Search found 69 matches

by OldLearner
Thu Apr 14, 2022 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Picking the water heater that is cheaper to run a year between these two. Wanted to compare LP and Electric water heater
Replies: 19
Views: 1716

Re: Picking the water heater that is cheaper to run a year between these two. Wanted to compare LP and Electric water he

Anybody on the forum here have propane and went with an electric water heater? We did. We're in the KC area, but it's been a while (over ten years). At the time we compared the price of LP gas per BTU to the price of electricity per BTU (we found an online comparison tool), and electric came out cheaper, but not by a lot. All-electric winter rates for electricity made a difference in the calculation(KCPL/Aquila/Evergy). We did decide on a larger electric tank (60 gallon, I believe) because of the slower recovery. We also considered a LP point of use, electric point of use, and hybrid electric. We found issues with gas and electric point of use (and since they don't seem to be an option, I won't talk about it). When we did the calculations ...
by OldLearner
Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rent a goat to clear/maintain a field?
Replies: 67
Views: 7718

Re: Rent a goat to clear/maintain a field?

It's called a trip, drove, herd, flock, or tribe (https://owlcation.com/stem/collective-n ... of-animals).

Is the property adequately fenced for goats? They're smaller than bovine, and can climb and jump.
by OldLearner
Mon Nov 25, 2019 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Roof - Covered by Insurance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1942

Re: New Roof - Covered by Insurance?

It's possible there was a loss under the previous owner's insurance that was never filed. It may still be possible to file a claim under the previous owner's insurance depending on the coverage, when the loss happened, and the laws in your state. Start by calling your insurance agent. He/She should be able to guide you. If you know any of your neighbors, ask if they had roof damage (i.e., a hail storm) in the proceeding couple years. You need to do this NOW. The time to file a claim is limited, and you know it's already been almost a year. I highly doubt that with an inspection done, sale taking place, new insurance issued, and repairs taking place since that. The old company would probably laugh into the phone... prove it. I'm just saying...
by OldLearner
Sun Nov 24, 2019 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Roof - Covered by Insurance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1942

Re: New Roof - Covered by Insurance?

It's possible there was a loss under the previous owner's insurance that was never filed. It may still be possible to file a claim under the previous owner's insurance depending on the coverage, when the loss happened, and the laws in your state. Start by calling your insurance agent. He/She should be able to guide you. If you know any of your neighbors, ask if they had roof damage (i.e., a hail storm) in the proceeding couple years. You need to do this NOW. The time to file a claim is limited, and you know it's already been almost a year.
by OldLearner
Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $450 for 1.5 hour plumbing job normal?
Replies: 30
Views: 6645

Re: $450 for 1.5 hour plumbing job normal?

Depends on the size of the elbow/pipe. A 4" copper elbow runs about $200.
by OldLearner
Sun Sep 02, 2018 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to move Directv box from one room to another without paying directv to come out
Replies: 9
Views: 8225

Re: How to move Directv box from one room to another without paying directv to come out

If I remember correctly (it's been a while), the satellite signal comes from the dish into a four or six port hub. Each mini and the main box is connected to that hub. From what you're describing, you have "home runs" to each wall port in the house. All you need to do is determine which cable is is going to the wall outlet where the TV was, disconnect it, and find the wire that goes to the new location and connect it to the hub where you disconnected the other wire. That should be it.
by OldLearner
Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Us Pick a Lot to Build On - Which Neighborhood Option?
Replies: 19
Views: 2476

Re: Help Us Pick a Lot to Build On - Which Neighborhood Option?

Check the covenants on the properties and find out everything you can about the HOA(s) if applicable. A bad HOA or covenants that are too strict (or too lenient) can turn a dream house into a nightmare.
by OldLearner
Sun Apr 22, 2018 3:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Settlement Offer -- Accept or Wait?
Replies: 66
Views: 9652

Re: Settlement Offer -- Accept or Wait?

Ahhh. Why hasn't this been locked a long time ago? There's a lot of stuff on here that sounds an awful lot like legal advice.... A settlement offer for an auto accident is not a simple financial transaction; it also has a lot of complex legal implications.
-Not a lawyer--but I used to be.
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What will you do with your tax refund?
Replies: 87
Views: 9350

Re: What will you do with your tax refund?

