Search found 830 matches

by tainted-meat
Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiate lowball offer? (new job)
Replies: 47
Views: 6111

Re: Negotiate lowball offer? (new job)

If you're going to ask then bring a business case as to why you are worth what you are asking for.
by tainted-meat
Wed Feb 22, 2017 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real estate vs debt payments
Replies: 34
Views: 3801

Re: Real estate vs debt payments

With that kind if income you can afford to do what you want 8-)
by tainted-meat
Mon Feb 20, 2017 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re-applying for same job?
Replies: 25
Views: 3675

Re: Re-applying for same job?

I think you made the right move. Nothing to lose..
by tainted-meat
Sun Feb 05, 2017 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stock gifted to me as a kid. Sell or hold?
Replies: 21
Views: 3063

Re: Stock gifted to me as a kid. Sell or hold?

I would keep or gift to charity. Take the dividends as cash.
by tainted-meat
Tue Jan 24, 2017 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Continue to rent or sell condo
Replies: 21
Views: 2831

Re: Continue to rent or sell condo

takingcharge wrote:Basis is $225-230K. I'm also keeping in the back of my mind that the water heater is 10 years old ($1K to replace) and the outside A/C condenser is 14-15 years old ($3K to replace).

I'm leaning toward selling to simplify. Would probably add liquid savings to the sales proceeds to payoff current mortgage.
Looks like the numbers are good both ways. I'd say your choices are between really good and really good. :D
by tainted-meat
Tue Jan 24, 2017 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Continue to rent or sell condo
Replies: 21
Views: 2831

Re: Continue to rent or sell condo

The rate of return seems decent. What's your cost basis?
by tainted-meat
Tue Jan 10, 2017 10:10 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member
Replies: 118
Views: 30558

Re: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is up to us to continue to pay it forward.
by tainted-meat
Sat Jan 07, 2017 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom is colder than rest of house. Radiator heating question.
Replies: 70
Views: 11030

Re: Bedroom is colder than rest of house. Radiator heating question.

mhalley wrote:I solved my cold bedroom problem with a portable electric heater.
I do the same with eden pure type heaters. I have a two story with a basement. One goes in the basement and one on the second floor where the bedrooms are. Works great in winter months.
by tainted-meat
Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: thinking in add international, suggestions needed
Replies: 15
Views: 1678

Re: thinking in add international, suggestions needed

If you like sector risk then I would choose Vemax.
by tainted-meat
Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grocery cart rolls into side of car, dent, scratched
Replies: 92
Views: 12830

Re: Grccery cart rolls into side of car, dent, scratched

I don't see how the grocery store would be responsible.

For $120 I wouldn't waste my time.
by tainted-meat
Wed Nov 23, 2016 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many of you have cut the cord?
Replies: 244
Views: 39162

Re: How many of you have cut cord?

I just have the rabbit ears and mainly watch KET (Kentucky PBS station). Also renewed my library card and read quite a bit more. Also take more walks and listen to podcasts. You wont miss cable at all.
by tainted-meat
Wed Nov 16, 2016 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House Rental - Current issues and how to market it
Replies: 7
Views: 1723

Re: House Rental - Current issues and how to market it

I'd copy her ad to Craigslist and filter to the good renters. Should get plenty of bites that way.
by tainted-meat
Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Liver
Replies: 43
Views: 11202

Re: Liver

Liver is my favorite part of the chicken. Closely followed by the heart. :D
by tainted-meat
Tue Nov 08, 2016 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Remodeling vs Moving
Replies: 15
Views: 2298

Re: Remodeling vs Moving

Sounds like you have a good lot that an executive would love (privacy, within 15 minutes of work, etc). Having a good lot in a good part of town is very valuable as you have stated. I'd fix it up and move when you want to downsize.
by tainted-meat
Tue Nov 08, 2016 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Keep company truck or get allowance?
Replies: 10
Views: 2020

Re: Keep company truck or get allowance?

