Search found 1069 matches

by coalcracker
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me understand my (PA) electric bill. Want to switch suppliers
Replies: 4
Views: 605

Help me understand my (PA) electric bill. Want to switch suppliers

For a while I've been aware that I have a choice in electrical suppliers in PA, but have only recently explored it seriously on the PA power switch website. I'm trying to understand what my cost savings will be if I switch.

On the bill from my current distributor/supplier (Duquesne Light Co, DLC) the following is the breakdown:

DLC CHARGES
-Customer charge (fixed)
-Distribution: $0.087833 per kWh
-DISC surcharge 2.86%
-PA tax adjustment

SUPPLY CHARGES
-Supply: $0.091956 per kWh
-Transmission: $0.022514 per kWh

I believe DLC is the only distributor in my area? So that means I can only change the supply charges?
by coalcracker
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lending $100k+ to friend's business abroad
Replies: 10
Views: 945

Lending $100k+ to friend's business abroad

We have close friends who are EU citizens living and working in France. They are in the process of renovating a chateau into what amounts to a bed and breakfast. It's legit, we have helped them a bit ourselves, and watched their progress on a TV show :D In recent conversations, we gather they are having cash flow issues. From my limited understanding, the banks they have approached in France are very conservative and not excited to loan against the future value of the chateau when it was purchased as a near-ruin. At the moment they live in a small, fully renovated section of the building but the rest is still very much a work in progress. So they are slowly progressing with the DIY remodel, funded by their own consulting work (which require...
by coalcracker
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Solo 401k limit calculation / overcontribution penalty?
Replies: 9
Views: 415

Re: Solo 401k limit calculation / overcontribution penalty?

From recently setting this up myself, I believe one has to make the employEE contribution in calendar year 2023. However you have up until tax day to make the employER contribution.
by coalcracker
Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?
Replies: 52
Views: 4854

Re: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?

I had plans to install one of these outdoor infrared saunas before supply chain issues hit in the pandemic. I will be revisiting the plans this year.

https://infraredsauna.com/sanctuary-outdoor-two-person/

Note that it will need a 240v outlet. I did not find many other (if any) outdoor infrared saunas in my research. Most outdoor saunas were the traditional style.

One must-have for me was the ability to turn on and heat up remotely via phone app. I don't want to have to walk outside in the cold to switch it on 15 minutes ahead of time.
by coalcracker
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching 1099 jobs, solo 401k implications
Replies: 3
Views: 383

Switching 1099 jobs, solo 401k implications

I have plans to switch part-time 1099 employers later in the spring. The work is essentially identical at both jobs (interpreting radiology studies). I have a solo 410k set up for the current job.

From reading some prior posts it seems that these two jobs would be part of a controlled group, and that I should continue using the current 401k rather than open a new one. Then I will calculate contribution amounts for 2024 at the end of the tax year. Does this sound right?
by coalcracker
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529: Chasing Money Market Yield
Replies: 2
Views: 398

529: Chasing Money Market Yield

My kids are 10 and 7, and up until now their 529s have been aggressively invested in 100% equities. I want to begin decreasing risk in the years leading up to college. With current interest rates, seems like a no-brainer to shift a portion of the portfolio to a MMF or FDIC-insured option with a yield ~5%. Currently I have the Vanguard Nevada 529 plan. I like that it's easy to transact with my other Vanguard accounts, but it's disappointing their "interest accumulation portfolio" is only yielding 2.53% currently. I understand this is Nevada's choice and not solely Vanguard's. I'm considering changing plan sponsors for this reason. Which plans out there have higher-yielding investment options, preferably with Vanguard funds? p.s. I'...
by coalcracker
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turning an old iphone into a Spotify controller for kids
Replies: 2
Views: 529

Turning an old iphone into a Spotify controller for kids

Realistically my kids are never gonna rock out to CDs, tapes or vinyl in their bedrooms like their parents, but I still want to give them the chance to explore the wonderful world of music. I've decided to upgrade to the Spotify family account so they can listen via Sonos speakers in their rooms (they are 7 and 10). They could control them with their ipads, but the lure of other apps or movies would be too tempting. I have a few old iphones that still work. I plan to: 1. Remove any old sim cards 2. Factory reset the phones 3. Install only the Spotify app. They will only use it at home, on wifi, in their rooms Will I need to sign in with one of our Apple IDs, or can I skip this on setting up the factory reset phone? I essentially want to bri...
by coalcracker
Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
Replies: 28
Views: 2243

Re: Western Europe Traveling Apps?

