3 Free Fencing Estimate Templates (2026)

A professional fencing estimate sets clear expectations and protects your profit margin. A sloppy one creates confusion, scope disputes, and lost money.

Most fence contractors know how to build a straight, solid fence. The hard part is putting together an accurate estimate fast enough to close the deal before the homeowner calls someone else. You walk the property, measure the run, check the terrain, note where the gates go, and then head back to figure out the price. That back-and-forth costs time you could spend on the next job.

These three templates speed up that process. Each one includes realistic line items, post spacing calculations, gate costs, terrain adjustments, and markup formulas you can adjust for your market. Copy them, fill in your numbers, and start sending professional estimates the same day you walk the property.

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How to Use These Templates

Each template is organized into sections: materials, labor, gates, equipment, and overhead/profit. Here is how to get the most out of them:

1. Walk the property and measure the total linear footage. Mark gate locations, corners, and end posts.
2. Check the terrain. Note slopes, rocky soil, tree roots, underground utilities, and access limitations.
3. Calculate post count based on your spacing (total footage / spacing + 1, plus extras for corners and gates).
4. Adjust unit costs to match your local lumber yard, supply house, or distributor pricing.
5. Apply your overhead and profit percentages to the subtotal.
6. Add notes covering scope, timeline, HOA requirements, and what is not included.

The unit costs shown are mid-range estimates for the U.S. market in 2026. Your area may run higher or lower. Always verify pricing with your supplier before sending a live estimate.

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Template 1: Wood Privacy Fence Estimate

This template covers a standard 6-foot wood privacy fence, 200 linear feet, with one walk gate and one double drive gate. This is the most common residential fencing job in most markets.

Materials

Line Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
4x4x8 pressure-treated posts	28	each	$14.00	$392.00
2x4x8 pressure-treated rails	78	each	$7.50	$585.00
1x6x6 cedar fence pickets	700	each	$4.25	$2,975.00
Post caps (flat)	28	each	$3.50	$98.00
Concrete (80 lb bags, 2 per post)	56	bags	$5.50	$308.00
Galvanized screws (5 lb box)	4	boxes	$32.00	$128.00
Galvanized gate hinges (pair)	3	pairs	$18.00	$54.00
Gate latch hardware	2	sets	$22.00	$44.00
Self-closing gate hinge (walk gate)	1	each	$28.00	$28.00
Gravel (drainage, 50 lb bags)	28	bags	$4.00	$112.00
Materials Subtotal				$4,724.00

Gates

Gate Type	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Walk gate (4 ft, cedar, framed)	1	each	$175.00	$175.00
Double drive gate (12 ft, cedar, framed)	1	each	$450.00	$450.00
Drop rod and cane bolt (drive gate)	1	set	$35.00	$35.00
Gates Subtotal				$660.00

Labor

Task	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Layout, string line, mark posts	200	lin ft	$0.50	$100.00
Dig post holes (auger)	28	holes	$18.00	$504.00
Set posts and pour concrete	28	posts	$15.00	$420.00
Install rails	200	lin ft	$1.50	$300.00
Install pickets	200	lin ft	$3.00	$600.00
Build and hang gates	2	gates	$150.00	$300.00
Install hardware (latches, hinges)	1	lot	$100.00	$100.00
Cleanup and haul-off	1	lot	$200.00	$200.00
Labor Subtotal				$2,524.00

Equipment and Other Costs

Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Post hole auger rental (1-man)	1	day	$75.00	$75.00
Utility locate (call 811)	1	each	$0.00	$0.00
Material delivery	1	each	$85.00	$85.00
Permit fee	1	each	$100.00	$100.00
Equipment Subtotal				$260.00

Summary

	Amount
Materials	$4,724.00
Gates	$660.00
Labor	$2,524.00
Equipment and other	$260.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$8,168.00
Overhead (15%)	$1,225.20
Profit (12%)	$1,127.18
Total Estimate	$10,520.38