nodenuff2 wrote:Given the liberal personal use of the company vehicle continue to use their vehicle not yours. I drove a company vehicle 40 years the personal use is worth 10k minimum a year.
Agreed. I've had one for several years now and I think it's a very valuable benefit/perk of the job.
by tainted-meat
Mon Oct 31, 2016 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Value of a pension? How to compare a job with a pension to an employer without one
Replies: 17
Views: 5426

Re: Value of a pension? How to compare a job with a pension to an employer without one

If you're happy with your job I'd stick with it because that has a lot of value in my opinion. If you aren't digging the teaching thing then I would focus more on the job itself than the money assuming it covers your bills. If you get a job that doesn't pay great but you learn a lot and love it then it will probably pay off later. Keep in mind there are no perfect jobs or perfect situations and a lot is what you make of it.
by tainted-meat
Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much international?
Replies: 80
Views: 15863

Re: How much international?

I like the market cap approach but am probably closer 50% domestic and 50% international but I don't pay too much attention to it.
by tainted-meat
Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting Job to Start a Business
Replies: 51
Views: 11574

Re: Quitting Job to Start a Business

How does that saying go... 'you'll have more regrets about the things you don't do than the things you do'. Don't worry about the outcome, if it fails, whatever. You have a good 'insurance policy' in that your wife works too so if it crashes and burns no big deal. At least you'll have a new perspective.
by tainted-meat
Mon Oct 24, 2016 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I am about to buy my first home, anything I should look out for?
Replies: 40
Views: 5993

Re: I am about to buy my first home, anything I should look out for?

If there is a finished basement make sure there are no hidden leaks or mold. I have a friend who recently bought a home and had that happen.
by tainted-meat
Fri Oct 21, 2016 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Very tough career choice part 2 (ego, startup, hedge funds)
Replies: 97
Views: 15454

Re: Very tough career choice part 2 (ego, startup, hedge funds)

No advice really but I can offer some encouragement. It's good to have options and you have three that I can count. Probably even more if you looked for them. Good luck.
by tainted-meat
Fri Oct 21, 2016 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finishing a Basement
Replies: 20
Views: 4793

Re: Finishing a Basement

The house I bought has a finished basement that the previous owners put in so I can't help you there. I would recommend you think about finishing out the bathroom however. It would be a pain to run upstairs every time someone had to use the bathroom instead of just being able to use the basement one. Just something to think about.
by tainted-meat
Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA Contribution Limit Question
Replies: 4
Views: 814

Re: HSA Contribution Limit Question

Thank you both!
by tainted-meat
Wed Oct 12, 2016 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA Contribution Limit Question
Replies: 4
Views: 814

HSA Contribution Limit Question

My wife and I are enrolling in our health plans for 2017 and I have a question on contribution limits. We work for two different employers and will be enrolling in two separate health plans.

Me through my employer: HSA plan option that covers myself and my child (family)
Wife through her employer: HSA plan that covers herself only (single)

Can I contribute $6,750 to my family plan and have my wife contribute $3,400 to her single plan for a total of $10,150?
by tainted-meat
Sun Oct 09, 2016 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max out 401k too early?
Replies: 20
Views: 2911

Re: Max out 401k too early?

In that case I would not max out early. I would allocate as evenly as possible throughout the year to take advantage of the full match.
by tainted-meat
Sun Oct 09, 2016 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max out 401k too early?
Replies: 20
Views: 2911

Re: Max out 401k too early?

If you max out early just make sure your employer will continue to match your contributions throughout the year.

Some plans will only match for each pay period you actually contribute.

Others will allocate the match regardless of when you contribute in the year.

