Search found 1436 matches
- Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS refunded to checking, not to iBonds
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3114
Re: IRS refunded to checking, not to iBonds
I once didn't get I-Bonds because of some minor discrepancy of a few dollars / cents. very frustrating. basically unless everything in the return is "perfect" reality is the calculation is just very sensitive to any imperfection that throws off the IT and business processes.
- Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
- Replies: 219
- Views: 25579
Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
That is roughly the balance we have struck. Largely DIY but an occasional consultation with a fee only advisor can pay dividends and provide occasional sanity check.MostlyABogleHead wrote: ↑Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:20 am I meet a fee only financial advisor (someone who is well known to Bogleheads) once a year, and get advice on fund placements, investments and potential large expenses that’s in the horizon. This has helped in giving me confidence in the decisions that I am making for large purchases and investment decisions.
- Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Investment property in different city i.e. remote investment property
- Replies: 10
- Views: 575
Re: Investment property in different city i.e. remote investment property
biggerpockets
I am also in the camp to just call, park money in VTI, and 'chill'. Even with property mgmt company as an intermediary, I still found myself dreading having to address issues.
- Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: deduct property survey as expense for rental?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 208
Re: deduct property survey as expense for rental?
I am neither accountant or lawyer. I would deduct it. Worst case IMHO is there is an audit and IRS disagrees it is a valid expense. But even if IRS disagrees, this was not such a crazy / far-fetched interpretation so as to arouse suspicion of intentional defrauding of the system. Rather an incorrect yet arguably reasonable / interpretation of the tax code.
- Wed Mar 20, 2024 3:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
- Replies: 219
- Views: 25579
Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
For me absolutely. The only money I've lost in the market is from missed opportunity / overly conservative investments. Years ago I took an honest look in the rearview mirror at places where my portfolio was too conservative and significantly bumped up equities. Wasn't speculation but an honest adjustment to what was more appropriate for my age and needs / financial situation.
Relevant quote here from Peter Lynch: “Far more money has been lost by investors preparing for corrections, or trying to anticipate corrections, than has been lost in corrections themselves.”
- Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
- Replies: 219
- Views: 25579
Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
mega back door roth. don't know if it truly qualifies as "game-changing" but I see several high-income people looking for convoluted / 'magical' tax schemes whilst overlooking the $50-$60k (whatever the number is today) you can put into mega back door roth.
in fact several CPA's / tax preparers and financial planners did not proactively mention this. perhaps hyperbolic but to not suggest looking into it for a high income earner is almost malpractice. and testament to the advice acquired through this forum vs 'professionals.'
in fact several CPA's / tax preparers and financial planners did not proactively mention this. perhaps hyperbolic but to not suggest looking into it for a high income earner is almost malpractice. and testament to the advice acquired through this forum vs 'professionals.'
- Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: College degree worthwhile for marketing?
- Replies: 124
- Views: 8472
Re: College degree worthwhile for marketing?
+1 for finishing the degree. She's got support from OP (529) and Pell Grant. Despite the headlines many jobs still require a 4-year degree. My suspicion (purely speculative, no hard evidence) this is more of a corporate moral posturing than anything else. Way too far along to throw in the towel now. Pickup some math / data science type courses (pending availability, student aptitude / interest) to see if she can have a quantitative bend to her marketing skillset. I don't see a compelling reason why she can't still pursue the realtor route right now or in near future. Again just SO close with financial support a shame to throw it away. I'm all for re-thinking the 'default' assumption that college is right for everybody, many cases the ROI is...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2662
Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
In case it matters - I want a tear down. So am not worried about foundation, roof, plumbing etc...
Just being a novice when it comes to building, can't say with serious confidence that the lot is buildable for a new construction house. Until I get some professional due diligence.
Just being a novice when it comes to building, can't say with serious confidence that the lot is buildable for a new construction house. Until I get some professional due diligence.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2662
Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
If it was a pocket listing - implying that future listings could be pocket as well, what is the incentive of anyone to share this coveted information with a 'random' such as myself? I guess if I am working with a local realtor they have to incentive of getting a commission. But if the land is that sought after, won't they also have standing relationships / repeat business with builders and the like who will also pay a commission?
