Author Topic: Overheard at Work 2  (Read 1112823 times)

BTDretire

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2100 on: January 24, 2020, 12:35:30 PM »
My coworker with a 401k loan and maxed out credit cards told a group of us at lunch that she spent $50 at a gas station on branded merchandise. Why anyone would want sweatpants with a gas station logo on them is beyond my comprehension.
There is a certain TX gas station with a cult following.  I actually have a branded T-shirt from there (thrifted!) and a coozie.  Its so much more than just a gas station :)

My first thought when I read this was that it had to be Bucc-ee's

 I thought it was The Busy Bee, I had never heard of Buc-ee's.
I found a video about the Busy Bee, it seems so far it's a Florida/Georgia thing.
 The bathrooms really are great and always clean.
The bill boards are fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_7v4U3RxUE&feature=youtu.be

 All those goodies are there, but when we stop at a Busy Bee, we may buy gas, but not usually, my wife already has the cheap gas places figured out, and as far as goodies, she already packed those for the trip,
so no paying high prices on highway food.
 Did I mention they have nice bathrooms, that's why we stop. :-)
« Last Edit: February 03, 2020, 05:08:22 PM by BTDretire »

BTDretire

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2101 on: January 24, 2020, 12:50:01 PM »
To be fair you cannot contribute to an HSA unless you have a High Deductible plan, and depending on the plans your company offers that may legitimately not be the best choice for a lot of people. 5% does sound low though. :(

Yes, exactly. At my company, the premiums for a HDHP with a $1,400 deductible and 20% coinsurance on all costs after the deductible is only  15% less than a regular plan with a $700 deductible and 0-10% coinsurance (depending on the specific service). Actual premiums vary by family size and salary, but for employee-only coverage for someone earning a median salary for my company, the tipping point is around $1,000 of medical costs per year. Which is one chronic condition or injury per year.

  Not sure I understand the details. Are you paying $4,666 or more for the $700 deductible plan?
 If so, a 15% reduction in the premium would cover the $700 difference in the deductible. I don't understand how the co-insurance plays in, it may be the stopper.
 How about the tax reduction if you are allowed to use the HSA. Does that make it worth while?
 I only ask because going to a high deductible for me reduced my premium a huge amount, and now after
about 8 years, I have $52k of tax advantaged money in my HSA. I've been very happy with my HDHP/HSA policy.

marty998

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2102 on: January 25, 2020, 04:05:56 PM »
A 70 year old man and his 64 year old SO take their aging van to a dealer to get repairs. While waiting, their eyes catch on a new Dodge Journey SUV for about 20k sticker.
They both get Social Security - that's their only source of income.  He gets 1000, she gets 750. 
They are upside down on the vehicle being repaired. They get $1,500 trade allowance but loan payoff of $5,800, so they roll the $3,,300 into new loan. And get sold a $3,600 service contract. Payments are $700 per month.  So of their $1750 income, 700 will go to the new vehicle. And of course rent of 520 so that leaves them about $530 for everything else.

Did I mention his financial statements shown to the dealer show 2 bank accounts. First has $24 positive balance and the other is overdrawn by about $150. So they have less than zero money.

Their loan is for 26.5k at over 20% APR. This works for 1 month.

Then she dies. Now he is stuck with the loan and now only $1,000 income and $1,200 between vehicle and the rent. 

Can there be a worse story?

It ought to be illegal for a business to gouge an individual like that. Seriously! Not everyone has the same level of intellect and impulse control to understand how bad their choices are. SO many stories of people buying cars and houses and toys they can't even come close to affording.

We have rules around misleading and deceptive conduct here, as well as consumer credit laws (a credit provider has to undertake due diligence that a customer can service a loan).

However, numerous innovations are seeking to get around these laws, such as buy now, pay later apps and schemes - where you make a series of instalments, and are technically not charged interest.

The problem with trying to put in place unfair contract laws is the expectation that someone signing a contract has already sought proper legal advice. Perhaps there should be a requirement for the lender to ask "have you received legal or financial advice?" If the borrower waives that clause, then don't punish the lender.

Interesting though, the only reason I can think a lender would lend someone money in this situation is that the sales staff gets an upfront commission from it, and head office doesn't clue onto it until much later down the line, or just has bad internal management reporting.

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2103 on: January 27, 2020, 08:17:18 PM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.

