Aba - sorry to hear about your medical issues mounting up. But it sounds like everyone has a handle on it for now. On a positive note, often people with heart issues start having some cognitive issues, but your posts remain clear and level headed. That's a real good sign I think. Hang in there.
Thanks, berri. I just got home from hospital after picking up Rx's. Very tired and weak. I will try to get in to see my primary care physician tomorrow morning if I feel I can drive safely.
The last three EKG's they did in hospital were all normal - no sign of muscle damage. I initially thought that when a coronary artery fully occludes, it causes muscle to die. But cardiologist said I had enough peripheral blood supply at the affected area that the muscle survived. Now that the stent is in place, it is supplying blood at normal levels. Like the doctor said, I called 911 in time and the emergency catheterization and stent placement made my future prognosis positive.
I have tons of new medications - so I need to consult with my primary care physician and go over the 18-20 pills I have to take which include the 10 hep C anti-virals.
Neither the interest rate nor term of the loan have an impact on price.
The single most important factor in any new car purchase is the buyer's credit score. A good credit score can result in a new car financed for sixty months for a relatively minor total interest cost. For example, a new Civic with good credit could be financed for 60 months with around $400 in total interest, if financed at .9 percent.
On the flip side, a person with a bad credit score would pay an Audi payment, with good credit, for a Honda Civic.
Neither the interest rate nor term of the loan have an impact on price.
The single most important factor in any new car purchase is the buyer's credit score. A good credit score can result in a new car financed for sixty months for a relatively minor total interest cost. For example, a new Civic with good credit could be financed for 60 months with around $400 in total interest, if financed at .9 percent.
On the flip side, a person with a bad credit score would pay an Audi payment, with good credit, for a Honda Civic.
I would disagree with your first sentence of your post. Interest rate and term have to be considered as part of the cost of buying a specific vehicle.
Let me explain why:
Assume both buyers in the scenario below are 38 year old males with the exact same FICO score of 792 and have the exact same annual incomes.
Buyer #1 purchases a Honda Accord at dealer A for $25,000 out the door. He is financed for $15,000 through the dealer for 60 months at an interest rate of 1.75% annually.
Buyer #2 purchases the same exact Honda Accord at dealer B for the exact same $25,000 out the door. He is financed for 60 months at an annual interest rate of 2.1%.
Buyer #1 paid less for his car that buyer #2 paid for his car because he is paying more out of pocket due to a higher interest rate.
Dealers make a kick-back of 1% or more from the bank providing the financing or even the manufacturer's financial arm like Honda Financial. I know first-hand of many deals that went through finance where the kick-back to the dealer was as much as 3% of loan value.
I agree that Fico scores are a major determinant of the cost of borrowing money, but dealers can still make back-end profit on financing or leasing - it depends on how knowledgable the buyer is on existing rates for his FICO score. Dealers try to make profit any way they can. The higher back-end profit, the higher the net cost to the buyer.
There's only one that is still in print, (I did two automobile books, one humor book, one cartoon series and one re-publish of another author) and that is one I published, but didn't write. I rescued it from public domain, wrote a preface and re-introduced it to the world. It's called "Satan Came To Eden". It's a great real-life mystery.
The car books and humor book are too dated to republish again. The humor book did real well while it lasted however. But humor is cultural and age-related. It gets stale fast.
Right now, it seems the money is in dystopia, vampires, murder and romance. Am I repeating myself?
I make about $250 a month from it now. Some months it hit $400. More like a local garage band than a rock star. But still, I don't have to do anything. It just gets deposited to my account every month. I think in the past 18 months, I've recouped my investment maybe 4-5 times over. I did put a lot of juice into "free" marketing however. It pays to do that.
The trick is to have half a dozen books out there on Amazon.
Shifty, how would one find your books on Amazon {hint hint}?
Thanks guys! I just got very lucky. I now have to change my entire lifestyle. My diet, exercise, sleep, etc. This was building up for years - it was the stresses I went through this year (son's brain cancer, Dad passing, hep C drug failure, etc.) that triggered this episode. I have a second chance at life now - it's what I do with this second chance that will determine what the rest of my life is going to be like!
Stever and Snake, very good analysis and I would tend to agree.
2 things though, I think it could happen that the more expensive car could end up costing less in the long run even if it didn't in this case,
and,
somehow, my brother traded in his 10 year old Honda Civic in 2012, and bought a brand new Hyundai Elantra and paid just $4000 difference - so that must mean something.
