Search found 845 matches

by Andyrunner
Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone hire an interior designer?
Replies: 39
Views: 4794

Re: Anyone hire an interior designer?

I guess the big challenge, IMO, would be the kids. At least in our house the kids toys take up so much room, furniture is limited (no glass coffee table), and marks on the walls and floors it might be worth saving up till the kids get a bit older.
by Andyrunner
Fri Sep 07, 2018 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer or Apple Watch?
Replies: 49
Views: 10485

Re: Bike computer or Apple Watch?

I went from a basic bike computer to a Garmin 735XT. This was after doing a ton of research and my price point of under $300. The Garmin fenix and 935 are nice, but expensive.

If this is purely for cycling and other sports, Apple isn't good for that stuff, Garmin is leaps and bounds ahead of Apple. Apple watches are good for texting, phone calls, looking trendy/hip, etc. but not so much for sports.

If you don't want garmin look at Suunto.
by Andyrunner
Thu Aug 30, 2018 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bosch dishwasher odor
Replies: 58
Views: 22657

Re: Bosch dishwasher odor

We have the same issue.

I rinse my plates clean, wife does not, even lets a little milk from an empty cereal bowl sit in there. She blames the dishwasher....
by Andyrunner
Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Healthcare Careers
Replies: 48
Views: 4060

Re: Healthcare Careers

If she wants to really excel look into Nurse Practitioner school. A lot of nurses are going this route because it pays much better. Hospitals love them because they are much cheaper than a MD.
by Andyrunner
Tue Aug 21, 2018 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finishing a Basement
Replies: 20
Views: 4793

Re: Finishing a Basement

DanMahowny wrote: Tue Aug 21, 2018 9:59 am I would advise against finishing a basement. Make the kids play outside instead.

If you insist, watch this before getting involved with a contractor. Contractors are the devil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7zVv_rbLnI&t=1079s
What an ignorant statement. My kids are always outside when they can, observing the neighborhood my kids are outside the most. My kids never watch TV (I am convinced they think the TV's are broken), I live in the northern midwest, I can't take a 2 year old out when it is 10 degrees and 20-30mph winds. The kids have played in the basement maybe 2 times this summer, in the January it is 4-5 days a week.
by Andyrunner
Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finishing a Basement
Replies: 20
Views: 4793

Re: Finishing a Basement

Did you finish your basement? What approach did you take? Lessons learned/feedback? Thanks! Yep! I did about 80% of it myself. I framed, did electrical, did HVAC, painted, and did trim/doors. I hired out plumbing and sheetrock/taping/mudding Few things I learned: - Talk to friends/co-workers ask the same questions to different people, you will learn a lot and find the best approach, you will also find someone who has the right tools you can borrow. My daycare lady's husband built houses in a past life, he helped a lot. My other friend finished his and was up to date on code and best new practices. -There are different ways to cut an onion or install a 3-way light switch or frame a wall! All are right, just different. - Youtube is a good fr...
by Andyrunner
Thu Aug 16, 2018 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quote from Electrician
Replies: 48
Views: 4309

Re: Quote from Electrician

From what I have found, trades people are pretty open to cash discounts, especially if it's a smaller company. You might want to ask about that. I know people who have even asked the non-owner what the cost would be if the guy did it on the side, which in my opinion that is a bit unethical.

Also $180 sounds about right. As someone said, a 4 hour job probably kills most other jobs for the day. 4 hours is one thing, but the electrician also needs to be there for the city inspector so he may work on it in the morning and wait all afternoon for the inspector to arrive.
by Andyrunner
Thu Aug 09, 2018 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ask for extension or turn down job offer?
Replies: 22
Views: 1724

Re: Ask for extension or turn down job offer?

Does he have the contact information of the recently resigned supervisor? Not only can he get advice from the former employee on how the company will approach the request, but he might be able to start networking with other companies and get an industry mentor.

If he is super lucky, the former supervisor will say hold on, I might have an opening for you with better pay.

