Search found 1963 matches

by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 28, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why does a discussion of Financial Planning almost always turns into buying Whole life insurance?
Replies: 60
Views: 3273

Re: Why does a discussion of Financial Planning almost always turns into buying Whole life insurance?

Once again, we never went asking for any planning advice but it somehow turned into that. Anyway, now we know better. We will reset and go back and look for an Attorney who just does wills and trusts that suit our needs. I'm confused on the sequence of events. Did you go see an actual attorney at a law firm for the living will? And how did you end up seeing three CFPs? Are they associated with this lawyer? I'm glad you said no, but I'm curious how/why a lawyer is trying to push people to a financial planner. That seems very sketchy. I am not sure what part are you finding Sketchy? We went to an estate planning firm in the neighboring town. They also have attorneys. I don't think I can put their name here but I can PM you if you want. That ...
by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity customer service: odd interaction re transaction fees; is this normal?
Replies: 10
Views: 701

Re: Fidelity customer service: odd interaction re transaction fees; is this normal?

UpperNwGuy wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:14 am Instead of selling VTSAX you should stop contributing to it and let the balance grow through market action and reinvested dividends. You should put all your new contributions into FSKAX. You will have two funds instead of one, but that's no big deal.
I certainly could, but I like having one fund across my accounts and since it's a Roth, there's not a tax hit. It sounds silly, but makes it easier for me to track everything since I have Fido funds in my 401k. I'm hopeful that Fidelity will just refund the $75 since it was their mistake, but I just find it odd that the phone rep was adamant that there were no fees. Maybe it's because they were admiral funds there is a fee?
by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why does a discussion of Financial Planning almost always turns into buying Whole life insurance?
Replies: 60
Views: 3273

Re: Why does a discussion of Financial Planning almost always turns into buying Whole life insurance?

canbonbon wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:54 am
Once again, we never went asking for any planning advice but it somehow turned into that.

Anyway, now we know better. We will reset and go back and look for an Attorney who just does wills and trusts that suit our needs.
I'm confused on the sequence of events. Did you go see an actual attorney at a law firm for the living will? And how did you end up seeing three CFPs? Are they associated with this lawyer?

I'm glad you said no, but I'm curious how/why a lawyer is trying to push people to a financial planner. That seems very sketchy.
by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity customer service: odd interaction re transaction fees; is this normal?
Replies: 10
Views: 701

Fidelity customer service: odd interaction re transaction fees; is this normal?

I planned to move a Roth IRA from Vanguard to Fidelity. The account is 100% VTSAX. Before I initiated a transfer, I called Fidelity to make sure there was no fee to exchange VTSAX to FSKAX once at Fidelity, otherwise I would just liquidate the VTSAX position before transferring. I was transferred three times because no one could figure it out (does not bode well for Fidelity's CS), but finally the third person assured me there were no fees. Multiple times. The account came over and guess what? $75 transaction fee to exchange VTSAX. I plan to call and ask that they refund the fee, but is it normal to have a transaction fee like this when you are simply exchanging one fund to another? I thought it was only for purchases of new shares. I guess...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our State Farm agent retiring
Replies: 32
Views: 2201

Re: Our State Farm agent retiring

Heh, stupid me. We did get a letter from S.F. announcing [our] agent's retirement and account transfer, but it's actually for an agent we switched away from ~5 years ago. It also explains why the transfer *to* agenct is so far from us (he's closer to the old agent). No lingering relationship with that agent, not sure why we received the transfer letter. Careless of me not to look at the signature line. (In self-defense, I think my wife handed me the letter and said ~"Our State Farm agent is retiring" and I didn't look at it closely enough.) Have you thought about shopping around? People stick with State Farm because they love their agents, but there are a lot better insurance companies out there, and many may actually be cheaper.
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 94
Views: 4311

Re: How many credit cards do you have

montanagirl wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:59 am Just one, from my regional brick and mortar bank, and I think I'm missing out.

I charge and pay off about 1000 a month but I don't think I get any benefits. Not even sure I get extended warranty or dispute support..

