Search found 248 matches

by alter
Mon Nov 18, 2019 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k NUA Stock Rollover questions
Replies: 3
Views: 388

Re: 401k NUA Stock Rollover questions

Yes, you must complete a qualified LSD for NUA purposes, which totally drains the plan and similar plans (such as an ESOP) in a single calendar year. You could leave the employer shares to the last year and roll out the rest (if the plan permits) in earlier years, however there are serious timing challenges. To have a qualified LSD, there can be no intervening distributions between your triggering event (usually separation or reaching 59.5) and the year of the LSD. For example, if you separate in 2020 and do a direct rollover before your LSD year, that is an intervening distribution and disqualifies NUA until you have a new triggering event. Employees who separate before 59.5 and take distributions get a new triggering event when they reac...
by alter
Mon Nov 18, 2019 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k NUA Stock Rollover questions
Replies: 3
Views: 388

401k NUA Stock Rollover questions

I'm hoping one of the resident NUA experts here can answer a few of my questions... If a 401k has Roth contributions, pre-tax contributions and also company stock which will be taken out of the account utilizing the Net Unrealized Appreciation method, are there any time limits between the time I do the roth and pre-tax IRA rollovers vs when I do the NUA rollover? IE, do all 3 have to be done in the same calendar year? Also to complicate things, there is an existing 401k loan, which is eligible to keep making payments on, if I roll over the roth, pre-tax, and NUA portions, it will not completely empty the account, since 401k loan payments will continue to be made monthly, thus building back up a portion of the pre-tax balance as payments are...
by alter
Wed Oct 23, 2019 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving my home landline phone number to MagicJack - good idea?
Replies: 52
Views: 6515

Re: Moving my home landline phone number to MagicJack - good idea?

Another vote for Ooma, been using it for many many years and its the best, most stable VOIP I've tried.
by alter
Wed Oct 23, 2019 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE Pension Payout
Replies: 11
Views: 1872

Re: GE Pension Payout

That lump sump doesn't sound like much compared to the monthly benefits value.
by alter
Fri Sep 27, 2019 5:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does dividend investing not work?
Replies: 206
Views: 41287

Re: Why does dividend investing not work?

This is one thing I think bogleheads are slightly hypocritical on. They have no problem investing in the S&P500, the vast majority of which pays dividends. Those companies, led by the brightest management in the world, decided that paying dividends is a smart idea....perhaps if bogleheads weren't so busy they could show the world how its done and create superior companies vs the S&P500 that pay no dividends that beat their S&P500 counterparts that pay dividends by virtue of them having the advantage of using that money for something more beneficial.
by alter
Wed Sep 04, 2019 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Polish Beer
Replies: 24
Views: 2269

Re: Recommendations for Polish Beer

Tyskie is my favorite.
by alter
Tue Aug 27, 2019 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying term life because it's a "deal"?
Replies: 15
Views: 1300

Re: Buying term life because it's a "deal"?

There is no way I would blow that money on insurance premiums. If he wants to leave more, why not put that money into a trust and invest in VOO?
by alter
Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you categorize additional contribution to debt repay as saving?
Replies: 101
Views: 5258

Re: Do you categorize additional contribution to debt repay as saving?

The more debt you accrue, the more you are forced to save. Recipe for success if you ask me.
by alter
Fri Aug 23, 2019 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Giving 2 weeks notice with a non-compete
Replies: 14
Views: 3007

Re: Giving 2 weeks notice with a non-compete

Can't you just tell your new company you'll start a couple weeks later, then tell your current company you are retiring? Then during a couple weeks in retirement, change your mind and go work for the new company.
by alter
Thu Aug 22, 2019 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front load washer mold
Replies: 30
Views: 4052

Re: Front load washer mold

Leaving the door wide open isn't enough on my LG, you have to leave both door wide open and the detergent drawer pulled all the way out.
by alter
Thu Aug 22, 2019 1:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chinese property bubble?
Replies: 59
Views: 3702

Re: Chinese property bubble?

retire2022 wrote: Thu Aug 22, 2019 12:42 pm
alter wrote: Thu Aug 22, 2019 12:12 pm There is no private property ownership in China. All of it is leased from the government. Very long lease terms but leased nonetheless.

