Search found 407 matches

by Hug401k
Mon Jun 11, 2018 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for good charging station to charge phones, tablets
Replies: 11
Views: 1224

Re: Recommendation for good charging station to charge phones, tablets

So I had a wooden box made that is about the size of a large jewelry box with a hole in the back and 1 removable shelf inside. I plug in a multi charger into the bottom of the box, and a single line runs out of the box to the plug. Chargers are in the box and all phones charge in box on second shelf. No wires. No phones everywhere. Now if I could figure out the same for iPads and laptops...
by Hug401k
Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:43 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Fidelity 401k And W-8BEN
Replies: 76
Views: 26410

Re: Fidelity 401k And W-8BEN

Do you pay US taxes on your pay? It's tough to avoid Uncle Sam.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/p ... idents.asp
by Hug401k
Mon Jun 04, 2018 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boston trip with small kids
Replies: 20
Views: 2484

Re: Boston trip with small kids

The Children's Museum is right by South Station and quite good. The Aquarium is right near there too. There is also a little Swan Boat ride in the Boston Common where the kids can take a ride, and run around the park. They can check out the Make Way for Ducklings Statue and eat a picnic or so. At the pace a 1 and 3 yr old travel, combined with a duck boat ride, that's probably as far as you will get.
by Hug401k
Sun May 27, 2018 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 days in Boston with an 8 year old
Replies: 32
Views: 3627

Re: 3 days in Boston with an 8 year old

A duck tour is perfect for ages 5-80. My kids also drove the boat and they were pretty excited. I don't know how they do it over and over, but the drivers are very entertaining. I typically take the T, but my Boston life predates Uber. I will say, Boston is pretty walkable so things might not be as far as they seem. If you are at the Columbus park right next to the North End, things are definitely walkable including some awesome food and the aquarium.
by Hug401k
Tue May 22, 2018 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar panels
Replies: 96
Views: 13159

Re: Solar panels

RCL wrote: Sun May 20, 2018 7:16 pm Another solar user here

My property taxes were not increased due to the solar being installed. My roof (the paper product under the tile), at time of installation, was reaching it's end of life, so I had it replaced prior to installing the solar panels.
I'm in the same boat. Did you claim your new roof as "site preparation" on your taxes? The solar company would not install on my existing roof (and I agreed with that).

Thanks
by Hug401k
Wed May 16, 2018 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: keyless ignitions and carbon monoxide
Replies: 83
Views: 7907

Re: keyless ignitions and carbon monoxide

lthenderson wrote: Tue May 15, 2018 8:51 am
Hug401k wrote: Mon May 14, 2018 9:50 pm
lthenderson wrote: Mon May 14, 2018 1:19 pm
I've been known to hit the freaking PANIC BUTTON on the stupid fob in my pocket, causing the horn to honk incessantly. Talk about stupid useless features...
That sounds like someone who's never been a woman alone in a parking garage at night..

For the record, the NYT story has nothing to do with remote starters, as many of you have commented on, it's all about keyless fobs, and how you can walk away with it and the car stays on indefinitely.
Just for the record, that isn't my quote.

Sorry lthenderson- my bad. I deleted the wrong poster.
by Hug401k
Wed May 16, 2018 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies
Replies: 45
Views: 6676

Re: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies

In my world- "How difficult it has been to have two young children with two full-time working parents - particularly with my husband's crazy schedule as an ER physician" is a totally legit reason!
by Hug401k
Mon May 14, 2018 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: keyless ignitions and carbon monoxide
Replies: 83
Views: 7907

Re: keyless ignitions and carbon monoxide

lthenderson wrote: Mon May 14, 2018 1:19 pm
I've been known to hit the freaking PANIC BUTTON on the stupid fob in my pocket, causing the horn to honk incessantly. Talk about stupid useless features...
That sounds like someone who's never been a woman alone in a parking garage at night..

