Search found 86 matches

by LakesandRivers
Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question about Solar panels
Replies: 92
Views: 6281

Re: Question about Solar panels

I have researched this topic. I am quoting from memory and numbers are ball park. For a average house you need 20,000 KWH and the total cost to install will be $1.50 per KWH - around ball park $30K. Now add battery backup $30K. Total cost is $60K. If you have taxes you can reduce around $20K. Assuming you can deduct taxes.... COST OF SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED = $10k (No battery) COST OF SOLAR PANELS WITH BATTERY INSTALLED = $40k Now there is something called net metering....the excess power you can route it back to your utility provider (advantage is you do not need battery but the drawback is you are installing solar for backup and now if the power goes off the grid you are screwed). The net metering can be "taken away" after 2 yea...
by LakesandRivers
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337079

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

sc9182 wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 8:37 am Good to see takers and likers for both RH and recent WeBull offers. What not to like 3% or 4.5% over 5-years.
But, like Leesbro mentioned -- definitely don't want to cross SIPC limits with these new-age/small'ish brokers/bonuses.
Reading through Robin Hood's asset protection program and it looks like you can stash up to $2.25M in the cash sweep account (5% yield with gold) and it will be covered under FDIC. There is an additional $500K from SIPC, and then an additional $1B insurance policy. Seems like that would cover like 99% of people so curious if that changes your mind on crossing the much lower SIPC limit?
by LakesandRivers
Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337079

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

4.5% seems crazy! So since it requires a referral you can sign up for self-directed IRA & brokerage account, refer spouse/friend/etc, ACAT in from other IRA, have spouse/friend/etc ACAT in, and you both get 4.5% with a holding period of 5 years, paid out 1/5 at end of each year? Anything I'm getting incorrect? This definitely beats others since you don't have to deal with transferring to multiple brokerages every year or even more often Webull bonus is taxable. RH bonus is not taxable. RH also pays instantly. For me, RH nets more I just looked up the Robin Hood bonus info and it sounds too good to be true. So if I hypothetically have about $2.5M in an IRA, and my wife also hypothetically has $2.5M in an IRA, we could each sign up for G...
by LakesandRivers
Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337079

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

4.5% seems crazy! So since it requires a referral you can sign up for self-directed IRA & brokerage account, refer spouse/friend/etc, ACAT in from other IRA, have spouse/friend/etc ACAT in, and you both get 4.5% with a holding period of 5 years, paid out 1/5 at end of each year? Anything I'm getting incorrect? This definitely beats others since you don't have to deal with transferring to multiple brokerages every year or even more often Webull bonus is taxable. RH bonus is not taxable. RH also pays instantly. For me, RH nets more I just looked up the Robin Hood bonus info and it sounds too good to be true. So if I hypothetically have about $2.5M in an IRA, and my wife also hypothetically has $2.5M in an IRA, we could each sign up for G...
by LakesandRivers
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California Estimate Tax Payment Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1784

Re: California Estimate Tax Payment Question

They might. When I first retired, I made the same (understandable) mistake. Paid in 4 payments.... and yes, the FTB caught up with me at some point and there was a very small penalty - mostly the interest from the "short" first two payments, to the time of the 3rd payment. I recall (guess, 2014) that I got a refund so payments were good, just timing bad. Ok, so I learned. Now.... I pay 100% of my taxes in mid-December through a (massive) IRA withdrawal, which goes something like 75% IRS, 24% Sacramento, and then I get 1% to party. Withholding is always "on time"! Love that. I'm in California too and planning to do the same. I know that I can do a 100% withholding for federal taxes in Dec, but I haven't been able to conf...
by LakesandRivers
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?
Replies: 54
Views: 6574

Re: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?

spth wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:33 pm
LakesandRivers wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:53 pm Not a great reason to buy a house, and given your short timeline, renting is the best option.
I don’t know, seems like a reasonable non-financial reason to want a house. And buying a starter home, creating equity, and then using the equity to buy a nicer house seems like a typical path.
Could be, but non-financial reasons can only really be evaluated by the individual. If the non-financial outweighs the financial, go for it. But I don't think the it makes sense financially.
by LakesandRivers
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California Estimate Tax Payment Question
Replies: 14
Views: 1784

