Search found 3064 matches

by snackdog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The NAR settlement doesn't mean what you think what it means
Replies: 42
Views: 2192

Re: The NAR settlement doesn't mean what you think what it means

Indeed says the national average salary for a residential realtor is $96,000/yr. No wonder my skinny latte costs $7!
by snackdog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 93
Views: 10621

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

I knew several people who thought they were well-prepared in the 1980s before the S&L scandal and bust. Two were architects who were forced to flee town for greener pastures and rent their homes for a fraction of their mortgage. One was an S&L president who went to jail for several years. Another simply ran out of money and lost his house (a quasi-mansion). A friend let him stay in the friend's dead mother's house (on the best street in town) and another friend gave him an older Cadillac to drive. He used food stamps for groceries. Occasional garage sales of stunning antiques, etc brought in a few dollars. Kept his realtor's license but no clients. He kept his country club membership but couldn't pay. Embarrassed friends would see h...
by snackdog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 51
Views: 4091

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

I suppose new home builders may keep a fraction of a percent more profit on homes with a lower buyer's agent fee. Some of them have razor-thin margins as it is so maybe their earnings soar.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4083

Re: Utilities cost?

No, we just don't use much water. It must be the infrequent showers. Edit: I just checked out the last bill, and it looks like we were 950 gallons / mo for Oct & Nov, so I was reporting low here indeed. The kid's everyday shower has turned into an hour-long one this school year, so that's probably why it's more now. Sorry, but that is just impossibly low. The most efficient shower heads are 1.8gpm. A single one hour shower will consume at least 108 gallons. 950 gallons is less than 9 showers. And without any toilet flushes, dishwasher, laundry, or lawn watering. Your meter is either way off, or your utility company is reading somebody else's meter for a rarely occupied home, maybe weekend dwellers. One day, your utility company will wi...
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15082

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

The impact of the news is immediate, as in today. You can now negotiate even greater concessions from realtors than before. I have always been able to get 1% or more from them. My neighbor said he spoke to a listing agent this week that says she can get him close to 3.5% all told. Impressive.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “Bellys” on sewer scope for new house
Replies: 41
Views: 2350

Re: “Bellys” on sewer scope for new house

You can ask the seller for money, but be prepared to buy the house if they balk. Nothing wrong with an old HVAC or sewer belly. You may not have to address either for a long time.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice re London Neighborhoods, Hotels?
Replies: 21
Views: 1646

Re: Advice re London Neighborhoods, Hotels?

We like to stay in Mayfair. It is relatively central but very quiet with some lovely places to eat and drink.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4083

Re: Utilities cost?

ncbill wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:35 am If I didn't like water/sewer bills, especially the fixed charges (~$40/bi-monthly in my city), I'd move to a home with a well & septic tank.

Here electricity is inexpensive ($0.10/kWh all-in) so the amount used to pump water out of the ground would be less than paying the above.

There are periodic expenses for well & septic, of course.

Plus, my aunt had a seasonal place in the mountains here and her well pump was stolen more than once.
Depending on how deep your well is and how often the pump needs servicing it can be fairly expensive. In our area $30-50K to get the well drilled and online, $5-10k for a pump replacement. If I irrigate a lot in the summer I can use >$500/mo in electricity.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4083

Re: Utilities cost?

primetime wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:32 am Yes, I'm wondering how that compares to national average.
And what action do you propose if your figures vary from a average of hundreds of millions of people scattered across 50 states?
by snackdog
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 30
Views: 3032

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

I usually ask reputable general contractors (or look for who they are using by checking the trucks on their job sites) or ask friends who have remodeled many homes locally who they consider the best contractors. Best is rarely cheapest. Best is usually worth a lot more because they are reliable, do great work, and stand behind it. They don't play games on cost, schedule or cut corners.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost of roofing and siding as a percent of house value
Replies: 25
Views: 1918

Re: Cost of roofing and siding as a percent of house value

House A. 1,000 sq ft roof could be flat, accessible and sits atop a 4,000 sq ft four-story house making it relatively cheap to replace vs the home value of $2 million, especially if it was just tar paper and granule. Say, $20,000 or 1%.

