Search found 534 matches

by nydoc
Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3496

Re: Baement remodel started without a permit

jabberwockOG wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:38 pm
jebmke wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:41 am Tell them no more money until permit applied.
This. Simple straightforward, no nonsense talk. Simple solution. Don't get bullied or railroaded.
Or just call the city inspector to come and check. They will stop work until permit is ready. Problem solved.
by nydoc
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you eat?
Replies: 54
Views: 4999

What do you eat?

Hi,
We cook all our food at home and rarely eat outside. However, it takes a lot of time and entire life seems to revolve around meal preparation. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner which doesn’t involve much cooking and still nutritious and fresh? If you eat outside how do you ensure food is healthy and good quality? What I have found that food even from expensive restaurants is not that great for your health. We like to eat spicy asian food overall and have no clue what other Americans eat all day?
Thank you.
by nydoc
Wed Jan 31, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities
Replies: 74
Views: 7088

Re: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities

Long Island. Barely any winter now. Mostly sunny. Great schools. Mountains and sea close by. It’s amazing to see how rapidly weather has changed in past 5 years.
by nydoc
Sat Jan 06, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you find your dream job?
Replies: 79
Views: 25836

Re: How did you find your dream job?

I joined a small rural hospital in south for my first job. Soon I realized I was being used as a pawn in hospital’s local politics and was asked to leave after a year when they achieved their goals. Distressed I texted my former training program chief at 615 AM. At 630 AM he replied and asked me to join them. First year there my income went up by double. Three years later he left and moved to a different hospital as chief of surgery and asked me if I wanted to join? I followed him blindly. Soon my income became three times of my first job while I work three days a week, have bright residents with me whom we love to teach and train while they deal with everyday hospital tasks, have approved time off whenever DD school is off, exempt from clo...
by nydoc
Sat Jan 06, 2024 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We are stuck with the house... !?)
Replies: 38
Views: 7564

Re: We are stuck with the house... !?)

If highway is bothering you sell it at any cost someone will agree at. If highway doesn’t bother you expand it. Don’t look at the past or future. Act today.
by nydoc
Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 Stock Returns Already Happened
Replies: 27
Views: 4534

Re: 2024 Stock Returns Already Happened

I just checked my allocation and now I need to rebalance from stock to bond. Who knows what will happen in future but staying the course has helped so far a lot.
by nydoc
Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?
Replies: 126
Views: 21500

Re: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?

You have answered it yourself. If it’s a no brained do it yourself. If you have to think and plan, outsource it.
by nydoc
Tue Dec 12, 2023 4:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Not a good experience with Fidelity reps [Buying fractional shares]
Replies: 47
Views: 5478

Re: Not a good experience with Fidelity reps [Buying fractional shares]

How long did it take to do all this? That will be a good comparison to vanguard.
by nydoc
Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Will It Take for International Equities to Significantly Outperform?
Replies: 69
Views: 8580

Re: What Will It Take for International Equities to Significantly Outperform?

When all talented/rich/smart people from other countries stop immigrating to US. US leads the world in innovation and scientific progress and maintains its dominance one way or other. It’s like asking why graduates from Harvard gets paid more compared to college dropouts? I was in top 5 in my huge country of more than a billion people to get into the no 1 ranked medical school. I came to US just like other 27 out of 34 total med school graduates from my class. US is unbeatable.
by nydoc
Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP
Replies: 48
Views: 5052

Re: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP

I have stopped dealing with insurance denials etc also. If patient’s insurance denies something I can’t help it. Arguing with insurance company takes my time without any reimbursement.
by nydoc
Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP
Replies: 48
Views: 5052

Re: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP

No email. I would like to get paid for my work. Please make a televisit appointment to discuss.
by nydoc
Thu Nov 16, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a panamera worth it?
Replies: 48
Views: 6832

Re: Is a panamera worth it?

