Search found 95 matches

by sheneron
Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 67
Views: 8260

Re: we have a cat - need help

Second, I would urge to let the cat be a indoor cat. Farm cats have about 1/2 the life span as indoor pets. Even in the city, cats that get let out regularly have a shorter lifespan. Then there is the issue with migratory birds. Agree with this and, in fact, letting a cat roam outside unattended is most likely illegal, just like it is with a dog. It is bizarre how many people just let their cats roam free outside without a car in the world, including for other peoples property. Third, training a cat to be a good indoor cat usually takes less effort than training a dog. What you basically need is a spray bottle to keep them off of the kitchen counter, and the kitchen counter is only a issue if you leave fish out. I wouldn't recommend sprayi...
by sheneron
Sat Nov 14, 2015 7:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How I beat Indexing... in 1 hour
Replies: 89
Views: 21837

Re: How I beat Indexing... in 1 hour

[OT comment removed by admin LadyGeek]
by sheneron
Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Genetic Testing for Job Application
Replies: 29
Views: 5236

Re: Genetic Testing for Job Application

wanderlust14 wrote:
GS wrote:A relative of mine was going to apply for a job at a nationally known company but was told that he and all other applicants would have to submit to genetic testing before their applications were accepted. He refused and went elsewhere. Is this common in the job application process now?
Was the company named Gattaca?
LOL :D.
by sheneron
Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Age 53 / Pay Off Student Loans with Inheritance?
Replies: 50
Views: 8966

Re: Age 53 / Pay Off Student Loans with Inheritance?

Mr. bogleMS pay off this loan!
by sheneron
Wed Nov 11, 2015 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying at Costco with gift cards
Replies: 54
Views: 19810

Re: Paying at Costco with gift cards

Yep, you can get in Costco without a membership using giftcards. We stock up on the lowest denomination and give them to friends who don't have memberships.
by sheneron
Tue Nov 10, 2015 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: norton vs mc afee
Replies: 17
Views: 2035

Re: norton vs mc afee

Why pay for AV software when the software is more annoying than an actual virus? If you feel like you need something just use AVG free. Although, if you stopped using a bad OS like Windows, you wouldn't have this problem.
by sheneron
Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is unused (cell plan) data worth to you?
Replies: 56
Views: 6554

Re: What is unused data worth to you?

johnubc wrote:I am not trying to be snarky here - but do people really need that much data on a monthly basis? What did we do before smart phones? Across 5 phones in my family, we do not come near 1 gig per month, usually down near the 200mb range.
Amazingly, I think many people don't realize they can use wifi instead of data. The fact that Republic wireless used to successfully charge people $5 dollars a month for a plan with unlimited data **OVER WIFI** :oops: should tell you something.
by sheneron
Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is unused (cell plan) data worth to you?
Replies: 56
Views: 6554

Re: What is unused data worth to you?

Yikes, how do you even justify paying $150 a month for a phone :confused? I was paying $10 a month and that was too much for me, so I dropped it to $0 a month with freedompops freemium plan.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 26, 2015 10:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Get ready for crash?
Replies: 34
Views: 6571

Re: Get ready for crash?

warowits wrote:I have to remind myself that with my 30+ year outlook on stocks the most beneficial thing that could happen to me right now is a crash. Then I can get some cheap stocks! When it finally happens I will freak out I am sure, but I will freak out while buying stocks!
+1. I wouldn't freak out, though. I was born in a crash, molded by it. I didn't see a bull market until I was already a man, and by then it was nothing to me.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 26, 2015 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Son had [bicycle] accident [- how to handle claim against him]
Replies: 68
Views: 7968

Re: Son had [bicycle] accident [- how to handle claim against him]

So now that the issue is resolved, how did he hit a parked car?
by sheneron
Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: White Noise/Sleep/Sound Therapy
Replies: 62
Views: 8477

Re: White Noise/Sleep/Sound Therapy

bhsince87 wrote:I've tried many apps, but was never happy with the sounds, even when played through large speakers. But they're a nice cheap way to experiment, so yo might want to try a few.

