Search found 385 matches

by j9j
Tue Jan 23, 2024 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6305

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

Incredibly use for finding my iPhone where I last put in the house.

On a more serious note, it can warn you of excessively loud environments, abnormal heart rates, assist in fall detection/alerting.

I don’t like the battery life but it’s useful has replaced my ‘fancy’ watches.
by j9j
Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Filing for divorce. How to pay for it and other advice?
Replies: 50
Views: 7645

Re: Filing for divorce. How to pay for it and other advice?

dekecarver wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 4:10 pm If at all possible try to and agree to keep in amicable. Work through mediation/no fault/no contest; you and your spouse will have more on each side taking this route vs going at each other tooth and nail. Also keep this in mind, you have a child and if all is on good terms towards the divorce, why give up a large portion of your marital savings/investments to the legal system and devoiding your child's needs vs paying for someone else's?
This. Dont contribute to a contentious divorce. Only the divorce lawyer gains.
by j9j
Sat Dec 09, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wondering What To Do Rental Property Mortgage
Replies: 3
Views: 596

Re: Wondering What To Do Rental Property Mortgage

It’s actually to the banks benefit that it is owner occupied. I would pause contacting them and proceed with what is best for you(movein/rent again) then decide if you need to do anything.
by j9j
Thu Nov 23, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Sienna - Another New or Used Vehicle Decision Point
Replies: 22
Views: 3088

Re: Toyota Sienna - Another New or Used Vehicle Decision Point

If you can find a new one without dealer markups/addons, go that route. Good to have new with clear history if you going to keep it 200k miles. Also,Current gen gets 35mpg.
by j9j
Wed Nov 22, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review and Qs for single millenial CA renter
Replies: 17
Views: 2279

Re: Portfolio review and Qs for single millenial CA renter

You seem to be in pretty good shape overall.

This thread is getting a bit complex.

I would get out of Star fund because it is in taxable. Figure if selling part this year and rest next year makes sense tax wise.

Put the taxable proceeds in the vanguard money market fund that exempts you from Cali state tax.

Take a breather for 3-6 months and read the wiki and the boglehead commonsense ebook.
by j9j
Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unlocked iPhone 15 Pro Deals
Replies: 27
Views: 4602

Re: Unlocked iPhone 15 Pro Deals

I would not put my hopes up on any discount with current gen phones from the big three providers. They want to lock you in with higher priced plans and 3 year device payment credits.

I just bite the bullet and pay full price for unlocked phones. A good suggestion a above is if you are not needing the extra camera lens then a iPhone 15 instead of a pro would
Be a nice upgrade from 12.
by j9j
Wed Oct 25, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gym and Personal Trainer switch-a-roo issue
Replies: 28
Views: 4114

Re: Gym and Personal Trainer switch-a-roo issue

Gyms sales are up there with car dealers. I think your first experience was atypical and the more recent strikes are the norm with big gyms.

Check your contract, I would think they would refund the personal training fees but not the prepaid membership.
by j9j
Tue Oct 24, 2023 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please educate me. Are all USB-c cables the same?
Replies: 20
Views: 2532

Re: Please educate me. Are all USB-c cables the same?

Some great replies already in the thread. To sum a bit:

- usbc cables are not all the same.
- usbc is a physical port standard
- charging speeds vary between cables
- data transfer speeds vary between cables
- protocol support(thunderbolt, usb 3.x, usb4). Varies between cables.
- 99% of cables do not have markings to indicate the above!
by j9j
Tue Oct 24, 2023 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?
Replies: 55
Views: 6405

Re: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?

I see an even split on pros/cons with both cars. The Honda hybrid will have good mileage, good power for its class, is roomy for its size. Seems if Crosstour worked for you then crv should be at least as good in the snow.

The outback is bigger, probably comparable to your Crosstour size and has the advantage for the snowy road driving.

Gotta big which attributes are at the top fo your list.
by j9j
Tue Oct 24, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace tires on car I’m about to sell?
Replies: 20
Views: 2636

Re: Replace tires on car I’m about to sell?