The tough part is he is a entry level college grad, at least when I graduated in 2007, I was a dime a dozen, especially as the recession set in.The good news is that the company knows his work.
by Andyrunner
Mon Aug 06, 2018 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you keep your math skills sharp?
Replies: 40
Views: 3858

Re: How do you keep your math skills sharp?

Toss out a calculator.

In college I used to work at a small mom & pop store. One thing the boss taught me is to ring someone up like they paid exact change and count backwards in your head.

For example: Customer owes me $21.57 but hands me $25. I press the cash button as if he paid me exactly $21.57 but then I take $3.43 out and hand it back to the customer. Register stays even, customer gets his cash, and I'm doing quick math in my head.

I also had a professor in college who was able to do square roots, complex multiplication and other stuff in his head. He wasn't always right but was close to hundredth decimal. A lot of it was memorization or ball-parking the numbers.
by Andyrunner
Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heart Rate Monitors Fitbit vs. Garmin
Replies: 33
Views: 4191

Re: Heart Rate Monitors Fitbit vs. Garmin

Garmin is pretty much top of the line when it comes to wearable HR monitors and GPS, they are 2 steps ahead of most competitors when it comes to wrist technology. I'd hands down take that over fitbit, I can see fitbit becoming the next blackberry. Also Garmin has very good customer service, if you have any issues they will have you return your old one and issue you a new one. I know people who have had a garmin, called 2-3 years after issues and got a 50% off coupon. As others have said, if your running/jogging, biking anything higher intensity, the wrist optical HR sucks no matter what brand you have. Another brand to look at is Suunto. They are very comparable to Garmin. Garmin Connect is also very nice on my Samsung, not sure how they wo...
by Andyrunner
Mon Jul 16, 2018 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why own a bed?
Replies: 140
Views: 14072

Re: Why own a bed?

If you live in the southwest there is the whole scorpion issue. I have never lived in AZ, but a co-worker did tell me about how even if you have an exterminator, there are still risks. Which is why they don't have bed skirts.
by Andyrunner
Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peloton spin bike worth the high cost?
Replies: 104
Views: 22915

Re: Peloton spin bike worth the high cost?

strafe wrote: Sun May 27, 2018 6:33 pm Look at a road bike + indoor trainer + Zwift as cheaper and IMO more interesting alternative. Or the Concept2 BikeErg + Zwift.
In my opinion this (less zwift). You can buy a decent road bike for 1-2k. indoor trainer for ~300 and I youtube GCN spin workouts. I generally ride outside in the spring/summer/fall. If I can't ride, I have an extra wheel (junky wheel) that I swap in and out so I don't ruin my tire for outdoors.
by Andyrunner
Tue Jul 03, 2018 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bike helmets
Replies: 87
Views: 8852

Re: bike helmets

JupiterJones wrote: Tue Jul 03, 2018 8:23 am
TLC1957 wrote: Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:19 pm Not only do I wear my helmet when biking I added this product to provide protection from the sun, works well. It fits on most helmets, very popular in Phoenix.

http://www.dabrim.com/html/products/cycling/classic.htm
That is the dumbest-looking thing I've ever seen.

...and I kind of want one. :D
x2
by Andyrunner
Tue Jul 03, 2018 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bike helmets
Replies: 87
Views: 8852

Re: bike helmets

Interesting post as I'm looking at helmets right now. Mine is currently about seven years old and working fine, just I want something that would fit a bit better when I'm wearing a cycling cap under it.

I have read multiple things about MIPS, it sounds like it is the latest and greatest but there are questions out there whether it really does anything. Also Giro and Bell both have stakes in the MIPS concept.

I like the background of POC, company that wasn't happy with safety standards and based their mission on improving them.