House B. 4,000 sq ft one story house (also worth $2 million) could have a step 60 degree sloping roof of 4,000 sq ft replaced with natural slate or copper could be far more expensive compared to the House A. Maybe $80,000 or 4%.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?
Replies: 17
Views: 1613

Re: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?

vrr106 wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:12 am
These are only settlements, not verdicts, correct? Verdicts could run much much higher. If course, the number of humungous verdicts are small relative to the total number of cases
95% of personal injury cases reach a settlement but the judge or jury verdicts can be high for corporations or governments - into the billions. As an individual being sued you would almost always settle unless you case was airtight - juries are too risky.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 82861

Frugal heros - what is your one guilty consumer splurge?

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] I get a lot of insight on efficient spending from people on this board. I think we all probably have at least one area where we are willing to loosen the purse strings for some reason. It is weird but many of us are very frugal in almost every way, daily, then we splurge at odd times almost as a relief valve to the frugality. There can be huge diversity here, based on my conversations with others. For some people it is sporty cars, others jewelry/watches, and some entertaining or travel. For us, it is probably housing. We are willing to pay way over our frugal minimum to live in a house with the location and design that appeals to us. We manage to keep the capex around 20% of our net worth and the...
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new house
Replies: 12
Views: 1548

Re: Buying a new house

Bridge loan works if you don't mind the rates.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 3872

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???

It is well established by many scientific studies on the matter that WHITE is the safest color and is involved in 12% fewer crashes as a result of its higher visibility. However, before you rush to Benjamin Moore for a bucket of white paint, your biggest levers for reducing your risk of an accident are - 1) drive less. Plan all your driving, consolidate all shopping/retail trips into weekly or biweekly trips. It is easy to reduce your driving 30%. 2) don't drive after dark when you are less visible to others, especially drunks who like to come out after dark. You are at TEN times higher risk of a collision with a drunk around midnight than you are at 9am. 3) don't drive in adverse conditions - rain, snow, fog - when you can not be seen nor ...
by snackdog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
Replies: 23
Views: 1718

Re: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?

I would get not just a wire protector but an integrated flat wire you can run under the carpet, like this, available in several colors: https://www.amazon.com/Electriduct-Elec ... d92d&th=1 :

Image
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Letter to heir - what would you include?
Replies: 90
Views: 7246

Re: Letter to heir - what would you include?

I would guess if you had ten heirs, on average, one would read and appreciate your instructions. 2 or 3 would glance over them and promptly forget or lose them. The remaining 7-8 would pay little to no heed to any such letters and would just do their own thing. Several would make a big mess. At least one would not even realize they were getting an inheritance or acknowledge it. So write letters if it makes you feel good and include anything you like but keep in mind the main you are writing those letters more for yourself and your own benefit than anyone else.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3082

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

4nursebee wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:53 pm
snackdog wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:00 am Set up a conference call with Executor and slow advisor. Be clear on your issues and get an agreed timeline for resolution. Follow up. These things can take months or even years depending on what is happening.
Thanks.

I don't get it. The advisor said last week it would be last week. Then last week he said Monday. I hate the over promise under deliver way of doing things. It is the advisor that set the expectation up.
Tell him you would like like to set up a daily phone call at 8am to discuss progress until it is resolved.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for window restoration/replacement guidance for older home
Replies: 23
Views: 1865

Re: Looking for window restoration/replacement guidance for older home

I would be tempted by option 4 but only if I was feeling lucky. Without a contract, if things go awry (as they can and do), it could get ugly. Does the guy have adequate insurance even?
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long after death to transfer assets
Replies: 33
Views: 3082

Re: How long after death to transfer assets

Set up a conference call with Executor and slow advisor. Be clear on your issues and get an agreed timeline for resolution. Follow up. These things can take months or even years depending on what is happening.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How To Invest Severance
Replies: 15
Views: 2081

Re: How To Invest Severance

Can you collect unemployment for six months?
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Given Haiti Situation, is Dominican Republic safe?
Replies: 49
Views: 25335

Re: Given Haiti Situation, is Dominican Republic safe?