RRAAYY3 wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:08 pm If i do get one - it'll go to an index fund.

Woo. Hoo.
+1 (except the "Woo. Hoo." part. I'd give that a +3)
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how many mortgage application?
Replies: 7
Views: 1091

Re: how many mortgage application?

losarhp wrote: Sat Mar 03, 2018 4:23 pm ...How many places can one apply to compare different rate and closing costs?
Is the key word "can"? I would think you can apply to as many as you want, but we never had to "apply" to get rates and closing costs. The last time we got or refinanced a mortgage, we made eight or so phone calls to get basic information, then followed up with two or three with the best rates. We only actually applied to one (a day or two after initial contact), and closed 18 days later.
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AAPL, AMZN, or GOOG?
Replies: 95
Views: 12620

Re: AAPL, AMZN, or GOOG?

AMZN - the only one I own, but, RUN as fast as you can. P/E is insane. Known for online sales, BUT DOESN'T MAKE ANY MONEY ON ONLINE SALES (yelling was intentional, by the way). Profits are from web services. So why do I own it? It's called gambling (and it's only about 1% of my net worth). I'm betting that people who don't understand Amazon or its market to continue to run the price up (thanks media). I've owned it for a while. APPL - don't run, DRIVE as fast as you can. Apple has had more product fails than wins (Newton, Lisa, or QuickTake anyone?), and that was with Steve. Since 1984, Apple has had one (yes, one) super product: the iPod Touch (I'll pause to let that sink in). Yes the iPod Touch. The iPhone is just an iPod Touch with a SIM...
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furnace / AC Price Options
Replies: 11
Views: 2044

Re: Furnace / AC Price Options

(1) Trane, yes; liked it. Heil, no experience.

(2) Trane. Better brand, more efficient (13 vs 16), and more professional. Ten years ago hand the same issue and went with the cheap one (he didn't itemize either) and it was a $8000 mistake. Over 30 service calls in three years. Called a new guy (a guy with a reputation for top notch work), he looked at it and said he didn't want to work on it, it was too messed up and I wouldn't be happy with him. Paid to have him put in a complete new system--what I should have done in the first place.
by OldLearner
Fri Mar 02, 2018 11:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your % pay raise?
Replies: 179
Views: 24897

Re: What was your % pay raise?

No raise; increase in healthcare cost is an effective 1% pay decrease; overtime cut by 50%--overall, it's about a 18% annual pay cut; not a good time to be a state employee, but it will make it easy to walk away when eligible for a pension.
by OldLearner
Sun Feb 18, 2018 12:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washer/Dryer longevity ?
Replies: 69
Views: 10146

Re: Washer/Dryer longevity ?

Generally speaking we’ve been quite disappointed with new appliances in comparison with the ones that they’ve replaced. New front load high efficiency washer and dryer purchased in 2013 don’t work as well as economy top load versions purchased in 2003. The “high efficiency” characteristics have only meant that they don’t do as good of a job, take longer and sometimes require a do-over. Similar but worse experience with dishwasher (though builder grade so maybe to be expected). Fancy/expensive refrigerator from 2013 is just ok. Based on our experience if I own an appliance that functioned well I would at least look into repairing before replacing. It seems like many manufacturers are focused more on incorporating ‘smart’ characteristics int...
by OldLearner
Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pizza delivery asked for security code on my credit card with order
Replies: 50
Views: 33413

Re: Pizza delivery asked for security code on my credit card with order

Don't you have to provide security code when you order stuff online sometimes? What's the difference? There are bad employees everywhere. TravelforFun The difference for me is that when I order online, I do not expect the code to be seen by any human being. It may even be verified by a separate entity. Over the phone, one doesn't know if the person is about to quit and has decided to collect a bunch of data on their last few days of work. Sure, the possibility is remote. But maybe I'm weird. I don't order things by calling a real person that needs my credit card info. I do order things and say I will pay by credit card when the delivery person shows up. Maybe I am behind the times. I've seen lots of people simply wave their phones at peopl...
by OldLearner
Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bankruptcy questions
Replies: 16
Views: 2000

Re: Bankruptcy questions

badbreath wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2018 6:26 pm She cant work out a discount on medical bill and a payment plan to avoid bankruptcy.