Snake, your book is pretty good. I read the free part and it is very well done. Good luck, just remember the little people if you make it big.
Yes it can happen that a more expensive care would actually cost less after all things considered. There are many variables that would determine these things.
As for my book, thanks for the complement, it means a lot.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Our son recentlyu bought his first house and the appliances were pretty shot so he went to Best Buy and got a great deal on all Samsung stuff. I'm not going to mention to him what our repair guy said.
He said the first time his dryer funished it's cycle, it played a little tune. He looked out the window expecting to see an ice cream truck!
The range we recently purchased does the same thing, it plays a little tune when the oven gets to the selected temperature and when the cooking time ends. Not a beep a musical tune.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Are your friends insane, broke, out of work and needy, expecting the apocalypse, extremely tight, or just doing this on principle?
They live out in the boonies (by choice) about 20 miles west of Taos. The whole "subdivision" (10 or 15 houses?) is off-grid but they are sort of normal "Santa Fe" style homes, no earthships where they are (their place is straw bale). Great mountain views, great light, and the lack of monthly utility bills enabled them to get a better mortgage to build it. They are pretty green except for the four cars between the two of them, one stabled in Alaska to use on their annual work trips up there.
It's a wonderful spot that we've enjoyed house/dog sitting at numerous times, with good line of site internet and Sirius in the house. Bit cold for us to live there - 7,000 feet and they get winter. Last week they had to brush ~9 inches of snow off the solar panels. Last year they had to light their little backup wood stove for auxiliary heat twice.
And Taos is a super fun town with good boating and skiing, lots of foodie places and galleries for such a little place.
Are your friends insane, broke, out of work and needy, expecting the apocalypse, extremely tight, or just doing this on principle?
They live out in the boonies (by choice) about 20 miles west of Taos. The whole "subdivision" (10 or 15 houses?) is off-grid but they are sort of normal "Santa Fe" style homes, no earthships where they are (their place is straw bale). Great mountain views, great light, and the lack of monthly utility bills enabled them to get a better mortgage to build it. They are pretty green except for the four cars between the two of them, one stabled in Alaska to use on their annual work trips up there.
It's a wonderful spot that we've enjoyed house/dog sitting at numerous times, with good line of site internet and Sirius in the house. Bit cold for us to live there - 7,000 feet and they get winter. Last week they had to brush ~9 inches of snow off the solar panels. Last year they had to light their little backup wood stove for auxiliary heat twice.
And Taos is a super fun town with good boating and skiing, lots of foodie places and galleries for such a little place.
That sounds like a life that I might enjoy, when I do finally retire.
Mike, my 4-way bypass was 7 years ago. I didn't do much exercising and paid the price of a scare a few months ago. Now I'm on daily nitro pills and am actually using the treadmill and hand weights and feel much better. Find a nice daily exercise program you can increase as needed and stay with it.
Well stated, Dino. The car salesmen think they've got the customer all figured out by what the customer drove to the dealership and the brand of wristwatch the customer was wearing!
I have to start dressing better when I shop.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well stated, Dino. The car salesmen think they've got the customer all figured out by what the customer drove to the dealership and the brand of wristwatch the customer was wearing!
I would disagree with your first sentence of your post. Interest rate and term have to be considered as part of the cost of buying a specific vehicle.r.
Really good answer and explanation.
Mentally, you are as sharp as ever
Hope the new diet and health plan get you back physically as well.
The car books and humor book are too dated to republish again. The humor book did real well while it lasted however. But humor is cultural and age-related. It gets stale fast.
Mr S., I give you a lot of credit for getting books out there at all. And, you have a good handle on how fickle the market can be.
When I started in publishing the biggest selling genre was romance. Today it has changed to werewolves and vampires. The other big category is a thriller, before it was just a fiction novel.
I have read a lot of books, but, I could never write one!
Well stated, Dino. The car salesmen think they've got the customer all figured out by what the customer drove to the dealership and the brand of wristwatch the customer was wearing!
I would disagree with your first sentence of your post. Interest rate and term have to be considered as part of the cost of buying a specific vehicle.
Let me explain why:
Assume both buyers in the scenario below are 38 year old males with the exact same FICO score of 792 and have the exact same annual incomes.
Buyer #1 purchases a Honda Accord at dealer A for $25,000 out the door. He is financed for $15,000 through the dealer for 60 months at an interest rate of 1.75% annually.
