Search found 689 matches

by Kennedy
Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change place left cap off... many miles driven
Replies: 21
Views: 3158

Oil change place left cap off... many miles driven

A local oil change place left the oil cap off. This went unnoticed, and the car was driven for a 200 mile highway trip. No check oil lights went on. After arriving, the issue was noticed, and the oil level was so low it was not detectable on the dipstick. It was a mess inside the engine. Because of the distance, the car can not be returned to original oil change place. What's a reasonable remedy I can suggest? A clean and inspection by another (local) mechanic? Do I tow the car? Do I fill it with oil before driving to the local mechanic (but then how can I prove how low it was to the original servicer in the event there's motor damage since I can't return to them to observe first hand)?
by Kennedy
Wed Mar 15, 2023 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?
Replies: 2
Views: 274

Re: TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?

Thank you. It's unclear to me if I have SEP IRA accounts in more than one brokerage (such as one in TD Ameritrade and another account at Fidelity), is there separate $500k SIPC Insurance amounts for each brokerage, in my example $500K for the TD Ameritrade and another $500k for the Fidelity?
by Kennedy
Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?
Replies: 2
Views: 274

TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?

My dad has his SEP retirement (>$1M) in cash (for right now) at TD Ameritrade (unsure if it's now Schwab)? He is asking me whether he can and should open SEP accounts at other brokerages and transfer $250K to each to stay under the $250K FDIC limit at each facility. I started to help him look into this. I see that for Fidelity, he needs to complete a form and then mail it in. I also don't see a place to specify how much of his TD Ameritrade money he wants to move to Fidelity. Must he move the whole balance, which defeats the purpose for him, or can he just move maybe $250K and then move other chunks to other brokerages. Does this process take a while since it appears this needs to be done by mail? I told my dad I would call some brokerages ...
by Kennedy
Sat Nov 06, 2021 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for lowest rate for FIXED home equity loan?
Replies: 3
Views: 657

Looking for lowest rate for FIXED home equity loan?

I'm finding there are lots of resources for VARIABLE rate home equity lines of credit or a re-fi loan for people with a current mortgage. In this case, I'm looking for a FIXED home equity loan, one that is fixed for 15-30 years. There is no mortgage on the home, so a re-fi is not applicable.

Any suggestions on an aggregate site that lists options for this? Or, a suggestion for a specific nation-wide lender? (I looked on Bankrate and several other websites, but they all say they don't do business in my state or I do not even see the option for a fixed home equity loan.)
by Kennedy
Mon Jun 14, 2021 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College student- file taxes independently or must be a dependent?
Replies: 3
Views: 592

College student- file taxes independently or must be a dependent?

If a full-time, unmarried college student age 19-23 did not provide for more than half of their support and lived at home > half a year, can they still file taxes on their own independently or must they be a dependent on their parents' tax filing?

In other words, if the parents are able to claim this adult child as a dependent, but choose not to, does this child have the option to claim on their own?
by Kennedy
Fri May 07, 2021 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS hasn't processed 2019 tax amendment [Received refund check in October 2020]
Replies: 46
Views: 4951

Re: IRS hasn't processed 2019 tax amendment(Mail delivered to IRS August 2020), not showing up in IRS portal, what to do

I mailed a 2019 amendment mid-July 2020. I received a letter just this week, beginning of May 2021, noting that they received my amendment. Took them almost ten months to process it.
by Kennedy
Fri May 07, 2021 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where on my IRS website account do I find 1099/W2 income reported?
Replies: 3
Views: 649

Where on my IRS website account do I find 1099/W2 income reported?

I have logged into my IRS account to the "Get Transcript" section. I have also clicked on the "Wage and Income Transcript" section. I don't see there any 1099s or W2s reported to the IRS from an employer, businesses my spouse did independent contractor work for or any interest from banks.