I would literally tell the medical bill folks if you can not work out some plan and discount I am going for bankruptcy and you will get nothing. It should motivate them to take action.
+1

Definitely worth a try. Had an older pro bono client years ago with no money but felt obligated to pay her bills. After we provided the hospital financial information, they agreed to a no-interest $1/month payment on a five-digit bill.
by OldLearner
Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Stereo Questions
Replies: 25
Views: 2950

Re: Car Stereo Questions

I like crutchfield.com, but the comment that you don't know much about car radios concerns me. Installing isn't rocket science, but it isn't a snap either. If you don't plan to install yourself, I'd recommend a local (independent) car stereo shop. Six years ago, I had a mid-level Clarion head unit installed at a local shop for not a lot more than what all the parts cost at Crutchfield. It could be worth the call.
by OldLearner
Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell or keep shares of a private company?
Replies: 47
Views: 5462

Re: Sell or keep shares of a private company?

(Warning: This response contains a very non-Boglehead recommendation. You might want to get the children out of the room.) In 1999 the founders of Google tried to sell the company for $1,000,000 to Excite.com. Excite passed, and the rest, as they say, is history. It sounds like you bought a $20,000 lottery ticket (at much better than lottery odds). You're young. This is the chance of a lifetime. My (very non-Boglehead) response is to let it ride. A million dollars after taxes won't change your life; five or ten (or twenty) million will. But then again, all my regrets were about the trips I didn't take, the dances I didn't dance, and the chances I didn't take. And if you go bust, you still have the story about the time you plopped down $20,0...
by OldLearner
Tue Oct 03, 2017 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I replace AC evaporative coil or get a new unit?
Replies: 26
Views: 2917

Re: Do I replace AC evaporative coil or get a new unit?

My AC is 7 years old (live in Texas). The evaporative coil has a bad leak and does not hold refrig. and thus will not cool properly. The estimate to replace parts & labor is $3k. A new unit will probably costs $6-8k depending on the type unit. If the unit was 10 years or older I would automatically replace it all but at 7 years I'm thinking that this repair may be the best route. Compresssor etc. are aok. Comments/recommendation? I'm going to disagree with the crowd on this one, but I've had awful luck with HVAC systems. If the price difference is only $3000 ($3000 for a coil vs $6000 for a whole new system), I'd spend the extra $3000 for a new system with a new warranty. It will be worth the extra money when you resell to say you have...
by OldLearner
Fri Sep 29, 2017 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What will happen if I refuse to pay a medical bill?
Replies: 125
Views: 14767

Re: What will happen if I refuse to pay a medical bill?

Had a problem a lot like this three years ago. $800 for blood tests I was told was completely covered. Called the office and asked to talk to someone in authority. Calmly but very (VERY) firmly stated my case. About an hour after the conversation, received a call back from the lady. She said the claim was submitted incorrectly, apologized profusely, and that she would "fix" it.

Talk to the office, but make sure it's someone in authority (almost never the doctor, by the way). Should you have to do stuff like this? No, but it's part of living in a complex society. Life's too short to spend too much negative energy on it.
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 04, 2017 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for Retired Members--life mistakes
Replies: 74
Views: 15233

Re: Question for Retired Members--life mistakes

It isn't my story, but one I cannot forget, and it has probably altered my life. In the first year or two of my legal practice, I had a pro bono client, a widow in her 70s. Her home was being foreclosed on, and a local non profit had sent her to me to see if there were any options to save her house. She told a story of how she had married the man of her dreams when they were both young, reared a large family, and saved every penny they could for retirement, putting off pretty much everything "fun." They turned 65 and both retired. Within a few months, he had a terminal cancer diagnosis. Over the few years it took him to die, medical expenses left her destitute. After we had discussed her options, said our goodbyes, and as I walked...
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: furnishing an entire apartment
Replies: 12
Views: 1865

Re: furnishing an entire apartment

It would depend on how long you're planning to stay and how far you'll move afterward. Years ago in graduate school, I moved across the country taking almost nothing with me and let the apartment manager know I was looking for furniture. Within a few months I has an apartment full of decent stuff--some free, some really cheap. When I left three and a half years later, I had a "free" yard sale to get rid of it all--and the recipients were very appreciative.

