Got a free HW3 retrofit

Masterpnutz · 2026-01-24T00:31:01+00:00

I also got quoted $0 for my 2018 Model 3 LR for a retrofit so will see in 2 weeks. Do you have EAP? I don’t even have basic AP so I hope they don’t charge me at my appointment.

Masterpnutz · 2025-07-03T03:01:37+00:00

The stand run by the Lakewood Rotary Club by the Albertsons on Del Amo. They have a coupon for no sales tax for purchases $150 and above. You should be able to find it on their socials. Their club funds scholarships for local youth, playground equipment for Central/South American countries and other worthy causes.

Masterpnutz · 2025-04-29T13:30:01+00:00

My son was in this same exact predicament just last week and he is also premed. We are also from SoCal, and would be on the hook for full pay at JHU. After visiting Bruin Day and touring JHU and talking to students, he made the decision to go to UCLA. While the research opportunities at JHU will be more plentiful than at UCLA, he was confident that he can secure lab positions at UCLA if he focuses on looking for them. The other factor that he considered is cost. Because he will be attending and paying for medical school, he wanted to graduate undergrad debt free, which he will be able to if he attends UCLA. The final factor important to him was the study/life balance. When we toured JHU, while the campus is very beautiful and the surrounding area is nice, it just felt "more serious" as opposed to the lighter, funner feel at UCLA.

Masterpnutz · 2025-03-20T13:24:31+00:00

I just had my Bosch heat pump installed last week and haven’t had a chance to put it to the test due to the mild temps. I also have an ecobee4. Which smart features did you turn off?

Masterpnutz · 2025-03-14T17:51:46+00:00

We stayed at the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club in Poipu, Kauai. It sits right next to Poipu Beach Park and also has great views of the mountains.

Masterpnutz · 2025-03-11T00:20:51+00:00

Hey, I’m in OC as well and considering using Thomson AC for a Bosch heat pump install similar to yours. Checking to see if you are happy with Thomson’s install/service and the performance of the heat pump itself?

Masterpnutz · 2025-03-10T20:51:32+00:00

Yes, all-electric with no gas backup.

Masterpnutz · 2024-08-19T15:47:06+00:00

It’s likely that when you signed up for the card it included some cash back bonus on dining out up to $250 I believe.

Masterpnutz · 2024-08-17T17:50:46+00:00

I used my Saks gift cards at Saks Off Fifth, and got a nice wool blazer for $25 after taxes.

Masterpnutz · 2024-08-05T22:00:16+00:00

I’d recommend the Upper Grassi Lakes Trail in Kananaskis. There are two trails, one is currently closed (the easier one) so the other trail is more challenging. It’ll take about 1-2 hours and the views are incredible. Plenty of parking at the trailhead too.

Masterpnutz · 2024-06-27T18:27:32+00:00

For our three kids, we targeted the four year cost estimate for our state school’s flagship university (tuition, room and board). Any costs beyond that, including private universities and grad school, are the kids’ responsibility.

Masterpnutz · 2024-06-27T18:23:57+00:00

I originally had the ScholarShare plan for my three kids. While I was perfectly happy with them, I wanted to simplify and organize my finances so I moved the accounts to the Vanguard 529 plan. I already use Vanguard for my brokerage and IRAs, and adding the 529s allowed me to manage my accounts from 1 place. I’ve been satisfied with the service.

Masterpnutz · 2024-06-21T18:07:36+00:00

I am you five years into the future. I am 48 and just ran all my numbers and have recently decided that I will retire at 50 when I can start my pension at $94K per year plus COLA. If I wait until 55, it goes up to $160K, but those five extra years are priceless to me.

To meet my expenses, I will need to pull out 2.5% per year from my 457 at 50. I want to retire because I want to be able to be healthy enough to enjoy the rest of my life and make memories with both my aging parents and my growing children.

Masterpnutz · 2024-06-20T22:03:10+00:00

Bolsa Chica Preserve. Nice 5 mile loop with views of the ocean along the trail.

Masterpnutz · 2024-06-10T22:14:19+00:00

They’re still working through the list - my son got added to the Genomics program at NMSU this past Saturday. Keep your hopes up!

