain issues (hopefully).
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 7:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Thanks All
Calling/emailing the dealerships today around me in suburban Maryland. New Ioniq 5 and EV6 are great but around $52k. Solterra looks cute too. Have emails out for Bolt and Bolt EUV. Will try a Prius, but am kind of used to 0-60 in 6 sec from the GTI.
I vacillate between being disciplined (A B-Class MB was tempting for around $20k) and buying a car to temporize for 5 years, and just going with a $50k nicer variant I'll keep for longer. Can afford either route...
Ideal world? Get me a EV6 electric skateboard platform and drop a 65 Shelby Cobra body on it. I digress...
Calling/emailing the dealerships today around me in suburban Maryland. New Ioniq 5 and EV6 are great but around $52k. Solterra looks cute too. Have emails out for Bolt and Bolt EUV. Will try a Prius, but am kind of used to 0-60 in 6 sec from the GTI.
I vacillate between being disciplined (A B-Class MB was tempting for around $20k) and buying a car to temporize for 5 years, and just going with a $50k nicer variant I'll keep for longer. Can afford either route...
Ideal world? Get me a EV6 electric skateboard platform and drop a 65 Shelby Cobra body on it. I digress...
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 6:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Re: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Thanks, hope you enjoy your Bolt. Excited about Bolt EUV when that rolls in around me.
Found a few Mercedes B Class 250e - adding that to the list.
Found a few Mercedes B Class 250e - adding that to the list.
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
- Replies: 58
- Views: 6887
Re: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
OP what did you do - still in limbo?
I have a shorter commute 10 mile commute in DC but am looking for EV/PHEV as our run-around car.
I have a shorter commute 10 mile commute in DC but am looking for EV/PHEV as our run-around car.
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:14 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5116
Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Please recommend PHEV or EV for suburban DC city driving. Short commute partially on beltway (1 exit). Commute is 10 miles round-trip. Occasional trip into DC of about 20-25 miles on 495. VW GTI had terminal repair, sold to Carmax. Loved it. Have 220V outlets in garages, in fantasy world would get EV variant of GTI. This is our 3rd car, have the family mobiles already (Mazda CX5 for upcoming teen drivers, 2023 XC60 PHEV on order to replace 2007 Odyssey). Budget: ideally under $30k. Definitely not more than 40k. Preliminary thoughts: Used BMW i3, Leaf: Keep hearing battery will die/etc. Price is right of around $20-25k though (hear stories of 10-20k, but not in DC area). Bolt: Seems kind of puny, almost like a larger Smart for 2, would it su...
- Sat May 21, 2022 6:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying contacts online - lots of huge fees + price increases
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2859
Re: Buying contacts online - lots of huge fees + price increases
Just ordered from America's Best
Sofmed Breathables 90-pack Daily
$51. Don't think that price went up from last year.
But I see your Dailies Total 1 90-pack is $104 on America's Best.
Googling it shows $48.95 at "Contact Lens King" - on sale 50% off. But then adds a $60 processing fee.
Suggests price increase is brand-specific
Sofmed Breathables 90-pack Daily
$51. Don't think that price went up from last year.
But I see your Dailies Total 1 90-pack is $104 on America's Best.
Googling it shows $48.95 at "Contact Lens King" - on sale 50% off. But then adds a $60 processing fee.
Suggests price increase is brand-specific
- Fri Mar 11, 2022 10:29 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Are you buying I bonds right now?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 14076
Re: Are you buying I bonds right now?
Yes, was part of end of year rebalancing.
Partner and I bought 40k total - 20k in Dec, 20k in Jan.
Partner and I bought 40k total - 20k in Dec, 20k in Jan.
- Tue Mar 01, 2022 1:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 12752
Re: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Do they have 1099 independent contractor CTR option? I think you are joining in late accumulation/coast FIRE stage. So the FERS/pension/retirement plan doesn't really matter. Just cashflowing. GS is fine, and chill. I know plenty of interventional radiologists leading well balanced, relaxed lives as CTRs. Younger guys want (?need) to go out and hustle more since earlier in accumulation phase/have been in government work and are tired of all the BS/slowness. Little do they know private practice is faster, but different BS/pain points, and usually someone is skimming off of you in this employed/private equity age. I hustled in MD-only private practice (and regret it - I learned nothing other than how money can really motivate decisions). Pri...
- Thu Feb 24, 2022 6:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 12752
Re: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Do they have 1099 independent contractor CTR option? I think you are joining in late accumulation/coast FIRE stage. So the FERS/pension/retirement plan doesn't really matter. Just cashflowing. GS is fine, and chill. I know plenty of interventional radiologists leading well balanced, relaxed lives as CTRs. Younger guys want (?need) to go out and hustle more since earlier in accumulation phase/have been in government work and are tired of all the BS/slowness. Little do they know private practice is faster, but different BS/pain points, and usually someone is skimming off of you in this employed/private equity age. I hustled in MD-only private practice (and regret it - I learned nothing other than how money can really motivate decisions). Priv...
- Sat Feb 19, 2022 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 12752
Re: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Yes do it. You know you want to.
