Search found 420 matches

by Frisco Kid
Thu Jan 11, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Runner - new or used
Replies: 77
Views: 8465

Re: 4Runner - new or used

Are you sure you need a body on frame SUV? Respectfully sounds to me like a Highlander would better match your needs. Bought our 4 Runner Trail Premium new in 2016. Here on the left coast TRD Pro's sell over MSRP.
by Frisco Kid
Wed Jan 03, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?
Replies: 89
Views: 10470

Re: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?

First Miele lasted 20 years, second one now 5 years old with zero issues. We also own Miele washer/dryer and vacuums FWIW. Brand has been good to us.
by Frisco Kid
Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 900149

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

In 2023 up 15.5% at 65/35 AA using index funds
by Frisco Kid
Sat Dec 30, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Radiator Flush [cost question]
Replies: 14
Views: 1641

Re: Radiator Flush

That is about what it would cost in SF Bay Area sans the state inspection that is not required. The shop I use will always do a vehicle inspection as it is a way for them to sell additional services. Preventative maintenance is always a good thing IMHO
by Frisco Kid
Sat Apr 22, 2023 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two years of owning a Peloton:by the numbers
Replies: 54
Views: 11047

Re: Two years of owning a Peloton:by the numbers

We purchased a Peloton Bike about 18 months ago adding a Peloton Row last December. My wife and I are daily users averaging an hour a day EACH using one or both machines. My wife no longer uses our gym (24 hour Fitness) at all as Peloton offers her one stop shopping. I still hit the gym for strength training. Now both retired our gym membership is included in our Senior Advantage Medicare program so cost is near zero. Total investment $7500 financed at zero interest through Affirm. Absolutely love both machines and can't imagine living without them. Age 69 and in the best shape of our lives.
by Frisco Kid
Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

Have had good luck with Miele over the years first electric and now also cordless. Our new cordless Triflex HX1 Pro is well worth the $ IMHO
by Frisco Kid
Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income but house poor in Bay Area, can we afford spouse's switch to her dream career?
Replies: 159
Views: 19553

Re: High income but house poor in Bay Area, can we afford spouse's switch to her dream career?

Respectfully as others have mentioned, you and your wife seem to be at odds with wants versus needs and do need to get on the same page. Savings plus other expenses are $19K ABOVE your fixed living expenses. Reduce expenses for now, keep the house until it is a better time to sell and
hopefully avoid a big loss.
by Frisco Kid
Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost to Install Electrical to Outside Shed
Replies: 37
Views: 5654

Re: Cost to Install Electrical to Outside Shed

Is your electrical required by code to be buried? Ours is run in conduit attached to our perimeter wood fencing running from the electrical panel on the side of the house to our greenhouse which is about 175 feet.
by Frisco Kid
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?
Replies: 47
Views: 5432

Re: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?

Another vote here for a Moccamaster. Well built and makes consistently good coffee.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late 30s in HCOL area, How are we doing and what to do next?
Replies: 25
Views: 4253

Re: Late 30s in HCOL area, How are we doing and what to do next?

Yes, as others have said you have won the game. I would be interested to hear how to got to where you are now. At your age your financials IMHO are simply amazing.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
Replies: 212
Views: 15384

Re: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)

S2000 Hondas do seem to be holding their value as of late..at least from what I follow on Bring A Trailer. I would say go ahead and buy it as long as you don't plan on adding a ton of miles as that is where the value retention comes in on almost any collector car
by Frisco Kid
Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to report estimated tax payments
Replies: 4
Views: 550

Re: How to report estimated tax payments

I see estimated tax payments now go on Schedule 3......
by Frisco Kid
Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to report estimated tax payments
Replies: 4
Views: 550

How to report estimated tax payments

2019 was first year paying estimated taxes. How are the payments reported on form 1040? internet search says use a Schedule 5 but cannot find on www.irs.gov website.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Jan 02, 2020 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Forms Availability
Replies: 4
Views: 723