Just get the one tire that matches. You will get zero from carvana-type and maybe some value in private party sale but not enough to warrant it.
by j9j
Tue Oct 24, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515330

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

srt7 wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:10 am Mortgage rates by itself is fine. We have seen 15% rates a few decades ago so 8% isn't all that shocking. The problem is when you couple it with the high prices of houses. That's when it starts to become unaffordable for many.

A house bought in 1985 for $50K at 15% interest rate is very different when that same house is now being sold at $500K but 8% rates.
This combination along with low inventory(people with 3% mortgages)band low wage growth is the perfect storm. I can not see this changing much in the near future. Maybe a 2008/9 meltdown will erode some of the recent house appreciation.
by j9j
Sat Oct 21, 2023 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expat job or just take long trips?
Replies: 15
Views: 2218

Re: Expat job or just take long trips?

If the destination assignment was family friendly then go for it. It is an hassle but probably be last chance as tougher to uproot kids when they are approaching teenage years.
by j9j
Fri Oct 20, 2023 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?
Replies: 48
Views: 5316

Re: Should I trade in my BMW X5 for Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited?

Two very different cars very different driving dynamics. If you reliability is at the top of the list then hard to beat a brand new Toyota. Although, I would but 2nd or 3rd year of any new generation.
by j9j
Thu Oct 19, 2023 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Conundrum in talking with bosses prior to home purchase
Replies: 40
Views: 4756

Re: Conundrum in talking with bosses prior to home purchase

Don’t talk to your corporate bosses on personal items. Nothing good cns come of this.

Determine if you have enough savings to last the time from a layoff to finding suitable employment.
by j9j
Sun Oct 15, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
Replies: 40
Views: 3726

Re: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV

Roku ultra or if you want better sound, the Roku speakerbar. I have both on different TVs. Roku remote works my tv power and volume. No overheating, no glitches and fastest of the Roku offerings. I previously had Apple TV and prefer the Roku interface and remote.
by j9j
Sat Oct 07, 2023 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pulling the Early Retirement Trigger - 39M and Worrier by Nature
Replies: 76
Views: 12032

Re: Pulling the Early Retirement Trigger - 39M and Worrier by Nature

Fantastic setup, plenty of buffer plus you were comfortable in 2008 and 2020. Go for it and enjoy the kids. You can go back to work when they are 15 and don’t want to spend time;)
by j9j
Wed Oct 04, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going all in on VYM/SCHD?
Replies: 57
Views: 7509

Re: Going all in on VYM/SCHD?

In my tax advantaged accounts, I have been building quite a bit in schd from my VTI dividends. Probably build up some value to match the international % in the portfolio.
by j9j
Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed
Replies: 158
Views: 37394

Re: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed

I am sorry to hear that. Thank you for taking time to share some of the information on the will and POD accounts.
by j9j
Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE Debating quitting with no new job lined up - possible FIRE?
Replies: 72
Views: 12475

Re: Debating quitting with no new job lined up - possible FIRE?

That stressful situation sucks but you can definitely handle it in multiple ways. If you are ok with quitting, don’t.

Just park back your workload to what improves your mental and physical health. This includes spending time looking for another job. If the bosses don’t like they get laid off with a smile on your face as you are set for nice break/retirement.
by j9j
Tue Oct 03, 2023 4:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: we may be close to a bottom
Replies: 36
Views: 4135

Re: we may be close to a bottom

I think the bottom would be preceded by several RBD and not this slow trickle. Q1 2020 is still fresh on my mind.
by j9j
Sun Oct 01, 2023 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car- four kids
Replies: 35
Views: 4328

Re: New car- four kids

For 50k and not wanting another minivan, the Pilot and grand highlander would be good options. The pilot does not have hybrid option so expect mixed mileage to be around 19mpg. Both a much roomier than the highlander.
by j9j
Mon Sep 25, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: selling rental home
Replies: 12
Views: 1698

Re: selling rental home

johnubc wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2023 7:05 am What does the contract say? If it ain't in the contract, it ain't a thing. You did not list the property for sale with the broker. I would just private sale it - title company, lawyer - and be done with it.
This. The management company has made enough money from you already.
by j9j
Fri Sep 22, 2023 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early
Replies: 118
Views: 16314

Re: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early

I’d talk to my spouse on setting 6 month or 1 year checkpoints then keep grinding.
by j9j
Tue Sep 19, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your experience selling a car to a dealer / CarMax / Carvana
Replies: 50
Views: 7176