Imagine leasing a car as an investment hoping someone will assume your car lease for more than you paid and not using it...
The building is private the land is not, this
has been since 1948 when the communists took over. It may change again.
The building is useless if you no longer own the land, buildings are not something you can relocate to other land in a cost effective way, so for all intents and purposes, it's not really owned by you either.
by alter
Thu Aug 22, 2019 12:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chinese property bubble?
Replies: 59
Views: 3702

Re: Chinese property bubble?

There is no private property ownership in China. All of it is leased from the government. Very long lease terms but leased nonetheless.

Imagine leasing a car as an investment hoping someone will assume your car lease for more than you paid and not using it...
by alter
Tue Aug 20, 2019 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago - What to see, do & eat in two days
Replies: 71
Views: 5652

Re: Chicago - What to see, do & eat in two days

The Sears(willis) Tower is great if you enjoy waiting in long lines.

Museum of Science and Industry is great though, the planetarium and Aquarium too.
by alter
Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are you refinancing now?
Replies: 73
Views: 8994

Re: Are you refinancing now?

+1 on the spread between the 15 and 30 being low....there is almost no incentive, interest-wise to pick a 15year. How do you figure? I think in some cases a 15 year is still better if you're trying to pay less in total interest. I am refinancing and borrowing $172K. 15 year term is 2.875% and 30 year term is 3.375% (points are only 0.090%). 15 year: Pymt $1,177.49. Total interest paid $39,947.74 30 year: Pymt $760.41. Total interest paid $101,745.97 Now if on a 30 year I paid it like a 15 year at $1,177.49 a month the total interest paid is $49,902.80. That's still $10K more interest paid in 15 years. If you want flexibility and a lower monthly payment then sure refi for a 30 year, in the long run you'll pay more in total interest. What I ...
by alter
Thu Aug 15, 2019 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are you refinancing now?
Replies: 73
Views: 8994

Re: Are you refinancing now?

+1 on the spread between the 15 and 30 being low....there is almost no incentive, interest-wise to pick a 15year.

I have 12 years left on my 15 year fixed @ 2.875%....I doubt it will make sense for me to refinance anytime soon, if ever.
by alter
Thu Aug 15, 2019 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skunks keep coming in our yard!
Replies: 44
Views: 4723

Re: Skunks keep coming in our yard!

windaar wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 8:37 pm
alter wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:05 pmNow am in the process of ordering a cage and will end up having to euthanize them once caught.
How will you deal with a skunk in a trap without being sprayed? How will you "euthanize" without cruelty? Even though these are varmints there are legal (and ethical) issues, and I know someone who found himself in trouble when seen using a pitchfork against a raccoon in a dumpster.
I've already cleared this with the DNR and Sheriff, a high powered .22 caliber air pellet to the head or in the chest from a distance is an approved method. It might spray, etc. But they spray anyway even without being euthanized.
by alter
Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skunks keep coming in our yard!
Replies: 44
Views: 4723

Re: Skunks keep coming in our yard!

I have this exact same problem right now and nothing I tried worked, ammonia, mothballs, lemon juice, pepper spray, and commercial powder that is supposed to repel them. I even tried a sonic device and they still cone in the yard and dig under my stairs. So I ended up having to apply for and be granted a trapping permit. Now am in the process of ordering a cage and will end up having to euthanize them once caught. Not looking forward to it but they have become simply too big of a problem to deal with any other way.
by alter
Tue Aug 06, 2019 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime - Value?
Replies: 146
Views: 17875

Re: Amazon Prime - Value?