Re: California Estimate Tax Payment Question

They might. When I first retired, I made the same (understandable) mistake. Paid in 4 payments.... and yes, the FTB caught up with me at some point and there was a very small penalty - mostly the interest from the "short" first two payments, to the time of the 3rd payment. I recall (guess, 2014) that I got a refund so payments were good, just timing bad. Ok, so I learned. Now.... I pay 100% of my taxes in mid-December through a (massive) IRA withdrawal, which goes something like 75% IRS, 24% Sacramento, and then I get 1% to party. Withholding is always "on time"! Love that. I'm in California too and planning to do the same. I know that I can do a 100% withholding for federal taxes in Dec, but I haven't been able to conf...
by LakesandRivers
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?
Replies: 54
Views: 6574

Re: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?

Not a great reason to buy a house, and given your short timeline, renting is the best option.
by LakesandRivers
Fri Dec 08, 2023 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Pump Propaganda?
Replies: 173
Views: 21242

Re: Heat Pump Propaganda?

In general a heat pump can be very efficient to heat if you can spread out a low temp heat across a large space in your house, e.g. a hydronic floor heating that´s powered by an air to water heat pump. Or if you have a somewhat very expensive geothermal heatpump that leads tubes through the soil around your house. That´s not how 99% of the heatpumps sold in the US work though. Most are air to air pumps and they need to heat up to higher temperatures to get your house warm and are thus less efficient. So, in theory they could be, in practice they may not, depending on where you are located maybe even less. Not sure where you’re getting this info, but there is a difference between efficiency and cost. Air-to-air heat pumps are one of the mos...
by LakesandRivers
Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Pump Propaganda?
Replies: 173
Views: 21242

Re: Heat Pump Propaganda?

In general a heat pump can be very efficient to heat if you can spread out a low temp heat across a large space in your house, e.g. a hydronic floor heating that´s powered by an air to water heat pump. Or if you have a somewhat very expensive geothermal heatpump that leads tubes through the soil around your house. That´s not how 99% of the heatpumps sold in the US work though. Most are air to air pumps and they need to heat up to higher temperatures to get your house warm and are thus less efficient. So, in theory they could be, in practice they may not, depending on where you are located maybe even less. Not sure where you’re getting this info, but there is a difference between efficiency and cost. Air-to-air heat pumps are one of the mos...
by LakesandRivers
Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Pump Propaganda?
Replies: 173
Views: 21242

Re: Heat Pump Propaganda?

I live in AL and have had heat pumps for 40 years. An all electric heat pump sucks in really cold weather. There isn't any heat to exchange when the temps drop into the teens. The electric strip heat turns on and that gets blown thru the ducts. The other alternative is to use gas instead of electric strips. I have an all electric heat pump for my basement, a gas pack heat pump for my main level and an all electric on the second floor. The basement stays relatively warm on its own and the upstairs gets the heat that rises from the main level. We don't have many days that the gas backup kicks in. Personally, If I lived north of TN I would never have an all electric heating system. Simply not true. Newer heat pumps can be over 100% efficient ...
by LakesandRivers
Thu May 11, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you easily monitor water usage?
Replies: 14
Views: 716

Re: How do you easily monitor water usage?

pizzy wrote: Thu May 11, 2023 4:03 pm You are looking for a product called Flume. No subscription required.

Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor & Water Leak Detector: Detect Water Leaks Before They Cause Damage. Monitor Your Water Use to Reduce Waste & Save Money. Installs in Minutes, No Plumbing Required https://a.co/d/fa8QdhH
+1. Have had it for a year and it’s fantastic.
by LakesandRivers
Thu May 11, 2023 12:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Diversify out of an ESOP?
Replies: 32
Views: 1869

Re: Diversify out of an ESOP?

