Search found 1584 matches

by Atilla
Tue Mar 28, 2023 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Funeral you ever attended?
Replies: 75
Views: 9017

Re: Best Funeral you ever attended?

Throw the Catholic Mass since it's what he wants. No one will "enjoy" it and call it the "best" funeral they attended. It will satisfy the folks it's important to.

Immediately afterwards, throw a celebration of life at a closeby establishment that serves alcohol and decent food. Have pictures, videos, whatever. Heck, the Padre will likely tag along and say a few words and enjoy the meal and conversation. That will be what most people remember.

Keep it easy and close and early - there will be old folks to consider.
by Atilla
Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to buy a bicycle (with training wheels)?
Replies: 35
Views: 1918

Re: Where to buy a bicycle (with training wheels)?

My out of the box thinking comes from experience with my son. He had a 2-wheel Razor scooter he rode all over the place. When it came time to learn to ride a bike, he had the balance thing down instantly because he was already doing it.

Stopping without tipping over was a problem solved by 1 day of practicing. The boy was never especially athletically gifted.

In my opinion, training wheels slow the learning process. Get the kid a scooter and a bike with no training wheels.
by Atilla
Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574275

Re: What are you listening to now

Springlike-ish weather is kinda sorta here in the upper Midwest - so it will be bicycle-riding and music streaming on the phone. Favorites for that activity are any random Reggae and some good blues. Susan Tedeschi and Larry Garner are my current blues favorites. Can't beat Reggae for slow <rolling> on the bike on a nice afternoon... :-P
by Atilla
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?
Replies: 229
Views: 22969

Re: Do you regret spending money on your wedding?

We live in the Midwest, so outside of some cities and social circles, expectations will not be super high. People just want to enjoy themselves. We got married on a beautiful Friday afternoon in early September at a country restaurant with a nice lawn and a fish boil tent. Quick ceremony on the lawn, then stroll to the tent for heavy appetizers and unlimited beer and wine. No band, no forced chicken dance and a hotel was across the lawn for those wanting to stay and drink. Among an uncle good with a camera (bribed with some cash) and a couple friends tasked appropriately - we got plenty of great photos without having to hire anyone. Working folks were happy to leave work early Friday for the wedding and not have to mess up their weekend fre...
by Atilla
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calm small dog breed for family
Replies: 142
Views: 13622

Re: Calm small dog breed for family

wfrobinette wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:37 am
Atilla wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:05 pm No personal experience, but Pugs are small and lazy.
And snore, have breathing problems and other things .
Yes, but they are small and lazy - what the original poster is looking for in a dog. :beer

Me - if that was what I wanted, I'd just get any random cat and be done with it.
by Atilla
Wed Mar 15, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Business Casual Pants (men)
Replies: 57
Views: 5817

Re: Best Business Casual Pants (men)

A pair of dark gray Under Armour golf pants is an option. I've gone that route - the pants are comfy & easy to move in; and no one can tell they're not dress casual.
by Atilla
Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calm small dog breed for family
Replies: 142
Views: 13622

Re: Calm small dog breed for family

No personal experience, but Pugs are small and lazy.
by Atilla
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
Replies: 248
Views: 22104

Re: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.

I have the same opinion on tea as Ted Lasso.

My two daily double espressos using fresh ground Cameron's beans cost me about 21 cents each.

Adding sweetener or dairy just dilutes the goodness. There is no such thing as strong coffee - there are only weak people. :D
by Atilla
Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12879

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

We did the Dyson thing; and while they do work well, they don't hold up.

Love the Shark we bought a few years ago. We do have a large shedding dog; and the amount of hair and crap it pulls up is impressive. I'm talking a full dirty hedgehog-size glob of hair and dirt every time we vacuum.

Maintenance and finding replacement parts for the Shark is easy. Plug and play and carry on. It just seems solid and I give it a fair amount of abuse doing stairs, cleaning out vehicles, etc.

And it's super-easy to work with. Lift off canister, sucking crap out of corners. It just works nice.
by Atilla
Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?
Replies: 180
Views: 12202

Re: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?