Sugaree

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2104 on: January 28, 2020, 04:26:38 AM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore. 

jinga nation

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2105 on: January 28, 2020, 10:56:05 AM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore.

I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2106 on: January 28, 2020, 11:15:14 AM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!


Sugaree

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2107 on: January 28, 2020, 11:35:14 AM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

That's nice and all, but there are just some things that don't necessarily need to be "smart" (like the smart kitchen faucet...just why?).  My laundry room is semi-detached, so sending an alert to my phone when it's done would be kind of nifty, but I've gone 10 years now just remembering to check on it after 30 or 40 minutes and I've lived.

SwordGuy

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2108 on: January 28, 2020, 05:07:48 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Just Joe

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2109 on: January 28, 2020, 05:21:44 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Man, just wear them wet until they dry out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days...

OtherJen

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2110 on: January 28, 2020, 06:29:29 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Man, just wear them wet until they dry out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days...

Yep, plus they'll have that nice mildewy smell.

SwordGuy

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2111 on: January 28, 2020, 06:48:56 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Man, just wear them wet until they dry out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days...

I didn't buy the house because of the features on the dryer!  Hell, I didn't even know about them until some days after we closed on it.

slugline

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2112 on: January 29, 2020, 08:09:28 AM »
We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

That does sound fancy. Makes setting them out in front of the warm draft from my refrigerator coils sound downright primitive.

mtn

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2113 on: January 29, 2020, 08:11:38 AM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Man, just wear them wet until they dry out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days...

I didn't buy the house because of the features on the dryer!  Hell, I didn't even know about them until some days after we closed on it.

Getting away from the topic of the thread, but... One of my favorite estate sale purchases was a boot dryer. Paid about $5 for it. Stick boots on it, hockey skates, shoes, gloves... It is great.

horsepoor

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2114 on: January 29, 2020, 06:52:25 PM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore.

Yep, and if I couldn't cash flow that, I think I'd just buy of Craigslist or use the laundromat for a month or two.

AnnaGrowsAMustache

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2115 on: January 30, 2020, 01:19:45 AM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore.

Yep, and if I couldn't cash flow that, I think I'd just buy of Craigslist or use the laundromat for a month or two.

I bought my whiteware from a guy who reconditions whiteware FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. He's not the absolute cheapest but he does offer a warranty and all that stuff, and he only does whiteware and obviously quite well. I think my washing machine was $400 or so. The fridge was $500 and he sourced the particular fridge I wanted - single, white, half and half with the freezer on the bottom. Second hand goods are a great deal if you buy them with a bit of thought.

Just Joe

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2116 on: January 30, 2020, 01:29:52 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

Man, just wear them wet until they dry out. Shouldn't take more than a couple of days...

Yep, plus they'll have that nice mildewy smell.

For the record - I was joking... ;)

mm1970

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2117 on: January 30, 2020, 01:35:00 PM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore.

Yep, and if I couldn't cash flow that, I think I'd just buy of Craigslist or use the laundromat for a month or two.

I bought my whiteware from a guy who reconditions whiteware FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. He's not the absolute cheapest but he does offer a warranty and all that stuff, and he only does whiteware and obviously quite well. I think my washing machine was $400 or so. The fridge was $500 and he sourced the particular fridge I wanted - single, white, half and half with the freezer on the bottom. Second hand goods are a great deal if you buy them with a bit of thought.
Or even new things too.  I'm pretty shocked at how "high end" everything is this days - or what people think is normal.

We bought a fridge in 2001 (new, Kenmore) because the apartment we moved into didn't have one.  So, it was $650 or so.

Fast forward to late 2019, and it finally dies (after we replaced a few things along the way).  I go down the rabbit hole of looking things up on line (with very few places in town to LOOK), and even went on Craigslist and FB marketplace - but the fridge was dead and we couldn't really go without one for long.  Luckily it died BEFORE I did the Sat grocery shopping, so we made do for 3-4 days with a cooler and my work mini-fridge and our mini-freezer.

We were helped by the fact that in our house, my husband built cabinets around the fridge.  So, it's a 30" fridge.  That really means you aren't buying a $3k fridge.  After stressing about water filters, ice makers, stainless steel, french doors...we ended up with... a (new) 2017 Kenmore.  They were getting rid of unsold stock.  It's black, it was $350, though we did have to pay for delivery.  It is nearly identical to the one we replaced except it's black, the freezer is a tiny bit smaller, and the door shelving is not adjustable, like it was on the old fridge.  Even on sale, the cheapest other fridge was $1100. 