What I am getting at - what is practically actionable for a non full time investor (just looking for a plot of land for the family)?
What I am getting at - what is practically actionable for a non full time investor (just looking for a plot of land for the family)?
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2662
No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
Piece of land (with an older house on it - has all utilities) went under contract in about 12 hours over asking price from being listed. No contingency. Close in sought after suburb with top schools.
How is this possible? Do developers pre-analyze every parcel in key areas? Do they have processes and connections to look at all aspects (zoning, setbacks, liens, taxes up to date, soil composition etc...) in a few hours? Or somebody says - well if there's a house there already in an established neighborhood, that's good enough?
How is this possible? Do developers pre-analyze every parcel in key areas? Do they have processes and connections to look at all aspects (zoning, setbacks, liens, taxes up to date, soil composition etc...) in a few hours? Or somebody says - well if there's a house there already in an established neighborhood, that's good enough?
- Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When/Why would you need Trust over Will
- Replies: 97
- Views: 6836
Re: When/Why would you need Trust over Will
My layman's understanding is that an overarching reason to have a trust is to avoid probate. Will vary by state and personal situation, to what extent the benefits of a trust exceed the cost and effort.
- Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Please eval my mortgage
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2029
Re: Please eval my mortgage
Were there any points to get the 5.99% mortgage? Can't find it but maybe I don't see it.
That is a good rate as of today, no? Or because it is a 15 year mortgage?
That is a good rate as of today, no? Or because it is a 15 year mortgage?
- Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Epic Pass Clarifications: Northeast Value
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3275
Re: Epic Pass Clarifications: Northeast Value
Looking for clarifications on the Epic Pass Northeast Value option https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Northeast-Value-Pass.aspx. Answers from off-shore call center have not been confidence inspiring, hence polling the Bogleheads brain trust. 1. Is a “Tot Pass”, for ages 5 and 6, really only $41? Not complaining, but this is not listed on the website but rather only relayed to me over the phone. 2. Will prices increase after April 21, the day after which the 10 buddy passes are no longer granted? Trying to understand if all that is gained by buying early are the buddy passes, or if you are also locking in a lower price. 3. If I select the pay only $49 now option (residual amount billed in September), if I decide – say in August – I don’t want ...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
- Replies: 111
- Views: 12267
- Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GE Dryer Stopped Mid-Cycle and Leaked Water
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2099
GE Dryer Stopped Mid-Cycle and Leaked Water
GE Dryer (gtd65ebsj3ws) stopped mid cycle and started to leak some water from bottom. Tons of lint that could be cleared out but requires removal of several panels per some video I found on youtube. Makes a clicking sound upon pressing "start" but nothing happens after that.
Is it worth trying to clean this thing out myself or just call repair guy?
Is it worth trying to clean this thing out myself or just call repair guy?
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
- Replies: 7
- Views: 818
Re: FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
Another question, admittedly harder to answer without the specifics. Both state returns are generating an unexpectedly large refund. Any immediate thoughts come to mind?
Maybe I just need to diagnose myself as the 'symptom' is pretty vague unto itself. But thought I'd check.
Maybe I just need to diagnose myself as the 'symptom' is pretty vague unto itself. But thought I'd check.
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
- Replies: 7
- Views: 818
Re: FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
Thanks All. Entering a second state on the original W-2 did the trick.
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
- Replies: 7
- Views: 818
FreeTaxUSA: entering two W-2s from same employer, each for different states
Asking about a W-2 employee who moved states mid-year. Employer provided two W-2's, one for each state, and both have the full year Wages (Box 1) and Federal income tax withheld (Box 2). The State (Box 15) and subsequent fields are as expected.
After entering W-2 #1 into FreeTaxUSA a federal refund is determined. After entering W-2 #2 into FreeTaxUSA, a federal amount owed is determined due to the progressive nature of the tax math.
And so the question: does this sound like user error / I need to do something differently with the FreeTaxUSA software? I am thinking this is most likely, though always possible there could be an error in the W-2 itself.