Tips for This Template

• Post spacing at 8 feet on center is standard for wood privacy. Going tighter (6 ft) adds cost but creates a sturdier fence in high-wind areas.
• Always call 811 for utility locates before digging. It is free and protects you from liability. List it on your estimate even at $0 to show the homeowner you follow the rules.
• Cedar pickets cost more than pressure-treated pine but look better and last longer without staining. Specify which wood you are using so the homeowner knows what they are getting.
• Two bags of concrete per post is standard for a 4x4 post in a 10-inch hole, 30 inches deep. Sandy or loose soil may need three bags.
• The double drive gate is the most expensive part of most fence jobs. Build it separately as a framed unit with a center drop rod so it holds up over time.

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Template 2: Chain Link Fence Estimate

This template covers a 4-foot residential chain link fence, 300 linear feet, with one walk gate. Chain link is the most affordable fencing option and works well for pet containment, property lines, and backyard boundaries.

Materials

Line Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
4-ft chain link fabric (50 ft rolls, 11.5 gauge)	7	rolls	$85.00	$595.00
Terminal posts (2-3/8” x 7 ft)	8	each	$22.00	$176.00
Line posts (1-5/8” x 7 ft)	30	each	$12.00	$360.00
Top rail (1-3/8” x 10.5 ft)	30	pieces	$10.50	$315.00
Post caps (loop or dome)	38	each	$1.50	$57.00
Tension bars	8	each	$6.00	$48.00
Tension bands (set of 4)	8	sets	$5.00	$40.00
Brace bands	16	each	$2.50	$40.00
Rail ends	30	each	$1.75	$52.50
Tie wires (bag)	3	bags	$8.00	$24.00
Concrete (80 lb bags)	50	bags	$5.50	$275.00
Walk gate (4 ft, chain link, with frame)	1	each	$125.00	$125.00
Gate hinges and latch	1	set	$25.00	$25.00
Materials Subtotal				$2,132.50

Labor

Task	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Layout and mark post locations	300	lin ft	$0.35	$105.00
Dig post holes	38	holes	$15.00	$570.00
Set posts and pour concrete	38	posts	$12.00	$456.00
Install top rail	300	lin ft	$1.00	$300.00
Stretch and tie chain link fabric	300	lin ft	$2.25	$675.00
Install tension bars and bands	8	each	$10.00	$80.00
Hang gate and install hardware	1	gate	$100.00	$100.00
Cleanup	1	lot	$150.00	$150.00
Labor Subtotal				$2,436.00

Equipment and Other Costs

Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Post hole auger rental	1	day	$75.00	$75.00
Fence stretcher bar rental	1	day	$40.00	$40.00
Material delivery	1	each	$75.00	$75.00
Permit fee	1	each	$75.00	$75.00
Equipment Subtotal				$265.00

Summary

	Amount
Materials	$2,132.50
Labor	$2,436.00
Equipment and other	$265.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$4,833.50
Overhead (15%)	$725.03
Profit (13%)	$722.61
Total Estimate	$6,281.13

Tips for This Template

• Line post spacing at 10 feet on center is standard for chain link. Go tighter (8 ft) in areas with heavy wind or where pets will push against the fence.
• Terminal posts go at every end, corner, and gate opening. Count them carefully during the walkthrough.
• Residential chain link typically uses 11.5 gauge fabric. Commercial and industrial specs call for 9 gauge, which costs more and is harder to work with.
• Consider offering vinyl-coated chain link (black or green) as an upgrade. It looks better and the material premium is only $15-$25 per roll. Homeowners appreciate the option.
• For pet containment, offer a tension wire along the bottom to prevent dogs from pushing the fabric out. Add it as a $0.50-$0.75/lin ft upgrade.

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Template 3: Vinyl/PVC Privacy Fence Estimate

This template covers a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence, 150 linear feet, with one walk gate. Vinyl fencing costs more upfront than wood but requires almost no maintenance, which is a strong selling point for homeowners.