As mentioned by others, properly adjusting your rearview mirrors eliminates pretty much all the need for a blind spot monitor.

I find them a little annoying, but I'm sure I'll gain more appreciation.

Properly adjusted mirrors are superior. For anyone interested...

https://www.cartalk.com/content/avoiding-blind-spot-5
by Atilla
Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
Replies: 152
Views: 17940

Re: please help me get started with TV streaming

We cut the cable cord a number of years ago. Streaming is a whole different world than cable, so there will be a learning curve. Streaming services are the Wild West right now. There is so much out there available you will never regret cutting cable - it's just different. My advice: get a Roku device and subscribe to 1 or 3 services that appeal to you: Hulu, Prime, whatever. And go from there as you learn and get familiar. Roku is the magic box that will let you get to any streaming service and has the magic voice search feature. Press a button on your remote & tell it what you want to see. Boom - the options appear to pick from. One REALLY nice difference from cable is it's super-easy to sign up for a streaming service and then cancel ...
by Atilla
Sun Feb 19, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4521
Views: 616858

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

The weather was nice for the time of year - 42 degrees and sunny! 8-)

So I bicycled downtown for a gyro and bottle of Schlitz rather than pay to drive and park.
by Atilla
Sun Feb 19, 2023 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finacial Rules of Thumb - Which Ones Worked for You, Which Did Not?
Replies: 18
Views: 1881

Re: Finacial Rules of Thumb - Which Ones Worked for You, Which Did Not?

"Spend less than you earn" was one that definitely worked for me. :moneybag

And I did try it both ways. Spending more than you earn is not a long term viable strategy.
by Atilla
Tue Feb 14, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12415

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

I work on the side for a homebuilder. One of the first projects I helped with was a "dream home" on a lake. Huge sloped wooded lot, indoor pool, blah blah blah.

Living/dining room setup was so stupid there was no way you could make it work with any furniture. But it was what they wanted. It was their Dream Home.

Make sure your floor plan makes sense for what you will put into it and how you will use it.

Their house floor plan was truly a travesty for the $1,000,000 they spent on the lot and construction. But it was what they wanted.
by Atilla
Tue Feb 14, 2023 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How badly have you missed your tax owed?
Replies: 87
Views: 8860

Re: How badly have you missed your tax owed?

One time we got $10,000 back because of what my tax person said to do.

I do my own taxes now.
by Atilla
Tue Feb 14, 2023 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: apple airtags - recommended?
Replies: 75
Views: 7628

Re: apple airtags - recommended?

My wife and brother-in-law use them to keep track of their aging parents. Vehicles, purses, wallets, etc. all loaded with them to keep track if they get wandering too far. Not sure if either or both parents know about it. They also set their iPhones so they can track them constantly.
by Atilla
Tue Feb 14, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exotic cars
Replies: 164
Views: 10477

Re: Exotic cars

You want exotic? I'd get an old two door American car with a 4-speed manual and a 7.4 liter engine. 3.73 posi rear end.

Won't see a lot of those around and it WILL be fun to drive - and get way more positive attention.
by Atilla
Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pro tips for hiding ordinary valuables "in plain sight" ...
Replies: 77
Views: 6577

Re: Pro tips for hiding ordinary valuables "in plain sight" ...

In hotel rooms I use either the hotel safe or stash valuables under my nasty dirty laundry.

At home it's less of an issue. Someone's pretty much always here and a handy loaded gun is a couple seconds away no matter where you are in the house. Extra firearms are locked in steel cabinets and cash/paperwork is in a secure fireproof location where a thief would not be inclined to expect it.

[Unnecessary comment removed by moderator oldcomputerguy]
by Atilla
Wed Feb 01, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products for getting caffeine quickly in the car
Replies: 41
Views: 5513

Re: Products for getting caffeine quickly in the car

I got your solution right here: you can buy caffeinated bottled water. Throw a couple bottles in the trunk and it's there when you need it.

Forget caffein pills - take too long to kick in. You want to mainline a liquid.

