Search found 116 matches

by jackietreehorn
Mon Jul 23, 2018 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High voltage powerlines near house
Replies: 72
Views: 7699

Re: High voltage powelines near house

I’ve spent a career working with high voltage. I’ve worked on everything from 120v to 500kv. I’ve opened and closed 500kv disconnects, energized. I’ve spent what would equate to years in a 500kv switching station. I do not have cancer, and no one that I’ve worked with has cancer. It could be argued that I’ve grayed a little early, but only argued, haha.

I would make my decision on aesthetics.
by jackietreehorn
Thu Jul 12, 2018 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone take naps at work?
Replies: 93
Views: 8059

Re: Anyone take naps at work?

To those saying napping is basically for "losers", you clearly don't understand the health benefits of proper sleep. You are confusing napping with proper sleep. Watch the TED talk linked by stoptothink in the message above, https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=253719&start=50#p4015698 Victoria napping can be part of a proper sleep protocol. signed a health professional Correct me if I am wrong, but you are a personal trainer without any actual formal education in an even remotely related field; are you suggesting that your opinion holds more weight than the research of possibly the world's most renowned sleep expert? Nobody has an ideal situation, but most of us can figure out ways to improve bedtime rou...
by jackietreehorn
Fri Jul 06, 2018 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What time do you get up in the morning?
Replies: 160
Views: 16513

Re: What time do you get up in the morning?

BradJ wrote: Fri Jul 06, 2018 5:55 am
Freefun wrote: Fri Jul 06, 2018 5:11 am 2am to hit the gym. On vacation i take it easy, like today when I’m up at 3:30 to hit the hiking trails.
Impressive!
Do you happen to work in radio?
by jackietreehorn
Thu Jul 05, 2018 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What time do you get up in the morning?
Replies: 160
Views: 16513

Re: What time do you get up in the morning?

I typically sleep 4 to 5 hours a day/night, depending on work schedule. I work for an electric utility and keep very odd hours. It’s not a compulsion or anything like that, if I’m tired I will sleep more, if not, I’ll sleep less. I know of all the studies about sleep, but I have never experienced what many claim. I would agree that it is easier to be productive, when less time is spent sleeping. I think the secret is diet. I don’t eat much sugar, in particular, added sugar. My diet isn’t as tight as it used to be, but it is still pretty good. Anytime that I do eat sugar, it zaps the energy right from me. Your body becomes extremely efficient when your eating the right foods. Just my experience, take it with a grain of salt. I’d also like to...
by jackietreehorn
Wed Jul 04, 2018 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 22983

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

In true Starting Strength fashion, I think the "three-lift portfolio" is the overhead press, squat, and deadlift. Bill Starr's TSSS targets coaches who need to train a whole team of football players most effectively with limited resources. In it, he recommends omitting the deadlift because of how difficult it can be to maintain a proper lower back position in the lift and that for power development, power cleans will get your athlete where he needs to be. It's hard for a coach to make sure that 40+ people are doing heavy deadlifts at the same time all with proper technique. No disagreement there. However, he does believe that "the deadlift is a most beneficial exercise for men and women and athletes of both sexes of all ages...
by jackietreehorn
Wed Jul 04, 2018 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 22983

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

In true Starting Strength fashion, I think the "three-lift portfolio" is the overhead press, squat, and deadlift. Bill Starr's TSSS targets coaches who need to train a whole team of football players most effectively with limited resources. In it, he recommends omitting the deadlift because of how difficult it can be to maintain a proper lower back position in the lift and that for power development, power cleans will get your athlete where he needs to be. It's hard for a coach to make sure that 40+ people are doing heavy deadlifts at the same time all with proper technique. No disagreement there. However, he does believe that "the deadlift is a most beneficial exercise for men and women and athletes of both sexes of all ages...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Jul 02, 2018 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 22983