WhatsApp.

Much of the world uses it as a texting alternative.
by coalcracker
Thu Feb 15, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?
Replies: 65
Views: 5255

Re: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?

OP, If your saving rate is high enough and do not buy a big expensive house or have an expensive spouse, you can early retire in 10+ years or less. So, an AA of 60/40 that let you early retire at any time makes a lot of sense. Or, just put fixed income in all your tax advantaged accounts and keep stock index fund and cash in your taxable account. That will work too. KlangFool I'm a radiologist, 44 y/o. This is essentially what I did. Used an AA of 70/30 and put bonds in tax-advantaged and equities in taxable. Little over a decade later I have a portfolio around $3.5M, My earnings and savings were less than you. Consider the unknown unknown. I thought I would push hard and be retired by now, but my wife decided to to part-time and we saved ...
by coalcracker
Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25953

Re: What inferior good do you love?

jebmke wrote: Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:22 am I don't often eat dry cereals (e.g. corn flakes) but when I do, I always get the store brand. The product inside is almost always identical to branded products and in some cases produced on the same production line.
I always get a chuckle at some of the "creative" generic cereal names. My favorite is Crispy Hexagons. Don't call it Crispix!
by coalcracker
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Happy Valentine’s Day! What’s your love song?
Replies: 88
Views: 4584

Re: Happy Valentine’s Day! What’s your love song?

Max Richter, “On the Nature of Daylight.”

Not your typical love song but one of the most emotional instrumentals of all time. See The Last of Us episode 3, or The Arrival.
by coalcracker
Wed Feb 07, 2024 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: half high income physician, half financial illiterate
Replies: 95
Views: 12071

Re: half high income physician, half financial illiterate

There’s a lot here, but I’ll start with one question and one suggestion.

Could you share how this debt settlement plan works? I’ve never heard of such a thing for student loans (I am a physician).

I was also close to a financial illiterate when I googled upon this website about a decade ago. You will get a lot of fantastic advice here, but I took about 3-6 months of reading on my own to get comfortable with most of the concepts. The Wiki here is a good start:

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Suggested_reading
by coalcracker
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 7013

Re: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

theplayer11 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:43 am who wouldn’t want sheet and blanket tucked in at the bottom? You can always keep side untucked and have legs totally outside if you wanted. Not understanding the problem I guess
It's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I hate the restrictive feeling and as I mentioned above I tend to move around a lot at night.
jebmke wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:55 am How does one get into bed if the side is completely tucked in?

Perhaps a sleeping bag for this person.
Well not completely tucked, but about halfway up the side. I think the bottom tuck is more important.
by coalcracker
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 7013

Re: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

Currently my spouse tucks in sheets on their side and along half of the bottom mattress. I prefer to have the sheets either loose up on the bed top, partially tucked under my feet, or with my feet sticking out in the warmer weather. I gather from talking with friends that this is a contentious topic :D

I've heard of the concept of "sleep divorce" but we really prefer to stay in the same bedroom.
by coalcracker
Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 7013

Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

It's a cliche, but my spouse and I "fight" over the sheets and blankets most nights. Part of the problem is that spouse likes the sheets and blankets tucked in the side and bottom, and I despise it with all my being. I'm also a sleep-shifter throughout the night. So we have half-tucked blankets that get tossed around in the night.

We've decided to try using separate sheets and blankets. I'm thinking one king fitted sheet, two twin top sheets, and two blankets/duvets. Spouse can tuck their side in and I can leave mine out. Anyone try something similar? How did it work for you? Other ideas?
by coalcracker
Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions on where to move?
Replies: 135
Views: 10933

Re: Suggestions on where to move?

