Search found 176 matches

by hookemhorns
Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51754

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:24 pm
hookemhorns wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:09 pm Are there any deals on TurboTax online? I haven’t used the downloaded version in years and would prefer to stick with the cloud version.
The online version is not a product you buy ahead of time. All fees are assigned at completion. There are lots of companies who offer a sort of discount on it by accessing via their site / portal. Many of the popular brokers will have similar links during tax season. It won't beat the download price (by a long shot), but better than full retail pricing, I guess.
Useful info, thanks.
by hookemhorns
Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51754

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

Are there any deals on TurboTax online? I haven’t used the downloaded version in years and would prefer to stick with the cloud version.
by hookemhorns
Sat Dec 16, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs
Replies: 22
Views: 2354

Re: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs

jbowman wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 3:19 pm Hard to see how that displaces traditional credit cards for anything except large purchases. No one is BNPLing at the grocery or gas station are they?
Actually BNPL is starting to be offered at checkout for groceries. The BNPL companies are also beginning to offer their own version of cards. Your point is fair that below a certain $ amount BNPL has less of a role to play, but if you think about the total $ amount a consumer spends per year it tends to be in larger purchases rather than the $5 they spend at Starbucks or 7-11.
by hookemhorns
Sat Dec 16, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs
Replies: 22
Views: 2354

Re: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs

jbowman wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:45 pm
What is the advantage here for merchants? Do they not charge merchant fees to facilitate the payment? If not, how are they making money?
Adding BNPL as a payment option drives significantly higher conversion (aka $$$ sales) for the merchant than just accepting credit cards. Merchants are therefore willing to pay more to the BNPL provider in exchange for higher conversion.
by hookemhorns
Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs
Replies: 22
Views: 2354

Re: Any experts on Buy Now, Pay Later? Let’s discuss advantages/tradeoffs

Let’s just say that I’m VERY familiar with one of these companies ;)

The TLDR answer is that the average boglehead who is high income and cares about cash back is not the target customer for BNPL. However, BNPL is a far superior alternative for the average American that typically runs a balance on their cards.

Over the long term I believe BNPL will displace the traditional credit card industry. It’s simply a better wheel for both consumers and merchants and BNPl will keep taking market share from cards.
by hookemhorns
Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question regarding upgrading to first class on American Airlines
Replies: 23
Views: 5062

Re: Question regarding upgrading to first class on American Airlines

River in Sight wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 2:09 am Make sure you have the AA app on your phone and can view your reservation in it. Typically the app will offer buy-ups to first class. Sometimes the prices are crazy but you can often find a good deal. That’s your best bet at this point. Typically by day of departure, all seats in first will be gone so it can be hard to upgrade at the airport (although sometimes possible).
THIS. I fly exclusively on AA for work and use this trick. If you pick the right flights (first class not too full) they will offer you upgrades in-app for $100-300. Just keep checking your flight in app and the upgrade offers will show up.
by hookemhorns
Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to determine the cost basis for stocks with no records?
Replies: 23
Views: 3526

Re: How to determine the cost basis for stocks with no records?

The low point for the stocks you mentioned in the aftermath of the dotcom bust might as well be near zero cost basis compared to where they are now.

Worth doing some more research. I would start by asking the brokerage you have them at now where you transferred the shares in from.
by hookemhorns
Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
Replies: 91
Views: 10123

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

Yes ours has gone up but in line with what I would estimate is the fair value of the house.

I suggest raising your deductible as high as you can afford. We have a 25k deductible and that knocked a lot off the premium. Too many people with low deductible plans are basically using insurance to get a “free” new roof every 5-10 years through hail claims, which drives up the premium for everyone.
by hookemhorns
Sun Jul 16, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 San Francisco, 1 day stay
Replies: 78
Views: 8268

Re: 2023 San Francisco, 1 day stay

I visit SF several times per year for work. I take the Bart, stay downtown, and have never been robbed or had any problems. It’s arguably the most beautiful mid/large city in the US. I think some people on here have been watching too much of a certain “news” channel.
by hookemhorns
Mon Jun 12, 2023 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell Condo After Steep Decline?
Replies: 31
Views: 3997

Re: Sell Condo After Steep Decline?