There is also this link. VT does the research for football and motorcycle helmets:

https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2018/06/ ... tings.html
by Andyrunner
Wed Jun 27, 2018 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lost out on promotion
Replies: 104
Views: 13300

Re: Lost out on promotion

My brother once told me that he failed to get promoted at his old accounting firm because he spent too much time working his job rather than working his on his career. Meaning he didn't promote himself enough and was passed up for jobs because he didn't exploit his talents and what he did. You can't change managers who have favoritism, but if you give them enough material they won't have much of a choice. I'd recommend start documenting all of your special skills and completed projects. Make something simple, look extraordinary. I'm not one to pat myself on the back either or exploit my successes, but sometimes you need to do that. As for the sham interview, sometimes its required per policy or he/she needs to show that he attempted be open.
by Andyrunner
Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade-up my $89 Walmart bike
Replies: 44
Views: 3881

Re: Trade-up my $89 Walmart bike

In my opinion at that price point, most of the name brand bikes are the same for the price. They are all made in the same Taiwan factories, mostly the same components and quality. Unless your doing some aggressive heavy downhill/tight turns, no need for hydraulic brakes, but wow they are nice. Mechanical brakes would be just fine. The lockable front shock would be nice when your riding on paved/gravel as you really don't need the shock, but not a needed upgrade to lock it out. 24 speeds vs the 21 speeds, unless your riding on very hilly trails, youll be fine with 21spd. Also based on your mileage, I wouldn't expect more beyond a 1 year tune up. Even then I think you could stretch it to two years. Buy the Trek and enjoy. Think of it this way...
by Andyrunner
Tue Jun 12, 2018 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boring Job
Replies: 64
Views: 9420

Re: Boring Job

Sounds like my first job out of college. I had a finance job which included closing out the books first week of every month, next 3 weeks consisted of nothing. I know some people enjoyed it, they watched netflix or whatever when they weren't working. I myself worked out over a long lunch hour. Bosses didn't seem to care because they knew how cyclical the job was, if you asked for more work, that work would be just happen to be during that first week of the month. I ended up leaving the job after 4 years even though I tried for 2 years. My advice, tell your boss it takes you 2 hours to do the job then ask for projects, take on additional assignments, mingle and build relationships with co-workers, ask to shadow co-workers just to learn. Go f...
by Andyrunner
Tue Jun 12, 2018 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boring Job
Replies: 64
Views: 9420

Re: Boring Job

Sounds like my first job out of college. I had a finance job which included closing out the books first week of every month, next 3 weeks consisted of nothing. I know some people enjoyed it, they watched netflix or whatever when they weren't working. I myself worked out over a long lunch hour. Bosses didn't seem to care because they knew how cyclical the job was, if you asked for more work, that work would be just happen to be during that first week of the month. I ended up leaving the job after 4 years even though I tried for 2 years. My advice, tell your boss it takes you 2 hours to do the job then ask for projects, take on additional assignments, mingle and build relationships with co-workers, ask to shadow co-workers just to learn. Go f...
by Andyrunner
Fri Jun 08, 2018 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on daycare?
Replies: 46
Views: 5357

Re: How much to spend on daycare?

As someone said you need someone who really loves your child and loves working with kids. I will say that my experience is a bit different then most but here it goes: My daycare lady charges $250 a week for our two kids, she is basically a grandma that watches her grandkids but picks up us and one other family. I will say she is unlicensed, unstructured and feeds my kids crap food everyday. BUT she loves them, she reads to them, teaches them right/wrong and will work with us on anything. One of our daughters went to a center for three weeks and we were not happy, I felt like it was more of a child processing center rather than a daycare. What you want to look for is how long the employees have been there, there are a lot of centers near me ...
by Andyrunner
Fri Jun 01, 2018 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Offer Negotiation: With HR or Hiring Manger (i.e. your future boss?)
Replies: 11
Views: 8461

Re: Job Offer Negotiation: With HR or Hiring Manger (i.e. your future boss?)

RickBoglehead wrote: Fri Jun 01, 2018 8:27 am If you're a "noob", then you're likely junior. You may not have any negotiating power as a junior employee.
x2 on this. How much experience do you have? Is your field a hot in need field? Chances are unless your a revenue driver or higher up exec, megacorps don't negotiate with little back office workers.