DR considers the Haiti crisis an emergency. Haitians are fleeing their country across the border into DR. DR has expelled many Haitians. I would advise her to avoid the border area and stay at a low profile resort less likely to be the target of any issues spreading across the country.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella Insurance up 50% in Florida
Replies: 9
Views: 1072

Re: Umbrella Insurance up 50% in Florida

OP - while the increase is high, $1Kish for a $2M policy is not outlandish (unlike some home insurance renewals, which are). I was quoted something in that ballpark last year. Also, see this thread from 2021 - https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=362593 - and check your uninsured/underinsured coverage. If I had to guess, I would think FL will continue to see increases unless there are legislative changes. Although Umbrella insurance is more correlated with auto than property, with the recent phenomenon of several insurers leaving the state, I can see how the risk for the remaining insurers increases and therefore premiums need to increase. I don't see how an insurer increasing their number of clients increases risk unless the n...
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?
Replies: 63
Views: 5615

Re: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?

The world is your oyster. We like the climate and lifestyle in Lisbon, Capetown, Lima, San Diego, Adelaide, and Auckland, among others. Rio de Janeiro has a wonderful climate as well, cheap living and amazing people. Bonus - none of those cities have the decaying retail district nor the major drug/homeless issue nor the huge income/sales taxes of CA. Capetown has some bad neighborhoods. Oz has some income tax. You cited San Diego which is in CA :) Lisbon has a 23% VAT (sales tax equivalent). This is typical for European countries. Income tax wise, an American leaving the US would still be subject to US income taxes on their worldwide income, and may also be subject to local income taxes in addition. Tax treaties vary. But you may well end ...
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual expense to live upper middle class lifestyle in suburban Midwest
Replies: 20
Views: 2378

Re: Expense to live upper middle class lifestyle in suburban Midwest

Depends on if it is a suburb of Chicago, like Winnetka ($250k median HH income), or a suburb of Kalamazoo ($34k median HH income).
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?
Replies: 63
Views: 5615

Re: Want to leave the California bay area. Where to live?

The world is your oyster. We like the climate and lifestyle in Lisbon, Capetown, Lima, San Diego, Adelaide, and Auckland, among others. Rio de Janeiro has a wonderful climate as well, cheap living and amazing people.

Bonus - none of those cities have the decaying retail district nor the major drug/homeless issue nor the huge income/sales taxes of CA. Capetown has some bad neighborhoods. Oz has some income tax.
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone consider retiring to Vancouver, Washington?
Replies: 79
Views: 21630

Re: Anyone consider retiring to Vancouver, Washington?

Anyone considering retiring/relocating anywhere should first consider places already very familiar to them and proximal to friends and family. Starting fresh in a new location is risky and often doesn't work out long term (or even short term). Since everyone is different, a bunch of internet opinions are not much good. You need to visit there and spend a few months getting familiar before making the leap. Low income taxes is a terrible reason if there are not others. Of all the dogs to let the tax tail wag, don't let it force you to spend your time living somewhere you would not choose otherwise. For another random opinion out of thousands, we don't have much good to say about Vancouver. It is poorly developed suburban/rural dreadfulness sc...
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting off cruise ship a day early
Replies: 20
Views: 3326

Re: Getting off cruise ship a day early

Is anyone allowed off that day? If so, how do they know you are leaving? Tell them you are taking a trip into town. Pack light. I't's not just the ship, as I mentioned above. Typically, if there is no visa required for a country where the ship calls, one is allowed to be in the country because one is "on the cruise ship". One can spend the night off (in most cases) for overnight or multi-night stays, but that is not the same as leaving the ship permanently. There will be an international border to cross, and when finally leaving the ship, the protocols are likely to be much more elaborate than just getting on an off a cruise ship. Depending upon the country, I'd suggest thinking long and hard about trying to "just leave"...
by snackdog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Our previous home had an under-utilized commercial walk-in bank vault and a wall safe. Spouse preferred to keep thousands in cash handy in an envelope in a kitchen drawer. :oops:
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

bradinsky wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:42 pm
FeralCat wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:15 pm I do always make sure there is at least 1/2 of a tank of gas in my car at all times. If there is a regional 2+ week power outage, I am just going to drive to a hotel. Or an ATM.
No electricity for the ATM or hotel/motel if there is a regional power outage.
If power is out due to downed trees, flooding or ice roads may not be passable.
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting off cruise ship a day early
Replies: 20
Views: 3326