How much could you rent it for?
by hookemhorns
Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Greece trip March
Replies: 16
Views: 1692

Re: Greece trip March

We rented a car for one day in Santorini to visit the southern part of the island (Akrotiri) and some wineries. If you’re only planning to visit Oia and Thira you absolutely do not need a car. There’s a bus that runs regularly between the two towns and plenty of taxis even in the off-season. There is also very little parking in the towns themselves, so I recommend against a multi day rental.
by hookemhorns
Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Greece trip March
Replies: 16
Views: 1692

Re: Greece trip March

The wife and I did this exact trip last year. Thoughts: - it will be cold. In fact it slightly snowed in Athens while we were there. Pack accordingly. - we spent four nights in Athens which felt about right. Unlike Rome, Paris, or London the list of worthwhile attractions rapidly diminishes after 3 days of playing tourist. I would definitely not spend more than 5 days there. - we spent two nights in Delphi. In some ways it was cool because we had the entire Delphi site to ourselves and the views were incredible. However, it was a long drive and not sure it was the best use of time. - we spent two nights in Santorini and loved it. It was warm enough that we could sit outside in the sun and enjoy. If you’re looking for couple time and just wa...
by hookemhorns
Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?
Replies: 69
Views: 9507

Re: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?

Our rate works out to about ~$30/hr including the maid's Christmas bonus. She provides all of the cleaning supplies. If you're using an agency I recommend cutting out the middleman and working directly with a person you trust. The agency takes a large cut of what you pay them, for not much in return.
by hookemhorns
Thu Nov 25, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Edward Jones - outrage of the week
Replies: 44
Views: 10080

Re: Edward Jones - outrage of the week

UpsetRaptor wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:09 pm When I was with them, commission for individual stocks was 2.5% on both the buying and selling side (so 5% total).
:shock: That’s highway robbery considering most brokers don’t even charge commissions anymore.
by hookemhorns
Sat Nov 06, 2021 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: vanguard website changes now can't log in (is it just me?)
Replies: 27
Views: 2521

Re: vanguard website changes now can't log in (is it just me?)

I’ve had had the same issue the original poster describes when trying to log in with chrome. I usually have to refresh a few times until the button actually works.
by hookemhorns
Sat Sep 11, 2021 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Job Search Difficulty - Any Advice?
Replies: 15
Views: 2942

Re: Job Search Difficulty - Any Advice?

I work in financial services and changed fields midcareer to one of those that he mentioned. My advice to him is: - he should narrow down what he's looking for and focus on that. Fintech vs. private equity vs. data analytics are totally different fields. This ambiguity suggests to me that he doesn't know what he wants, other than to leave his current job. - the vast majority of jobs, especially at the midlevel in financial services, are filled via connections and networking. Randomly applying online is like sending your resume to a black hole. Hence his 80 applications and 6 interviews. - the geographical question is important. If he's not in a major city he should consider relocating. - on paper, his situation sounds perfect for using a MB...
by hookemhorns
Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "If you don't have at least a million dollars in your 401k by 40..."
Replies: 79
Views: 9581

Re: "If you don't have at least a million dollars in your 401k by 40..."

The execs in the meeting were arrogant but from personal experience it’s definitely possible. My firm offers a 15% match up to 285k of income and I top that off to hit the max annual contribution of 59k.
by hookemhorns
Fri Aug 27, 2021 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job offer
Replies: 54
Views: 7336

Re: Job offer

Do you take anywhere near 8 weeks of PTO currently? That's an amazingly generous policy. I don't know how I would even use that much.

Love your username by the way :D
by hookemhorns
Fri Aug 27, 2021 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Protracted Collision Repair -- Best Strategy?
Replies: 7
Views: 871

Re: Protracted Collision Repair -- Best Strategy?