We eventually settled on this machine:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JU8P8VY

It can switch between various fan noises (which we prefer) or white noises. The fan sounds are very convincing.

It's about the size of two stacked hockey pucks, and can be powered from a USB port, so it's great for travel too.

They occasionally go on sale in the low $40 range.
Interesting... paying more than the cost of a fan for a device that artificially mimics the sound of a fan.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 25, 2015 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of switching from phone to phablet
Replies: 49
Views: 7492

Re: Thinking of switching from phone to phablet

jdb wrote:The marriage made in heaven is the 6+ whatever smartphone and the Apple Watch. With the watch you don't need to extricate the iPhone from pocket when get messages or even phone calls.
[OT comment removed by admin LadyGeek]
by sheneron
Sat Oct 24, 2015 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is a 100% S&P Index fund portfolio all that risky?
Replies: 29
Views: 9190

Re: Is a 100% S&P Index fund portfolio all that risky?

Not risky to me, that's why I go 100% in stocks with a 50/50 split between VTSAX and VTIAX. I am in it to win it, baby. Give me that :moneybag :moneybag.
by sheneron
Sat Oct 24, 2015 7:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Peanut returns [why not try stock picking?]
Replies: 61
Views: 10018

Re: Peanut returns [why not try stock picking?]

Wow, pick the next big gainers... why has no one thought of this :confused. Time to withdraw from my whole life policy...
by sheneron
Fri Oct 23, 2015 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Jim Cramer Loses Big]
Replies: 21
Views: 4994

Re: Jim Cramer Loses Big

In The Weeds wrote:Obvious the "guy" doesn't understand Cramer's method. For one you do not buy all at once. You do "your homework". Buy a starting position. Add to it if it pulls back. Do your homework. Has anything changed? Maybe add some more. Take some gains if it runs a bit. Buy some if it comes in a little.
This is sarcasm, right?
by sheneron
Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How important is international exposure in a portfolio?
Replies: 7
Views: 1232

Re: How important is international exposure in a portfolio?

Bogle826 wrote:With so much uncertainty in places such as China and Europe, when do we actually say, hey look, maybe international exposure is not the way to go, at least for the interim?
As soon as you can predict the future. When you can, PM me.
by sheneron
Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dissuade me from buying art [Kauai]
Replies: 61
Views: 8213

Re: Dissuade me from buying art [Kuaui]

I'm on vacation in Kuaui and my wife and came across an art gallery displaying works of surf-art legend, Steve Valiere. We're taken in with his work and a medium sized piece runs about $3,000-$6,000. While we can afford it, we should probably be saving up for our kid's education (currently one kid less than a year old, and most likely one more to follow), or just investing so we can spend more on memories down the road. We're putting away $45k/year in retirement accounts, and are on track with other retirement accounts I'm conflicted about buying it. It seems like a collosal waste of money. How do I rationalize the purchase? Or not. I'm interested in both pros and cons of the purchase. Take a picture with your phone and print it out at tar...
by sheneron
Wed Oct 21, 2015 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop recommendations for elementary kids
Replies: 24
Views: 2740

Re: Laptop recommendations for elementary kids

pochax wrote:chromebook would be great. my daughter just got a asus chromebook flip. can get a 4GB one for $279 on amazon right now.

she loves it.
Agreed. Get a cheap chromebook. You can probably find one for a little over $100 that would be perfectly fine for children (not to mention half the people on this forum who insist on paying $1500 for a macbook).
by sheneron
Tue Oct 20, 2015 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are your 2 retirement numbers?
Replies: 260
Views: 42658

Re: What are your 2 retirement numbers?