Re: Your experience selling a car to a dealer / CarMax / Carvana

I’ve sold two vehicles to Carmax. Each of sale was almost 15 apart. Both times the experience with Carmax was fair price, expedient and best of all no hassle. Carmax and Discount tire are two businesses that have consistently been well-run.
by j9j
Sun Sep 17, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPad purchase considerations (lower/entry level)
Replies: 27
Views: 2084

Re: iPad purchase considerations (lower/entry level)

dukeblue219 wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 7:00 am Here's a vote against refurbished - a refurbished 8th Gen iPad with 128GB is $349. 9th Gen 256Gb refurbished is $409.

Brand new 9th Gen 64GB have been as low as $250 and are today $279 at Amazon. 256 is 399 and sometimes gets to 379ish.

So, while refurbished iPads used to be a great deal when you could never ever find a new one on sale, the value isn't there anymore.
Agree with this post.

OP use case sounds similar to mine. I have the 9th gen iPad 64gb and I think I did get it for $250. I upgraded from air 2 16gb which was no longer supported by Apple.
by j9j
Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone 15, 14, or keep 12
Replies: 16
Views: 1435

Re: iPhone 15, 14, or keep 12

Better camera is usually my motivation and usually get get the new version every other year.

If you don’t take pictures and your current phone has no issues then I do not see much reason to upgrade. Unless you started using a bunch of new apps that storage should be ok until next iPhone version is out.
by j9j
Sun Sep 10, 2023 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Me Choose a City/Job Scenario
Replies: 27
Views: 2570

Re: Help Me Choose a City/Job Scenario

This is a tough call. If you had 2 plus kids I would lean towards option #2.

Would option #1 be a better job title/position. I.e gain experience and leverage a better job in a few years in your preferred location.

Also don’t buy a house at least the first year, rent.
by j9j
Mon Sep 04, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SUV 3 row hybrid vs electric
Replies: 25
Views: 2031

Re: SUV 3 row hybrid vs electric

Grand Highlander is for the anti-minivan folks that need the minivan space. Except for maybe being the first year model, I doubt you could go wrong with the Hybrid version of it.
by j9j
Fri Sep 01, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Struggling with next steps for real estate
Replies: 20
Views: 2468

Re: Struggling with next steps for real estate

I would not do any major capital projects in a home unless I planned to be there for at least another five years, preferably ten. A buyer is going to know the kitchen is old and the roof needs replacement, so figure that in and price accordingly. If the kitchen and roof were new would you and your soon-to-be spouse want to live there for ten years? If not, you already have an answer to your question. Sell, net 200-250K and figure out where to land. Just take your time. No it's not a great time to buy right now. WIll it be better a year from now? You don't know. Just don't overextend yourself and it'll be fine. I would echo this advice. I also had a townhome (similar price range) that needed some major updates(kitchen, bath, hvac). I weight...
by j9j
Wed Aug 09, 2023 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $900+ Plumber Bill for 1 Hour Work
Replies: 81
Views: 9022

Re: $900+ Plumber Bill for 1 Hour Work

If they performed the work as quoted and satisfactorily, I don't see any issue. What's the complaint? They did the job too quickly? Equating complexity to the time it took is a fool's errand. Maybe I can see an argument for the $475 from the chimney company. If you specifically told them to remove the connection from the quote and not to do it.. The complaint was the plumbing company said the job would take much longer than it actually did. They either inflated the quote or were not competent enough to know how long the work takes (they saw photos and if they couldn't tell from the photos, they shouldn't have given a quote). I do a lot of DIY and know things can vary from what you originally thought. But this is a professional and a variat...
by j9j
Wed Aug 09, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mailing in paper I-bond for conversion to electronic form
Replies: 54
Views: 9022

Re: Mailing in paper I-bond for conversion to electronic form

Good suggestion to check spam. I also mailed some for conversation last month and got notification it arrived about a week later. The email said it would take up to 20 weeks for conversion instead 13.
by j9j
Wed Aug 02, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrade Tesla Model Y
Replies: 132
Views: 10780

Re: Upgrade Tesla Model Y

I think it is a valid path if it only costs 10k after tradein and tax credit. The fit and finish has improved every year and 2023 model has a more comfortable suspension. Plus new car with 4 years is full warranty.
by j9j
Thu Jul 20, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it safe to use TEMU website for shopping? Not the phone app
Replies: 23
Views: 13835

Re: Is it safe to use TEMU website for shopping? Not the phone app

I have used the website to order without any issues. Their shipping estimates have been on point.