Why not just take the car and drop it off later when they have the part? It's a broken blind spot sensor, not a broken seatbelt or airbag. The auto parts shortage is legit and your insurance only covers so many days of rental cars. Seems like you're making this too complicated.
by hookemhorns
Fri Aug 27, 2021 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy Home With Cash VS Getting A Mortgage (for well off, self-made 34 year old)
Replies: 28
Views: 3908

Re: Buy Home With Cash VS Getting A Mortgage (for well off, self-made 34 year old)

This has been debated many, many times on previous threads so give those a read. Personally, I went with the mortgage option. Why? - I like the optionality of having extra savings/investments set aside instead of locked up in home equity. - Mortgage rates are extremely low and basically a free call option on higher inflation if you go fixed rate. - I could always change my mind later and pay off the mortgage, but the opposite wasn't true (true, could do a cash-out refi, but they're expensive). - Over the long term, my investment portfolio should return more than my mortgage which has a low 2% interestrate. Many relatives and friends called me crazy and pounded the table for me to pay down the mortgage because "I would sleep better at n...
by hookemhorns
Fri Jun 04, 2021 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unable to rent out condo due to new rules - any point in keeping for the equity?
Replies: 36
Views: 4819

Re: Unable to rent out condo due to new rules - any point in keeping for the equity?

Regardless of the HOA I would probably sell just to be done with it. No way I would want to be an international landlord unless I had some emotional attachment to the condo.

If you want to keep it for whatever reason, you should consult with an attorney about the legality of what the HOA has done. Restricting the rental of the unit has diminished its value. There could be some legal outs here depending upon local law.
by hookemhorns
Sat May 15, 2021 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage refinance advice
Replies: 7
Views: 1071

Re: Mortgage refinance advice

Check out bankrate.com and the lenders mentioned in the mortgage refi thread. 4.375% is really high. You should be able to get a much better rate, probably in the low 3s and maybe even high 2s, once your down payment is >= 20%.

I don’t think your credit score is holding you back that much. Low 700s is pretty good. You probably got killed on the first mortgage due to the low down payment.
by hookemhorns
Sat May 08, 2021 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LenderFi: Who did they sell your mortgage to?
Replies: 62
Views: 8181

Re: LenderFi: Who did they sell your mortgage to?

Our servicer is Wells, not sure who they sold it to.
by hookemhorns
Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Exit Interview
Replies: 100
Views: 13671

Re: Job Exit Interview

I would politely decline it. There’s nothing to be gained and only downside risk. If you’re in good terms with your manager you could provide off the record feedback to them over lunch or coffee.
by hookemhorns
Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help With Mechanics of Schwab Mutual Funds->VG ETF
Replies: 3
Views: 661

Re: Help With Mechanics of Schwab Mutual Funds->VG ETF

If you want to make the transaction you are correct that you need to sell, wait for the funds to settle (2 business days), then buy the ETFs. I’m not sure what the advantage would really be though.

The Schwab funds you mentioned are very similar to the Vangaurd funds you would be buying into. There are no tax advantages to holding an ETF vs mutual fund in a tax deferred account.
by hookemhorns
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment
Replies: 91
Views: 12354

Re: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment

JonnyDVM wrote: Fri Apr 09, 2021 9:39 pm Assuming this wasn’t disclosed, if title insurance isn’t good for this, I’m not sure what it’s good for. All of us have wasted hundreds of dollars or more on title insurance whenever we buy a house. It’s time someone filed an actual claim for the rest of us.
Title insurance is a huge ripoff and this situation will likely prove that again. Title “insurers” are the only insurers out there that pay out <5% of premiums in claims.
by hookemhorns
Sat Apr 10, 2021 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 50277

Re: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?

Filed last weekend and just received my refund overnight so less than a week. Definitely the fastest I’ve ever received it.
by hookemhorns
Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: FSMAX Shows 6% Loss Today?
Replies: 39
Views: 3747

Re: FSMAX Shows 6% Loss Today?

Ajcorpus wrote: Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:52 pm Forgive the ignorance, trying to learn from you all here - but how does this distribution translate to tax inefficiency in a taxable account ?
Now he gets to pay capital gains tax on that 5% distribution, which means he just lost 55bps+ worth of value.
by hookemhorns
Fri Apr 09, 2021 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment
Replies: 91
Views: 12354

Re: In-Laws' HOA demanding $8000 lumpsum payment

Conceptually this is the type of thing that title insurance should cover, so I would give them a call. For $8k, it’s worth consulting with a real estate attorney after that if the title insurer won’t cover it.
by hookemhorns
Mon Apr 05, 2021 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy for having a high deductible?
Replies: 18
Views: 2486

Re: Am I crazy for having a high deductible?

