Search found 3718 matches

by hicabob
Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of my wallet?
Replies: 101
Views: 10825

Re: Getting rid of my wallet?

My son-in-law uses a"binder clip". Image
I thought it was peculiar at first but it works for him. Usually has a couple CC's, license and a 20 or 2. Seems to be about the most minimalist solution other than carrying cards/cash loose which I suppose would work with zip pockets!.
by hicabob
Mon Jul 31, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Have you recovered from the market downturn?
Replies: 117
Views: 11004

Re: Have you recovered from the market downturn?

Yes and then some. My Nvidia stock from my pre-boglehead days helped a lot. The dilemma now is when to sell it and convert the $$ to index funds!
by hicabob
Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: state cap gains tax
Replies: 13
Views: 823

Re: state cap gains tax

State would be either oregon or california depending on my circumstances at the time, both of which treat cap gains as regular income.
I was sort of expecting the state basis would be $85 in the example but not too surprised if they go for the max which seems a little unfair.
by hicabob
Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: state cap gains tax
Replies: 13
Views: 823

state cap gains tax

I have a good size cap gain coming up and was wondering if state cap gains is based on the net after fed cap gains ?

For example if total cap gains were $100 and feds took $15 would the state cap gains be based on $85 or $100?
by hicabob
Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want my dog to poop in one general area
Replies: 53
Views: 3381

Re: Want my dog to poop in one general area

My 3yo granddaughter is an expert at locating her mastiff/rottweiler poops for others to dispose of. I offered to get her a fancy pooper-scooper but Mom vetoed the idea much to her chagrin.
by hicabob
Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to not let the tax tail wag the dog?
Replies: 40
Views: 4203

Re: How to not let the tax tail wag the dog?

Quite a few states tax long term cap gains as regular income so depending where you live that's something to consider.
by hicabob
Sun Jul 02, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Made a mistake by paying off car loan early - how to sell before I move?
Replies: 5
Views: 1149

Re: Made a mistake by paying off car loan early - how to sell before I move?

Selling vehicles privately can be pleasant and profitable. Just be honest.
by hicabob
Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany travel recs – Black Forest? Road trip? Alps?
Replies: 26
Views: 2573

Re: Germany travel recs – Black Forest? Road trip? Alps?

A friend of mine lives in Sonthofen, which is the southernmost town in the Bavarian Alps. The mountains are beautiful, lots of hikes, Starzlachklamm is highly recommended. Adventurous Germans go "canyoning" in wetsuits in the stream which created the gorge which looked like fun.
The Alpine slides, which they have a few of in those parts, are quite the experience too. Alpsee Bergwelt being memorable (only wimps use the brakes!).
by hicabob
Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?
Replies: 97
Views: 17639

Re: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?

You could. You won't be flying business class though.
by hicabob
Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?
Replies: 42
Views: 2986

Re: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?

Buying good string makes a huge difference. I use Oregon 20-020 Magnum Gatorline Supertwist Trimmer Line .095-Inch on my echo and it is so much longer lasting and better cutting than the cheap line. Getting the right diameter is important too.
by hicabob
Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best tool for sharpening kitchen knives?
Replies: 49
Views: 4368

Re: Best tool for sharpening kitchen knives?

Sharp Pebble makes really nice stones and their website (under blog tab) has more info than you ever wanted to know about sharpening knives.
https://sharppebble.com/
by hicabob
Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long term reliable indoor/outdoor capable electric power wheelchair? Also: Hitch Lift Experiences?
Replies: 17
Views: 1115

Re: Long term reliable indoor/outdoor capable electric power wheelchair?

When my Mom needed one we drove a ways to a store that had multiple models then spent an hour or so charging about on the sidewalk and in the parking lot. The proprietor was very helpful and had no problem with multiple "test drives". It was actually fun.
by hicabob
Sun Jun 11, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Way To Learn How To Use AI
Replies: 12
Views: 1629

Re: Best Way To Learn How To Use AI

As a retired software engineer I have an interest so I was playing with ChatGPT. Quite amazing when it comes to writing pieces of software - for example "how do you program a PID servo loop" and it produces a really nice, correct, well commented snippet. Another I tried was "how do you read the accelerometer on an android phone" and in addition to code segments the answer has useful tips. Super-impressive and something I would have loved during my career to use as an assistant. <edit> ... I asked "what is the best way to learn to use chatGPT" ... answer was as follows To learn to use ChatGPT effectively, you can follow these steps: Start with basic interactions: Begin by engaging in simple conversations with Ch...
by hicabob
Thu Jun 08, 2023 5:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1514
Views: 169493