So now, our 16 yo gas stove is dead/ dying.  We paid $399 when we bought it new.  The repair guy told us it would be $373 to fix.  The igniter is bad in the oven part - that's an electrical part, I think my husband could fix it.  The largest of the 4 burners is broken, and as it hooks up to gas inside the oven, that's the expensive part.  We paid his fee and declined the fix.  We'll probably just live with it for awhile.  It's undecided whether we'll replace the whole thing or just the igniter and live without a burner.

But here's the thing: "You've earned a new stove!"  You know how much a new stove costs?  Well, if you look up highly rates ones, apparently I'm supposed to fork out $2k-$3k.  However, the very base model of stove (gas or electric), which honestly would be a lower model than we have, is about $375-450.  Lower models are generally FAR more reliable, because fewer things break.  If I felt like "upgrading" to a fifth burner, then well, it might be $550-600.  I prefer gas but I keep reading that electric is better for the environment. I'd worry about breaking the glass top.  Not sure but for now, we do nothing.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2118 on: January 30, 2020, 01:47:35 PM »
But here's the thing: "You've earned a new stove!"  You know how much a new stove costs?  Well, if you look up highly rates ones, apparently I'm supposed to fork out $2k-$3k.  However, the very base model of stove (gas or electric), which honestly would be a lower model than we have, is about $375-450.  Lower models are generally FAR more reliable, because fewer things break.  If I felt like "upgrading" to a fifth burner, then well, it might be $550-600.  I prefer gas but I keep reading that electric is better for the environment. I'd worry about breaking the glass top.  Not sure but for now, we do nothing.
Unless your electricity is generated using renewables or nuclear, a gas stove can actually be better for the environment.  Gas burned at your stove puts its heat directly into the pan.  Energy generated at the power plant has to heat steam, drive a turbine, get geared down, drive a generator, go through a transformer, travel dozens-to-hundreds of miles through power lines, go through at least a couple more transformers, and then finally be turned back into heat at your stove.  There's some efficiency loss there :)  Besides, natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel.

Sugaree

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2119 on: January 30, 2020, 02:25:59 PM »
I don't hear these often, but the other day, I overheard a coworker telling someone that he took a 401K loan to buy a new washing machine "because those things aren't cheap these days."  I know he makes a little over $100K.  A washing machine is what, like $600?  I hope I misheard, but I don't think I did.


When I looked around last summer, I could find a new one for ~$450 for the basest of base models.  Even the super duper high-end, stackable front loaders were only like $1300.  I ended up just fixing my 30 year-old Kenmore.

Yep, and if I couldn't cash flow that, I think I'd just buy of Craigslist or use the laundromat for a month or two.

I bought my whiteware from a guy who reconditions whiteware FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. He's not the absolute cheapest but he does offer a warranty and all that stuff, and he only does whiteware and obviously quite well. I think my washing machine was $400 or so. The fridge was $500 and he sourced the particular fridge I wanted - single, white, half and half with the freezer on the bottom. Second hand goods are a great deal if you buy them with a bit of thought.
Or even new things too.  I'm pretty shocked at how "high end" everything is this days - or what people think is normal.

We bought a fridge in 2001 (new, Kenmore) because the apartment we moved into didn't have one.  So, it was $650 or so.

Fast forward to late 2019, and it finally dies (after we replaced a few things along the way).  I go down the rabbit hole of looking things up on line (with very few places in town to LOOK), and even went on Craigslist and FB marketplace - but the fridge was dead and we couldn't really go without one for long.  Luckily it died BEFORE I did the Sat grocery shopping, so we made do for 3-4 days with a cooler and my work mini-fridge and our mini-freezer.

We were helped by the fact that in our house, my husband built cabinets around the fridge.  So, it's a 30" fridge.  That really means you aren't buying a $3k fridge.  After stressing about water filters, ice makers, stainless steel, french doors...we ended up with... a (new) 2017 Kenmore.  They were getting rid of unsold stock.  It's black, it was $350, though we did have to pay for delivery.  It is nearly identical to the one we replaced except it's black, the freezer is a tiny bit smaller, and the door shelving is not adjustable, like it was on the old fridge.  Even on sale, the cheapest other fridge was $1100. 