Buyer #2 purchases the same exact Honda Accord at dealer B for the exact same $25,000 out the door. He is financed for 60 months at an annual interest rate of 2.1%.
Buyer #1 paid less for his car that buyer #2 paid for his car because he is paying more out of pocket due to a higher interest rate.
Dealers make a kick-back of 1% or more from the bank providing the financing or even the manufacturer's financial arm like Honda Financial. I know first-hand of many deals that went through finance where the kick-back to the dealer was as much as 3% of loan value.
I agree that Fico scores are a major determinant of the cost of borrowing money, but dealers can still make back-end profit on financing or leasing - it depends on how knowledgable the buyer is on existing rates for his FICO score. Dealers try to make profit any way they can. The higher back-end profit, the higher the net cost to the buyer.
I know it happened to me when I bought my BMW for European Delivery. I was essentially at their mercy, as the rules required full payment to BMW a few weeks before Munich delivery, which is more than two months before the car would clear the Customs. No bank would do that for an individual (no title, no loan), so I had to swallow the rate, whatever it was. 3.8% wasn't so bad at the time, but still well above market for my score. The moment the car hit shores, I refinanced with the same bank at 2.6% plus small closing fees. Saved me about $1000 over the course of the loan. The experience was worth it though.
Is it true that the dealers don't get full loan commission until 6 months pass? If so, this could be a leverage in those situations. If I'm positive I can qualify for a better rate, I could tell the guy next time not to get too greedy, as he won't see the whole thing anyway. If the rate differential is small, the stamps and fees eat the difference, so it's not worth it, but if it gets too high, so he could get some markup, but not too much.
Taos is a great little place, delightful really, but it gets "small" mighty fast. And it gets COLD man, mighty cold. I was pretty jumpy after a 3 month housesit there. (Keep in mind I was born in Manhattan) . I think I was warmer when I worked in Alaska--probably because the house wasn't made out of mud.
I think once you get older, this type of lifestyle is more difficult. I lived on boats (and houseboats) for many years, and some of those off the grid. Had 12 V electrics, solar recharge, wood heat (dangerous on a boat), diesel stove backup, propane fridge and stovetop. Nice little boat, 32 footer, beamy, good headroom. I even anchored offshore for about 8 months, and had a little runabout to get me to and fro. It was very dreamy and romantic, but not easy livin'. I wouldn't even think of doing that at this stage in life, but I'm sure glad I did way back then. The real "houseboats" are more luxurious, and that's not a bad way to live at all--but it's hardly an alternative lifestyle anymore. Now you have to pony up big bucks for a houseboat, and you don't even own the land underneath it. (more like how a mobile home park works). Some houseboats are as well equipped as any modern home.
Are your friends insane, broke, out of work and needy, expecting the apocalypse, extremely tight, or just doing this on principle?
They live out in the boonies (by choice) about 20 miles west of Taos. The whole "subdivision" (10 or 15 houses?) is off-grid but they are sort of normal "Santa Fe" style homes, no earthships where they are (their place is straw bale). Great mountain views, great light, and the lack of monthly utility bills enabled them to get a better mortgage to build it. They are pretty green except for the four cars between the two of them, one stabled in Alaska to use on their annual work trips up there.
It's a wonderful spot that we've enjoyed house/dog sitting at numerous times, with good line of site internet and Sirius in the house. Bit cold for us to live there - 7,000 feet and they get winter. Last week they had to brush ~9 inches of snow off the solar panels. Last year they had to light their little backup wood stove for auxiliary heat twice.
And Taos is a super fun town with good boating and skiing, lots of foodie places and galleries for such a little place.
That sounds like a life that I might enjoy, when I do finally retire.
Oh, there's a tower somewhere along the highway their antenna can hit. Wireless internet. Pretty good signal.
I had the same setup in Boise - I lived up a hill in a "strategic" location and got free wireless internet for years by having a repeater gizmo on my roof for the ISP. My access was through a small box on the roof, not even a dish. That was an option here in Las Cruces since we barely get DSL out in my part of the county.
Other than brushing off the snow on the panels and checking the cisterns occasionally, it's a pretty low maintenance place up in Taos. I change more filters, use a lot more propane and deal with the same bumpy gravel road as they do. They check their batteries quarterly and top 'em up if need be. They drive a Subaru in the winter and don't plow their long driveway.
