Search found 937 matches

by Shackleton
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paying off 115K in Debt Using an IRA BDA - Should I Sell?
Replies: 14
Views: 905

Re: Paying off 115K in Debt Using an IRA BDA - Should I Sell?

newandconfused wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:54 pm
steadyosmosis wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:03 pm Same tax implications Livesoft told you about on 12/28/2022.
Thank you. I wanted to make sure that I would not be paying any capital gains in addition to the income tax for recent growth as this is a different situation / amount of money being withdrawn.
IRAs never have capital gains, it’s all taxed as regular income.
by Shackleton
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam
Replies: 53
Views: 5979

Re: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam

The thing that is addictive about Amazon Prime is that shipping is free, period, no ifs, ands, or buts. An even with free shipping, typically--not always, but typically--Amazon prices are competitive with local brick-and-mortar stores. To pick one completely at random: "my" toothpaste is Sensodyne Pronamel Repair. The Amazon price, with free shipping, 3.4 ounces, pack of one, $6.98, free shipping, free delivery tomorrow. CVS, in stock at the local store, pick-up price, $8.79. Walmart, in stock, pickup in store $6.98. Costco: doesn't have it; I can buy a different kind of Sensodyne, but must buy four, $31.99/4 = $8 each. I don't pretend to understand pricing. Amazon prices are not necessarily bargains, but they typically are compe...
by Shackleton
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?
Replies: 20
Views: 1532

Re: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?

For horseback riding and white water rafting, you can get a “Saddle and Paddle” package where you have a half day trail ride or cattle drive, followed by a half day raft trip. There should be several places in the Breck area that offer that and you could also do the downhill mountain biking at Breck although I just read that they are doing some construction so their beginner and intermediate DH trails will be limited this summer. And if your kids have never done DH mountain biking it’s probably not a good idea to hit the black runs on their first time… but many of the other ski resorts nearby also have DH MTB, so you can find something close by. But most resorts won’t open for DH MTB until mid or late June. Then head over to the Springs (Co...
by Shackleton
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?
Replies: 23
Views: 1712

Re: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?

madbrain wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:43 am
Shackleton wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:35 am
I’d try Geico.com, progressive.com and esurance.com (Farmer’s) since you need it by Monday. Even if it isn’t the best policy for you, you can then shop around and cancel if you get a better policy later. They will refund any unused premiums when you cancel.
Esurance is Allstate, not Farmer's.

Some insurance companies don't do full pro-rated refunds, and will charge a penalty for canceling early, sometimes 10% or so.
Doh! I knew it was one of the big ones and was too lazy to check it. Thanks for pointing that out. Interesting about the refunds, I’ve never had a problem getting a prorated refund but I imagine that like everything else insurance related, it varies by state. Again, thanks for letting me know.
by Shackleton
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?
Replies: 23
Views: 1712

Re: Which reputable insurance company can give a home insurance policy quickly?

I just shopped my rates (I had USAA) and found Progressive had the best rate through their subsidiary Homesite. Did it all online and purchased the policy the same day I got the quote. Took about 15 min and saved me $800/year.

I’d try Geico.com, progressive.com and esurance.com (Allstate) since you need it by Monday. Even if it isn’t the best policy for you, you can then shop around and cancel if you get a better policy later. They will refund any unused premiums when you cancel.
by Shackleton
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Putting in two weeks notice same day as bonus payment
Replies: 25
Views: 2866

Re: Putting in two weeks notice same day as bonus payment

1) When I retired in May 2016, the following Feb I got a prorated bonus check. 2) Payroll is processed ahead of time (1 to 2 days) so as to get the Direct Deposit to you on the pay date. Righttt so if i see it in my bank its settled then? Likely. Claw-backs can occur, but I would consider that very very unlikely. That's money you earned by working there last year. I might wait until monday. My target final date is 10 business days including monday anyway. I did this, waited until the next day after the bonus hit my bank account, which was also the day it was announced. Told my boss I was giving notice. He of course asked where I was going and I told him, it was one of their major competitors. He said, “oh, that means we have to let you go ...
by Shackleton
Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UBS Won't Issue a Corrected 1099
Replies: 14
Views: 1429