Now - back in the day when you could buy legit ephedrine pills at the truck stop checkout - that was the way to go. Tingly scalp and wide alert. 8-)

For outside the box thinking: I'm not a regular tobacco smoker but once a year or so I'll have a cigar. The action of smoking it and the nicotine you're not used to will keep you good to go as well.
by Atilla
Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)
Replies: 185
Views: 26020

Re: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)

How old are you today? - 56 in April.

Portfolio Value Today - Married couple, just over 2 Million including paid off mortgage home equity of $275,000.

What is your portfolio target size for retirement in PV dollars? Target was $2.5 million. Didn't quite get there.

What age are you targeting full retirement? In maybe 4 years. For now I consider myself partly retired with 3 part time gigs that bring in around $30,000 per year and require ten or twenty hours a week. Quit a sales career back in January 2022 that pre-covid stupidity was good for $200,000+ per year. Lovely bride is still fully employed carrying the insurance and bringing in close to $100,000.
by Atilla
Sat Jan 28, 2023 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time trip in snow, need to know what gear to buy
Replies: 69
Views: 5005

Re: First time trip in snow, need to know what gear to buy

In general, layers you can swap out/unzip as conditions change.

One minute you're in the cold but it's sunny and you're moving. Next minute you're in the windy shade not moving. Same clothes - sweating the first time and totally freezing a bit later.

Therefore - consider an affordable electric vest you can switch on and off as needed. I'm outside a lot in the cold weather either working or standing around. Having a heat source you can turn on and off as needed makes things more comfy. :sharebeer
by Atilla
Fri Dec 23, 2022 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43295

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

All the hate for Nawlins... It is what it is, know that going in. Get off Bourbon Street and walk to your heart's content all day. You will be hard-pressed to find a bad meal there. Go with the flow, enjoy the architecture and history. Drink a Bigass Beer on bourbon street, lean back and watch the parade. Back in 2004 I visited my Mother and we did a day drip for the jazz/heritage fest. Late April and pouring down rain. We're somewhere running down the street soaked and ducked into a tin shack with live music. Old lady was playing a washboard along with the band and it's something I still remember. If you're a bit prissy you absolutely will not like the place. All others - explore to your heart's content. While keeping your wits about you. ...
by Atilla
Thu Dec 15, 2022 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much to tip the taxi driver?
Replies: 81
Views: 7586

Re: How much to tip the taxi driver?

20% tip, which would make it $48.00 total fare including tip. Might as well make it an even $fifty and be a nice guy - unless the service was truly bad - then maybe five bucks.
by Atilla
Thu Dec 15, 2022 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nail in Tire, thoughts?
Replies: 101
Views: 7542

Re: Nail in Tire, thoughts?

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Wed Dec 14, 2022 6:56 pm I use plugs myself. And by that I mean I go to my garage and pull the tools to remove the nail, rasp the hole really well, goop up the fibre plug and push it in the hole. I've done dozens of tires including several that I've used on the track without issue. Auto Zone or any "real" auto parts store will sell a kit pretty cheap if you want to try it yourself. In case I didn't emphasize enough, rasp longer than you think you need to, than rasp some more.
Yep. :sharebeer

You're gonna need some real decent hand/arm strength to jam that plug in. But once it's in it ain't going anywhere.
by Atilla
Thu Dec 01, 2022 5:55 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?
Replies: 83
Views: 7831

Re: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?

I'm working on my list to hand to my lovely bride.

So far:

New belt - not for dress, but for everyday. The one I've had for 20 years is looking bad.
New work pants - one of my part time retirement jobs is home construction.
Red hollow body guitar to hang on my man cave/office wall. It would replace my classic Rat Pack at the Sands print I have there now.
A couple LPs. Definitely want the original Flying V bonfire cover of Accept's Restless and Wild Album.

As for all the selfless world peace-type wishes - I pray for all of that every morning. :D
by Atilla
Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Orlando Universal Studio question
Replies: 19
Views: 1598

Re: Orlando Universal Studio question

Pro tip for Universal: last time I was there, you could grab a beer from a handy stand and drink it while waiting in line. You just had to finish it before you got on the ride.