Or did other cards drop these bennies too?
Even with a 2% card, that's $40 a month. Probably not enough to materially affect your overall finances. I'd stick with what you've got. People get way too hyped up about optimizing credit cards, and when you re talking about $480 a year tops, that's hardly seems worth opening a new card and dealing with another bill to pay (at least in my mind).
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dogs in a SUV: best way?
Replies: 19
Views: 1011

Re: Dogs in a SUV: best way?

If you elect to do the divider route, you don't need to buy a Volvo brand cargo/pet divider at the premium price you quote; there are many aftermarket brands that are perfectly good. One factor in your decision-making: does your vehicle have side curtain airbags, if yes are they in the cargo area? Having personally been in 2 rollover crashes where these deployed, I suspect it could be very bad for a 60 pound dog sitting unrestrained at the window when these deploy. But admittedly, I don't have hard data to back this up. Are the cargo dividers a safe option? There's just not enough room in the cargo area for 2 single dog or 1 double dog airline crates, especially if they have to be strapped down. Those things are pretty huge. Plus I'd have ...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dogs in a SUV: best way?
Replies: 19
Views: 1011

Re: Dogs in a SUV: best way?

gunny2 wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:15 am
NYCaviator wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:57 am I've read that harnesses can actually be even more dangerous in a crash.
I doubt that. Where are you seeing this? Based on that logic, people shouldn't wear seat belts.
I can't recall the website, but they tested harnesses and only approved a handful because many traditional harnesses can choke the dog if they go flying forward. There is a special brand that is recommended.
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dogs in a SUV: best way?
Replies: 19
Views: 1011

Dogs in a SUV: best way?

I have a Volvo SUV and two medium/large dogs. I don't want them roaming free in the back with the seats down because that's dangerous in a crash. There are some aftermarket kennels that are designed to be safe, but they are a hassle to get in and out, are large, and cost upwards of $1,500. Plus they only hold one dog. Volvo makes an absurdly overpriced cargo separator that basically prevents things (dogs) from flying into the passenger area. It's designed for dogs and cargo, and keeps everything contained. The other option is to get something to cover the rear seats while they are up, and get a seatbelt adapter for the dogs, but I've read that harnesses can actually be even more dangerous in a crash. Any ideas/experience? The Volvo cargo se...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 94
Views: 4311

Re: How many credit cards do you have

Just one (technically a charge card), plus 2 bank debit cards with credit features. Contemplating a rewards card (Fidelity or Amex Marriott Bonvoy for the hotel points) but probably won’t bother. Basically the same here. We have two. an Amex charge card and a Visa that's rarely used. I'd drop the Visa, but it's necessary for overseas travel. I find myself using my debit card on Apple Pay more and more for small purchases. It's just more convenient to have the money come right out of your account. At restaurants, online, or anywhere I have to use a physical card I still use the Amex. Even in years we've run a lot of expenses through the Amex you're not really getting that much back in rewards; at least not enough to move the needle on our f...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?
Replies: 141
Views: 6006

Re: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?

If you have health insurance, drop your uninsured/underinsured. I did at State Farm/Florida and saved 30%. You will have folks screaming "you should not do that". But if you drive 2000mi a year what is the risk, I drive 6500? It only takes one drunk driver, one texting driver, or one red light runner whether you drive 10 miles a year or 10,000. Drivers are not getting any safer; in fact I routinely see people run lights, speed recklessly and not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Plus, stats show that more and more people are driving around without any liability insurance at all. There are a lot of threads on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but I think it is one of the most important things you can have on your policy....
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?
Replies: 141
Views: 6006

Re: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?

I have Texas minimum liability. There's your first problem. The minimum liability in Texas is $30k. That'll barely cover someone's ER bill if you get in an accident. I hope you don't have a well-paying job, a house, or any assets? Not to be too harsh, but it is so incredibly irresponsible to carry minimum coverage. I'm not sure about TX but I read that some other states' insurance commissioners regulate rates and were preventing insurers from raising rates during COVID, so the companies were taking huge losses. The states finally allowed rates to "catch up" to inflation, etc. and people were shocked when they saw what insurance really costs. This is the new normal, and there are tons of threads about it on here. Drivers are more ...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any advice on how to manaage cashflow when % of income is variable?
Replies: 39
Views: 1832

Re: Any advice on how to manaage cashflow when % of income is variable?