So now, our 16 yo gas stove is dead/ dying.  We paid $399 when we bought it new.  The repair guy told us it would be $373 to fix.  The igniter is bad in the oven part - that's an electrical part, I think my husband could fix it.  The largest of the 4 burners is broken, and as it hooks up to gas inside the oven, that's the expensive part.  We paid his fee and declined the fix.  We'll probably just live with it for awhile.  It's undecided whether we'll replace the whole thing or just the igniter and live without a burner.

But here's the thing: "You've earned a new stove!"  You know how much a new stove costs?  Well, if you look up highly rates ones, apparently I'm supposed to fork out $2k-$3k.  However, the very base model of stove (gas or electric), which honestly would be a lower model than we have, is about $375-450.  Lower models are generally FAR more reliable, because fewer things break.  If I felt like "upgrading" to a fifth burner, then well, it might be $550-600.  I prefer gas but I keep reading that electric is better for the environment. I'd worry about breaking the glass top.  Not sure but for now, we do nothing.


We did some stuff to fix up the kitchen two years ago since we already had contractors at the house to fix the big gaping hole in the roof.  We had them run a gas line and a plug for the electric stove we already had.  So, what I really want is a dual fuel system with a gas cooktop and electric oven.  But it's going to be awhile before I will pull the trigger on that one. 

SunnyDays

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2120 on: January 30, 2020, 04:51:12 PM »
We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

I feel so upper class.

That does sound fancy. Makes setting them out in front of the warm draft from my refrigerator coils sound downright primitive.

My Kenmore dryer is about 30 years old and came with a boot rack.  I’ve never used it - I figure that’s what the furnace vents are for.

bluebelle

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2121 on: January 31, 2020, 07:04:39 AM »

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

if you've never had a gas dryer - you'll find it easier on your clothes than an electric dryer.   

jinga nation

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2122 on: January 31, 2020, 07:24:49 AM »

We just bought a new house.   The dryer it came with runs on natural gas instead of electricity, which is nice.   But the thing that surprised me was a plastic rack that fits into the dryer and provides a non-spinning platform in the dryer.  You use it to put your things on it like shoes that you need to dry but don't want them thumping around inside.   I was gob-smacked.   

if you've never had a gas dryer - you'll find it easier on your clothes than an electric dryer.

Agree. Used a gas dryer for a year when I lived in the Boston suburbs. Loved it. (And a gas range too, wife wants it real bad.)
Unfortunately it costs crazy numbers to get a gas tank and lines run into our current house. And need a permit.
But if we do move in next couple of years, we'll be looking for a house that has gas lines for water heater (tank or tankless), range, and dryer. Many newer builds have gas lines, our late '70s ranch house doesn't.

Goldielocks

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2123 on: January 31, 2020, 05:46:06 PM »
LOL, the only gas dryer I have ever used (an old one at a relative's "cabin") burned holes in my sheets.

:-)

BigIslandGuy

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2124 on: January 31, 2020, 05:47:49 PM »
A 70 year old man and his 64 year old SO take their aging van to a dealer to get repairs. While waiting, their eyes catch on a new Dodge Journey SUV for about 20k sticker.
They both get Social Security - that's their only source of income.  He gets 1000, she gets 750. 
They are upside down on the vehicle being repaired. They get $1,500 trade allowance but loan payoff of $5,800, so they roll the $3,,300 into new loan. And get sold a $3,600 service contract. Payments are $700 per month.  So of their $1750 income, 700 will go to the new vehicle. And of course rent of 520 so that leaves them about $530 for everything else.

Did I mention his financial statements shown to the dealer show 2 bank accounts. First has $24 positive balance and the other is overdrawn by about $150. So they have less than zero money.

Their loan is for 26.5k at over 20% APR. This works for 1 month.

Then she dies. Now he is stuck with the loan and now only $1,000 income and $1,200 between vehicle and the rent. 

Can there be a worse story?

It ought to be illegal for a business to gouge an individual like that. Seriously! Not everyone has the same level of intellect and impulse control to understand how bad their choices are. SO many stories of people buying cars and houses and toys they can't even come close to affording.

We have rules around misleading and deceptive conduct here, as well as consumer credit laws (a credit provider has to undertake due diligence that a customer can service a loan).

However, numerous innovations are seeking to get around these laws, such as buy now, pay later apps and schemes - where you make a series of instalments, and are technically not charged interest.