Materials

Line Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Vinyl privacy panels (6 ft x 8 ft sections)	19	panels	$110.00	$2,090.00
Vinyl posts (5” x 5” x 8 ft)	22	each	$45.00	$990.00
Post caps (New England style)	22	each	$8.00	$176.00
Vinyl walk gate (4 ft)	1	each	$275.00	$275.00
Gate hardware (self-closing hinges + latch)	1	set	$45.00	$45.00
Concrete (80 lb bags, 3 per post)	66	bags	$5.50	$363.00
Gravel for post hole drainage	22	bags	$4.00	$88.00
Metal post inserts/stiffeners	22	each	$12.00	$264.00
Materials Subtotal				$4,291.00

Terrain Adjustment

Condition	Adjustment	Notes
Flat, clear ground	0%	Standard pricing applies
Moderate slope (4-8% grade)	+15% to labor	Stepped or racked panels required
Steep slope (8%+ grade)	+25% to labor	Extra posts, custom cuts, longer install
Rocky soil	+$15/post hole	Manual digging or rock bar needed
Tree root removal	+$25/post hole	Cut and remove roots in post hole

For this template, we assume flat ground with no terrain adjustments.

Labor

Task	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Layout and mark post locations	150	lin ft	$0.50	$75.00
Dig post holes (12” diameter, 36” deep)	22	holes	$22.00	$484.00
Set posts with metal inserts and concrete	22	posts	$18.00	$396.00
Install vinyl panels and rails	19	sections	$35.00	$665.00
Hang gate and install hardware	1	gate	$125.00	$125.00
Install post caps	22	each	$3.00	$66.00
Cleanup and haul-off	1	lot	$150.00	$150.00
Labor Subtotal				$1,961.00

Equipment and Other Costs

Item	Quantity	Unit	Unit Cost	Total
Post hole auger rental	1	day	$75.00	$75.00
Material delivery	1	each	$85.00	$85.00
Permit fee	1	each	$100.00	$100.00
Equipment Subtotal				$260.00

Summary

	Amount
Materials	$4,291.00
Labor	$1,961.00
Equipment and other	$260.00
Direct Cost Subtotal	$6,512.00
Overhead (15%)	$976.80
Profit (13%)	$973.54
Total Estimate	$8,462.34

Tips for This Template

• Vinyl posts need deeper holes (36 inches) and more concrete (3 bags per post) than wood posts because vinyl is lighter and catches more wind.
• Metal post inserts (steel or aluminum channels inside the vinyl post) are critical for a fence that holds up in wind. Some manufacturers require them for the warranty to apply. Always include them.
• Vinyl panels come in pre-assembled 8-foot sections from most manufacturers. Post spacing must match exactly, so measure carefully and account for gate openings.
• Vinyl fencing has a higher material cost than wood but lower labor cost because there is no staining, sealing, or painting. Mention the long-term savings to homeowners who push back on the upfront price.
• HOA neighborhoods are a big market for vinyl fences. Many HOAs require specific colors (white, tan, gray) and styles. Check the HOA rules before the estimate so you can spec the right product.

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Adjusting These Templates for Your Business

These templates are a starting point. Here is how to make them work for your specific operation:

Set Your Overhead Rate

Overhead includes your truck payment, insurance, fuel, phone bill, advertising, and any office or shop costs. Most fencing companies run between 12% and 18% overhead. Calculate yours by dividing your annual overhead by your annual revenue.

Set Your Profit Margin

Profit is what you keep after every cost is covered, including your salary (which should be in overhead). Target 10-15% net profit. Chain link jobs can run tighter margins if you do volume. Wood and vinyl privacy fences should carry higher margins because the jobs are more complex and homeowners expect to pay a premium.

Account for Terrain

Flat lots on clear soil are the baseline. Any deviation adds cost. Include a terrain adjustment line item or multiplier on every estimate. This protects your margin on difficult properties and keeps your pricing fair on easy ones.

Track Your Actual Costs

The only way to know if your estimates are accurate is to compare them against your actual job costs after the work is done. Projul’s job costing features track labor hours, materials, and expenses against each job so you can spot where you are making money and where you are losing it.

