Search found 1697 matches

by ddurrett896
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a Tuxedo - Recommendations?
Replies: 5
Views: 503

Re: Need a Tuxedo - Recommendations?

in2bait wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:29 am https://www.newdresssuits.com

New Era Factory Outlet
This place in NYC is amazing and great prices. I picked up a tux there a few years back and it was cheaper than a rental. I've worn it a dozen times and it still looks great. The guy who owns it is a character. He must have 10,000 tuxes in the shop and he looks at you for 10 seconds and knows exactly which one will fit. Pretty sure they do online as well
How much did you pay and hows the quality? They have a basic tux for $100 (see below) similar to what I've seen on Amazon.

https://www.newdresssuits.com/collectio ... t=68868732
by ddurrett896
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a Tuxedo - Recommendations?
Replies: 5
Views: 503

Need a Tuxedo - Recommendations?

Have a pretty fancy wedding to go to and need a tuxedo. Rentals are $150-$200 so I'm contemplating buying one.

Have a bunch of suits, none in black. One though is that I could buy a black suit but I'd only wear it when I would wear a tux so might as well get a tux. For funerals and more casual weepings, I'd just wear my grey or blue suit.

Anyone have a recommendation on where to buy? Thanks!
by ddurrett896
Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?
Replies: 104
Views: 13732

Re: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?

Every teacher/coach gets a $25 Total Wine gift card
by ddurrett896
Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to split rent?
Replies: 42
Views: 3897

Re: How to split rent?

Split based on % of income.

Person 1: Makes $150K, pays $1,000
Person 2: Makes $300K, pays $2,000
by ddurrett896
Wed Nov 15, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vaultek safe - recommend?
Replies: 6
Views: 834

Re: Vaultek safe - recommend?

renegade06 wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:11 pm Thanks - good to know that it seemed flimsy in person. I like the humidity detection option, but not sure if it's worth getting the RS just for that or if there are other options.
Humidity detection is important if the safe is sitting in an unconditioned space (like a garage or basement). In a condition room inside the house, I wouldn't worry about it.
by ddurrett896
Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vaultek safe - recommend?
Replies: 6
Views: 834

Re: Vaultek safe - recommend?

None on the RS, but have a VT20, VT10 and LifePod and wouldn't hesitate to buy again. Absolutely love them! Saw the RS in person and seemed pretty flimsy, especially at the price. Long guns live in a bigger, better built safe.

A million different approaches to home protection. I prefer a pistol for the lower wall penetration plus the ability to maneuver (hold a child, etc) and still have the ability to shoot, and get to a rifle if needed.
by ddurrett896
Mon Nov 13, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dimensions for carry-on luggage
Replies: 42
Views: 3657

Re: Dimensions for carry-on luggage

I'm a fan of soft duffle bags (or anything soft in general) with the ability to cram into a space if needed.
by ddurrett896
Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA without Insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 1169

Re: HSA without Insurance

Ok so next question:

Can my wife + kids move to a high deductible plan and do the $8,300 max HSA

then

I continue with my individual high deductible plan and do the $4,150 max HSA
by ddurrett896
Thu Nov 02, 2023 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA without Insurance
Replies: 8
Views: 1169

HSA without Insurance

Do you have to have an insurance plan to contribute to an HSA?

I'm currently on a high deductible plan and max out my individual HSA thru my employer. Wife/Kids on her insurance with no HSA. Can I move to her insurance and still contribute to the HSA offered thru my employer?

ADDED:
Can my wife + kids move to a high deductible plan and do the $8,300 max HSA
then
I continue with my individual high deductible plan and do the $4,150 max HSA
by ddurrett896
Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boss wants to pay me more! How should I respond?
Replies: 50
Views: 8056

Re: Boss wants to pay me more! How should I respond?

OmniaProPatria wrote: Fri Oct 06, 2023 5:54 am I’d love to ask for a base of $170k, but I don’t know if that’s too big an ask.
If you want $170K, ask for $200K
by ddurrett896
Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Picture Transfer : Laptop to iPhone
Replies: 9
Views: 1056

Re: Picture Transfer : Laptop to iPhone

Tom_T wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 1:06 pm Don't store photos on your iPhone. Set up Google Photos account. Uos even if they aren't physically stored on your phone (which is risky, anyway.)pload phots from PC to Google Photos. Install Google Photos app on your iPhone, and log into your Photos account. Done. You'll be able to see all your phot
This is the way
by ddurrett896
Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What delayed gratification choices have you made lately?
Replies: 129
Views: 13319

Re: What delayed gratification choices have you made lately?