Our friends' issue is that it's a 40 minute drive to town. That gets old. Shoot, I'm 15 minutes from a store here and that bugs me. I think I could live in Taos proper since I could walk and bike everywhere, but the tourists would wear on me. The locals know the shortcuts but the main drag is bumper to bumper in high season. It's too small for my wife though.
An old friend from Boise is living on a sailboat up in Anacortes, going on eighteen months now. Keep waiting for the email saying he's moved into his storage unit.
Well, I can go home, but I do not have 3 or 4 of the new meds they prescribed at home and the hospital does not dispense take-home drugs. Walgreens is not open here at the hospital this weekend (they fill prescriptions for patients and I buy all my meds at Walgreens). So if they dischsrge me now, I would need to take a cab home, get dressed, and then drive to the Walgreens I use by the house. I really do not have the strength to do that and I don't have anyone who can help me who is in town.
So I guess they are figuring out what to do for me. You would think they would try to make things easier for someone who is recovering from a heart attack. I hate this hospital - this is the place where my Dad was in June - I don't trust anyone here.
Since I have no control over my destiny at this moment, I will have to do what I can to limit doing any more harm to my health.
And so my life saga continues through the ages.
Doesn't Walgreens deliver?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks guys! I just got very lucky. I now have to change my entire lifestyle. My diet, exercise, sleep, etc. This was building up for years - it was the stresses I went through this year (son's brain cancer, Dad passing, hep C drug failure, etc.) that triggered this episode. I have a second chance at life now - it's what I do with this second chance that will determine what the rest of my life is going to be like!
Mike, I of course have no idea what your lifestyle was like other than what I saw you post here. Speaking for myself, based on my own experience, it is important not to obsess over this stuff regarding your heart. It can rapidly lead to even more stress, self-induced, or become like a new job.
I know in my case I never fully recovered from the side effects of my surgeries. Complications made me lose about 40% of my lung capacity, which makes walking any distance or exerting myself difficult, even with the heart functioning well. The valve replacement led to a racing heartbeat (I am told), which requires drugs, which have other side effects. Then something - nobody has satisfactorily explained exactly what - led to hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating, which is partly controlled by still more drugs though not well. Given those 3 conditions I am not about to run any marathons. It's funny - before the surgery I had chest pain and really couldn't do much physically. Now after the surgery I don't have the chest pain but still can't do very much, for different reasons. Not what I expected, which was to feel like I did before all this stuff started to occur. But that was when I was in my 30s and now I am almost 60 so I can't realistically expect to feel the same way.
Everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. Do what you can, but don't push it. A guy I worked with had a similar incident to yours, received stents, and was in and out several times when they caused problems or collapsed. His was all due to stress, first over not getting back to work right away, then later from being stressed about work! Unreal. I think he is on happy pills now as he seems different in terms of personality.
Thanks guys! I just got very lucky. I now have to change my entire lifestyle. My diet, exercise, sleep, etc. This was building up for years - it was the stresses I went through this year (son's brain cancer, Dad passing, hep C drug failure, etc.) that triggered this episode. I have a second chance at life now - it's what I do with this second chance that will determine what the rest of my life is going to be like!
Mike, I of course have no idea what your lifestyle was like other than what I saw you post here. Speaking for myself, based on my own experience, it is important not to obsess over this stuff regarding your heart. It can rapidly lead to even more stress, self-induced, or become like a new job.
I know in my case I never fully recovered from the side effects of my surgeries. Complications made me lose about 40% of my lung capacity, which makes walking any distance or exerting myself difficult, even with the heart functioning well. The valve replacement led to a racing heartbeat (I am told), which requires drugs, which have other side effects. Then something - nobody has satisfactorily explained exactly what - led to hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating, which is partly controlled by still more drugs though not well. Given those 3 conditions I am not about to run any marathons. It's funny - before the surgery I had chest pain and really couldn't do much physically. Now after the surgery I don't have the chest pain but still can't do very much, for different reasons. Not what I expected, which was to feel like I did before all this stuff started to occur. But that was when I was in my 30s and now I am almost 60 so I can't realistically expect to feel the same way.
Everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. Do what you can, but don't push it. A guy I worked with had a similar incident to yours, received stents, and was in and out several times when they caused problems or collapsed. His was all due to stress, first over not getting back to work right away, then later from being stressed about work! Unreal. I think he is on happy pills now as he seems different in terms of personality.
Thanks ab for your support and info regarding your experiences. It brings things into a more acceptable perspective. I am not alone with this setback - many people my age suffer from occluded coronary arteries. I am just lucky it was only one artery. The problem got resolved, at least in the short term.