Pittsburgh

Nothing is perfect based on your criteria but Pittsburgh is pretty close. Live in the city in a walkable neighborhood such as a squirrel Hill or Shadyside. Housing prices well within your range. Weather is nice for 9 months out of the year. Winters can be dreary but not terribly cold (and getting better). World class symphony and plays/opera/speakers/concerts. Sports if you like em. Many great restaurants. Crime is fine if you live in the right neighborhood.
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Replies: 16
Views: 1545

Re: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?

wilked wrote: Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:28 am Out of curiosity, which doorway would you close?
To the entryway.
donall wrote: Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:33 am Are there pocket doors (perhaps hidden) between the TV room and Dining room? Many Victoria houses had doors to open or close off spaces depending on the guests.
No pocket doors, we checked.
dbr wrote: Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:35 am Hang a blanket or tarp in one doorway or the other and a "UPON PAIN OF DEATH DO NOT CROSS" sign on the blanket and see how it goes.
In all seriousness, I may try putting up a cardboard wall. I'm mostly interested in how it will change traffic flow in the house and the overall feel of the room.
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Replies: 16
Views: 1545

Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?

Our house is a Victorian-style originally built in the 1860s with a large, modern addition done in the 1980s (by prior owners). When we purchased the house about 5 years ago, we did fairly extensive remodeling but left a small room off the front entryway basically unchanged. This is our "den" with the only TV in our house, and where our family hangs out many evenings. The room is part of the original 1860s house and small, about 12'x12'. As was the style at the time (I believe), it has 2 large open doorways to the adjacent dining room and entryway. I don't have measurements offhand, but I think each doorway is 5-6' wide. While this makes the room more open and bright, it presents challenges with furniture placement and makes the r...
by coalcracker
Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best car for icy weather? Advice about driving in snowy conditions?
Replies: 113
Views: 7616

Re: Best car for icy weather? Advice about driving in snowy conditions?

In very bad conditions avoid braking at all costs. Drive slowly and downshift into lower gears instead of hitting the breaks.

Of course an unexpected sheet of black ice is difficult to navigate no matter how experienced you are in winter weather driving.
by coalcracker
Tue Jan 23, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family International Trip - Italy or France
Replies: 13
Views: 1611

Re: Family International Trip - Italy or France

A few years back we did a 2-week September trip to Barcelona and adjacent southwest France with our 2 young children, ages 5 and 2 at the time. We stayed in the the village of Uzes in France, about a 4 hour drive from Barcelona. It was a lovely village, very walkable. The Airbnb we stayed was 1000-year-old house!

From Uzes we did day trips to Nimes (there is a colosseum there) and to the Pont du Gard, both very fun. The Haribo factory is also outside of Uzes for the gummy bear connoisseurs in the group.

2-3 days is not a lot of time, I'd stick to one other location besides Barcelona.
by coalcracker
Sun Jan 21, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?
Replies: 31
Views: 3748

Re: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?

Trousse-Chemise Cellars and Chad Wine Co in the Willamette Valley Oregon make very nice Pinots in the $20-25 range.
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2933

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

I began distance running in my early 30s (44 now) after playing sports in high school and a decade of mediocre exercise. In part, I was inspired by the book "Born to Run" by Christopher Mcdougall, but also needed to find something to get off my butt. I jumped in the deep end and signed up for a half marathon without having run anything longer than a few miles previously. Found a training schedule, and the rest is history. It sucks in the beginning if you don't have a cardio base and your body is not used to it. But I've come to love distance running now. It's equally mental and physical, you have to get out of the "this sucks" mindset and let your body adjust to it slowly. Although I don't wear barefoot style shoes, I di...
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Re: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

SmileyFace wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:28 pm
coalcracker wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:23 pm
SmileyFace wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:19 pm I couldn't save enough to add a 10 hour drive plus border and traffic delays to an international vacation.
If I couldn't afford the extra dollars for a flight that avoids that much car time - I would stick to a US vacation.
When you factor in the layover times, it's almost a wash. I'd rather be in a car than sitting in a crowded airport. YMMV
Personal preference - if you enjoy driving go for it. I am the opposite. Personally I would rather be relaxing in an airport lounge or airport bar than sitting in traffic or in line at a border crossing.
If it were just me and my wife, I might be with you. But my kids get so antsy at the airport bar :D
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Re: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

SmileyFace wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:19 pm I couldn't save enough to add a 10 hour drive plus border and traffic delays to an international vacation.
If I couldn't afford the extra dollars for a flight that avoids that much car time - I would stick to a US vacation.
When you factor in the layover times, it's almost a wash. I'd rather be in a car than sitting in a crowded airport. YMMV
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Re: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

