It's fine. If it's high on your priority list, come and visit. September is a lovely time to visit NYC.stuper1 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:33 pm My wife and I are planning a two-week trip to New York City in September. We live in the western US and have never visited NYC except very briefly. Given the multitude of other places in the world that we want to visit before the no-go years, this may be our only visit to NYC. I have heard a little chatter on a few podcasts to the effect that NYC still hasn't fully recovered from the Covid pandemic. This got me to thinking that maybe if we want to see it in full bloom so to speak, we should delay a few years before we visit NYC. There are certainly other places we could visit this year. What do you guys think?
Search found 2133 matches
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 4061
Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2410
Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
The Sport Loop style band is thin and comfortable.TomatoTomahto wrote: ↑Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:12 amI wear my Apple Watch to bed each night and don’t have a problem with it. There are a zillion different bands to use, and I found one that works for me.NYCaviator wrote: ↑Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:25 am.
For those with the Apple Watch, is it more comfortable to wear at night since it's smaller and smoother? Maybe you just get used to having a watch on?
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2410
Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
What generation Apple Watch did you have? The newer ones (Series 7 and later) have fast charging and go from 10-80% or so in about 30 minutes and to 100% in under an hour. I place on the charger when I wake up and it's charged by the time I'm ready.AllMostThere wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:37 am I ditched a perfectly good iWatch for couple reasons - 1) Needed nightly charging, 2) No sleep data as it was on cradle charging
- Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Website Provider Recommendation
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1164
Re: Website Provider Recommendation
Here's a bare-bones index.html that you can use as a template. It assumes the image file is named "'myimage.jpg". <!doctype html> <html lang="en-US"> <head> <meta charset="UTF=8"> <title> This appears in the title bar at the top of the browser window or tab </title> </head> <body> <h1> Page heading which displays in large bold font </h1> <p> <img src="myimage.jpg"> </p> <p> A paragraph of text in your browser's default font. You can have more of these if you want more paragraphs. Note the image above is in its own "paragraph". </p> </body> </html> I created this file using the TextEdit app on my Mac. When I double-clicked on it, my default browser (Safari) opened it and displayed it as a we...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?
- Replies: 152
- Views: 22132
Re: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?
The social network is in the bay area. We already live in one of the less expensive neighborhoods in the south bay for housing, at about $430/sq ft, because the location is on a hill, and somewhat remote from job centers. This is far lower than the average price per square foot in the bay area. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1234783/average-sales-price-of-condos-and-single-family-homes-san-francisco-districts-per-square-foot/ Average price in Santa Clara county for SFH is $1112/sq ft. Unless we stay in the same or similarly priced neighborhood, or downsize by a factor of 3 or 4, it is difficult to envision a move within the bay that makes sense. It might not add a lot to the portfolio. It could increase property taxes. It would reduce...
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2903
Re: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update
Huh? My Bosch cleans dishes better than any dishwasher I've ever had. Definitely am not worried about food particles not being flushed away.illumination wrote: ↑Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:36 pm I also don't want a potentially unsafe situation where my ultra low water use dishwasher gives me salmonella or E coli because food particles are not fully flushed away from the dirty dishes. I remember one of the things we were warned about with Covid was we weren't washing out hands long enough under the faucet. I'd rather be safe than sorry and avoid the whole family getting food poisoning or feeling I have to closely inspect everything.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cle ... dishwasher
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I buy this phone?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 1883
Re: Should I buy this phone?
What is your cell phone carrier? Many of them have “free” phone deals if you sign up for a particular plan, especially if you are not looking at the latest phones. Few years ago I upgraded to iphone 13 Pro with a trade-in.They gave me $400 trade-in value and costs $11/month added to phone bill, since my work was subsidizing cell phones it was a good deal. Most companies provide a stipend for monthly mobile bills so you may look into that as a way to get a new(er) model. Iphone’s cameras are the best, IMHO. I have taken many videos and live pics of fur-babies with mine. Those "free" phones typically require a specific plan to take advantage of that offer. The OP mentioned that she uses prepaid providers, so she would almost certai...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:14 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Responding to credit card "update your income" requests
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1065
Re: Responding to credit card "update your income" requests
I don't respond to them. My credit limits are high enough, so I don't think there's a benefit to me to tell them. The benefit to them is that they can market more products to me and not have to pay a third party for my estimated income.