It is a totally different lifestyle and work pace. Much more sustainable.
Did you go into medicine to make money? Then do private practice. Maybe get bought out by PE.
Or did you go into it to have a rewarding career treating people, and as you finish accumulation phase want to turn your vocation into an avocation?
It is a totally different lifestyle and work pace. Much more sustainable.
Did you go into medicine to make money? Then do private practice. Maybe get bought out by PE.
Or did you go into it to have a rewarding career treating people, and as you finish accumulation phase want to turn your vocation into an avocation?
- Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2930
Re: Steam shower for a bathroom
IIRC it added 5k but we built new.
Steam unit is in adjacent closet ~4 feet from shower.
Aromatherapy is nice - we just put a washcloth dipped with essenital oil on the steam unit.
Steam unit is in adjacent closet ~4 feet from shower.
Aromatherapy is nice - we just put a washcloth dipped with essenital oil on the steam unit.
- Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Shorting the S&P for a week: please tell me if there is anything irrational in my reasoning
- Replies: 98
- Views: 11792
Re: Shorting the S&P for a week: please tell me if there is anything irrational in my reasoning
SP500 did not go down week of 1/24-1/28. It dipped but came back Friday. sp500 1/24 open 4356 1/28 close 4431 Fri end of week 2/4 close 4500 From Yahoo Finance: Time Period:Jan 23, 2022 - Feb 06, 2022Show:Historical PricesFrequency:DailyApply Currency in USD Date Open High Low Close* Adj Close** Volume Feb 04, 2022 4,482.79 4,539.66 4,451.50 4,500.53 4,500.53 3,673,700,000 Feb 03, 2022 4,535.41 4,542.88 4,470.39 4,477.44 4,477.44 3,596,830,000 Feb 02, 2022 4,566.39 4,595.31 4,544.32 4,589.38 4,589.38 3,777,170,000 Feb 01, 2022 4,519.57 4,550.49 4,483.53 4,546.54 4,546.54 3,796,450,000 Jan 31, 2022 4,431.79 4,516.89 4,414.02 4,515.55 4,515.55 4,001,950,000 Jan 28, 2022 4,336.19 4,432.72 4,292.46 4,431.85 4,431.85 3,936,030,000 Jan 27, 2022 4...
- Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2930
Re: Steam shower for a bathroom
Have a SteamMist for 9 years going now. No maintenance - knock wood. No mold issues.
Recommend larger 2-person shower, bench (consider heated tile else bring a towel to sit on), towel hooks inside shower. Have a fan/light inside shower, dimmable light and fan auto-off timer. Have a large door/consider venting tilt glass upper window to get steam out.
Use it 8-10 times per year, it's great to warm up. Takes about 5 minutes to fill shower with steam. Hang out in it for about 10 minutes each time.
When done, leave shower door open/fan on 20-minute auto-off timer.
Recommend larger 2-person shower, bench (consider heated tile else bring a towel to sit on), towel hooks inside shower. Have a fan/light inside shower, dimmable light and fan auto-off timer. Have a large door/consider venting tilt glass upper window to get steam out.
Use it 8-10 times per year, it's great to warm up. Takes about 5 minutes to fill shower with steam. Hang out in it for about 10 minutes each time.
When done, leave shower door open/fan on 20-minute auto-off timer.
- Thu Jan 20, 2022 7:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The great FIRE resignation?
- Replies: 235
- Views: 31942
Re: The great FIRE resignation?
The pandemic has helped many physicians I know pivot. Lots of job openings due to physicians leaving/open market.
One group in the area worked very hard/lots of call. The hospital also is in a high Covid density spot. I understand at least 6 MDs have left the original group, including the President and people about to make partner.
Many to go 1099 part time. Which is pretty remarkable when you think about it.
I suspect they've re-evaluated the time/money trade-off - and were fortunate to be able to have the finanical strength to do so.
Most of the folks still working at the group are the primary household breadwinner.
One group in the area worked very hard/lots of call. The hospital also is in a high Covid density spot. I understand at least 6 MDs have left the original group, including the President and people about to make partner.
Many to go 1099 part time. Which is pretty remarkable when you think about it.
I suspect they've re-evaluated the time/money trade-off - and were fortunate to be able to have the finanical strength to do so.
Most of the folks still working at the group are the primary household breadwinner.
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: screen time limit app for kid's iPad
- Replies: 13
- Views: 940
Re: screen time limit app for kid's iPad
Weird, what a pain.
I have my kids' phones and 1 ipad as subaccounts to my Apple account. Using ScreenTime I can control individual day app time limit on each device, using PIN. Often they run up to me asking to input pin (if we are together) or I get the request on my iphone (if we are apart).
It used to be a pain, but now it's not, don't think I did anything different.
Everyone's setup different but it sounds like you're setting ScreenTime limits up on that 1 ipad directly? On iOS 15.1.1
1. Delete all previous ScreenTime limits/rules.
2. In Screen Time, pick App limits
3. Add Limit
4. Enter Pin
5. Pick the individual apps/time limits/days.
That's how I do it at least.