I feel a bit helpless. I have no one I can lean on for help - physical or emotional.
I staggered to the car this morning and drove the 1/2 mile to my doctor's office. My blood pressure was 130/59 this morning. I have raspberry blotches on my left wrist (top) from blood thinners. Very weak and I get dizzy when I stand so I can remain upright for only a short time. I have to drink lots of fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated.
I'll have to call out got something for dinner as I am in no condition to cook anything. My insurance company is sending me a 10 day supply of frozen meals (hope I can fit everything in my freezer). Also, my doctor is ordering a visiting RN to come to my house twice a week to check vitals and my physical condition.
Again, thanks for your input - very much appreciated.
Up here there is a Meals on Wheels operation that delivers hot meals for a fee in situations like yours. No direct experience but I imagine it is somewhere above the quality of hospital food, though not at the level of NYY steak.
From my perspective again, for the first week or two I wasn't particularly hungry but it is important to eat what you can even if it is just a sandwich or soup. I was big on yogurt and granola as I recall.
I am a little worried for your situation. I wonder if you can engage some day help for the first couple of weeks home. Someone to clean and maybe cook a meal or two. Meals on Wheels is a good idea too. Someone should definitely be checking on you every day.
Mike, I know it won't help you for us to be there locally to keep you company or to help with meals, but know that we, your fellow car enthusiast family is here for you, at the least for plenty of moral support.
Mike, I know it won't help you for us to be there locally to keep you company or to help with meals, but know that we, your fellow car enthusiast family is here for you, at the least for plenty of moral support.
Thanks carnaught and suydam. It becomes unfortunate as we age when our loved ones are no longer on this earth. My wife, my mom, my dad, etc, are no longer with me. My children are thousands of miles from me and have their own lives. If I feel I am going to need help, I will do something about it.
Right now, I am just very weak and tired. I hope my strength returns quickly so I can go on with my life.
Right now, I am just very weak and tired. I hope my strength returns quickly so I can go on with my life.
That's understandable given both the mental stress and the physical effects of what you've been through. The various drugs aren't helping that. I also found it took a few days for the effects of all the painkillers, etc to flush themselves out. I had crazy dreams the first few nights.
If I can ask, Mike - please post here on a regular basis at least once a day for the next few days. A bunch of us will worry if we don't hear from you.
OK, here's one for the Scooby Doo Detective Squad.
Today while driving my bus I had a minor fender bender (car rear ended me, totally his fault) no injuries. Filled out an accident report and the other driver was ticketed. Routine.
Now here's where it gets weird. I just received an email from State Farm Ins. stating a claim has been filed. No other information. But...
How did they get my email address? No one has that, not even my employer. I didn't give it to anyone involved. What data base could put that information together to identify it to an insurance company?
Kind of scarey.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Right now, I am just very weak and tired. I hope my strength returns quickly so I can go on with my life.
That's understandable given both the mental stress and the physical effects of what you've been through. The various drugs aren't helping that. I also found it took a few days for the effects of all the painkillers, etc to flush themselves out. I had crazy dreams the first few nights.
If I can ask, Mike - please post here on a regular basis at least once a day for the next few days. A bunch of us will worry if we don't hear from you.
I assume Fezo is already on his way down. I'm sure he will check on Mike occasionally, in between exercise runs for the CLS.
Speaking of which, it was touch and go walking to the car this morning. Got very weak and dizzy. Before I drove to the doctor's office, I had to sit in the car to gain composure and strength. I won't drive again until I am up to it and am stronger. I have nightmares seeing my new car wrapped around a light pole.
Verdugo....I don't live in CA. I heard it from business colleagues that live in and around L.A. Maybe a regional thing in CA?
Yeah, that could be. I live up in Sacramento -- a completely different world than LA.
Google water rates going up in L.A.
This story is referring to San Diego where water rates are increasing by 25%:
So what’s driving the soaring rates? This is awkward but … you’re part of the problem. You and a bunch of other factors. Let’s run through them. You can blame yourself for saving too much water.
The price hikes are driven – ironically enough – by the cutbacks San Diegans are making because of the drought. If the city is selling less water, then the city has to charge more for each drop it sells.
If you get concerned, driver has my cell phone number - I gave it to him last year. Driver, do you still have my phone number?
Ab had a good idea, you should try to stay in touch, report in a few times a day.