Other less professional dads waiting in line look at you with envy. :sharebeer

Magic Kingdom- not so magic. No beer the last time I was there. And God forbid they would ever let you swill it while in a line for a ride.

The Sphyix ride at the regular Universal was pretty darn cool. There was no Island of Adventure last time I was there.
by Atilla
Wed Nov 23, 2022 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to remove and replace a bicycle crank arm (which tools)?
Replies: 28
Views: 1705

Re: Best way to remove and replace a bicycle crank arm (which tools)?

I'd be tempted to get some JB Weld, slather it all over the bad threads and screw/pound it back in tight.

Let it dry for a day or two and see if it holds.

Kid's gonna grow out of the bike soon enough anyway.

I have an MS in Shadetree Mechanic. :beer
by Atilla
Wed Nov 23, 2022 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Surface pro vs MacBook
Replies: 47
Views: 3839

Re: Surface pro vs MacBook

What kind of cell phone I have would drive the decision. Mac doesn't play well with Android phones and iPhones don't play well with Windows machines.

Once my only computer was a Mac, I switched to iPhone.
by Atilla
Tue Nov 22, 2022 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storing electric Bikes in a high rise - fire risk?
Replies: 38
Views: 3464

Re: Storing electric Bikes in a high rise - fire risk?

If at all possible I would never leave an electric bike outside overnight.

Paranoid apartment-dwelling types I would suggest charge their bike battery with it in the kitchen sink (or bath tub), or in a cold oven with the hood fan running.

I charge all our bike batteries in the attached garage right below me next to 40 gallons of gas kept in 3 different vehicles. :beer
by Atilla
Fri Nov 11, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rug cleaning: Rental DIY machine vs professional cleaner
Replies: 21
Views: 2623

Re: Rug cleaning: Rental DIY machine vs professional cleaner

We have a decent carpet cleaner we bought, so we rarely bring in the professionals since it's so easy to just take care of it. But, if I was to go through the hassle of renting something, figuring it out, doing all the work and dragging the thing back? Forget it - hire someone. Is it one of the bigger ones, like you would rent? I just looked at Home Depot and they have some for under $200, but the one that looks like the rental is $470. Do you do the whole house with yours, or just spot cleanup? I'm sure we paid $250 at least 10 years ago. It's a Bissel and seems to do a decent job. We use it for whole house cleaning and spot cleanup. Every now and then I call the pros because I don't do stairs and the cost isn't bad. Pro tip: if you keep ...
by Atilla
Fri Nov 11, 2022 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout---UPDATE2-The Return Report
Replies: 55
Views: 8769

Re: 80 yr.old and Las Vegas Blowout---UPDATE2-The Return Report

The Palazzo is a nice place. Not my favorite (Wynn/Encore) but very nice with everything a person would want.

Re: the early morning encounter with an escort - If you're a man in Vegas out early in the morning and this has not happened - there's something wrong with you.

My wife and I are early risers and in Vegas we play a game called "Working or Not Working" when we see certain such persons out and about.

Glad it was a good trip. Next time consider the Wynn/Encore complex right next door for your stay. Or go crazy and do the Resorts World new place across the street.
by Atilla
Thu Nov 10, 2022 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rug cleaning: Rental DIY machine vs professional cleaner
Replies: 21
Views: 2623

Re: Rug cleaning: Rental DIY machine vs professional cleaner

We have a decent carpet cleaner we bought, so we rarely bring in the professionals since it's so easy to just take care of it.

But, if I was to go through the hassle of renting something, figuring it out, doing all the work and dragging the thing back? Forget it - hire someone.
by Atilla
Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3 fund portfolio investors [- any dabbling in individual stocks?]
Replies: 43
Views: 3248

Re: 3 fund portfolio investors [- any dabbling in individual stocks?]

I bought 1 share of Altria (MO) after reading a post here where someone was disgusted with the company. Silly private protest on my part. It's one of my few relative recent purchases that's not negative and pays a high percentage dividend.

Also own maybe 10 shares of BITO (bitcoin ETF) just to see what happens.