Tax Forms Availability

Unable to find 2019 tax forms on the California Franchise Tax Board website, is anyone else having this problem? Also do not see 2019 iRS 1040 instructions on their website. Forms are there however latest instructions are 2018. Am i missing something? as alwaays appreciate all input/suggestions.
by Frisco Kid
Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: convincing someone of the wisdom of 'buy and hold' instead of selling in a market crash
Replies: 38
Views: 3164

Re: convincing someone of the wisdom of 'buy and hold' instead of selling in a market crash

+1000 for Rick Bogleheads suggestion of reading a book. i suggest Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth 20th Anniversary Edition by Nick Murray. Google him, this book was suggested reading by Josh Brown on his blog.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Sep 12, 2019 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2508

Re: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock

Using Netbasis was able to obtain a cost basis per share as of the date of her death in 1990. They adjust for all stock splits as part of their calculation. On that date she had 353 shares at $73.62 per share. Those shares over the years through splits became 1412 shares ( no dividends reinvested) according to their calculations total cost basis is $25,989 and per share $18.40. It appears they divided total shares today by the 1990 total cost basis to arrive at that number. I do not understand how to use this information to determine the step up basis as of my dad's passing in 2013, all splits were prior to his passing. Your thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated,
by Frisco Kid
Wed Sep 11, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2508

Re: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock

Delamer makes a good point. Let me re-word my question. I inherited jointly with my dad in 1990 all the shares upon my mothers death. The question is do I receive a stepped up basis on my dads shares upon his death in 2013 and if so how is it calculated? Sorry if I confused anyone.
by Frisco Kid
Wed Sep 11, 2019 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2508

Re: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock

Want to be sure I understand..... upon my mom's death in 1990 I inherited jointly with my dad 1/2 the shares at market price the day of her death and the other half of the shares at market price the day of my fathers death in 2013? That would be significant as the share price difference is roughly $117.00 per share and in fact would give me a cost basis ABOVE today's market price. Am I understanding this correctly?
by Frisco Kid
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2508

Re: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock

OP here, thanks for everyone's input. Shares were owned jointly as of 10/1990 so cost basis is as of that date. Was able to get that information from Netbasis so question is answered. In retrospect had shares been left entirely to Dad in 1990 then to me in 2013 stepped up basis would have been significant. i can work around that by selling in multiple years although a higher cost basis would have given me additional options. No worries, all is good!
by Frisco Kid
Wed Sep 11, 2019 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2508

Determining cost basis of inherited shares of stock

Cost basis question, any information will be greatly appreciated......
My mother bought shares of CVX through her ESPP plan while employed there. When she passed away back in 1990 those shares were inherited jointly by myself and my father. He used the dividends for income during those years and no shares were sold. Upon his passing in 2013 I inherited the other half. Now retired am capital gain harvesting to provide income. My first question is how do I determine the cost basis of the shares? Second question is how is cost basis determined for shares acquired via a stock split? Computershare is the current plan administrator. Thanks in advance for your input.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought a home a year back, thinking of selling now
Replies: 51
Views: 6499

Re: Bought a home a year back, thinking of selling now

I suspect OP is debt adverse and a worrier as many people are.
by Frisco Kid
Tue Jul 02, 2019 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Subaru Forester Eyesight System?
Replies: 101
Views: 7942

Re: 2019 Subaru Forester Eyesight System?

Find it interesting that so many posting here don't understand why OP would want to disable this feature. I also would as am quite content driving my vehicle without any electronic interventions. These things to me are not features but distractions and something else to break. Auto start/stop bothers me when the car NEXT to me has it. I understand am swimming uphill here, soon all cars will have these features and I will have few if any new car choices. Just my 2 cents...............
by Frisco Kid
Tue Jun 25, 2019 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good Volvo dealership for warranty service in Orlando area? Parallel parking malfunction, etc.
Replies: 13
Views: 1297

Re: Good Volvo dealership for warranty service in Orlando area? Parallel parking malfunction, etc.