$25k deductible here. I would never file a claim for a non-catastrophic damage for the reasons mentioned by other posters. Just received our renewal notice and the premium is 2.1k. The quotes I received for similar coverage but a 5k deductible were 3.3-5k.

Insurance companies are in business to make money. They simply project your expected losses over a given time period, add in a profit and uncertainty margin, and discount it all back to arrive at your premium. It’s basically the inverse of a loan except you’re paying them upfront instead of the other way around.
by hookemhorns
Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I opt for deferred compensation ? seeking advise
Replies: 31
Views: 4129

Re: Should I opt for deferred compensation ? seeking advise

Actually, I would think the opposite regarding whether to do this when you're close to retirement. I think these work best when you're pretty sure that this is the last company you're going to work for before retirement and you're pretty sure that, post retirement, you'll be in a lower tax bracket. Cheers. I hadn't fully thought of it that way (still a long ways from retirement :D ), but from a tax deferral perspective, it's better to start earlier just like with a traditional IRA or 401k and let the gains compound. My takeaway from the relatively brief experience I had was that's it's more trouble than it's worth unless you are in the top 1-2 tax brackets + in a high tax state. Neither was true for me, but as you mentioned there are defin...
by hookemhorns
Sun Apr 04, 2021 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I opt for deferred compensation ? seeking advise
Replies: 31
Views: 4129

Re: Should I opt for deferred compensation ? seeking advise

I wouldn’t fool with it if you’re planning to retire in 5 years.

The tax gains in your situation are not that big. There’s also risk that 1) your employer goes bust - low I know 2) your employer is acquired or otherwise shuts the plan. The latter happened to me and resulted in the one time distribution of years of contributions with the associated tax hit.
by hookemhorns
Fri Jan 08, 2021 10:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: US Stocks: Is anyone else facepalming right now?
Replies: 48
Views: 5662

Re: US Stocks: Is anyone else facepalming right now?

It really is starting to feel like a bubble, especially in certain stocks like TSLA. I mean is TSLA really worth nearly $1 trillion, or more than the rest of the entire auto industry combined? I love their product but the auto industry isn't going to converge to a monopoly or something. It's hard to see how this ends well, feels like there is a ton of small investors rushing into certain stocks because of FOMO and apps like Robinhood.
by hookemhorns
Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082018

Re: Share your net worth progression

I thought I'd post mine. I rebased the amounts to start at 100 since I'm not comfortable sharing the absolute numbers. 2009 | Rebased to 100 <-- First year working, starting with decent savings pie and saved as aggressively as possible on a high XXk income 2010 | Not sure didn't track 2011 | Not sure didn't track 2012 | 489 2013 | 568 2014 | 671 <-- in grad school, but portfolio went up due to market 2015 | 612 <-- in grad school, had to draw more heavily on portfolio 2016 | 834 <-- back to work, nice income increase to XXXk 2017 | 1212 2018 | 1311 <-- finally "got religion" on passive investing at year end after missing out on market gains due to stupid investments 2019 | 1790 2020 | 2326 Lessons learned: - Savings rate is the #1...
by hookemhorns
Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082018

Re: Share your net worth progression

2004 |$167K | 22 2005 | $210K |23 2006 | $255K | 24 2007 | $389K | 25 2008 | $432K | 26 2009 | $501K | 27 2010 | $587K | 28 2011 | $1MM | 29 <= IPO 2012 | $1.6MM |30 2013 | $1.9MM |31 2014 | $2.1MM |32 2015 | $2.4MM |33 2016 | $2.5MM | 34 2017 | $2.9MM | 35 2018 | $2.7MM |36 2019 | $3.2MM |37 2020 | $10.3MM | 38 <= IPO NW excludes value of house. Got lucky, work in tech and had a great year due to long awaited IPO (almost 10 years). One more company I used to work at hopefully to go public in the next year or two. Gains in the other years primarily driven by long held positions in big tech: https://i.imgur.com/gGkNLdC.png Man that is simply phenomenal! Just curious, is the one with a 48,000% gain one that you worked at / got options? Well ...
by hookemhorns
Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Relocation to Houston, Texas from SF Bay - Advice
Replies: 102
Views: 11023

