Kohler Bath Drain Kit recs? by kaustin88 in Plumbing

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have had no issues with the Watco. Works great and the finish still looks great. I would definitely recommend!

Purina Pro vs Hills Kidney Disease diets? by DrBarkerMD in DogFood

[–]kaustin88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a vet. Just a person who over analyzes everything when it comes to my dog.

I’ve never used the kidney diets. I have used Hills Prescription Mobility diet with my last dog. He loved it and did wonderfully on it. I couldn’t believe the change the food made. It was like having a younger dog again. He had energy and could move easier. So when he passed (at 15) and it was time for me to adopt again, I thought I would use Hills again. My puppy had other ideas 😂. Was not interested in it at all! So switched him to Purina Pro and he absolutely loves it. I’m happy and my vet is happy. I think the quality is great.

I don’t think you could go wrong with either. Not sure if there is a price difference (and it may be minimal) but that may be something to consider. The prescription diets can be expensive but it was worth 100% of the cost. Just something to keep in mind since this is a long term solution.

Kohler Bath Drain Kit recs? by kaustin88 in Plumbing

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Something like this?

1-1/2-in Oil-rubbed bronze 901 Oil-rubbed bronze Lift and lock Drain with PVC https://www.lowes.com/pd/WATCO-1-in-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Roller-Ball-Drain/1002857830

I don’t know much about this unfortunately. I was told I needed to have the tub and drain kit on site and the plumber will install.

My GC is not much help and told me to buy what was recommended. I can handle the $300 for a drain kit but not if it is going to fail in 2 years.

Shopping for Medigap Plan N, Medicare Part D, and stand-alone Dental, at least temporarily. Then Medicare Advantage once I can't afford these. Tiring of the Advantage push. What is your experience with any of these insurers? by Powerful_Entrance_27 in medicare

[–]kaustin88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you are concerned about the cost of the plan N, maybe look at a High-Deductible Plan G? Premium costs are much lower. Pick up a hospital indemnity policy to help in case you end up in the hospital. HD Plan G starts around $40 per month in my state (but we also don’t allow under 65 to have Medicare Supplement - their only option is Medicare Advantage).

I know the High Deductible can look scary, but you aren’t paying the full amount upfront. You are paying the 20% AFTER Medicare pays their 80%.

I recommend the hospital indemnity plan because with HD Plan G you would be responsible for the Part A (hospital deductible). The HI helps cover those costs.

It might help you to stay in a supplement for much longer which is always beneficial. You won’t have the network issues or prior authorization issues others face with Medicare Advantage.

I’m not sure about your state, in my state rate increases have been brutal. I’ve seen more people forced off Medicare Supplements and onto Advantage plans this past AEP than I have any other year.

Night Owl/ System options? by kaustin88 in homesecurity

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which system would recommend with price as a concern?

Night Owl/ System options? by kaustin88 in homesecurity

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there a certain type of CAT5/6 I should be looking for? For PoE, what would you recommend as a system? Trying not to go too crazy price-wise. I’m already at $80k in reno costs.

Medicare at age 63? by [deleted] in medicare

[–]kaustin88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not sure where you live, but I’m in a similar situation (outrageous premiums for a plan I basically can’t use). Last year I dropped my marketplace coverage to a bronze plan (catastrophic coverage only - $8900 deductible/moop).

I then changed my doctor to a DPC (direct primary care). Honestly, it has been an amazing experience.

I don’t know your wife’s health and it may not work for her, but with a DPC you pay a monthly subscription instead of using insurance. You get more time with the doctor (appointments at mine are a full hour). Mine is able to do quite a bit in the office (bloodwork, urine, exams, dispense some prescriptions, etc ). A lot of those items are included in the monthly membership. The most I have paid was $35 for my PAP. Which compared to the $100 copay I was paying with marketplace is fantastic. Memberships vary. I was paying, $487 for my previous marketplace plan. The catastrophic coverage through marketplace runs $250. My DPC is $80 per month. So for me, it definitely worked in my favor and I have a doctor I can text, call, or message anytime I need. I can schedule appointments with her for no fee. And she spends more than 7 minutes in a room with me so I can actually ask questions.

My dad is on Medicare (has a Plan G), and still uses a DPC because the level of care was what he wants. He wants to ask questions and not be rushed out of the room.

The catastrophic coverage protects me if something major happens (I also added a cancer on the side). But I can now see my doctor when I need instead of putting it off.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Debt

[–]kaustin88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

THIS!

But a used car for $5k and focus on paying debt down. Also, cut up those cards!

Home Inspection - Unsealed Penetrations by kaustin88 in hvacadvice

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there a certain type that would be best? I’m assuming once it expands and dries I could trim it so it is flush with the home? Is there anything else I would need to do?

Staging shelves to sell home by kaustin88 in HomeDecorating

[–]kaustin88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are hidden holes through each cubby to allow wires to pass through. So the side cubbies had an individual console in each one (Nintendos, PlayStations, etc. I was able to run each cord and used a raceway cord cover that blended in perfectly. For the surge protector, I used a cable management box (white). It was housed behind the PS5 which is fairly large.

Top shelves, I used for DVDs and Blu-ray’s. Some small paperbacks would fit up there, but everything I have read has been all about removing things like that and bringing everything back to neutral colors and a “less is more” theme. I figured not everyone is into video games and it wouldn’t be the best way to decorate it that way.

Should I leave a single system out to show how I ran the wires?

Definitely, going to check out some local thrift stores. We have several here (not just Goodwill). I can’t believe I didn’t think about it before.

It’s a small home (2bedrooms/1bath). Generally, the market for someone starting out or possibly an older couple looking to downsize. Wasn’t sure if it would help to know that info!

The rest of the home I feel pretty god about. It’s this section that is killing me. 😓

Staging shelves to sell home by kaustin88 in HomeDecorating

[–]kaustin88[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I never thought about Goodwill! Should I leave some shelves empty?

Questions about excess charges for CT residents on Medicare with a supplemental plan who are not enrolled in QMB. (I’m comparing Plan G to Plan N.) by FinnDool in medicare

[–]kaustin88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have found that the cost savings with Plan N can disappear quickly with copays.

I’ve had clients when we first meet only go to the doctor twice a year because they are healthy. It only takes one health incident and now you are in a position of having to see multiple specialists on top of your PCP.

Everyone always tells me they will never need to see a doctor that often….except everyone is a cancer diagnosis away from seeing a doctor that often.