For the record, the NYT story has nothing to do with remote starters, as many of you have commented on, it's all about keyless fobs, and how you can walk away with it and the car stays on indefinitely.
by Hug401k
Mon May 14, 2018 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA from Brokerage to Bank CD
Replies: 8
Views: 800

Re: Inherited IRA from Brokerage to Bank CD

I should have mentioned, that if you close the IRA and take a full check/distribution to move it to your local bank, not only do you need to pay taxes on the whole amount, it's considered income for the tax year. This can move you into a new tax bracket, or have other income level related impacts.
by Hug401k
Sun May 13, 2018 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA from Brokerage to Bank CD
Replies: 8
Views: 800

Re: Inherited IRA from Brokerage to Bank CD

My understanding is you can close a non spousal IRA as a full withdrawal at any time. No IRS penalty but taxes will be due. Then you can do what you like with the money. I will mention that if all you want to do is put it in a money market, you can do that while it's still in a brokerage house IRA. There is no rule against you changing the investment make up and you will not owe taxes if it stays in the IRA. I immediately changed all the investments in my mother's IRA when I inherited it. Then you could withdraw only the portion you need to spend each year and pay taxes only on that piece.
by Hug401k
Sat May 12, 2018 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Avoiding the Hassle Factor - Vanguard, Schwab, or Fidelity?
Replies: 82
Views: 14853

Re: Avoiding the Hassle Factor - Vanguard, Schwab, or Fidelity?

I transfered a hassle of a Non Spousal Bene IRA from Merrill to Fidelity and it was pretty easy. I knew enough to be dangerous so when Merrill told me I needed to talk to a tax accountant to determine my simple RMD, I knew it was BS. So I promptly moved it to Fido where I had other accounts. They have beneficiary specialists I found to be helpful and knowledgeable. Like others mentioned, they calculate my RMD, post the amount on my home page and I have it auto paid each year on a date of my choice. (Happy Birthday me!) My only gap I found there is I can't have it paid directly into a 529 plan. You shouldn't really judge by 401k experiences. Plan Sponsors have a significant say in how things are processed for their plans and can make some cr...
by Hug401k
Wed May 09, 2018 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the view on dogs running free?
Replies: 110
Views: 9919

Re: What's the view on dogs running free?

Funny, when the neighbors dog wandered into our yard, we grab it and return it. Others do the same. You just ring the doorbell and say I was worried he would get hit by a car. They thank you and take the dog. Done. No big deal. (of course I live on a pretty busy road).
by Hug401k
Thu May 03, 2018 7:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 403b fee question
Replies: 6
Views: 781

Re: 403b fee question

Assuming they are all referring to Separate Account A, I would guess 1.49% is the total.
by Hug401k
Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance Changing Lifestyle
Replies: 79
Views: 14025

Re: Inheritance Changing Lifestyle

OP--I understand what you're saying about clutter. One way to approach it might be to bring it up as an "us" problem--you both could stand to get rid of some stuff. No need to get into a debate over who has more clutter, right? But an important part of de-cluttering is to feel good about getting rid of stuff. Personally, I'm fine with throwing stuff away, or, if it has residual value, putting it in black trash bags and donating it to the Salvation Army. But, since your family has been generous with charitable donations, consider helping your wife find appropriate charities for those old pots and pans and whatever else. In addition to the biggies, you could donate to your church, or find specific charities that help women in shelt...
by Hug401k
Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money vs. Work-life balance
Replies: 68
Views: 11174

Re: Money vs. Work-life balance

If your wife is going back to work, that means 1) your life is about to get a lot busier. She can't keep doing all the things she was doing. 2) You will already be getting an increase in pay through her work 3) Now you need to share sick kid responsibility, shuttling kids, etc so you NEED flexibility 4) two weeks vacation is really really awful and what they give kids right out of college. I started a job 4 years ago with 21 days PTO and I'm rarely sick. (I find the East Coast provides more vacation time than the West Coast) As others have mentioned, your pay isn't that much higher for the reduction in PTO, and between you and your wife, you may end up in a new tax bracket, which means you may break even. I don't think it's worth it persona...
by Hug401k
Sat Apr 28, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family vacationing
Replies: 49
Views: 7372

Re: Family vacationing

As a kid, it was all tent camping on lakes in Maine. What I've realized over the years is that there are a lot of small things you can do to keep down expenses. As many have mentioned, rent a place with a kitchen and pack groceries (I pack meals I make ahead of time), stay off the main strip location, stay in drivable distance. Pack road snacks so no side of the road shopping. I once watched a family at a road side rest stop have a full on italian meal with a crock pot etc instead of dining out. Brilliant. Make sure the daily activity is free or close to free (beach, lake, museums, hiking etc).