I want to make sure we aren't forgetting to report some income on our end. Is there another section somewhere on the site where I can review all the income reported to the IRS by third parties (banks, employer, etc.)?
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling rental: improvement or repair expense?
Replies: 4
Views: 832

Re: Selling rental: improvement or repair expense?

I sold a long-term rental in 2020. I also hired a new tax preparer. My question to him was in preparing the home to sell (yard work, new appliances, exterior home repairs, etc.) and something is a grey area, is it more advantage to categorize it as an improvement or a repair? He said it didn't matter, taxwise . Essentially this is what I think he was telling me: Purchase price of the home + closing costs + improvements + repairs to get home in shape to sell = cost basis for depreciation/capital gains. Is this correct? I'm asking because a fellow landlord told me something different that this. He's saying it doesn't matter taxwise because you're taking the deduction this year vs capital repairs which need to be amortized over a period of ye...
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to opt out of people search sites?
Replies: 19
Views: 3328

Re: How to opt out of people search sites?

I should add that there was one site (maybe whitepages?) that wouldn't remove my information until I submitted a copy of my ID. I chose not to do that since I figured the information from my ID would just get added to my "file."
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to opt out of people search sites?
Replies: 19
Views: 3328

Re: How to opt out of people search sites?

I made a concerted effort to remove myself (and family members) from these aggregate sites about a year ago. I figured it wouldn't do me any good just to remove my name since anyone trying to track me down for nefarious reasons could google my spouse's name (as well as adult children) and find me there as an associated person. It was a real pain in the butt since the sites wouldn't accept the same email address (which you have to provide) for more than one person. And since I didn't want my REAL email address added to their records, I had to make a dummy address for each family member- and keep them straight. I found that the request to be taken down was always granted, but my name popped back up again several months down the road. I then j...
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sold rentals to open business, plans changed, what to do with money?
Replies: 6
Views: 859

Re: Sold rentals to open business, plans changed, what to do with money?

I sold some rental properties to raise money for a business venture. It now appears the business will not be pursued as planned. I got clobbered with taxes this year (depreciation recapture/capital gains) and now I'm sitting here with hundreds of thousands in cash getting 0.5% interest (and no rental income!). Although I'm kicking myself for selling the rentals, the issue with the business could not have been foreseen. I'm now at a loss for what to do with the money just sitting in cash. My spouse is getting ready to retire, and I don't work outside the home. We're not old enough where annuities make sense. No debt. Makes me nervous to just put all this money into the market. We will need something from this money in order to pay bills whe...
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sold rentals to open business, plans changed, what to do with money?
Replies: 6
Views: 859

Sold rentals to open business, plans changed, what to do with money?

I sold some rental properties to raise money for a business venture. It now appears the business will not be pursued as planned. I got clobbered with taxes this year (depreciation recapture/capital gains) and now I'm sitting here with hundreds of thousands in cash getting 0.5% interest (and no rental income!). Although I'm kicking myself for selling the rentals, the issue with the business could not have been foreseen. I'm now at a loss for what to do with the money just sitting in cash. My spouse is getting ready to retire, and I don't work outside the home. We're not old enough where annuities make sense. No debt. Makes me nervous to just put all this money into the market. We will need something from this money in order to pay bills when...
by Kennedy
Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling rental: improvement or repair expense?
Replies: 4
Views: 832

Selling rental: improvement or repair expense?

I sold a long-term rental in 2020. I also hired a new tax preparer. My question to him was in preparing the home to sell (yard work, new appliances, exterior home repairs, etc.) and something is a grey area, is it more advantage to categorize it as an improvement or a repair? He said it didn't matter, taxwise. Essentially this is what I think he was telling me: Purchase price of the home + closing costs + improvements + repairs to get home in shape to sell = cost basis for depreciation/capital gains.

Is this correct? I'm asking because a fellow landlord told me something different that this.
by Kennedy
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Spouse recently passed away. Please help me handle his financial matters]
Replies: 175
Views: 21436

Re: Spouse died in January: What taxes do I need to be aware of?