If you plan to stay longer, I'd still buy over time adding a piece as you need it. Craigslist, newspapers, estate sales, and the like if I were buying used. Maybe even thrift stores. We moved into a new house ten years ago and spent almost 18 months buying (new) stuff.
by OldLearner
Sun Jan 08, 2017 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What happens to Sam's Club Mastercard if Sam's Club membership lapses?
Replies: 8
Views: 5259

Re: What happens to Sam's Club Mastercard if Sam's Club membership lapses?

*3!4!/5! wrote:What happens to Sam's Club Mastercard if Sam's Club membership lapses?

We've had both for some years but are thinking of dropping Sam's Club membership. I'm wondering what happens to the credit card, especially from anyone who has done this.
According to NerdWallet, the rebate only redeemable at Sam's and your Sam's Club membership must be in good standing at the time. https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit- ... rd-review/
by OldLearner
Sat Dec 17, 2016 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If a tree falls
Replies: 68
Views: 8263

Re: If a tree falls

the power is a problem. The power line is down. It is a hazard. The power company said they would come by 11. At 6 pm I asked them to come tomorrow, since once they get here, I'll lose power, and I'll need the electrician to hook the power back up. If he isn't here when they come, I'll need to wait for their return. The question for the tree removal is both of safety and cost. What part of the fallen tree will insurance pay for? Who gets to decide if the remaining tree is a hazard? Safety is the primary concern, and I could consider a live wire on the ground the primary safety concern. Start with an electrician and the power company, and yes, they need to be coordinated (power company to cut the power, electrician to reinstall, and power c...
by OldLearner
Sat Oct 29, 2016 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Menards ADA compliant toilets really compliant?
Replies: 3
Views: 1778

Re: Are Menards ADA compliant toilets really compliant?

Yes, it's measured from the floor to the top of the seat (about half way down on https://www.ada.gov/accessiblecells.htm). The link includes other design requirements as well.
by OldLearner
Wed Oct 26, 2016 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What podcasts do you listen to?
Replies: 67
Views: 13188

Re: What podcasts do you listen to?

Lots of good stuff here. The only one I really like that I didn't see mentioned (maybe I missed it) is the TED Radio Hour. Sometimes financial, but usually not. Still a good listen.
by OldLearner
Mon Aug 08, 2016 12:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience Living in an Old House?
Replies: 42
Views: 5782

Re: Experience Living in an Old House?

What are we getting into? You'll never know for sure until you're there. I LOVE old houses. They have a spirit (feel) you won't find in a new house. BUT they can be a money pit. In a house that old, nothing is standard, and everything cost more than it would cost in a newer house. We had to take out second story windows to get furniture up there. Floors are rarely level in old houses. When we opened a wall, we found wiring that need to be replaced. A week after we moved in, we had to have the clay tile sewer line dug up. Over the years a LOT of people made fixes--some better than others. And then there was the neighbor (most of the houses on the street are about the same age) who finds an occasional bat flying around in the early summer. C...
by OldLearner
Fri Jun 03, 2016 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sudden spam explosion in my inbox
Replies: 15
Views: 3240

Re: Sudden spam explosion in my inbox

I use (mainly) gmail and I've had a noticeable uptick in spam in the past week or so. I usually get none; I've been getting one, two, or three most days.
by OldLearner
Sat May 28, 2016 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insulating the attic
Replies: 26
Views: 3470

Re: Insulating the attic

unclescrooge wrote:
jimb_fromATL wrote:
How did you come up with a cost of only 10 cents per square foot? Is that the labor? How much for the insulation?

jimb
That was the insulation cost I saw quoted on Home Depot - I may have miscalculated the price.
I think you might have a misplaced decimal point: The retail price for R38 fiberglass (12") is about $1.00 a square foot depending on the market. Your quote comes out to about $2900 for material and $2000 for labor.
by OldLearner
Tue May 03, 2016 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pea gravel as paver patio alternative
Replies: 28
Views: 8663

Re: Pea gravel as paver patio alternative

doon wrote:Thanks for all the responses. Really helpful.