And if none of that works for you, I've had a few great staycations where you act like a tourist but sleep in your own bed :)
by Hug401k
Sun Apr 22, 2018 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance Changing Lifestyle
Replies: 79
Views: 14025

Re: Inheritance Changing Lifestyle

Did I just read you inherited $5M and you are upset your wife bought new pots and pans? :shock: :oops:
by Hug401k
Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise or other vaca ideas for Dad w/13yr old twin boys?
Replies: 36
Views: 3651

Re: Cruise or other vaca ideas for Dad w/13yr old twin boys?

Fellow MA resident with a 12 and 10 yr old. Here are some things I've thought about, but I'm waiting for the 10 yr old to get a bit older. They have Parasailing out of Newport. Add a fishing trip to that, maybe some sailing, and some beach time and I think that's a fun time. Beavertail in Jamestown is a small but awesome park, all rocks and crashing waves. Maybe add a ghost stories tour? There is also white water rafting in NH and Maine. I did that many years ago and that was fun. My oldest enjoys zip lining too.
by Hug401k
Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Persian Rug Passed Down From Grandmother
Replies: 28
Views: 3624

Re: Persian Rug Passed Down From Grandmother

If it is a true Persian rug, I cannot express how durable these things are. You can walk on them everyday for 50 years before they get a hole. We have one under our everyday table (with kids and pets) and it does not stain. It has had blueberries smashed into it and hot chocolate spilled on it. Liquids just pool on the surface. It is truly amazing. And the best part is, the more worn they get, the more in style they are. Fake aged rugs are for sale everywhere. My point is, if you like it, use it. Don't worry about survival. They are workhorses, and will ruin any other type of rug for you forever. I was never a huge fan of them until we inherited them, and now I LOVE them. I've become a total rug snob. BUT.. you do have to like it :) Otherwi...
by Hug401k
Tue Apr 03, 2018 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning up new house before move in—getting rid of “cat smell”
Replies: 59
Views: 30594

Re: Cleaning up new house before move in—getting rid of “cat smell”

If it's just a house that happened to own a cat, and they don't have carpets, I would just have everything deep cleaned before you move in. If there is anything fabric left behind, have those cleaned. Clean behind appliances. Wipe down walls etc. I would guess that most houses have had a cat at some point in their existence but I do live in an area of really old houses. I know for a fact a women with 6-7 dogs once owned my house (in the 1940s -1950s) and I didn't smell dog in it until I went and got a dog. My floors are about 187 years old.
by Hug401k
Fri Mar 23, 2018 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Losing friends/family when wealthy
Replies: 118
Views: 15452

Re: Losing friends/family when wealthy

For most of my life, family/friends used to always treat me out because they perceived me as struggling. My guess this is the issue. You allowed friends and family to treat you when you had the money? If that's the case, and somehow now they know that all this time you were just hoarding the money, well...they have every right to be ticked. For most of my life, people have perceived me and my family as the least wealthy and least successful. I was viewed by most of my family members as the one least likely to be successful. For most of my life, family/friends used to always treat me out because they perceived me as struggling. However, as I gotten older, it may be a shocking revelation that me and my family have amassed a relatively high n...
by Hug401k
Mon Mar 19, 2018 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV that is flush to wall
Replies: 17
Views: 3062

Re: TV that is flush to wall

Let me know what you decide to do around the Frame since we are also considering it! I've heard the the sound is decent on the Frame so not having to buy sound equipment would be nice. My other thought was a vendor on Etsy who makes historic pull down maps that can pull right over your TV.
by Hug401k
Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV and set up recommendations for above fireplace
Replies: 35
Views: 4937

Re: TV and set up recommendations for above fireplace

Wow, the Bogleheads are sounding quite old here today. Lots of people put their TV over the fireplace! I'm actually in the process of moving one over it myself. Like you, we want more seating. We don't watch this TV a ton, but when we do, we often have many people over. Plus the TV blocks windows which drives me crazy. In any case, we are going through the same process you are. I'm looking at the Samsung Frame TV but it's price tag is kind of breathtakingly high for a TV that hangs like a picture and can project art when not in use. I'll let you know if we find anything!
by Hug401k
Thu Mar 15, 2018 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash out inherited IRA or just take RMD's?
Replies: 19
Views: 3126

Re: Cash out inherited IRA or just take RMD's?