It would be helpful if you shared your state of residence. I would think your age would also be pertinent with regard to survivor's benefits.
by Kennedy
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Spouse recently passed away. Please help me handle his financial matters]
Replies: 175
Views: 21436

Re: Stimulus check for spouse who recently died

So sorry, Bernie. Please ask any questions you have as the kind people on this forum will help you. This is honestly a remarkable forum with people with all sorts of life experience who gladly give of their time and expertise.
by Kennedy
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment
Replies: 91
Views: 12356

Re: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment

I would contact the buyer's agent (and have them contact seller's agent) and tell them they need to make this right for your in-laws. If the seller's agent stated in the listing that the matter had been "settled," that could reasonably be interpreted that the seller had "settled" the issue and the buyer would not be responsible for anything arising out of that storm issue. Seller's agent should have followed-up with the sellers to determine what actually was going on. If the phrasing (settled) is ambiguous, it should be interpreted in a manner favorable to the person who didn't write the phrase. Check the disclosure notices, too, and see if the seller mentioned anything about losses or known potential assessments by the ...
by Kennedy
Sun Apr 04, 2021 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Too many Costco returns?
Replies: 7
Views: 3130

Too many Costco returns?

I returned two same-model laptops to Costco within the past couple of months due to different malfunction reasons. Within this same time period, I also returned a handful of clothes that didn't fit as well as a couple of miscellaneous items. This number of returns is unusual for me. I know Costco will accept returns for pretty much any reason, with some date-related restrictions with regard to electronics. However, I'm guessing there is a line somewhere, and I don't want to cross it as I value my Costco membership. I really need a new laptop, and my preference is to purchase a different model from Costco. However, I'm a little gun-shy with regard to buying (and having to return) another turkey. Is this a valid concern or is there some sort ...
by Kennedy
Sun Apr 04, 2021 5:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What’s the correct diversification for high inflation?
Replies: 217
Views: 22929

Re: What’s the correct diversification for high inflation?

As an aside to your diversification question, if one is concerned about high inflation and has a child entering college, it would be wise to lock-in a fixed rate tuition for four years if offered by the university. (Some universities offer the ability to pay a higher tuition than the going rate the freshman year in exchange for paying that same rate for the next three years.) Along that same line, signing a housing/apartment contract as soon as the college student's plans are firm would also be helpful.
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111135

Re: So what are you cooking

I eat fish and a salad nearly every day for early dinner. Cooked in a "Ninja Air Fryer", comes out fresh cooked like baked. Cooks fast. This is Sea Bass. Drizzle of sesame oil, lemon, ground pepper, local "Hawaii Blend Sprinkles", and chives before cooking. Olive oil and balsalmic vinegar from a local vendor before eating. (fine sliced green onion is great if available). Also, Chinese Parsley. Looks shiny because it is drenched in the balsalmic vinegar which I'm addicted to. https://i.postimg.cc/LsHVL2nK/fullsizeoutput-1425.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/dDP21Kzf/fullsizeoutput-1426.jpg Fresh poi would be nice. But, there is no fresh poi where I live now. (Auwe!) j :D This looks amazing. What other kind of fish do you eat, an...
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 11:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air fryers
Replies: 26
Views: 4163

Re: Air fryers

BrandonBogle wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:20 am I got a $40 one from Costco with a pretty large capacity and a touchscreen. Absolutely love it.

I use it on seasoned chicken thighs (with skin), boneless and skinless chicken breast, chicken wings, salmon, steak tips, brussel sprouts, broccoli (then topped with wing buffalo sauce).

French fries I haven’t gotten the hang of, but I suspect once I get the timing right, it will be much better than the baked fries I would previously do.
Brandon,

Which Costco air fryer are you using? I just checked their website, and they sell several different models.

Do you have an update as to whether you are still loving your air fryer?