Toronto tends to be cheaper because so many airlines fly there and there is more competition. I've used it for a few flights to Europe, driving from metro Detroit - about 3.5 hours for me without any delays. Worst I have had is an April ice storm making the drive to YYZ 6+ hours. We left plenty early but it was not a fun drive. The long drive after returning from vacation is also not fun and jet lag can be an issue depending on where you are coming from and the state of your body clock. The US/Canada border crossing has never been an issue - many people do it so not at all unusual. I've also had issues connecting in YYZ. Was delayed there 4+ hours returning to DTW - I could have driven home faster. Also missed my connection last time I wen...
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Re: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

We have on several occasions flown to a larger (or just different!) major international airport to take advantage of either better fares or a much better route. Especially if there are severe consequences to missing the longer route flight(s), we fly down the day before. We also watch the weather. It's never happened, but we are prepared, IF we notice a bad weather <whatever> heading towards us, we'd quickly fly down an extra day early. We haven't needed to do that, but we have arrange for "early the day before" flights, so there are still other flights to catch if needed, assuming there are multiple flights per day, which is usually the case. We just stay at the airport hotel. This also helps, whether slightly or more, with the ...
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Re: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

I was reminded by my SO that we have friends in Buffalo, so based on some comments here it may make sense to overnight with them the day before we travel, at least on the way there. Driving back we can see how tired we feel.
whodidntante wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:15 am ...and there are no biscuits in Canada.
But there is poutine...

Surely there are biscuits in the British sense (don't recall if they call them cookies or biscuits in Canada). Do you mean they don't have "American biscuits?"
by coalcracker
Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving from USA to Canada for international flight
Replies: 18
Views: 1361

Driving from USA to Canada for international flight

I've been exploring vacation options for later this year. Our mid-sized city has a couple of direct international flights, but everywhere else is a connection and prices for the places I'm looking are quite high at the moment. Playing around with google flights, I've discovered that Toronto (via Air Canada and Air Transat) has a number of direct international flights to the places I'm considering for substantially less than flying with connections from my city. I always prefer a direct flight if possible. I live about a 5-hour drive from Toronto, and I'm considering driving to the airport and flying from there. I've done this before at Dulles, but any special considerations with driving to Canada and flying? Can I expect to get any flak fro...
by coalcracker
Thu Jan 18, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks New Orleans in March
Replies: 25
Views: 2349

Re: Two Weeks New Orleans in March

Make sure to check out True Detective season one for some ideas before you go :twisted:
by coalcracker
Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Provence and Riviera
Replies: 8
Views: 874

Re: Trip to Provence and Riviera

We had a very nice meal and without hyperbole the best bread I've had in my life at La Bastide in Bonnieux. Also the cheese cart was a monstrous thing of beauty. It's a lovely location, but we weren't staying at the hotel. Might be nice to spend a night there if you decide to dine.

https://www.beaumier.com/en/properties/ ... ood-drink/
by coalcracker
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV
Replies: 71
Views: 8111

Re: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV

We were in a similar situation a few years ago, but our kids were out of the stroller stage and one of them just needed a booster. We decided on the Mercedes GLE350 with optional third row, and it has worked well for us.

However, it sounds like you might have bulkier car seats and younger kids, which would essentially negate the use of the third row in our car. Also the third row seats are not for adults short of a very quick ride. We mostly stick the kids back there when we pack 7 into our car for a local trip.

Why do you need a third row? We got ours so we could potentially carpool with our kids' friends. If you just need extra storage, any regular old SUV would suffice.
by coalcracker
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer
Replies: 10
Views: 795

Re: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer

Lots of great ideas above but with only 5 full days for sightseeing, you'll have to make some hard choices. Responding to your questions. 1. I think Yosemite in September is "worth it." 2. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are good alternatives to Yosemite and typically less crowded. Kings Canyon is similar to Yosemite Valley. 3. There are lots of places to see redwoods south of Muir Woods, e.g., Big Basin (mentioned above) and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz County, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Limekiln State Park in Big Sur, etc. If Highway 1 is open along Big Sur during your visit, I would strongly consider taking it, truly spectacular. You can see redwoods along the way. Given you only have 5 days, maybe you need to ...
by coalcracker
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer
Replies: 10
Views: 795

