Search found 610 matches
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:06 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
- Replies: 207
- Views: 14891
Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
I only keep what's in my wallet. A couple hundred dollars. I am not a prepper but I think it makes sense to have a couple of months of non-perishable food on hand in case of an emergency. In the event of a cyber attack or other emergency that affects banking, cash may not have any value. the only things that will have any real value are food and gasoline.
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best dumb thermostat?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2967
Re: Best dumb thermostat?
Honeywell is fine. I have one. The only caution I would have is that you get one that is programmable to allow for adjustment of the sensitivity. The one I have works great but it is completely unprogrammable and I can't even adjust how often it turns the heat on. It turns the heat on whenever the heat falls even a fraction of a degree below the set point. That is annoying to me. Especially because it turns the fan on first and so it blows cold air until the heat kicks in. It ends up blowing cold air longer than warm air. I'll be replacing it soon.
- Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4170
Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
I had a system called Water Cop in a home I owned for nine years. It worked flawlessly. If I spilled even the smallest amount of water on a sensor it would shut down the whole house except the fire sprinkler. There was an audible alarm and a reset button on the shutoff valve. My only complaint was that a few times it shut down the water when I spilled a small amount or even mopped it. So consider that when you decide where to place the sensors. One other comment is for the refrigerator ice maker be sure to get a sensor that plugs into the outlet rather than a battery operated one. You're going to want to put that sensor behind the fridge where the leaks occur and you're not going to want to be bothered with dead batteries.
- Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: when is capital gains tax due
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1110
- Fri Dec 15, 2023 8:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: when is capital gains tax due
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1110
when is capital gains tax due
[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc]
I'm planning to sell a vacation home that I've owned for many years so the capital gains is significant. Do I have to pay capital gains tax at the time that I sell it or can it wait until the end of the year?
I'm planning to sell a vacation home that I've owned for many years so the capital gains is significant. Do I have to pay capital gains tax at the time that I sell it or can it wait until the end of the year?
- Thu Dec 07, 2023 6:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cutting Cable, Recommendations?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4787
Re: Cutting Cable, Recommendations?
I recently cut the cable and bought a couple of Roku's. I get basic internet service from Comcast for $30/ mo. Signed up for Fubo at about $111 per month because it had the channels that I wanted and it includes DVR capability and can be used from multiple locations although not at the same time. I pay extra for Amazon Prime and Netflix and have added several other free providers. I'm very happy with my choices. The best part is that I get the same content for my vacation home without having to pay twice. Most of the content providers have free trials and no contracts and there is plenty of competition so you can't really go wrong. And whenever I travel I can take my Roku with me and I get all my content wherever I go as long as I have an i...
- Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 4520
- Views: 616819
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
Reinstalled my own toilet after flooring was installed by contractor.
- Fri Apr 28, 2023 1:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: To mulch or not to mulch and an overall pretty bad soil
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3320
Re: To mulch or not to mulch and an overall pretty bad soil
Our townhouse community had a lot of areas where nothing would grow. I had the landscape contractor add 2-3" of compost and rototill it in. They are all looking good now.
The erosion needs to be addressed first though. You didn't explain why the erosion was occuring. Is the entire area sloped or is there a specific spot where water runs across it? If the entire area is sloped you have to either plant grass or a ground cover plant or you could cover it with gardeners fabric. If the erosion is localized , then intercept it and pipe it away.
The erosion needs to be addressed first though. You didn't explain why the erosion was occuring. Is the entire area sloped or is there a specific spot where water runs across it? If the entire area is sloped you have to either plant grass or a ground cover plant or you could cover it with gardeners fabric. If the erosion is localized , then intercept it and pipe it away.
- Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9220
Re: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
Any exercise program will only work if you enjoy doing it. It seems like you enjoy outdoor activities so that is probably where you need to look.
As someone else commented, pickleball is very popular with retirees and very sociable. It is fairly easy to learn and there are many places to play both indoors and outdoors. do a web search for Places to Play or Play Scheduler for Pickleball to find locations or search for a club in your area.