Any favorite recipes you would like to share?
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111135

Re: So what are you cooking

Last night was chicken adobo and broccoli. (1 cup soy sauce, 1 1/2 cups white vinegar, 4 bay leaves, 1 tsp ground pepper, 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 6 chicken thighs with skin/bone. Combine all ingredients in large pot. Stab each thigh about six times with tines of fork to allow sauce to penetrate. Let sit for 15 minutes. Simmer on low temperature about an hour until chicken is tender. Recipe is from a Filipina grandmother I know.) Tonight was sous vide Costco beef tenderloin steaks and baked butternut squash. (Season tenderloin steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder. Seal each steak in separate food savor bag with olive oil and a sprig of rosemary from the garden. Cook using sous vide set a...
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111135

Re: So what are you cooking

I eat fish and a salad nearly every day for early dinner. Cooked in a "Ninja Air Fryer", comes out fresh cooked like baked. Cooks fast. This is Sea Bass. Drizzle of sesame oil, lemon, ground pepper, local "Hawaii Blend Sprinkles", and chives before cooking. Olive oil and balsalmic vinegar from a local vendor before eating. (fine sliced green onion is great if available). Also, Chinese Parsley. Looks shiny because it is drenched in the balsalmic vinegar which I'm addicted to. https://i.postimg.cc/LsHVL2nK/fullsizeoutput-1425.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/dDP21Kzf/fullsizeoutput-1426.jpg Fresh poi would be nice. But, there is no fresh poi where I live now. (Auwe!) j :D This looks amazing. What other kind of fish do you eat, an...
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Romaine Lettuce & bagged salads - concerns
Replies: 45
Views: 5155

Re: Romaine Lettuce & bagged salads - concerns

I worked at a restaurant where the lady training me would dip the raw lettuce into the diluted bleach water (used for sanitizing dishes). I seriously doubt this behavior would be approved by the health department, but I don't think there was any bacteria left in the food she served.
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sky-high building cost... build now or wait?
Replies: 2
Views: 726

Sky-high building cost... build now or wait?

I have a $1.2 commercial building project that I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on. The same project would have cost me approximately $900K in 2019.

My builder is hopeful that if we wait a "few" more months, prices will be less than they are today. (Of course, interest rates may be higher then as well.)

I don't know whether to wait and see what happens or if prices will be even higher six months from now.

Is anyone here in the building trades or familiar enough with the industry to give me insight here? Obviously, no one has a crystal ball, but I'm wondering if anyone has any advice for me that will help me make a decision one way or the other.
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: lots of $ but underwater RE: can I will RE to someone I hate?
Replies: 32
Views: 5019

Re: lots of $ but underwater RE: can I will RE to someone I hate?

I am doing estate planning. I have $3 million in cash (all in CD's in "payable on death" accounts, with my preferred beneficiaries designated). I also own real estate that has plunged in value and is now worth less than my loans. (also has a low capital basis, so if "stepped up basis" is eliminated in new tax reform in 2021, upon sale or foreclosure, about $1 million in capital gains tax would be owed by whoever owns it at time of sale or foreclosure). My desire to to make sure my $3 million goes to my preferred beneficiaries upon my death, and to not burden them with my real estate, which is a huge liability rather than an asset. Upon my death, my beneficiaries could quickly obtain my $3 million in CD's, but whoever I ...
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I buy individual stocks with Vanguard Roth IRA?
Replies: 8
Views: 5288

Re: Can I buy individual stocks with Vanguard Roth IRA?

placeholder wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:16 pm If it's a brokerage account (probably) then yes but you have to sell then use the money in the settlement account to make a purchase.
So it's a timing issue? I first have to sell the shares in the cash reserves money market and then where does the money go? What is the name of the settlement fund? (For some reason, I thought the cash reserves money market WAS my settlement fund.) And then I should see the option to buy an individual stock? (And it sounds like I first have to call Vanguard and request the addition of a brokerage account? Any drawback to doing this?)
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I buy individual stocks with Vanguard Roth IRA?
Replies: 8
Views: 5288

Can I buy individual stocks with Vanguard Roth IRA?