Yes, I agree with and others that have made a similar point. I think we are overspending. When i say we don’t live extravagantly, i mean that we have one car, our house was $1m which I don’t think is crazy on a $450k income , we take a couple of vacations a year, but we’re not buying designer clothes or being flashy. I’ve been looking a bit more into where it goes and we do spend a ridiculous amount on what I think of as impulse purchasing . You need to change your mindset when you have variable income. Stop thinking of your "income" as $450k because it's not. It's $300k since that is all that is guaranteed. Learn to live within that amount and things will be easier. What is your retirement savings? Do you have a lot of disabilit...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investing short term cash for S-Corp
Replies: 11
Views: 595

Re: Investing short term cash for S-Corp

I do treasury bills. Even though a portion of it is lost to taxes (Fed + NIIT), I'm still ahead. Beats zero % in business checking. How are you doing t-bills for a business? I like that idea but not sure how to execute it. My business has an entity account at Treasury Direct, so I keep my longer term reserves in TBills and Ibonds. I'll sometimes use T-bills for target date expenses like estimated tax payments or annual Prof. Liability payments - bigger ticket items. This also has a side effect of deferring interest income to a later year which may have a benefit. I use a brokerage MM fund for short term business cash holdings. Thanks for the info! Which brokerage do you use? I tried VG but it was a real pain to use, so I am looking at Fide...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?
Replies: 141
Views: 6006

Re: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?

I have Texas minimum liability. There's your first problem. The minimum liability in Texas is $30k. That'll barely cover someone's ER bill if you get in an accident. I hope you don't have a well-paying job, a house, or any assets? Not to be too harsh, but it is so incredibly irresponsible to carry minimum coverage. I'm not sure about TX but I read that some other states' insurance commissioners regulate rates and were preventing insurers from raising rates during COVID, so the companies were taking huge losses. The states finally allowed rates to "catch up" to inflation, etc. and people were shocked when they saw what insurance really costs. This is the new normal, and there are tons of threads about it on here. Drivers are more ...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investing short term cash for S-Corp
Replies: 11
Views: 595

Re: Investing short term cash for S-Corp

JimmyJoeMeeker wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:33 pm I do treasury bills. Even though a portion of it is lost to taxes (Fed + NIIT), I'm still ahead. Beats zero % in business checking.
How are you doing t-bills for a business? I like that idea but not sure how to execute it.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam
Replies: 53
Views: 5992

Re: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam

madbrain wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:54 pm Around here, Wal-Mart uses Doordash drivers for store orders. I had an absolutely horrid experience with my order a few years ago.
I don't blame you for cancelling; I would too. My experience with DoorDash has generally been negative. I rarely use it, but when I have, the food shows up late, it's cold, and a few times the takeout bag has reeked of cigarettes and/or another flammable substance. I can't imagine they'd be much better delivering a Walmart order on time and in one piece.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam
Replies: 53
Views: 5992

Re: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam

Target introduced a new service where you get free delivery, and I think in many markets it's same day. I've been using their drive-up pickup since COVID and it's been great. They always get the order right, it's quick, and they are friendly. I will take Target every day over Walmart. Did they? I just checked and store delivery costs $9.99 with Shipt. With the $99/year membership, delivery is free, but only for orders over $35. I just googled it. It looks like it's basically the same as Shipt ($99/year) but is now rebranded as Target 360 with a few new features. You get free same day delivery on orders over $35 and free 2 day delivery for everything else. So kind of like the early Amazon Prime days. Still not too bad. I'm guessing (hoping?...
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?
Replies: 15
Views: 1281

Re: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?

Doesn’t using an LLC prevent you from claiming any mortgage interest or property tax as a deduction on your taxes? I think in most cases either a revocable (grantor) trust or single member LLC would be used, because only the use of a disregarded entity preserves the ability to claim a principal residence exclusion upon sale. Could a joint revocable trust own the LLC and still have full passthrough taxation? In a lot of states the LLCs are totally anonymous assuming you nominate a third party as the registered agent. New York (where I assume you are from your user name) is not a community property state. Do you have community property from when you lived in a community property state? No I do not. Just property in NY and CT.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3575