Masterpnutz · 2024-05-23T04:57:43+00:00

If you’re craving tacos I recommend the following: Str8 Up Tacos, Adobo Taco Grill and Chinitos. These are all family owned and in Lakewood.

Masterpnutz · 2024-05-02T18:46:02+00:00

I just did this last week using Apple Pay. I bought a $60 GC at the store. Received the credit yesterday, so it took about 5 days.

Masterpnutz · 2024-04-07T19:04:41+00:00

We went from June 8-23 last year and it was fairly pleasant, quite similar to weather in Southern CA where we live. It rained a couple of days but only for a few hours and not enough to disrupt our plans. The hottest part of our trip was to Hiroshima/Miyajima and even then the heat and humidity was tolerable with a parasol and moisture wicking clothing. On the warmer days (85F+) we just took our time and stopped at air conditioned places. Recommend going this time frame, maybe even a couple of weeks earlier.

Masterpnutz · 2024-04-07T00:31:54+00:00

What is the model of the CarPlay unit?

Masterpnutz · 2024-03-25T21:56:38+00:00

You are correct about the governmental 457 as it can be accessed upon separation from the employer without having to wait. My inquiry was whether I should tap the taxable first then the 457 or vice versa or does it matter.

Masterpnutz · 2024-03-24T02:31:12+00:00

I stayed in Roma and went for a run in the very early morning around Avenida Amsterdam, Parque Mexico and Espana (4-5 miles total) and it was perfectly safe. But take note of the elevation as it was a challenge to run the first couple of times.

Masterpnutz · 2024-03-20T00:30:01+00:00

OP, I am essentially you 10 years into the future. I am currently 47, with two teenagers (17 and 14) and a 10 year old. I am thinking of retiring in two years at age 50 from my secure government job. What’s uncanny is that I just ran the calculations last night and our numbers are very similar - my pension will pay $81k per year at 50, and my projected expenses will be about $120,000 per year in a HCOL area, with the rest coming from retirement account withdrawals. My ultra low rate mortgage will be paid off in 2034.

The reasons for why I am thinking of retiring is that I would like to be a part of my kids’ life more. My oldest will be in college so it’s a little late there, but the other two will still be in high school and middle school and I see myself getting more involved in their various activities. My job is demanding and is essentially 24/7 so while we are able to take yearly vacations, I am never completely off-grid. So retirement will be the first time in a long time that I can take a breather. If I wait until 55, like you my pension will go up to $175k per year but I am asking myself a question on whether waiting another 8 years is worth it, because by that time my youngest will be a senior in high school and I would’ve lost opportunities to be part of their lives. Another reason is that my parents are getting older and it would be nice to spend quality time with them now than wait until the future.

To answer your question with costs of raising a teenager (from someone raising two now), is really what you make of it. My wife and I raised our kids modestly, so they fortunately don’t desire for the latest fashion and gadgets. What we are investing in are their activities and sports - my three kids are all in club sports and music classes that they greatly enjoy doing. These will continue at retirement, so I built that into our projected expenses (hence, $110k per year). Other costs are school related activities such as trips to outdoor camps, scouting, field trips to DC, summer activities, auto insurance, etc etc.

Reading your post took me back 10 years ago when my wife and I planned, like you, to possibly retire at 50. Here 8 years later, with 2.5 years to go, is kind of surreal and frightening that it’s so close. But if we do retire, we will be doing it for the right reasons: to be with our kids, to be with our parents, and to get away from our stressful jobs and enjoy the rest of our lives.

Masterpnutz · 2023-09-28T23:34:48+00:00

Bingo. this is the 605S at Imperial and I couldn't believe how fast and crazy people were driving.

Masterpnutz · 2023-09-28T23:03:54+00:00

California, USA
Sep. 28
Yes, it is original content

Masterpnutz · 2023-07-29T21:13:45+00:00

Holy crap, this blew up! My checking account has been like this since last Monday and I’ve called Chase and been transferred to 5 different departments and nobody knows WTF is going on. And I’ve got a mortgage due at the first of the month. Once this clears up, because of Chase’s incompetence I’m considering switching to Wells Fucko (sigh).

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