The problem with trying to put in place unfair contract laws is the expectation that someone signing a contract has already sought proper legal advice. Perhaps there should be a requirement for the lender to ask "have you received legal or financial advice?" If the borrower waives that clause, then don't punish the lender.

Interesting though, the only reason I can think a lender would lend someone money in this situation is that the sales staff gets an upfront commission from it, and head office doesn't clue onto it until much later down the line, or just has bad internal management reporting.

The dealer salesperson may have misrepresented the income sources on the loan app to get it approved, but all parties are probably guilty of greed (buyer, dealer, and lender).

BigIslandGuy

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2125 on: January 31, 2020, 05:51:31 PM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

« Last Edit: January 31, 2020, 05:54:05 PM by BigIslandGuy »

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2126 on: January 31, 2020, 08:35:58 PM »
LOL, the only gas dryer I have ever used (an old one at a relative's "cabin") burned holes in my sheets.

:-)

Funny you mention that my electric dryer just did the same thing.  I think things got tuck somehow and one part stayed right in front of the vent.  I always use the lowest heat setting so it kinda pissed me off... like I expected the temp to be below burning point

LennStar

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2127 on: February 01, 2020, 03:10:51 AM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.
I'll punch you until you swear to get that licence first before paying any more money.

aaahhrealmarcus

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2128 on: February 01, 2020, 12:11:37 PM »
Coworker: "I talked my husband into letting me keep my car another year"
Me: "How old is it?"
Coworker: "It's a 2015"
Me: "So what's wrong with it?"
Coworker: "Nothing"

Sibley

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2129 on: February 01, 2020, 12:40:42 PM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

No, you are not. You are not buying a motorcycle, nor the helmet, jacket or all the other stuff. You instead are going to go outside for a nice long walk. Or run, either is acceptable. And then you are going to put all that money into your emergency fund.

Then you are going to sit down and look at your life, recognize that you're not happy, figure out what will make you happy (really happy, not just a bandaid), and then start working on a plan to get you to that point.

Goldielocks

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2130 on: February 01, 2020, 06:55:56 PM »
LOL, the only gas dryer I have ever used (an old one at a relative's "cabin") burned holes in my sheets.

:-)

Funny you mention that my electric dryer just did the same thing.  I think things got tuck somehow and one part stayed right in front of the vent.  I always use the lowest heat setting so it kinda pissed me off... like I expected the temp to be below burning point
Ha.  Yep.  I got little brown polka dot spots all over, some burnt through.  I think the flame was inconsistent on that old thing.

sherr

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2131 on: February 03, 2020, 08:18:47 AM »
The problem with trying to put in place unfair contract laws is the expectation that someone signing a contract has already sought proper legal advice. Perhaps there should be a requirement for the lender to ask "have you received legal or financial advice?" If the borrower waives that clause, then don't punish the lender.

Interesting though, the only reason I can think a lender would lend someone money in this situation is that the sales staff gets an upfront commission from it, and head office doesn't clue onto it until much later down the line, or just has bad internal management reporting.

The dealer salesperson may have misrepresented the income sources on the loan app to get it approved, but all parties are probably guilty of greed (buyer, dealer, and lender).

Greed is not a crime that can be legislated. Fraud is. Lying on the loan application about the buyer's income would be fraud.

Just Joe

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2132 on: February 03, 2020, 08:28:07 AM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

FUNNY! Now go sign up for a motorcycle safety course. Its worth it. I miss having a motorcycle.

DadJokes

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2133 on: February 03, 2020, 08:52:24 AM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

FUNNY! Now go sign up for a motorcycle safety course. Its worth it. I miss having a motorcycle.

I hum happy birthday every time I see a motorcycle on the road, hoping my wife will get the hint. She just rolls her eyes.

I sold mine when we got married and have missed it ever since. I will definitely be getting another bike when my kid is older.

Sugaree

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2134 on: February 03, 2020, 09:07:43 AM »
I'm sitting in my office listening to a conversation about "who gets a 15 year mortgage" and how "yeah, it'd be paid off in 15 years of living in hell."

Just Joe

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2135 on: February 03, 2020, 10:03:28 AM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

FUNNY! Now go sign up for a motorcycle safety course. Its worth it. I miss having a motorcycle.