After entering W-2 #1 into FreeTaxUSA a federal refund is determined. After entering W-2 #2 into FreeTaxUSA, a federal amount owed is determined due to the progressive nature of the tax math.
And so the question: does this sound like user error / I need to do something differently with the FreeTaxUSA software? I am thinking this is most likely, though always possible there could be an error in the W-2 itself.
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 7:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: NYT Rent vs. Buy Calculator - 2019 / 2020 Tax Code Changes Reflected?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 583
Re: NYT Mortgage Calculator - 2019 / 2020 Tax Code Changes Reflected?
Great point and you've identified a flaw even in my original post from months ago. Should have said rent vs. buy.toddthebod wrote: ↑Wed Feb 14, 2024 7:33 amThis one? https://www.nytimes.com/section/realest ... calculatorDarkHelmetII wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 2:58 pm Apologies if this is already covered, could not find in search I completed.
Does the New York Times mortgage calculator (or any for that matter) consider the 2019 / 2020 tax code changes? For example if I have $30k of interest to deduct but my standard deduction was going to otherwise be $25,000, does the calculator "value" the interest deduction at $5,000 or $30,000?
I don't see any consideration of income taxes whatsoever, whether before or after tax law changes.
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: NYT Rent vs. Buy Calculator - 2019 / 2020 Tax Code Changes Reflected?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 583
Re: NYT Mortgage Calculator - 2019 / 2020 Tax Code Changes Reflected?
Bump / rephrasing the question. Any calculators out there that explicitly break out the standard deduction, interest deduction cap (I think $750k), $10k cap on real estate taxes? Can't find one that does this yet would be shocked if it does not exist somewhere.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence
- Replies: 63
- Views: 4969
Re: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence
Given relatively fixed rent (not sure how / why but will accept it as 'fact') I'd stay put.
Arguably one of the bigger non-financial benefits to home ownership is not disrupting kids schools but with only one on the way you have several years before this becomes top concern. Maybe save buying only in a no brauner opportunity.
Arguably one of the bigger non-financial benefits to home ownership is not disrupting kids schools but with only one on the way you have several years before this becomes top concern. Maybe save buying only in a no brauner opportunity.
- Sat Feb 10, 2024 2:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sell home or keep?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1061
- Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Quit or stay at my job while searching.
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2114
Re: Quit or stay at my job while searching.
+1 just coast in current job. don't quit. worst case (unless you royally mess up and get fired for cause) you get laid off and then potentially get severance + unemployment.
- Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career Advice
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1203
Re: Career Advice
Pickup a data science language like Python and build economic / predictive models for healthcare. of course this is a very deep and narrow suggestion. My point is that there is demand for people with certain skillsets that can be learned during nights, weekends etc... while maintaining a low stress day job to pay bills in the short-term.
- Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: approaching owner of de-listed property: am I overthinking?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 689
approaching owner of de-listed property: am I overthinking?
I want to walk the lot of a property with a GC (for a prospective teardown / house build) that was de-listed from the MLS before the Holidays. The listing agent showed me the property just before being de-listed. Is there any reason to contact the (previous) listing agent vs. going direct to the owner? Maybe I am over-analyzing the situation. I am not working with a buyer's agent. Reasons to contact listing agent - Might be easier to coordinate (not sure how I will get owner contact information, I guess one could always use snail mail) - If the objective of cutting out the listing agent is to save on seller's commission, that may be a moot point assuming the listing agent-seller contract has a stipulation the seller still owes commission fo...
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 3:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I don't need renters insurance, do I?
- Replies: 72
- Views: 6533
Re: I don't need renters insurance, do I?
+1 for liability. Modest physical possessions does not insulate you from six or seven digit liability/ lawsuits.
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:37 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Health Insurance "Selective Hearing" with claims processing
- Replies: 9
- Views: 891
Re: Health Insurance "Selective Hearing" with claims processing
What's the issue? I mean, is OP getting bills from the hospital for the charges that not yet run through insurance? If that is the case I'd definitely get on top of it. But if the in-network hospital hasn't even submitted claims to the insurer, that's their problem and it does not become OP's problem until claims are denied and/or hospital starts asking for $$ directly from OP without insurer having adjudicated in-network benefits.