I have an inherited IRA. I split it with my brother. I have been taking the RMDs annually and today, 7 years later, it is worth more than the day I inherited it. (I invested in a mix of Index funds). My brother took the RMD for a year or 2, and then he decided to buy a house and liquidated the account. No right or wrong, but I would encourage you to keep it in the IRA until you need it. There are no taxes on the investment gains until you take it out. I moved the account to Fidelity. I found their beneficiary team to be excellent. They will do all the RMD calculations for you, and allow you to set what day you would like to be paid annually, so each year I get a nice birthday gift from my mother. :happy My home page reminds me what the amo...
by Hug401k
Thu Mar 15, 2018 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on saving on living expenses for a first time single householder
Replies: 46
Views: 4735

Re: Tips on saving on living expenses for a first time single householder

1) Scrambled Eggs - with or without veggies and/or shredded cheese. Alternate is frittata or omelet. 2).tomato saice (diced tomatoes, some onion diced, organo or basil. Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat. Capers , black olives, other veggies). Saute opnion in a bit of olive oil first. Add diced tonato, simmer for 10 minutes. Add other ingrediebts at end of cooking time. Serve with pasta, over chicken. Could even be puzza sauce if you cook til thinker. 3). Loaded baked potato. 4). Buy roasted chicken. Leftovers can make chivken salad, quesadillas, chicken noodle souls. 5 quesadiilas (cheese , beans, veggie, meat or combo) 6). Sloppy joes. ( pasta sauce + hamburger). Or campbell's french onion soup, 1/3 cup sour cream + hamerger. Tasty. Yo...
by Hug401k
Wed Mar 14, 2018 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash out inherited IRA or just take RMD's?
Replies: 19
Views: 3126

Re: Cash out inherited IRA or just take RMD's?

I have an inherited IRA. I split it with my brother. I have been taking the RMDs annually and today, 7 years later, it is worth more than the day I inherited it. (I invested in a mix of Index funds). My brother took the RMD for a year or 2, and then he decided to buy a house and liquidated the account. No right or wrong, but I would encourage you to keep it in the IRA until you need it. There are no taxes on the investment gains until you take it out. I moved the account to Fidelity. I found their beneficiary team to be excellent. They will do all the RMD calculations for you, and allow you to set what day you would like to be paid annually, so each year I get a nice birthday gift from my mother. :happy My home page reminds me what the amou...
by Hug401k
Wed Mar 07, 2018 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your % pay raise?
Replies: 179
Views: 24988

Re: What was your % pay raise?

Financial Services Industry .08% total for the last 3 years and that was the year I got the highest performance score you can get. Dow Jones up 25% in 2017. :annoyed This company does not give raises. If you perform you may get a cash bonus. Or you may not. Would have been nice to know that one before I negotiated salary. Lesson learned. This is how my wife's employer is; tech, data security (she's in enterprise sales). In 3yrs she hasn't received a raise at all, despite technically getting 3 promotions and now having way more responsibility than she did then. She's also the top producer in her department, by a significant large margin, and she is aware that her salary is lower than several of her colleagues (for reasons which there is no ...
by Hug401k
Wed Mar 07, 2018 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should people with HSA pay all medical expenses without it?
Replies: 23
Views: 4212

Re: Should people with HSA pay all medical expenses without it?

otinkyad wrote: Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:01 pm We pay out of pocket, and don’t save receipts. There is very likely to be enough expenses later, and life has enough hassles without even more paperwork.

Glad to see this here, it was my thinking as well and I was starting to worry I should be keeping better records. My thought it that we'll probably fly through it as soon as we are retired.
by Hug401k
Sat Mar 03, 2018 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your % pay raise?
Replies: 179
Views: 24988

Re: What was your % pay raise?