I currently have my Vanguard Roth money in a target retirement date fund with a lesser amount in Cash Reserves Federal Money Market Admiral. I logged in to see if I can sell some of the shares in the money market fund and buy SPDR Gold shares, but it's not giving me the option to transfer to another Vanguard mutual fund.

Can I buy the SPDR Gold or another individual stock within my Vanguard Roth IRA? If so, how do I do this?
by Kennedy
Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to reserve a rental car if don't know the return date?
Replies: 9
Views: 4393

How to reserve a rental car if don't know the return date?

I always use Costco Travel to reserve rental cars. I need to make a reservation, but I don't know when I'll be returning the car. It may be a 3 day rental or maybe 4, 5 or 6 days (or more).

Any idea as to how I should approach this with regard to the rental? Should I book it for a week and then hope the price will be less than a week if I return the car after, say, only three days?
by Kennedy
Thu Feb 25, 2021 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I grow Black Oil Sunflowers in my garden from bird seed?
Replies: 10
Views: 9841

Can I grow Black Oil Sunflowers in my garden from bird seed?

I'm looking to plant some Black Oil Sunflowers in my pasture. Most of the seeds I'm seeing online are listed as Black Oil Sunflower bird seeds- like the kind to put in a bird feeder hanging in a tree. These are significantly cheaper than the seeds sold specifically for planting.

Anyone know if Black Oil Sunflower bird seeds can be planted and grown in a garden? I don't know if a seed is a seed is a seed...
by Kennedy
Thu Feb 25, 2021 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to buy inexpensive bird houses and bird feeders?
Replies: 20
Views: 2484

Re: Where to buy inexpensive bird houses and bird feeders?

I agree that Tractor Supply has a good variety of bird seed at sometimes decent prices. They have bird feeders and bird houses too--I remember noticing a couple purple martin houses on the shelf last time I was in one. However, my local Ace Hardware stores have better prices, and frequently have pretty good sales, such as BOGO Free. The best deal is the 50 lb bag of black oil sunflower seeds, which has been $25 the last time or two I got some. Their smaller bags (especially store brand) are still generally a little better price than TSC, irrespective of sales. If you have a grain supply/feed store around, those are also good places for bird seed, and especially if you decide to feed something like whole grain or cracked corn, and want to b...
by Kennedy
Thu Feb 25, 2021 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for care for Mom
Replies: 17
Views: 2026

Re: Paying for care for Mom

If the mother is 90, it's quite possible that the RN sibling is already of social security/medicare age. OP is your sister close to retirement, something she was considering before the care for mom plan?
by Kennedy
Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to buy inexpensive bird houses and bird feeders?
Replies: 20
Views: 2484

Where to buy inexpensive bird houses and bird feeders?

I want to put up some bird houses and bird feeders on my property. Specifically, I'm looking for houses for bluebirds, wrens, purple martins and some owl nesting boxes. For the feeders, I want an extra, extra large- one that I won't have to fill up with seed very frequently.

Not wanting to build them myself, I looked on Amazon and Home Depot and couldn't believe how expensive they are. (I want to buy several of each, so the price really adds up.)

Is there somewhere else you would suggest I look for the houses and the feeders? Any suggestions on most economical place to buy bird seed?
by Kennedy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your staple healthy meals?
Replies: 122
Views: 12316

Re: What are your staple healthy meals?

1/2 avocado, sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper- not so much a meal, but a good snack
by Kennedy
Sat Feb 06, 2021 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your staple healthy meals?
Replies: 122
Views: 12316

Re: What are your staple healthy meals?

I love oatmeal, but too many carbs for me. My substitute is something I call "porridge," but my spouse calls it "slop."

1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup golden flax seed

Blend in blender for 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds and 3/4 cup almond milk (mine is homemade and unsweetened). Microwave for one minute. Serve with a splash more of cold almond milk.