Unfortunately for the end user as cars become more and more complex these kinds of issues will be commonplace. As a former tech experience tells me the challenge at the shop level whether dealer or independent is that of training. Looking forward beyond warranty coverage a lot of issues with technology versus mechanical issues will have owners permanently tied to the dealer as independents are going to be left behind as the cost of keeping techs current on training will be prohibitive. Those of us living in metro areas will have more service choices but many of these issues will be frustrating and expensive to put it mildly. Have always been a keep it forever type of owner but am beginning to wonder if the future will have me leasing every ...
by Frisco Kid
Sun May 12, 2019 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we really afford $1.25M house?
Replies: 44
Views: 7325

Re: Can we really afford $1.25M house?

California state income tax will hit you hard selling that amount of stocks to fund your down payment, don't forget to factor that in. Are kids in your future? You mentioned that you were newly married, makes sense to me to let her find employment, reduce your spending and concentrate on saving your down payment. If you buy the house where does your $100k for renovations come from? Those things always cost more than anticipated.
by Frisco Kid
Thu May 09, 2019 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I have a car problem - $100K+ Cars
Replies: 48
Views: 8002

Re: I have a car problem - $100K+ Cars

Must consider transaction costs as well. A resident of a no sales tax state, Oregon for example on a $150k purchase would have a huge cost advantage over say a California resident like me. Registration costs alone would vary greatly as well. The CA owner would need to sell a year later for $16.5 k or so more to achieve break even. Sure, there are creative workarounds but transaction costs can be numbing...... just sayin.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Apr 27, 2019 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi extenders vs Mesh network
Replies: 54
Views: 5993

Re: Wifi extenders vs Mesh network

Mesh worked best for us as well, set up by internet provider. Not the least expensive way long term but have no worries when there are issues. Tried an extender first with poor results. Our home is small was a bit surprised extender didn't get satisfactory results.
by Frisco Kid
Fri Apr 26, 2019 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those with years on me...Can I afford this home?
Replies: 70
Views: 5925

Re: For those with years on me...Can I afford this home?

As others have said, you can easily afford it. What are your property taxes and HOA fees for your current residence? New place looks about $900 monthly. Having no mortgage at your age is impressive, would stop and smell the roses on that. Am I correct in interpreting that your wife does not appear to be on board with the new home purchase? If so would not buy a new home until you are both on the same page. Take your time as you have lots of options. One of my favorite quotes applies here.... Time is your friend..impulse your enemy. Other homes will come along, the brokers comments are all about creating a sense of urgency.
by Frisco Kid
Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In Laws Retirement Nest Egg
Replies: 156
Views: 18492

Re: In Laws Retirement Nest Egg

Well OP, you asked so here goes. Fortunately for you , you were raised with a silver spoon in your mouth that appears to still be in place. Count your blessings, I suggest you spend the time you are now using worrying about your in-laws to perhaps become an avid seeker of wisdom which is something your in laws have done but you are unable to see. I hope you interpret many of the responses you receive here as a learning experience. Best of luck to you.
by Frisco Kid
Mon Apr 15, 2019 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Itemized deduction for CA Taxes
Replies: 11
Views: 1548

Re: Itemized deduction for CA Taxes

If you do hard copy taxes you will use Form 540 Part II Adjustments page. California is non conforming on SALT so amounts over $10k Federal limit can be a California itemized deduction. Part II is a bit involved, easy to err unless you follow closely line by line instructions.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Apr 11, 2019 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replacing Main car to get better safety features
Replies: 51
Views: 2981

Re: Replacing Main car to get better safety features

To me this is one of those perception is reality topics for many. Do newer cars have updated safety features...Yes. Are they nice to have...Yes. Are they a necessity given OP's mileage...probably not. So to me this is a want versus a need. If a persons goal is to always drive a car with the latest and greatest safety features you will be forever upgrading vehicles. Transaction costs alone would be numbing. Kinda akin to having the latest smartphones.
Just my 2 cents worth.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Apr 11, 2019 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a house next year. Wife wants a big house. Thoughts?
Replies: 104
Views: 12812

Re: Buying a house next year. Wife wants a big house. Thoughts?