Re: Getting off cruise ship a day early

Is anyone allowed off that day? If so, how do they know you are leaving? Tell them you are taking a trip into town. Pack light.
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?
Replies: 17
Views: 1613

Re: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?

What is is about your risk profile which makes you want more than $2-3 million umbrella? Are you a high profile target for personal injury lawsuits and likely to lose one? Just asking since a settlement over $5 million would put you in the top handful (as in a two or three) of individuals in the nation each year for claims. We have homeowner's with Pure and they require umbrella as well. $970/yr for $5 million, an amount they chose. Interesting. I always thought it was advisable to have as much of your net worth as possible protected by excess liability insurance. But perhaps this was a misunderstanding on my part based on what you're saying? I hadn't thought about it from the perspective you offered. That general rule of thumb is fine up ...
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?
Replies: 17
Views: 1613

Re: Advice on Chubb and Pure, and excess liability insurance in general for my situation?

What is is about your risk profile which makes you want more than $2-3 million umbrella? Are you a high profile target for personal injury lawsuits and likely to lose one? Just asking since a settlement over $5 million would put you in the top handful (as in a two or three) of individuals in the nation each year for claims.

We have homeowner's with Pure and they require umbrella as well. $970/yr for $5 million, an amount they chose.
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lease vs. buy car- 4 model year rule
Replies: 2
Views: 551

Re: Lease vs. buy car- 4 model year rule

My company provides me new vehicle to drive in exchange for needing to own or lease at all times another vehicle that is not greater than 4 model years old. There are multiple ways to skin the cat to meet this requirement. I could lease (24/36/39 month term) or buy new/used vehicles on a regular basis via cash or finance. Employer provides a discount on new vehicles that covers sales tax in most cases. Question is- in general what would you do? So, the company will pay 100% of a lease cost (including excess miles and wear at lease-turn in?) or they will purchase a new vehicle for you to use, then take it off your hands at no charge and buy you a fresh one every couple years? And they would tax-up the imputed income so no cost to you? If so...
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29229

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

$350-$450 per person per month is typical of almost everyone for groceries. You could probably save 20% by going to a local grocery and getting stuff on sale and also by choosing less processed items especially frozen. Stick with dairy, produce and protein. Grocery-wise, you think a family of 5 people living on $60,000/year spends similarly to a family of 3 people living on $200,000/year? And that either spends similarly to a family of 2 living on $400,000/year? There is no “typical of almost everyone.” Even if your numbers are accurate averages, they hide a huge amount of variance. Low salary = discount grocery and basic stuff. Maybe some items near expiration date. Middle group = closest major chain store and occasional Costco runs but n...
by snackdog
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Replies: 107
Views: 21187

Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!

According to the long standing BH net worth thread, there are 3 BH in their 40s (out of a cohort of 101) with less than $400k saved. I had $300k when I was 40 bit retired at age 55.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29229

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

$350-$450 per person per month is typical of almost everyone for groceries. You could probably save 20% by going to a local grocery and getting stuff on sale and also by choosing less processed items especially frozen. Stick with dairy, produce and protein.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?
Replies: 133
Views: 15488

Re: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?