I do have your cell phone number (ends in a 7 if still the same) so let me know if you are not going to be there.
It may be worth seeing if there is a social service agency that can arrange a check on you a few times a day.
Hope you make good progress now that you are home.
Yes, 7 is the last digit of my phone number.
I have remained in bed all day. Still a bit weak, but stamina is improving very slowly. Going to stay indoors today and will take each day one at a time.
OK, here's one for the Scooby Doo Detective Squad.
Here is another one for the detective squad. If you get a flag, you also get an abuse on your profile. You can click on the abuse and beneath it will show your transgression and who gave you the flag. I only have one flag from that guy a couple of years back but my profile shows 11 abuses? What gives?
Houdini...What in the world would you be flagged for?
Hitting 4 states, 3,000 miles.....going to Orlando, Chicago, then Denver this week. Orlando is done. Off to Chicago.
Mike....had stents a few years ago, myself. They had me walking (albeit slowly) around the hospital corridors 24 hours after the surgery before they released me. It did a WORLD OF GOOD. I did rehab once I came home, like the next day. My sister-in-law is a cardiologist. I told her about your surgery. She said getting to rehab would probably make you feel better and shorten your recovery time.
Houdini...What in the world would you be flagged for?
Hitting 4 states, 3,000 miles.....going to Orlando, Chicago, then Denver this week. Orlando is done. Off to Chicago.
Mike....had stents a few years ago, myself. They had me walking (albeit slowly) around the hospital corridors 24 hours after the surgery before they released me. It did a WORLD OF GOOD. I did rehab once I came home, like the next day. My sister-in-law is a cardiologist. I told her about your surgery. She said getting to rehab would probably make you feel better and shorten your recovery time.
Mike, be careful about what you mention to your doctor regarding driving --in certain states, doctors are compelled by law to report incidents of driver impairment to DMV, and they could suspend your license. Of course, if you are seriously impaired, you must not drive. But a casual remark about a minor incident could create hassles for you.
Houdini...What in the world would you be flagged for?
LOL, good question. The post I was flagged for was a post replying to Kirstie and thanking her for being the best host that Edmunds had, and doing such a good job of looking out for us. If you go to my profile and click on the "abuse" tab, you can read the whole thing. Somehow that one compliment earned me 11 abuses. Glitch in the system?
By the way, whatever happened to Kirstie? Is she gone or just on "leave"?
Houdini...What in the world would you be flagged for?
Hitting 4 states, 3,000 miles.....going to Orlando, Chicago, then Denver this week. Orlando is done. Off to Chicago.
Mike....had stents a few years ago, myself. They had me walking (albeit slowly) around the hospital corridors 24 hours after the surgery before they released me. It did a WORLD OF GOOD. I did rehab once I came home, like the next day. My sister-in-law is a cardiologist. I told her about your surgery. She said getting to rehab would probably make you feel better and shorten your recovery time.
Good luck!
When will you be in Denver? What part of town?
Michael...I'll be at the Convention Center for a conference!
Houdini...What in the world would you be flagged for?
Hitting 4 states, 3,000 miles.....going to Orlando, Chicago, then Denver this week. Orlando is done. Off to Chicago.
Mike....had stents a few years ago, myself. They had me walking (albeit slowly) around the hospital corridors 24 hours after the surgery before they released me. It did a WORLD OF GOOD. I did rehab once I came home, like the next day. My sister-in-law is a cardiologist. I told her about your surgery. She said getting to rehab would probably make you feel better and shorten your recovery time.
Good luck!
When will you be in Denver? What part of town?
Michael...I'll be at the Convention Center for a conference!
Comments
The last three EKG's they did in hospital were all normal - no sign of muscle damage. I initially thought that when a coronary artery fully occludes, it causes muscle to die. But cardiologist said I had enough peripheral blood supply at the affected area that the muscle survived. Now that the stent is in place, it is supplying blood at normal levels. Like the doctor said, I called 911 in time and the emergency catheterization and stent placement made my future prognosis positive.
I have tons of new medications - so I need to consult with my primary care physician and go over the 18-20 pills I have to take which include the 10 hep C anti-virals.
But it sure is good to be in my own bed.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The single most important factor in any new car purchase is the buyer's credit score. A good credit score can result in a new car financed for sixty months for a relatively minor total interest cost. For example, a new Civic with good credit could be financed for 60 months with around $400 in total interest, if financed at .9 percent.