Financial Services Industry .08% total for the last 3 years and that was the year I got the highest performance score you can get. Dow Jones up 25% in 2017. :annoyed

This company does not give raises. If you perform you may get a cash bonus. Or you may not. Would have been nice to know that one before I negotiated salary. Lesson learned.
by Hug401k
Mon Feb 26, 2018 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 layers of roof. Pull my offer??
Replies: 63
Views: 9539

Re: 3 layers of roof. Pull my offer??

badbreath wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 8:20 pm I would just show what it takes to redo the roof and ask a reduced offer. Then you control the redoing of the roof.
This. There is no way I would want the seller picking out the color or quality. I think some of these responses are regional. If you live in an area where the majority of houses are new, or built in the last 15 years, an old roof is bad. If you live in an area where most of the houses are somewhere between 150-40 years old, (Northeast) an old roof is just the thing that needs replacing, as every house has something. If it were me, and there were no sign of structural issues, I'd definitely buy it and just try to get some money off to replace it. (which may or may not happen in New England).
by Hug401k
Fri Feb 23, 2018 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Time for twins to go to daycare
Replies: 38
Views: 3928

Re: Time for twins to go to daycare

I have to agree with what everyone is saying.. that is some inexpensive daycare. Also, separate expenses can create resentment once kids enter the picture. I've seen it happen. Those babies are going to need new wardrobes every 3-6 months for the next 2 years. Who is paying for that? Who's dropping $100 month in diapers? Who's buying baby's first shoes and gym classes. It gets really old really fast if it's supposed to be just one of you. I highly recommend a family account that you each contribute to that covers mortgage, insurance, utilities, kid expenses, groceries etc. If you make more, perhaps you can contribute more to that account. A % of salary?
by Hug401k
Sun Feb 18, 2018 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What has been your most important skill in achieving financial independence?
Replies: 164
Views: 16524

Re: What has been your most important skill in achieving financial independence?

My skill was thinking ahead and the ability to automate things I wanted to do consistently.

The biggest item was that I started at age 22. :D Any monetary sacrifice now will multiply and grow throughout your life. Time IS your most valuable asset.

Next, pay yourself first. 1. Retirement plans. 2. Next a taxable account that is not one click away to spend it. Automate the account. Have money sent directly from your paycheck. Invest most of it automatically. Try to ignore it.

You will succeed. There are lots and lots of people who make more money than me but I would guess not many of them have the net worth I do because they were spending every cent they made at 22.
by Hug401k
Wed Feb 14, 2018 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Iphone X with AT&T
Replies: 16
Views: 1530

Re: Buying Iphone X with AT&T

I've been looking into it, and it doesn't seem to matter. I prefer the idea of paying for the phone, and I'm considering switching to Verizon prepaid plan since I don't need an unlimited data plan. I don't know if AT&T offers a prepaid plan. If you own it, you can take your business somewhere else if you want.
by Hug401k
Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our 'cure' for emergency expenses
Replies: 153
Views: 28093

Re: Our 'cure' for emergency expenses

The best budgeting process is the one that works for you. Great job on finding something. We do something similar where we allocate money from every pay check automatically into what we call the "house fund." It retains that name just because it was where we originally saved for a house, but now it covers larger irregular expenses. This includes travel, infrequent home repair (painting etc), car repairs, etc. It works well for us, if we know that money is there, things like car repairs are not particularly stressful. And if it builds up, we go on vacation. We've now saved enough outside this fund that it has become a bit irrelevant but it was key in our success starting out. One of my issues with budgeting is that many things in l...
by Hug401k
Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What time do you go to work?
Replies: 72
Views: 8204

Re: What time do you go to work?

Which job are we talking about?I feel like I have a few...

Job of getting kids ready for school - 6:45am
Office paying job- 8:30am
Job of getting kids to sports- 5:30pm
Job of making dinner- sometime between 530-7
Job of cleaning up house/prepping for next day- 9pm.
by Hug401k
Mon Jan 29, 2018 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?
Replies: 63
Views: 5963

Re: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?

The local library had a children's room that was a life saver for us in the winter. We also always cleared the driveway very clear so there was space for balls and scooters even in winter. That's afternoons. Evenings were mostly cooking, cleaning, bathing, reading with some games during any down time. (which mostly fell to dad because by then I was too tired to move). I had to really focus on burning some energy with my son during the day. The town next to us opened their town gym for toddler play time. We went 2 x per week.
by Hug401k
Wed Jan 24, 2018 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses
Replies: 413
Views: 233550