Check your plan wording to be certain.
by tainted-meat
Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sorry, but tell [me] what to do with my mortgage
Replies: 62
Views: 7697

Re: Sorry, but tell what to do with my mortgage

I have an interest rate slightly higher than you and I am not paying it down early, nor do I plan to.
by tainted-meat
Fri Sep 23, 2016 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net Worth Milestone Today - $1.5M
Replies: 128
Views: 24642

Re: Net Worth Milestone Today - $1.5M

Man, there are some tough posts in this one. Meg's one of the better posters around here and I believe has had a great real estate portfolio strategy.

Congrats on the accomplishment and remember to have fun along the way. :D
by tainted-meat
Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free housing vs 30k bonus to purchase home
Replies: 16
Views: 2444

Re: Free housing vs 30k bonus to purchase home

Unless it would be my primary residence I would take the free housing. You don't have to buy, sell or maintain it.
by tainted-meat
Mon Sep 19, 2016 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New fidelity total intern. Index question
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: New fidelity total intern. Index question

I'd be more concerned about realizing capital gains if you are switching from a taxable account. I plan to switch my Roth and TIRA holdings later this year or early next once I can meet the minimums.
by tainted-meat
Fri Sep 02, 2016 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frustrated Losing Weight!
Replies: 131
Views: 14570

Re: Frustrated Losing Weight!

If you walk an hour per day, every day, then I'd bet that you'll get in solid physical condition over time.
by tainted-meat
Thu Sep 01, 2016 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drowned IPhone
Replies: 28
Views: 4073

Re: Drowned IPhone

I found an iPhone in in a puddle at the park last year. Hard telling how long it had been there but it was definitely soaked. I put it in rice over the weekend and it turned on. Then went and turned it into the Verizon store and they located the owner. Yes it definitely works.
by tainted-meat
Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:33 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: I think I found Rick Ferri
Replies: 64
Views: 25735

Re: I think I found Rick Ferri

Wow that is cool. I always enjoyed his posts on here and I am happy that he is doing what he loves. I'll be reading his blog from time to time to see how it goes.

All the best to you RF.
by tainted-meat
Mon Aug 22, 2016 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new home at age 50 in a nicer neighborhood
Replies: 133
Views: 19822

Re: Buying a new home at age 50 in a nicer neighborhood

Wow, you have a beautiful home and landscape job. I love that grill area. I'd stay there if you can only get $235k for it. You have quite an oasis/relax area.
by tainted-meat
Sun Aug 14, 2016 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: what to buy when stock market is a new high?
Replies: 38
Views: 7882

Re: what to buy when stock market is a new high?

International valuations are attractive, not as attractive as they were around February but still attractive.
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 13, 2016 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing Asphalt Driveway
Replies: 30
Views: 4205

Re: Sealing Asphalt Driveway

Sheepdog wrote:
tainted-meat wrote:It's about 4 feet long by 2 feet wide on the asphalt driveway - not connected to concrete. It gathers mud/dirt after a hard rain. hanks for the suggestion on the asphalt, I'll go pick some up and try it out
If if is shallow then the asphalt will not work. It has to be at least 2 to 3 inches or more deep, in order to have hard tapped in asphalt stick and not be knocked out when you drive over it. (I have a shallow dip (contractor error) also with similar dirt in it. I just have to sweep it or wash it out.)
Understood. Thank you for the clarification on this. I appreciate your help!
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 13, 2016 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pre-nup questions
Replies: 35
Views: 5841

Re: Pre-nup questions

I can see them both at a restaurant together...

"So um... you're paying for your portion since you got the lobster, right?"
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 13, 2016 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing Asphalt Driveway
Replies: 30
Views: 4205

Re: Sealing Asphalt Driveway

It's about 4 feet long by 2 feet wide on the asphalt driveway - not connected to concrete. It gathers mud/dirt after a hard rain. hanks for the suggestion on the asphalt, I'll go pick some up and try it out
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 13, 2016 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing Asphalt Driveway
Replies: 30
Views: 4205

Re: Sealing Asphalt Driveway

[/quote]

I still recommend that. I did that driveway on schedule again in June 2015 using 7 pails of quality sealer and it looks like it was done this year.
Jim[/quote]

Hi Sheepdog, any recommendations for filling in a "dip" in the driveway that gathers a puddle?
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 13, 2016 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you wash your car yourself, or have it done?
Replies: 96
Views: 14908

Re: Do you wash your car yourself, or have it done?

