[temeculaguy]

Do you guys realize this is a capitalist forum? Why don’t you hang out in front of the Salk Institute and hand out anti-vaccine literature.

I spent time this last week with both my adult children shopping/buying hybrids that get 50+ MPG’s, not for the environment, but because I hate taxes and the math works for them. Efficient cars are not that much more expensive now, when fuel costs are factored in they are cheaper. I drove through 5 traditionally high tax states the week before (Massachusetts, Rhode island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey) and paid an average of $2.50 a gallon. Landed at LAX, $4.15! Almost every dealer has a sub 30k hybrid that gets 50 mpg. Do it because it makes financial and tax sense. I’m hoping Tesla makes a range rover like SUV before I take the plunge, but I’ve got 3 years till I need to buy another vehicle so I’m optimistic. If it were today I’d shop the BMW X7 or the Lincoln Aviator, thus far the big and the beautiful don’t have an electric or a hybrid but it’s coming.

Fine, become a Vegan, the ultimate virtue signal, but be forewarned, vegan chicks are on another level of crazy. I had filet mignon last night from costco (fabulous meats), if more of you become vegans, supply and demand says my steak will get cheaper. But be forewarned scaredy, this is not the mid life crisis you want. It is often accompanied with an aversion to grooming of the unmentionables, “nobody got time for that.”

In fact, everyone buy that book about flying less often so I can fly more. You can lose sleep about the environment and I can gain sleep by flying first class for less.

Of course I’m not feeling despondent about the environment, I feel despondent about coach on long haul flights overseas.

[temeculaguy]

Normally I write lengthy responses when I disagree but I don’t know where to begin after reading these posts, so disappointed.

[temeculaguy]

Hobie, thanks for the tip, I did not know that once they are 18 they gain control. With bonds, I had physical control as they were in my safe deposit box. But after getting hosed on having to pay income tax on the profits due to tax free “phase out at certain income levels” I chose to go 529 with the grandkids. A lot of people don’t realize that college is not deductible at certain income levels. For so cal that bar gets reached at middle class levels. Every year I paid tuition for kids and I threw away 9 different 1099-T’s because I got no deductions for them. Higher education tax deductions phase out completely a 80k single and 160k married.

from the IRS website:

“Education savings bond program. For 2018, the amount of your education savings bond interest exclusion is gradually reduced (phased out) if your MAGI is between $79,550 and $94,550 ($119,300 and $149,300 if you file a joint return). You can’t exclude any of the interest if your MAGI is $94,550 or more ($149,300 or more if you file a joint return). See chapter 10.”

So 94k single or 149k married and you get taxed on that college savings plan. In some parts of the country that could be defined as rich people, but not in so cal.

529 for it’s faults is the only way to go at income levels above those.But when you are in your 20’s, have a kid and star saving for college you can’t predict your future income.

[temeculaguy]

I may have misunderstood, I thought you wanted to sell your wine country house and retire to Idyllwild. If you just want a cabin, that’s a leisure decision like an RV or a boat. Do what makes you happy if you have the means it’s likely a better decision than either a boat or an RV.

Climbers and day trippers will barely sustain a business. 2,000 hikers a year doesn’t compare to your current digs. In fact you are missing out on not turning your place into a B&B once the kids move to college.

Temecula gets 2.7 million tourists a year. Napa/Sonoma gets 3.5 mil tourists a year. But 2.000 people hiked a spot in Idylwild? You are standing on a pile of hundred dollar bills and thinking of moving to a pile of pennies. I’m in a tract home but you are on land within the vineyards, there is opportunity right under your nose. I get it, you are a bit eccentric, but don’t for a minute think lots of other people want to spend their weekends volunteering as fire scouts. Good for you. Nobody gets rich rescuing cats, but my wife thinks that would be a great life. Luckily she has me to encourage her to keep her day job and she can have that as a hobby if she wants as long as it doesn’t involve the house. But it’s not an investment or a vocation, it’s a hobby/charity/volunteer opportunity.