Re: UBS Won't Issue a Corrected 1099

I’d be escalating to a higher level. If you can’t figure out how to do that a few social media posts on Twitter/X or Instagram may get the right person’s attention. I’d probably post something like “Really @UBSBank, you admit that my MIL shouldn’t have received a 1099-R and will send the statements that show why, but you won’t issue a corrected 1099-R and expect her to handle the IRS due to your mistake? This is how you treat your customers?”
by Shackleton
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pet med cheaper than a human prescription.
Replies: 9
Views: 961

Re: Pet med cheaper than a human prescription.

What is with the “violate the law” comments and implications that the OP is personally taking the pet medication. The OP doesn’t say THEY are taking the pet med but that the vet sent the Rx to Walgreens and it was more expensive there. I’m going to assume they were still going to give it to the pet. Nothing wrong with what they were planning to do, except the cost.

OP - since you didn’t run it through your health insurance, you were probably quoted the full retail price which is always absurd. You might ask them the cost if using GoodRx discount program or as suggested earlier, check with Cost Plus Drugs (online, Mark Cuban’s new drug supply company.)
by Shackleton
Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?
Replies: 52
Views: 4854

Re: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?

We had both in our last house and the hot tub definitely got more use, but hubby loved the sauna for clearing his sinuses (the hot tub helps a little but not as much.) Our sauna had an electric heater with rocks so you could pour water on the rocks to control the humidity inside. I don’t know anything about the newer infrared saunas, but controlling the humidity really changes the sauna experience (dry vs. moist heat). The hot tub cost a lot more to run and maintain since it required electricity 24/7 to heat and circulate the water and weekly chemicals along with changing the water 2-3 times a year depending on usage. We did the chemicals and water changes ourselves, which isn’t hard just time consuming.
by Shackleton
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank
Replies: 41
Views: 2758

Re: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank

If you get “hardwood” make certain it is an actual hardwood species. We had a house a long time ago that had pine floors. Pine is a “soft wood” and those floors got very dented and scratched until we refinished them and specifically had the floor guys do an extra-durable finish which they referred to as a “gym floor finish”. It was high gloss, so not something everyone would like but it did stand up to the dogs then, and at that time we had a 100# Rhodesian Ridgeback.
by Shackleton
Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank
Replies: 41
Views: 2758

Re: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank

livesoft wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:55 pm Hardwood and vinyl will get scratched by dog claws. Just sayin'
I think it depends on the quality of the LVP. I’ve had LVP is two different houses and have large, active dogs (Belgian Shepherds - 60lbs each) Never had a scratch. We even took a leftover piece of LVP and tried to make a mark on it and it took a very sharp axe to make a dent but it didn’t really cut it.
by Shackleton
Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
Replies: 56
Views: 5975

Re: Complain About Bad Boss?

I forgot to mention that when my boss hired me in April 23, she was at a higher level. Last summer she was demoted and last fall M was hired to replace her in her former higher position. The demotion was only 1 year after my boss joined the company. It sounds like your boss is slowly being moved on… I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s on a PIP. Megacorps often take time to fire people while they document their incompetence. Maybe that is why your friend suggested the meeting with M. I’d document when she requests things with a follow up email such as : — boss - just to clarify, based on our meeting yesterday, you’ve now requested that we do YYY rather than XXX as we had previously planned during our meeting on xx/yy/zzz — boss - as I mentione...
by Shackleton
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to find good realtor with no word-of-mouth references
Replies: 17
Views: 2105