I hum happy birthday every time I see a motorcycle on the road, hoping my wife will get the hint. She just rolls her eyes.

I sold mine when we got married and have missed it ever since. I will definitely be getting another bike when my kid is older.

Yep, sold mine when the babies started coming. Baby #1 is grown. Baby #2 is almost driving. Want a Honda ST-series or a Ural sidecar.

SwordGuy

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2136 on: February 03, 2020, 10:25:05 AM »
I'm sitting in my office listening to a conversation about "who gets a 15 year mortgage" and how "yeah, it'd be paid off in 15 years of living in hell."

That doesn't sound like an @boarder42 kind of discussion...

I'm guessing then, for their context, the answer to the first question is "Um... people who don't buy more house than they can afford?"

Sugaree

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2137 on: February 03, 2020, 10:45:33 AM »
I'm sitting in my office listening to a conversation about "who gets a 15 year mortgage" and how "yeah, it'd be paid off in 15 years of living in hell."

That doesn't sound like an @boarder42 kind of discussion...

I'm guessing then, for their context, the answer to the first question is "Um... people who don't buy more house than they can afford?"

Exactly.  And we live in a part of the world where a perfectly acceptable "starter" home, like the one I live in, can be had for under $100k.  This guy is talking about how the replacement value from his insurance company is at $300k.  He doesn't make *that* much more than me. 

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2138 on: February 03, 2020, 11:11:02 AM »
I'm sitting in my office listening to a conversation about "who gets a 15 year mortgage" and how "yeah, it'd be paid off in 15 years of living in hell."

That doesn't sound like an @boarder42 kind of discussion...

I'm guessing then, for their context, the answer to the first question is "Um... people who don't buy more house than they can afford?"

The same idiots who put more than 3% down payment

honeybbq

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2139 on: February 03, 2020, 12:29:24 PM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

FUNNY! Now go sign up for a motorcycle safety course. Its worth it. I miss having a motorcycle.

You can have the motorcycle AFTER you sell the truck AND after you get a motorcycle safety course AND you get your license.

alienbogey

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2140 on: February 03, 2020, 03:42:43 PM »
Please excuse the quick off topic link for the motorcyclists, especially the former motorcyclists:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/a-returned-riders-story


Askel

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2141 on: February 03, 2020, 03:56:45 PM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

Take it from somebody who was that guy-  motorcycles are just a different kind of rut.  I've purchased several over the years. 

Only vehicle I've ever purchased that got me out of a rut was a really nice bicycle. And it turns out it probably wasn't actually the bicycle itself that did it. 

But please get that license. If you have access to it, the MSF course is both useful and fun.   

BTDretire

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2142 on: February 03, 2020, 05:10:56 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

That's nice and all, but there are just some things that don't necessarily need to be "smart" (like the smart kitchen faucet...just why?).  My laundry room is semi-detached, so sending an alert to my phone when it's done would be kind of nifty, but I've gone 10 years now just remembering to check on it after 30 or 40 minutes and I've lived.
I set the timer on the stove to remind about the dryer.

Panly

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2143 on: February 04, 2020, 12:06:34 PM »
Nor does he have a true need for the bike.

I am that guy.

there's always a true need for a bike  :-)

TVRodriguez

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2144 on: February 04, 2020, 01:52:01 PM »
I purchased a pair in mid 2009, Frigidaires. They were the "base model" high-efficiency front loaders, $1000+tax for the pair, "free" delivery. The base drawer+riser was $150 each. We didn't need it. Around 2016, I saw them on clearance at Lowes for $25 each.
Washer/Dryer have been fine. Washer had a draining issue once, opened it (super easy), took out the offending baby socks, some coins, pins, collar tabs, etc. Been good ever since. Washes and dries well, I don't know what other features I'd need that the newer "Smart" models have.
But, but, but, the newer models play a song when they're done!

That's nice and all, but there are just some things that don't necessarily need to be "smart" (like the smart kitchen faucet...just why?).  My laundry room is semi-detached, so sending an alert to my phone when it's done would be kind of nifty, but I've gone 10 years now just remembering to check on it after 30 or 40 minutes and I've lived.
I set the timer on the stove to remind about the dryer.

I love that kind of simple solution.  Well done.

ysette9

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2145 on: February 04, 2020, 02:18:18 PM »
My problem was that my old washer would say it had 10 min left on the cycle and then 20min later it would still be finishing up the spin cycle.

eljefe-speaks

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2146 on: February 04, 2020, 03:01:15 PM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.