Let it be your hobby, but you didn’t find gold. So buy a weekend home if you like but head to head, Temecula real estate will beat Idyllwild real estate over time for lots of reasons. I still think Arrowhead/Big Bear represent a better investment because it gets year round tourism, Idyllwild practically closes when it snows, it doesn’t capitalize on it like the other areas.

[temeculaguy]

FLU, at our next lunch I want to pick your brain on this issue. With 10 current grand kids and a projected 14 when it’s all said and done, education 529’s are on my front burner. I’ve got them all on Scholarshare with a 50/50 blend of S&P 500 and age appropriate (lowers risk as they get closer to college). I have my fears about the market and about sibling transfers. They are all very different even at young ages and I can see some show aptitude, but some do not. I have misgivings about “betting” on some kids and not on others when my kids defied predictions in different ways. I made huge errors in saving for my kids college, trying not to repeat that and hopefully you ca help.

p.s., don’t buy EE bonds for college, when you cash them in you are taxed on the profits if you earn over 6 figures. Doesn’t matter what you earned when you bought them, it only matters when you cash them in. Learned that one the hard way.

[temeculaguy]

While I’ve enjoyed a few pass through visits there I do not recommend it for real estate. Aecitia used to post here and she was shopping a vacation home there about 8 years ago, ultimately buying in Arrowhead. The problem with Idyllwild is that it lacks a body of water or snow skiing and the town is tiny and can be seen in an hour or two. For San Diegans it’s like Julian without the Pie or Mt. Laguna. If it floats your boat, great! But as an investment it is limited. With 3,800 people (which includes neighboring pine cove) it is about the size of a big high school and no consistent tourism draw, no high school at all and part of the Hemet school district, not a big real estate plus. It’s 89% white, so diversity is not it’s strong suit. The roads went to hell this last winter and still aren’t fixed so retirement is the only real option. The lack of shopping and dining are a big negative.

It’s at best a fun weekend in So Cal that feels like you are in the smokey mountains, far from any people. In 20 years it will likely be the same. From an R/E perspective, nobody with a job or kids can buy your house and currently second homes have deductabilty issues so I rate it as a “Sell.”

I just got back from an East coast vacation, and between a few days in Boston and a few in NYC we spent a few wonderful days in Mystic, Connecticut as well as Madison County, CT. Also some places in Rhode Island, admittedly I had my redfin app going at every place because it was the 1st week of October and the leaves were turning and the weather was ideal. But it’s like being married to a great woman and seeing a hot chick walk by who gives you a look, you don’t leave your wife because that hot chick is crazy and looking good is just a fraction of what makes a great relationship. You just nod back and keep going because everything you need, you already have. You live in wine country scaredy, Idyllwild is just a one night stand that you will regret.

[temeculaguy]

This wild-eyed leftest website says he’s an evil conservative

Malcolm Gladwell Unmasked: A Look Into the Life & Work of America’s Most Successful Propagandist

Of course anyone who’s read his books knows that in highly unlikely. He’s probably targeted for his absence of politics at times, being a christian and his willingness to speak to everyone. His book title, talking to strangers, exudes that.

I’ve read a few of his books, tipping point was/is still my favorite, Blink might be my least favorite but I still find myself “thin slicing” images and scenarios so obviously I didn’t hate it.

But calm down, the IE isn’t turning blue, it is and has been for a while purple to purplish red. depending on the area. But those who are democrats are not usually progressive democrats. As a 30 year resident I can say the average IE resident has and always will have a chip on their shoulder when it comes to coastal elites with their gas taxes, disdain for freeways and fascination with density. Even Scaredy likes his land and his distance to his neighbors. Gladwell is interesting, I’d watch him speak. But I also like watching certain golfers play and certain musicians perform, and taking my clothes to certain dry cleaners, none of whom can influence my politics.