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 1:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Excessive Urgent Care Medical Bill - What options do I have?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1624
Re: Excessive Urgent Care Medical Bill - What options do I have?
Another avenue - offer them $300 (or whatever # you want). They may be quicker to negotiate than you expect. Maybe not. But basically there is little downside to making them an offer. Also - about insurance company saying you are on your own ... I may suggest that may not necessarily be the case. Emergency care typically will be covered at in-network rates even if by provided by an out of network provider. Now, if this happened before / after recent "surprise billing" legislation that may make it easier or harder to make the case. But even if before legislation changes - how "official" was the declaration from the insurer that you are on your own? I mean, was this some Level 1 call center rep 3 months on the job or a sea...
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 1:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Excessive Urgent Care Medical Bill - What options do I have?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1624
Re: Excessive Urgent Care Medical Bill - What options do I have?
1) Agreed with others on statute of limitations - per state law can they bill you so many years later?
2) Assuming #1 does not pan out in OP's favor, get procedure and diagnosis codes; without this information you are flying blind
3) For future consideration - as others have stated, beware "freestanding" emergency rooms that charge hospital ER prices but may look and feel like urgent care
2) Assuming #1 does not pan out in OP's favor, get procedure and diagnosis codes; without this information you are flying blind
3) For future consideration - as others have stated, beware "freestanding" emergency rooms that charge hospital ER prices but may look and feel like urgent care
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 6:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rejecting arbitration agreements
- Replies: 6
- Views: 866
Re: Rejecting arbitration agreements
IANAL (i am not a lawyer). I will throw out there as a possibility that the bank's rejection of your rejection is not binding / final but a deterrent to make you think that you are bound to arbitration and not even consider suing.
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 5:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Balance fund instead of a Financial Advisor
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2992
Re: Balance fund instead of a Financial Advisor
In my opinion: unless you are investing less than ~ $100k, a few grand to a fixed fee fiduciary every five years or can be money well spent. You can do far worse than a vanguard balanced fund. But seemingly small inefficiencies/imperfections compounded over decades can create substantial shortfalls. I was thinking more like you have a Mil or two. A FA would probably burn about 1%. PAS would burn about 0.35%. How much would you lose to tax efficiency? The Vanguard shows a 2% after-tax, but that I believe that assumes you are at the highest tax rate. Even with an advisor you may not be able to avoid the tax depending on how the accounts are structures. For purposes of illustration, consider a $5,000 fixed fee engagement with a financial advi...
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust
- Replies: 86
- Views: 9938
Re: Selling house after 33 year; realtor distrust
+1. Seems like a unique enough property that the right realtor may create tangible value. But because of the price 6% seems unnecessarily rich.J295 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:32 pmThis. Particularly true for a unique high end location.goingup wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:15 pm The portfolio advice on this forum is scalable, whether your portfolio is $100k or $10 million.
The real estate advice is not. Selling a $500k house is different than a $5m one.
OP- find the best known, high end agent in your area. Find one, two or three of them. Negotiate your best deal and let him/her use their network to bring you qualified buyers for a quick close.
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Balance fund instead of a Financial Advisor
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2992
Re: Balance fund instead of a Financial Advisor
In my opinion: unless you are investing less than ~ $100k, a few grand to a fixed fee fiduciary every five years or can be money well spent.
You can do far worse than a vanguard balanced fund. But seemingly small inefficiencies/imperfections compounded over decades can create substantial shortfalls.
You can do far worse than a vanguard balanced fund. But seemingly small inefficiencies/imperfections compounded over decades can create substantial shortfalls.
- Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I stop the interviews with this company?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4421
Re: Should I stop the interviews with this company?