Re: Best way to find good realtor with no word-of-mouth references

Most realtors are not worth the money IMHO. There might be 1% who are good. Knowledge is powerful. If you have time and not in a hurry understand the area and when you find one, communicate to the home owner directly and make a deal WITHOUT the broker - Both togeather can save 24K for a 400K house. The OP specifically asked about SELLING a condo, so this probably doesn’t help. And if the OP isn’t currently living in the area (which is often the case for snowbirds with condos in PHX, but might not apply here although that would explain why the OP can’t get recommendations from neighbors) then any type of FSBO won’t work. OP - sorry, but I find it’s best to look at local listings to see who is active, then read their “about” info on their we...
by Shackleton
Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front License Plate Mount
Replies: 29
Views: 2779

Re: Front License Plate Mount

I have a “no drill” license plate holder on the front of my Kia Telluride. But the car wash I like to use (the kind with the spinning rubber things, which we call the “whapity-whap car wash”) always bends the plate out of shape. I think the SlyBrackets one would probably work better than whatever I got. But I’m going to take it off and just carry it in my car so if I ever get pulled over I’ll show it to the officer and say “I was just about to install it!” with my best smile. (Here they aren’t allowed to pull you over for the lack of a front plate, but can ticket you if you get pulled over for something else)
by Shackleton
Sat Feb 17, 2024 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get my road paved
Replies: 77
Views: 6046

Re: How to get my road paved

Keep attending meetings and see if you can get at least a few neighbors or friends to attend and ask for it to be fixed. Basically, anyone that lives in the area and might use the road. Maybe see if the local fire department or ambulance services will give you a statement saying that the road is too rough for their vehicles forcing them to take a longer route to avoid that bad road.

Emails and letters are easy for them to ignore. If you show up to every single meeting with others as reinforcement you might have a chance. Basically, you might have to make it your new hobby.😁
by Shackleton
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you eat?
Replies: 54
Views: 4992

Re: What do you eat?

We eat keto, so breakfast is usually eggs and bacon (hubby) or full-fat Greek yogurt with homemade keto granola (me). Lunch is usually leftovers or a small salad with meat and cheese. Dinner is either a keto casserole, stew or other recipe, or something grilled (steak, pork, burgers, salmon) and a salad. Most dinners take only about 15-20 minutes of prep time, the cooking time varies but we often use our slow cooker so it doesn’t require a lot of supervision.
by Shackleton
Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 4003

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

I have volunteered for two different organizations that provide outdoor sports programs to the disabled (skiing, xc skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking, horseback riding). Both were great experiences and I only stopped because we moved away.
by Shackleton
Sun Jan 21, 2024 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shatter my Van Life Dreams
Replies: 65
Views: 8543

Re: Shatter my Van Life Dreams

I was recently working on a remote job site in the southwest. One of the trucks came in with worn out brakes after crossing several mountain passes to get there. He could not find a shop in the (fairly large, for the area) town that could do the work for two weeks. He bought the parts and did the job himself on the job site, in the snow. This brings up an important point — you need to learn to properly drive a larger vehicle. Going over mountain passes requires you to learn to downshift to the lower gears (even in an automatic transmission) so that you don’t just use the brakes on long downhill sections which wears out the brakes. Most likely, the guy that had to replace his brakes was not using engine braking effectively and that is why t...
by Shackleton
Thu Jan 18, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best cookware to buy
Replies: 143
Views: 13928

Re: Best cookware to buy

I’ve always bought All-clad stainless steel skillets (D3,fairly pricey), but recently stayed at a VRBO rental that had a set of stainless steel Tramontina skillets and pots (induction stove which is also what we have.) I was very impressed by the pots and pans, especially when you consider the price point. I needed two more skillets and just ordered Tramontina skillets from Wayfair. Barkeepers Friend keeps them all shiny like new.
by Shackleton
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: American Family - no cosmetic hail coverage any longer
Replies: 24
Views: 4338

Re: American Family - no cosmetic hail coverage any longer

biscuit5 wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 6:06 pm Fixing a dented steel panel requires replacement of the entire panel which can be quite involved. This is far, far beyond fixing a peeling paint issue.
Paint does a lot more than just put a pretty color on the outside of your house. It provides a barrier to moisture which can cause damage to the siding material. So peeling paint can be more than just a cosmetic issue.