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4272
Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
This board is so conservative… you are talking $4100 mortgage payments according to a calculator I found online, so assume with taxes and insurance $6k/month. $72k/year is only about 1/3 of your salary’s even ignoring your RSUs! If you have the down payment, you can afford this. Your stock might drop between now and your future vests, but it’s unlikely to drop to zero. And even if it does you could probably make it work! It seems like you need your upcoming vest for the down payment. Fine, but you don’t need 100% of it! As long as your company is not discovered to be Enron you will be ok. And if that happens, you will probably still be ok (worst thing that happens is you lose your earnest money). This seems likely to work out. Do it or don...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4272
Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
The biggest reason I would wait is that my idea of what I wanted in a house, neighborhood, and property changed pretty dramatically from before and after we had kids. I would rent when I got there and buy later if that was my forever location.
With that much property, you're likely to have to maintain it, which will be hard with a young family, or outsource it, which may be expensive with that much property. Unless it's woods or something you don't have to maintain much.
With that much property, you're likely to have to maintain it, which will be hard with a young family, or outsource it, which may be expensive with that much property. Unless it's woods or something you don't have to maintain much.
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
- Replies: 90
- Views: 22233
Re: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
Vested RSUs from a few megacorps would have had quite a run the past few years, so that's a possibility also.Lynx310650 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:46 pmI doubt OP will or wants to answer, which is totally his right.Nathan Drake wrote: ↑Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:50 pm How does someone making 300k and spending 250k amass such a large amount?
Did you get lucky with a start up exit?
I doubt it was a start up exit though considering it appears he's been at the same company since college graduation. Probably an inheritance or he's the guy that started the GME mania.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1618
Re: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?
For the future, put a Tile or Airtag on your keychain so it's harder to lose.
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 5824
Re: Complain About Bad Boss?
I have found that when in this situation, effective management of your boss can help significantly. You bring the project plans, you press them for info at your 1x1s, you publicly document their decisions as part of project documentation.
It doesn't always work, but when it does, it makes you stand out as a leader.
It doesn't always work, but when it does, it makes you stand out as a leader.
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
- Replies: 254
- Views: 41972
Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Turn off notifications from news appskojima wrote: ↑Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:59 amHow did you do it? I'm pretty addicted to refreshing the news constantly. You just deleted the apps from your phone?heywhoathere wrote: ↑Sun Jan 28, 2024 6:00 pm I stopped consuming news and political content entirely. It felt akin to detoxing from a substance and getting "sober". Ignorance truly is bliss.
Delete X/Twitter or other social media that are news sources for you
Cut the cord and don't watch TV news
Makes a big difference.
- Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
- Replies: 129
- Views: 24372
Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Which models of the KafaTek grinder and Decent Espresso machine do you have? And, how much of a difference is there between that and a decent Baratza grinder and Breville espresso machine?topofthebellcurve wrote: ↑Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:59 pmLook up KafaTek grinders (I have two) and the Decent Espresso machine.
It’s wild how good coffee can be.
….and also how horrendously bad coffee you can make even if you have good equipment and use it incorrectly
- Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: House purchase questions
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2463
Re: House purchase questions
I agree that the 3X rule doesn't generally make a lot of sense because it doesn't take interest rates into account (among other problems). However, that rule was certainly around when interest rates are equal or higher than where they are now. On this forum, there were lots of folks arguing that the multiple should be higher when interest rates were sub 4% and sub 3%.Watty wrote: ↑Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:14 amWhen looking at the home price the 3X gross salary rule of thumb (and similar) are worthless because they do not take current interest rates into account. What was affordable when interest rates were 2.5% is a lot different than now when they might be 6.5%.gaussmarkov1 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:02 pm I've seen mixed messages on these boards about this (e.g., some say less than 3x gross salary, others disagree).