As someone else commented, pickleball is very popular with retirees and very sociable. It is fairly easy to learn and there are many places to play both indoors and outdoors. do a web search for Places to Play or Play Scheduler for Pickleball to find locations or search for a club in your area.
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Where to snorkel, when? Snorkeling resources?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4303
Re: Where to snorkel, when? Snorkeling resources?
In most Caribbean Islands, the best snorkelling is found offshore and there are generally boat trips or catamaran trips that will take you there for a reasonable cost. You can find a lot of information and reviews on Trip Advisor. Also if any in your party are near sighted, Invest in a mask with a corrective lens $43 on Amazon. After many years of my wife snorkelling with a regular lens, I stumbled on masks with corrective lenses and she couldn't believe what she'd been missing. Pick the correction that closest matches your prescription.
- Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buyer not Wanting Signature Confirmation
- Replies: 84
- Views: 7020
Re: Buyer not Wanting Signature Confirmation
This could be completely innocent or it could be a scam. There are so many scams out there it could be anything. I sold some high value stuff on facebook marketplace and within one hour I had 3 offers. All were scammers who wanted to send me a fraudulent check for more than the purchase price. They didn't want the item. They wanted me to prepay some make believe shipper after the check cashed. The bank would eventually make me repay the full amount of the check and I would be out the shipping cost plus they would have all kinds of credit and banking info. I put my home up for sale on Zillow and the first day I had three people call and act interested but they all asked me to continue the conversation on Whats App. I don't know what their an...
- Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency DEC 2023 UPDATE 13% reduced electric usage for full year
- Replies: 61
- Views: 9246
Re: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency
The best way to improve your HVAC efficiency is to use a ceiling fan. They are not very expensive, last almost forever and don't use much electricity. With a ceiling fan you can set your thermostat several degrees higher. That's efficient.
- Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency DEC 2023 UPDATE 13% reduced electric usage for full year
- Replies: 61
- Views: 9246
Re: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency
The best way to improve your HVAC efficiency is to use a ceiling fan. They are not very expensive, last almost forever and don't use much electricity. With a ceiling fan you can set your thermostat several degrees higher. That's efficient.
- Tue Mar 14, 2023 5:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: OOFOS Footwear: Pros and Cons
- Replies: 13
- Views: 4504
Re: OOFOS Footwear: Pros and Cons
I love my slip on Oofos and used them to recover from Plantar Fasciitis. They are well cushioned and have very good arch support. I use them indoors and at the beach. Other than that my normal walking sneakers are New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 which are also well cushioned and I add Power Step insoles for better arch support.
- Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
- Replies: 1372
- Views: 165324
Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Fraudulent buyers on Facebook marketplace. They offer to purchase large high dollar item sight unseen and pay with a certified check. The check comes with more money than purchase price ostensibly to cover shipping. Fraudster provides shipping company contact. After you cash the check you pay the fake shipping company to pick up and ship the item. They of course never come. The bank eventually discovers the check was fraudulent and you are required to reimburse. So you are out the fake shipping charge. I placed a kayak up for sale and had three offers like this within an hour so it must be pretty common. I figured it out and didn’t lose anything.
- Sat Jan 21, 2023 7:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are there ways to reduce tax on IRA distributions?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 7143
Re: Are there ways to reduce tax on IRA distributions?
I would caution you about rolling over a 401k into an IRA. My state, Maryland, taxes IRA withdrawals but not 401k withdrawals. I would bet other states have similar rules.
- Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Drilling into stucco/cement siding
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3272
Re: Drilling into stucco/cement siding
I had to drill holes through ceramic tiles and found a 1/4" diamond bit just the ticket. Spray water on as you are drilling. Home depot has them for under $20 https://www.homedepot.com/s/diamond%20d ... bit?NCNI-5
- Fri Dec 16, 2022 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Blown Head Gasket
- Replies: 59
- Views: 8089
Re: Blown Head Gasket
I had a leaking head gasket in a Subaru Outback about 8 years ago (it was a common issue with Subaru’s at the time). I had it fixed and I still have the car today.
- Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Nail in Tire, thoughts?
- Replies: 101
- Views: 7542
Re: Nail in Tire, thoughts?
I've taken a couple of tires in with nails in that region. Nobody would plug. Tire Rack recommends replacing at 5/32 if used in snow. So at 7/32 you still have some life on those tires. As an option you can buy one tire at Tire Rack and for $50 they will grind it down to match the other three. You do get a road hazard warranty with that tire.
- Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Large Auto Insurance Increases Coming
- Replies: 152
- Views: 25841
Re: Large Auto Insurance Increases Coming
I am the original poster. At another Bogleheads suggestion, I contacted Geico and found I was due another discount for (being financially responsible) which brought my cost down lower than last year. I never would have guessed I'd get a discount simply for paying my insurance bill on time. And I'm on time by definition because the payment comes out of my credit card automatically when it is due.
- Thu Dec 01, 2022 7:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)-Any Gotchas?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 4171
Re: Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)-Any Gotchas?
Save a copy of what your plan says your costs for each drug should be. Twice, I've had to use that to get money back from the Part D plan when they overcharged me.
- Wed Oct 19, 2022 12:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: H&R Block 2022 software offer
- Replies: 281
- Views: 33326
Re: H&R Block 2022 software offer
Amazon generally has a better deal on Black Friday or cyber Monday. As an added bonus a record of this is maintained on your Amazon account and you can re download if you ever need to.
- Wed Oct 19, 2022 12:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New OTC Hearing Aids [Over The Counter]
- Replies: 99
- Views: 8556
Re: New OTC Hearing Aids [Over The Counter]
Hearing aides are customized for each ear based on the loss vs frequency curve found during a hearing test performed in a soundproof booth by an audiologist. I don't know how this will happen with an OTC hearing aide.
- Tue Sep 13, 2022 4:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I am losing my house cause of my ignorance. Please advice.
- Replies: 312
- Views: 37322
Re: I am losing my house cause of my ignorance. Please advice.
He invested 65.5 k in a home that gained 30% value. However sales costs would eat into the 30% gain and housing prices are expected to decline. 80k would be a fair buyout price to offer him. Legally you are in a poor position but you both probably realize that legal fees would eat into whatever resulted out of a court case. His legal position isn't that great either since there was no written agreement as to how the partnership would work. I would offer him 80k to buy him out. You should show him why this is fair and a very good return on his initial investment. Whatever you eventually negotiate, you must get put into writing and made into a legal document. If you were the friend would you accept this or would you go to court to get the 14...
- Tue Sep 13, 2022 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I am losing my house cause of my ignorance. Please advice.
- Replies: 312
- Views: 37322
Re: I am losing my house cause of my ignorance. Please advice.
He invested 65.5 k in a home that gained 30% value. However sales costs would eat into the 30% gain and housing prices are expected to decline. 80k would be a fair buyout price to offer him. Legally you are in a poor position but you both probably realize that legal fees would eat into whatever resulted out of a court case. His legal position isn't that great either since there was no written agreement as to how the partnership would work.
I would offer him 80k to buy him out. You should show him why this is fair and a very good return on his initial investment. Whatever you eventually negotiate, you must get put into writing and made into a legal document.
I would offer him 80k to buy him out. You should show him why this is fair and a very good return on his initial investment. Whatever you eventually negotiate, you must get put into writing and made into a legal document.
- Tue Sep 13, 2022 7:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bat in 19 year old house
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2724
Re: Bat in 19 year old house
Bats can squeeze through the skinniest of openings. I had a bat in the eaves of my home several years ago. I inspected the eaves and found gaps between the fascia and the underside of less than a half inch. I caulked them up. I left a one way escape hole for the bat to get out but it unfortunately found a way into the house instead. I eventually caught it with a towel and set it outside. In your case, since the first appearance was inside the house and it apparently couldn't find it's way back out, I think it probably entered directly into your home through a temporary opening. Probably a window that was left slightly open. Maybe a fireplace chimney. Check that the damper is closed. I would just visually inspect your home for any openings a...