The negative is everything is very cheap quality. It’s a great place for kids party favors and water balloons. Everything else I would not reorder.
by j9j
Wed Jul 19, 2023 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a car, mid-2023. Experiences? Best strategy?
Replies: 45
Views: 5001

Re: Buying a car, mid-2023. Experiences? Best strategy?

OP, Your datapoints are on point. The only good deal is new Tesla if you can qualify for the tax credit. Next new Toyotas if you can actually find them at msrp.

I haven’t been looking at used luxury cars like bmws but used cars in general so so close to new, makes little sense.
by j9j
Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying 2023honda crv hybrid sport questions
Replies: 4
Views: 932

Re: Buying 2023honda crv hybrid sport questions

Pricing is right at msrp if you shop around a bit. No need to pay markup if you can wait for the model you want to come in(usually 2 months).
by j9j
Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is this move to NYC worth it?
Replies: 109
Views: 9240

Re: Is this move to NYC worth it?

ny_rn wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:05 am “I know I'd definitely be having more fun and better quality of life in NYC…”

This is the only thing that matters.

Money wise, you’ll be fine.
+1 to this especially at 26
by j9j
Mon Jun 12, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Sienna XLE - fair price in this market?
Replies: 14
Views: 2235

Re: 2023 Sienna XLE - fair price in this market?

Buy it. Not going to find a bette deal this year.
by j9j
Fri Jun 09, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stay in easy (but volatile) WFH gig? Or be proactive about my future?
Replies: 20
Views: 2075

Re: Stay in easy (but volatile) WFH gig? Or be proactive about my future?

If you survived that many layoff rounds then seems you will employed until at November. So no need to jump immediately. It is kinda nice having a cush schedule with young kids so that is one benefit. If you have little confidence in the company then I would leverage your experience and current salary into a new opportunity.

Use the current downtime to brush up on any skills/training and start some interviews. This will get you into job hunt mode and hopefully everything gets times well by end of year.
by j9j
Wed Jun 07, 2023 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printers in 2023?
Replies: 60
Views: 4621

Re: Printers in 2023?

I bought a cartridgeless Epson (it uses inktanks you just refill from a bottle). At the time they were guaranteeing not to run out of ink for 3 years and I indeed still have extra bottles of ink. Cartridges are definitely a rip off. Looks like the one I bought (ST-3000) has been discontinued. This was a couple of years ago and I haven't followed the market but if I was in the market I would look at ink tank printers. I'll second this recommendation for the Epson ink tank printer line. I do product reviews for BestBuy's TechInsiderNetwork and did a review on this product. I was so impressed with pringer and the low cost of the bottled ink that they use that I actually purchased a second one. Here's a link: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/epson...
by j9j
Sun May 28, 2023 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deferring a bonus for a guaranteed return?
Replies: 17
Views: 1111

Re: Deferring a bonus for a guaranteed return?

Carguy85 wrote: Sun May 28, 2023 11:40 am Well 100% in agreement thus far. My wife also says I should take it now. Just needed a reality check I suppose.
I would be surprised to hear anything different on this board. Also you stated it’s a 2-3k advantage. Take it now.
by j9j
Sat May 27, 2023 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy 2023 Honda Odyssey or wait for 2024 model?
Replies: 19
Views: 4200

Re: Buy 2023 Honda Odyssey or wait for 2024 model?

Blue456 wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 3:46 pm Anyway to get Toyota Sequoia without 12 month wait time?
Not without stumbling into a dealership(the exact moment)that has one that someone canceled on.

I echo the comment above in your situation go with a 2023. It doesn’t sounds you cns wait for the 2025 model year.
by j9j
Fri May 26, 2023 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Sienna - Any Port Installed Options Worth Keeping?
Replies: 25
Views: 2290

Re: Toyota Sienna - Any Port Installed Options Worth Keeping?