Re: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses

One other thing I learned.. if you have a specialized issue like an eye and you are headed to the ER, call ahead. We were on our way, leaving the house, my husband called the ER to tell them he would need an eye specialist. The eye specialist called us back and directed us to his office instead, where he had all the proper equipment (and no ER rates). We were in and out in 45 minutes. You were on your way to the ED, you called the ED, and an eye specialist called you back and told you to meet him at his office? Either you're on the medical staff or you live in Lake Wobegon. I hope nobody assumes from your comment that this is a service most EDs offer. I agree that if you have an eye issue, you're usually better off being seeing seen in oph...
by Hug401k
Wed Jan 24, 2018 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working in the real world
Replies: 118
Views: 13300

Re: Working in the real world

I really can't stress cost of living enough. My step sister and her husband live Ohio. They own a house with land that would cost $1M in the metrowest Boston area. I believe they paid $172k about 10 years ago. My old mega corp had an office in Kentucky/Ohio and Metrowest Boston. Ohio would transfer to the Boston area under NO circumstances due to a calculated pay cut of 35% just due to cost of housing and childcare.

A lot of this is cost of living adjusted. Don't underestimate the impact. Now your wife's position, she's just being taken advantage of.
by Hug401k
Sat Jan 20, 2018 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses
Replies: 413
Views: 233550

Re: How to Minimize Your Emergency Care Expenses

I also maintain a list of health care items I plan to attend to after I hit my out of pocket. Nothing urgent, but a few aches and pains I'll only get taken care of once we see if we hit the deductible. I wonder if hospitals start to see a rush towards the end of the financial year with so many high deductible plans.

One other thing I learned.. if you have a specialized issue like an eye and you are headed to the ER, call ahead. We were on our way, leaving the house, my husband called the ER to tell them he would need an eye specialist. The eye specialist called us back and directed us to his office instead, where he had all the proper equipment (and no ER rates). We were in and out in 45 minutes.
by Hug401k
Sat Jan 20, 2018 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family Balance and Children's Athletics
Replies: 37
Views: 3788

Re: Family Balance and Children's Athletics

I'd just like to add.. it's not just sports. My daughter (age 12) has been involved in the local kids theater company lately and wants to do more. What a time sucking/money sucking enterprise that is! In addition, the school chorus wants 3 hours from them a week (for 11-12 year olds) and band wants another 2 hours and Jazz band is another 90 minutes. I wanted to her to be well rounded and try lots of thing, but not much allows you to be lightly involved these days. Plus she does play town sports, no club, but even those are travel with lots of time, so we've had to narrow down to real interests. My son does play in a club soccer team. He loves it. We kept finding him out in the yard at 8 years old, trying to teach himself soccer moves from ...
by Hug401k
Fri Jan 19, 2018 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preparing for a lay off - what steps to take now
Replies: 44
Views: 6960

Re: Preparing for a lay off - what steps to take now

You'll likely find a lot of recommendations here, but I would suggest the following (BTW I think most of us working for a megacorp have been laid off at some point. Mine was 2010) 1. Bump up that 401k to max out for the year (unless you are really worried about cash) 2. If health insurance is an issue, get your drs apt done and caught up. 3. Start saving as much cash as possible. Pay off CC debt if possible. 4. Review your bills, especially reoccurring ones, to figure out what you can cut back on. Cut back now. 5. Figure out if there are any services you can get rid of once you are home (lawn service etc) 6. Start reaching out- update the resume, update linked in, etc. Start talking about your future. Be open so people think of you when job...
by Hug401k
Fri Jan 19, 2018 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Short Commute or Nicer House?
Replies: 142
Views: 14012

Re: Short Commute or Nicer House?

You didn't mention crowds. For us, the houses and towns under option 1 are in a state of gridlock traffic at all times. Everything is crowded- grocery store, restaurants, hardware store, kid activities. Everything costs more. More crime.

Just another perspective. Getting away from the crowds and constant gridlock was important for me.
by Hug401k
Thu Jan 18, 2018 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any US Mobile experience?
Replies: 9
Views: 1532

Re: Any US Mobile experience?

Please do report back! I've been considering the same things!
by Hug401k
Mon Jan 15, 2018 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Besides Bogleheads, What Are Your Favorite Forums?
Replies: 113
Views: 24704

Re: Besides Bogleheads, What Are Your Favorite Forums?

mouses wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 3:07 pm Not exactly forums, but I Like various facebook groups that specialize in my interests - old house restoration, history, archaeology, gardening, farming, etc.
Mouses- Can you share your old house restoration group? I need better resources. Thanks.
by Hug401k
Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Worth tracking down lost retirement plan histories?
Replies: 23
Views: 1662

Re: Worth tracking down lost retirement plan histories?