I dropped Netflix due to FireTV/prime video. That alone made it worth it to me. I also average more than 1 Amazon order per week, (use the Amazon credit card to get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases) and use the other benefits as well so I would probably remain a prime member even if the price doubled.
by alter
Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insane to buy a sports car?
Replies: 249
Views: 22247

Re: Insane to buy a sports car?

I can't afford a sports car and don't have the extra garage space anyway so I bought a $7k motorcycle that will accelerate almost as fast as those sports cars ;). But if I had the means I would buy the car..... there are a lot worse things to spend money on.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pay off $17k student loan or max out 401k this year?
Replies: 48
Views: 4378

Re: Pay off $17k student loan or max out 401k this year?

Max the 401k, without question. You will likely earn more in investments than the student loan interest rate, not to mention the taxes you will save. Each dollar invested into the 401k is only costing you around $.75 (or so), which is then free to compound tax-free your entire career. If the interest rate on that student loan goes up, it might be a different story but 3.8% is very low.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Morningstar charts - so frustrating
Replies: 10
Views: 1572

Re: New Morningstar charts - so frustrating

Morningstar in general is frustrating...Their new web page is horrible, but even using the old one is buggy. I type in a symbol name and then instead of just showing me the symbol it does a search for everything remotely similar then i have to click on the one rather than just typing in the symbol and hitting enter and it displays...and then if you do a quote in the morning it shows you pre-market, and then it never automatically redirects to the real-time one after market opens, and there is a big discrepancy between the pre-market and real-time quote. horrible programming.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VOIP - what do you use?
Replies: 65
Views: 10652

Re: VOIP - what do you use?

I use Ooma. Paying 5 bucks a month is definitely worth it, it is the only number I give out for business/general use. My cell phone is only used for personal contacts.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I find Happiness at TD Ameritrade?
Replies: 16
Views: 2709

Re: Can I find Happiness at TD Ameritrade?

rich126 wrote: Thu Aug 01, 2019 2:32 pm I have accounts at TD Ameritrade although none of them were originally opened at TD. I had an account with ThinkorSwim because I wanted the flexibility to trade options and futures (didn't do a lot of it but wanted the ability to do so). They got acquired by TD. I also had accounts (rollover, Roth, taxable) with Scottrade and they were also acquired by TD.
.
That's also the reason I have accounts with them....I had a Datek account which got bought out by Ameritrade, who I didnt like at the time so I switched to TD Waterhouse....then they too got bought out by TDAmeritrade...so I reluctantly just stayed there. But I am fine with them now.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I find Happiness at TD Ameritrade?
Replies: 16
Views: 2709

Re: Can I find Happiness at TD Ameritrade?

I have my taxed brokerage account, HSA investment account, and Roth IRA at TDAmeritrade. And when I rollover my 401k it will go there too. Its nice to see all 3 accounts on same screen and they have plenty of options and features.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 4:21 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Chicagoland Master Thread
Replies: 47
Views: 19955

Re: Chicagoland Master Thread

I'd be interested in meeting...but I'm in NW Burbs...
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70
Replies: 452
Views: 57294

Re: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70

Silk McCue wrote: Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:11 am
alter wrote: Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:02 am That was rational. Taking at 62 and investing all of it in VOO is going to beat every other option. It will also build up a small nest egg so when you die you'll be able to pass that onto family vs someone who just started collecting at 70, they pass zero on.
Repeating this claim does not make it true. Investing in VOO (or anything) cannot reliably or predictably beat every other option. Claim early and investing is a proven risky & faulty strategy.