+ 1000 on the OP and spouse wanting different things. IMHO that needs to be addressed and common ground found before doing anything. The cost of a larger home is just the beginning, taxes maintenance, additional furnishings, etc. Can be a one way ticket on the hedonistic treadmill.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Apr 04, 2019 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Weighing career options (34 yo, considering leaving low COL for high COL, am I crazy?)
Replies: 54
Views: 5046

Re: Weighing career options (34 yo, considering leaving low COL for high COL, am I crazy?)

OP would suggest you stay put.............. Get your pension vesting and buy the townhouse. Many would envy your CURRENT situation.

zeal...... congrats as you are wise beyond your years IMHO.
by Frisco Kid
Fri Mar 29, 2019 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement: What expenses did you reduce?
Replies: 63
Views: 5831

Re: Retirement: What expenses did you reduce?

For us we reduced retirement savings and watch what we buy (wants). 2019 is our gap year before we start SS. Other than that nothing else.
by Frisco Kid
Mon Mar 25, 2019 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family man who misses driving a fun car
Replies: 181
Views: 17878

Re: Family man who misses driving a fun car

Life is all about compromises. Have learned many times that if you wait for everything to be "right" many times that day never comes. While we have no kids, we do have 4 cars, two daily drivers and two fun cars. Single car garage for one fun car, driver car in the driveway, second fun collector car in the street in front of the house and the most used car (only car WITHOUT a cover) also in the street blocking the driveway. Far from ideal but all we have to work with having a 40' wide lot. Having understanding neighbors is a plus......................
by Frisco Kid
Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tax return maybe lost in the mail
Replies: 12
Views: 2432

Re: Tax return maybe lost in the mail

In the future consider mailing it certified adding proof of delivery using postal form 3811. This form will be mailed back to you with a date stamp confirming it was received. Have done this for both federal and state tax returns for many years with no issues.....
by Frisco Kid
Mon Feb 25, 2019 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who does their own taxes?
Replies: 111
Views: 9862

Re: Who does their own taxes?

Continue to do our taxes the old fashioned way using a canary pad, pencil and calculator. Forms now online so print out but other than that no changes in doing them since 1970. Still mail certified return receipt requested. Tried software but found it actually took longer to type in all the information. Always itemized but like many higher standard deduction might soon make that a thing of the past so future returns may be even simpler.
by Frisco Kid
Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $10,000 for a bed?
Replies: 36
Views: 4451

Re: $10,000 for a bed?

You aren't missing anything, you simply have a totally opposite view of the value of a $10,000 bed. Both of you are correct....to quote a BMW add..."Perception is Reality" Different strokes for different folks!
by Frisco Kid
Wed Feb 06, 2019 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you keep in checking?
Replies: 135
Views: 22030

Re: How much do you keep in checking?

Retired keeping a minimum of $2500 to a maximum of two months expenses $20k
by Frisco Kid
Sun Feb 03, 2019 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Standby Generator Battery
Replies: 9
Views: 924

Re: Standby Generator Battery

Always good to keep in mind that a portable jump starters ability to jump start a discharged battery has many variables, primarily what is current voltage of battery to be charged and state of charge in jump starter. Short of the long the theory is correct but the end result can be jump starter cannot ALWAYS jump a discharged battery. Been there sooooooo many times. Just my 2 cents worth though.
by Frisco Kid
Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What did you learn from 2018 in the markets?
Replies: 119
Views: 11510

Re: What did you learn from 2018 in the markets?