I'll put it this way, my company is well known in its industry, unless you are known in your field or you are a higher up exec the salary we offer you is it. No negotiating or anything. HR runs the show, manager has zero say.
by Andyrunner
Wed May 09, 2018 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the view on dogs running free?
Replies: 110
Views: 9915

Re: What's the view on dogs running free?

You could just get one of those animal repelling sprinklers and just say you got it for the rabbits.

Also, does the dog leave landmines in your yard? this is my big issue with my neighbors dog. I have never seen them pickup their dogs business.
by Andyrunner
Wed May 09, 2018 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Custom suit needed for a wedding. Help me shop around!!
Replies: 30
Views: 3987

Re: Custom suit needed for a wedding. Help me shop around!!

I'd avoid Men's Warehouse.

I wear suits for work and my neighbor owns a local suit store so hopefully I can provide some input. I've found that the MW suits are overpriced crap, and I'm a cheapskate wearing $200-$300 suits. I'd try an online tailor place or go to a local place.

Oh and make sure there is plenty of time to get the suit. It could take a few weeks between ordering then fine tailoring.
by Andyrunner
Tue May 08, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can COBRA coverage be extended indefinitely?
Replies: 13
Views: 2448

Re: Can COBRA coverage be extended indefinitely?

bhsince87 wrote: Mon May 07, 2018 3:05 pm While working through some proposals for early retirement, my HR manager mentioned that they have the ability to allow me to continue healthcare coverage for my wife and I under COBRA up until I turn 65. That could be 10-11 years.

Does this sound workable? Has anyone else ever heard of this?

It would be expensive (about $18k per year initially),but that is still cheaper than similar unsubsidized ACA coverage (about $28k per year).
Sounds like a retirement package at COBRA rates. I'd get a bit more info about it as the manager might not be talking it completely though with HR.
by Andyrunner
Tue May 08, 2018 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you pay baby sitters?
Replies: 53
Views: 7517

Re: What do you pay baby sitters?

wow, I was thinking of getting a babysitter this weekend until I remembered how much the baby sitters charge these days. I remember starting my first job in 1999 making $5.50 an hour and these kids want 10-15 an hour! Inflation hasn't changed that much.

Generally the babysitters just say 'whatever you want' on the price but I hate that option, I feel like a bad person if I underpay them, I feel like I got ripped off if I over pay them.
by Andyrunner
Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with shared child being spoiled
Replies: 46
Views: 5612

Re: Help with shared child being spoiled

I don't know what type of relationship you have with the ex, but I think this is where you need to sit down with him/her and discuss this issue. You are both the parents and need to create join action plans as far as raising the child. If you're having this 'want' issue than the ex probably is too. It's not your place to discuss with the ex's parents, but it is his/hers issue that needs to be brought up. I would hope the grandparents would respect that. Obviously don't do it in a demeaning manor, but say we need to teach our kid they can't have everything they want and purchases are rewards not givens. At the age of 13, the child needs to learn the value of money. Earning money through chores I don't think is the right idea. They need to le...
by Andyrunner
Mon Apr 02, 2018 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job advice
Replies: 13
Views: 1568

Re: Job advice

Based on the information provided I'd hands down take the pay cut and work closer to home! With a 2 mile commute, you can use that extra time to run to a store or do errands that you normally would have to drag a kid with to do. That means when your home its family time not errands time. Also, I am assuming as a nurse anesthetist your not living paycheck to paycheck as NAs generally do pretty well. If you had less income Id be less supportive, but I am assuming you could survive a 7% pay cut to save multiple hours a week with your kids. Getting off at 3:30 each day will also mean time to pick them up from school, attend after school activities, coach their ball team etc. I'm a big advocate of more time with family than earning the extra inc...
by Andyrunner
Mon Apr 02, 2018 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning up new house before move in—getting rid of “cat smell”
Replies: 59
Views: 30586

Re: Cleaning up new house before move in—getting rid of “cat smell”

At a minimum professionally shampoo the carpets.