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Common Mistakes That Cost Fence Contractors Money

Not calling 811 before digging. Hitting a gas line, water main, or buried cable is expensive, dangerous, and 100% avoidable. Call 811 at least three business days before you dig. It is free.

Underestimating post hole time on rocky or clay soil. Standard post hole time assumes clean, loamy soil. Clay doubles your digging time. Rock triples it. Walk the property, poke the soil with a probe, and adjust your labor accordingly.

Forgetting the permit. Many cities and counties require a fence permit, especially for fences over 4 feet. The fee is usually $75-$150, but the fine for building without one is much higher. Always check local codes and include the permit as a line item.

Not accounting for grade changes. A yard that slopes 2 feet over 100 feet needs stepped panels or racked sections. Both add labor and sometimes extra material. Walk the entire fence line during the estimate, not just the start and end points.

Quoting gates as an afterthought. Gates are the most expensive part of most fence jobs per linear foot. A homeowner who sees “$45/linear foot for fence” and then gets a $1,200 gate add-on will feel blindsided. Break gates out as their own section with full detail.

Using the same template for every fence type. Wood, chain link, and vinyl have different post spacing, hardware, and labor rates. A one-size-fits-all template will overcharge on some jobs and undercharge on others. Keep separate templates for each material.

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What Every Fencing Estimate Needs Beyond the Numbers

• Scope of work. “Install 200 linear feet of 6-foot cedar privacy fence with one 4-foot walk gate and one 12-foot double drive gate along the rear and south side property lines.”
• Material specifications. List the wood species, post size, picket dimensions, and any hardware brands. For vinyl, include the manufacturer and product line.
• Property line note. “Fence will be installed 6 inches inside the property line per local code. Property pins verified by homeowner.”
• Timeline. “Materials arrive Day 1. Installation begins Day 2. Expected duration: 2-3 days, weather permitting.”
• Payment terms. Your deposit, progress, and final payment schedule.
• Warranty. Your workmanship warranty and the manufacturer’s material warranty (especially for vinyl).
• Exclusions. “This estimate does not include survey or property line verification, tree or stump removal, or grading/leveling of the fence line.”
• Expiration. 30 days is standard. Lumber prices change fast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check the FAQ section above for answers to common questions about fencing estimates, including markup percentages, post spacing calculations, terrain adjustments, gate pricing, and how often to update your template.

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How to Price Fence Jobs by the Foot vs. by the Project

One of the first decisions you make as a fencing contractor is whether to quote jobs by the linear foot or as a flat project price. Both approaches work, but each one changes how the customer sees the number and how you protect your margins.

Per-Linear-Foot Pricing

Quoting by the foot is simple for the customer to understand. They measure their yard, multiply by your rate, and have a rough idea of cost before you even show up. That transparency can work in your favor if your per-foot rate is competitive.

The downside is that per-foot pricing hides the complexity. A 200-foot fence on flat ground with no gates is a completely different job than 200 feet on a hillside with two gates, three corners, and a retaining wall to work around. If you quote $45 per foot and the job has five corners instead of two, you just gave away labor for free.

Typical per-foot rates for installed fencing in 2026 (mid-range U.S. markets):

• Wood privacy (6 ft cedar): $35-$55/lin ft
• Chain link (4 ft residential): $18-$30/lin ft
• Vinyl privacy (6 ft): $45-$65/lin ft
• Aluminum ornamental (4 ft): $40-$60/lin ft

These ranges assume flat terrain, standard soil, and minimal gates. Corners, gates, slopes, and difficult soil push the per-foot number higher.

Project-Based Pricing

Flat project pricing gives you more control. You walk the property, factor in every variable, and give the homeowner one number. If you estimated well, your margin is protected regardless of what surprises pop up during the install.

The risk with project pricing is that you carry the burden of accuracy. Miss a grade change or undercount your posts and that money comes out of your pocket. This is where good templates pay for themselves. When your estimate includes every line item and every adjustment, you catch things during the walkthrough instead of discovering them on install day.