If you want to live in the Bay area and can afford it, you should just do it. Otherwise, if you go to Reno you will always wonder/wish you had done the Bay Area. This way, if you hate the Bay Area you can downgrade to Reno later confident that you made the right decision. One thing you did not mention is traffic and people. Anywhere you go in the Bay Area at any time, it will be crowded. Highways are a nightmare most of the time. Holiday weekends are a huge crush everywhere within a drive of SF/Oakland. You can really get away from things in Nevada and escape the chaos. The Bay area is a place to live/work and enjoy good schools. It is not ideal for retirement as it is too much frenzy/competition/chaos and crime. SF is insanely expensive wi...
by snackdog
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ “unsafe lane change” law
Replies: 14
Views: 1326

Re: NJ “unsafe lane change” law

Are you seeking legal advice here?
by snackdog
Fri Mar 08, 2024 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?
Replies: 149
Views: 21812

Re: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?

You'll get a lot of "just sell and move to a LCOL area" responses as that is obviously the most financially responsible thing to do to ensure a healthy income cushion for life. But this is a massive trade off for many including ourselves. Finding the right balance of reduced spending needs and remaining at home where you are happy and comfortable is the best approach. Yes, it's a trade-off I would rather not make. I would consider it a major failure to be forced to sell. It is not a major failure to retire early and conclude you have too much house and too many stairs for your long term needs. It is just being realistic about the most practical way to age in place long term. The costs of that house make it bit of an alligator to ...
by snackdog
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home phone (copper) solution for parents
Replies: 26
Views: 2493

Re: Home phone (copper) solution for parents

OOma is great (as long as one has both power and internet) just make sure you set it up with a physical address for 911 calls.
by snackdog
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I splurge on a family vacation to Hawaii?
Replies: 56
Views: 4799

Re: Can I splurge on a family vacation to Hawaii?

Doesn’t have to be expensive to be epic. Hawaii is epic all by itself without fancy hotels or meals. Rent a house or condo. Shop at Costco for epic ribeyes and lobster. Cook at home.
by snackdog
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractor sent an additional invoice that was not agreed upon
Replies: 10
Views: 1634

Re: Contractor sent an additional invoice that was not agreed upon

If you only contract was verbal and specified that everything was included as you say, then do not pay. Be prepared for a court battle. Are there witnesses to the verbal contract?
by snackdog
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4113

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

I got free oil changes from the dealership when I bought the car, so I went to them for that and an independent mechanic for other things. One time the dealer mechanic brought in my air filter to show me all the seed pods (those little whirlygig kind) sitting on top of it. The thing is, the filter was upside down from how it sits in the car, so there's no way the seed pods could have been sitting on the filter like that when they took it out. Going to the dealership is no guarantee of quality or honesty. When my old man was about 80 years old he bought mom a used Infiniti. He shrewdly negotiated lifetime oil changes. The car never needed any service beyond oil changes, tires, usual stuff. He took it in every six months for his free oil cha...
by snackdog
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it Time to Self-Insure? CA Homeowners Rate Increases
Replies: 118
Views: 8841

Re: Is it Time to Self-Insure? CA Homeowners Rate Increases

USAA is an above average insurer in terms of service but they are no longer competitive on price in most locations as far as I can tell. So, if OP wants cheaper coverage, USAA would not be my first choice.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Undersizing whole house generator?
Replies: 62
Views: 4822

Re: Undersizing whole house generator?

Teague wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:10 am OP, can you confirm or refute that you do indeed have 3-phase service? If you do, is it 240V, or 480V? The breaker you linked to suggests that you do, but perhaps that's not the exact breaker you have. Three-phase service to a residence is not common. For sure 480V is unusual. If 480V three phase, do you perchance have a monorail or other theme park ride on the property?
You ask in order to spec the generator? I don't know but I asked my contact at the electric co so let's see.

Our other house had 3 phase because the first owner had lot of rotating equipment for metal and woodworking hobbies. The generator was 3 phase. (and FYI, the main breaker was 600A!).
by snackdog
Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are "Airport Sherpas" for Seniors a thing?
Replies: 7
Views: 1787

Re: Are "Airport Sherpas" for Seniors a thing?

Qatar Airways offers it, airport door to airplane door and vice versa. Complimentary for Platinum flyers.

https://www.al-mahaservices.com/AlMaha/OurServices