Search found 975 matches

by Monsterflockster
Sat Jan 06, 2024 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marriage tax penalty and getting a prenup in early 30s
Replies: 121
Views: 18397

Re: Marriage tax penalty and getting a prenup in early 30s

OP mentions being in their 30’s and wants to have kids.

If thay are worried losing money in a divorce… imagine how shocked they will be when he learns how much child support he has to pay at his income level. 😳
by Monsterflockster
Thu Jan 04, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car accident, getting sued
Replies: 76
Views: 13678

Re: Car accident, getting sued

My daughter was in the middle of a 3 car pile up on the interstate. Lead car slammed on brakes, daughter in the middle barely touched first car bumper then the 3rd car smashed her and shoved her into lead car doing a lot of damage. My daughter’s car was immediately totaled. The 3rd car was ticketed by police. That was 2 months ago, today she was served paperwork saying lead car is suing her. She did have full coverage and as far as I know there was no physical injuries just car damage. Why would she be getting sued, doesn’t her insurance take care of this? Already got great answers… but she hit the car in front of her first, then was pushed in again. So she will be responsible for the car in front of her. If she has a limit issue (insuranc...
by Monsterflockster
Thu May 04, 2023 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbors asked my spouse for money to cut down their trees
Replies: 259
Views: 28085

Re: Neighbors asked my spouse for money to cut down their trees

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 4:14 pm Very tacky of them to ask, I feel. Now you've been put in an uncomfortable position.
OP says it’s a foot from the property line. How do you know? Is there a fence? Maybe they think it is right on the property line?

Splitting the cost to get rid of an eyesore and be in good graces with the neighbor is worth $500. As you mentioned, you are a high earner, they are not. Why not?
by Monsterflockster
Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worth it to use a realtor?
Replies: 112
Views: 9408

Re: Is it worth it to use a realtor?

joechristmas wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:09 pm
Would it be better to simply fill out the paperwork to become a real estate broker myself and represent myself in these transactions?

Thank you.
In CA you need to do 135 hours of course work, pass the licencing exam, be sponsored by a broker and pay for your licence.

Not sure what state you are in but I would check with state requirements before I went down that road. Time is money and this isn't something you just do on youtube. Personally at least for the selling of my home, it is a lot of money, I would leave it to the professionals and reduce stress.
by Monsterflockster
Sun Jan 08, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MTB [mountain bike] choice help
Replies: 36
Views: 2428

Re: MTB [mountain bike] choice help

How often do you ride? What kind of trails do you ride? If you are into XC trail riding my advice… go with a full suspension trail bike. Santa Cruz Tallboy (version 4 used or the newer 5). Awesome bike and will give you a wider range of things you will be able to do. It’s a good climber and great at the downhills. It is right around 30 pounds. Specialized Epic Evo is also a great option as well. Entry level is around 28 pounds but you can easily get it to 23-25 pounds depending on the spec. Santa Cruz Blur TR is also a great bike starting at 26 pounds. You could get the XC version with a lockout if that’s something you think you’ll use. If you’re just cruising easy trails for a few miles once a month ignore all this and get an entry level h...
by Monsterflockster
Fri Dec 09, 2022 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625861

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

BrooklynInvest wrote: Fri Dec 09, 2022 1:59 pm Drank three beers instead of four. So I made like 8 bucks!
True frugal living. Your sacrifice is truly one to be emulated!
by Monsterflockster
Tue Dec 06, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Getting my life together at 35.
Replies: 45
Views: 7442

Re: Getting my life together at 35.

A few thoughts:
* Keep contributing the the 401k.
* Pay off the car ASAP. Don't miss a payment and build your credit.
* Look for a better insurance rate. That is really high unless you have points on the drivers record.
* Don't put money extra money down. Money in hand in your situation is better in my opinion.

Things to think about:
Buy the house now and roll the car loan into the lower VA fixed interest.

Thank you for your service and a divorce is never easy. Sometimes it feels on the message board that you should be a millionaire but we all have our own stuff going on and sometimes you have to start over. 35 isn't a bad time in life to get your life together... some never do.