Re: Relocation to Houston, Texas from SF Bay - Advice

I spent quite a number of years in Houston and also lived in the Bay for a shorter period of time. If I had $6mn net worth, the last place I would move to is Houston. The weather is miserably hot and humid, the city has a horrible sprawl problem compounded by the lack of zoning laws, and natural beauty is nonexistent. Moving from the Bay Area to Houston when you're already financially independent -- all I can do is LOL, it would be crazy. It sounds like your wife's career ambitions are the main reason for the move. That's a good motivation. Surely there are other opportunities in the Bay or other attractive cities where she can "level up." I would figure out how to balance her career with where you want to live and totally leave m...
by hookemhorns
Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1277052

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Adding my numbers:

Loanflight
Conventional 30yr fixed @ 2.375%
No points, but I bear the standard closing costs
Locked in early November
Scheduled to close by YE

I received quotes from 8 lenders and this was the best I could find. Loan Cabin was teasing a slight lender credit at the same rate, but they stopped responding to my emails so I stuck with Loanflight.
by hookemhorns
Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career decision - advice needed
Replies: 11
Views: 1785

Re: Career decision - advice needed

Two main questions: 1) How much do you have in non-retirement savings in case you get "re-forloughed"? 2) How quickly does your dream job want you to return? Personally, I would try to pursue option #3 and push for some time to see how things play out. You shouldn't mention that as your motivation, but instead say that you need some time to leave your current role in a responsible manner (i.e. wrapping up a big project, have a lot of responsibilities so need to give 1-2 months notice, have a vacation booked over Xmas and New Years so can't start immediately, whatever). We're coming up on holiday season so most companies won't expect or even want you to start in late December. Having multiple vaccines available in the next weeks/mo...
by hookemhorns
Mon Nov 09, 2020 8:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A return of the Roaring 20s?
Replies: 37
Views: 6441

Re: A return of the Roaring 20s?

Who knows but this feels like it could be the 90s all over again. Stable government, huge scientific advances in short periods of time, few existential threats to peace and prosperity. I'm loving it. :sharebeer
by hookemhorns
Sun Nov 08, 2020 3:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where would you be if you had invested like a Boglehead from the beginning?
Replies: 107
Views: 10136

Re: Where would you be if you had invested like a Boglehead from the beginning?

Probably a few 100k more. Not life changing, but enough to be mad about and probably pushed out FI by 2 years. Thankfully we always had good savings habits so are doing well overall.

What makes me mad is that the industry is allowed to operate like this. If any other industry robbed their customers blind like the mutual fund and financial advisor complex they would be investigated and hauled before congress. There are still 10s of millions of Americans being screwed by this charade.
by hookemhorns
Mon Nov 02, 2020 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Else Feel Broke Trying to Maintain a High Savings Rate?
Replies: 114
Views: 13803

Re: Anyone Else Feel Broke Trying to Maintain a High Savings Rate?

Assuming your mortgage payment includes tax and insurance it's quite reasonable. If it doesn't, then the equation gets tighter depending upon just how high your tax and property insurance are.

Either way, a 30% savings rate on 65k income would be very difficult in most parts of the country. Certain costs of living are largely fixed (i.e. utilities, insurance, healthcare, basic groceries) and these will eat into a meaningful part of a 65k income. I think I could achieve it, barely, in my MCOL city if I were single. Definitely not if married and/or kids.
by hookemhorns
Sat Oct 31, 2020 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: husband wants to move to HCOL state
Replies: 133
Views: 8758

Re: husband wants to move to HCOL state

Life’s too short to live in New Jersey. Make the move and give it a try.
by hookemhorns
Tue Sep 29, 2020 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC refrigerant leak issue
Replies: 17
Views: 1575

Re: HVAC refrigerant leak issue

:idea:
JackRam wrote: Sat Sep 26, 2020 11:02 pm He didn't think the drain pipe was clogged, but offered drain cleanup service for $300.
Find a new HVAC tech immediately. You are being quoted rip off prices.
by hookemhorns
Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worst financial decision that you were able to turn around and make it into a positive?
Replies: 14
Views: 2273

Re: Worst financial decision that you were able to turn around and make it into a positive?