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person
- Replies: 102
- Views: 9250
Re: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person
American Pastoral by Philip Roth.
Has a perfect-family-on-the-outside-is-really-messed-up theme.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pastoral
Has a perfect-family-on-the-outside-is-really-messed-up theme.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pastoral
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
- Replies: 168
- Views: 18042
Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
The obvious answer is they should set up a Discord server and have people contact them through that.
- Fri Feb 16, 2024 5:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2206
Re: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
I found Google Maps very useful for walking, driving, & transit. I download maps for offline use.
Google Translate is useful. The integrated former Google Lens is helpful for translating signs, menus, etc. You can also have someone speak into it and it will translate.
Kindle for reading travel books rather than carrying one around.
Rick Steve's audioguides are good.
Tripadvisor for reviews of things to do and restaurants.
Yelp for restaurant reviews.
TripIt for keeping track of your itinerary.
Apple Pay/Google Pay for paying for stuff.
Airtags for keeping track of your stuff.
WhatsApp for messaging/calling/video calling.
Mobile Passport Control app if you don't have Global Entry.
Uber/Lyft for ride share.
Google Translate is useful. The integrated former Google Lens is helpful for translating signs, menus, etc. You can also have someone speak into it and it will translate.
Kindle for reading travel books rather than carrying one around.
Rick Steve's audioguides are good.
Tripadvisor for reviews of things to do and restaurants.
Yelp for restaurant reviews.
TripIt for keeping track of your itinerary.
Apple Pay/Google Pay for paying for stuff.
Airtags for keeping track of your stuff.
WhatsApp for messaging/calling/video calling.
Mobile Passport Control app if you don't have Global Entry.
Uber/Lyft for ride share.
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2945
Re: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?
I second this. There are so many reasonably priced options for international eSIMs that I haven't found it to be an issue at all. That plus wifi calling have really simplified the whole process.02nz wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:35 pm As for eSIM vs physical - I find eSIM significantly easier for international traveling. US Mobile (among many other providers) sell eSIM plans for international use. I get one before I travel, it's loaded in the phone and ready to use. No standing in line at cell phone shops upon arrival, no figuring out their plans, no looking for a paper clip to eject the SIM tray ...
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tips on car rental
- Replies: 73
- Views: 12565
Re: Tips on car rental
Good advice. I used to take pictures. I switched to taking a video since it's easier/faster than taking individual photos.evanft wrote: ↑Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:14 am I rent cars often and have learned a few tricks to avoid problems. Always check the vehicle carefully and take pictures before using it so you don't get blamed for any damage you didn't cause. It's also wise to look around for the best price. Picking an excellent rental company is super important to avoid headaches.
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
- Replies: 198
- Views: 18122
Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?
During and after the global financial crisis, MA real estate had lower volatility than many places. It had not had as big a run up before (like FL, Las Vegas, Phoenix, etc) and it did not have as big of a downswing. In some of the more desirable suburbs, prices leveled off rather than declining.just frank wrote: ↑Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:08 am Real Estate in Mass has a history of being more volatile than the rest of the country. It has had bigger crashes than elsewhere in the Northeast or midatlantic, after scaling higher highs.
- Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dimmer Switches
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1732
Re: Dimmer Switches
Lutron dimmers older than 2009 or so don't generally work with LEDs.
Here's a link to the Lutron compatibility tool to help you find bulbs that work with specific models.
https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Education- ... dLEDs.aspx
Here's a link to the Lutron compatibility tool to help you find bulbs that work with specific models.
https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Education- ... dLEDs.aspx
- Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
- Replies: 129
- Views: 24372
Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
A good espresso machine, a grinder, and freshly roasted beans is a game changer if you drink coffee.
And, you can even justify it financially if you are paying $4-$6 daily for your fancy coffee drink.
