Search found 1436 matches

by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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")

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.
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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

mander75 wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 5:56 pm Are there good forums who might be more RE inclined where I can seek advise?
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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")

meadowrue wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 1:19 pm Do you ever consider the “missed” opportunity of not being more fully invested?
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.”
by DarkHelmetII
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.'
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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)?
by DarkHelmetII
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?
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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?
by DarkHelmetII
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 ...
by DarkHelmetII
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12267

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

PoppyA wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:41 am IMHO if it only cost you $1,500 to get out of it completely it is worth it!
+1
by DarkHelmetII
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?
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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?

toddthebod wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 7:33 am
DarkHelmetII 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?
This one? https://www.nytimes.com/section/realest ... calculator

I don't see any consideration of income taxes whatsoever, whether before or after tax law changes.
Great point and you've identified a flaw even in my original post from months ago. Should have said rent vs. buy.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
Sat Feb 10, 2024 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell home or keep?
Replies: 12
Views: 1061

Re: Sell home or keep?

KlangFool wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 1:58 pm The only kind of people that are in a hurry to pay off their mortgage are those that overspent on their houses.
Interesting premise. Based on "theory", anecdotes, peer-reviewed research? Just curious.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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

J295 wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:32 pm
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.
This. Particularly true for a unique high end location.
+1. Seems like a unique enough property that the right realtor may create tangible value. But because of the price 6% seems unnecessarily rich.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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

Re: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023

Theseus wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 5:27 pm This is a trip report of physical preparations, gear list, logistics and actual hiking and tracking notes of this track starting on 4th week of October continuing into November.
What is the last / highest village for a hot water shower?
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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...
by DarkHelmetII
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?
by DarkHelmetII
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".
by DarkHelmetII
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.
by DarkHelmetII
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?
by DarkHelmetII
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...