About a decade ago I had my entire IRA invested in 2-3 mutual funds at a midsized "value" investment manager that charged a 1.2-1.4% management fee for the privilege. Their funds performed horribly while the market roared back after the 2008 crisis. I don't know how they could have lost money in U.S. small caps in 2009+, but they did. Not that it mattered to my IRA, but they also somehow managed to generate taxable distributions despite losing money overall.

It took me almost five years to finally cut bait and move to index funds. While the dollar amount was not large, the performance differtial probably added up to 2-3x over time. My IRA now matches the broad global equity market and I'm ok with that. :sharebeer
by hookemhorns
Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to discuss with HR that I live in multiple places...
Replies: 28
Views: 4424

Re: How to discuss with HR that I live in multiple places...

You mentioned that you travel quite a bit and stay at ST rentals - are those all within the same state? If you’re splitting time across multiple states it could get very complex for tax purposes which HR probably wouldn’t like.

If it’s all within the same state, just give HR whatever address you use when filing your taxes and registering to vote and don’t volunteer too much info about your travels. I would avoid using a UPS location or similar, that might be considered deceptive especially if HR finds out about it later.

If in doubt you should call HR and ask. Better to CYA than give them something to use against you later.
by hookemhorns
Mon Aug 31, 2020 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELP with any advice for dealing with Paypal.
Replies: 25
Views: 1844

Re: HELP with any advice for dealing with Paypal.

How did you find/transact with the buyer? eBay, Craigslist, another platform?

This is most likely a scam so I wouldn't expect the buyer to care about a refund offer. Unfortunately, the payment companies are notorious for siding with buyers in chargeback disputes, so you may not have much recourse. What does PayPal say when you present your side of the story?
by hookemhorns
Sun Aug 30, 2020 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082018

Re: Share your net worth progression

It's interesting how this thread is revived when the market reaches all-time highs and goes silent for long periods when the market dips. Perhaps a contrarian indicator, not that anybody should try to time the market :D
by hookemhorns
Sun Aug 30, 2020 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time considering AirBnB or VRBO
Replies: 23
Views: 2241

Re: First time considering AirBnB or VRBO

We've used AirBnb about 20 times in multiple cities + international and only had one bad experience. So yes, I recommend it. To your questions: When renting through either VRBO or AirBnB, is there any advice you would offer me based on past experiences, lessons learned the hard way, etc. Do’s and don’ts, things to watch out for, etc. - only book rentals that have several reviews. No need for you to be the first mover / guinea pig. - I wouldn't book anything rated less than 4.5 stars. Even less than 4.7 can be a red flag. - read the reviews carefully, particularly recent reviews. They can provide context that a 4-star rating does not. For example, maybe the A/C doesn't work well, or the house is dirty or in a noisy location. Most people won'...
by hookemhorns
Sun Aug 30, 2020 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just found my dream home/offer accepted, need lending ASAP and have important questions, you're my main resource
Replies: 91
Views: 8089

Re: Just found my dream home/offer accepted, need lending ASAP and have important questions, you're my main resource

To answer OP's questions: 1. Are there any lenders you'd recommend I add to my list above to call and get rates from? The list you mentioned is good. The main challenge will be finding a lender that can close on a relatively short timeline. You might end up paying a slightly higher rate to accomplish this. As another poster mentioned, a mortgage broker might be able to help with this. 2. I'm learning lenders often have different interest rates, you can "pay more" with points, to get a lower interest rate. Given that it's a big $1.2m loan and I'll live there long, it's probably in my interest to pay for the lowest interest rate they can give me, am I correct? It's a pretty simple calculation to figure out how long it will take you ...