Interesting post. As I read the individual responses I try to determine what stage of life people are in. As a recent retiree now entering the distribution phase using investments as a gap to taking SS am very glad having re-balanced to 60/40 primarily from what have learned here. thank you for that!
by Frisco Kid
Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house can I afford (really)?
Replies: 129
Views: 11395

Re: How much house can I afford (really)?

A few red flags for me. If you only have mortgage debt your spending to me looks like a runaway train! You spent roughly $160k in the last year, that,s a LOT of $ (Discretionary only was 12.5% of the new house!) The equity you include in your net worth calculation is roughly 30%,look at your net worth without that and given your income/age your net worth becomes substantially less. Pull your bonus out of your income totals as it is not a given and your EXISTING spending would not be sustainable. Currently your burn rate is too high, adding the additional costs of the new house will only increase that as others have said. Reduce your spending and revisit the larger home purchase in a few years..........................
by Frisco Kid
Sat Jan 12, 2019 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake fluid replacement?
Replies: 103
Views: 10012

Re: Brake fluid replacement?

The shop that I use typically tests the moisture content of the brake fluid as part of their inspection, above 4% they recommend changing it. While I typically have this service done have not studied at what moisture % safety becomes an issue. Has anyone looked into this?
by Frisco Kid
Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Safe withdrawal rate at 38 years old
Replies: 95
Views: 10392

Re: Safe withdrawal rate at 38 years old

How many years of current expenses would the sale price of your company represent? You could have a 60 year time horizon to cover.
by Frisco Kid
Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When did tax planning become important for you?
Replies: 20
Views: 1926

Re: When did tax planning become important for you?

Same thoughts as Shallow Pockets. Recently retired and looking to defer SS until 1/2020 will start selling investments with long term capital gains up to top of 0% MFJ bracket. Tax efficiency is a top priority and always on my mind.
by Frisco Kid
Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you view a savings surplus in retirement?
Replies: 117
Views: 7967

Re: How do you view a savings surplus in retirement?

In the OP's example of having a 25% overage in the amount of 250K I would consider perhaps 20% of the overage (50K) as spendable, otherwise it is a cushion in my mind.
by Frisco Kid
Fri Jan 04, 2019 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New marketing twist on Extended Warranties? Cost of replacing Sensors if you wreck your new SUV
Replies: 44
Views: 3496

Re: New marketing twist on Extended Warranties? Cost of replacing Sensors if you wreck your new SUV

Will not get into where/when of buying a manufacturers extended warranty however do believe they are now worth a look due to all the sensors, displays,computers, etc. Cost of ownership for whatever you choose to drive is only going to go up. My other future concern is parts availability for those of us keeping vehicles 10+ years.

The times they are a changin.........
by Frisco Kid
Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: master suite features for addition
Replies: 66
Views: 4880

Re: master suite features for addition

For us in addition to being adequately sized would be a walk in closet area with additional storage, large walk in shower and an 8 foot slider with a deck providing a view of our garden. Our small 5000 square foot lot and building codes would drastically limit our options.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Dec 29, 2018 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Affordability of SS Delay
Replies: 19
Views: 1850

Re: Affordability of SS Delay

It seems to me that covering your "gap years" while accelerating paying off your mortgage concurrently will result in a very high level of expense (burn rate) until SS kicks in. You mentioned the option of being able to have one spouse claim at FRA while the other files a restricted application for spousal only? Maintain the existing mortgage payment for now while preserving your assets then step up payments in a couple years when your SS maxes out. That strategy will not result in as high a SS payment as two of you delaying to 70, however it could be a reasonable option.
by Frisco Kid
Sat Dec 29, 2018 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4273
Views: 1072362

Re: What is your Year 2018 networth change?

Portfolio down about 6% @ 60/40. Primary residence up 11% in a VHCOL area. To answer OP's question am up about 5% overall but all it really represents is a number on a net worth statement.
by Frisco Kid
Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why do people buy- performance cars?
Replies: 67
Views: 3566

Re: Why do people buy- performance cars?

OP, may I respectfully say that if you have to ask you just don't get it...........................