Regardless, have you gotten quotes from other insurance companies that will include cosmetic hail damage in their coverage?
by Shackleton
Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying home - transfer of staff / service?
Replies: 5
Views: 1028

Re: Buying home - transfer of staff / service?

If you decide to reduce the amount you pay them, they may drop you as a client.
by Shackleton
Sat Jan 13, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric (battery) snowblower - Looking for a recommendation
Replies: 5
Views: 595

Re: Electric (battery) snowblower - Looking for a recommendation

We had an Ego 2-stage that worked great but was $1499 so above your price point. This was in NW MT.
by Shackleton
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potentially selling a great house
Replies: 101
Views: 12293

Re: Potentially selling a great house

We didn't have to drive to play dates. We just ran to our friends houses. I came back home for dinner, then ran back out. My kids won't have that if we stay put. There are 5 homes on our street. We have 1/2 acre lots, so there is plenty of space to play, but there aren't other kids around. And we don't have a large neighborhood with sidewalks. We just moved into a new construction house in a new neighborhood. Houses are all on 1/2 acre lots, and there are currently 7 houses built/occupied. I think the oldest house is 6 months old. I’ve already met the neighbor across the street and her 4 kids who were playing up and down the street with the 4 kids from two different houses down the street. The people next door to us are retired (like us) s...
by Shackleton
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where Should We Travel & Vacation To?
Replies: 47
Views: 10180

Re: Where Should We Travel & Vacation To?

Lots of National Parks and National Monuments would meet your requirements. Utah has a bunch that could be made into a 2 week trip.
by Shackleton
Sun Jan 07, 2024 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We are stuck with the house... !?)
Replies: 38
Views: 7552

Re: We are stuck with the house... !?)

Honestly, if you think kids and a puppy damaging a house are “normal” wear and tear, I’m wondering what the house looks like. As children, we were never allowed to damage the house, and we currently have two young, high-energy breed dogs that have done zero damage to the house. Yes, dirt gets tracked in, but it gets vacuumed/mopped up regularly (usually every other day for vacuuming, weekly for mopping.) Different people have different levels of cleanliness that they desire, but I feel like if I walked into a house like you described, I would immediately walk out because I’d assume there was a bunch of deferred maintenance if I saw that amount of “lived in” evidence. I may be completely wrong, but wanted to give you a perspective of someone...
by Shackleton
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is 2cd 401k allowed at affiliate organization?
Replies: 14
Views: 936

Re: Is 2cd 401k allowed at affiliate organization?

You can have more than one 401k and contribute to both, but the maximum 401k limits will still apply (totaled across both accounts, not per account) and neither employer will know the amounts you have contributed to the other 401k, so you will be responsible for ensuring you don’t over contribute.
by Shackleton
Fri Jan 05, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TIME = MONEY: strategies to **SAVE TIME** (even if it costs $)
Replies: 51
Views: 7790

Re: TIME = MONEY: strategies to **SAVE TIME** (even if it costs $)

We are currently in the process of moving >900 miles. For the first time in our lives (we are 56 and 67) we hired movers not only to move everything but to pack us up too (we will unpack.) It’s wonderful to have someone else (actually a team) swoop in and pack everything. DH worked as a mover from childhood through college (his father owned a piano and general moving company) so it was easy for him to pack everything when he was younger. I have always been a terrible packer. But we aren’t as young anymore. When we moved to this location 18 mos ago, it was really hard on DH physically. The first day the packers were here, DH said he kept hearing his father’s voice in his head saying “don’t just stand around!” But he quickly adjusted, the tea...
by Shackleton
Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE: Offered a Larger Rental - Please Help Me Decide
Replies: 67
Views: 10596

Re: Offered a Larger Rental - Please Help Me Decide

“Nature abhors a vacuum.” You will be amazed at how much you use the extra space. At least, we always have.
by Shackleton
Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE: Offered a Larger Rental - Please Help Me Decide
Replies: 67
Views: 10596