On the flip side, a person with a bad credit score would pay an Audi payment, with good credit, for a Honda Civic.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Let me explain why:
Assume both buyers in the scenario below are 38 year old males with the exact same FICO score of 792 and have the exact same annual incomes.
Buyer #1 purchases a Honda Accord at dealer A for $25,000 out the door. He is financed for $15,000 through the dealer for 60 months at an interest rate of 1.75% annually.
Buyer #2 purchases the same exact Honda Accord at dealer B for the exact same $25,000 out the door. He is financed for 60 months at an annual interest rate of 2.1%.
Buyer #1 paid less for his car that buyer #2 paid for his car because he is paying more out of pocket due to a higher interest rate.
Dealers make a kick-back of 1% or more from the bank providing the financing or even the manufacturer's financial arm like Honda Financial. I know first-hand of many deals that went through finance where the kick-back to the dealer was as much as 3% of loan value.
I agree that Fico scores are a major determinant of the cost of borrowing money, but dealers can still make back-end profit on financing or leasing - it depends on how knowledgable the buyer is on existing rates for his FICO score. Dealers try to make profit any way they can. The higher back-end profit, the higher the net cost to the buyer.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The car books and humor book are too dated to republish again. The humor book did real well while it lasted however. But humor is cultural and age-related. It gets stale fast.
Right now, it seems the money is in dystopia, vampires, murder and romance. Am I repeating myself?
@nyccarguy
Thanks guys! I just got very lucky. I now have to change my entire lifestyle. My diet, exercise, sleep, etc. This was building up for years - it was the stresses I went through this year (son's brain cancer, Dad passing, hep C drug failure, etc.) that triggered this episode. I have a second chance at life now - it's what I do with this second chance that will determine what the rest of my life is going to be like!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
As for my book, thanks for the complement, it means a lot.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It's a wonderful spot that we've enjoyed house/dog sitting at numerous times, with good line of site internet and Sirius in the house. Bit cold for us to live there - 7,000 feet and they get winter. Last week they had to brush ~9 inches of snow off the solar panels. Last year they had to light their little backup wood stove for auxiliary heat twice.
And Taos is a super fun town with good boating and skiing, lots of foodie places and galleries for such a little place.
That sounds like a life that I might enjoy, when I do finally retire.
Find a nice daily exercise program you can increase as needed and stay with it.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
Really good answer and explanation.
Mentally, you are as sharp as ever
Hope the new diet and health plan get you back physically as well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Is it true that the dealers don't get full loan commission until 6 months pass? If so, this could be a leverage in those situations. If I'm positive I can qualify for a better rate, I could tell the guy next time not to get too greedy, as he won't see the whole thing anyway. If the rate differential is small, the stamps and fees eat the difference, so it's not worth it, but if it gets too high, so he could get some markup, but not too much.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Taos is a great little place, delightful really, but it gets "small" mighty fast. And it gets COLD man, mighty cold. I was pretty jumpy after a 3 month housesit there. (Keep in mind I was born in Manhattan)
I think once you get older, this type of lifestyle is more difficult. I lived on boats (and houseboats) for many years, and some of those off the grid. Had 12 V electrics, solar recharge, wood heat (dangerous on a boat), diesel stove backup, propane fridge and stovetop. Nice little boat, 32 footer, beamy, good headroom. I even anchored offshore for about 8 months, and had a little runabout to get me to and fro. It was very dreamy and romantic, but not easy livin'. I wouldn't even think of doing that at this stage in life, but I'm sure glad I did way back then. The real "houseboats" are more luxurious, and that's not a bad way to live at all--but it's hardly an alternative lifestyle anymore. Now you have to pony up big bucks for a houseboat, and you don't even own the land underneath it. (more like how a mobile home park works). Some houseboats are as well equipped as any modern home.
I had the same setup in Boise - I lived up a hill in a "strategic" location and got free wireless internet for years by having a repeater gizmo on my roof for the ISP. My access was through a small box on the roof, not even a dish. That was an option here in Las Cruces since we barely get DSL out in my part of the county.
Other than brushing off the snow on the panels and checking the cisterns occasionally, it's a pretty low maintenance place up in Taos. I change more filters, use a lot more propane and deal with the same bumpy gravel road as they do. They check their batteries quarterly and top 'em up if need be. They drive a Subaru in the winter and don't plow their long driveway.