- Thu Sep 01, 2022 5:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refrigerant refill
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1931
Re: Refrigerant refill
The cost your HVAC company is charging is out of line. Mine charged me $85/ lb early in the summer. Even that is with a very high markup. A friend of mine had a very novel approach to this. He had an entire system to refill at the beginning of the summer. He bought the refrigerant himself and then paid a HVAC contractor to install it. The refrigerant cost him $20/LB. In order to be able to buy it he had to pass an online test to get a license. He said it was easy, mostly common sense. He was told that HVAC companies buy it in quantity at the beginning of the season for half that.
- Sat Aug 20, 2022 6:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I move $10K from VBTLX/VAIPX to I-Bonds?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1927
Re: Should I move $10K from VBTLX/VAIPX to I-Bonds?
If you cash an I bond that is less than five years old, you lose the last three months of interest.
- Sat Aug 20, 2022 6:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I move $10K from VBTLX/VAIPX to I-Bonds?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1927
Re: Should I move $10K from VBTLX/VAIPX to I-Bonds?
If you cash an I bond that is less than five years old, you lose the last three months of interest.
- Thu Aug 04, 2022 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: hearing aids
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4690
Re: hearing aids
The taking off a mask with hearing aides is a problem. I don't take a mask off I'm sitting in your car or at home. Even then, I hold onto the HA with my free hand. Also, consider getting some Heargear (available on Amazon). They have ones that include a retention strap.tc101 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 03, 2022 3:53 pm I have a hearing aid that I like OK, but it is so small I am afraid
I will eventually loose it. Several times it has got caught on my
covid mask and almost got lost. Also the batteries are more
difficult to replace as my vision gets worse and my fingers get
clumsier.
I might like to get a larger hearing aid. Something the size of
computer head phones. Do they make these?
- Wed Jul 27, 2022 8:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking for the cheapest, smallest BUT safe home anywhere in the US
- Replies: 109
- Views: 19528
Re: Looking for the cheapest, smallest BUT safe home anywhere in the US
Not quite sub 50K but close. https://www.centuryvillage.com/places/c ... palm-beach Gated Retirement community in Florida. Furnished, cheap taxes and utilities. Lots of amenities and close to several airports.
- Tue Jul 26, 2022 4:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Renting out backyard pool to strangers
- Replies: 113
- Views: 11839
Re: Renting out backyard pool to strangers
In some areas local laws would be triggered by renting your pool out that could heap a bunch of requirements on you. Lifeguard on duty, safety equipment requirements, handicapped access to name a few.
- Sat Jul 23, 2022 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
- Replies: 52
- Views: 10361
Re: Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
Thank you for all the considered responses. I decided to go with a one year treasury zero coupon earning a little over 3% so it will bring me just under 16k in a year.
In a way I am market timing the real estate but my home value went up 25% in the last year which was supply and demand based, not inflation. I doubt very much that real estate will go up another 10% in the coming year but if it does, I've hedged with the 16K in interest plus I'll be saving 10k in taxes, utilities, insurance, HOA fees . And in this crazy market I was able to avoid using a sellers agent which saved another 13k. I will also be avoiding an unknown amount in maintenance which could be huge since a new roof and AC units are on the horizon.
In a way I am market timing the real estate but my home value went up 25% in the last year which was supply and demand based, not inflation. I doubt very much that real estate will go up another 10% in the coming year but if it does, I've hedged with the 16K in interest plus I'll be saving 10k in taxes, utilities, insurance, HOA fees . And in this crazy market I was able to avoid using a sellers agent which saved another 13k. I will also be avoiding an unknown amount in maintenance which could be huge since a new roof and AC units are on the horizon.