If wonky for you, Apple Store visit?
I have my kids' phones and 1 ipad as subaccounts to my Apple account. Using ScreenTime I can control individual day app time limit on each device, using PIN. Often they run up to me asking to input pin (if we are together) or I get the request on my iphone (if we are apart).
It used to be a pain, but now it's not, don't think I did anything different.
Everyone's setup different but it sounds like you're setting ScreenTime limits up on that 1 ipad directly? On iOS 15.1.1
1. Delete all previous ScreenTime limits/rules.
2. In Screen Time, pick App limits
3. Add Limit
4. Enter Pin
5. Pick the individual apps/time limits/days.
That's how I do it at least.
If wonky for you, Apple Store visit?
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 6:35 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: You Worked a Long Time. How Did You Do It?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 11732
Re: You Worked a Long Time. How Did You Do It?
Remember that you Work to Live. And not Live to Work. Trite, but it's easy to get sucked into it in medicine, where residents had to fight to cap work hours at 80 per week. Your 20s were spent in library/at work. Then you graduate, and often are looking for the next hoop. Make partner? Tenure? Hospital committee? Etc, etc. So grow your hobbies, friends, diet, fitness outside of work. Easier said than done, especially if you want to have a family as well. Also, look around your workplace. You are the 5 people you are around, etc. Any mentors? Content colleagues leading lives you can see yourself living? Or are they all burnouts/divorced/grinding? Sure you can blaze your own path, but all jobs have cultural norms around vacation/leave and wor...
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Can I add 12k into a Roth IRA, in one year?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1968
Re: Can I add 12k into a Roth IRA, in one year?
Today you can do both:
1. Contribute $6k to Schwab Roth IRA - marking it as 2021 donation.
2. Contribute $6k to Schwab Roth IRA - marking it as 2022 donation.
The Schwab page will make you pick which year you are contributing. You can contribute up until April 15 for the prior-year.
1. Contribute $6k to Schwab Roth IRA - marking it as 2021 donation.
2. Contribute $6k to Schwab Roth IRA - marking it as 2022 donation.
The Schwab page will make you pick which year you are contributing. You can contribute up until April 15 for the prior-year.
- Thu Jan 06, 2022 12:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: EV and Tesla owners: How important is the supercharger network?
- Replies: 99
- Views: 9207
Re: EV and Tesla owners: How important is the supercharger network?
This weekend's storm where folks got trapped on I-95 had me reconsidering eliminating ICE vehicles entirely.
I'll probably always have a Plug-In Hybrid ICE or ICE for long trips, as many of these replies have indicated.
I'll probably always have a Plug-In Hybrid ICE or ICE for long trips, as many of these replies have indicated.
- Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2945
Re: Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
Amortization schedule examined
Clear that most interest is paid in first few years of loan
I’m in top tax bracket
Have enough in aftertax to kill loan just sitting there at market high
That was my “payoff mortgage vs invest” debate similar to white cost investor did
May just sell some and get to year 5 of the amortization schedule.
Other idea is to payoff a few rentals which I plan on keeping forever - and using that cash flow to pay primary mortgage (which we may downsize in 10-20 years).
Basically been investing in this aftertax account for many years instead of paying off the mortgage. Now it’s grown huge, exceeding its purpose.
Sure can gain more by letting it ride. Also can lose.
Clear that most interest is paid in first few years of loan
I’m in top tax bracket
Have enough in aftertax to kill loan just sitting there at market high
That was my “payoff mortgage vs invest” debate similar to white cost investor did
May just sell some and get to year 5 of the amortization schedule.
Other idea is to payoff a few rentals which I plan on keeping forever - and using that cash flow to pay primary mortgage (which we may downsize in 10-20 years).
Basically been investing in this aftertax account for many years instead of paying off the mortgage. Now it’s grown huge, exceeding its purpose.
Sure can gain more by letting it ride. Also can lose.
- Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2945
Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
Good Day
I have a 2.125%, 15-year mortgage on my property. I am 1 year into it.
Rounding for simplicity, each month I pay $4k:
$3k Principal
$1k Interest
(taxes and insurance I pay directly)
Am i correct that this is functionally a 25% rate at this point in the amortization schedule? I get that the early years are where the bank gets the interest.
I am trying to determine what priority this is in paying this down.
I have no other debt (other than cash flowing rentals) and I max 401ks, HSA, have 529s set, and have emergency fund in I Bonds.
So...aftertax investing, or kill this mortgage (at least until the interest paid is a lot lower?)
I have a 2.125%, 15-year mortgage on my property. I am 1 year into it.
Rounding for simplicity, each month I pay $4k:
$3k Principal
$1k Interest
(taxes and insurance I pay directly)
Am i correct that this is functionally a 25% rate at this point in the amortization schedule? I get that the early years are where the bank gets the interest.
I am trying to determine what priority this is in paying this down.
I have no other debt (other than cash flowing rentals) and I max 401ks, HSA, have 529s set, and have emergency fund in I Bonds.
So...aftertax investing, or kill this mortgage (at least until the interest paid is a lot lower?)