Waited a year after my pool was installed to do the pool deck.
by ddurrett896
Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Time Snowboarding..Should I?
Replies: 41
Views: 4825

Re: First Time Snowboarding..Should I?

Go for it - plus you get to wear comfortable boots and if you fall, its not a yard sale with equipment all over the mountain.

Take a lesson and I'd probably wear wrist guards the first couple of times. Catching an toe edge and flipping over the front of the board isn't fun!
by ddurrett896
Sat Sep 09, 2023 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gym etiquette [exhausted-put a fork in it]
Replies: 82
Views: 8524

Re: Gym etiquette

Ask to work in - most people really don’t want confrontation.

If that doesn’t work, tell the person you walked in 3 hours ago and super setting the entire gym and was on it first.
by ddurrett896
Wed Aug 09, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of my wallet?
Replies: 101
Views: 10638

Re: Getting rid of my wallet?

10 cards wrapped in two hair ties. Previously was a single hair tie, but on numerous occasions my daughter needed one and I had to finish the day with loose cards in my pocket.

Cash wrapped in a rubber band. Only take when we go to a sporting event, bar, etc.
by ddurrett896
Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports with the least commitments for kids?
Replies: 149
Views: 11279

Re: Sports with the least commitments for kids?

Got kids in gymnastics, karate, baseball and swim. Swim is 100% the most flexible.

Practice is 5 days a week so you can pick and choose what works. Love swim because they learn to operate on a team, but it’s also an individual race - even racing against your old time.
by ddurrett896
Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help: Teen Time Management
Replies: 10
Views: 817

Re: Help: Teen Time Management

JoeNJ28 wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:08 am Maybe try taking something off their plate so they can relax. 25 and college courses. Let them be a kid.
Kid signed up for it and wanted to do it - I can care less about the degree or GPA. Issue isn't the load or demand - it's all easy for her.
by ddurrett896
Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help: Teen Time Management
Replies: 10
Views: 817

Re: Help: Teen Time Management

livesoft wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:01 am They need a job and a boyfriend or girlfriend. Load them up, so that they have no time to manage.
Kid is 15 and works (typically 3 days for 8 hours), takes a summer high school class and takes two colleges classes so she will graduate high school with an associates degree.
by ddurrett896
Tue Jul 25, 2023 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help: Teen Time Management
Replies: 10
Views: 817

Help: Teen Time Management

Have a teen that struggles with time management. Smart and taking college level classes in high school, but waits until the last minute to get work done, constantly sleeps in and gets close to missing the bus, etc.

What gives? Wife and I are super good with time and I've tried everything from reminders to making a schedule in Excel and checking progress throughout the day.

Anyone have a recommendation on what might help? Thanks
by ddurrett896
Mon Jul 17, 2023 5:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is pool ownership worth it?
Replies: 120
Views: 11501

Re: Is pool ownership worth it?

smitcat wrote: Sun Jul 16, 2023 11:27 am "You definitely don't own a pool."
Inaccurate - outdoor shower, pool and spa at the home we are at now.
Then you've got to pay someone to maintain your pool.
by ddurrett896
Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is pool ownership worth it?
Replies: 120
Views: 11501

Re: Is pool ownership worth it?

smitcat wrote: Sun Jul 16, 2023 7:44 am No reason not to have both an outdoor shower and a pool.
You definitely don't own a pool.

I typically do physical work outside in a bathing suit so I can jump in the pool afterwards. Ended up cutting up a bunch of wood yesterday and was covered in saw dust and other misc dirt. I don't have an outdoor shower, but hosed off before jumping in the pool :beer
by ddurrett896
Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get started with camping?
Replies: 86
Views: 6916

Re: How to get started with camping?