Re: Offered a Larger Rental - Please Help Me Decide

Avidswimmer wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 6:14 am Turns out it’s 1800 square feet, not counting the huge basement and wraparound deck. It’s on 1.5 acres. That’s not so extreme for one person.
I think that sounds ideal for you. I say, go for it!
by Shackleton
Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charity Listed in an IRA
Replies: 8
Views: 1016

Re: Charity Listed in an IRA

Definitely have to let the executor of your estate know ahead of time. I’m going through a similar issue right now, my DH’s mom passed away, his sis is the executor. They just discovered a long forgotten IRA and no one knows who are the beneficiaries and Schwab won’t give out the information to the executor. So she is contacting everyone who might be a beneficiary and having them create some sort of “potential beneficiary account” at Schwab. It’s very convoluted when you don’t know the potential beneficiaries and even worse that each is supposed to get a percentage of the IRA, but some of the potential beneficiaries (these are most likely all adult siblings) are dead with no decedents and no will, and so the money meant for that dead sib wi...
by Shackleton
Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Super awkward new employer situation
Replies: 144
Views: 26811

Re: Super awkward new employer situation

I had a similar experience many years ago when I went from being a 1099 contractor to W-2 employee. The deal was that I would get a signing bonus for $x amount, and the amount was to be grossed up so that I got the full amount after taxes. The first day, they handed me a check that wasn’t grossed up, I told them that wasn’t the deal and I’d be packing up my stuff if I didn’t have the check in the next hour. They made excuses about getting the grossed up amount to be exact… I told them they knew how to do it, after all the company itself specialized in software to gross up travel expenses for employees (and I was the lead software architect). I had my check in about 15 minutes.

Hold your ground.
by Shackleton
Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you move midlife because a community doesn’t click
Replies: 63
Views: 15140

Re: Would you move midlife because a community doesn’t click

I think by “culture”, the OP mostly means “activities”. Like the example of a theater club. We have definitely moved to ensure access to the activities we prefer (xc skiing and mountain biking being the two primary ones). And we are sitting here waiting for the movers to come this morning (truly, this morning!) because our last move to NW MT didn’t work out the way we planned due to weather differences that we thought we’d be OK with, but in reality the weather (LOTS of grey clouds for months on end and not really enough snow even in good snow years) was impacting our ability to enjoy the activities we like (really just the xc skiing.) We aren’t “midlife” since DH and I are both retired (he’s 67, I’m 56) but we do believe that life is too s...
by Shackleton
Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: your system for reviewing credit card transactions
Replies: 86
Views: 9756

Re: your system for reviewing credit card transactions

I get a text for every charge to my credit cards. When I see the text, I immediately know if it is valid or not.
by Shackleton
Sun Dec 31, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Doctor for Primary Care
Replies: 31
Views: 5247

Re: Conceirge Doctor for Primary Care

$75/mo for a Direct Primary Care physician. Love the service I get from her and her staff.
by Shackleton
Thu Dec 28, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]
Replies: 151
Views: 24111

Re: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]

Hmmmm… just checked my Amazon Rewards and so far this year we’ve gotten $500 in rewards. I think Jeff Bezos owes me a thank you card…
by Shackleton
Mon Dec 25, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Christmas Message
Replies: 140
Views: 14646

Re: A Christmas Message

Merry Christmas, Taylor!
by Shackleton
Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting over at 39; lost 400K… seeking advice
Replies: 74
Views: 21023

Re: Starting over at 39; lost 400K… seeking advice

Wow, you are a SAVING MACHINE! Just read through the full thread/odyssey and I’m very impressed by your ability to bounce back. Keep at it and you will be in great shape when it’s time to retire to Thailand. Until then, enjoy your bowling league, monthly golf and time with your dad!
by Shackleton
Thu Dec 14, 2023 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a home w/o an agent.
Replies: 63
Views: 12669

Re: Buying a home w/o an agent.