My colleague and close friend has one. 170k miles now and going strong like new. So reliable. He always went to dealer for maintenance.
by nydoc
Sun Nov 05, 2023 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Post note- I’ll argue the value of a buyer agent ad nauseum- the title of this thread includes « CONSPIRACY AMONG REALTORS » I’m a realtor, I’ve listed properties for 2% and 7% , and in every case my seller knew what portion of that % was being paid to another agent. There was no conspiracy. That said, in many areas I suspect that perhaps sellers were , in a sense, schnookered . So overall, a change should/ might occur. Carry on with the vitriol as I find it amusing, though will caution those with kids who will buy their first home that it might be in their best interest to be represented by a good realtor. Just saying. Oh the benevolent salesperson without who world will be in such a terrible place. Like the solar lease guy knocking on my...
by nydoc
Sun Nov 05, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Makes appointments for showings with the selling agent. Shows the home to their buyer. Gives their opinion on the property (some do..and some are way better at it than others). Runs comparables when it is time to make an offer. Writes up the contract for an offer (at least fills in the blanks). Meets the client for the inspection. The way I look at it with the current system is I can do all that, but since it isn't really costing me anything I let the buyer's agent do some of the work. However, I've sold 4 properties myself (paying the buyer's agent 2.5% and putting it in the MLS). A house near me sold recently. I recall only one potential buyer showed up with an agent. The dozens of others just showed alone up for the open house. To do th...
by nydoc
Sun Nov 05, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Does anyone here suggests a patient’s agent for undergoing a major surgery? Agent can help with finding good surgeon, hospital, make appointments, arrange transportation and what not ? If not then definitely one does not need an agent to purchase a far less important thing like house. Only reason these agents exist because they get paid from this NAR scam. Remove that and they will disappear right away.
by nydoc
Sun Nov 05, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Because the NAR has a rule that they will not list a property on the MLS unless there is a buyer commission of at least 2%. That is part of what the lawsuit is about. The NAR has a rule forbidding negotiation on commissions below a certain value. Just recently in response to this lawsuit and the Dept. of Justice investigation, NAR has loosened this rule -- wink, wink -- but local MLS services are free to stick to the old rules requiring a buyer's commission for listing. At its core, the NAR is in opposition to free markets, in opposition to competition, in opposition to negotiation. That's why it is being ruled illegal price-fixing in courts. I agree with all that. However from a practical perspective, if you offered a 1% commission to the...
by nydoc
Sun Nov 05, 2023 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

I bought my first property without a buyers agent. Do not see what is the deal about this buyers agent? I never felt I needed anyone. There are so many inspection companies and attorneys to chose from. Giving more than 2k to a buyers agent seems like a stretch. Now title company is another scam that needs to be fixed.
by nydoc
Fri Nov 03, 2023 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors
Replies: 421
Views: 47258

Re: Home Sellers Win $1.8 Billion After Jury Finds Conspiracy Among Realtors

Why don’t sellers offer 3% or whatever fee to their agent and that’s all? It should be up to the buyer to pay their agent.
by nydoc
Tue Oct 24, 2023 9:12 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New Local Chapter on Long Island NY established
Replies: 51
Views: 18002

Re: New Local Chapter on Long Island NY established

How do I join?
Thanks
by nydoc
Sat Oct 21, 2023 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fall Colors (2023) in New England
Replies: 30
Views: 6264

Re: Fall Colors (2023) in New England

It’s almost the end of October and most trees are still green in nyc area.
by nydoc
Tue Oct 17, 2023 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless headphones
Replies: 13
Views: 1110

Re: Wireless headphones

Thanks but it has this band in the back.
by nydoc
Tue Oct 17, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless headphones
Replies: 13
Views: 1110

Wireless headphones

Hi,
I was never able to wear a regular shaped airpod or similar devices due to shape of my ear. I don’t like wearing over the head Bluetooth devices as they are bulky. Is there any solution?
Thanks.
by nydoc
Mon Oct 16, 2023 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - what is a competitive offer?
Replies: 30
Views: 6207

Re: Physicians - what is a competitive offer?

It is actually supply and demand. However there is a geographic mismatch in supply and demand. Also many hospitals are still reluctant to pony up money to attract Drs. No physician should accept salary based on CPT insurance reimbursement. Medicare used to pay $1800 in 1983 for carotid surgery. It’s paid $1100 in year 2023 while inflation adjusted it should be $5600. That missing money went to the pockets of hospitals and insurance companies and Drs should demand a major part of it as part of their compensation.
by nydoc
Mon Oct 16, 2023 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physicians - what is a competitive offer?
Replies: 30
Views: 6207

Re: Physicians - what is a competitive offer?

My only advice- there is a huge shortage of Drs in every specialty. Ask double compensation and plenty of other things and keep rejecting offers until you get it. Private practice is dead so don’t bother exploring that.
by nydoc
Thu Oct 05, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Masters program in US
Replies: 32
Views: 2837

Re: Masters program in US

Thanks for replies.
He is not a US citizen and will join on student visa.
by nydoc
Thu Oct 05, 2023 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Masters program in US
Replies: 32
Views: 2837

Masters program in US

Hi,
I have a nephew outside USA who needs some education/career guidance. He is 29, average student although very hard working with good communication and interpersonal skills. After trying multiple traditional career pathways he is not heading anywhere. His background is literature and journalism which does not have much scope in his country. I have offered my assistance in pursuing education and career in USA. Are there any forums where he can research the programs and universities? Do you have any recommendations in this area?
Thank you.
by nydoc
Mon Oct 02, 2023 12:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trading Treasuries (nominal and TIPS)
Replies: 4191
Views: 466743