David Jay wrote: Wed May 10, 2023 4:12 pm I worked for an ESOP company for 31 years. I always took every opportunity to diversify. Not because I didn’t believe in the company but out of prudence.

Having single-company risk with the same company that is providing my income is the issue.
Same. Worked for one for about 12 years and diversified the max when it was offered. And to answer OP’s question, I did miss out on $5M or so. But the way I look at it is it only hurts with the benefit of hindsight because it was absolutely the right thing to do at the time. Still, it’s human nature to wish for every last penny 😀
by LakesandRivers
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stay or go [Can I retire?]
Replies: 53
Views: 6152

Re: Stay or go [Can I retire?]

That is a massive pension increase for 3 more years of work. I would absolutely grin and bear it. Maybe take more vacations or mix in some massages, something to make the time more bearable.
by LakesandRivers
Sun Apr 16, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which EV should I buy in California?
Replies: 60
Views: 6689

Re: Which EV should I buy in California?

Normchad wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 1:12 pm A big question is, do you own any other cars? If this will be your only car, and it has to be EV, then you should get a Tesla. I say this because the charging infrastructure is light years ahead. I would never go on a long road trip in any other EV with the current state of the charging network. Hopefully that changes soon. However, in terms of “new charger installs in Q1 2023”, Tesla put in massively more new chargers than anybody else.
I’ve had a non-Tesla for 5 years now and have had almost no issues taking long (3k+ mile) road trips. So personally I would not let charging network be the main factor in choosing my EV.

Also, have a Kia Niro and it’s been great so would definitely recommend test driving it.
by LakesandRivers
Sat Apr 01, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!
Replies: 314
Views: 86595

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!

Hi Miriam - I’ve been eyeing these threads with envy for several years now and I can finally say I’d like to add myself to the list!

After working 21 years for the same company, an acquisition has finally forced my hand and my last day is Monday 4/3. Feeling maybe 1% nervous and 99% ecstatic and lucky.
by LakesandRivers
Sun Mar 12, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: South Lake Tahoe?
Replies: 16
Views: 2078

Re: South Lake Tahoe?

You’d be doing yourself a HUGE disservice to go to Tahoe and stay in south lake. There are absolutely amazing things to do for miles in all directions. I’ve been going up every year for 45 years and I find something new every trip.
by LakesandRivers
Fri Mar 03, 2023 12:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Financial Planner makes the hard sell!
Replies: 5
Views: 1105

Re: Fidelity Financial Planner makes the hard sell!

Tell him you're happy to sign, you just need him to put the amount he's going to beat the market by in writing first.
by LakesandRivers
Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another Heat pump water heater recommendations
Replies: 24
Views: 2660

Re: Another Heat pump water heater recommendations

I have a bit of a unique space situation so I had to go with a split system Sanco2 HPWH, which is substantially more expensive than the more traditional single-unit models. Several posters have commented on extended recovery times so wanted to pass along the recommendation that you set the temp higher (140-160F) and then add a mixing valve that takes the temp down to something closer to 120F. That will increase the amount of hot water you're able to effectively get out of one tank.
by LakesandRivers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits
Replies: 52
Views: 9990

Re: Inflation Reduction Act - Home Improvement Rebates & Tax Credits

curmudgeon wrote: Sat Jan 21, 2023 4:44 pm We could add to the solar, but then we'd probably lose our spot in advantageous NEM 2.0 net metering plan.
As long as you submit the application to add panels to your utility by 4/14/23 you will keep your nem2 status. The installation itself can be completed later. Knowing how fast energy prices are rising I’d see if you can get your installer to put together an add-on system and submit it ASAP.
by LakesandRivers
Thu Jan 12, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat Pump - mid-Atlantic region - energy efficiency & comfort
Replies: 42
Views: 4748

Re: Heat Pump - mid-Atlantic region - energy efficiency & comfort

Nachalnik70 wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 10:02 pm We’ve had a heat pump in Eastern PA for the past twenty years. Not a good system for our climate. It used to make a lot of sense because PECO used to give 50% off, but this program was discontinued a few years ago. The systems (we have two) are expensive and it’s never really warm in the house. I wouldn’t recommend it.
That’s a pretty broad statement that’s dependent on how energy efficient your house is, and doesn’t take into account that heat pump performance has improved dramatically in the 20 years since you bought yours.
by LakesandRivers
Tue Oct 18, 2022 12:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3388

Re: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

Just wanted to say congrats on 401k balance achievement. It's an extraordinary amount for 2 people who are 45 and 50 years of age. Especially with the recent 20-25% market correction. Would you mind sharing how you were able to achieve such a high balance? It might be the highest balance I've seen mentioned on this forum (adjusted for age and market). Thank you, I appreciate that. I wish I could attribute it all to savings rate and phenomenal investing acumen (and a little luck), but the reality is that we both hit the lottery with our employers. My company was just acquired and our ESOP plan paid out a multiple into my 401k, and hers has a profit-sharing plan that did the same a few years back. Without those events we would still be in gr...
by LakesandRivers
Tue Oct 18, 2022 12:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3388

Re: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

First, congrats on your achievements, great work. I would say your biggest issue is that most of your assets are tax advantaged, which creates the problem that you will have a 10% penalty to pay on your 401k withdrawals, which will further exacerbate your taxable income pre 59.5. You have to run the math to see if that works for you, especially with the ACA subsidies for healthcare. So, in your shoes, here is what I would do: 0. Consider doing a transition into retirement through a semi-retirement phase if you can. Definitely considering this. I've already started researching low-stress jobs that could provide a base income. 1. Run the math to see how much budget you need, including college expenses for kids and health insurance. It will b...
by LakesandRivers
Mon Oct 17, 2022 11:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3388

Re: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

Sounds like you have done your homework. My 2 cents which echos some of your earlier points... 1 & 2: Work a few more years and save enough in taxable account to pay taxes due on future Roth conversions and provide some buffer. Save only up to the company match in 401K then everything else goes to taxable account. Trim as much fat from annual expense budget as possible. Use Roth conversions to bridge gap. Good example info here: https://www.madfientist.com/how-to-access-retirement-funds-early/. I would avoid paying any early 401K distribution penalties such that I would simply keep working and saving a while longer until ready. That is just me though. I've definitely considered working a few more years but I don't feel like I can last ...
by LakesandRivers
Mon Oct 17, 2022 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3388

Re: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

Why aren't you married? That will make your tax planning so much easier, assuming the retirement assets are skewed towards one person We've been together for almost 20 years, and most of the time have had very similar salaries so we stayed single on paper to avoid the marriage penalty. Allowed us both to itemize and double-dip on SALT deduction, FSAs, etc. It was thousands of dollars per year difference in taxes, and neither of us were that concerned with the formality of marriage. That said, our current assets are almost exactly 50/50 and my current plan is for me to itemize and take all the deductions I can, and file her as HOH. Admittedly I have not done a ton of research yet to determine whether this arrangement is still advantageous m...
by LakesandRivers
Sun Oct 16, 2022 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3388

Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

Hello BH – I am nearing one of the biggest decisions of my life, and I would love to get the astonishing collective wisdom of Bogleheads before I pull the trigger. My wife and I would like to retire within the next 12-24 months and I am having some trouble figuring out how to bridge the early retirement gap. The major questions I’d like to answer are: 1) What is the best strategy for expenses until 59.5? -- 72t – Seems rigid and difficult to execute and does not seem optimal if I want to take advantage of Roth conversions through 59.5 to reduce RMDs -- Roth conversion – Best option as it will reduce RMDs but we’d need a 5-year cash bridge ----Cash bridge would need to come from mix of taxable, current roth/roth 401K, additional savings befo...
by LakesandRivers
Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 90s?
Replies: 76
Views: 6105

Re: Favorite music from the 90s?

Having grown up in the 90’s, either my eyes are getting bad or no one has mentioned a single tribe called quest or de la soul album? Blasphemy by omission.
by LakesandRivers
Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Failing
Replies: 103
Views: 15834

Re: Failing

Sell a car. Hold a garage sale this weekend. Sell things on Facebook marketplace (at least in my area, you get fewer scams, on time pick ups and reasonable counter offers compared to other options). Have everybody over the legal work age in your family get a job. Some retail positions are still offering sign on bonuses. Cancel Disney and Netflix until you have built an emergency fund. Let friends and family know you are struggling and ask if anyone can help. Don't sign the kids up for any more sports until you have an emergency fund. Canceling a $15 streaming service is theater. It doesn’t solve their problem in any meaningful way and gives them no outlet for entertainment. It's not theater. It a mindset. OP needs to be all in in this situ...
by LakesandRivers
Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Outlook for electric prices - time for solar?
Replies: 74
Views: 6196

Re: Outlook for electric prices - time for solar?

finite_difference wrote: Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:30 pm
CletusCaddy wrote: Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:04 pm Just checked my electric bill. Here in the Bay Area costs have soared.

April 2021 rates:
Transmission
Peak: $0.37
Part Peak: $0.35
Off Peak: $0.18
Generation
Peak: $0.07
Part Peak: $0.06
Off Peak: $0.04

April 2022 rates:
Transmission
Peak: $0.43
Part Peak: $0.41
Off Peak: $0.24
Generation
Peak: $0.13
Part Peak: $0.12
Off Peak: $0.10

My decision to invest in solar is looking better by the day
I guess it helps though that in CA you have all that sunshine plus don’t need heat or AC ;)
I actually do use my solar to run my heat pump for both heating and a/c. And yes, the sunshine definitely helps.
by LakesandRivers
Tue Apr 05, 2022 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9782

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

chris319 wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 11:08 pm
Your normal pans won't work
They'll work just fine if they're made of stainless steel or cast iron. The test is whether a permanent magnet will stick to it.

I have a couple of big stainless steel pots and a double boiler and a Windsor pan.
I’d suggest holding onto all of your pots/pans, even if they fail the magnet test. I had several that are not magnetic but work fine on my induction (which I love BTW). Just test them out when you get the oven…if they are not compatible the range will show some kind of error and won’t heat.
by LakesandRivers
Thu Aug 26, 2021 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiating raise - Salary group regrade
Replies: 3
Views: 945

Re: Negotiating raise - Salary group regrade

Thanks for the bump.

I have considered applying at another company to get another data point and may end up going that route. Regarding tenure, I am by far the longest tenured employee in my group at my level. Right now I'm leaning towards asking for the increase during my next check-in with my boss and just seeing what happens. My guess is they say no and I can reevaluate options after that.

Appreciate the feedback.
by LakesandRivers
Wed Aug 25, 2021 11:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiating raise - Salary group regrade
Replies: 3
Views: 945

Negotiating raise - Salary group regrade

Hello BH - I am trying to figure out the best way to negotiate a raise. Some relevant details: —Have been with company for more than 20 years with excellent performance reviews —Company recently underwent reorg and layoffs after declining sales but is still profitable —As of last year, my salary fell into the expert range for my role (grades are entry, advanced, and expert). —As part of the reorg, salary levels were updated and certain people were given raises to bring them in line with market (I was not adjusted) —I just received the new salary levels for my role and I am now below the midpoint. I’m planning to ask for an adjustment up to the high advanced, low expert level that I was previously at. This would be a raise of approximately 8...
by LakesandRivers
Sat Jun 05, 2021 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off mortgage or invest ?
Replies: 23
Views: 3093

Re: Pay off mortgage or invest ?

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:45 am I would refinance that mortgage at a lower rate for 10 or 15 years and continue to invest more.

Cheers
+1
by LakesandRivers
Sun May 02, 2021 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Veneers for Teeth. How to research and get unbiased advice?
Replies: 5
Views: 843

Re: Veneers for Teeth. How to research and get unbiased advice?