Cheers
Claiming you will live to x years is not predictable or reliable. VOO has a much more predictable and reliable track record of returns than you living to x more years.
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70
Replies: 452
Views: 57294

Re: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70

Claiming at 62 and investing all of it in VOO is going to beat every other option. The ones that say otherwise are more likely to die before collecting anywhere near as much. There is a 100% chance of dying and you don't control when. The smug guy waiting to collect at 70 might get hit by a drunk driver, collect zero SS, and his last words will still be trying to convince you he did the right thing. Someone who invests all of their social security check doesn't need it for support and basic living expenses. Should life circumstances change, and that person has to use it for support and basic living expenses, then their reduced check may not meet their needs. VOO in a taxable account is not protected against bankruptcy, civil actions, marke...
by alter
Thu Aug 01, 2019 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70
Replies: 452
Views: 57294

Re: Social Security -- Take it at 62, 67 or 70

Claiming at 62 and investing all of it in VOO is going to beat every other option. The ones that say otherwise are more likely to die before collecting anywhere near as much. There is a 100% chance of dying and you don't control when. The smug guy waiting to collect at 70 might get hit by a drunk driver, collect zero SS, and his last words will still be trying to convince you he did the right thing.
by alter
Wed Jul 31, 2019 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your Uber passenger rating?
Replies: 118
Views: 10588

Re: What's your Uber passenger rating?

I have a 4.71 but now that I know I'm being rated, I'm going to start tipping less or not at all, and rating drivers a LOT lower if their car stinks, they use too strong of air freshener which 50% of them do, have weird plastic protectors layered over everything, and/or are listening to stupid music. That would be asymmetricly harsh since drivers get fired from Uber if their rating dips too low, and it doesn’t take much — in the US, the minimum driver rating is 4.6. Uber might be their only source of income — I don’t want to vote to take that away just because they played music not to my taste or something. I always put 5 stars unless I truly think they should not be on the road (e.g. reckless driving, harassment). I do not care one bit. I...
by alter
Tue Jul 30, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your Uber passenger rating?
Replies: 118
Views: 10588

Re: What's your Uber passenger rating?

I have a 4.71 but now that I know I'm being rated, I'm going to start tipping less or not at all, and rating drivers a LOT lower if their car stinks, they use too strong of air freshener which 50% of them do, have weird plastic protectors layered over everything, and/or are listening to stupid music. If my rating ever gets low enough where the driver refuses, I would probably never know because there are about 50 ubers driving around within 5 minutes of me at any given time and I couldn't care less if any of them refuse. I wouldn't want a ride from a guy who is refusing based on ratings anyway.
by alter
Fri Jul 19, 2019 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Honolulu
Replies: 49
Views: 4516

Re: Trip to Honolulu

I recommend visiting the waterfalls and some of the less crowded beaches. Maybe take some surfing lessons. Do some snorkeling or a submarine tour.
by alter
Fri Jul 19, 2019 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you buy cellphone outright or pay over 2 years?
Replies: 129
Views: 11838

Re: Do you buy cellphone outright or pay over 2 years?

The reason they offer 0% is they want to lock you into a contract for two years with fees if you break it. Plus often the phone you are financing is locked to their network so you cant use it on other networks even when the contract ends. They make most their profit off the plan, not the phone. I pay 30 per month on a prepay line with no contract, unlimited data with an unlocked phone i can use anywhere in the world.
by alter
Thu Jul 18, 2019 7:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Warren Buffett makes Vanguard founder Jack Bogle feel like ‘one of the lucky ones’
Replies: 3
Views: 1413

Re: Why Warren Buffett makes Vanguard founder Jack Bogle feel like ‘one of the lucky ones’

Buffett would've never done something so altruistic himself. He probably would've tried to profit from it. Bogle is a true hero for what he did.
by alter
Thu Jul 18, 2019 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you own a sportfishing boat...when did you pull the trigger?
Replies: 18
Views: 2694

Re: If you own a sportfishing boat...when did you pull the trigger?

Sounds like you have an optional side job figured out for retirement, charter boat fishing guide...
by alter
Wed Jul 17, 2019 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Take the cash or the free dinner?
Replies: 118
Views: 15316

Re: Take the cash or the free dinner?

