Search found 3087 matches

by snackdog
Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insuring multiple residences
Replies: 8
Views: 581

Re: Insuring multiple residences

Why not just insure two per insurer? Rinse and repeat with as many insurers as you need to cover your empire of vacant homes.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation of Biology Major. UW\UCSD\UCDavis\CaseWestern
Replies: 48
Views: 2746

Re: Recommendation of Biology Major. UW\UCSD\UCDavis\CaseWestern

Case Western has the best pre-med program of the four by a wide margin. The weather will be cold in winter and classmates midwestern.

UCSD has amazing lifestyle.

Seattle is pretty wet.

Davis kind boring but cheap-ish for California living.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dogs in a SUV: best way?
Replies: 19
Views: 1017

Re: Dogs in a SUV: best way?

You mean you don't drive with your dog in your lap and her head out the driver's window??
by snackdog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?
Replies: 26
Views: 2043

Re: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?

You get an 8% guaranteed return on deferring your SS payments. Would you get a greater guaranteed return on your other investments if you took SS and kept those invested? What return are you assuming?
by snackdog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is an easement worth?
Replies: 20
Views: 2021

Re: What is an easement worth?

I would look to the lot owner to secure access before I would buy.

But if you want to do it your way, I would offer the HOA $10,000 and indemnity related to safety or maintenance. What have you got to lose?
by snackdog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fax setup - Not Electronic
Replies: 17
Views: 949

Re: Fax setup - Not Electronic

Gardener wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:38 am Good morning,

The work I do requires that I send faxes by phone, not through the internet. This is supposed to be because this way is considered more secure.

Would anyone know the best set up for this? I.E. provider, fax setup. I used Vonage before, but its been terribly inconsistent.

Thanks

Step 1. Contact your local phone service land line provider and have them set you up. Failing that, set up Ooma over your internet.
Step 2. Get a fax machine from your local thrift shop. Plug it in the phone connector.
Step 3. Start sending and receiving faxes.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?
Replies: 18
Views: 1250

Re: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?

I have always interviewed multiple listing agents and negotiated lower fees. They will all do this and have for years.
by snackdog
Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you do a house upgrade?
Replies: 49
Views: 3554

Re: Would you do a house upgrade?

Is it really your dream house from all perspectives? Are you drawn to it because of the reduced price? Would you prefer another house in the same area? Perhaps a more expensive one? Look at all the alternatives, not just the shiny object in front of you.
by snackdog
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3581

Re: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?

Every home owner should maintain a relationship with the following vendors, having selected those that are honest, reliable, competent, fairly priced and available for emergencies:

- electrician
- plumber
- HVAC tech
- roofer
- tree trimmer
- handyman for everything else

Optional but nice to have
- carpenter / woodworker
- painter
- drywall person
- pool / jacuzzi person?
by snackdog
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Urgent] New build | Closure in two days | Multiple issues - Suggestions
Replies: 17
Views: 1702

Re: [Urgent] New build | Closure in two days | Multiple issues - Suggestions

What does your contract say?

If the contract allows, don't close. Write up a revised closing day in 30 days and send it over to them along with the punchlist.

If the contract says you lose your deposit and expose yourself to litigation if you don't close on time, regardless of the condition of the house, you are stuck.

I would speak to a real estate attorney, which you should have done before signing the contract.
by snackdog
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To buy or not to buy a big SUV
Replies: 42
Views: 3495

Re: To buy or not to buy a big SUV

Have you looked at the new Landcruiser?
by snackdog
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 260
Views: 18819

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

gunny2 wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:00 pm
doobiedoo wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 5:18 pm
And to this day, I don't play as well technically as I did when I was 17.
There's no substitute for the physical coordination at age 17.
IMO violin is one of the hardest instruments; I can't imagine. I could take lessons for 20 yrs and after that I would probably still suck lol
My spouse started playing violin in 2018 on a $50 violin. In 2019 that became a $1500 violin. In 2020 it was upgraded to $12,000 from a maker in Italy. I think that is good enough for now. Phew.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?
Replies: 104
Views: 9029

Re: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?

Don't forget taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Probably at least $25,000 per month all-in. Is there anything for rent for less than that??
by snackdog
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
Replies: 47
Views: 2760

Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?

Good input so far.

We have highly configurable Honeywell Controls thermostats so keeping the heating strips from activating is not an issue. I think given the minimal savings for setbacks (which are actually sort of an American thing not done in most other places), we'll just leave it alone. The bedroom thermostat is a few degrees lower since we sleep better in cooler temps.
by snackdog
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
Replies: 47
Views: 2760

Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?