Lovely bride owns 1 share of McDonalds and 1 of Apple because she wanted it.
by Atilla
Wed Nov 09, 2022 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recommended reading on shifting from accumulation mode to withdrawl mode?
Replies: 9
Views: 966

Re: Recommended reading on shifting from accumulation mode to withdrawl mode?

Consider this post recommended reading. :D

Retired in January 2022. No asset allocation change to speak of - still 60/40.

I did a few months in advance of retirement create a cash pile outside of bonds to get me through a year or so. Previously I kept literally nothing in cash.

SO I'm happy enough considering what the economy and markets have done. Stocks and bonds both took a major crap but I'm living off my cash for now. Inflation has robbed at least 10% from my cash pile, but that's the least of my losses. Life is good.
by Atilla
Tue Oct 25, 2022 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell Phone Cases. What do you use, have used? Suggestions for my new iPhone 14 Pro Max? " Final Update "
Replies: 77
Views: 4790

Re: Cell Phone Cases that protect screen? What do you use, have used? Suggestions for my new iPhone 14 Pro Max?

I've never been happy with films that cover the screen to protect it. It works but does still interfere unacceptably to me when you try to tap and drag or otherwise use the phone. The annoyance is too much for me to put up with.

Otterbox is awesome. I've had phones fly off mountain bike holders onto the trail, dropped on pavement when it flies out of a pocket, etc. and Otterbox has been flawless without a screen protector.

And Otterbox works with cordless charging - just drop it on the pad and it charges. :sharebeer
by Atilla
Tue Oct 18, 2022 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Burglary via Bay Window
Replies: 64
Views: 8131

Re: Home Burglary via Bay Window

I had the opposite problem once. Had to screw shut a crank out window by the front door to keep our German Shepherd from getting the mailman.

Maybe get a German Shepherd. :sharebeer
by Atilla
Thu Sep 22, 2022 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Propane vs Gas New house purchase decision
Replies: 37
Views: 3038

Re: Propane vs Gas New house purchase decision

With natural gas you are at the mercy of the ability of the utility company to constantly provide it, or being willing/allowed to provide it to you.

Propane - plan ahead and you are officially off the grid when it comes to heat.

We live in increasingly crazy times...
by Atilla
Sun Sep 18, 2022 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 70s?
Replies: 357
Views: 31155

Re: Favorite music from the 70s?

Not a "favorite" but listened to the Master of Reality album yesterday, and hoo boy is Bill Ward a good drummer.
by Atilla
Tue Aug 30, 2022 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the BEST adventure vacation you’ve taken?
Replies: 90
Views: 10064

Re: What is the BEST adventure vacation you’ve taken?

Munich Oktoberfest. I went knowing all the German I learned watching Hogan's Heros reruns. Got busted twice a couple days apart by the same train cop. :sharebeer
by Atilla
Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Las Vegas--recommended activities?
Replies: 40
Views: 3847

Re: Las Vegas--recommended activities?

Go downtown one night to take in the Fremont Street Experience and have dinner at Binion's Ranch Steakhouse. Excellent views and you can't get any more old school Vegas for a steak dinner.
by Atilla
Tue Aug 23, 2022 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying Bills online while outside the US?
Replies: 30
Views: 2220

Re: Paying Bills online while outside the US?

Use your cellphone hot spot capability for a secure connection to pay online with your laptop while you're out of town? Or just use your phone directly thru installed apps?
by Atilla
Sat Aug 20, 2022 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have to Raise the Rent
Replies: 43
Views: 6646

Re: Have to Raise the Rent

I'd give the bad news, shrug and blame inflation and covid. Property values are up, so property taxes are up, blah, blah, blah.
by Atilla
Thu Jul 21, 2022 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who Has Low-Hour Workweeks?
Replies: 64
Views: 9185

Re: Who Has Low-Hour Workweeks?

I was in sales for 30 years - compensation was mostly commission ($150,000/yr.) with a small base pay ($50,000/yr.)

Because I produced, I was left alone and did not work long hours unless an out of town client required it. This happened 4-5 times a year.

Worked from a home office way before the covid reaction stupidity happened and maybe put in an actual 6 hours a day, five days a week with tons of flexibility on when I was actually working.