Re: Trading Treasuries (nominal and TIPS)

I never bought TIPS or treasury bonds before except yearly I bond purchase. Purpose for bonds in my portfolio is to keep bond portion from losing value and earn some interest on it. Should I start purchasing treasury bonds or TIPS for rebalancing as per my target asset allocation? Thanks.
by nydoc
Sun Oct 01, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: deleted
Replies: 84
Views: 9768

Re: Are we seat warmers? [Change from public to private sector employer]

One thing that I’d do to evaluate a situation like this is look at your hourly rate and factor in the benefit you’ll receive from the pension into the equation. I’d also think about what working additional hours would do to my quality of life. This is not easy to quantify but is important to consider. Specifically, if you return home relatively late in the evening and there is hardly any time left in the day or much energy left within you, that takes a physical, emotional, and mental toll. This toll also becomes more heavy as you age. I would want to be compensated at an extra high rate in exchange for agreeing to sign up for such a situation. By the way, marginal taxes on a higher wage would mean that those higher wages would need to be e...
by nydoc
Sat Sep 30, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: deleted
Replies: 84
Views: 9768

Re: Are we seat warmers?

There is nothing better than a nice government job.
by nydoc
Wed Sep 20, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: "BogleDocs" Chapter for Physicians & Healthcare Professionals - Please Respond if Interested!
Replies: 66
Views: 13161

Re: "BogleDocs" Chapter for Physicians & Healthcare Professionals - Please Respond if Interested!

Yes. They are all healthcare professionals with their duly earn titles. None of them are providers. I didn’t do Masters in Providership.
by nydoc
Fri Sep 15, 2023 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Problems with EVA Air
Replies: 20
Views: 1509

Re: Problems with EVA Air

I'm anticipating issues with EVA AIR and thought I would post here to see if any Bogleheads have had similar issues and might have suggestions. Although they are a solid airline, and I've flown them in the past with good experiences I've never had any need to contact their customer service. Now I do. I have a ticket to BKK in November. But now EVA has "rescheduled" its Nov. 2 TPE to BKK leg of the flight from "arriving at 11:05" to "arriving at 11:10." By adding 5 minutes to their arrival time they have wiped out all seat reservations and have emailed customers telling them to call in to re-reserve a seat. Has anyone had this experience? In 50 years of flying I have never had this happen to me. Given the fact ...
by nydoc
Fri Sep 15, 2023 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any iPhone 15 Pro Max Deals?
Replies: 36
Views: 5343

Re: Any iPhone 15 Pro Max Deals?

There is something with this new iPhone pro max. Looks like even Apple didn’t anticipate it. People behave strangely. What I hearing titanium and number 15 making it go crazy.
by nydoc
Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Not Inherit a Timeshare
Replies: 26
Views: 2957

Re: How to Not Inherit a Timeshare

Sandi_k wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:50 pm
nydoc wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:43 pm Can their mother disinherit them for the timeshare in the will?
Better yet, can their mother bequeath the timeshare back to the timeshare company? :D :D
I will not wish such ill designs even on my enemies.
by nydoc
Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Not Inherit a Timeshare
Replies: 26
Views: 2957

Re: How to Not Inherit a Timeshare

Can their mother disinherit them for the timeshare in the will?
by nydoc
Mon Sep 11, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Elusive Jobs with Little/No Stress (Burned Out)
Replies: 67
Views: 10509

Re: The Elusive Jobs with Little/No Stress (Burned Out)

Government jobs. What I see in private sector people work way more than what’s specified in their contract. 8mStart work at 9AM, lunch break for 30 mins or so..leave at 5 PM. You do this 5 days a week. Take your vacation and other off days as specified in contract. It’s really not that stressful. No idea why sticking to one’s contract terms is considered bad and frowned upon?
by nydoc
Sat Sep 09, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gym etiquette [exhausted-put a fork in it]
Replies: 82
Views: 8620

Re: Gym etiquette

Older I get more I want to avoid any human interaction. Just aggravating.
by nydoc
Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 3% balance transfer fees; 0% apr until Oct 2024
Replies: 9
Views: 836

Re: 3% balance transfer fees; 0% apr until Oct 2024

When this idea came to your mind did you feel smart? If yes then don’t do it.
by nydoc
Tue Sep 05, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chase Sapphire Rewards Lying About Seat Selection?
Replies: 28
Views: 5849

Re: Chase Sapphire Rewards Lying About Seat Selection?