We close next week after (finally) finding a house we like. It is new construction by a very small custom home builder. I called the listing agent to schedule a showing. After seeing the house, we told him we liked the house and would like to make an offer and have him write the offer. This state allows dual agency (referred to as “limited agency” here.) We are not first time home buyers and know the builder’s reputation and the overall buying process, so we felt comfortable with this. I had an honest conversation with the agent about what we felt the house was worth, the builder didn’t want to come down to our price, so the agent kicked in $10k from his commission (remember, he was getting both sides of the commission on a house that is ju...
by Shackleton
Fri Dec 08, 2023 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retire in 50s what do you do
Replies: 64
Views: 12219

Re: retire in 50s what do you do

DH and I both retired early (him at 59, me at 53) and spend most mornings mountain biking or xc skiing, depending on the season. And throw in some dirt biking several times a week as the weather allows. I do a lot of volunteering with a non-profit that provides sports programs for the disabled (water sports, paddle boarding, mountain biking and skiing primarily) so that usually takes up a full day once or twice a week. Afternoons are usually spent with “quiet” hobbies such as reading, piano/guitar, or video gaming. But this year the snow has been really bad, so 10 days ago we decided to drive 900 miles to an AirBnB in southern Utah for the month of December. We love being able to just grab your stuff and go on the spur of the moment.
by Shackleton
Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Healthcare.gov in Virginia
Replies: 3
Views: 422

Re: Healthcare.gov in Virginia

Are you receiving any premium tax credits towards the cost of your insurance? If so, then I imagine you’ll need to go through the Virginia exchange questions to get the notification of eligibility (assuming that this wasn’t done on the main healthcare.gov site.)

If you’re paying full-freight for your policy, then I’m guessing you just need to find out what the cost for your plan will be next year and you can maybe do that through the insurance company’s site.
by Shackleton
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14649

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

using EFTs instead of index funds and a few other changes. Do you mean “using EFTs instead of mutual funds”? Because there are EFTs which are also index funds. If you don’t know the difference, I suggest you read/educate yourself further to ensure you know what you are really going to be getting with these advisors. Personally, if sounds like you might need a good tax accountant/planner, which is very different than a financial advisor. I mean what I said. I use index funds today, but there are benefits to switching to using EFTs, which trade as stocks, instead. “ETF instead of index fund” is a false dichotomy. Again, the distinction is actually between mutual funds and ETFs. Both are collections of other investments and both can be create...
by Shackleton
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14649

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

bungalow10 wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:48 am using EFTs instead of index funds and a few other changes.
Do you mean “using EFTs instead of mutual funds”? Because there are EFTs which are also index funds. If you don’t know the difference, I suggest you read/educate yourself further to ensure you know what you are really going to be getting with these advisors. Personally, if sounds like you might need a good tax accountant/planner, which is very different than a financial advisor.
by Shackleton
Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HoHoHo- Best Christmas tree Stand
Replies: 11
Views: 1091

Re: HoHoHo- Best Christmas tree Stand

WhitePuma wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 11:26 am
31QOTM wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:44 am Krinner Tree Genie Tree Genie XXL Christmas Tree Stand, Green https://a.co/d/0l2J4mH

I have my Christmas trees delivered and every year the delivery team says “oh good, that’s the best kind of stand”

Also, get a bottle of tree preservative to add when you water, it does work.
Thanks- I’m going to get this. I noticed there are different sizes ranging from M to XXL, but I don’t see a table to know which is best for a given tree size. Any guidance you’re aware of?
When you click on a particular size, the last bulleted item under “About this item” describes the largest size tree it can accommodate
by Shackleton
Tue Nov 14, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HoHoHo- Best Christmas tree Stand
Replies: 11
Views: 1091

Re: HoHoHo- Best Christmas tree Stand

We’ve had a lot of Christmas tree stands through the years, but the Krinner Tree Genie is the best we’ve ever had. It really holds the tree securely and allows for easy watering (it has a gauge the shows when you need to add water.)