Take the cash. You don't know if the dinner is worse than a $10 steak you can grill at home. I routinely collect such bonuses. The skill of being completely immune to all high-pressure sales tactics is worth it's weight in gold. If you have this skill, you should exploit it as much as possible. Wait, you "routinely" collect such bonuses by going to these things? How does one get invited so often if one is never buying anything. Maybe I'm in the wrong business, but how does one seek out one of these meetings? Maybe my net worth is too little or I hang out with the right folks, and not the swindlers? I've done four or five time share solicitations, a few car dealer gifts for test driving cars, most of them come via mail or email. S...
by alter
Wed Jul 17, 2019 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Box wine- update and recommendations?
Replies: 73
Views: 10904

Re: Box wine- update and recommendations?

My daily wine is the Black Box Cabernet...also if you are a regular buyer, join their rewards club...the points add up quick and ive gotten a few visa gift cards just from buying wine I wouldve bought anyway.
by alter
Tue Jul 16, 2019 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Take the cash or the free dinner?
Replies: 118
Views: 15316

Re: Take the cash or the free dinner?

Take the cash. You don't know if the dinner is worse than a $10 steak you can grill at home. I routinely collect such bonuses. The skill of being completely immune to all high-pressure sales tactics is worth it's weight in gold. If you have this skill, you should exploit it as much as possible.
by alter
Mon Jul 15, 2019 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VOO vs bonds
Replies: 62
Views: 4609

Re: VOO vs bonds

My VOO has returned about 27% since Dec 26th purchase....were the experts recommending bonds vs VOO before or after that point in time? I guess it doesn't matter to me, I'll still be buying VOO when every "expert" is demanding everyone buy bonds.
by alter
Mon Jul 15, 2019 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ring video doorbell 2
Replies: 8
Views: 1787

Re: Ring video doorbell 2

I will just say Im very happy with the ring2, it exceeds my expectations, and the neighborhood alerts is a bonus if you sign up for cloud. I prepaid the year in advance and then its cheaper...only like $20 if i recall. But i went ahead and ordered the whole house ring alarm system and am planning on combining with that.
by alter
Sat Jul 13, 2019 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to park in northern Europen countries?
Replies: 29
Views: 2825

Re: How to park in northern Europen countries?

bgreat wrote: Sat Jul 13, 2019 6:40 am
alter wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2019 2:14 pm Not sure how they could claim it's illegal. The radio stations broadcast the locations of the blitzers all the time, so if that is legal, can't see how an app that does the same is illegal.
Instead of armchair lawyering, I'd recommend just googling it:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_detector#Legality

Fine in Germany isn't too bad, but in Switzerland a court could confiscate and destroy any device being used to warn you of radars in addition to a fine of hundreds of CHF (1:1 with USD). There's really no excuse anyway...


You are the only one being an armchair lawyer. Your link is not related to your argument. In Switzerland your car can also be seized for speeding, so what?
by alter
Fri Jul 12, 2019 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to park in northern Europen countries?
Replies: 29
Views: 2825

Re: How to park in northern Europen countries?

bgreat wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2019 12:24 pm
alter wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2019 12:02 pm As an American tourist, I've gotten 3 speeding tickets in Germany and one in Switzerland. They werent that much money, fortunately. Watch out for the "blitzers". The traffic cameras. Get an app that lists where they are to give a warning.
Those apps are of dubious legality (yet to be determined in court).

A much better idea is to respect traffic laws and stick to the limit.
Not sure how they could claim it's illegal. The radio stations broadcast the locations of the blitzers all the time, so if that is legal, can't see how an app that does the same is illegal.
by alter
Fri Jul 12, 2019 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to park in northern Europen countries?
Replies: 29
Views: 2825

Re: How to park in northern Europen countries?

As an American tourist, I've gotten 3 speeding tickets in Germany and one in Switzerland. They werent that much money, fortunately. Watch out for the "blitzers". The traffic cameras. Get an app that lists where they are to give a warning.
by alter
Fri Jul 12, 2019 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I Buy a Motorcycle?
Replies: 59
Views: 5815

Re: Should I Buy a Motorcycle?