I agree its not the best option but I want to keep it on the cheap side (under 600 bucks). Area is about 150 to 200 Sq Ft.

[...]

I am educated about pea gravel and will not use it. But I think I will use the river rock with flagstone option for now.

[...]
I would vote against river rock unless you get a discount for window repair. Gravel invariable ends up in the yard, picked up by the mower, and seeks the nearest window. Currently replacing 300 sq ft of river rock with rubber mulch (and removing it is a LOT harder than putting it down).
[If anyone is interested, it costs about $185 to replace the glass in a sidelight; a little less for the glass in a patio door.]
by OldLearner
Tue May 03, 2016 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whole Life Insurance - hold or cash out?
Replies: 21
Views: 3559

Re: Whole Life Insurance - hold or cash out?

Steelersfan wrote:p.s. It is likely best to drop the policy, go to a term policy, and find a better friend.
I would only disagree with the order:
1. Find a better friend.
2. Get a term policy.
3. Drop the whole life policy.

If you're single, you probably haven't needed life insurance up to this point. Getting married (and starting a family?) usually means someone relies on your income; that's what life insurance is for.
by OldLearner
Mon Mar 21, 2016 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Setting up an LLC for a small business
Replies: 29
Views: 4181

Re: Setting up an LLC for a small business

This discussion makes me wince. Am I the only one? (And I don't intend for this to sound mean--I hope it doesn't.)

Several people here are acting like a corporation and an LLC (Limited Liability Company--NOT Corporation) are the same thing...and they're NOT. They have some common elements, but they are two distinct business forms with potentially significant legal and tax differences/consequences. If you're interested in starting a business and you don't know the differences, you probably need professional (accounting and legal) assistance.
by OldLearner
Sat Mar 19, 2016 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quicken For Mac
Replies: 21
Views: 2659

Re: Quicken For Mac

abuss368 wrote:Overall what are the thoughts and feedback on Quicken for Mac?
Started using Quicken around 1995. Switched to a Mac about five or six years ago and ran the Windows version of Quicken in Parallels until about two years ago when I switched to the Mac version. The install and data conversion was ok. Original usability was a nightmare. Updates, bug fixes, and the like make it usable, but still not as good as the five-year-ago Windows version. With this many years of data, I'm reluctant to walk away, but when my current version is unusable, I plan to look for an alternative.

If I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed with the Windows version.
by OldLearner
Tue Mar 01, 2016 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aldi now accepts credit cards!!!
Replies: 65
Views: 10719

Re: Aldi now accepts credit cards!!!

pennstater2005 wrote:I'm really excited about this. It's the only place I use a debit card at.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index ... accep.html
Is there a surcharge? Aldi has been accepting CCs here for a while, but charged a surcharge (which VISA and M/C now allows).
by OldLearner
Mon Feb 22, 2016 1:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there a risk of having too much equity in home?
Replies: 25
Views: 5933

Re: Is there a risk of having too much equity in home?

hoeboe wrote:...Where we live, the total of all liens cannot exceed 80%....
Are there jurisdictions in the US that limit liens to 80%? I know some (many) institutions won't loan more than that, but do such laws exist? What if the property loses value? Are liens in excess of 80% invalid?
by OldLearner
Mon Feb 22, 2016 1:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Are Things I Should Consider In Leaving Private Sector For Federal Job (FDA Pharmacist)?
Replies: 17
Views: 3033

Re: What Are Things I Should Consider In Leaving Private Sector For Federal Job (FDA Pharmacist)?

roninmedia wrote:I am single, 29 and I live in Florida. I still currently rent and have no debt. I am currently working as a pharmacist in a closed door setting....
Do you want to live in the DC area? Where are you from? Where are your people?