My wife's first house, once the house offer was accepted, the owners let the house go. She was cleaning cat hair out of the cabinets, refrigerator and everywhere. Her realtor was so embarrassed that she actually paid for the carpet cleaning.

If you can afford it, just replace the carpets.
by Andyrunner
Fri Mar 23, 2018 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Underrated places to visit in U.S.?
Replies: 126
Views: 17679

Re: Underrated places to visit in U.S.?

If your into outdoors: North Shore Lake Superior

If your into seasonal vacation towns, wineries, beaches etc: Door County Wisconsin.
by Andyrunner
Fri Mar 23, 2018 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Trade-In Question
Replies: 21
Views: 3356

Re: Car Trade-In Question

nhdean wrote: Thu Mar 22, 2018 6:53 pm Don't bother fixing it. Best case scenario is you get the full $650 back in trade in. Most likely the dealership has its own body shop and will fix it for less than what you will be able to and the loss in appraisal value will not be the full $650 in value.
They do have their own body shop. They actually own the Ford, Toyota, and Mazda dealerships in town. So I expecting them to turn this around quick and probably want our car.
by Andyrunner
Thu Mar 22, 2018 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Trade-In Question
Replies: 21
Views: 3356

Re: Car Trade-In Question

No insurance involved. Deductible is $1k, cost to fix is $600 about.

Wife likes the idea of the Prius, not sure how it would work with car seats though. Planning to test drive it this weekend if possible.
by Andyrunner
Wed Mar 21, 2018 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Trade-In Question
Replies: 21
Views: 3356

Re: Car Trade-In Question

Thanks, I thought about private sale. The whole issue of people being sketchy, who is watching the kids, etc is a pain though.
by Andyrunner
Wed Mar 21, 2018 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Trade-In Question
Replies: 21
Views: 3356

Car Trade-In Question

The wife drives a 2016 Mazda CX5, shes not a fan of it and wants a smaller car.

Well about a month ago she got hit and we have a scratch/dent on the side. Auto body shop is asking for $650 to fix it. Is it worthwhile to go to a dealership and use it as a trade in without fixing it first? I'm assuming the dealership (Toyota, but also owns the Mazda dealership in town), will deduct the trade in value at the cost rate to fix the door ding.
by Andyrunner
Tue Mar 13, 2018 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?
Replies: 100
Views: 10016

Re: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?

I bike quite a bit on gravel its great because I will maybe see 2 or three cars over several hours. I bike to work sometimes as I have a lot of bike trails, but that 400 yards I'm on a road I am 100% focused on what and who is around me, I will think twice before turning or riding by a parked car (riding into an opening door).

I always tell people when riding a bike on the road, no matter what the laws of the road are, the laws of physics will say when it comes to car vs bike, the car will win every time.

I have no idea what LA is like, but unless you had dedicated bike trails for most of the way, I wouldn't do it.
by Andyrunner
Tue Feb 20, 2018 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: job application that ask for salary requirement
Replies: 15
Views: 2105

Re: job application that ask for salary requirement

I doubt the hiring manager looks at this but this is rather the software program that weeds out the people who are asking over the highest amount they are willing to offer. I really think $1 is actually not a bad idea (not a good one though). I am assuming the software has maximums but maybe not minimums.
by Andyrunner
Fri Feb 16, 2018 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Minnesota lake resorts summer 2018
Replies: 32
Views: 3522

Re: Minnesota lake resorts summer 2018

As other people said, its what are you looking for?

Agree with the North Shore recommendation. Plenty of state parks, hiking to waterfalls, etc. I've stayed at the Lutsen resort, its ok in my opinion but its a good basecamp for plenty of hiking.

If you make it up to the Gunflint Trial there are plenty of resorts near the boundary waters. This is great for canoeing and fishing. Not 100% sure on the hiking. It has been ages but I think I stayed at the Gunflint Lodge and it was very nice.

If your looking for a nightlife...not much going on.
by Andyrunner
Thu Feb 08, 2018 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What time do you go to work?
Replies: 72
Views: 8202

Re: What time do you go to work?