At least it is only $4200 bucks. You could be as stupid as I am and buy a brand new gixxer! Now THAT is face punch worthy. But I absolutely love that thing. It is my one true indulgence.

Curious what kind of of beamer you're considering.

jinga nation

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2147 on: February 05, 2020, 08:55:51 AM »
A guy where I work is planning on buying a nice but used $4200 BMW motorcycle, a $500 helmet, a $300 riding jacket and all the safety gear. This week. He doesnt even have his 6 month emergency fund built up fully yet.  Nor does he have a motorcycle license. Nor does he have a true need for the bike. It's a total midlife crisis move to stave off burnout and feeling like he is stuck in a rut. He already has both a pickup and an electric car. Lets not forget the increase in his Geico bill to cover the motorcycle. Facepalm.

I am that guy.
Me too. I want a simple bike like a Yamaha VStar 250, or a Honda Rebel 300.
But need to take the MSF course. May take it this summer in the FL heat.
« Last Edit: February 05, 2020, 04:22:08 PM by jinga nation »

hudsoncat

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2148 on: February 05, 2020, 11:48:11 AM »
Sitting with a group of co-workers before a meeting. The rest of the group (there were 4 of us) were discussing having their taxes done and what their plans were for their refund.

CW1: Hudsoncat what are you going to do with your refund?
Me: Oh I don't usually get much of a refund. I keep with holdings pretty close. In fact most years I have to pay a bit.
[chorus of I could never do that! I rely on the refund! Etc]
CW2: In fact I have them take an additional $50 out of my check each pay check to make sure I get a nice refund! I call it my vacation fund.
Me: Have you considered just putting that money directly into your savings account for vacation? Even the most basic savings account would gain a little interest in your favor.
CW2: oh no I don't have the will power to transfer it each month. This way I never see it and am not tempted.
Me: You can set up an automatic transfer. It would come out the same day as direct deposit, you'd still never 'see it' in your account.
CW2: But my checking account and savings are linked, I'd see it!
Me: Why not consider setting up a high yield savings account not with your bank? Shoot, you could even split your direct deposits from work and really never see the money until you logged in!
CW3: That just seems like a lot of work to set up.
CW2: yeah, I think I'll just stick to making sure I get a refund every year.

I bowed out of the conversation at that point knowing CW2 was set on her process. And in the grand scheme of things, she probably isn't missing out on much money by not having it go directly into savings, but the entire conversation did still take me back a bit.

DadJokes

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Re: Overheard at Work 2
« Reply #2149 on: February 05, 2020, 12:42:34 PM »
Sitting with a group of co-workers before a meeting. The rest of the group (there were 4 of us) were discussing having their taxes done and what their plans were for their refund.

CW1: Hudsoncat what are you going to do with your refund?
Me: Oh I don't usually get much of a refund. I keep with holdings pretty close. In fact most years I have to pay a bit.
[chorus of I could never do that! I rely on the refund! Etc]
CW2: In fact I have them take an additional $50 out of my check each pay check to make sure I get a nice refund! I call it my vacation fund.
Me: Have you considered just putting that money directly into your savings account for vacation? Even the most basic savings account would gain a little interest in your favor.
CW2: oh no I don't have the will power to transfer it each month. This way I never see it and am not tempted.
Me: You can set up an automatic transfer. It would come out the same day as direct deposit, you'd still never 'see it' in your account.
CW2: But my checking account and savings are linked, I'd see it!
Me: Why not consider setting up a high yield savings account not with your bank? Shoot, you could even split your direct deposits from work and really never see the money until you logged in!
CW3: That just seems like a lot of work to set up.
CW2: yeah, I think I'll just stick to making sure I get a refund every year.

I bowed out of the conversation at that point knowing CW2 was set on her process. And in the grand scheme of things, she probably isn't missing out on much money by not having it go directly into savings, but the entire conversation did still take me back a bit.

We often poopoo people for not setting withholding to zero and missing out on that interest, but the interest gained is generally pretty insignificant. The average tax refund is $3k; assuming 2% interest and the fact that 1/12 of that is saved every month, the interest lost is only $28 or so. That's not worth arguing over.

That number came out a lot lower than I was expecting, so my math may be wrong, but I'm running out the door and can't check. Sorry if it's wrong.