What age are your kids? Get them into scouts and get involved. Cub Scouts camp 2-3x/year, boy scouts camp 1x/month.
by ddurrett896
Sat Jun 24, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resolved 7.19.23 Plumbing mystery - Toilet
Replies: 52
Views: 6236

Re: Plumbing mystery - Toilet

rebellovw wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 8:35 am Makes more money that way.
Less labor involved pulling 2 nuts and a toilet.
by ddurrett896
Fri Jun 23, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resolved 7.19.23 Plumbing mystery - Toilet
Replies: 52
Views: 6236

Re: Plumbing mystery - Toilet

My buddy is a plumber and rarely rebuilds toilets. Cheaper to buy a new toilet and swap.
by ddurrett896
Wed Jun 21, 2023 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Location of Safe] in house without basement
Replies: 27
Views: 2911

Re: Safe location in house without basement

Johny Fever wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2023 1:55 pm our handguns and extra loaded clips mags
by ddurrett896
Wed Jun 21, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much time for the second million?
Replies: 57
Views: 13115

Re: How much time for the second million?

25 years for 1st million, 8 years for the 2nd million, 4 years for the 3rd million.
by ddurrett896
Sun Jun 18, 2023 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Needs a Card - Credit or Debit?
Replies: 31
Views: 2771

Child Needs a Card - Credit or Debit?

Have a child that is getting ready to drive and want her to have the ability to swipe a card for gas, etc. Was going to setup a checking account with debit card access thru our Credit Union, but then was advised that adding her as an authorized user to our credit card account could help her credit.

Started the process to add her with Capital One however they don't take minors social security numbers. If that's the case, will there be any positive impact to her credit?

If not, what has worked for yall? Not worried about credit or debit, both would have the ability to cap how much could be spent. Thanks
by ddurrett896
Wed Jun 07, 2023 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?
Replies: 52
Views: 8810

Re: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?

Vote for counter depth here. Family of 5 and have no issues. Only time it starts to get tight is before a party and it always works out fine.
by ddurrett896
Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Teen Child - First Job - Tax?
Replies: 18
Views: 2025

Re: Teen Child - First Job - Tax?

FiveK wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 8:23 pm Have you considered whether to encourage the child to contribute to a Roth IRA (it would have to be a "custodial Roth IRA" but any of Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard would do that)?
Didn't even think about the Roth IRA now that income is earned. Thanks for the heads up!
by ddurrett896
Mon Jun 05, 2023 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Teen Child - First Job - Tax?
Replies: 18
Views: 2025

Teen Child - First Job - Tax?

Have a child that is under 18 and working a summer job with income for the year around $8-$9K. Employer asked if the child wants to withhold federal tax - should I have yes?

Also, what happens at tax time? We will claim child as dependent, does child need to submit their own tax return? Thanks
by ddurrett896
Thu May 18, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swimming Pool maintenance
Replies: 35
Views: 3052

Re: Swimming Pool maintenance

I use a Taylor Service Complete Pool Water Test Kit K-2006C and test....

CYA: once a month
PH: weekly
Alkalinity: weekly
FC: weekly

Plug results into the Pool Math iPhone app and it tell me what to do. Manage the pool with salt, borax, baking sode and muriatic acid.
by ddurrett896
Wed May 03, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strange buzzing coming from inside my wall
Replies: 59
Views: 8658

Re: Strange buzzing coming from inside my wall

Gotta Samsung tv close by? Mine makes a weird buzzing noise when I turn it off.
by ddurrett896
Sun Apr 30, 2023 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time landlord
Replies: 27
Views: 2790

Re: First time landlord

NorCal13 wrote: Fri Apr 28, 2023 12:12 am
  • How to run credit reports on potential tenants? Any other way to do reference checks?
I always asked applicants, "Is there anything that might show up in your background check that would automatically disqualify you? I understand things can happen out of no where (lose job, etc) and want to give you the benefit to explain what happened." Crazy the things they would divulge which always resulted in automatic disqualification.
by ddurrett896
Wed Apr 26, 2023 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b - not sure it's worth it
Replies: 29
Views: 2658

Re: 403b - not sure it's worth it

Around 2008-2009 when I was in my early 20s, my Roth IRA balance was less than my total contributions from the previous 2-3 years.