Best of luck to you!
by Monsterflockster
Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Salary infographic for a variety of occupations
Replies: 90
Views: 15430

Re: Salary infographic for a variety of occupations

I teach elementary school and posted the following comment on the “High Earners - What’s Your Profession” thread about a week ago: “I’m a public school teacher currently making $128k. My employer and the state contribute about 30% of salary toward a pension so total compensation is $166k. My pension benefit should be a little above $100k/year (in current dollars) around age 60 and comes with annual cost-of-living adjustments and 100% survivor benefits… I get 14 weeks of breaks, including 10 weeks off for the summer, one week in the fall, two weeks in the winter, and a week in the spring. I get most holidays off and receive a dozen sick days per year which roll over if unused. Including weekends, breaks, and sick time, 48% of the days of th...
by Monsterflockster
Wed Nov 23, 2022 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Worthwhile to purchase separate liability insurance for an e-bike?
Replies: 57
Views: 4473

Re: Worthwhile to purchase separate liability insurance for an e-bike?

To close the loop on this, I purchased a $300K liability-only policy from Markel. The premium was $144. I also bought a Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 to lock the frame and rear wheel, plus a KryptoFlex 410 Double Loop Cable to secure the front wheel. Somehow, I got the chain at a huge discount ($115 plus tax) shipped from the Amazon UK store. Otherwise, I would have gone with the Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Integrated Chain. Kryptonite provides insurance for theft without a deductible, and I spent $35 to purchase the 5-year option. Locks are only there to keep honest people honest. We’ve seen people use angle grinders take off the entire bike rack with the bike. If they want it they’ll get it. Park next to an unlocked bike to...
by Monsterflockster
Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card
Replies: 184
Views: 12409

Re: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card

At a restaurant in Truckee, CA they charged a $7 "fuel charge" on top of the bill due to inflation. They also passed on the credit card charges if you used a credit card. I talked to the manager & let them know that this felt slimy as their is only small sign at the cash register noting as much. Their explanation was inflation and that they "can't charge $25 for a burger and fries."

Well next time we will skip the diner and stop by in & out on the way home. It is still under $4 for a burger there with no hidden fees.
by Monsterflockster
Sun Oct 30, 2022 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to track distance run
Replies: 60
Views: 3964

Re: how to track distance run

Pdxnative wrote: Sun Oct 30, 2022 3:29 pm Every runner I know uses a Garmin.
+1.

Garmin 55 will meet all the things listed and get you in Garmin Connect and can push to Strava if you’re into that. Also tracks other activities as well. Great watch.
by Monsterflockster
Thu Oct 20, 2022 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Burglary via Bay Window
Replies: 64
Views: 8152

Re: Home Burglary via Bay Window

All locks do is keep honest people honest. No alarm or security system will stop thieves who want to get in. Even dogs won’t work. They often let them out or as one police officer sometimes will kill the dog if they don’t run off.

For security I would change the window. No need for it to open, just put in a standard window.

Our home was broken into, then an attempted burglary while we were home which spooked them off. We moved after that as we never felt safe. I hope they get caught and get what they deserve. Sorry to hear this happened.
by Monsterflockster
Wed Aug 24, 2022 1:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "clicking" noise [Electric Outlet]
Replies: 23
Views: 6190

Re: "clicking" noise

Well you could do the boglehead thing… watch a YouTube and do it yourself. But I would highly recommend, we specially when dealing with electricity, to call and hire a professional. Don’t risk a fire.
by Monsterflockster
Fri Aug 19, 2022 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I pay a real estate agent 6% to sell my house?
Replies: 236
Views: 25479

Re: Should I pay a real estate agent 6% to sell my house?

For the record I think 6% at these high prices is crazy… But I also understand that many agents have to pay a % to the company they represent. Have to pay assistants, taxes, rent, utilities, car, gas, signage, etc. It’s a lot of money no doubt, but it’s not like it’s all going in the pockets. Everyone has to make money and sadly it’s our equity that pays it.
by Monsterflockster
Sat Aug 13, 2022 10:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disposal of sports collectable items
Replies: 19
Views: 2077

Re: Disposal of sports collectable items

The most valuable collection here would be Michael Jordan. Signed MJ1s? Rookie Card?