Re: A super positive experience with Vanguard

Your BIL's 100% Wellington seems like a good choice for someone who had no interest in investing.
by hicabob
Wed Jun 07, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible gas leaks? (Update and new questions)
Replies: 55
Views: 3755

Re: Possible gas leaks? (Update and new questions)

Contrary to popular opinion gases in air neither rise, nor fall. Below 80,000 meters or so turbulence mixes them into a homogeneous mixture.
by hicabob
Sun Jun 04, 2023 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replacement for Car Destroyed by Hail
Replies: 25
Views: 1989

Re: Replacement for Car Destroyed by Hail

I saw that new Tesla model 3's start at about $30k after rebate now. Seems like quite the deal!

https://slickdeals.net/f/16691801-base- ... rchV2Algo1
by hicabob
Sun Jun 04, 2023 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those in the Bay Area what are typical outage time
Replies: 53
Views: 3323

Re: For those in the Bay Area what are typical outage time

A large cell phone tower conglomeration near me has a generator and a large propane tank to power it during power outages. Seems to work well.
by hicabob
Fri Jun 02, 2023 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible gas leaks? (Update and new questions)
Replies: 55
Views: 3755

Re: Possible gas leaks?

Complimentary mercaptan scratch n sniff's are available if OP is not familiar with the odor.

https://www.dominionenergy.com/safety/n ... -and-sniff
by hicabob
Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grill vs griddle??
Replies: 25
Views: 2914

Re: Grill vs griddle??

midwest_bound wrote: Fri Jun 02, 2023 11:50 am
hicabob wrote: Fri Jun 02, 2023 10:03 am A weber + a high output propane burner (100,000 btu+) + a nice cast iron pan + (2) propane tanks works for me .

https://www.amazon.com/GasOne-B-5200K-O ... 271&sr=8-5
What do you do with the high output burner?
reverse sear, wok cooking , frying stuff such as fish w/out stinking up the kitchen. The high btu burner makes so much difference
by hicabob
Fri Jun 02, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grill vs griddle??
Replies: 25
Views: 2914

Re: Grill vs griddle??

A weber + a high output propane burner (100,000 btu+) + a nice cast iron pan + (2) propane tanks works for me .

https://www.amazon.com/GasOne-B-5200K-O ... 271&sr=8-5
by hicabob
Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi for Whole House - Your Recommendations?
Replies: 81
Views: 5622

Re: Wifi for Whole House - Your Recommendations?

I have a tp-link w/ 4 antennas which works well. I think that placement is more important than brand. Centrally located at the top of the area you want to cover is best AFAIK, so middle of the top floor or perhaps even the attic would be best if you want to cover the whole house with one device.
by hicabob
Tue May 30, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Power outlets off and on
Replies: 40
Views: 4868

Re: Power outlets off and on

mtmingus wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 4:18 pm We moved into a rental last week and have experienced a strange situation: some of the outlets go off for a min or longer once in a few hours. Come back by itself.
Fortunately the fridge and a few outlets inside the kitchen are not impacted. I run an extension for the tv, modem and router. But my monitor went off a few times today.
We don’t have power hangry appliances. Only some basic items.
Another thing I found amazing/odd: way too many outlets for each room: 17 without counting the closets for the 2 bedrooms, 5 cable connections.
Bad connections in the outlet(s) or flaky circuit breaker? If all the flaky ones go off at the same time I'd bet circuit breaker. Easy fix to replace it.
by hicabob
Sat May 27, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone tried peer-to-peer courier services?
Replies: 20
Views: 1391

Re: Has anyone tried peer-to-peer courier services?

What specific legal items would such a service would be useful for?
by hicabob
Fri May 26, 2023 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Television
Replies: 33
Views: 2656

Re: New Television

Oled displays are superior wrt color and viewing angle, the pic will blow you away if you are used to older tv's. LG makes nice oled tv's. Go look at a few, Best buy or Costco are good for that.
by hicabob
Thu May 25, 2023 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Nvidia and AMD: Regret and Luck vs. Skill
Replies: 57
Views: 7848

Re: Nvidia and AMD: Regret and Luck vs. Skill

I hold a bit of AMD via Lisa buying XLNX. I've had NVDA for a couple decades from my pre index fund days and it's now too much of my portfolio and almost all cap gains. Sigh.
Lisa and Jensen are truly world class CEO's and both were chip designers which I expect had helped hugely.
by hicabob
Tue May 23, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2663

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

Prior to purchase, my son-in-law and his Dad both did a complete "bike fitting" at a decent bike shop and rave about it. If your gym/neighbor/condo/etc has a decent stationary bike they are super adjustable and let you experiment.
by hicabob
Mon May 22, 2023 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2663

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

WhyNotUs wrote: Mon May 22, 2023 1:06 pm
FunnelCakeBob wrote: Mon May 22, 2023 12:56 pm Because of the geometry of the frame and my size proportion, I'm not able to pedal standing up while going uphill on this bike. That's about the only real motivation I'd have to get a new bike.
For most recreational riders, standing on uphills is really not needed. Another motivation out of the door :happy
Not being able to stand on the pedals might indicate the frame is too small for you?
by hicabob
Sun May 21, 2023 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 29 y/o bored engineer, career change to finance?
Replies: 113
Views: 10505

Re: 29 y/o bored engineer, career change to finance?