For a tree skirt, we have a hand made one that my mom gave us when we were first married (34 years ago :shock: ). Find something that is meaningful to you. Or just get a festive sheet that you can wrap around the base and is easy to launder…
by Shackleton
Mon Nov 13, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost of health care in retirement
Replies: 71
Views: 17886

Re: Cost of health care in retirement

I’m not sure where that $300k number came from, but that seems to be assuming $10k/yr over 30 years, which seems very high and unlikely to me. That is higher than most OOP max amounts for a single person. Was that for a couple and assuming they hit the OOP max every year? Personally, I’d ignore that and go with what seems appropriate for your situation. This is what makes personal finance personal. :D
by Shackleton
Wed Nov 08, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE Debating quitting with no new job lined up - possible FIRE?
Replies: 72
Views: 12559

Re: UPDATE Debating quitting with no new job lined up - possible FIRE?

Wow, lots of changes but I think you are headed the right direction. Best of luck at the new job!
by Shackleton
Thu Nov 02, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?
Replies: 179
Views: 23485

Re: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?

Timely thread for me. Just moved into a new home where we will be making a lot of changes. I just upgraded to a $1300 Bosch dishwasher. I've had 2 previous Bosch dishwashers. They have been very reliable. However, the new one looks/works almost the same as the old ones I had and I think an $800 one would have been just fine. When buying most things, I find there is a steep curve as you get into the higher end items where the increase in price doesn't match the additional features/quality (of course, this is subjective). This is a good point about the extra features as you get into more expensive versions of a product. Last time we shopped for a washing machine, the salesperson enthusiastically said “it has 22 different wash functions!” I l...
by Shackleton
Tue Oct 31, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
Replies: 43
Views: 5724

Re: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower floor--are you happy with it

We had hydronic (water pipes) radiant heated floors on 5 zone thermostats throughout our last house and loved it (no ducts at all since we lived in a climate that didn’t require AC). But a shower/bathroom will probably be electric resistance heating using a timer/wall switch, so that is a different thing. I’d want to know how much electricity it will use and what that would cost per hour before going to the expense of an install. In the shower, it seems a bit redundant since the water (or steam since you mentioned a steam shower) will heat the tiles. If you plan to sit on the bench in the steam shower, you might want the bench heated if you won’t be laying a towel down on the bench. I think the bath floor might make sense but I’m not sure a...
by Shackleton
Fri Oct 27, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I able to reduce my taxes? Should I use my employer’s benefit?
Replies: 63
Views: 4289

Re: Am I able to reduce my taxes? Should I use my employer’s benefit?

No. My situation is different. Hmm.... Based on the following, it sure looks like an after-tax 401k option: Hello BG’ers. I work for a MegaCorp they offer a t401k and Roth 401(k). I have a t401k. ... “You can contribute an additional $10,000 annually for after tax contributions. And you can convert each contribution to Roth through one simple election. Note: After-tax contributions are not matched. How is your situation different? Or are you asking more about the suggestions for Prioritizing investments ? I understand the after tax and no match option but can I transfer $10k from my Vanguard taxable account VTSAX to there? No, all 401k contributions, whether traditional or Roth, and whether before or after tax, must come from deductions ma...
by Shackleton
Fri Oct 27, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I able to reduce my taxes? Should I use my employer’s benefit?
Replies: 63
Views: 4289

Re: Am I able to reduce my taxes? Should I use my employer’s benefit?

See the After-tax 401(k) and Mega-backdoor Roth wiki articles. Do those help? No. My situation is different. Hmm.... Based on the following, it sure looks like an after-tax 401k option: Hello BG’ers. I work for a MegaCorp they offer a t401k and Roth 401(k). I have a t401k. ... “You can contribute an additional $10,000 annually for after tax contributions. And you can convert each contribution to Roth through one simple election. Note: After-tax contributions are not matched. How is your situation different? Or are you asking more about the suggestions for Prioritizing investments ? I understand the after tax and no match option but can I transfer $10k from my Vanguard taxable account VTSAX to there? No, all 401k contributions, whether trad...