[OT comment removed by admin alex]
by sheneron
Tue Oct 20, 2015 1:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Convincing friends that they are gambling?
Replies: 59
Views: 6727

Re: Convincing friends that they are gambling?

dumbttt wrote:
The Wizard wrote:Those friends don't seem to be asking for help.
Perhaps better to find something more productive to do with your spare time then?
These are very close friends of mine, not some random dude I happen to run into at the bar.
Then the point stands even more.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 19, 2015 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to retire in Florida?
Replies: 165
Views: 34216

Re: Where to retire in Florida?

Why anyone would want to retire in Florida is beyond me. The place is so hot in the summer that you have to do everything before 7am and you are still dripping in sweat. After that, all you can do is sit inside or in a pool for the rest of the day.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 19, 2015 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 24
Views: 3292

Re: subscription clothing (mailed by the month)

:shock: Why do you need new clothes every month?
by sheneron
Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there an ideal age to retire?
Replies: 137
Views: 17375

Re: Is there an ideal age to retire?

As early as dang possible.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 18, 2015 4:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Eliminate International?
Replies: 78
Views: 9103

Re: Index fund facts

visualguy wrote:
sheneron wrote: Says the guy advocating real-estate :oops:
There was never a 15-year (or even 10-year, I believe) period over the last 60 years where real-estate didn't generate a very nice return in the areas that I'm in. There's no comparison to the stock market.
I have a friend whos brother-in-law's uncle's friend beat the stock market with beanie babies.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 18, 2015 3:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Eliminate International?
Replies: 78
Views: 9103

Re: Index fund facts

visualguy wrote:Right, but so what? I think neither indexing nor managed stock funds are the way to go, and wasn't advocating either one. I just don't buy into stock market buy and hold. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, even over long periods of time, such as 15 years.
Says the guy advocating real-estate :oops:
by sheneron
Sun Oct 18, 2015 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Currently have 10 million invested, would appreciate feedback from Bogleheads
Replies: 23
Views: 3634

Re: Currently have 10 million invested, would appreciate feedback from Bogleheads

BusinessMan wrote:As an investor, I'd classify myself as an active manager because I time the markets and have almost always had a concentrated portfolio for my stock position. I've been able to soundly outperform the S&P over the last 15 years. My understanding is Bogleheads firmly believe in indexing and taking a longterm approach. I'm curious as to your thoughts on active management, but more importantly is there anyone on here who happens to be invested in HFT? My guess is no, but I'm very interested in it. If someone is, let's exchange advice.

Thanks.

-BM

INB4 he tries to sell us Whole Life.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 18, 2015 9:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Eliminate International?
Replies: 78
Views: 9103

Re: Eliminate International?

I go 100% equity and 50/50 US/International because I ain't scared. I am in it to win it baby.
by sheneron
Sat Oct 17, 2015 12:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much would you be willing to pay someone to track your finances?
Replies: 41
Views: 5018

Re: How much would you be willing to pay someone to track your finances?

Dulocracy wrote:If I did no do it, I would be willing to pay with personal intimate experiences (I would have my wife do it)
I love "paying" my wife that way as well :wink:
by sheneron
Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...
Replies: 206
Views: 24722

Re: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...

At this point, my wife and I seem to be on the same page on several things (we'll see if the drift apart on things as we get deeper into this), such as: - We both agree that we're not comfortable sending our daughter away to a school in her Freshman year where it's not within a 4-6 hour drive or less. - We both agree that we will decide on a per-year dollar limit that we're comfortable spending, and make it clear to our daughter that if she gets accepted somewhere where it's going to cost more than that (after merit scholarships), then she's going to have to decide whether she wants to (and is able to) take on debt to go there. I do plan to have her take out the full limit of all of the federal loans, but my hope is that we will be able to...
by sheneron
Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hotel costs differ?
Replies: 17
Views: 2029

Re: hotel costs differ?