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

Everyone brings up good points. I guess paying 50-100% more for an emergency repair is just part of homeownership. Thankfully we can afford it, but it still irks me. As much as the big companies seem like ripoffs, at least (1) I know they are insured, (2) employees are background checked (important if they're going to be in my house and around my family), (3) they warranty their work, and (4) if something goes wrong I know I have recourse against them. They are also big enough that they aren't going to risk messing around and rigging something up that violates code or is potentially unsafe. It is so incredibly hard to find good, knowledgeable, and honest tradespeople these days. The really good ones are in such high demand that they may nev...
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3575

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

Chv396 wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:33 pm We always obtain and use referrals from friends and family, for reputable handymen.
It's so hard to find a reputable handyman these days! Same with plumbers and electricians. The good ones are in extremely high demand. The referrals I've gotten are generally too busy to take on new work or they can't get to it for several days/a week.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3575

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

Northern Flicker wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:30 pm If a permit is required, there should be an inspection to determine if the permitted work meets code. Try to find out if a permit is needed and ask the contractor if they will be pulling the required permits.

I agree with Big Dog. We have a plumber, electrician, roofer, and HVAC contractor each that we've hired before and trust. But that does not guarantee availability in an emergency.
That's my problem. I used to have a great plumber, but he is in high demand and doesn't work weekends, so he's not a good resource for emergencies.

I know now that a lot of the work I'd previously had done was not up to code and not permitted. Lesson learned.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam
Replies: 53
Views: 5992

Re: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam

Target introduced a new service where you get free delivery, and I think in many markets it's same day. I've been using their drive-up pickup since COVID and it's been great. They always get the order right, it's quick, and they are friendly. I will take Target every day over Walmart.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3575

How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?

What's the best way to avoid getting ripped off when you need urgent home repairs? I've been burned more times than I want to admit by crappy handymen, or plumbers and electricians who are doing stuff on the side who I later find out cut corners. I don't know what is up to code or isn't, but come to find out a lot of these folks apparently don't either (or they don't care). A friend of mine says "you aren't rich enough to hire the cheapest bidder to do the job." In the last month we've had a hot water heater that needed to be replaced and some gas venting for our HVAC that needed to be repaired. Both of these were pretty urgent safety issues that couldn't wait a week or two to get "three estimates" or for a small company...
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 22, 2024 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re-envisioning old house layout
Replies: 13
Views: 1639

Re: Re-envisioning old house layout

= Initially, I was thinking that I should try and get ahold of an architect. I'm sure that there must be architects that specialize in making old craftsman homes have a better flow etc. However, this is a starter home and my stereotypes is that architects might want to completely gut the place and replace things with high-end finishes. I don't want to spend so much remodeling it that it is worthy of being in a magazine. I just want it to be more efficient and have a nicer flow with some updates (even if those updates are from IKEA). In this case, should I instead just ask a general contractor - the person I hire to do the remodel - what changes could be worth making? Or is there some role in between these two extremes? If you are just upda...
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 22, 2024 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?
Replies: 15
Views: 1281

Re: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?

MarkNYC wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:53 am
NYCaviator wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:15 am Doesn’t using an LLC prevent you from claiming any mortgage interest or property tax as a deduction on your taxes?
I think in most cases either a revocable (grantor) trust or single member LLC would be used, because only the use of a disregarded entity preserves the ability to claim a principal residence exclusion upon sale.
Could a joint revocable trust own the LLC and still have full passthrough taxation? In a lot of states the LLCs are totally anonymous assuming you nominate a third party as the registered agent.
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?
Replies: 15
Views: 1281

Re: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?

bsteiner wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:59 am An LLC or a trust (other than a revocable trust) may provide some creditor protection though insurance is generally the first line of defense. Someone concerned about liability can buy an unbrella policy with a high limit.
Doesn’t using an LLC prevent you from claiming any mortgage interest or property tax as a deduction on your taxes?
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?
Replies: 15
Views: 1281

Re: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?

Thanks for the replies  I totally understand trusts for estate planing, but what about the LLC? These are not rental properties. They are owner-occupied primary residences.
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?
Replies: 15
Views: 1281

Use of LLCs and Trusts for Primary Residence - purpose and when?

We were using the assessor's website to get comps for our property taxes and I was shocked to see the number of homes owned in LLCs and trusts. This is in an area where home values are in the 7 to sometimes 8 figure range. I'd say 10-15% of the homes I saw were owned by an individual. Another probably 40% by trusts, and then the reminder by an LLC. These are all single family homes, and I know most of them are owner-occupied.