Our friends' issue is that it's a 40 minute drive to town. That gets old. Shoot, I'm 15 minutes from a store here and that bugs me. I think I could live in Taos proper since I could walk and bike everywhere, but the tourists would wear on me. The locals know the shortcuts but the main drag is bumper to bumper in high season. It's too small for my wife though.
An old friend from Boise is living on a sailboat up in Anacortes, going on eighteen months now. Keep waiting for the email saying he's moved into his storage unit.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mike, I of course have no idea what your lifestyle was like other than what I saw you post here. Speaking for myself, based on my own experience, it is important not to obsess over this stuff regarding your heart. It can rapidly lead to even more stress, self-induced, or become like a new job.
I know in my case I never fully recovered from the side effects of my surgeries. Complications made me lose about 40% of my lung capacity, which makes walking any distance or exerting myself difficult, even with the heart functioning well. The valve replacement led to a racing heartbeat (I am told), which requires drugs, which have other side effects. Then something - nobody has satisfactorily explained exactly what - led to hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating, which is partly controlled by still more drugs though not well. Given those 3 conditions I am not about to run any marathons. It's funny - before the surgery I had chest pain and really couldn't do much physically. Now after the surgery I don't have the chest pain but still can't do very much, for different reasons. Not what I expected, which was to feel like I did before all this stuff started to occur. But that was when I was in my 30s and now I am almost 60 so I can't realistically expect to feel the same way.
Everyone is different and has different capacities and abilities. Do what you can, but don't push it. A guy I worked with had a similar incident to yours, received stents, and was in and out several times when they caused problems or collapsed. His was all due to stress, first over not getting back to work right away, then later from being stressed about work! Unreal. I think he is on happy pills now as he seems different in terms of personality.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I feel a bit helpless. I have no one I can lean on for help - physical or emotional.
I staggered to the car this morning and drove the 1/2 mile to my doctor's office. My blood pressure was 130/59 this morning. I have raspberry blotches on my left wrist (top) from blood thinners. Very weak and I get dizzy when I stand so I can remain upright for only a short time. I have to drink lots of fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated.
I'll have to call out got something for dinner as I am in no condition to cook anything. My insurance company is sending me a 10 day supply of frozen meals (hope I can fit everything in my freezer). Also, my doctor is ordering a visiting RN to come to my house twice a week to check vitals and my physical condition.
Again, thanks for your input - very much appreciated.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
From my perspective again, for the first week or two I wasn't particularly hungry but it is important to eat what you can even if it is just a sandwich or soup. I was big on yogurt and granola as I recall.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Right now, I am just very weak and tired. I hope my strength returns quickly so I can go on with my life.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
If I can ask, Mike - please post here on a regular basis at least once a day for the next few days. A bunch of us will worry if we don't hear from you.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Today while driving my bus I had a minor fender bender (car rear ended me, totally his fault) no injuries. Filled out an accident report and the other driver was ticketed. Routine.
Now here's where it gets weird. I just received an email from State Farm Ins. stating a claim has been filed. No other information. But...
How did they get my email address? No one has that, not even my employer. I didn't give it to anyone involved. What data base could put that information together to identify it to an insurance company?
Kind of scarey.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I do have your cell phone number (ends in a 7 if still the same) so let me know if you are not going to be there.
It may be worth seeing if there is a social service agency that can arrange a check on you a few times a day.
Hope you make good progress now that you are home.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This story is referring to San Diego where water rates are increasing by 25%:
So what’s driving the soaring rates? This is awkward but … you’re part of the problem. You and a bunch of other factors. Let’s run through them.
You can blame yourself for saving too much water.
The price hikes are driven – ironically enough – by the cutbacks San Diegans are making because of the drought. If the city is selling less water, then the city has to charge more for each drop it sells.
San Diego Water Rates Increase 25%
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have remained in bed all day. Still a bit weak, but stamina is improving very slowly. Going to stay indoors today and will take each day one at a time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Hitting 4 states, 3,000 miles.....going to Orlando, Chicago, then Denver this week. Orlando is done. Off to Chicago.
Mike....had stents a few years ago, myself. They had me walking (albeit slowly) around the hospital corridors 24 hours after the surgery before they released me. It did a WORLD OF GOOD. I did rehab once I came home, like the next day. My sister-in-law is a cardiologist. I told her about your surgery. She said getting to rehab would probably make you feel better and shorten your recovery time.
Good luck!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
By the way, whatever happened to Kirstie? Is she gone or just on "leave"?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige