Search found 171 matches

by Cautionary Tale
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging markets flat
Replies: 57
Views: 4476

Re: Emerging markets flat

My advisor suggested I fund my Roth with EM in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The money has gone absolutely nowhere. I’m not selling since I’ve held out this long, but decided not to reinvest the dividends starting in 2019. It’s diversification, even if it’s garbage.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New 401K - Capital Group - American Funds
Replies: 14
Views: 1386

Re: New 401K - Capital Group - American Funds

Growth Fund of America.
by Cautionary Tale
Tue Jan 16, 2024 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with Frontier Airlines
Replies: 42
Views: 4445

Re: Experience with Frontier Airlines

I’ve flown them 3 times in the past 10 years and never had any problems. I was skeptical because of the low fares but was pleasantly surprised and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
by Cautionary Tale
Fri Jan 05, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Serpentine Belt Replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2725

Re: Serpentine Belt Replacement

It's a 2006 honda civic. I took a picture of the belt but can't figure out how to upload it. Not very tech savvy.
by Cautionary Tale
Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Serpentine Belt Replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2725

Re: Serpentine Belt Replacement

They quoted me around $220. The thing is, I only plan to keep the car about 2 more years or 10,000 miles. I asked the guy if the belt was in really bad shape or if it had 2 more years in it and he basically just said, "I can't tell when it's gonna go. I don't even want to try to predict."
by Cautionary Tale
Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Serpentine Belt Replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2725

Re: Serpentine Belt Replacement

Thanks. Was Llooking for that extra confirmation.
by Cautionary Tale
Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Serpentine Belt Replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2725

Serpentine Belt Replacement

Question for any car experts/mechanics.

I had my serpentine belt changed at about 168,000 miles in the summer of 2018. The car now has 190,000 miles, and I was told that the car needs a new serpentine belt. Looking online, I see that the general consensus is that the car should last 60,000 miles-100,000 miles. However, I saw another source that said 4-6 years.

Not opposed to changing it if it needs it, but is it realistic that a car could need a new belt after only 28,000 miles? (Actually, it was 3,000 miles ago that I was told this, so only 25,000 miles).

Thanks.
by Cautionary Tale
Tue Oct 24, 2023 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movies Ticket Prices
Replies: 53
Views: 5790

Re: Movies Ticket Prices

Angel of Empire wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 4:18 pm The last movie I saw in a theater was Rocky II. It probably cost a buck.

You would have to pay me a lot of money to sit in a theater today with a bunch of humans.
Well, at least you went out with a classic. For me, the problem is the movies themselves, not the cost. There’s nothing for adults to see in theaters anymore. I only go once or twice a year.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Sep 04, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cash is a terrible long-term investment
Replies: 369
Views: 40297

Re: Cash is a terrible long-term investment

Cash felt great in March 2020.
by Cautionary Tale
Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086147

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Prisoners is a real hidden gem. Teeters on the edge of being too dark, but pulls back just in time.
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: UBS Fees - How to Find Them?
Replies: 17
Views: 2078

Re: UBS Fees - How to Find Them?

I have an account with UBS. There is no AUM fee, but there is a transaction fee of $100 every time you buy or sell anything.
by Cautionary Tale
Sat Aug 05, 2023 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair Old Car or Buy New: Decision Rules You Use
Replies: 52
Views: 5730

Re: Repair Old Car or Buy New: Decision Rules You Use

I won’t replace the car unless it’s really starting to annoy/irritate me with its breakdowns.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Aug 02, 2023 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WWYD - Car situation
Replies: 59
Views: 5079

Re: WWYD - Car situation

Buy another civic. With your recent promotion you can splurge for a touring!
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jul 24, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086147

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Sound of Freedom. Definitely worth seeing.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car upgrade dilemma
Replies: 25
Views: 3848

Re: Car upgrade dilemma

Sounds like you like your current car. I would keep it.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Jun 28, 2023 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086147

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

stoptothink wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 6:36 am Watched "Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse" yesterday for my employer's summer party. Incredible animation, fast-paced and funny. The plot was kind of all over the place and silly, the lack of any conclusion was odd (the end angered my Miles Morales-obsessed 8yr old), and I didn't appreciate all the social justice virtue signaling hidden in plain sight (but, it's what is expected of a Disney Movie), but still a solid film - certainly among the best of recent superhero movies (hardly a high bar).
Spider-Man is a Sony movie.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Emotional when trading in old faithful car
Replies: 17
Views: 1230

Emotional when trading in old faithful car

Does anyone else struggle at the thought of getting rid of your old car when buying a new one? I’ve been driving the same car for 17 and a half years. It’s the only car I’ve ever bought and has treated me very, very well. Has over 187k, a huge dent in the trunk (which doesn’t open), and about 1800 in other repairs needed including brakes and power steering repair, not to mention the AC doesn’t work. Feels like it’s time, but it’s really sad to think about turning it in. Anyone else feel this way?
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jun 11, 2023 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy Billing Codes
Replies: 6
Views: 967

Re: Colonoscopy Billing Codes

Thanks Dodger! I am worried that maybe they are not considering it screening because my grandpa was diagnosed with colon cancer at 90? Or my mom had diverticulitis? Or hopefully the code is just an error.
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jun 11, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy Billing Codes
Replies: 6
Views: 967

Re: Colonoscopy Billing Codes

Thanks for the insight!
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jun 11, 2023 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy Billing Codes
Replies: 6
Views: 967

Colonoscopy Billing Codes

Hello. I am a 46 year old who is scheduled for a colonoscopy in roughly 48 hours. I have no symptoms or pain in the abdomen and am doing this because the suggested age of colonoscopy changed from 50 to 45. Health insurance is with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, bronze plan. I looked in my messages portal with my provider and they said the CPT Billing Code is 45378, and a diagnostic code of Z12.11. When I put this into the “Billing estimator” it said the first code is for “colonoscopy, diagnostic” and the patient responsibility is $2200. (The amount charged is around 6,000). In looking elsewhere around the web, it seems to indicate 45378 is a screening code if it has the appendix 33 by it. I know that the solution is to call the provide...
by Cautionary Tale
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with Frontier Airlines
Replies: 42
Views: 4445

Re: Experience with Frontier Airlines

I’ve flown Frontier 3 times. No complaints.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Anxiety
Replies: 63
Views: 7345

Re: New Car Anxiety

No brainer.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jan 09, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Outrageous bill for physical therapy
Replies: 89
Views: 7227

Re: Outrageous bill for physical therapy

I accidentally went over my insurance's $3000 limit for PT a few years ago and when I got the bill, I was billed for 5 sessions all between $450-500 per session. $363 seems like a pretty decent price actually.
by Cautionary Tale
Sat Dec 31, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086147

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The Fablemans. 8/10.
by Cautionary Tale
Sat Dec 31, 2022 9:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Good riddance to bad rubbish - 2022
Replies: 16
Views: 2738

Re: Good riddance to bad rubbish - 2022

Roger Federer retired. Brutal for any true tennis fan.
by Cautionary Tale
Fri Dec 30, 2022 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How is this possible? [Negative return on investment over past 10 years]
Replies: 110
Views: 17374

Re: How is this possible? [Negative return on investment over past 10 years]

I took on a new advisor around 2010 or so. For several years he had me put all nee investments in EM. Then for 2 years, energy.

No longer use an advisor.
by Cautionary Tale
Tue Nov 29, 2022 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Orlando Universal Studio question
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Orlando Universal Studio question

Islands of Adventure is the much better park. Honestly, unless you love motion simulators, I think the other park is pretty weak.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Aug 03, 2022 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Soaring/Freefall threads
Replies: 2
Views: 591

Soaring/Freefall threads

What happened to those? Bogleheads is less interesting without them.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Aug 01, 2022 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inadvertant market timer
Replies: 11
Views: 1155

Re: Inadvertant market timer

Bad break, but in 20 years will it make a difference?

If nothing else, you’ve helped the community feel better about our instances of bad luck. Good to know we’re not alone.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jun 27, 2022 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keep 2001 camry or get new car
Replies: 58
Views: 3722

Re: Keep 2001 camry or get new car

How many miles on the Camry?
by Cautionary Tale
Tue Jun 21, 2022 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cars - Repair vs Replace in this environment?
Replies: 36
Views: 3016

Re: Cars - Repair vs Replace in this environment?

I’m in the same conundrum. 2006 Honda Civic with 182k. Needs $1400 in repairs. I’m just gonna fix it. Can’t bring myself to make a huge purchase under such lousy conditions.
by Cautionary Tale
Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting laid off-gut check and advice needed
Replies: 37
Views: 5905

Re: Getting laid off-gut check and advice needed

A year or two down the road you’ll realize this was a blessing in disguise.
by Cautionary Tale
Mon Jun 13, 2022 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance Out of Network ruling issue
Replies: 89
Views: 10386

Re: Health Insurance Out of Network ruling issue

Someone suggested hiring a lawyer for a few thousand. Wondering what the out of network deductible is?

This is my worst case scenario. My ACA plan has an unlimited out of network max. Biggest drawback to the policy.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movies for 10 year old
Replies: 70
Views: 5487

Re: Movies for 10 year old

I would love to meet the 10 year old girl riveted by Chariots of Fire.
by Cautionary Tale
Thu Mar 31, 2022 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Traditional or Roth? (ACA)
Replies: 4
Views: 743

Re: Traditional or Roth? (ACA)

Thanks for the advice everyone. Thinking that traditional is the way to go.
by Cautionary Tale
Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Traditional or Roth? (ACA)
Replies: 4
Views: 743

Traditional or Roth? (ACA)

Hello everyone. 45 yo, been investigating in a Roth IRA for over 20 years, low tax bracket. 2022 is the first year I have an ACA plan, and I will probably have an ACA plan for many years. My question is: Should I open a traditional IRA, as it will help with subsidies, or just keep piling into the roth for future tax benefit?
by Cautionary Tale
Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Six Types of Energy Stocks, What Are You Doing With Yours?
Replies: 11
Views: 1666

Re: Six Types of Energy Stocks, What Are You Doing With Yours?

Anybody sell any of your energy funds this week? Finally dumped the rest of my taxable XLE this week at 63 that I bought in 2015 at around 80. Lost a nice chunk of change, learned never to trust my advisor who said energy was way down and couldn't help but go up in the near future. Still hasn't gotten back to 80. Imagine what that money would have done if I just put it in S&P. Too bad I didn't know about bogleheads in 2015.
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jan 02, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?
Replies: 40
Views: 2923

Re: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?

Thanks for another good post Artful. I almost wish BCBS would discontinue them so I wouldn't have this decision.
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?
Replies: 40
Views: 2923

Re: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?

Picasso wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 7:38 pm Switch! Grandfathered (pre-ACA) business, also knows as the “if you like your plan you can keep it” plans, are absolute CASH COWS for insurance companies. As healthy people leave these pools for more attractive ACA options, the risk gets worse and worse which is driving your premium increases.

These grandfathers plans are not subject to the medical loss ratio requirements of ACA plans, which is what makes them so profitable.

All this to say: switch to ACA plan.
Confused. Why would these plans be cash cows if healthy people were leaving and only the sick remained? Also, I think they are subject to the medical loss ratio because I've gotten two refund checks over the last
few years.
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?
Replies: 40
Views: 2923

Re: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?

I have 2 part time jobs- so neither will provide health insurance. The premium you're paying seems similar to any regular non-ACA health plan you could sign up for. I know you have low out-of-pocket maximums but what would be the out-of-pocket maximum on a regular plan? Wouldn't it be $7,000 for an individual? You'd save upwards of $30,000 over the next 5 years by switching to ACA. I guess the risk there is if the laws would change or anything but it's been around for a while now. I'm just saying if you were forced to go back to a non-ACA plan it might not be too awful. The Obama out of pocket max in network is $8750. Unlimited out of network. When you say "if you were forced to go back to a non ACA plan," well, that, can't happe...
by Cautionary Tale
Sun Jan 02, 2022 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?
Replies: 40
Views: 2923

Re: Should I switch from my grandfathered plan to an ACA plan?

I have 2 part time jobs- so neither will provide health insurance.