I know the general wisdom on here is that trusts are overused and often unnecessary. In general, when do LLCs and more complex planning make sense? Why an LLC and not a trust? I don't get the impression all of these folks are upsold by a trust mill.
by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard: "outgoing wires unavailable at this time"? (how do I wire money)
Replies: 3
Views: 486

Vanguard: "outgoing wires unavailable at this time"? (how do I wire money)

I was going to send a wire to myself from Vanguard. When I went into the "transfer money" screen the option to send a wire is grey and says "outgoing wires unavailable at this time" and advises me to use a different transfer method. Any idea how I can get wires enabled without having to call Vanguard?
by NYCaviator
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Largest banks with worst rates....?
Replies: 33
Views: 1808

Re: Largest banks with worst rates....?

UpperNwGuy wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:18 pm
I'm sure there are more reasons that others can add to this list.
7. Technology that works and has a good UX
8. Ability to send wires online without calling

Nearly all small/midsize banks and credit unions don't have the money or manpower to build and maintain a custom website and mobile app, so they utilize one of the 3-4 major third party core vendors, This is why so many banking apps look the same. While these apps are serviceable, they aren't nearly as functional or intuitive as what Chase, Capitol One, Citi, etc. have.

Same for wires. Chase lets you send a wire online. My regional bank? I have to call and deal with their wire department.
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?
Replies: 10
Views: 1184

Re: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?

Could someone knowledgeable chime on whether the following would be worthwhile asking? -Experience with structuring escalating clauses. I think this is also an implicit indication on whether a realtor knows the market. -Experience with helping buyer avoid major money pits. -Experience with helping buyer find "underpriced" properties. It could be worth asking, but at the end of the day brokers are salespeople, so I doubt you'd find anyone who would willingly admit they don't have experience with these things. In terms of avoiding money pits, it would be hard for a realtor to help with that. You definitely want a good inspector (I'm shocked when people buy and waive inspection), and to be personally familiar with the neighborhood. ...
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is sewer insurance advisable when renting a house?
Replies: 18
Views: 1732

Re: Is sewer insurance advisable when renting a house?

InvisibleAerobar wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:37 pm I've called the insurance agency but got voice mail only. Will report back on what I find. Perhaps it's a requirement to getting the umbrella insurance.
Are you sure it isn't sewer backup? I can't imagine any situation where a tenant would be responsible for maintaining a sewer line and it shouldn't have any effect on the ability to get an umbrella (which is liability protection).

If it's sewer backup, ask the agent if it covers contents in the event of a sewer backup or sump pump failure. That could be very important if you have a finished basement or store things in an area where water/sewer could damage it.
by NYCaviator
Wed Mar 20, 2024 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing Xfinity (Comcast) modem
Replies: 39
Views: 3081

Re: Replacing Xfinity (Comcast) modem

Best Buy has a ton of Xfinity options. The boxes will even say that they work with Xfinity. Just make sure you get one that works with your speed tier. I tend to avoid the modem/router combos because modems will last a long time while router tech seems to change over time.

We switched to fiber and now I'm required to "rent" the ISP's modem which is annoying. $10/month but it includes wifi and they'll replace it if something goes wrong.
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?
Replies: 10
Views: 1184

Re: Choosing a Buyer's Broker (Real Estate)?

What kind of questions or credentials would you ask/be looking for, (other than intuition) when looking for a good, competent realtor? What are you looking for a buyer's broker to do? Personally I think 99% of buyer's brokers are useless, but still necessary to get you access to MLS and into properties. Most of them will ask you what area, price range, features, etc. you want and then set up an automatic e-mail from their MLS system that sends you properties that meet your criteria. Then YOU have to sift through and ask the broker to set up showings. They hardly do anything. We fired two brokers before finding a third that was actually helpful during our last purchase. All that being said, there are maybe 1% of brokers who really do have a...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 2397

Re: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?

How often are you staying at Marriott properties now? If not often, then then card probably doesn't make sense.