I sometimes add a teaspoon of sugar free chocolate/peanut butter or caramel pecan syrup. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084X ... UTF8&psc=1
by Kennedy
Wed Feb 03, 2021 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Sapphire Reserve retention offer - was worth the effort
Replies: 102
Views: 18855

Re: Chase Sapphire Reserve retention offer - was worth the effort

My annual fee recently renewed. I called today to ask about a retention offer. The agent said there wasn't one on my account. Kept the card anyway. I've had it for four years and use it for travel (for the trip and rental car insurance benefits) as well as 3x on restaurants.
by Kennedy
Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to protect "protected health information" (DNA, health history, etc.)?
Replies: 3
Views: 436

How to protect "protected health information" (DNA, health history, etc.)?

I received notice from my doctor's office that my protected health information and personal information (name, birthday, address, insurance info, I guess) were compromised in a computer hostage scheme. The doctor and his insurance company paid the ransom in Bitcoin in order to regain control of their computer system and patient records. The idea of my private health information being "out there" bothers me. Not sure if there is anything that can be done as a patient in the future to prevent this. I've considered providing only minimal health history information to a new doctor (and only provide what I consider to be relevant), but I'm not a physician and don't want to omit something that might be important currently. I also notice...
by Kennedy
Fri Jan 29, 2021 11:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
Replies: 415
Views: 38727

Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?

how is everyone's weight loss plan going in 2021 so far? I recall the eat slower suggestion by Homer as I tend to eat fast. Try not to gulp as much anymore. OP here. With a beach (aka swimsuit) trip just around the corner for me, I figured it was time to get serious. Today is day eleven for me of my new commitment to low carb. So far, I've done really well. I skip breakfast (or maybe just decaf with almond milk) and have my first meal around noon. For lunch, I rotate between tofu, canned salmon and raw veggies; porridge made with flaxseed, chia seed, ground almonds and almond milk; or sliced deli chicken breast (dipped in french onion dip or mayo), string cheese and raw veggies. For an afternoon snack, I've been having a piece of string ch...
by Kennedy
Thu Jan 28, 2021 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Prompted by Vanguard to convert VMMXX to Admiral
Replies: 4
Views: 1314

Prompted by Vanguard to convert VMMXX to Admiral

I have a prompt on my VMMXX (cash reserves federal money market account) to convert to Admiral shares. Is there any reason not to?
by Kennedy
Thu Jan 28, 2021 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For an S Corp, how are the profits taxed?
Replies: 4
Views: 547

For an S Corp, how are the profits taxed?

So if I have an s corp and I work in the business and pay myself a reasonable salary as an employee of the s corp, how are the remaining profits of the business taxed? Is it considered my ordinary income and taxed per my income tax bracket but with no FICA owed on these remaining profits?
by Kennedy
Wed Jan 27, 2021 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Starting a Christmas Tree Farm?
Replies: 17
Views: 2127

Starting a Christmas Tree Farm?

I have some land and need to do something related to agriculture in order to keep a lower tax rate. One consideration is starting a small (maybe 5 acres) Christmas tree farm.

Does anyone here have any insight or experience in doing something similar? I'm curious as to how much and what kind of work would be involved with starting it from scratch and then running it.
by Kennedy
Sun Jan 24, 2021 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?
Replies: 37
Views: 4245

Re: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?

I fully see where you're coming from with an ice-maker in the fridge's freezer compartment. I've never had one and I don't miss it, although with a European background I am not one to have ice in every drink anyhow. My suggestion would be to forego the in-freezer ice maker. Less headache of the prone-to-leaking dedicated plumbed water line and of the finicky mechanism, as well as freeing up space in the freezer. Instead, look in to the several name-brand standalone countertop ice makers which can be had for just over $100. Then, in your listing, you can say "ice maker provided upon request". This may also reduce a bit of the yuck-factor because the guest can then make their own since these countertop models can produce ice cubes ...
by Kennedy
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?
Replies: 37
Views: 4245

Re: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?