Can't believe how many people are suggesting OP (including OP) falsify their time card on a defense contract. It's illegal and at a minimum will get them fired if discovered. +1 Yeah, this seems very strange and foreign to me. If I was the OP I would spend my downtime looking for other tasks to do, via taking on other tasks that could be helpful to the project. It seems to me something isn't getting done properly at MegaCorp, ask around. Basically offer an extra hand to people that look overloaded, and always volunteer for assignments, If you have a few extra hours you can learn something new by self-learning things that might make you more productive. Be proactive! No wonder so many die for work from home. Many things have to be straighte...
by hicabob
Sat May 20, 2023 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 29 y/o bored engineer, career change to finance?
Replies: 113
Views: 10505

Re: 29 y/o bored engineer, career change to finance?

Perhaps design an automated mouse wiggler and market it?
by hicabob
Tue May 16, 2023 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cold feet on expensive renovation - what to do?
Replies: 29
Views: 3800

Re: Cold feet on expensive renovation - what to do?

An Irish person I know, living in California, who has an Italian wife and a summer house in Italy told me he flew his contractor in from the US for the summer after a couple attempts working with Italian contractors. He said it can be challenging to get stuff done in the wonderful country of Italy.
by hicabob
Fri May 12, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying Foreclosed Homes
Replies: 50
Views: 5316

Re: Buying Foreclosed Homes

It’s not the fixing it up part that would concern me OP. It’s the legal annoyances, title issues and liens that could come with foreclosures. That said, if you have a trusted real estate lawyer, started small and had a bit of a financial cushion it’s a bit high risk and perhaps fairly high reward. You don’t necessarily need foreclosures right? You need cheap with upside potential? Good luck! That's the part that concerns me as well. It almost feel that you need a lawyer on retainer for just in case and contractors for major repairs; that plus the fact that you have to fight the sharks at the courthouse during bidding. The reality is that I don't need the money or the headaches; I just was looking for an alternative for some of my capital a...
by hicabob
Wed May 10, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying Foreclosed Homes
Replies: 50
Views: 5316

Re: Buying Foreclosed Homes

It's a competitive endeavor. Some small businesses specialize in foreclosures and companies from LA are bidding on properties in Oregon/Washington. If your county has a live auction at the courthouse, attending one is very educational. Be careful with liens since winning the auction doesn't erase them all so do your property research at the county recorders office prior to bidding.
by hicabob
Mon May 08, 2023 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotels.com devaluation
Replies: 12
Views: 2135

Re: Hotels.com devaluation

Originally the hotels.com reward program was fantastic. It was spend 10 total nights at any properties then get one free night at any property. You could do 10 nights at Motel6 then get a free night at Ritz Carlton.
by hicabob
Mon May 08, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Market order that didn't execute
Replies: 5
Views: 1255

Re: Market order that didn't execute

I've found that with TD the ticker generally has to go one penny lower than the limit I've set. Wellstrade seems better and will often execute when the ticker matches the limit.
by hicabob
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our realtor is firing us
Replies: 224
Views: 30687

Re: Our realtor is firing us

Normchad wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2023 9:48 am
Personally, I do think seeing 40 homes is excessive, but some people do that. I think OP has been beaten up enough over that.
If one is looking for a condo or a new tract home on 1/4 acre perhaps 40 is excessive. If a person is looking for acreage and/or older homes on really nice lots then it requires more looking.
I never sign a contract with a realtor unless submitting an offer or selling a house. As I mentioned before, if Redfin is available in the area, one can meet an "associate" (baby realtor?) at the property and they get $50 or so for their time per property which keeps everyone happy. The associates are not pushy and don't have to drive around with the client which works for me.
by hicabob
Sat Apr 29, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Proceed at Current Wealth Level
Replies: 40
Views: 6288

Re: How to Proceed at Current Wealth Level

Sorry for your loss and congrats on your new wealth. 2.5M is a nice chunk but it can go fast, especially with a kid to support. I'd keep working at the gov job until your pension vests at least and invest the 2.5M in the 3 fund portfolio or similar. At that point, after a few years of being a boglehead , you will have a good idea what to do.
by hicabob
Fri Apr 28, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6173