Hi- It's likely 1 of 3 things has happened. 1) You had over a few thousand dollars in that account, so your company isn't allowed to close it without your permission. If that's the case, it's still floating out there with all the other company's 401k participants. Call the company, if they have a record on you, update all your contact info especially your address. If they have nothing, ask who they use for a recordkeeper. Call the 401k division of that record keeper. I doubt this is the case since you've received no statements, but maybe they have a REALLY old address or a typo in the address. 2) They paid you out already. It was small, you cashed the check, never to think of it again. (this is my guess). Years ago, if the balance was under...
by Hug401k
Wed Jan 03, 2018 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Effects of extreme cold weather
Replies: 107
Views: 13881

Re: Effects of extreme cold weather

Watty wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:13 am
AAA wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2018 7:42 pm Finally, the low tire pressure warning has come on in both of our cars.
This may not be a malfunction and your tires may actually be low.

The tire pressure changes about 1 pound for every 10 degrees in temperature change.

https://www.lesschwab.com/learn/article ... -heres-why
My tire warning lights come on like clockwork when it gets really cold.
by Hug401k
Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frozen Pipes
Replies: 30
Views: 5636

Re: Frozen Pipes

I would do a check on ALL the water sources to see if it's just the dishwasher. Try to identify as closely as possible where the pipes are frozen. Usually touching them is a good hint based on how cold they are. If you can't get close to the pipes, get a space heater into that crawl space. Keep an eye on it. If you can access the pipes, get a hairdryer on them. Also turn up the heat in the house. One or the other usually works for me, but the space heater can take a hours. Also, after the snow storm, it's supposed to be worse and combined with wind which is terrible for pipes. My contractor friend says do not let your heat drop overnight this Friday. Keep it on the day settings all night. Also, drip your water and open all your sink cabinet...
by Hug401k
Tue Jan 02, 2018 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convert drafty wood burning fireplace to more efficient
Replies: 21
Views: 2867

Re: Convert drafty wood burning fireplace to more efficient

rutrow2015 wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:15 pm
Disadvantages:

Not as safe as Direct vent. Not furnace rated (I wouldn't leave it on if I wasn't in the room). Realistically if you service the log set once per year and have a carbon monoxide detector installed I think the safety is concerns are negligible. May not be good for newer, tighter construction houses (requires some air leakage). Will have a smell that is not noticeable until you walk into a house that has a ventless firelplace burning.
Rutrow- how would you describe the smell? I'm seriously considering adding one because of the open flame and price, but I've been worried about any smell. My house is old, so plenty drafty enough.
by Hug401k
Tue Jan 02, 2018 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convert drafty wood burning fireplace to more efficient
Replies: 21
Views: 2867

Re: Convert drafty wood burning fireplace to more efficient

Hi Runner9, we are having a similar challenge. We are looking to convert a wood burning fireplace to a gas burning with an insert as well. I've also been contemplating the ventless due to the fact that it is way cheaper. The challenge is that we also have no space underneath it to run a gas line. Has anyone mentioned how to get a gas line to an interior fireplace with no basement? Maybe this is an easy question for those who live in areas where basements are rare. In my case, all the challenges are multiplied by the fact that the fireplace is 200 yr old and only 13 inches deep, but I think that's for another post. I will say that the damper is closed and the previous owners stuffed a huge amount of black foam up the chimney and the draft is...
by Hug401k
Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 24, Short and long term goals, advice appreciated
Replies: 14
Views: 1639

Re: 24, Short and long term goals, advice appreciated

You are thinking about these things now, so that's a step in the right direction. I can't stress enough how much any retirement savings now will pay off later. I started saving in a 401k at 22 and I don't regret my giant 401k one bit. It will probably mean I can retire early. If I had a pension after 20 years like you might as well, I would be retired. If you can get a ring AND wedding bands for 10k, you might be better off. As a woman, I will say that your future wife will look at that ring every day, multiple times a day, for the rest of her life. Some of the other posters called it no value. I disagree. Anything you look at all day, every day, better be good. And it will hold value (unlike a car). I only had some alarm bells with buying ...