Which Approach Wins?

Most experienced fencing contractors use a hybrid. They quote the customer a flat project price but build the estimate internally using per-foot and per-unit line items. That way the customer sees a clean, professional number while you have the detailed breakdown to make sure the math works.

If you are tracking your construction profit margins over time, project-based pricing with detailed line items gives you much better data. You can compare estimated vs. actual on every job and tighten your numbers quarter over quarter.

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Selling the Estimate: How to Present Pricing and Close More Fence Jobs

Getting the estimate right is half the battle. The other half is presenting it in a way that makes the homeowner say yes. Fence contractors who treat the estimate as a sales tool, not just a price sheet, close more work at better margins.

Show Up With the Estimate, Not Later

The fastest way to lose a fence job is to tell the homeowner “I will email you the estimate in a couple of days.” By then, two other contractors have already sent theirs. If you can build and present your estimate while you are standing in the yard, your close rate goes up dramatically.

This is where having a template on your phone or tablet changes everything. You fill in the footage, select the material, adjust for gates and terrain, and the total calculates on the spot. You walk the homeowner through it, answer their questions, and ask for the deposit before you leave. Mobile estimating tools make this possible without carrying a laptop to every walkthrough.

Give Options, Not Just One Price

Homeowners like choices. Instead of presenting one estimate, offer two or three tiers:

• Good: Pressure-treated pine privacy fence, standard hardware, basic gate
• Better: Cedar privacy fence, upgraded hardware, self-closing walk gate
• Best: Vinyl privacy fence, decorative post caps, premium gate hardware

Each tier has its own estimate with full line items. The homeowner picks the one that fits their budget. Most people pick the middle option, which is usually where your best margin lives.

Walk Through the Line Items

Do not just hand over a number. Walk the homeowner through the estimate section by section. Explain what the materials cost, what the labor covers, and why gates are priced separately. When people understand what they are paying for, they push back less on the total.

Point out things that add value. “We use three bags of concrete per post instead of two because this area gets high winds.” “We include metal stiffeners inside every vinyl post so the fence does not wobble after a year.” These details show you know what you are doing and justify your pricing against the guy who quoted $10 less per foot.

Address the “Can You Do It Cheaper?” Question

Every fence contractor hears this. The best response is honest and specific: “I can, but here is what changes.” Then show them exactly which line items you would adjust. Thinner pickets, fewer concrete bags per post, no post caps, a simpler gate. Most homeowners will stick with the original estimate once they see what “cheaper” actually means.

Never drop your price without removing scope. That is how you train customers to negotiate and how you end up working for free. If your markup and margin are set correctly, you do not have room to cut without cutting quality.

Follow Up Within 24 Hours

If the homeowner does not sign on the spot, follow up the next morning. A simple text or call: “Hey, just checking if you had any questions about the fence estimate I left yesterday.” Half of lost jobs are not lost on price. They are lost because the contractor never followed up and the homeowner went with whoever called back first.

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Seasonal Pricing and Scheduling Strategies for Fence Contractors

Fencing is seasonal in most of the country. Understanding the rhythm of demand helps you price smarter, fill your schedule, and avoid the feast-or-famine cycle that burns out so many small contractors.

When Demand Peaks

Spring and early summer are the busiest months for residential fencing. Homeowners start thinking about the backyard as soon as the weather warms up. In most markets, your phone starts ringing in March and does not slow down until August.

During peak season, you should be at or near your highest pricing. Your schedule is full, your crew is busy, and every job you take means turning down another one. Do not discount during peak season. If anything, add a small premium for rush scheduling. You have earned it.

Off-Season Opportunities

Late fall and winter are slow for fencing in cold-weather states, but not everywhere. In the South and Southwest, you can install year-round. Even in colder climates, the ground is workable until it freezes solid, and some homeowners want their fence done before the holidays.