FWIW, I can tell you that I had large white splotches on my front teeth and got veneers when I was about 18. Now 45 and have had no issues with them. I remember it being expensive at the time (around $5k/tooth) but incredibly it was covered by insurance.
by LakesandRivers
Mon Apr 05, 2021 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

VirginiaS wrote: Thu Apr 01, 2021 2:28 pm Has anyone worked with BNC? (I saw one post in the thread above, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience?) I'm looking to refi a 30 year fixed rate jumbo, $570k at 3.75. BNC is offering 2.875.

A 2500 (lender fee + .25 points)
B+C+E 3775
Closing costs: $6275

Thoughts?
I just closed with BNC last week. Started the process on 1/3/21, 890k loan amount 2.625. I had sort of a unique situation that required a little more work on my end, but overall it was pretty smooth. I’d suggest keeping in fairly frequent contact with your loan officer to keep things moving. Happy to answer any other questions you have.
by LakesandRivers
Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PV solar economics year two - San Diego area
Replies: 33
Views: 3463

Re: PV solar economics year two - San Diego area

For those thinking about installing a PV solar system I thought it would be useful to review the economics of my system in year two of operation. I installed a 2.94 KW rooftop system about 2 years ago. The net cost after the federal tax credit (30% in 2019) was $6,546. In the past year the system generated 4,866 KWh. I actually used 4,579 KWh, so I sold 287 KWh net to SDG&E for only 3.3 cents per KWh. I had a monthly fee of about $10 to connect to the grid, so my net cost for a year's worth of electricity is $51.79 (after netting out generating and other credits). At the retail rates this electricity would have cost me $1,349. So my savings of $1,297 represents a 19.8% return on my investment cash on cash. Of course my solar system wil...
by LakesandRivers
Sat Feb 13, 2021 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 18 to 100 percent annual return fund
Replies: 223
Views: 41709

Re: 18 to 100 percent annual return fund

000 wrote: Fri Feb 12, 2021 1:33 am Run, don't walk, away.
I’d suggest sprinting...
by LakesandRivers
Thu Feb 04, 2021 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

cncm wrote: Thu Feb 04, 2021 7:22 am Does anyone know which lenders are generally better/more competitive with jumbo loans? Have ~$900k left on my mortgage, looking to refi into a 7/1 ARM. Got a quote from Quicken Loans (Rocket Mortgage) but want to shop around. Not sure who else to call. I checked with Chase and they were nowhere in the same ballpark.
Loan depot called me and said they recently started accepting jumbo applications again, and I’m currently refinancing a jumbo with BNC.
by LakesandRivers
Fri Jan 29, 2021 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Deleted
by LakesandRivers
Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Hi All -- Adding a data point. I've been trying to find a good jumbo rate for the past few months and just got quoted the following from BNC: 2.625%, ~$35 closing costs CA $898K balance ~60% LTV 800 credit score FYI, the credit score cutoff to receive this rate is 790. Thanks to whoever it was that mentioned BNC! @davehica see my post a couple ahead of yours. Your rate seems a tad high (1/2 a point so meaningful) compared to what i got from LD but that could also be because you are above the 'large conforming' amount (in my county herein NorCal it's $822K). You should check what it is for where you live and perhaps you can see if the rate for ducking under it makes a big difference...cheers and happy new year! NorCal13 - I’m in the east ba...
by LakesandRivers
Thu Dec 31, 2020 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Hi All -- Adding a data point. I've been trying to find a good jumbo rate for the past few months and just got quoted the following from BNC:

2.625%, ~$35 closing costs
CA
$898K balance
~60% LTV
800 credit score

FYI, the credit score cutoff to receive this rate is 790. Thanks to whoever it was that mentioned BNC!
by LakesandRivers
Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Solar Panel Proposal
Replies: 46
Views: 4512

Re: Solar Panel Proposal

Per TSLA it's about 7 years or so. But I should be overproducing by about 20% so I'll be selling back to the grid too. Seeing what the local utility prices are going to be in the next few years, I estimate about 5-ish years max. We have huge increases coming our way in CT. I paid $1,880 for the last 12 months/1 year. 1,880 x 5 = $9,400. + BIGLY increases to electric bill incoming. + System should overproduce 20% or so I'll be selling that back to the grid. $$$ So I think 5 years is right on the money. Maybe less. You dont want excess as the utility pays squat for it. My system was installed by my builder and they gave me a 20 year pre paid lease as an incentive in 2015. In CA PG&E was paying only 2 cents per kwh for my excess so I have...
by LakesandRivers
Thu Nov 19, 2020 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 528
Views: 86678

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

How does everyone like AC Valhalla?
by LakesandRivers
Mon Nov 09, 2020 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Found hidden safe, should we crack?
Replies: 353
Views: 108212

Re: Found hidden safe, should we crack?

In my 43 years on this planet I’ve learned a few things:

1) if you find a safe, ALWAYS pay to have it opened. Think of all the cool, valuable, historical things that could be in there! Plus, I promise you will never stop wondering what’s in there.

2) There will never be anything in the safe. Worst case is you spent less than $1k for an in-ground safe.

Make sure you post a photo right after you open it!
by LakesandRivers
Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: charging an EV
Replies: 250
Views: 19604

Re: charging an EV

:arrow: I like the idea of reducing pollution so I'm looking at buying an electric vehicle. My main concern is that the small number of charging stations which would limit long-distance trips. Also, having to wait more than 20 min for a full charge is just too much time. Anyone have similar hesitation? la. We spent more time looking for and getting gas, than we spent waiting for a charge. By a lot. This seems a little odd to me. I can't remember the last time I wasn't within 15 minutes of a gas station and I just went on a 9 day road trip to Yellowstone. On the other hand, there were times where I would have been 100 miles away from a Tesla Supercharger in these remote locations. With that said, I love Tesla and once they clean up their fit...
by LakesandRivers
Wed Aug 26, 2020 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: charging an EV
Replies: 250
Views: 19604

Re: charging an EV

I bought an EV a year ago. I absolutely love it. +1. We got a Kia Niro and it's great. No range anxiety whatsoever, and I've taken it on 3k mile road trips. Definitely had a few close calls on range in parts of the country where there are few fast chargers, but it's doable with a little more planning. At home, I charge about once per week on a 30amp 7kw charger I had installed. Charges to 100% by morning. Thanks, that’s really good to know. The Niro gets a lot of great reviews, I assume you’re very happy too? On your long distance trips, how was the price of charging compared to gas? Yes, I'm exceptionally happy with the car. Only issue is the gearboxes/motors on some cars (including mine) can develop an intermittent but not super loud tic...
by LakesandRivers
Tue Aug 25, 2020 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: charging an EV
Replies: 250
Views: 19604

Re: charging an EV

Normchad wrote: Sat Aug 22, 2020 6:09 pm I bought an EV a year ago. I absolutely love it.
+1. We got a Kia Niro and it's great. No range anxiety whatsoever, and I've taken it on 3k mile road trips. Definitely had a few close calls on range in parts of the country where there are few fast chargers, but it's doable with a little more planning. At home, I charge about once per week on a 30amp 7kw charger I had installed. Charges to 100% by morning.
by LakesandRivers
Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Soares1234 wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 6:39 pm
davehica wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2020 3:31 pm Does anyone have names of lenders offering jumbo rates? I’ve checked with better, owning, and many of the others mentioned on the thread and no one is doing jumbos.

Curious if anyone has been successful getting a no-cost jumbo at 2.5 -2.625.

Or maybe I’m chasing unicorns...
Im researching and will let you know. So far I found 2.875. I want 2.5. If you find anything, can you please let me know? I’ll
Absolutely. Divide and conquer.
by LakesandRivers
Thu Aug 06, 2020 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265233

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Does anyone have names of lenders offering jumbo rates? I’ve checked with better, owning, and many of the others mentioned on the thread and no one is doing jumbos.

Curious if anyone has been successful getting a no-cost jumbo at 2.5 -2.625.

Or maybe I’m chasing unicorns...