Re: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer

Kagord wrote: Sun Jan 07, 2024 8:25 am Personally, I'd drive Highway 1 down, and I'd spend some time in the central part if you don't like crowds, and prefer something more laid back and relaxed at the end of the trip, some options....San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucas, Paso Robles (wine), Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach.
Perfect, our friends live in Cayucos so we will definitely be exploring that area. Beautiful part of California.
by coalcracker
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer
Replies: 10
Views: 795

Re: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer

BogleTaxPro wrote: Sun Jan 07, 2024 9:42 am Yosemite is very crowded in the summer, and requires reservations now:
A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite on some dates and times April 13-Oct. 27
Alert 1, Severity closure, A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite on some dates and times April 13-Oct. 27
A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on select dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024. April 13–June 30: weekends and holidays only. July 1–August 16: Daily. August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745
Thank you, this is very good to know. Based on this and some other comments, I am leaning away from Yosemite.
by coalcracker
Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer
Replies: 10
Views: 795

Help with Northern/Central Cali itinerary in Summer

My wife and I have explored these parts of California before, most recently 8 years ago, but never with kids and not in the summer. We will be spending 8 days flying into San Francisco and out of San Luis Obispo. Part of the tip will be visiting friends, but we'd like to explore the natural beauty of the state in our free time otherwise. We will skip San Fran or other city activities, except maybe to see the Golden Gate. Realistically we have about 5 full days when we are not driving between locations or visiting with friends. Initially we considered heading way up north (Lost Coast, Humboldt Redwoods, Jedediah Smith State Park, maybe even Crater Lake), but it seems too far given we need to eventually head back south. So we are looking for ...
by coalcracker
Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023
Replies: 63
Views: 22036

Re: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023

I'm in my mid-40s with kids in elementary school. Curious if OP or anyone else has taken teenagers along on a difficult hike such as this?

Or perhaps I need to wait until my youngest is 16 (I'll be 54) and just leave them at home :twisted:
by coalcracker
Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023
Replies: 63
Views: 22036

Re: Trip report: Everest Basecamp 3 high passes trek 2023

Awesome, thanks for sharing this!

Have you done hiking near Annapurna? We did a 12 day hike which peaked at Annapurna base camp about 10 years ago, and the views were stunning. The altitude was not too bad for me until I hit around 12-13K feet; above that, I slowed down quite a bit and slept poorly at night.

It blew my mind to see porters hauling up all the good and supplies to the villages. I saw one guy in flip flops carrying a fridge on his back :shock:

Overall was this a 2 week trip with the long haul flights?
by coalcracker
Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Warm white (2200-2700K) outdoor Christmas string lights
Replies: 5
Views: 909

Warm white (2200-2700K) outdoor Christmas string lights

Now that post-holiday sales may be lurking, I'm in the market for some new outdoor lights. I'm very particular about light color temperature. I don't have anything "cooler" than 2700k inside or outside my home. I purchased a bunch of "warm" LED lights a few years back from Home Depot. They've mostly been fine, but the color temperature is definitely cooler than 2700k compared to my wired landscape lighting. Google finds no shortage of warm LED outdoor lights, but I don't trust that it will be truly 2700k unless stated in the description. Interestingly, the only site that clearly stated 2200k or 2700k lights was from the Netherlands. Can anyone point me to truly warm outdoor LED lights? Bonus points if they are having a s...
by coalcracker
Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UTMA tax on ST capital gains (tax gain harvesting)
Replies: 4
Views: 1203

UTMA tax on ST capital gains (tax gain harvesting)

I plan to tax gain harvest my kids' UTMA this year. It has ~$500 in capital gains, mostly LT but about $75 is short term.

Does it matter if the gains are ST or LT? Seems like I won't owe tax either way, but I'm having finding a clear answer.
by coalcracker
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: European football tickets (Portugal)
Replies: 2
Views: 278

Re: European football tickets (Portugal)

Striker wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:10 am Have you tried going through the home club directly ?
https://www.fcporto.pt/en
Yes but without success. It lists the game on the schedule but I can't find a way to buy tickets. Perhaps they are not on sale yet?
by coalcracker
Wed Dec 13, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: European football tickets (Portugal)
Replies: 2
Views: 278

European football tickets (Portugal)

I'll be in Portugal next Spring and would love to attend a game with a group of 10. Our best option is FC Porto vs FC Vizela on March 17.