Our house has electric heating and cooling via a collection of heatpumps. They hum along pretty efficiently. I'm told that big thermostat changes for heatpumps decrease efficiency. I have ours set to hold temp (currently on heating) 24/7. I've considered programming them to lower temps at night but it seems like a 4-5 degree drop for maybe six hours is not worth the recovery to temp and humidity levels plus the hysteresis on the house and contents. What do you all do? For what it's worth, we do have plenty of capacity so they seem able to raise temps pretty quickly (this is PNW so winter temps around 40-50F and inside 67F).
by snackdog
Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 260
Views: 18819

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

Toy History

Worth Every Penny - high fun factor/$
- Miata
- Kubota tractor
- Steinway D
- Jura auto espresso machine
- electric scooter
- Trek mtn bike
- every Apple product from the Mac 128k to iPod, iPad, iPhone

Not Worth It- low fun factor/$
- Mercedes AMG
- BMW M
- VW Corrado
- weather station
- drone
- huge flat screen TV
- sauna, pool, jacuzzi, steam
- smart speakers
- Peloton bike
by snackdog
Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6940

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

You would be surprised how few people tip so those who do will get the benefit of even greater service. My preferred hotel has service twice per day. The turn down service is a full toilet cleaning, curtains, slippers, coffee refill, etc. The cleaners love the tips and will offer to do anything reasonable as a result. Makes little sense to tip when leaving as you will get no benefit during your stay.
by snackdog
Thu Mar 21, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?
Replies: 69
Views: 5289

Re: Do I need a buyer's agent when seller is a realtor?

On our last house, it was co-listed by the owner (a realtor) and his office partner. We used the office partner as our buyer's agent. It worked out well because 1) it did benefit the seller financially for us not to bring in a third party agent, 2) the agent we used knew the sellers extremely well, and 3) the agent was extremely knowledgeable about the local market and details of the deal, and 4) the agent put up a wall and represented only us and not the sellers in the negotiations. The negotiations on price then terms were as tough as I have seen and went on a couple weeks. We also spent a lot of time in the house dealing directly with the owners on other issues and it all worked out fine and everyone is amicable to this day.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to receive an inheritance if options are given
Replies: 13
Views: 1689

Re: How to receive an inheritance if options are given

cadreamer2015 wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:20 pm
Recipient is not taxed “upfront” on any inheritance.
Apparently 6 states have an inheritance tax, including Pennsylvania. (I am a beneficiary of a trust where the trust company says they need to verify if the inheritance tax was paid more than 80 years ago!) Agree that without more details it is difficult to give precise advice. But in general a Roth would be preferred since all gains would be tax-free.
Recipient is not taxed by states nor feds. The estate is taxed and pays, not the recipient. The recipient simply gets less as the estate size is reduced. Fed tax starts at $13.6 million this year.
by snackdog
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reset 4% withdrawal floor if portfolio increases in value?
Replies: 93
Views: 8047

Re: Reset 4% withdrawal floor if portfolio increases in value?

So, if I
- commence a 30 year retirement using 4% of $1 million and take out $40,000 the first year.
- Increase each year with inflation for five years. Suppose inflation is 2% and market appreciation is 12%
- Find myself at the beginning of year 6 with $1.5 million. I am supposed to withdraw $44k
- I would be at HIGHER risk of running out of money in 25 years then my friend Jojo who is retiring this year and commencing with an $60k SWR initial withdrawal and looking ahead 30 years? How?
by snackdog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3800

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

Tesla have been off the bottom of the JD Power quality scale for years so I would expect any used one to have quite a few issues, especially if any have cropped up and not be addressed by previous owners.
by snackdog
Tue Mar 19, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 48
Views: 4445

Re: funeral preparations

This is easy. 1) shop around for your preferred crematorium either by location or price. Around $700-1000 is good. 2) Decide if you want a cardboard box or a fancy urn provided by the crematorium or if you want to provide it. Urns are extra. 3) Decide if you want the ashes shipped to anyone or picked up. If shipping (like to a national cemetery), write down the address. 5) Decide if any service will occur at the mortuary (extra cost). 6) Ask is anyone in your family plans to witness the burning - usually costs extra. 7) Meet with the crematorium folks (and executor/trustee if possible) and write down your wishes. Have them provide business cards. Have them document the steps involved on the day, e.g. A) we get the call and send a van within...
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: 44
Views: 4330

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: 210
Views: 23863

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: 120
Views: 9467

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: 4395

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: 238
Views: 22630

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: 2554

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: 1771

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: 4395

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: 4395

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: 31
Views: 3522

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: 2045

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: 1736

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: 84183

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: 1582

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: 4179

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: 1796

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: 7803

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: 3210

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: 2010

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: 3210

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: 2168

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: 32944

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: 1111

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: 5827

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: 2449

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: 5827

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.