7:45 or so. I'm mid of the pack but everyone is in by 8:15. Some people are there by 6:30. Everyone is out the door by 4 pm.

My boss has a very relaxed policy, as long as you get your work done and no complaints she doesn't care since we are all salaried. No one abuses the policy (with the exception of maybe one). I tend to find the people who do work longer, are good workers but not efficient in computer skills, v-lookup in excel for example can save them hours of work.

I think in many back office areas the typical 9-5 days are heading out the door. There are some other people in departments who refuse to acknowledge that and seem to look down upon us, but I refer to the efficiency statement above. Plus our jobs are cyclical.
by Andyrunner
Wed Feb 07, 2018 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jogging in the cold.
Replies: 50
Views: 5585

Re: Jogging in the cold.

Northern runner here. I generally avoid temps below zero, especially if there is wind. Unless you have some kind of mask, the cold air is rough on the lungs below 15 degrees. I get an ashma like cough if I dont have a mask. I also keep the runs short and close to home in case something goes wrong.

Keys for me include:
- windproof underwear or pants
- windproof running jacket
- running snowshoes (so much fun)
- trail shoes for better grip & water resistant
- gaitors
- mittens

If the ground gets really icy and slick I hear people screwing some screws into their shoes or wearing yak tracks. I personally just get out the snowshoes.
by Andyrunner
Thu Feb 01, 2018 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finally going to invest, brother is FA
Replies: 89
Views: 8847

Re: Finally going to invest, brother is FA

As others would say, dont mix family & business. If he expresses concern or is upset tell him: Over the past year you have taken a strong interest in personal finance and based on what you have learned you could manage your money yourself. Not only will it allow you to apply your interest but continue to strengthen your drive to continue to learn. If he explains he has access to more resources and information than you, argue that he has multiple clients to manage and need to allocate his knowledge and time between them all, but you only have one client to manage, yourself, therefore you can dedicate your time and effort to that single client. Let him know that if you have any questions you'll be willing to bounce ideas off of him for fe...
by Andyrunner
Mon Jan 29, 2018 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?
Replies: 63
Views: 5963

Re: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?

Yes, I think 100 pieces is the perfect amount. Id say any less wouldn't be enough.

They are easy to clean up too since they well, stick together!

And no i don't advertise for this company or buy a ton of toys for my kids (last night they were playing with our salad spinner) these have pretty much been played with almost every night since Christmas and the kids arn't getting bored with them.
by Andyrunner
Mon Jan 29, 2018 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?
Replies: 63
Views: 5963

Re: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?

Look at Magna-tiles or Picasso-tiles. Basically the same thing (picasso is cheaper). Magnetic triangles they can build stuff with them. Easy to clean up, no choking hazards. The best part is you will have fun with them too. Wife and I often play with them when the kids are sleeping or doing other things. Teenagers love them too! You may have just changed my 3-year old's life for the better. She loves building towers with our dominos, but that has three nasty side-effects: 1) dominos aren't meant to do that so although it's creative I've long thought her little imagination is somehow restricted, 2) we've lost many a domino to the point that I shudder to think we might not have a complete set, and 3) strife amongst siblings when her younger ...
by Andyrunner
Mon Jan 29, 2018 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?
Replies: 63
Views: 5963

Re: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?

Look at Magna-tiles or Picasso-tiles. Basically the same thing (picasso is cheaper).

Magnetic triangles they can build stuff with them. Easy to clean up, no choking hazards. The best part is you will have fun with them too. Wife and I often play with them when the kids are sleeping or doing other things. Teenagers love them too!
by Andyrunner
Mon Jan 29, 2018 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?
Replies: 63
Views: 5963

Re: what do/did you do with your evenings with a Toddler in winters ?

4 year old and 1 year old here.

We might be obsessive, but we avoid the TV at all costs. Unless its iPad facetime with grandma.