As a pharmacist, you can make $100k-$120k just about anywhere in the country. Unless you really like DC (the weather, traffic, cost of living, and taxes all suck), you're taking a "uge" (huge with a NY accent) pay cut, and while the benefits are good, you can find something comparable in the private sector in most medical (and other professional) fields.
by OldLearner
Thu Feb 18, 2016 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Division of assets in divorce
Replies: 28
Views: 4794

Re: Division of assets in divorce

brian6464 wrote:
randomguy wrote:I have no clue what the real situation is, but you shouldn't be trying to convince your sister to get divorced.
I mean no offense, but I wasn't asking for opinions on that subject. [snip]
I could be wrong, but I think that people might be reacting to your words ("Trying to convince my sister to leave her husband…."), not your intent (which appears to be "Trying to convince my sister she can afford to leave her husband..."). And the words could really matter in this case--trying to convince someone to leave a spouse is still actionable in several states. It's called alienation of affections. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alienation_of_affections
by OldLearner
Sun Feb 07, 2016 2:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Renting Bobcat
Replies: 12
Views: 1941

Re: Renting Bobcat

This is my rear yard, and I'm located in New York City, there are absolutely no underground cables/electric/gas in the rear. There is also no septic tanks or anything like that. [...] Also, would it be ridiculous if I put down a blue tarp in my driveway to potentially lessen marks from the bobcat? In many (most? all?) states, NOT calling DigSafe (or whatever it's called in your state) is a crime. You can be cited for not calling and the fact that there is nothing to find is not a defense. Calling costs nothing (in most if not all states). Not calling can get expensive even if there's nothing there to find. Given the forces a "Bobcat" (actually a skid steer--Bobcat is a brand) exerts, a tarp will just wad up, tear, and get in the ...
by OldLearner
Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better to be Paid on W-2 or as an Independent Contractor?
Replies: 15
Views: 4833

Re: Better to be Paid on W-2 or as an Independent Contractor?

Regarding liability: It wasn't specifically asked, but did come up in a couple posts. Since we're talking about professional liability here, as a general rule, W-2 vs independent contractor vs LLC vs professional corporation is a non-issue. Professionals are personally liable for malpractice no matter the business form. The only real option is to spread the risk (malpractice insurance).
by OldLearner
Fri Jan 22, 2016 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TaxAct Plus vs TurboTax vs H&R Block for 2015
Replies: 117
Views: 17461

Re: TaxAct Plus vs TurboTax vs H&R Block for 2015

TurboTax for many (25+?) years. Just bought H&R Block. Not really sure why, but it seems to be a trend here.
by OldLearner
Fri Nov 27, 2015 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do high earners get rid of their junk?
Replies: 59
Views: 11585

Re: How do high earners get rid of their junk?

I'm not sure I qualify as a "high earner" (compared to the people who frequent here), but as income/net worth increased, we've given more stuff away. Garage sales/Craig's List/eBay doesn't seem worth the time/risk/trouble.
by OldLearner
Sat Nov 07, 2015 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Pricing of Product at different prices
Replies: 28
Views: 4652

Re: Amazon Pricing of Product at different prices

DSInvestor wrote:Has anyone tried Jet.com as an alternative to Amazon? The items from OP's links seem to be lower cost at Jet.com. Jet seems to offer a slight price reduction if multiple quantities are ordered and another reduction if you waive returns.
Tried it once. Wasn't pretty. I didn't get what I ordered, and the refund took a while. One of the guys I frequently lunch with tried it and likes it. I'll probably try it again some day.
by OldLearner
Sat Nov 07, 2015 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Pricing of Product at different prices
Replies: 28
Views: 4652

Re: Camels all the way down

daveatca wrote:
ShiftF5 wrote:Visit http://www.camelcamelcamel.com
Highly recommended.
+1
by OldLearner
Sat Nov 07, 2015 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Homeowners Insurance Claim Question
Replies: 10
Views: 1767

Re: Homeowners Insurance Claim Question

I'd get the work done: 1. If there is a mortgage, not fixing could violate the terms of the mortgage. (If there is a mortgage, the check might actually be made out to both the mortgage company and the owner. 2. The actual cost of repair might be higher than the check, and after then deal closes, getting more money could be difficult. This is a big deal. The cost of fixing my last hail damage was about 25% more than the initial estimate. 3. A new owner could have trouble getting a mortgage/insurance without the repair. 4. Most buyers aren't interested in a fixer-upper even if they get a check to do it--they just want to move in. 5. A real estate ad that says "New roof in 2015!!" gets more lookers than one that reads "Needs new...
by OldLearner
Sun Nov 01, 2015 1:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home warranties - worth it?
Replies: 14
Views: 2340

Re: Home warranties - worth it?