Offering a 5-10% off-season discount can fill gaps in your crew schedule during slow months. The discount is worth it if the alternative is sending your crew home with no work. Just make sure your estimate still hits your minimum margin. A discounted job that loses money is worse than no job at all.

Material Price Timing

Lumber prices follow their own cycle, and they are not always predictable. Pressure-treated lumber tends to spike in spring when demand is highest and soften in late summer and fall. Buying materials in bulk during price dips and storing them can save you real money over a season.

Vinyl and chain link prices are tied more to commodity markets (PVC resin and steel) and tend to shift quarterly. Keep your templates updated and check supplier pricing at least once a month during busy season. An estimate you sent in April with March pricing can cost you $300-$500 on a typical residential job if material prices jumped.

Booking Deposits and Scheduling Out

During peak season, collect a 30-50% deposit and schedule jobs 2-4 weeks out. This does two things: it locks in revenue so your pipeline is predictable, and it gives you a buffer if a job runs long or weather delays an install.

Include your estimated start date and a weather clause on every estimate. Something like: “Estimated start date: May 12, 2026. Start date may shift due to weather or permitting delays. Customer will be notified at least 48 hours in advance of any schedule change.”

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Building a Repeat and Referral Engine From Every Fence Job

Residential fencing is a one-time purchase for most homeowners. They buy one fence and do not need another one for 15-20 years. So how do you grow a fencing business when most customers only hire you once?

The answer is referrals. One fence job in a neighborhood can turn into five more if you handle it right.

Leave the Job Site Clean

This is the simplest thing you can do and the one most crews skip. Pick up every scrap of wood, every zip tie, every concrete bag. Rake the dirt around the post holes smooth. Haul away the old fence if removal was part of the scope. A clean job site is the first thing the homeowner notices and the first thing they mention to their neighbors.

Walk the Finished Fence With the Customer

Before you ask for final payment, walk the entire fence line with the homeowner. Point out the gate operation, show them how the latch works, and explain any maintenance (oiling hinges, rinsing vinyl panels). This five-minute walk turns a transaction into a relationship and gives you a chance to catch any issues before they become complaints.

Ask for the Review and the Referral

Most contractors feel weird asking for reviews. Do it anyway. Right after the walk-through, while the homeowner is happy and looking at their new fence, say: “If you are happy with the work, a Google review would really help us out.” Then text them the link. Make it easy.

For referrals, leave two or three business cards. “If any of your neighbors are thinking about a fence, we would love to take care of them.” Neighbors see the new fence going up. They are already thinking about it. Give the homeowner a reason to connect you. A $50-$100 referral credit on future work (like a gate adjustment or post repair) costs you almost nothing and can generate thousands in new business.

Track Where Your Jobs Come From

If you do not know where your leads come from, you cannot double down on what is working. Keep a simple field on every estimate: “How did you hear about us?” Referral, Google search, yard sign, door hanger, Nextdoor, or repeat customer. After a year of tracking, you will know exactly where to spend your marketing time and money. A good construction CRM tracks this automatically so you are not relying on memory or sticky notes.

Put a Yard Sign on Every Job

Ask every customer if you can leave a small yard sign for two weeks after the install. A “Fence by [Your Company]” sign in front of a sharp-looking new fence is the best advertising money can buy. Most homeowners will say yes if you ask. Most contractors never ask.

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Start Sending Better Fencing Estimates Today

These templates give you a solid foundation for wood privacy, chain link, and vinyl fence projects. Customize them with your own pricing, add your company branding, and start sending professional estimates that win more jobs.

If you are ready to move beyond spreadsheets, Projul’s estimating features let you build, send, and track estimates from your phone right at the job site. No per-user fees. Rated 9.8 out of 10 on G2. Schedule a live demo and see how it works for your crew.

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📥 Get Your Free Estimate Templates

Download Projul’s free construction estimate templates, built by contractors, for contractors. Create professional estimates in minutes and win more jobs.

Download Free Templates →

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DISCLAIMER: We make no warranty of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information presented on this website. Posts are subject to change without notice and cannot be considered financial advice.