As mentioned to get the most value you’ll need to get things graded, which costs money. You can put in an auction, which costs money. Also be aware that retail value is not what you’ll get for it. If you go in with a “take what I can get” attitude you’ll be better off.
by Monsterflockster
Fri Aug 12, 2022 12:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iPhone or Wait - Pro or Regular?
Replies: 31
Views: 3312

Re: New iPhone or Wait - Pro or Regular?

Just put in a new battery in my iPhone 7 for $49. With phones costing anywhere from $400-$1000 i try to get every “pixel mile” I can before it does. I guess we have just accepted how expensive these things are. If you keep a phone for two years it is $50 a month. The. You gotta pay your cell plan. That’s just crazy to me but the world we live in.
by Monsterflockster
Sat Aug 06, 2022 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Neighbor's Tree Contractor Removed My Shrubs
Replies: 51
Views: 6100

Re: Neighbor's Tree Contractor Removed My Shrubs

First: Next door neighbor is planning to install a fence and already had his property surveyed, staked, and flagged. Property line is not in question. Folks who understand the legal responsibilities of the parties in this saga, please read and offer suggestions. Neighbor had some trees removed that were on the property line between our houses. Those trees were planted by the previous property owner, so they were "their property" without question. The work required two days, and on Day One the contractor drove equipment through my side-yard for hours, making ruts, scraping up the grass, generally messing things up. Not a huge problem to correct with some topsoil and seed/straw. I spoke with contractor's representative after day on...
by Monsterflockster
Sat Jul 30, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles
Replies: 848
Views: 52679

Re: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles

CletusCaddy wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 8:06 pm
hunoraut wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 3:23 pm
CletusCaddy wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 11:58 am
cmr79 wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 8:53 am Do you live in Hawaii? That is the only part of the US I am aware of that has electricity rates even close to $0.30/kWh. The average residential price per kWh in the US is closer to $0.10.
More like $0.16

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU000072610

Consumers total electricity cost is for the electricity + infrastructure/transmission. Its not always clear which is which when cited or quoted.
Given that the San Francisco data shows $0.31, I'm pretty sure this is an all-in cost.

https://alfred.stlouisfed.org/series?seid=APUS49B72610
PG&E rates in CA:
25 cents off peak per kWh
45 cents part peak
56 cents peak

Add $10-11 monthly delivery charge.

10 cents or even 16 would be incredible!!
by Monsterflockster
Sat Jul 30, 2022 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unleaded 88 (E-15) in 2010s Japanese Cars
Replies: 18
Views: 1937

Re: Unleaded 88 (E-15) in 2010s Japanese Cars

:?:
You Know What I Mean wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 7:46 pm Putting E15 in my 2013 Toyota Prius caused major failure and over $800 in engine damage.
Got any Details?
by Monsterflockster
Mon Jun 20, 2022 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inflation: are you helping?
Replies: 39
Views: 4071

Re: Inflation: are you helping?

furiouschads wrote: Mon Jun 20, 2022 7:41 am We have discretion on how we spend the discretionary portion of our budget. I've been on autopilot since I'm almost at the end my accumulation phase. I'm starting to think of how I will spend more purposefully in retirement. I retire in January 2023.

I'll be in the go-go phase, but now I'm thinking maybe I should hold back a bit for a while. New spending from me will just add to the fire. I had similar thoughts about visiting Greece a few years ago when they were in really big trouble. Didn't do that, just kept working.

Anybody try doing countercyclical or otherwise targeted discretionary spending?
The thing about time is that you can never get it back. Enjoy life while you can, no one is guaranteed tomorrow.
by Monsterflockster
Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?
Replies: 133
Views: 14283

Re: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?

There have been breakthroughs so that huge UNIVAC computers that used to be the size of entire rooms now are dwarfed in computer power by personal computers one lugs around easily. There are other technological feats as well like light bulbs that don't use as much electricity. But air conditioners, while some seem to have developed to be more energy efficient, are still harmful to the environment and still use so much electricity. Even if people had to replace their present ones the way they replace their light bulbs with more energy efficient ones, in not too much time it most likely would be worth it, since most people's use of air conditioners are probably the single biggest boost in their energy bills when they use them. I use fans at ...
by Monsterflockster
Mon Jun 13, 2022 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lost 1 million ! Any body else in same boat ? Looking for some reassurance
Replies: 394
Views: 59871

Re: Lost 1 million ! Any body else in same boat ? Looking for some reassurance

LiveSimple wrote: Mon Jun 13, 2022 2:57 pm Congratulations on your $5.8 M to $6 M portfolio...
This.
by Monsterflockster
Sun Jun 12, 2022 1:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: living on a golf course
Replies: 70
Views: 7097

Re: living on a golf course

feh wrote: Sat Jun 11, 2022 4:46 pm Looking at homes, and wondering if those that have lived on golf courses could provide pros and cons.

Specific house we're looking at is on a par 4, near the green (probably 90% of the distance from tee). Yard is probably 70 yards from the green, so it would take a pretty poor shot to hit the house, but I'm sure it happens occasionally. Good news is that a ball hit from the tee should not be entering the yard.

Thanks.
I would think this means you never get to use your back yard as the golf course is open sunrise to sunset. No thanks.
by Monsterflockster
Sun Jun 12, 2022 1:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Teachers: what are your best personal finance tips?
Replies: 180
Views: 36110

Re: Teachers: what are your best personal finance tips?

Interesting (if a little depressing) thread from my perspective. The veteran teachers in this thread seem to have benefits that are generally locked in and/or from a more workers-rights focused state and/or era. Benefits have been gutted in our state over the last 15 years and I don't find that reflected in a lot of the posts on this thread as this board naturally skews towards older, more well-to-do people in general. This is true. Even in states with a strong teacher benefit program, things like salaries can take 10+ years to become a livable wage. And it is worse for things like para educators, translators and other classified staff. My wife has a college degree and as a stay at home mom volunteered at our child.s school. They needed a ...
by Monsterflockster
Sat Jun 04, 2022 1:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Platform bike rack: cheap or expensive?
Replies: 37
Views: 3295

Re: Platform bike rack: cheap or expensive?

As many have said 1-Up is far and away the best. Don’t try to save $100 when you’re spending 5-10k on bikes. You could go cheap but you’ll wish you got that 1-Up. ~20 years of using "cheap" racks very regularly, haven't regretted it yet. I've had a grand total of 2 racks, together costing <$200. We only replaced the first one (trunk mount) recently, because we needed a hitch mount that could hold a pair of heavy fat tire bikes. Never felt like I'm playing with fire, but IMO how you tie them up is probably more important than the rack. I'm the guy who pretty much always buys the cheapest thing that appears to meet their needs and then upgrades if it doesn't work; I can't recall a single instance where this bit me in the butt, incl...
by Monsterflockster
Wed Jun 01, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Platform bike rack: cheap or expensive?
Replies: 37
Views: 3295

Re: Platform bike rack: cheap or expensive?

As many have said 1-Up is far and away the best. Don’t try to save $100 when you’re spending 5-10k on bikes. You could go cheap but you’ll wish you got that 1-Up.
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 31, 2022 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?
Replies: 657
Views: 134529

Re: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?

KidneyMD wrote: Tue May 31, 2022 7:03 pm I have a few.

1. Not opening a Roth IRA when I was working in high school as a camp counselor during the summers. I don't even remember where that money went.
2. Not shopping around when applying to college/medical school, and being convinced taking student loans out is the way to go.
3. Not finding the Bogleheads books/this website in my 20's when I first started residency.
If those are your worst you’re doing pretty well
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 31, 2022 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a house back 2 years later
Replies: 46
Views: 6573

Re: Buying a house back 2 years later

It wouldn’t hurt to try but you should not contact them. You should go through your agent, who will contact their former agent who will get you a response. But you said the builder has a new one of the exact spec for 650k, not including basement. Is that a possibility? I'm in the 180 degree opposite camp, if you really are interested in buying your old house back, no need to pay a realtor to find you "your house" and no need for the seller to pay a realtor to market their house. Send them a note directly expressing an interest to buy. Without the middlemen, your offer is 6% more valuable than it would be otherwise. Depending on your level of interest, you can pick between expressing vague interest should they ever decide to sell,...
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 31, 2022 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Downsizing life: Family of 4 moving into tiny house
Replies: 144
Views: 19425

Re: Downsizing life: Family of 4 moving into tiny house

OP, my only thought here is to plan for the future, now necessarily the present. 3-5 years from now when you have an 11 & 13 year old they may not think the tiny house life is cool. You’re excited, but are they?
by Monsterflockster
Mon May 30, 2022 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Setting up my 16 year old son for financial success
Replies: 145
Views: 8649

Re: Money advice for teenage son's first job

You work as a teenage not for money but for freedom. By taking away the money he earns (even to save) he will feel you are controlling him. One thing We have done is (through discussion with our son) is a 50/50 rule. We asked how much he wants to saves of his take home… he said half. He gets free rein on the other 50, just has to discuss and tell us what he wants to buy for big purchases. Usually he saves for a good decent purchase, sometimes he nickels and dimes himself poor but it’s all part of the learning experience. Then with the portion he saves you can further discuss how he wants to save it. You give him the options… IRA and pay less taxes now? Roth and grow tax free in a low tax bracket? A savings account? A checking account? The l...
by Monsterflockster
Mon May 30, 2022 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a house back 2 years later
Replies: 46
Views: 6573

Re: Buying a house back 2 years later

It wouldn’t hurt to try but you should not contact them. You should go through your agent, who will contact their former agent who will get you a response.

But you said the builder has a new one of the exact spec for 650k, not including basement. Is that a possibility?
by Monsterflockster
Thu May 26, 2022 11:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Parents Work Less After Kids Leave Home
Replies: 10
Views: 2264

Re: Parents Work Less After Kids Leave Home

From Center for Retirement Research at Boston College - When children grow up and become financially independent, how do parents adjust their finances? Are they finally spending money on themselves? Saving more for retirement? Paying down debt? No one has come up with a convincing answer yet. Especially puzzling is that past research has shown that parents seem to reduce their consumption after the adult children move out. Yet there’s no evidence that much of the extra money is going into 401(k)s. So what’s going on? A new study for the first time finds a missing puzzle piece: parents, freed from the obligation to support their children, are choosing to work less. ... In the past, the estimates of saving had largely been confined to puttin...
by Monsterflockster
Wed May 25, 2022 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521134

Re: Is the housing market cooling off? Any first or second hand experience?

Home prices haven’t come down but homes aren’t selling in the first week anymore. I guess we will see where it goes from here but I don’t see a crash coming in our local market, but maybe a plateau.
by Monsterflockster
Fri May 20, 2022 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Housing Market - Full steam ahead or running out of steam?
Replies: 18
Views: 2447

Re: Housing Market - Full steam ahead or running out of steam?

The housing market in our area (Wisconsin) is running at an ultra torrid pace (like many areas); they're selling faster than they can build them. Truck and equipment traffic is nearly insane. Construction debris, muddy roads and banging/slamming noises are endless; it's driving me crazy! For no other reason other than personal, I'm trying to get a pulse rate, given the current market/economic conditions, where is the housing market headed? 1). Full Steam ahead? For now at least, demand remains strong; inventories are in short supply. Same type of construction of single family homes that sold for $250-300K two years ago are now selling for $350-400K+. Many of these homes are being sold to younger families (no surprise). I've talked with man...
by Monsterflockster
Thu May 19, 2022 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mid-range road bike suggestions
Replies: 28
Views: 2246

Re: Mid-range road bike suggestions

Keep your bike for the trailer. Get a good "mid-range" bike (that's 5k-ish now days) for you to start getting back into it. You can do it, I have 2 kids, a job, coach 2 sports... Get into a routine and build up slowly!
by Monsterflockster
Thu May 19, 2022 4:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTimes article: Is it normalizing amateur trading?
Replies: 57
Views: 6811

Re: NYTimes article: Is it normalizing amateur trading?

Article link My problem with these types of articles is they normalize stock trading by amateurs; they normalize the notion that anyone can sit in their bedroom, give up their job, and make money for free. Examples from the article: Tracking stock movements on an iPad Mini in her bedroom, she banked big gains as the market soared. Within a couple of months, she was considering making day trading a full-time gig. She often rises at 3 a.m. and turns on CNBC to begin plotting her strategy for the day, which involves studying stocks’ price movements, a process she compared to learning to catch a softball — watching its arc, then trying to figure out the physics of where it will land. “That is what I’m doing with price and volume,” she said. Ar...
by Monsterflockster
Wed May 18, 2022 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Being Frugal
Replies: 131
Views: 19420

Re: Being Frugal

IME the key is to make purposeful purchases. Purchasing something of high quality that will last, that you use to better your life is key.

Drive a lot? Maybe a Tesla makes sense.
Love mountain biking? Buy that nice bike and get out there more often and ride and improve your health.
Run a lot? Be sure to get the right shoes and replace them often so you save yourself from injury.
Love movies? Get that nice TV and sound system to go with it.

Life is short. Enjoy the things you enjoy.
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 17, 2022 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What (if anything) are you reducing in your monthly spending?
Replies: 150
Views: 15273

Re: What (if anything) are you reducing in your monthly spending?

Hotel prices are going crazy... gas prices are insane. We are staying home this summer for the first time in more than 10 years.
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 17, 2022 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent vs Buy in Bay Area: (my) number-driven approach
Replies: 71
Views: 7750

Re: Rent vs Buy in Bay Area: (my) number-driven approach

Rented in the Bay Area for 4 years. In that time (pre-covid) rent increased 36%. We bought a home and our mortgage was cheaper than what we paid in rent within one year due to mortgage rates dropping and refinancing (we got lucky and understand this is not the norm). I hated having a landlord as they were very intrusive. For me purchasing was a quality of life issue that was worth the additional money at the time. In the long run we are well ahead of where we were but even if we weren't I'd still be happy with the decision.

All this is to say everyone is different and I think there is more to the decision than what can pop out of a calculator. Not one way is right... you have to do what you feel is best.
by Monsterflockster
Mon May 16, 2022 12:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Avoid CA taxes during retirement
Replies: 54
Views: 10274

Re: Avoid CA taxes during retirement

hammond wrote: Sun May 15, 2022 10:33 am Watching this:
https://youtu.be/x2shSiKmYRw

I plan to have 2-3m in VOO for potential early retirement. And annual spending is about 80-100k. So I think if I am smart about it I don’t have to pay any federal taxes (assuming no w2 income).

What is the math for CA taxes? I like CA and see myself retrieving here (but who knows). Is there a way I can pay 0 in state taxes (capital gains and overall).
Only thing I can think of is to live on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. 😁
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 10, 2022 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire change at a Lexus dealership: are these costs reasonable?
Replies: 54
Views: 7142

Re: Tire change at a Lexus dealership: are these costs reasonable?

I know nothing about cars other than driving the car, so I always take my car to the dealership for maintenance. A few months ago, one of the rear tires was loosing air (nail puncture) and dealership recommended I change both rear tires. I agreed and they charged me a bit more than $800. (I forgot exact number.) They said the replacement tires were identical to the original stock tires on the car. (I bought the car new a couple of years ago). Now the front tires are loosing thread and I need to change them. I suspect they will charge me about ~ $1k. Are these typical prices for Lexus RC 350 F Sport AWD? I am okey paying a little more for convenience but hopefully not double the price. Thank you 🙏 Nothing at a dealership is reasonable. You ...
by Monsterflockster
Fri May 06, 2022 1:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford Lightning EV
Replies: 308
Views: 31138

Re: Ford Lightning EV

So when is the ford lightening coming out?
by Monsterflockster
Fri May 06, 2022 1:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625861