[temeculaguy]

Good tips, thanks. I plan on waiting for the next recession as it seems Vegas has recovered well but conditions remain for deep discounts.

never looked at LV country club, did look at MGM because it seemed so convenient but small.

Southern Highland, great tip.

This one got to 300 in the last down cycle, of course they want 850 now, something like this will be perfect fit if we go sfr

https://www.redfin.com/NV/Las-Vegas/3480-W-Cactus-Ave-89141/home/29640569

Here’s an example, not what I’m looking at but it illustrates my point that now is not the time but if timed it may work well

https://www.redfin.com/NV/Las-Vegas/2845-Loveland-Dr-89109/unit-3612/home/29063912

84k in 2013, asking 178k now

But then again there’s examples like this

https://www.redfin.com/NV/Las-Vegas/3111-Bel-Air-Dr-89109/unit-27D/home/29466949

Over 600k in 2006 at peak, asking 234k today, but nearly a grand in HOA seems oppressive

then there’s this one, more likely in my wheelhouse but the decor will make my wife kill me

https://www.redfin.com/NV/Las-Vegas/3148-Bel-Air-Dr-89109/home/29467031

Double it’s 2011 price but even with it’s 540 ask, the low hoa makes it comparable to the 1k hoa condo.

I see that market as real bubbly but ripe in the next recession.

Lat question, what are your thoughts on the older marie antoinette condos walking distance to the strip

https://www.redfin.com/NV/Las-Vegas/205-E-Harmon-Ave-89169/unit-1005/home/29503690

at 600 hoa it is still high and its old but seems a good location for tourists. Probably sucks but I am just at the beginning of my research and I know it’s not the time, I have a few years before I’m going to do anything.

p.s. Temecula’s heat is in another world compared to vegas, escpecialy south temecula, we break a hundred a dozen or so times a year and ussualy just barely. Type “temecula weather averages” into google and you will see June, July and August are 84, 89 and 90 to vegas at 100, 105, 103. Sure both have hotter days and it seemed low to me because today was 100 but on average it’s 16 degrees different. That’s more than the carlsbad differential to temecula at 84, 89 and 90 in those same months, I call BS because carlsbad is much cooler, data is from weather trends but I’ve been in vegas and palm springs in summer and it’s just too much for me to live there full time in either place, that extra 10-15 degrees or so feels significant. But I get your point on AC and if you are retired you can work your schedule around it, not as significant and the winters can be great.

[temeculaguy]

It’s all about the unions, the gig workers do not pay dues, which means they are not compelled to give money to the democratic party. Even the well paid and the highly paid gig workers are not paying dues. The supreme court Janus case cut off the unions (and the D’s) guaranteed income so this is just a way to supplement that loss. Teachers and government workers are now not forced to join the unions or pay dues. Many of them are just now opting out as the unions because Cali made laws that that only allow quitting one week a year.

Here’s why the gig economy law wil backfire. It is an assault on tech and California tech has been an ally of the D’s. Rideshare, carshare, air bnb and VRBO are used by progressives and the young more than conservatives and the old. It’s as if they outlawed vegans, whole foods, hybrids, you name it, the touched the third rail in self defense. Janus fundamentally will destroy the D’s in California and elsewhere, now that their primary funding source is declining, the cannabalism has begun.

[temeculaguy]

I’ve toyed with the idea of retiring in Nevada for tax avoidance purposes. Some friends just retired to Henderson and we have other friends who have moved there as well. They purchased a home there and spend 8 moths a year there so they do not pay Ca income tax. Their tax savings equals their mortgage. I realize they are an anomaly with a 250k annual retirement income. They gave their paid off house in SD to their adult son and his wife and grand kids under the agreement that they can keep a bedroom and summer there 4 months a year to avoid the heat in Vegas. Plus they tend to travel abroad during that time too.