I bought a brand new Yamaha MT-07 (similar naked bike style as the one you're considering)...even though financially it didn't make sense, it has allowed me to keep my sanity and is tons of fun. Insurance is cheap, 20 bucks a month, and it gets like 50mpg so when commuting it actually saves quite a bit of money on gas. I'd say go for it. I don't regret my decision.
by alter
Sun Jul 07, 2019 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does saving 20% towards retirement starting in your twenties allow you to retire early?
Replies: 144
Views: 18248

Re: Does saving 20% towards retirement starting in your twenties allow you to retire early?

Vulcan wrote: Sun Jul 07, 2019 10:27 am
willthrill81 wrote: Sun Jul 07, 2019 9:21 am The topic of stocks compounding or not has come up before, and it's a distinction without a difference.
While there may not be a difference once "compound" rate of returns is calculated a posteriory, a priory it is the difference between a mathematical certainty and an aspirational goal.

There are no guarantees whatsoever of continued exponential economic expansion, and OP might as well recognize that early on.
There is no mathematical certainty that ANY investment vehicle or bank account will pay interest, the world may end tomorrow, a bank or bond-issuer could go bankrupt, or any number of things in between. Does this mean compounding doesn't exist with any financial vehicle, since there is no mathematical certainty?
by alter
Sun Jun 23, 2019 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone own gold?
Replies: 108
Views: 15228

Re: Does anyone own gold?

Yep but only physical gold and silver coins and bars.
by alter
Sun Jun 23, 2019 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reinvesting Dividends or no
Replies: 41
Views: 8652

Re: Reinvesting Dividends or no

I reinvest almost all dividends. In taxed accounts too. Tax-free municipal bond fund dividends are obviously best held in taxed accounts.
by alter
Sun Jun 23, 2019 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you Casino? What do you play? Have you won?
Replies: 82
Views: 8295

Re: Do you Casino? What do you play? Have you won?

Craps and blackjack. Best odds in casino
by alter
Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar - when replacing roof?
Replies: 45
Views: 4024

Re: Solar - when replacing roof?

What I posted was accurate info around here. The quality of the panels and inverters are the same whether you lease or buy. I was responding to your inaccurate post that leases use better products than buyers. That's humorous. Leasing companies around here are much less interested in quality of the panel layout and actual payback and instead are more like salesman pushing systems on ignorant consumers. Home buyers run from leased systems and rightly so. Leasing panels is a poor value for your house and I put it in the same category as consumers who fleece/lease cars. This is humorous, but again, totally false. It doesn't matter whether you buy or lease, you can pick the panels yourself either way. You claim leasing companies push inferior ...
by alter
Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar - when replacing roof?
Replies: 45
Views: 4024

Re: Solar - when replacing roof?

Your comment about leasing have some wonderful beautiful efficient system vs the old crummy purchased ones is ridiculous. Around here the leasing companies are throwing up panels on any roof regardless of the design for efficiency, sun exposure, etc. Almost brain dead throw them up as fast as possible vs careful design. It's all over the place in my area (Solar World was the big one) and the installers laugh at the ignorant leasers who don't have a clue what they did to their house. I have a neighbor with such a system and they clean didn't have a clue. The leasing companies around here went around with high pressure sales tactics and pushed poorly designed systems. This info is ridiculous and inaccurate. There are multiple options for lea...
by alter
Tue Jun 04, 2019 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar - when replacing roof?
Replies: 45
Views: 4024

Re: Solar - when replacing roof?

Leasing is not much different than buying, just a different amount paid up front and contract which you can buy out at any time. If you would have no problem buying a house with used panels, then it makes zero sense to not buy a house with leased panels. You just tell the buyer to buy out the lease and you get to own the panels if it is that big of a deal to you. It does not degrade the house one bit vs financing the panels. The difference is if the buyer pays up front or buys out lease later. The premium is very low. I'm willing to bet if you buy a house with owner-financed panels, then the panels are older and less efficient than one under a lease, otherwise the owner probably made a mistake buying them, since they either have to eat that...