How (and when) do I buy tickets? Google directs me to some travel agents and third party websites, but I'd rather buy direct to avoid the markup. If I have to use a third party, any suggestions for a reputable seller?
by coalcracker
Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: White elephant (gag) gift ideas
Replies: 34
Views: 17295

Re: White elephant (gag) gift ideas

This item is notorious for its Amazon reviews, but would be a good gag gift:

https://www.amazon.com/Hutzler-3571-571 ... B0047E0EII

If you google "funny Amazon reviews" a few good gag gifts will likely pop up.
by coalcracker
Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you utilize AI (artificial intelligence)?
Replies: 126
Views: 12976

Re: How do you utilize AI (artificial intelligence)?

In radiology, there is AI software based on LLMs that will generate in impression at the end of your dictated reports. (Impression is the summary after you dictate all the details of what you see.) It learns from your previous reports and replicates your phrasing. Our group has decided not to implement it at this time, but the pitch claimed to save one hour of work time per day. Other programs are geared toward limited image analysis and can, for example, assist the radiologist to find breast cancers, lung cancers, or brain bleeds. We use these and they are moderately unreliable at the moment. I expect things to improve over the coming years and decades. Most in the field believe radiologists will use AI as a tool to improve accuracy and ef...
by coalcracker
Sat Nov 04, 2023 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE
Replies: 103
Views: 10229

Re: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE

Pittsburgh checks most of those boxes.

Housing is still very affordable. City schools are average but good schools in the northern and southern burbs. World class health care. Multiple universities large and small. Weather wise a few months in the winter suck but it seems that’s not a huge issue.
by coalcracker
Fri Oct 20, 2023 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expat job or just take long trips?
Replies: 15
Views: 2241

Re: Expat job or just take long trips?

I asked a similar question a few years back and got a lot of helpful responses (viewtopic.php?p=5459420&hilit=abroad#p5459420).

We ended up staying here but make an effort to travel as much as possible. This year we've been to Singapore, Thailand, France, England, and Iceland. In Paris, we visited with friends who worked for the state department and had lived there with 2 young children for the past 2 years. They had a great time but were heading back to the US end of this year.

I still won't rule out living abroad in the future, but as time goes on I think it's less likely as we get more enmeshed in our community here.
by coalcracker
Thu Oct 19, 2023 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bad music in restaurants, stores
Replies: 13
Views: 1315

Re: Bad music in restaurants, stores

I was thrilled/horrified to discover the world of rock-a-bye baby when I had children. Smashing Pumpkins, my jam during teenage years, have a number of their songs covered.
by coalcracker
Fri Oct 06, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Slogan for new PT side gig
Replies: 21
Views: 1618

Re: Slogan for new PT side gig

If it doesn’t fit you must acquit
by coalcracker
Wed Oct 04, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: (Re)negotiating higher pay as 1099 employee
Replies: 1
Views: 326

(Re)negotiating higher pay as 1099 employee

I'm a 1099 physician with a PT side job for the past year. The job setup is pretty ideal except the pay is probably 25% below market pay (from what I gather).

When I started over a year ago I tried to negotiate but was told, essentially, take it or leave it. Now that I'm established and they are invested in me, I feel like I'm in a stronger position. It takes months to onboard a new physician with licenses, hospital privileges, malpractice, etc.

I don't want to quit, like the job overall, but how do I ask for higher rates without the veiled threat of quitting?
by coalcracker
Thu Aug 17, 2023 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Italy trip in September
Replies: 8
Views: 1010

Re: Italy trip in September

We were there June 2022 and stayed at this Airbnb in Rome. Great location and stellar rooftop views. It was cool being “inside” the museum after hours.

https://abnb.me/NRo31WxPlCb
by coalcracker
Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Data breach of child's info (Not SSN)
Replies: 2
Views: 362

Data breach of child's info (Not SSN)

Received a letter from the county yesterday that my 9-year-old's "name, DOB, Student ID number, and class list" may have been involved in a data breach. The rest of the letter had a lot of boilerplate language about what to do in case of such a breach, including credit freeze.

My inclination is to do nothing. A security freeze at all three credit bureaus seems like overkill for the situation. Even is someone has this info, it is likely already public except for the student ID number. I'm not even sure who would use the student ID number except his school, which is a private elementary school.

What would you do in this situation?