When I lived in an apartment, I would take it to the car wash and vacuum it for $5 because I didn't have a driveway to do it in.

Now, I vacuum it myself. If it is going to rain I pull it out of the garage and let nature do it's thing.

In the winter, I'll take it to the carwash to do the underbody.

EDIT TO ADD: I'll use windex and paper towels for the inside of the windows. I don't wash the outside windows except for carwash/rain.
by tainted-meat
Fri Aug 12, 2016 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?
Replies: 98
Views: 20215

Re: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?

I've had cable once year out of the last 7 or 8. I haven't had it now for a couple years and don't miss it. I recently moved and haven't even hooked up the TV. KET on Friday nights is about the only thing I watch.
by tainted-meat
Mon Aug 08, 2016 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Build New or Be Content With What We Have?
Replies: 27
Views: 3198

Re: Build New or Be Content With What We Have?

I would be content. I 'hate' the look of additions on homes. When your kids grow up and move out then you are going to have a bigger place than you need.
by tainted-meat
Mon Aug 08, 2016 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience Living in an Old House?
Replies: 42
Views: 5796

Re: Experience Living in an Old House?

I've lived in older and newer houses (grew up in one from 1880 and rented one from 1920) and lived in brand new homes and apartments. I prefer older ones assuming they've been properly maintainted and the layout is decent. In my experience they have been built with more quality and craftstmanship than the newer ones. Also they have better locations within the city as an earlier poster noted.
by tainted-meat
Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel for a Year with Family - Career Impact?
Replies: 35
Views: 5283

Re: Travel for a Year with Family - Career Impact?

Taking off a year seems a bit extreme in my opinion. Try to cut back at work a bit (shut the phone off by 7 every evening) and take a nice vacation where you turn it 'off'. If they can you for it then there's your gap year ;).
by tainted-meat
Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has Anyone Filed a Formal Complaint Against a Real Estate Licensee
Replies: 30
Views: 3516

Re: Has Anyone Filed a Formal Complaint Against a Real Estate Licensee

Dutch wrote:
jfn111 wrote:Gives the rest of us a bad reputation.
This is not aimed at you personally, but I think the profession already has a bad reputation.
I've had good experiences with agents. The last one helped me find a home before it hit the market and I am very thankful for her efforts. This was after trying to find one on my own for a year and all the good stuff getting gobbled up before I could make an offer. The one before helped me sell a condo in a not so desirable area at the price I needed after I tried to sell it on my own with no success.

As in any industry, some good, some bad but I'm thankful I've worked with good ones.
by tainted-meat
Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Job: Take Paycut by leaving Big 4?
Replies: 32
Views: 7058

Re: New Job: Take Paycut by leaving Big 4?

I'd stay. You have good tenure, are valued and seem to decently like your job. I've seen so many people leave a stalwart in their industry only to hop around a lot after that, not quite finding a 'home' again.
by tainted-meat
Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of apartment can $1k get you in your city?
Replies: 80
Views: 13049

Re: What kind of apartment can $1k get you in your city?

In Chicago, I'd say a studio in a desirable area (larger then LA) Maybe a small 1br or basement in apartment in a 'somewhat' desirable area. I personally think Chicago is a great deal, however I do have friends that live in the burbs that have houses twice the size of mind for less money. I'm 30, and can't stand the idea of going to chain restaurants, and not being able to walk to bars and night life. When my time comes to move out of the city, I will more then likely also move out of the state. Haha I moved from Chicago and have been thinking about going back. The gang shootings have been keeping me at bay tho. Can't beat LA weather. That said... I believe Chicago is great value for the $$. What a great city, it's my favorite. Good luck.