1) If you are currently unemployed seems like little downside to continue interviewing. Though hold your ground, ask questions, don't let them string you along indefinitely. Show some initiative, demonstrate you are not a pushover etc... 2) Discrepancies are certainly something to inquire about but may not be anything nefarious. 3) Interview process may reflect broader culture. My concern based on past experience is slick / well-oiled interview process to only learn after joining what a debacle the company is. If interview process is disjointed then either the company is in actual worse shape than the interview process reflects OR they are busy doing great work and just haven't ironed out all the kinks for recruiting. I don't know - the poi...
- Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Super awkward new employer situation
- Replies: 144
- Views: 26821
Re: Super awkward new employer situation
Here's my 2 cents: 1) Document in email the verbal conversation that previously took place that OP would only be working 32 hours (8 hours x 4 days) per week for the agreed upon salary - cite the date / time of day / who you spoke with about this. Do what you can right now to start building a paper trail. Put it on the company to refute, in writing, that that verbal conversation never took place. 2) As others have said, hold your ground. Only show up for 4 days per week at 8 hours per day. Don't resign. 3) Let them fire you for working 32 hours / week instead of 40 hours / week. Whether you get unemployment, I don't know ... they may very say this was for cause, but how are you worse off than having resigned? (I guess it is a possibility th...
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023
- Replies: 63
- Views: 22050
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 2:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
- Replies: 137
- Views: 28541
Re: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
I still sweat the small stuff similar to when my net worth was a fraction of what it is now. Part of it is just habit. But also a concern (whether justified or not) of scope creep meaning I would start gradually becoming more lax on much bigger financial decisions.
- Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Experience with Fidelity and Mega Backdoor Roth?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 961
Re: Experience with Fidelity and Mega Backdoor Roth?
Plan documents govern. Double check for any penalties - some plans for example initiate a suspension after a withdrawal. Fidelity is no worse than the next custodian, but humans make mistakes. Given financial and tax ramifications of a mistake, I would personally call twice to confirm you are getting the same response. Don't settle for "generic" answers, make sure representative is reading from your employer's specific plan documentation. Recite key takeaways / guidance on the recorded line. If agent is unsure, or otherwise caveating the responses ask for a supervisor.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rationale for Employer to Offer In-Plan Roth Conversions
- Replies: 1
- Views: 308
Re: Rationale for Employer to Offer In-Plan Roth Conversions
in-plan roth conversions from post-tax allows mega back door roth while keeping additional funds under ERISA Protection. More $$ in the plan. Could be a selling point to acquire / retain talent.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Condo with high HOA. Worth it?
- Replies: 29
- Views: 3944
Re: Condo with high HOA. Worth it?
1) as a general rule I wouldn't buy something with expectation I won't use it after 3 years
2) numerous previous threads on condo fees; IMHO high is not necessarily bad - in fact arguably a bigger risk are suspiciously low fees that will expose you to future significant fee increases or special assessments; regardless review budgets and board meeting notes which often reflect drama (if there is any) around unfunded reserves or big outstanding maintenance
2) numerous previous threads on condo fees; IMHO high is not necessarily bad - in fact arguably a bigger risk are suspiciously low fees that will expose you to future significant fee increases or special assessments; regardless review budgets and board meeting notes which often reflect drama (if there is any) around unfunded reserves or big outstanding maintenance
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8816
Re: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
If you are in Texas or Tennessee this may help: https://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothec ... d-off/amp/.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:47 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8816
Re: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
+1 on urgent care when appropriate. Maybe 2X regular office visit but not 5 or 10X like for emergency room.
Having said that, some things IMHO better off left to ER at a real hospital despite the costs. Which exact conditions bordering on medical advice and so I won't get into more specifics. But something to keep in mind.
Having said that, some things IMHO better off left to ER at a real hospital despite the costs. Which exact conditions bordering on medical advice and so I won't get into more specifics. But something to keep in mind.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8816
Re: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
First time for me and I was a little taken aback. It's almost $350 (in network). Can I negotiate this (and if so, what is the most optimal way?) What are the procedure and diagnosis codes? Did you agree to anything (possibly unknowingly buried in fine print) that the practice charges a bunch of stuff that insurance does not cover, either specifically for new patient visits or for routine visits. Also: in my experience there is the medical care side (e.g. physicians + related staff that actually take care of you) and a business side to a practice. Feel free to be firm with the business side people as you would an airline or credit card company IMHO in a way you may not typically interact with a physician. In many cases the doctors don't eve...