- Mon Jul 04, 2022 6:21 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
- Replies: 52
- Views: 10361
Re: Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
We are moving to be near our daughter who is expecting her first child in November and her husband will probably be transferred within a year. So we really don't know where we will end up. We have a vacation home that we are keeping for the time being.UpperNwGuy wrote: ↑Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:23 pmWhy are you selling now but not buying for a year or two? Why not delay the sale until you are ready to purchase immediately? This is a bad time to be parking money. Keep it invested in real estate.
- Wed Jun 29, 2022 2:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
- Replies: 52
- Views: 10361
Safe place to park 500k for a year or two
I am selling my home and don't plan to purchase a new one for a year or two. Based on the current rates I am thinking one year treasuries. Any other suggestions?
- Thu Jun 09, 2022 6:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: how do CD ladders work
- Replies: 5
- Views: 876
how do CD ladders work
I'm going to set up a CD ladder for my Home Owners Association (HOA) and I want to make sure I understand how it works. We don't know with any certainty when major costs will be incurred but they are probably 4 years or more away so it seems a 4 year ladder would make sense. So you start of with equal amounts 1,2,3 and 4 year CD's and at the end of every year you cash in the CD that has matured and buy a 4 year CD. Eventually you have all 4 year cd's with varying maturity dates. Do I have that right? What happens if you sell a CD before it matures. Let's say you sell a 4 year CD a year before it matures. Are you basically selling a 1 year CD with a 4 year rate so that you can get above face value on the CD? I know interest rates may rise bu...
- Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Movies for 10 year old
- Replies: 70
- Views: 5440
Re: Movies for 10 year old
Bend it Like Beckham. Especially if she plays soccer. Great coming of age movie for girls. Might be better if she was 12 or a mature 10.
- Thu May 26, 2022 7:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: hearing aids
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4690
hearing aids
I will be getting my first hearing aide next week. An Oticon More. I'm looking for any tricks about use and care that isn't covered in the manufacturers standard recommendations. What about loss or damage coverage? Does Oticon cover this with warranty? Should I get additional through my homeowners insurance or other?
- Wed May 25, 2022 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tires for 16 year old car
- Replies: 125
- Views: 9227
Re: Tires for 16 year old car
I bought used tires several times when I was younger and had less money. I never had a problem. If you get a good brand with plenty of tread left on it why not? Make sure they are not more than a few years old. Dry rot can set in after 6 years.
- Sun May 01, 2022 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Filing SS at Age 70
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3099
Re: Filing SS at Age 70
The online filing only works for first time applications. To revise your application you have to phone your local office. I did it this past January. To start my revised payments in April. The process is as follows. Call and tell them what you are doing. They will set up a date and time for SS to call you and your spouse. When I called the closest available date was a month away. On the day of the call both you and your spouse must be present to answer questions to verify your identity. The call took half an hour. After the call it took a month for SSA to finalize things and then you get a letter in the mail. You can check on the application on your account but it really doesn't give much information. Just started, or in process or complete...
- Mon Apr 25, 2022 1:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vanguard online account access. [Device not recognized]
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1057
Re: Vanguard online account access. [Device not recognized]
I had the same issue. Had to call Vanguard to get the feature removed. So instead I bought a usb security key per and registered it per the Vanguard website instructions. Now I have to use the key to access from my computer or any other. Curiously I can still access without the key via my iphones touch ID
- Thu Apr 21, 2022 9:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mole Problem in Yard
- Replies: 75
- Views: 6658
Re: Mole Problem in Yard
I used Victor mole traps $20 each on Amazon. I bought 3 and got rid of over a dozen moles in one season. The instructions that came with the traps are brief and don't tell the whole story. There is a bit of learning curve that experience requires. I've heard that Juicy Fruit Gum rolled up and placed in there runway kills them. Supposedly they eat it and get constipated and die.
- Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 21620
Re: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?