Tycoon wrote:From listening to the complaints of people who would have purchased them I would never buy one.
+1

I hear really bad things about most of these companies. Plus, the long-term-big-picture-everyone-included expected outcome is negative. Generally, I only buy insurance on things I absolutely cannot afford to lose.
by OldLearner
Thu Oct 22, 2015 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guilty pleasures?
Replies: 123
Views: 19677

Re: Guilty pleasures?

Tools. All kinds of tools. For everything. For anything. TOOLS!!! Thousands of dollars worth of tools. [Insert evil laugh here.]

I once made a living with tools, but don't anymore. Back then I couldn't afford anything cool. Now I can. And I do. It's the main reason we bought our house--it has a six-car garage.

In case you didn't know: The guy who dies with the most tools, wins!!
by OldLearner
Thu Oct 22, 2015 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bogleheads! I'm here to correct my ways!
Replies: 18
Views: 2567

Re: Bogleheads! I'm here to correct my ways!

Ok, I've written this and deleted it three times, but I fully intend to press "submit" this time (although I reserve the right to come back and delete it later). While I'm not a huge Dave Ramsey fan (no haters please, from either side), I think this is one of those times where he might have a lot of the answers. Debt (especially this kind of debt) is the opposite of savings. I would suggest: Cash out all your accounts (except retirement accounts), sell your toys (sooner rather than later), pay off all the debt you can, and come up with a plan to pay off the rest in the next few years. Once you're out of debt, give away all your Dave Ramsey material and never speak of him again. At that point, you're ready to start investing. Also,...
by OldLearner
Sun Jul 26, 2015 1:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Closing Costs with No Bank Loan
Replies: 9
Views: 1947

Re: Closing Costs with No Bank Loan

The processing fee ($795) is to complete the paperwork--it (or some portion of it) will be included in the real estate attorney's fees. The same is true with the settlement/closing fee to closing agent ($450). Since there is no lender's coverage for title insurance, you can delete that ($265) along with the title endorsements ($150 -- which are additions to the title insurance). But you may want to add title insurance to cover yourself. You may or may not have wire transfer fees depending on circumstances. Either way, you'll have to prepay a year's hazard insurance (you usually pay that prior to closing). Since the other prepaids aren't held in escrow, you won't have to pay them at closing, but you will have to pay them later. Depending on ...
by OldLearner
Thu May 28, 2015 11:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My son needs a double lung transplant
Replies: 41
Views: 9344

Re: My son needs a double lung transplant

Thank you all for your responses. This is truly an amazing forum! I think that there was a misunderstanding, or miscommunication on my son's part regarding how the fee works. He is not always operating with a clear head these days. I received information via private message that should help find one of the good lawyers if that becomes necessary. He has submitted his application for benefits and given his decline in health I don't think he will be able to continue work anyway. I cannot express my gratitude for all of your information. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I practiced SS law early in my legal career (it's the only area where I NEVER lost a case), but have been out of it for years. You got a lot of really good information he...
by OldLearner
Tue May 26, 2015 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Questions - Straight AC vs Heat Pump
Replies: 27
Views: 11145

Re: HVAC Questions - Straight AC vs Heat Pump

Living in mid-southern Florida, 96-98% of my annual heating and air conditioning expenses are for air conditioning. 2-4% is for heating. ... When it gets cold outside, 40 or less at night, which happens 2-6 weeks per year - tops, the heat pump doesn't work anyway. Heat pumps stop working at around 45 degrees F.... ... I see no reason to spend more than necessary, however I wonder if this will negatively impact the sales value of our home when we downsize.... If 98% of your expenses are A/C, a heat pump isn't worth the added cost (or the potential increased maintenance of the reversing valve). I'd just go for a high efficiency A/C. All heat pumps (even Trane) work well below 40 degrees. If they didn't, they would have limited application. Y...