Flyer, what do you think of Henderson? Options I’ve looked are a house in henderson or summerlin or a condo or a condotel on the strip in retirement and keeping the Temecula house, I would avoid about 1500/ mo in state income taxes but with the added expenses of two residences (utilities, repair, taxes, housekeepers) always keeps me at bay. We would not be able to rent out the Nevada place for more than 5 months a year or we’d forfeit the tax savings (making the condotel inviting), we may not rent out either place so we could come and go as we please. We do have a very large family who could make use of whichever property we were not at. More than likely we will just have one house in retirement and just pay our taxes and bitch a lot.

[temeculaguy]

I looked up “echo chamber” in the dictionary and it had a link to this thread.

[temeculaguy]

That is a dichotomy/catch 22 I never realized until you pointed it out zk. The socialists are all about the workers and anti corporations yet the workers pensions are reliant on the stability of the corporations. I’m going to have to adjust my strategy and retract my advice and give this some thought.

[temeculaguy]

F was a good call in 2008 at 1.85 (hmn I believe I started a thread about that and everyone said no). I recently looked at Boeing with all their problems and it’s still 3x what it was 3 years ago, I’ll pass. T is still too high. I’m going to stay on the sidelines with my gambling money and just stay in with the 401k and educational roths for the grandkids in index funds and large/midcaps and await the bargain season, especially if a socialist gets elected. Keep your powder dry boys and girls, late 2020/early 2021 will be black Friday for stocks. I personally don’t think a socialist will cause long term damage but it will present a buying opportunity in the short term. Pendulums swing, bet them.

[temeculaguy]

My advice, don’t virtue signal. Do not seek the approval of others. Do what makes you happy if you are in your 50’s and feel you have done for others all your life, stop doing that. The caveat is that if you made children, you have an obligation to them, but once they are grown, especially once they are are out of college, it’s all you baby.

I spent a few hours on the internet trying to plan my spring vacation then I checked in here after and kinda got bummed out. I went from trying to decide on Rome, A London/Rome combo, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo. We have four couples that want to go but I refuse to fly at least in premium economy on flights over 6 hours yet not all of them are in a position to drop 1500 plus each for air. Plus only a few airlines have the full recliner with the calf support like a lay-z-boy that my short wife prefers because she can’t reach the foot pedals (air new zealand, singapore and a few others have them the rest only in the front row, but none go to rome) so I’m thinking two days in London on each end my work because london to rome is short and I can do coach as long as I can get to london on a higher class, I wish Alitalia wasn’t in bankruptcy because booking that far out is a gamble. I’m hesitant to drop 6k for a lay flat business or first class but intrigued by the bidding system for upgrades some Euro airlines are using. But in a group that can be a mess. I even checked into how I can upgrade to first class on my trip next month and upgrade my brother in law without him knowing because I don’t want to sit in coach to Boston but it would be rude to leave them behind in coach.

Scardey, those are 50 year old people problems, not home schooling or the girl from middle school that you were afraid to talk to. I had a middle school crush too. In the gap between wives I found her, she was lousy in bed and made me miserable, the one that got away is usually better off that way. Actually I found the elementary school crush and a few other crushes, same result.

Maybe it’s the great deal on the Prius, give that to a kid and get a car that warms the globe and your heart.
Use single use cups, plastic straws, buy a gun, just find whatever it is you need to make you happy. For me, it’s a swim up room at the hyatt ziva or zilaria, wine and pasta in Europe and not flying coach.

You want philosophy? How come Asian airlines are so much better than the others and their seats are bigger despite a having a smaller clientele? Once you’ve flown on Eva or Singapore or Cathay, especially in anything above coach it’s so hard to go back. When did British Airways start to suck? Virgin? $100 a bag each leg, F-You. Now that’s a 50 yo problem.

[temeculaguy]

I notice a lot of the comments mention “I” as far as one’s wishes go. I pay the premiums because I am not going to tell my wife’s adult children that her alzheimers was too much so I decided to have her put down. I lost sleep for a month because I put a 14 year old terminally ill dog down, don’t ask me to do that to a person. We can all be brae about ourselves, but if you have a spouse, it changes the decisions making process.

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