I still remember the Excel graph I made and the decision to stop contributing for the next 2 years so I wouldn't continue losing. Think the max contribution amount back then was $5K a year....so that $10K would be worth like $50K today.

Best advice I can give: Pick an asset allocation, set contributions, forget about it. End of each year, login and re-balance if needed and increase contribution until you reach the max. And if you need to check your balance, only do it on up days.
by ddurrett896
Thu Apr 06, 2023 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Virginia Beach Shenandoah National Park
Replies: 13
Views: 1542

Re: Virginia Beach Shenandoah National Park

Mr. Rumples wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:20 pm If taking 460, consider eating at the Virginia Diner. Not seafood, but usually good VA cooking. https://www.vadinerrestaurant.com
and if taking 64, eat at Pierce's BBQ right off the interstate.
by ddurrett896
Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Campervan, campershell/truck, camper trailers, etc
Replies: 97
Views: 9505

Re: Campervan, campershell/truck, camper trailers, etc

punkinhead wrote: Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:33 am Plus we get to bring our dog along without worrying about housing that allows pets.
Bingo. This is what pushed us over the edge to get a camper for traveling.
by ddurrett896
Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with contractor issue
Replies: 15
Views: 2712

Re: Help with contractor issue

Need to figure out if the water is coming from the fixture when being used or pan.

Remove the shower head, attach a hose to the shower head arm and run the shower while the water drains to the sink or out a nearby window. If you see water, it's not the pan.

If you don't see water, it's 100% a failure in the pan and it's a rip out and redo.
by ddurrett896
Wed Mar 29, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Riding Lawn Mower
Replies: 40
Views: 3448

Re: Riding Lawn Mower

Got a D100 from Home Depot 10 years ago and the thing is bulletproof. I've got neighbors with commercial grade zero turns mowers that cost twice as much that break at least once a season.
by ddurrett896
Sun Mar 26, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Golf cart for piddling around in yard?
Replies: 57
Views: 4667

Re: Golf cart for piddling around in yard?

Yamaha Drive 2 gas…Fuel injected, independent rear suspension.
by ddurrett896
Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calm small dog breed for family
Replies: 142
Views: 13622

Re: Calm small dog breed for family

French Bulldog
by ddurrett896
Mon Feb 20, 2023 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College costs
Replies: 83
Views: 6805

Re: College costs

- Get job with tuition reimbursement
- Go to community college for associates while working full time
- Transfer to in-state collage for Bachelors while working full time
by ddurrett896
Wed Jan 18, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thoughts on the current housing bubble
Replies: 21
Views: 2299

Re: Thoughts on the current housing bubble

stocknoob4111 wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:56 am Why are we not going to revert to the long term band of 4x-5x income just like it's been in all of history?
Probably never - or at least not until people want to live like those did in the 70s. My neighbor friend grew up in a 2,000 sqft house back then with 7 others (6 kids + 2 adults). Today, a house that size is considered small even for a family of 2-3.
by ddurrett896
Fri Jan 06, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to handle greedy dealer
Replies: 53
Views: 6290

Re: How to handle greedy dealer

I'd offer him $400 now.
by ddurrett896
Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Winterize RV or Not?
Replies: 14
Views: 1232

Re: Winterize RV or Not?

Do it - takes maybe 15 minutes.

Buy the adapter below and thread into city water hookup. Set air compressor to 20 PSI, attach to adapter then open all fixtures - including the toilet and outdoor shower/sink. Once the lines are clear, pull the anode rode out of the water heater and drain the remaining water.

Last, dump some anti freeze down all of the drains.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Brass-Conn ... 219&sr=8-9
by ddurrett896
Fri Dec 02, 2022 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laser Printer Toner
Replies: 27
Views: 1934

Re: Laser Printer Ink

Sandtrap wrote: Fri Dec 02, 2022 7:30 am 4 cartridges?
Sounds like a color inkjet.
What colors?
414A Yellow, Red, Blue, Black
by ddurrett896
Fri Dec 02, 2022 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laser Printer Toner
Replies: 27
Views: 1934

Laser Printer Toner

Need to replace (4) cartridges in my HP laser printer.

Retail price is around $100 with Ebay going as low as $60. Anyone have a recommendation? Thanks!