I've always suspected that in order to make a profit on gold you have to overcome the dealer markup. In other words even if you bought and sold on the same day you would lose because the dealer would only buy back at a much lower price than what he sold to you. In a sense you would be buying at retail and selling at wholesale. That's been my suspicion but I've never bought gold. I'm curious though. Does anyone have factual knowledge of how that works?
- Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oil Change and Tire Rotation Together?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 7484
Re: Oil Change and Tire Rotation Together?
I do oil changes at 5,000 mi and tire rotations at 10,000. It makes it easy to remember and like other posters there is negligible tread difference at 5,000 mi
- Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
- Replies: 1372
- Views: 165324
Re: Scammer pretending to be buyers on Facebook marketplace
I was selling an item for $1500 on Facebook Marketplace. Buyer said he wanted it at asking price and offered to send a certified check for the amount plus $100 if I took it off market while he sent the check and after the check cleared he would arrange for pickup. The check arrived via FedX and was for $3700 instead of the $1600 agreed upon. Buyer wanted me to pay shipper with the extra money. I'd gotten two other offers with similar phrasing so I was already 99% sure it was a scam before the check came. So I took the check to a local branch of the bank and confirmed that it was fraudulent. Had I deposited the check, it would have cleared but the bank would sooner or later discover the fraud and require me to repay the full amount includin...
- Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
- Replies: 1372
- Views: 165324
Scammer pretending to be buyers on Facebook marketplace
I was selling an item for $1500 on Facebook Marketplace. Buyer said he wanted it at asking price and offered to send a certified check for the amount plus $100 if I took it off market while he sent the check and after the check cleared he would arrange for pickup. The check arrived via FedX and was for $3700 instead of the $1600 agreed upon. Buyer wanted me to pay shipper with the extra money. I'd gotten two other offers with similar phrasing so I was already 99% sure it was a scam before the check came. So I took the check to a local branch of the bank and confirmed that it was fraudulent. Had I deposited the check, it would have cleared but the bank would sooner or later discover the fraud and require me to repay the full amount including...
- Sat Mar 19, 2022 8:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What percentage of home value do you save for repairs?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4724
Re: What percentage of home value do you save for repairs?
I came across this useful life chart https://www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm I’m thinking I may try and cost out on that basis for major systems (roof, HVAC, water heater, etc.) since I know their install date and just cash flow smaller repairs. Yes. Go ahead and do that. You might be overthinking it but it's always better to have a plan. I've done that for the reserve study for my community. It's a simple matter for a spreadsheet. I've cash flowed our expected expenditures over the next ten years and made sure the reserve contribution is enough to handle it. I've attempted to account for inflation as well but who knows where that is headed. Many of your decisions to replace appliances and other items will be made on a desire to update, ...
- Thu Mar 17, 2022 10:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: best way to discharge a french drain
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1151
Re: best way to discharge a french drain
+1 on the rain gardens. But make sure it won't hold water too long or you will breed mosquitos. Also make sure any unperforated drain pipe is sloped along it's entire length so you don't get any ponding or it too can breed mosquitos.
- Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Optimizing Roth Conversions while avoiding IRMAA
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1856
Re: Optimizing Roth Conversions while avoiding IRMAA
If you can coordinate a life change such as retiring for calendar year 2023 you should be able to successfully contest the IRMAA in the event that you surpass the limit. I did it last year by dumb luck. I did a ROTH conversion in 2020 that brought me 2k over the IRMAA level. Starting in January of this year I was charged an IRMAA surcharge that would have equaled 2k by the end of the year. My wife happened to retire in 2021 so I used her W2's from 2020 and 2021 to show a reduction in income that would drop me down below the IRMAA level. My challenge was successful and the IRMAA surcharge has been dropped and I'm being refunded for the amount taken out in January and February.
- Tue Mar 01, 2022 8:07 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Funding college (big family)
- Replies: 87
- Views: 7126
Re: Funding college (big family)
I new someone with a very large family. 18 kids. They funded the room and board portion of the college by buying a house near the state college. They always had one or two kids in the house and one or two renters as well.