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8816
Re: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
First time for me and I was a little taken aback. It's almost $350 (in network). Can I negotiate this (and if so, what is the most optimal way?) What are the procedure and diagnosis codes? Did you agree to anything (possibly unknowingly buried in fine print) that the practice charges a bunch of stuff that insurance does not cover, either specifically for new patient visits or for routine visits. Also: in my experience there is the medical care side (e.g. physicians + related staff that actually take care of you) and a business side to a practice. Feel free to be firm with the business side people as you would an airline or credit card company IMHO in a way you may not typically interact with a physician. In many cases the doctors don't eve...
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 8:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8816
Re: Can I negotiate a 'new patient' bill from doctor?
First time for me and I was a little taken aback. It's almost $350 (in network). Can I negotiate this (and if so, what is the most optimal way?) What are the procedure and diagnosis codes? Did you agree to anything (possibly unknowingly buried in fine print) that the practice charges a bunch of stuff that insurance does not cover, either specifically for new patient visits or for routine visits. Also: in my experience there is the medical care side (e.g. physicians + related staff that actually take care of you) and a business side to a practice. Feel free to be firm with the business side people as you would an airline or credit card company IMHO in a way you may not typically interact with a physician. In many cases the doctors don't eve...
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Healthcare Price Transparency - Multi-Hospital View?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 404
Healthcare Price Transparency - Multi-Hospital View?
Many (not all) hospitals are posting prices for procedures for specific insurance plans. For those that do provide such pricing, any Bogleheads aware of a consolidated / compiled view of this data? So you could search for a particular procedure across multiple hospitals?
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hour long Uber difficult?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3616
Re: Hour long Uber difficult?
I've done it. Don't know about your specific locale. I'd just be prepared for a few cancels before you get one that sticks.
One thought - is there an intermediate point you get dropped off at and then hail a second uber? Would require 2 ubers but may overcome the issue of drivers not wanting to do the long drive. Perhaps a "Plan B".
One thought - is there an intermediate point you get dropped off at and then hail a second uber? Would require 2 ubers but may overcome the issue of drivers not wanting to do the long drive. Perhaps a "Plan B".
- Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cancelling orders, subs: dark patterns, roach motels - worst?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 5268
Re: Cancelling orders, subs: dark patterns, roach motels - worst?
Not sure of the actionability of this thread ... however I will pile on and "shame" 2 airlines - Frontier and American. When purchasing a fully refundable ticket, after cancelling online, you have to then complete a second step to actually get your money back. Other airlines, such as United, don't make you do this.
Added: In all fairness, I always get my $$ back after completing the second step. Just super annoying and whether outright intentional or low priority for such airlines to build that IT capability, they certainly don't seem to be in a rush to make it easy to reclaim actual dollars as opposed to travel credits.
Added: In all fairness, I always get my $$ back after completing the second step. Just super annoying and whether outright intentional or low priority for such airlines to build that IT capability, they certainly don't seem to be in a rush to make it easy to reclaim actual dollars as opposed to travel credits.
- Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Laptop backup - BackBlaze alternatives
- Replies: 6
- Views: 829
Laptop backup - BackBlaze alternatives
I've been using BackBlaze for backing up my laptop but seems that they keep increasing the price. What do other BogleHeads use?
- Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: To Job Hunt or Not To Job Hunt
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3463
Re: To Job Hunt or Not To Job Hunt
1) I agree no real decision until you have an offer. 2) Also agree too young to settle for a job with no growth opportunities etc... unless you are independently wealthy or otherwise just need "something to do" for 37.5 hours / week. 3) I would argue that "last in first out" is not necessarily the case. Maybe if there are official policies in place such as with a union-dominated industry. Back in the "great recession" my employer at the time laid off more tenured employees, philosophy being they "knew" which ones were not a long-term fit and probably should have been gone years prior. Whereas presumably somebody hired 3 or 6 months ago was brought in to fulfill current strategic priorities and it woul...