If you are a frequent business traveler who already stays at Marriott hotels a lot, perhaps it's worth it. But with the exception of Four Seasons, Aman, and Peninsula, big hotel brand names are not a guarantee of quality. That's why I don't like hotel loyalty programs or credit cards. Even formerly upscale hotels like St. Regis and Ritz Carlton have become totally inconsistent under the Marriott brand.

My strategy is to pick a location first, then find the best hotel in whatever price range I want to stay in without regard to brand or loyalty program.
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How does a landline phone decrease my bundle cost
Replies: 52
Views: 3322

Re: How does a landline phone decrease my bundle cost

Called to cancel our landline as it has little use other than ringing and disrupting our dinner as elections come close. We on,y use the phone number as the number given when forced by retailers. How in any normal business operations does cancelling this utility increase the price of our home internet as they are “bundled”. How does the phone or internet company provide a service that’s hardwired and make money when it decreases the cost of the other service which we deem essential. Is this landline service subsidized by government agency and thus incentivizes the phone company to keep number of phone “users” elevated artificially. Do you have a promotional price with your internet company? If so, they probably include the phone line so th...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ethan Allen Furniture
Replies: 32
Views: 3650

Re: Ethan Allen Furniture

It's good stuff, but when we were couch shopping a couple years ago the wait times we were quoted were extremely long so we didn't even bother.

Wait times may have gotten better now that supply chains have (maybe?) gotten better, but one thing that's nice about Ethan Allen is the customization. You can pick fabrics, colors, etc. and have it made for you. But by the time you actually get your couch or chair, furniture tastes and styles will have changed. :D
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?
Replies: 11
Views: 714

Re: Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?

tashnewbie wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:56 am Do you have any space in the 401ks to put more international? From your post, I took it that you currently only have international equity there.
Thanks! I will check those articles out. There doesn't seem to be a ton of clarity on the best location for international.

I do have more space in the 401ks. They are mainly invested in Fidelity SP500 Index, with a small portion of Fidelity Bond Index and Fidelity International Index. So I could sell some SP500 to make more room for international if that's a better spot.
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?
Replies: 11
Views: 714

Re: Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?

muffins14 wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:23 am +1 to the post that VEA and VXUS are not going to create a wash sale
I was selling some older VXUS that lost value, but had purchased more VXUS a couple weeks before, hence I violated the 30 day rule and created a wash sale. That was my fault for not fully understanding the 30 day rule before I TLH'ed.
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?
Replies: 11
Views: 714

Asset location for our international funds, and transitioning to developed?

We maintain a 90/10 overall asset allocation with 30% of equities allocated to international. 401ks: Fidelity International Index Taxable: VXUS and VEA Taxable has more than double the amount of international than our tax deferred accounts. Roth IRAs hold 100% VTSAX. My thinking was that we'd be better off keeping international in taxable for foreign tax credit. But, last year we were in the top federal tax bracket and this year we will be there again, if not very close. In our situation, are we still better off keeping international in taxable, or should I start putting some in tax deferred? If tax deferred, 401k or Roth IRAs? I tried doing some TLH to move VXUS to VEA, but ended up creating a wash sale. :oops: My thinking was that VEA is ...
by NYCaviator
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity: using brokerage for cash savings or open separate account?
Replies: 7
Views: 936

Fidelity: using brokerage for cash savings or open separate account?

Vanguard's cash plus was a huge letdown. I'm thinking of moving our taxable back to Fidelity. I keep a good amount of cash for the emergency fund, quarterly tax payments, and our yearly sinking fund. I'd like to be able to pay the IRS directly from the account, if that's possible (just to avoid having to transfer it).

For those that keep cash at their brokerage, Is it safer to have a second brokerage or CMA to hold the cash, or is it OK to keep it in the same account?
by NYCaviator
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wash sale question for bi-weekly investing.
Replies: 6
Views: 737

Re: Wash sale question for bi-weekly investing.

lakpr wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:50 am Also make sure that you don't have VXUS in any of your IRAs, and/or you haven't bought any VXUS in the IRAs in the past 30 days nor will buy again in the next 30 days. If you do, then the loss that you realize in the taxable account travels to the IRA (the "replacement shares" are found there), and since there is no concept of "basis" in an IRA the loss is permanently disallowed.
I'm wondering if the juice is worth the squeeze for TLH as a do-it-yourself investor. It seems like the wash sale rules are pretty complicated, and even more so when you routinely invest in the same funds every couple of weeks.
by NYCaviator
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sending Copy of Driver License and SS Card by Email Question
Replies: 36
Views: 3743

Re: Sending Copy of Driver License and SS Card by Email Question

No way I'd send it via email. It'll live in your sent folder and someone's email folder for years.