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

I had one of those 35 something years ago. Turns out it was a big deal with the big boss. Sea-food place. I got the Calamari steak (interesting and delicious but not super-expensive) and got the job.
by hicabob
Fri Apr 28, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our realtor is firing us
Replies: 224
Views: 30687

Re: Our realtor is firing us

I don't think looking at 40 houses is all that excessive. When I was looking for a house, I viewed about 4 every time we went looking every Saturday and Sunday for a few weeks. Sometimes the agent didn't go with us and we would look at a few open houses on the other weekend day. Especially if you're in an area with older homes, there is so much that you can't tell from the listing. I completely agree - I looked at about 100 houses prior to last purchase. In a metro area there are so many areas and types of houses it takes time + effort to build your internal "database". If redfin is available in the area they are great for opening doors. When you want to view a house they set you up with an "associate" who meets you at ...
by hicabob
Thu Apr 27, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A thought about wealth and happiness
Replies: 68
Views: 8063

Re: A thought about wealth and happiness

My level of wealth has not always correlated well with my level of happiness, but of course having a excess of $$ is "happier" than having a deficit of $$ at any given time in life.
by hicabob
Tue Apr 25, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity - How to find annual return
Replies: 4
Views: 664

Re: Fidelity - How to find annual return

Boink the Balances tab, then the Perfomance tab. You can set the date range.
by hicabob
Tue Apr 18, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Let's Talk Toothbrushes!
Replies: 22
Views: 2451

Re: Let's Talk Toothbrushes!

DesertDiva wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 6:22 pm I have a Sonicare and have had no cavities since I started using it. That’s enough evidence for me!

p.s. I also floss after brushing.
I floss prior to brushing as instructed. I've had sonicares for decades. I believe the new ones vibrate the same amount and at the same frequency as the old ones so would clean the same with identical heads. It really is a fine product.
by hicabob
Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD calculator for inherited IRA's
Replies: 12
Views: 1111

Re: RMD calculator for inherited IRA's

Navillus1968 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 2:59 pm
The 10 year rule is completely separate from taking annual RMDs. Are you looking for a calculator that will calculate how to liquidate your Inherited IRA over 10 years?
Yes. Thanks for the link.
by hicabob
Mon Apr 17, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD calculator for inherited IRA's
Replies: 12
Views: 1111

RMD calculator for inherited IRA's

Does anyone know of an RMD calculator for inherited IRA's ? I found this one on annuityexpertadvice.com but it appears not to take the "10 year rule" into account which makes me doubt its veracity.
https://www.annuityexpertadvice.com/cal ... calculator
by hicabob
Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6523

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

They also catch on fire. The F-150 Lightning also catches on fire. There seems to be a trend with EVs catching on fire. Get a proper fire extinguisher if you buy one. https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/tesla-car-battery-fire-needed-6000-gallons-water-to-extinguish-rcna68153 https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/28/23618974/ford-f-150-lightning-battery-fire-sk-on https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2023/1/17/23470878/tesla-fires-evs-florida-hurricane-batteries-lithium-ion I'll wait until they figure out this catching on fire thing with EVs. It's way past early adoption, but I'd like to make it past 50. Oh, gas cars catch on fire too. OP will need more than 1 fire extinguisher to put out his EV fire. Might as well buy a whole fire engine...
by hicabob
Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?
Replies: 16
Views: 1925

Re: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?

TomatoTomahto wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 10:04 am I'm confused. Are we talking a sauna (where temps often are up to iirc 194F) or a spa/hot tub where going above 140F is considered unsafe?
104 Fahrenheit is generally the high setting for hot tubs. 140 degree water will burn you in a few seconds. I like 180-190 for a dry sauna.
by hicabob
Mon Mar 13, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calm small dog breed for family
Replies: 142
Views: 13849

Re: Calm small dog breed for family

If a golden doodle is too much for you perhaps you are not "dog people"? What did you do with it?
by hicabob
Sun Mar 12, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]
Replies: 2482
Views: 214042

Re: [Silicon Valley Bank fails, FDIC takes over]

Marketwatch has an article on "at risk banks". Ally being among them. I used to have over 250k in Ally at one point and Ally seems popular with Bogleheads so just a cautious heads-up to keep it under 250k.

note: incognito mode lets one read Marketplace articles w/out a subscription.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/20-ba ... eid=yhoof2
by hicabob
Fri Mar 10, 2023 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving across country - options?
Replies: 28
Views: 3234

Re: Moving across country - options?

I've used a U-Haul U-Box before. Not cheap but works as advertised. Tie your stuff down well in the box as you pack since it may get jostled around quite a bit.