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

Never power lifted, but have been strength training pretty consistently since high school. 64 years old, lifting twice a week now, trying to keep what I got at this age. 3 lift portfolio here: Push: Some sort of press (bench, incline bench, mil press) or dips Pull: Some sort of chinning movement on a chin bar or lat machine Lower body: Barbell squat or some variation of deadlift. Free weights, big compound movements, stick to the program, keep doing it. My basement equipment is an olympic bar, a trap bar, lots of plates, a lat machine, a power rack. Never realized it until a few years ago, but I've been boglehead lifting all my adult life. Done to momentary muscle failure, with 48-60 seconds of time under tension, along with minimal rest b...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Jul 02, 2018 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead powerlifters?
Replies: 200
Views: 22983

Re: Any Boglehead powerlifters?

I’ll get my boots out for this one, haha.
by jackietreehorn
Mon Jun 04, 2018 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]
Replies: 23
Views: 2447

Re: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]

Valuethinker wrote: Mon Jun 04, 2018 2:15 am
WaffleCone wrote: Mon Jun 04, 2018 12:09 am Reddit has /r/Grid_Ops. That may be best place to open a discussion specific to the industry.

rtoinsider.com has an expensive subscription available for their analysis. They offer a few free articles.

Also try the major RTO's themselves. In my neck of the woods that's pjm:

insidelines.pjm .com - industry news
monitoringanalytics .com - market monitor for pjm
pjm-eis .com - solar recs in pjm
+1

Absolute kudos to you for answering the OP's original question.
+1 from me, as well. Thank you for the info, I’ll enjoy taking a look at it.
by jackietreehorn
Sun Jun 03, 2018 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]
Replies: 23
Views: 2447

Re: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]

I’m relatively young (lower 30s), and have been in the industry for 12 years. I’m not an engineer, but have advanced degree. I’m just wondering what is the best side of the industry to be on right now1 RTO? Cooperatives? IOUs? Heck, even municipals? I couldn’t tell you where the best spot to be is, but working in a RTO is probably a safe job. I would be very surprised if they went away, and honestly, I’d be more inclined to say they will assume more responsibility. Having that experience on a resume would help with any job in the industry moving forward. Edit: Adding to post, you’d probably be very attractive to utilities across the country, as a System Operator (title may vary between utilities), whose job responsibility would be to coord...
by jackietreehorn
Sat Jun 02, 2018 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]
Replies: 23
Views: 2447

Re: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]

I’m relatively young (lower 30s), and have been in the industry for 12 years. I’m not an engineer, but have advanced degree. I’m just wondering what is the best side of the industry to be on right now1 RTO? Cooperatives? IOUs? Heck, even municipals? I couldn’t tell you where the best spot to be is, but working in a RTO is probably a safe job. I would be very surprised if they went away, and honestly, I’d be more inclined to say they will assume more responsibility. Having that experience on a resume would help with any job in the industry moving forward. Edit: Adding to post, you’d probably be very attractive to utilities across the country, as a System Operator (title may vary between utilities), whose job responsibility would be to coord...
by jackietreehorn
Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]
Replies: 23
Views: 2447

Re: Energy Industry

BradJ wrote: Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:02 am I think Electric Utilities is what I am looking to discuss. Do you see RTOs growing to where they cover the entire US? Or do you see things moving back to a more localized level?
Great question. I don’t really have a guess as to the answer. In a perfect world, yes, RTOs would cover the entire US, working in an efficient and effective manner. Logistically and practically, I don’t see how it could ever happen, efficiently and effectively.
by jackietreehorn
Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Energy Industry [looking for website to discuss]
Replies: 23
Views: 2447

Re: Energy Industry

DoubleR wrote: Sat Jun 02, 2018 7:54 am I work at a Natural Gas power plant and have seen big changes as well.
I’d imagine you’re working like gang busters.

OP, I’d check Reddit, there’s probably some sub forum on it.

Is there any specific question you have, or are you just interested in general?
by jackietreehorn
Thu Mar 22, 2018 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Losing friends/family when wealthy
Replies: 118
Views: 15343

Re: Losing friends/family when wealthy

Friendships must be maintained, or they will die slow death. If you did not have a wedding, you missed an opportunity to strengthen your friendships. If you don't go out to eat, you are missing opportunities to socialize with your friends. If you don't travel with your friends for vacations, you don't have common stories and adventures. If you don't shop where your friends shop, you don't share tips and disappointments. You have to participate in some of your friends activities, or make new friends whose goals and lifestyle are similar to yours. Victoria Victoria, I agree with some other posters upstream about your post. :thumbsup. I think you’re one of the most intellectually gifted members on this forum, and I enjoy reading your posts.
by jackietreehorn
Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kettlebell Swing experience?
Replies: 50
Views: 7850

Re: Kettlebell Swing experience?

No, I would not recommend this exercise for weight training. I feel that it is extremely momentum based, lacks significant tension on any targeted muscle groups, and is EXTREMELY easy to injure yourself. Weight lifting...maybe in a pinch, but you’d probably not be reading that book, if you were looking to get into weight lifting. There is no need for feelings. There are tons of studies that show the muscle activation patterns for kettle bells. They are pretty good for one movement. As far as safety, the are a lot like deadlifts (or for that matter any weight lifting). Proper technique and your fine. They are not super complicated but you probably want someone to give you some pointers. OP, only paragraph, last sentence. Please substitute “...
by jackietreehorn
Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kettlebell Swing experience?
Replies: 50
Views: 7850

Re: Kettlebell Swing experience?

No, I would not recommend this exercise for weight training. I feel that it is extremely momentum based, lacks significant tension on any targeted muscle groups, and is EXTREMELY easy to injure yourself.

Weight lifting...maybe in a pinch, but you’d probably not be reading that book, if you were looking to get into weight lifting.
by jackietreehorn
Sat Dec 23, 2017 8:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How I got to $1.5MM
Replies: 42
Views: 8957

Re: How I got to $1.5MM

Thank you for posting this.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what is your weekly workout routine?
Replies: 123
Views: 16360

Re: what is your weekly workout routine?

I do a full body routine, completed 4 times in 2 weeks, essentially once every 2 or 3 days, depending on how I’m feeling. 1 set per exercise, all exercises done to momentary muscle failure, with a weight heavy enough for momentary muscle failure to occur between 8-12 reps. The reps are performed with a 2 second positive and 4 second negative, with a smooth transition between them. Workouts vary, but a typical one would look like this:

Squat
Leg curl
Bench press
Bent-over row
Pullover
Lateral raise
Tricep extension
Bicep curl
Wrist curl

Edit: I’d like to add there is minimal rest between exercises, and total length of workout is usually less than 30 minutes.
by jackietreehorn
Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite HIIT Workouts
Replies: 24
Views: 3298

Re: Favorite HIIT Workouts

I’m a huge fan of Arthur Jones and Ellington Darden, so, I’d recommend anything from them, age and health appropriate for the specific trainee. I’ve been concentrating on a lot of negative accentuated training, lately, and I’ve been doing Darden’s 30-30-30 exercises, as a change of pace.
by jackietreehorn
Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities Bill (PSE&G)
Replies: 3
Views: 605

Re: Utilities Bill (PSE&G)

They should have done a reading at the previous tenants move out date. At that time, the account would transfer over to the property owners name, until you moved in, and they would do another reading at that time. So, no, you wouldn't be paying for anyone else's usage.

It is not uncommon for the first bill to be estimated. It will be adjusted at the next reading.

Don't read your own meter, as you can easily read it incorrectly. Older style more so than newer.

Request that they come out and read it. This will settle any confusion with current bill. You can cross the bridge of energy efficiency at that point.
by jackietreehorn
Mon Apr 10, 2017 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employee Compensation Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1874

Re: Employee Compensation Question

OP here, I believe the lots are purchased once a month, with deductions coming out of every paycheck for a specified amount. The money is "banked", until purchase time. I used to purchase this stock years ago, at a 5% discount. I had accumulated a decent amount, but ended up selling when I reconfigured my financial plan. At the time, I was not taking full advantage of tax advantaged accounts, and wasn't diversified enough with my holdings. I also didn't make enough to contribute all accounts. Tax wise, it's a work in progress for me. I have a CPA that does my taxes, mostly because of my real estate holdings. I've recently sold a bunch, but I have one left. My plan is to learn as much as I can, and do my own taxes once I'm done wit...
by jackietreehorn
Sun Apr 09, 2017 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employee Compensation Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1874

Re: Employee Compensation Question

delamer wrote:The answer to your question would in part be based on what the restrictions are on selling shares held in the plan.

But your instinct to not hold more the 5% of your assets in employer stock, over the long run, is a good one.
Thanks for your reply. All dividends must be re-invested, and all shares must be held for 6 months. No other restrictions than that.

It's a utility company, the stock price stays pretty consistent and it pays a good dividend.
by jackietreehorn
Sun Apr 09, 2017 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employee Compensation Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1874

Employee Compensation Question

Hello All,

I recently accepted a position at the company I work for, that gives me the opportunity to purchase company stock at a 10% discount, through an ESPP. This would be in a taxable account.

Through techniques learned on this forum, I've been able to manipulate my taxes so that we can contribute to Roth IRAs with no phase outs. This will no longer be possible with the pay increase.

We max out my 401k, our HSA and Roth IRAs for both my wife and I. My wife is a SAHM. We have no interest in contributing to 529s, but we are aware of them.

Would anyone contribute more than a 5% allocation to purchasing the stock, given the discounted rate?

Thanks
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 27, 2016 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accidental Rental - Sell or "One more year"
Replies: 16
Views: 2395

Re: Accidental Rental - Sell or "One more year"

OP, it would be the value for you to calculate everything. You've mentioned the purchase price multiple times, but the purchase price went out the window the second you made it a rental. If you sell the rental for more than what the FMV was at the time of conversion, you will pay capital gains. There are ways to legally boost the FMV, if this is the case. Talk to your accountant about how to do that.
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 26, 2016 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accidental Rental - Sell or "One more year"
Replies: 16
Views: 2395

Re: Accidental Rental - Sell or "One more year"

So there is no confusion, are you aware that the market value of the property on the date that it became a rental, is the value that you would use as a cost basis?
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 26, 2016 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get rid of your belly........
Replies: 82
Views: 14640

Re: How to get rid of your belly........

OP, you've received many replies with similar advice, none of which is exactly the same. If there's 3 things to pull from all of this advice, it is: 1. Diet There are lots of diets out there. Find one that works for you and stick to it. I like a diet that is mostly vegetables, some lean meats, some fruit (its of the Paleo ilk). I believe it is the best diet. There is no proof that it is the best diet. I can show you great bodies that eat high carb diets and I can show you great bodies that eat low carb diets. 2. Exercise There are lots of ways to exercise. Find one that works for you and stick to it. If you're the type of person that doesn't exercise at all, any movement is better than no movement. There are more efficient ways to exercise....
by jackietreehorn
Sun Dec 25, 2016 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying lot / home in very bad area of City
Replies: 20
Views: 2896

Re: Buying lot / home in very bad area of City

I have no experience with this, but as mentioned above, I'm sure there are costs associated with empty plots. I'd Google it, maybe even call the city clerks office. In general, there is probably better ideas to do with your money, but I can think of one reason these lots might be a good idea. I live about 45 minutes from Atlantic City, NJ. If you're unfamiliar, it's a mess. State recently took over the city. High unemployment. However, it's the only affordable ocean front property left in NJ. It will eventually turn around, just don't know when. Unless the city you plan to invest in has something like this, I would not do it.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real Estate Investors- Do you belong to a local Real Estate Investors Club?
Replies: 3
Views: 811

Re: Real Estate Investors- Do you belong to a local Real Estate Investors Club?

Yes, I belong to a local Real Estate investors club. I guess you could consider it more along the lines of a party club. Fees are $150 a year, plus picking up food for the meeting, every few meetings. Usually, a couple people go in, so it's not much money at all. There's probably 100 members, all of which don't come to every meeting. Usually 15-30 people per meeting. We meet once a month. All in all, it is worth it. There's some horse's asses there, but there's also some really great people, too. There are two people in particular in this group that are absolutely fantastic people to be able to learn from. These guys are professionals and have a great business model in place. It's great to bounce ideas off of them. There are realtors in the...
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 20, 2016 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

^ This is a good point, and I think it shows a little more about Real Estate. This example is not the same as a SFH, which is not the same as a condo, which is not the same as a multi-family home. There are lots of different properties and with that, comes lots of different styles of management. Generally speaking, there is a negative view on Real Estate "investing" on this forum. I understand this, but I think that it is misguided thinking. Every deal needs to be looked at separately, and then determined if it is worth pursuing There is real estate investing and then there is converting your condo or SFH into a rental property after you move out of it. IMO, the latter is rarely a good use of your money. I agree that the latter i...
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age
Replies: 118
Views: 12275

Re: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age

I feel like an underachiever relative to other bogleheads when it comes to hard endeavor/exercise in middle age and beyond! It is inspiring to hear some of these stories. I'm an underachiever too! Until this thread I was feeling pretty good about myself for making it to spinning classes at the gym. Understood. Last week on a business trip I met a guy my age and we got to talking. I mentioned I like to hike somewhere along the line I guess. Later in the day after meetings he said something about I heard you say you like to hike. Why yes. He asked where I hike. I said NH mostly. Mentioned my recent day hike I mentioned up thread, as I am proud of the hike at my age. The guy was my age, mentioned he had hike the Appalachian Trail a few years ...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

^ This is a good point, and I think it shows a little more about Real Estate. This example is not the same as a SFH, which is not the same as a condo, which is not the same as a multi-family home. There are lots of different properties and with that, comes lots of different styles of management. Generally speaking, there is a negative view on Real Estate "investing" on this forum. I understand this, but I think that it is misguided thinking. Every deal needs to be looked at separately, and then determined if it is worth pursuing There is real estate investing and then there is converting your condo or SFH into a rental property after you move out of it. IMO, the latter is rarely a good use of your money. I agree that the latter i...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

Just so there's no confusion, if you were to liquidate your Tradeking account and apply it to the rental mortgage, your payment wouldn't change. You'd have to refi to change the monthly payment. You WOULD gain more equity, and pay it off faster, but payment would remain the same. I would not recommend doing this. You'd be losing opportunity cost applying the 100k to the mortgage. The argument of the S&P 500 return vs. your rental return would come into play here. Would your return be higher with the rental? I prefer cash flow to equity gain, however, I currently have a property I'm having trouble selling, that gains more equity than cash flow. I bring up the sale because the amount of equity in a property is only a "real" numb...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age
Replies: 118
Views: 12275

Re: Hard Endeavor/Exercise in Middle Age

Have you ever heard the Kokoro Camp? I was turned on to it after reading a Mark Divine book on leadership. I've always wanted to do it, it just doesn't line up with my life right now. Training for it and going through it could be a life changing event for you. Maybe it's something to look into?
by jackietreehorn
Sun Dec 18, 2016 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If a tree falls
Replies: 68
Views: 8261

Re: If a tree falls

pondering wrote:I'm still waiting for the linesman to make the repair of the wire that fell down. I'm hoping he won't leave before my electrician can make repairs.
If the tree is cleared and the lineman has made a final repair, there is no reason the lineman can't leave the service wire energized. Typically, the utility company is responsible for the service wire up to the weatherhead (usually a plastic cover where the service wire is connected to the mud cable) and it is the customer's responsibility from the weatherhead to the rest of the house. The electrician should be able to make the connection energized, with the customers load off.
by jackietreehorn
Sun Dec 18, 2016 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If a tree falls
Replies: 68
Views: 8261

Re: If a tree falls

I used to do this type of work for a living. I still work for same electric utility, just in a different capacity. Start with utility company. They might have a tree company that is contracted out to remove larger limbs, with the line crew standing by. Many times, the limb will be removed, cut and stacked in an orderly fashion, making removal easy. Line trucks are only equipped with so many tools, leaving larger limbs needing to be removed by a tree service. Youll need an electrician to replace the mud cable, check meter pan and check breaker panel. Talk to insurance company about claim. They will answer you questions about the tree removal, and if there is any further removal necessary. You seem to already have your ducks in order, so you'...
by jackietreehorn
Wed Dec 14, 2016 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: keep rental condo?
Replies: 11
Views: 1867

Re: keep rental condo?

I'd suggest googling your local real estate investors group, going to a meeting and speaking to someone in person. They could give you a realistic view of what to expect, area specific.

I'd also meet with a tax advisor specializing in real estate. A layman could probably get by handling one property, but tax law changes all the time, and you could probably get some benefit from using one.

Keeping the property vacant for 1 more month isn't the end of the world. Becoming a landlord is a big deal.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 13, 2016 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

I also wanted to add, bad deals can turn into good deals, if some creative thinking can come to light.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 13, 2016 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

^ This is a good point, and I think it shows a little more about Real Estate. This example is not the same as a SFH, which is not the same as a condo, which is not the same as a multi-family home. There are lots of different properties and with that, comes lots of different styles of management. Generally speaking, there is a negative view on Real Estate "investing" on this forum. I understand this, but I think that it is misguided thinking. Every deal needs to be looked at separately, and then determined if it is worth pursuing. Now, I personally wouldn't go as far as to say 1 door will never make you money, but if an "investor" buys a property at or above FMV, I'd put a hefty wage that he/she won't make money. I am by ...
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

Watty wrote:
jackietreehorn wrote:$120,000 is a large hit to take.
That money has already been lost.
I misread residence as rental, my mistake. Same advice applies though, if current market value is significantly lower than when property was converted into a rental, I would not necessarily sell.
by jackietreehorn
Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Condo rental question
Replies: 24
Views: 3257

Re: Condo rental question

I'd say definitely not #3. Are you dead set on selling? I'm asking because if you can afford it, and it is not a nuisance to you, keep it as a rental.

As I understand it, you have to pay $100 a month to cover the mortgage? This is not ideal for a rental, obviously. Take a step back and look if there is a way to manipulate a higher rent from the property. What would a refi cost and eventhough the rate might go up, will it drop the payment. Can you add a bathroom or bedroom to the condo? Do you know of any plans for construction in your area that might make it advantageous for you to keep the rental, to sell at a higher value later?

$120,000 is a large hit to take.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: want to buy property, abandoned trailer on it
Replies: 39
Views: 4226

Re: want to buy property, abandoned trailer on it

In my area, a 10 acre wooded lot with a trailer in the middle of it would scream hunter. Due your due dilligence, but if there is not a clear path to access/remove it, I'd say no harm no foul.
by jackietreehorn
Fri Dec 02, 2016 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone use a tankless hot water heater???
Replies: 26
Views: 5237

Re: Anyone use a tankless hot water heater???

There are lots of variables when it comes to water heaters. For example, a 50 gal. Would be way too much for just one person, just like a 15 gal would be too small for a family of 4. Also, tankless water heaters usually can't vent using existing duct work due to heat, so there will be added cost.

For arguments sake, in my area, a 40 gal Bradford-White (good company) gas water heater is $600. A Rheem gas tankless goes for $1000. Add on duct work, possible remodel, and your looking at more.
by jackietreehorn
Thu Dec 01, 2016 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rent out or sell condo?
Replies: 9
Views: 1088

Re: Rent out or sell condo?

First impression would be sell.

There is a lot more info needed to make a full decision, though. Will you live close if it becomes a rental? How long have you owned property? Is there a capital gain? What is your income level? How much would rent bring in? Being that it is paid off, have you considered a property manager? There's a lot more, too.

You can make A LOT of money from a rental. Don't dismiss the idea until you have the full picture. That being said, if you don't want to be a landlord, you're better off selling.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Nov 29, 2016 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turning Primary Residence Into a Rental
Replies: 16
Views: 2662

Re: Turning Primary Residence Into a Rental

I'd advise to check out biggerpockets.com. I've learned a ton from that website. Just keep in mind, not all advice given there is kosher. Sometimes, some of the contributors paint a completely fictious portrait of what landlording and the industry, is really like. There are a lot of systems and calculations used to run numbers on a potential deal. You'll find pretty much all of them on the site, use whichever one you feel comfortable with. I can't say for sure which works best, but I'd strongly advise you to use true #s for any one you choose. A couple of quick hits that may or may not have been mentioned: -if using a realtor to find tenants, expect 1 month's rent to be paid out for commissions. -if using a property manager, expect 10% of r...
by jackietreehorn
Tue Nov 29, 2016 5:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Landlord for first time - tips and things to know?
Replies: 44
Views: 7110

Re: Landlord for first time - tips and things to know?

Become as knowledgeable as you can regarding landlord/tenant laws, IN YOUR PARTICULAR STATE.

You are in this to make money. If at any point this changes, sell your property. Reconsider what you want your business to be and what it's structure is.

Tenants, even the good ones, lie.
by jackietreehorn
Tue Nov 22, 2016 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Karate/Taekwondo for an 8 year old?
Replies: 35
Views: 5274

Re: Karate/Taekwondo for an 8 year old?

OP, are you looking at this more as a way to teach your children self defense or a way to keep your children active after soccer? I would have just let him take a break, although I was not opposed to him trying something new during the break between sports. I think for me, the self defense would probably be of higher importance than keeping them active because they are both in good shape, active, and healthy already. I guess I just see them practicing these moves and I wonder if any of it would translate to self defense. I guess I don't have an appreciation for the art form to figure out why so much time is spent on practicing routines and moves? It seems, at least to me, that you can probably get some useful skills out of 6 months in jiu ...
by jackietreehorn
Tue Nov 22, 2016 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I just fired my son - trying to teach about hard work and money
Replies: 37
Views: 6354

Re: I just fired my son - trying to teach about hard work and money

I usually beat the bottoms of their feet with a rubber hose, if they do not perform up to my standards. :wink:
by jackietreehorn
Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Karate/Taekwondo for an 8 year old?
Replies: 35
Views: 5274

Re: Karate/Taekwondo for an 8 year old?

OP, are you looking at this more as a way to teach your children self defense or a way to keep your children active after soccer?
by jackietreehorn
Sun Nov 20, 2016 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Monthly grocery costs? How do you keep it low?
Replies: 155
Views: 29650

Re: Monthly grocery costs? How do you keep it low?

Hulahoop60, thanks for the idea, I've never thought of sending Shop Rite coupons right to my card.
by jackietreehorn
Sat Nov 19, 2016 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online Account Security Questions
Replies: 30
Views: 4691

Re: Online Account Security Questions

Thanks for the responses, I'll definitely take another look at PW managers. I've seen some of the recommendations on the other threads. Can't say I'll definitely do it, but I'm open to changing my system if something's better. I'll also be more attentive as to what I'm checking out in public. This has really been a pain, don't want to go through it again.