Absolutely decline the quick charge cable. Most overpriced item in the list.
by j9j
Tue May 16, 2023 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travelling to Australia Melbourne vs Brisbane
Replies: 5
Views: 629

Re: Travelling to Australia Melbourne vs Brisbane

Brisbane is a very nice city to live and work. It also is a nice city to visit but I would not pick it over Melbourne.
by j9j
Fri Apr 28, 2023 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Helping kids buy a home
Replies: 182
Views: 14998

Re: Helping kids buy a home

A large down payment does make the 950k affordable on 225k income but to klangs point, that does not make it a good idea. I can see where being the ‘poorest’ family in the neighborhood can create intangibles that negativity affect kids.
by j9j
Sun Apr 23, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who is right? Me or the wife? (Business class tickets)
Replies: 193
Views: 17799

Re: Who is right? Me or the wife? (Business class tickets)

I am frugal person and you convinced me the splurge for business class is worth the $1100/per seat upcharge. That is actually a great rate and worth it for international flights. Better food and drinks too along with laying flat is worth it. You have enough so this will not make a dent in your future savings.
by j9j
Fri Apr 21, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me decide when to go EV
Replies: 145
Views: 12707

Re: Help me decide when to go EV

It really is a want, an understandable as the acceleration and tech are very appealing.

That being said doubling insurance and providing the Prius(even better it has dents) to your child in 3 years would make be vote no in the tsla.
by j9j
Sun Mar 19, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: A decade on Bogleheads!
Replies: 22
Views: 2388

Re: A decade on Bogleheads!

That’s awesome. What minivan did you wind up with? Maybe a follow-up posts how you achieved 3 million in ten years ;)
by j9j
Fri Mar 10, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting without 2 weeks notice or a new job
Replies: 116
Views: 13022

Re: Quitting without 2 weeks notice or a new job

I would work extremely hard for approximately 40 hours a week, take PTO when desired, and make them fire my a@# if they don't like it. After the work day is done, fully on my own time and my own IT equipment, I would look for a job. I've never been fired, but it might be fun if one is willing to quit anyway. I do not suggest "quiet quitting" as such. Just do a fantastic job while maintaining critical distance and personal boundaries. Do nothing you consider unethical, and be willing to watch the company burn if putting out the first requires a personal toll. In other words, it's OK to be reasonable and have boundaries even if you are surrounded by people who forgot that. This is what I would advise too. Document in a status repor...
by j9j
Sat Mar 04, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About to spend 52k for a 2023 Sienna out the door - tell me it’s going to be okay
Replies: 55
Views: 6701

Re: About to spend 52k for a 2023 Sienna out the door - tell me it’s going to be okay

I’m paying MSRP MSRP = $43,445 Roof racks, roof rails, spare tire, integrated dash cam, mud guards, paint protection, body side moulding, all weather mats, illuminated door sills, shipping and handling = $5285 Taxes title plate = $3275 There is no dealer adjustment. There are a few “optional” items I could’ve done with out but again, I feel I’m in no position to bargain and I don’t want to pass on this Sienna to save $1500-2000 and wait for I don’t even know how long for another one. Thanks for all the responses. I’m feeling good about moving forward with the purchase! :sharebeer You are getting gouged. Those addons are usually negotiated down to below msrp in normal times(precovid). That being said everyone is being gouged. If you need it...
by j9j
Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washer and Dryer (Costco and Home Depot)
Replies: 24
Views: 4484

Re: Washer and Dryer (Costco and Home Depot)

I bought a washer and dryer from Home Depot in 2021 and had them deliver and install. Delivery was included in the cost of the washer and dryer. The delivery subcontractor picked them up from the Home Depot on the day of delivery and brought them to the house. Delivery occured on time and install took 15 minutes. I did pay $30 for stainless steel washer hoses, $28 for a dryer power cord, and $25 for dryer ducting which I paid for at the time of purchasing the washer and dryer. They arrived with the washer and dryer. You might be able to get these cheaper somewhere else but it was more convenient for me to buy everything all together. Make sure your get the correct dryer powerccord. Look at your dryer outlet and count the prongs. Is it 3-pr...