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5515
Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Those shorter cycles generally use more water and energy than the regular cycle. That said, they are super convenient when time is short.Random Musings wrote: ↑Mon Jan 29, 2024 10:17 amWe have a Bosch which has a "quick" 60 min program. I'll run that the next time to see if there is anything noticably different - my guess will be the dishes won't be as dry. We shall see.deikel wrote: ↑Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:40 am
My current Bosch works like a charm ever since I found this one (I had a Bosch before that failed just like the rest, so its not just the brand). This one also has a 30 min program that works really really well - we use nothing else anymore....its like we found a system that actually works like the old ones and are intentionally not using the rubbish programs to sanitize, safe water or energy.
RM
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 5515
Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Here's the most recent info from Yale appliance on dishwasher repair rates for the brands they sell and service:
https://blog.yaleappliance.com/most-rel ... ishwashers
https://blog.yaleappliance.com/most-rel ... ishwashers
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2159
Re: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
Craigslist, eBay.
You can give things away via your local Buy Nothing or similar group.
You can give things away via your local Buy Nothing or similar group.
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5532
Re: Verizon Wireless price increase
Boost Infinite uses T-mobile, AT&T and Dish networks. They do not use the Verizon network.bloom2708 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:39 pm Check out Boost Infinite.
They utilize all 3 carriers and pick the strongest signal. $25/month for unlimited.
$50/month if you want a new iPhone every year (read details).
Every carrier has dead spots for people. Boost Infinite seems like it might solve that. MVNO deprioritization would still apply.
US Mobile is another good option, but Boost Infinite is a touch more compelling for me.
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Electrolux vs LG Washer/Dryer
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2175
Re: Electrolux vs LG Washer/Dryer
LG has a terrible reputation when it comes to appliances. I just had a repair guy a few weeks ago for a washer/dryer of mine and when I asked him what appliances to buy or avoid, he said avoid LG. And that sentiment seems to be widespread. Samsung is also one people say to avoid. Consumer reports rates some models of LG washer & dryers very highly. I bought the top rated ones (front loader, not top/stacked) a year ago. Nice connected machines. No problem so far. What's the process they use to rate the appliances? What I'm interested in is not how it performs right now or after a year; I want to know how it performs in 10 years. I'd think that an appliance repair person would be a good resource for that kind of information. Yale Applian...
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
- Replies: 198
- Views: 18122
Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?
$1.5MM will get you a modest condo in Brookline, not a SFH.
It will get you an older and/or smaller home in Wellesley, Needham, Newton, Belmont, Lexington and similar suburbs. Probably not big enough for a family of 5.
Generally, the closer you get to 495, the more it will buy you.
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 6307
Re: Return My New Apple Watch?
It is not for everyone. I was initially a skeptic and thought I would return mine, but I find it very convenient for lots of things and appreciate not having to take out and look at my phone for certain things.
Daily/near-daily:
Daily/near-daily:
- Silent alarm
- Exercise tracking
- Time
- Weather
- Calendar next event
- Laptop login
- Preview texts/phone calls
- Apple Pay
- Find my phone
- Timers
- Answer/make calls
- Send texts
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4992
Re: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing
Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Visa Signature’s cash back structure is: 5% restaurants and gas 3% groceries, discount stores, wholesale clubs, utilities, phone and streaming services 1.5% everything else Each category/type had its own $7,000 annual cap. So it’s 5% on the first $7,000 of restaurants, 5% on the first $7,000 of gas, and so on. The card does not have a foreign transaction fee. https://www.redfcu.org/personal/credits-cards/visa-signature/ This is awesome. Unfortunately I don't think I qualify; the list is very geared towards NW Alabama residents. I suppose I could call to ask to join one of the PTA's on the list, but that would probably be weird. Maybe the Friends of the Library for $25? Is there an eligible organization on th...
- Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2840
Re: New Runner Seeking Advice
Some of this depends on your age, gait, and physiology. It worked better for me to keep my short runs short and slowly extend my long run.Boglegrappler wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:38 pm One "rule of thumb" regarding distances was to never do a run that is more than 3x your average daily mileage (assuming you have a base of several weeks of training). I found that to be a pretty good rule. It's possible to do a longer run, but then you are risking an overuse injury that will sideline you for weeks. So, if you want to go on longer runs, you need to build your base by doing more frequent runs and slowly lengthening them.
- Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:44 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cancel my health insurance?
- Replies: 100
- Views: 12606
Re: Cancel my health insurance?
Three words.
Mary. Lou. Retton.
Mary. Lou. Retton.
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Share your net worth progression
- Replies: 4273
- Views: 1072514
Re: Share your net worth progression
You've shared plenty in your posts, though not specific net worth. Just because you don't understand the motivations of folks that share this, they might not understand your motivation to share what you have. If no one here shared anything about anything, it'd be a pretty quiet forum.yobyot wrote: ↑Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:17 am Birth: $0.00
Today: undisclosed
I don't understand people who are either braggadocios or unconcerned enough to tell an online forum your net worth, even in the most general terms.
The former makes the claim less believable and the latter makes me worry for these folks in this age of internet scams and worse.
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:41 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Overwhelmed on estate planning - Guidance appreciated!
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2035
Re: Overwhelmed on estate planning - Guidance appreciated!
I would weigh the likelihood of the worst case scenarios against the expense and time of creating an estate plan. Your state's default likely has some version of estate going to living parents & siblings. In any case, you'll have to redo your estate plan if you have kids.
Barring any special circumstances, if you're planning on having kids, I would wait until then.
Barring any special circumstances, if you're planning on having kids, I would wait until then.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Smoke & CO detector recommendation
- Replies: 1
- Views: 548
Re: Smoke & CO detector recommendation
Google Nest Protect sounds like it would fit your needs.
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... oke-alarm/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... oke-alarm/
- Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
- Replies: 96
- Views: 16972
Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Based on your description of the properties, he won't be paying any gift tax. He may have to file Form 709 if the value exceeds the annual exclusion.
- Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:07 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Beneficiaries
- Replies: 4
- Views: 810
Re: Beneficiaries
Talk to a trust and estates lawyer who can advise you on your specific circumstances and needs.
It might not be the least expensive option, but they can walk you through the pros and cons of a trust, SPIA, etc.
It might not be the least expensive option, but they can walk you through the pros and cons of a trust, SPIA, etc.
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Share your net worth progression
- Replies: 4273
- Views: 1072514
Re: Share your net worth progression
Wow -- some of this is so incredible. Makes me wish that I'd started earlier, but, whatever, better late than never! Seeing others' progressions though is a bit confusing. I don't really seem to be following the same trajectory at least in terms of percentage. My 2022 was really worse than others', and I'm not sure why. I'm basically back to where I was in January 2022, taking into account savings. I follow a straight target date and three-fund portfolio and so I would have thought that my returns on a percentage basis each year would have been consistent with other bogleheads. I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, 56, steady income the last few years and I save about $110-120k per year. Brackets are U.S./Int./Bond. I only do the math once a...
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Training for new career in my 50s, unrealistic?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3607
Re: Training for new career in my 50s, unrealistic?
If I were a manager and you:
1) Showed initiative by getting the credentials you need for the job
2) Demonstrated success in another field
3) Told me you were committed to doing this for 10 years (or 5!)
I would definitely want to talk to you.
1) Showed initiative by getting the credentials you need for the job
2) Demonstrated success in another field
3) Told me you were committed to doing this for 10 years (or 5!)
I would definitely want to talk to you.
- Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
- Replies: 137
- Views: 27162
Re: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
A few inputs into the equation for me: Time, frustration level, certainty of outcome, dollar amount If something is small dollars, but will only take an email or 5 min online chat at a time that I would otherwise not be doing much, I might do it. If something is big dollars, but will require a protracted fight with lots of time spent on the phone, on correspondence, and/or lawyers, and the outcome is unclear, I probably won't do it. It explains why I have walked away from lots of money that would have required tons of time and stress, but will still collect (somewhat passive) credit card rewards, comparison shop online, get price alerts, wait for Black Friday to buy something that is a want (not a need), etc. That said, I usually don't go o...