I like chase portal. It’s way quicker to talk to chase travel than airline customer service if something needs to be changed.
by nydoc
Tue Aug 08, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health Insurance Denial
Replies: 20
Views: 1934

Re: Health Insurance Denial

One word- state insurance regulator. Just tell Cigna that state is also in this loop. And then see how fast it works out. No one wants state regulators to start looking into these. I wish more customers used attorney general, insurance regulators, CFPB and federal agencies in stead of dealing with businesses for months.
by nydoc
Mon Aug 07, 2023 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bridging the gap [between pipes - Plumbing problem]
Replies: 7
Views: 822

Re: Bridging the gap [between pipes - Plumbing problem]

Thanks for your replies. I reassembled exactly like before and the wall drain pipe just slips out because of undue tension. May just switch to brass P trap.
by nydoc
Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bridging the gap [between pipes - Plumbing problem]
Replies: 7
Views: 822

Bridging the gap [between pipes - Plumbing problem]

https://i.postimg.cc/DfGNVSR8/FFB38561- ... 5-FA95.jpg

Hi,
While unclogging this sink drain I found that drain pipe was barely inside the vertical trap. It was somehow linked together under tension. There is a good amount of gap as you can see in this picture. How can the end of this horizontal pipe extended to fit properly? This is a smooth end without any grooves. There will be a slip joint washer and nut also.
Thanks.
by nydoc
Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports with the least commitments for kids?
Replies: 149
Views: 11474

Re: Sports with the least commitments for kids?

ScubaHogg wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 11:35 pm
nydoc wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:30 pm Kids wake up at 7. Get ready by 730. Home study until school bus arrives at 830. Gets back home at 330. Eats and roams around the house until 430. 6-730 study time then shower, dinner and sleep by 9. You decide what you want them to do between 430-6 pm.
I hope your six year old isn’t doing 1.5 hours of homework a night
It’s not homework. We study together. No pressure. She can run talk whatever. Every other day she goes to Kumon around the same time. Trying to create a habit of daily studies at home for future.
by nydoc
Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports with the least commitments for kids?
Replies: 149
Views: 11474

Re: Sports with the least commitments for kids?

Kids wake up at 7. Get ready by 730. Home study until school bus arrives at 830. Gets back home at 330. Eats and roams around the house until 430. 6-730 study time then shower, dinner and sleep by 9. You decide what you want them to do between 430-6 pm.
by nydoc
Tue Aug 01, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax strategies for high income
Replies: 86
Views: 15381

Re: Tax strategies for high income

Big mortgage and kids.
by nydoc
Tue Aug 01, 2023 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax strategies for high income
Replies: 86
Views: 15381

Re: Tax strategies for high income

drk wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 5:17 pm A big mortgage "helps". Having kids as a tax strategy is coming back in a big way, too.
er999 wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 5:04 pm Move to a zero income tax state.
YMMV. We pay no state income taxes, but property taxes max out the SALT cap.
Can you please elaborate more on these? I have both.
by nydoc
Fri Jul 21, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Criteria for selecting a new doctor
Replies: 86
Views: 5254

Re: looking for a new doctor

Problem with US healthcare- anything less than perfect treatment means litigation. So no one wants to do anything extra beyond a limited scope. If you get 4-5 litigation against you no one will hire you. So why to take risk?
by nydoc
Wed Jul 19, 2023 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: With hindsight, what signs indicated you were about to lose your job?
Replies: 176
Views: 26060

Re: With hindsight, what signs indicated you were about to lose your job?

I was discussing my desire to buy a house with a senior hospital executive. He told me don’t buy for next few months. Next month I was told about employment termination.
by nydoc
Fri Jul 14, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Per Diem W2 employee benefits
Replies: 10
Views: 889

Per Diem W2 employee benefits

Hi,
I work occasionally at a hospital for a few hours for which I am paid per diem hourly rate. Employer is withholding taxes, medicare and social security rom the paycheck and I expect to receive a W2 for the tax year. However, I was told benefits are not extended to the per diem employees. Is it correct? From my understanding, I am an employee and like any other employee benefits should be available to me.
Thank you.
by nydoc
Tue Jun 27, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medallion signature guarantee conundrum
Replies: 44
Views: 4528

Re: Medallion signature gurantee conundrum

Looking at all these arcane requirements from financial institutions which one do you recommend that has least amount of these requirements?
by nydoc
Wed Jun 21, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I feel like I'm missing out on Tesla
Replies: 62
Views: 6343

Re: I feel like I'm missing out on Tesla

123 wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2023 1:14 am Tesla is in VTI.

Everyone has to learn their lesson, if you want more Tesla buy some.

Some investors need a periodic dose of single stock vaccine. Maybe its time for yours if you haven't had it before or if you've forgotten the results of holding an individual stock.

Maybe Tesla will be the magic stock that never goes down...
Yes. Completely agree. I get booster shot every 3-4 years and lose some but it improves my immunity overall.