I know someone who ran into the same thing with Barclays. Their tech is pretty dismal so I'd look elsewhere if you need a HYSA. There's no reason someone should need to send in these physical documents in 2024, and certainly no reason a bank should think it's OK to email them. If that's how lax their IT security is, imagine what you can't see...
by NYCaviator
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 64
Views: 3368

Re: navigation system for car

For OP, I think getting a hands free mount for a vent and connecting the phone to bluetooth would be ideal. But please don't use mess with your phone while driving! I see so many people driving around using "hands free mounts" who are just texting away or scrolling. Just because you aren't physically holding the phone doesn't make it legal or safe. :happy Stand-alone and integrated GPS systems just can't compete with Google Maps and Apple Maps. In the future, I wouldn't pay for a navigation package on a car as long as it has Apple Car Play or Android Auto. I remember when the nav systems required CDs or hard drives to update. My current car updates via the car's cellular connection but it still isn't as up to date as Google Maps o...
by NYCaviator
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
Replies: 91
Views: 10129

Re: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?

As a tangent, I don't know what or how independent or other insurance agents get paid and a percentage of premiums and if that is variable or under their control? Does this effect insurance premium and policy quotes? We are with one of the huge national brokers and they sent us a disclosure statement. I'm sure it varies by carrier, but it sounds like the agents generally get paid a commission based on the total premiums written. It seems like they would have an incentive to place you with the more expensive carrier, but (at least with our broker), each year they will send you a presentation with all of the coverage options, prices, etc. and then go over them and answer questions. So it's all pretty transparent and you can check for yoursel...
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6418

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

How often are people actually pulling cash overseas in 2024?

I bring a debit card and a credit card, and if I'm going somewhere remote or less developed, I'll bring $500-$1k in US dollars that I could exchange in a pinch. 99% of the time, I come home with the same amount of cash I brought.

I try to avoid getting foreign currency as much as possible so I'm not left with a bunch of foreign coins and small bills I may never use again. That will add up quicker than paying an occasional FTF or getting a less than ideal exchange rate at a kiosk.
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 33
Views: 2743

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

I tried wearing the Garmin to bed, and ended up taking it off. The rubber strap gets caught on the sheets and every time you roll over and put pressure on your wrist it's uncomfortable.

For those with the Apple Watch, is it more comfortable to wear at night since it's smaller and smoother? Maybe you just get used to having a watch on?

I wish Garmin made a thin wrist band you could wear at night (sort of like Whoop).
by NYCaviator
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8721

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Was going to buy the car cash - but not sure if it’s a financially ruining decision! Buying new because 1-2 years used only offers a 5-6% discount in the current market. I don't think it would be a financially ruining event, but I also don't think it's smart to drop 100k on a car with your income and at your age. Some things to consider: 1. You're currently renting (nothing wrong with that), but do you have plans to buy eventually? If so, I'd rather keep more cash for an eventual down payment. You can still get a nice car for 50-60k but save the rest. 2. The x3 M is not a "mainstream" car, hence why the discount for slightly used is so small. If you look at a standard x3, even fully loaded, the discount for slightly used will be ...
by NYCaviator
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture prices... is this normal?
Replies: 60
Views: 10074

Re: Furniture prices... is this normal?

Rich? Pottery Barn, Basset, or Room & Board We've had some Pottery Barn and Room & Board stuff and I was not impressed. I think a lot of these big brands are still made in the same overseas factories that make the stuff Wayfair, etc. sells (you know the dining room sets that look exactly the same but are sold under 15 different brands). I think you are paying for the name with PB and R&B. Don't lump Room & Board in with Pottery Barn and West Elm. West Elm is the Walmart of furniture stores. Terrible quality. Room & Board furniture is made in the United States and is much better quality than West Elm or Pottery Barn. We have lots of Room and Board furniture and it all looks and works like brand new. I’ll agree that R&...