- Sat Dec 30, 2023 8:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips
- Replies: 66
- Views: 9299
Re: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips
Move to Massachusetts. Insurance must cover IVF. 3 attempts. 0 success. Adopted 2 boys. IVF is free here. Adoption is very, very expensive here. Cite? Wife and I went through IVF about 3 years ago (successfully) and it certainly wasn't free. Not sure what to cite. We did it. Free. Here's what the state of MA has to say about coverage. There are some cases where it may not be covered. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-health-insurance#:~:text=My%20employer%20is%20headquartered%20out,only%20for%20residents%20of%20Massachusetts. "The Massachusetts infertility mandate applies to individual and group policies issued by an insurer licensed in Massachusetts and provides coverage only for residents of Massachu...
- Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is Solar Worth It?
- Replies: 193
- Views: 45636
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which iPad To Get
- Replies: 38
- Views: 4434
Re: Which iPad To Get
Most important question is what will you use them for?
For most people, I would recommend getting the 9th generation iPad.
64GB if you're mostly going to do web browsing, email, reading, video streaming.
256GB if you're going to be traveling and want to download seasons of TV shows or a bunch of movies.
The size, weight, and technology differences of the Air didn't seem worth it to me.
For most people, I would recommend getting the 9th generation iPad.
64GB if you're mostly going to do web browsing, email, reading, video streaming.
256GB if you're going to be traveling and want to download seasons of TV shows or a bunch of movies.
The size, weight, and technology differences of the Air didn't seem worth it to me.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:56 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gift ideas for adult sibling to share with grandkids ages 6 and 8
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1038
Re: Gift ideas for adult sibling to share with grandkids ages 6 and 8
Obviously depends a great deal on what the kids like, so YMMV.
Games - Uno, Ticket to Ride First Journey, Taco vs Burrito, Jenga, Bananagrams
Puzzles
Crafts/projects to do together
Building stuff - Legos, Magnatiles, etc
Also like the idea of membership to museum, zoo, etc.
Games - Uno, Ticket to Ride First Journey, Taco vs Burrito, Jenga, Bananagrams
Puzzles
Crafts/projects to do together
Building stuff - Legos, Magnatiles, etc
Also like the idea of membership to museum, zoo, etc.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Tips for a Macbook Air?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1650
Re: Best Tips for a Macbook Air?
Sometimes indexing after an update also makes things seem wonky. I'm assuming you've already done a shutdown/restart.
But like others have said, I would make an appointment and take it into an Apple Store to have them take a look.
But like others have said, I would make an appointment and take it into an Apple Store to have them take a look.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is Solar Worth It?
- Replies: 193
- Views: 45636
Re: Is Solar Worth It?
With favorable net metering, tax credits, and SRECs, my original payoff was about 7.5 years*. This is in the northeast with the panels facing a non-ideal direction on my roof. With rate increases, the payoff is down to about 6.5 years. It's also a hedge against future rising electricity costs. And it's a low-risk, non-taxable "return."
*factors in taxable SRECs, but does not factor in any labor to replace warrantied inverters or panels or any labor to remove panels if roof work is needed. Panels were installed onto a new roof.
*factors in taxable SRECs, but does not factor in any labor to replace warrantied inverters or panels or any labor to remove panels if roof work is needed. Panels were installed onto a new roof.
- Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Spouse still has an FSA balance this year, even though she canceled it. HSA implications?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 2351
Re: Spouse still has an FSA balance this year, even though she canceled it. HSA implications?
Some employers allow changes to FSAs with a qualifying life event like marriage.joneeboy3000 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:41 pm I appreciate your response, and hope that's true. Someone else on the Reddit thread I posted said "As far as I understand, FSA can not be terminated mid-plan year. Requirements to do that are termination of employment or end of plan year. Even carrying $0 balance, this would be the case."
So that makes me a little worried, but I've also heard FSA can be terminated mid-year, though it's very hard to find a source for this. Do you have any knowledge on this or know where to look? Thanks again
- Wed Dec 20, 2023 1:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tips on car rental
- Replies: 73
- Views: 12565
Re: Tips on car rental
If you are going to be traveling in an area with electronic tolls, check the policy of the company you are renting from. Some charge $10/day for each day you use their transponder, plus the cost of the tolls.