Hotel room prices, in the developed world at least (I don't have enough direct experience with booking hotels in less-developed areas to say - I've traveled to several but mostly with other people taking care of the booking formalities), are good examples of elasticity (or its absence) in supply and demand . Elasticity refers to changes in quantities of a good or service supplied, and demanded, as its market price changes. Supply of hotel rooms in any vicinity is fairly inelastic. It takes investment and time to build hotels, although in some areas, for example port cities, temporary supply can be brought in (in this example, cruise ships). Demand for hotel rooms varies between elastic and inelastic. Enough people will pay a lot for hotel ...
by sheneron
Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Local movie theater now offers reserved seating. Is this good or bad?
Replies: 37
Views: 6488

Re: Local movie theater now offers reserved seating. Is this good or bad?

AlohaJoe wrote:It costs me $4 to go to a movie. Not too hard to justify.
Whatever helps you sleep at night 8-). Some of us are aiming for early retirement.
by sheneron
Wed Oct 14, 2015 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review - thanks
Replies: 15
Views: 2220

Re: Portfolio review - thanks

Those fees are far to real.
by sheneron
Tue Oct 13, 2015 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Local movie theater now offers reserved seating. Is this good or bad?
Replies: 37
Views: 6488

Re: Local movie theater now offers reserved seating. Is this good or bad?

People still go to the movie theatre? How do you justify that cost?
by sheneron
Tue Oct 13, 2015 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MEN, how do you carry your TABLET when Shopping?
Replies: 75
Views: 10007

Re: MEN, how do you carry your TABLET when Shopping?

stev wrote:When you are on the go and shopping in stores for example, how do you carry your TABLET?
A "man" purse?
Something on a shoulder strap?
On your Belt?
Thanks..
I don't go shopping.
by sheneron
Tue Oct 13, 2015 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I am scared of a bear is it ok to take longer to go in?
Replies: 36
Views: 4735

Re: I am scared of a bear is it ok to take longer to go in?

Pick an AA and put it in. If you can't do this, then you shouldn't be in the market in the first place.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 12, 2015 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Allowance for college kid
Replies: 67
Views: 5964

Re: Allowance for college kid

These college threads get crazier and crazier. I mean, if the $250/month allowance you are giving her is for food (i.e., this is an allowance for groceries) than it seems fine. If this is not for needs, then it is ridiculous. Let her get a job for fun money. Or instead, do like I did, and not get a job and never do anything that costs money 8-)
by sheneron
Mon Oct 12, 2015 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post something you/someone did that made you money (investment, business idea, etc).
Replies: 27
Views: 3972

Re: Post something you/someone did that made you money (investment, business idea, etc).

My automatic monthly contribution into my retirement funds was automatically contributed into my retirement funds 8-).
by sheneron
Mon Oct 12, 2015 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hard to live well and save on $1mm in NYC Metro
Replies: 37
Views: 4075

Re: Hard to live well and save on $1mm in NYC Metro

flyingbison wrote:Oh, good grief. I really hope this post is satire.
My thought exactly. INB4 lock.
by sheneron
Mon Oct 12, 2015 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Six figure salary is not what it used to be-how to save for retirement?
Replies: 89
Views: 15743

Re: Six figure salary is not what it used to be-how to save for retirement?

We have a car payment $250 for our van at 0% and 9 months left. Cars insurance $155 a month. Disability insurance $95 a month. Health insurance $120 a month. Internet and cable $65 a month. Gifts, clothes, supplies $100 a month. Medication and health ins copay $110 a month. Life insurance $65 a month. Cell phones $60 a month. Home maint. $120. Cars maint and registration $75. Restaurants $100. Total about $5400 a month. I don't think we live a luxury lifestyle. We contribute Roth and 401(K)s to the match of our companies 6%. Get rid of cable, get a slower internet speed, get a cheaper cell phone plan, stop eating out, and be more frugal about groceries. There, I just saved you about $3000/year :moneybag . Feel free to throw me a little por...
by sheneron
Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rookie - Need Advice on a Retirement Investment Change
Replies: 6
Views: 931

Re: Rookie - Need Advice on a Retirement Investment Change

Matt MN wrote: My Financial Situation
• $470k in rollover accounts (managed by an advisor w/a 1.3% fee, but that’s a subject for another day)
$12k in a cash emergency fund
1.3% fee, that's gotta hurt. Wonder what he's doing to deserve that. Also, that doesn't look like an emergency fund, that looks like one fun night out :D.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 11, 2015 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...
Replies: 206
Views: 24722

Re: To pay for college education ? Or not ...