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Skipped an MRI for a possible torn rotator cuff. It in my non dominant arm so not throwing fastballs with it anyway.
by Monsterflockster
Tue May 03, 2022 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford Lightning EV
Replies: 308
Views: 31138

Re: Ford Lightning EV

Does $160 in electricity? Say the retail price was 16c/ kwhr -- that's above the US average of c 11.5c/hr. 1000 kwhr of electricity? When a "full tank" on a Tesla is 35 kwhr? So say 3000 miles = 350 kwhr ? I'll need to read the article I guess. But that seems very high. Looks right to me. Something like 340whr/mile is pretty typical for EV highway driving. That's 1,020kWhr for 3000 miles. At .16/kWhr that's $163. Thank you. You supplied the missing number (which I could have googled) that was not in my head. Tesla. And I had massively underestimated the size of battery - thus giving way too high a range for 35kwhr (which is more a Powerwall than a car battery). My average is 240. Only time I’ve hit 350 is highway speeds in a rain...
by Monsterflockster
Thu Apr 28, 2022 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift for husband
Replies: 32
Views: 4566

Re: Gift for husband

apple44 wrote: Thu Apr 28, 2022 1:41 pm My husband sent flowers to my office in March and April, just to say he's thinking about me, no special occasion. They are great surprises. My heart leaps whenever I see them.

I want to give my husband something to say I'm thinking about him too. What's the gift to men that's equivalent to flowers to women?
Time to do guy stuff. What’s his hobby? Give him the gift of time.
by Monsterflockster
Thu Apr 14, 2022 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbotax gripes
Replies: 48
Views: 4386

Re: Turbotax gripes

For us TT still taxed us as a distribution even though we paid back 1/3. I filed anyway and will amend later this year. As you said, it was very buggy this year.
by Monsterflockster
Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: mechanics - abuse vs fraud
Replies: 26
Views: 2395

Re: mechanics - abuse vs fraud

I had an issue with one of my power windows. It was an easy to diagnose issue, but we couldn't figure out how to get the door panel off without buying special tools, so I took it to the dealer, having made an appointment and clearly describing the issue. They insisted on taking the car apart to tell me I was right, but that they hadn't bothered to order the part. They promised that the diagnostic fee I paid at that time would be comped when I did the actual repair. I had the repair done today, and it turns out that they charge an extra hour (they evidently code the service similar to medical coding, but the amount of time given was ridiculous according to the internet and was twice as long as they had physical possession of the car the thi...
by Monsterflockster
Sun Apr 03, 2022 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uninsured Motor Vehicle Insurance
Replies: 36
Views: 3187

Re: Uninsured Motor Vehicle Insurance

aruba joe wrote: Sat Apr 02, 2022 11:05 am Do I need it.
Florida residents.
DW and myself on medicare and excellent supplemental Medigap coverage. Retired, no income to protect losing if injured.
3 vehicles with $1000 deductable collision insurance. Also no fault coverage.
If I drop it save $1000 annualy.
How people drive around my area I have it. If I was so wealthy the cost of a new car was no big deal I wouldn’t.
by Monsterflockster
Thu Mar 31, 2022 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Once you are FI how do you learn to spend it?
Replies: 230
Views: 21691

Re: Once you are FI how do you learn to spend it?

I suspect many people will have some form of the issue I am about to describe, especially after the last decade or so. You saved your money, lived below your means and now have a stack meaningfully in excess of what you planned for or will likely need so how do you convince yourself to start spending this windfall. I have never been what you describe as frugal, but like most people I have what I perceive as the value of an item and really have a difficult time spending above that (again not even close to frugal). Recently, I have decided to buy a new car, the standard model is very nice and within what I would expect to pay, but the model I want has enhanced styling and more performance features which I don't need but I definitely apprecia...
by Monsterflockster
Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth Covid Distribution Repayment/Turbotax
Replies: 4
Views: 654

Re: Roth Covid Distribution Repayment/Turbotax

This form is definitely glitchy. I am in the same situation but took from 401k rather than a Roth. I paid back 1/3 in 2020 and 1/3 in 2021. However it taxes me as if the amount repaid is $0. Not sure why but it is not recording any repayment.