Search found 1132 matches

by arsenalfan
Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10341

Re: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]

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.
by arsenalfan
Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Defined Benefit Plan - Make Sense for me?
Replies: 37
Views: 4388

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.
by arsenalfan
Wed Dec 06, 2023 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retire in 50s what do you do
Replies: 64
Views: 12051

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. ...
by arsenalfan
Wed Dec 06, 2023 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10341

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.
by arsenalfan
Wed Dec 06, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10341

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...
by arsenalfan
Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
Replies: 4
Views: 438

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.
by arsenalfan
Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maryland SALT CAP PTET: Create S-Corp?
Replies: 4
Views: 438

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...
by arsenalfan
Sun May 21, 2023 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - how to avoid noncompete clause?
Replies: 40
Views: 4213

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...
by arsenalfan
Sun May 21, 2023 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1413719

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...
by arsenalfan
Sun Apr 30, 2023 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with how to Utilize Solo 401k
Replies: 6
Views: 690

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transferring HSA to Fidelity (nervous!)
Replies: 26
Views: 2973

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...
by arsenalfan
Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
Replies: 152
Views: 17987

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.
by arsenalfan
Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2022/2023 Kia Carnival or Toyata Sienna
Replies: 46
Views: 4463

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.
by arsenalfan
Fri Jan 13, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Golf Clubs Off the Rack vs Fitting
Replies: 27
Views: 2398

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.
by arsenalfan
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: 678

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...
by arsenalfan
Mon Jan 02, 2023 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2021 Taxes Backdoor Roth Mistake
Replies: 9
Views: 1681

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!
by arsenalfan
Mon Dec 05, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House wired for CAT5, what do I do?
Replies: 56
Views: 16271

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...
by arsenalfan
Fri Oct 07, 2022 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New EV: Type of Level 2 Charging for Garage?
Replies: 135
Views: 10347

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.
by arsenalfan
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: 409

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.
by arsenalfan
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: 409

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!
by arsenalfan
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: 409

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.
by arsenalfan
Fri Jul 08, 2022 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
Replies: 10
Views: 998

Re: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?

Thanks, did not go for it.
by arsenalfan
Fri Jul 08, 2022 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus NX450h+ Extended Warranty Worth it?
Replies: 10
Views: 998

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...
by arsenalfan
Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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.
by arsenalfan
Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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.
by arsenalfan
Mon Jun 20, 2022 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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.
by arsenalfan
Fri Jun 10, 2022 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
Replies: 58
Views: 6831

Re: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter

I'm about to probably repeat your saga.
Thanks for the update.
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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).
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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...
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering a Nissan Leaf for a commuter
Replies: 58
Views: 6831

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend PHEV or EV Commuter
Replies: 49
Views: 5046

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...
by arsenalfan
Sat May 21, 2022 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying contacts online - lots of huge fees + price increases
Replies: 10
Views: 2823

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
by arsenalfan
Fri Mar 11, 2022 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are you buying I bonds right now?
Replies: 103
Views: 14051

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. :sharebeer
by arsenalfan
Tue Mar 01, 2022 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Replies: 91
Views: 12690

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...
by arsenalfan
Thu Feb 24, 2022 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Replies: 91
Views: 12690

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...
by arsenalfan
Sat Feb 19, 2022 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 40% pay cut for gov job?
Replies: 91
Views: 12690

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?
by arsenalfan
Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2893

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.
by arsenalfan
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: 11695

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...
by arsenalfan
Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steam shower for a bathroom
Replies: 25
Views: 2893

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Jan 20, 2022 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The great FIRE resignation?
Replies: 235
Views: 31748

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.
by arsenalfan
Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: screen time limit app for kid's iPad
Replies: 13
Views: 930

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?
by arsenalfan
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: 11655

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...
by arsenalfan
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: 1967

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.
by arsenalfan
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: 9102

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.
by arsenalfan
Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
Replies: 32
Views: 2936

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.
by arsenalfan
Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Basic Explainer Please on Mortgage Rates
Replies: 32
Views: 2936

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?)