Now I'm retired with 2 part time jobs and have come to love the four hour workday/four day work week. :beer
by Atilla
Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?
Replies: 67
Views: 4272

Re: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?

Southwest out of Milwaukee? Direct SW flight a priority?

Denver is nice - been there a couple few times for a week at a time.

Denver heat is a dry heat, don't let any negative naybobs tell you it's hot.

It's been in the 90's in Wisconsin multiple times this summer. Denver is drier and a great town for a weekend.

Side trip close driving options are abundant if you don't want to stay in the city? Rent a car and go up into the mountains.
by Atilla
Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 31 Year Old - Is a 20 year term life insurance policy for me?
Replies: 80
Views: 6467

Re: 31 Year Old - Is a 20 year term life insurance policy for me?

20 year term life in my mid-30's is what I did. It's super cheap and by the time 20 years is over you should be self-insured from all the money you've saved and invested.

My $250,000 policy costs $22 per month. I would have cancelled it by now but it's so cheap it hasn't been a priority.
by Atilla
Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: booked flights on American without assigned seats UPDATE
Replies: 36
Views: 5005

Re: booked flights on American without assigned seats

Check in online at home the moment you are allowed to do so; and immediately print your paper boarding pass to have with you.

I dislike American Airlines with a passion. They are the worst of the big 3; and that's saying something.
by Atilla
Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best examples of rock 'n roll music genre ?
Replies: 185
Views: 13343

Re: Best examples of rock 'n roll music genre ?

Yeah, I had to cut somewhere I guess. Left out T Rex too. While Bowie did have some seriously "rock and roll" songs (Suffragette City, TVC15, etc.), I suppose I'd put him more in the "arty pop" category, overall. I don't know... It's a tough call. I guess I'd argue that while Bowie is a fantastic example of "Glam Rock", a band like Kiss is a better and/or more consistent example of rock-and-roll within the Glam Rock genre??? Now if you're talking glam rock - The Sweet's Desolation Boulevard album and Slade's In Flame album are a both must have. Those albums kick serious butt. Pop metal band Quiet Riot made it big in the 80's covering a couple of Slade's songs. "Cum on Feel the Noize" and "Momma ...
by Atilla
Sat May 21, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flight Connection Time
Replies: 52
Views: 5976

Re: Flight Connection Time

The connection time for me is too short, but if the alternatives are much worse, go ahead and try.

What you have going for you:

- leaving in the morning (if you are) makes it likelier you leave on time and your connecting flight might already be running a bit late.
- getting stuck at Minneapolis isn't the worst airport in the world - it's set up good for exploring & people-watching and many food/beverage/shopping things to keep you occupied
- likely lots of alternative flights the same day into O'Hare
- worst case scenario - bus service is cheap and runs multiple times a day from Minneapolis to Chicago
- Delta is the least-sucky of the big 3 airlines. No way would I try it with American
by Atilla
Fri May 06, 2022 5:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Hi! I'm high inflation. Nice to meet you.
Replies: 980
Views: 110461

Re: Will inflation be controlled?

Inflation will absolutely not be "controlled" by the FED. 2022 and 2024 elections - the chairman knows where his bread is buttered. We are in a high(er) inflation mentality in the US right now. That will take something big to make disappear.

If inflation comes down, it will not be due to anything the FED does.

"Supply chain" issues will continue to be a factor. Russian oil/gas. Ukraine wheat. Fertilizer. Lithium. New car lots still empty.

Maybe even a real bad cooler summer in important regions of the US for grain production that reduces crop yields (my guess of what may surprise happen). I live a bit north of Chicago and the trees still have NO leaves.

Come this Fall, things will be clearer for better or worse.
by Atilla
Thu Apr 28, 2022 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Hi! I'm high inflation. Nice to meet you.
Replies: 980
Views: 110461

Re: Hi! I'm high inflation. Nice to meet you.

Now it's officially stagflation. Negative GDP growth and record high inflation over the past what 40 years? The next three months will be telling what direction we are really headed. A recession is 6 months of negative growth. I doubt inflation will disappear between now and July - but who knows?