What about filling a lined ice bucket with ice and leaving it for them on the counter. Would that be gross in this day and age?
by Kennedy
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?
Replies: 37
Views: 4245

Re: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?

rob wrote: Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:05 pm If you say "cottage" you mean quaint in the mountains or something then I would agree not worth the hassle. If it's a place in Miami on the beach - I would get one :-)
It's an upscale cottage but out in the country.
by Kennedy
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?
Replies: 37
Views: 4245

Is having an ice maker in an Airbnb important?

I'm remodeling a little cottage to use as an Airbnb. I'll be installing a new refrigerator and am leery to put one in that has an ice maker. I've had fridges with ice makers in long-term rentals, and they've been a pain in the neck.

I've never run an Airbnb. Would not having an ice maker be something of concern to the average 1-2 night renter? The cottage isn't near any stores, so it's not like the guests could just run to the corner gas station and buy a bag of ice.

I suppose I could just put some filled ice trays in the freezer, but would that gross you out in terms of possible cleanliness issues if you were a guest?

I don't want the lack of an ice maker to affect my reviews, but I could be over-thinking this.
by Kennedy
Sat Jan 23, 2021 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slippers with support
Replies: 29
Views: 2623

Re: Slippers with support

Vionics fan here, too.
by Kennedy
Wed Jan 20, 2021 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long to receive 1099-misc form from IRS after ordering?
Replies: 7
Views: 706

Re: How long to receive 1099-misc form from IRS after ordering?

Kagord wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 4:17 pm If it's for a rental (not a rental business) or personal, I don't believe you are required to do a 1099. Just calling that out if that's the case, but there's no harm if you want to.
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It's for remodeling/repairs of a rental home that I sold in 2020. I was under the impression that I had to send a 1099 to any non-corporation that did work for me of more than $599. Is that not correct?
by Kennedy
Wed Jan 20, 2021 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long to receive 1099-misc form from IRS after ordering?
Replies: 7
Views: 706

How long to receive 1099-misc form from IRS after ordering?

I need to send a couple 1099-misc before February 1 for some remodeling work I had done. (I think that's the deadline?) I forgot that I can't just print out a form from the IRS website and use that.

I just ordered some forms from the IRS website, and it stated I should receive them within ten business days. In your experience, does it generally take that long? If so, I may not have them in time to mail by February 1.

Where else can I get these forms?
by Kennedy
Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to deter rodent from chewing wires in car
Replies: 50
Views: 5051

Re: How to deter rodent from chewing wires in car

Our 2017 Subaru Impreza parked in the driveway was constantly having a rat problem under the hood. Fortunately the wires weren’t eaten but they left a lot of droppings. We tried so many of the often mentioned remedies like peppermint oil, noise emitting gadgets placed under the car, Irish Spring soap and more. I don’t think any of them had a big effect. Finally we tried placing mothballs in strategic locations and that seems to have totally fixed the problem. It was a bit of an overwhelming odor the first few times we drove the car but the result was worth it. For some reason our 2019 Rav4 has never had a problem. Do you need to place the mothballs inside the engine, or is just putting some underneath the car on the ground below the engine...
by Kennedy
Sat Jan 16, 2021 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does SEP IRA allow a catch-up contribution for age 50+?
Replies: 1
Views: 314

Does SEP IRA allow a catch-up contribution for age 50+?

I ran across an online article that suggests a person age 50 and over can contribute an extra $6500 to a SEP IRA as a catch-up contribution. I've never heard of this before. Is this accurate?

"The IRS increased 2021 contribution limits for self-employed persons who contribute to a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) from $57,000 to $58,000. For those 50 or older, there is also a $6,500 catch-up contribution amount allowing total contributions in 2021 of $64,500."

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/358668
by Kennedy
Fri Jan 15, 2021 11:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On what are you most bullish?
Replies: 290
Views: 28239

Re: On what are you most bullish?

Random Musings wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:17 pm Control and a more rapid erosion of our middle and upper middle classes.

RM
This.