Traveller wrote:
MnD wrote:This is correct. My kids check Amazon, Half, eBay, other sites, buy "international" versions that have been imported through the grey market and also it's worth mentioning that someone has put a PDF of virtually every college textbook on offshore sites that care little to nothing about copyright.
That sounds like theft to me. :annoyed
Depends what country you're in 8-). Buying international versions of textbooks, though, is legal and an amazing deal.
by sheneron
Sun Oct 11, 2015 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...
Replies: 206
Views: 24722

Re: To pay for [chidren's] college education? Or not ...

I went to an "elite private school" with strong financial aid. So, if my parents made $200k/year and had taxable assets of >$500k and said, "too bad, you're on your own," I would be a bit annoyed because the reason the total cost is >$60k/year is simply BECAUSE of their wealth/income. If they made an average amount, I'd get to go for free so I'm being penalized by the school for my parent's success and then also by my parents who don't care? Harsh... Seems like part of the reason it was 60k a year is simply because you chose to go to an "elite private school". As stated above, the cost of school itself, at public instate schools, is pretty cheap. The cost of living will not be cheap if you do everything the wa...
by sheneron
Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: early 20s, first learning, could use some help!
Replies: 7
Views: 1235

Re: early 20s, first learning, could use some help!

ahay144 wrote:early 20s, first learning, could use some help!
ahay144 wrote:Hey, my wife and I are in our late 20s,
Somethings not adding up here 8-)
by sheneron
Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who Gets a New iPhone Every Year? Why?
Replies: 62
Views: 9621

Re: Who Gets a New iPhone Every Year? Why?

How can I put this in a boglehead-friendly way so that my post won't get removed...

Apple stinks!
by sheneron
Sat Oct 10, 2015 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to Pick a Fund as a First Time Mutual Fund Investor
Replies: 11
Views: 1545

Re: Trying to Pick a Fund as a First Time Mutual Fund Investor

Japanfan1986 wrote:I have more than six months in savings saved up nd finally want to start investing.
You should have been putting that money in incrementally as it became available, but its better to start late than never.
Japanfan1986 wrote:The ones right now that I am most interested in are VGTSX and VBMFX. VTSMX has my attention as well,
Those are all fine, why not all of them?
Japanfan1986 wrote:VTSMX has my attention as well, but the share prices are too high, which I think would make it a less wise long-term investment than the other two.
VTSMX would probably be one of the best long-term investment you could make; share price does not matter. Seems like you ought to read the the getting started guide :sharebeer
by sheneron
Fri Oct 09, 2015 11:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New investors: how did your first correction go?
Replies: 100
Views: 11361

Re: New investors: how did your first correction go?

There was a correction? Didn't notice. I'm glad to know I got a good deal on some of my automatically scheduled monthly contributions.
by sheneron
Thu Oct 08, 2015 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...
Replies: 206
Views: 24722

Re: To pay for college education ? Or not ...

randomguy wrote: Private school versus public :)
I think you left out the most likely candidate.... homeschool :wink:.
by sheneron
Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To pay for [children's] college education? Or not ...
Replies: 206
Views: 24722

Re: To pay for college education ? Or not ...

Keenobserver wrote:I still hold.my.origional.position that I would invest that total 400k and wait.until.kids finish college. They have to demonstrate that they are worthy. College and education.is a privilage, not something to be squandered.or.to.be taken as granted.
Why do you put periods in the middle of your sentence? :confused
by sheneron
Wed Oct 07, 2015 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Saying Thanks
Replies: 12
Views: 1670

Re: Saying Thanks

You're welcome.