Inside: Dance parties (kids music), drawing, play with pots n pans, read tons of books. I've brought outside toys inside (coozy coup car, bikes, etc) the kid will destroy your house with or without them, might as well bring em in. We are also members of a YMCA like place, pool 2x a week. New thing we got is paint sticks (its paint but in a glue stick form, way cleaner).

Outside: I have a halogen work light for construction work, I put it outside in our backyard, its enough to make it lit enough to play in the snow. I can keep the 2 year old out to about 20 degrees. 4 year old, we have been out to 10 degrees.
by Andyrunner
Fri Jan 12, 2018 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: wild bird feed
Replies: 43
Views: 3622

Re: wild bird feed

Anything that does not have thistle. If you never want to walk barefoot again in your yard, by all means buy thistle.
by Andyrunner
Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's no iron dress shirt recommendations
Replies: 88
Views: 13752

Re: Men's no iron dress shirt recommendations

Another vote for Charles Tyrwhitt. I'm a fairly athletic guy, aka skinny.

I have lands end shirts, and agree, the iron free isn't really iron free. Not to mention they are heavy. They do last forever though, I only own 3 Charles Tyrwhitt shirts and want to buy more but these lands end shirts just last forever and I can't see giving them up until they wear out. Sure I have to iron them but besides that they look sharp.
by Andyrunner
Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retiree health ins - how to propose to Employer?
Replies: 39
Views: 2625

Re: retiree health ins - how to propose to Employer?

I'm going with very unlikely. I work in benefits and deal with our retirees at times. First off unless they have a definition for a retiree, your really just quitting and living off your savings. To be a retiree of the company they need to have a definition of what a retiree is (for example age 65+ with 10yrs of service). Now as for keeping track of retirees and collecting premiums etc, it is a lot of work. With a company size of 40 people, I bet they only have one or two HR people. In the end Id ask, what is the worst that can happen? They fire you? Then you get COBRA and unemployment before you retire? If I were you Id look at the exchange, with the reduced income Id think you might qualify for a subsidy. I would also talk to a local brok...
by Andyrunner
Mon Dec 18, 2017 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US National Parks
Replies: 36
Views: 4419

Re: US National Parks

Can you elaborate more?

What do you plan to do? Hike (day/overnight), just drive through, camp, how long in each park? How long do you have? There are over 50 National Parks.

Between the ones you listed, there is a large distance between them (8+ hours).
by Andyrunner
Tue Dec 12, 2017 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow Tires? Worth it?
Replies: 147
Views: 11877

Re: Snow Tires? Worth it?

Yes. I almost got t-boned this morning. I swerved out of the way to avoid the car skidding through the stop sign. If I didn't have snow tires that swerve would of ended up in a power line.

Costs me 40-60 bucks to mount and dismount each spring/fall.
by Andyrunner
Fri Dec 08, 2017 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extended warranty on 2018 Outback
Replies: 47
Views: 15034

Re: Extended warranty on 2018 Outback

I'd avoid it. Not worth it. When I bought my outback 4 years ago I was offered one, my response was I'm buying a Subaru on the basis that I shouldn't have to buy a warranty. Ended that one quick.

On another note:
$39k for an Outback!!! Damn cars are getting expensive! I paid $23k for mine 4 years ago (not the 3.6R, but the 2.5). Subarus have become very popular. If you go to xc ski country, you won't be able to find your car. Everyone owns an outback.
by Andyrunner
Thu Nov 30, 2017 8:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which crash have you seen it before it is coming?
Replies: 134
Views: 13694

Re: Which crash have you seen it before it is coming?

None. 2000 or earlier, I was too young to understand the market. I was right out of school in 2007 and lucky enough to have a job in 2008 when the market crashed, even luckier I didn't have any money in the market so most of my investing started at the low point.

My issue now is my whole investing life has been the 2008 crash then the next several years of little returns. Today since I have never personally seen a market this aggressive and now I have money, I'm a bit scared. I figure until I start seeing something I'll keep riding it out. My other issue is, as soon as a crash happens, my wife, who would keep it all in a savings account, will say 'I told you so'.