Search found 521 matches

by gmc4h232
Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2311

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

Treated lumber is garbage these days ever since they got rid of the arsenic.
by gmc4h232
Thu Feb 01, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement [Return To Office]
Replies: 128
Views: 9759

Re: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement

My suggestion on what to do might depend on your retirement trajectory. Are you aiming to retire early, say by 50? Or planning to work much longer than that? If aiming to retire early (and on track), I might suggest trying to stick it out. Remote work seems to be another item that employers want to use for whatever benefit they can get out of it. Booming economy and can't find talent? Offer remote work as an incentive to attract and retain people. Oh, the economic picture might be looking rough? Pull the remote work rug out from under your staff and use it as a tool to force people out the door w/out paying severance and/or unemployment benefits. Employers are ruthless. Stuff like this is one reason why we save as much as we can and we're ...
by gmc4h232
Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Please poke holes in our early retirement plan
Replies: 45
Views: 7327

Re: Please poke holes in our early retirement plan

We retired almost 6 yrs ago after just turning 51. Never really thought about early retirement back then. Just focused on my career and raising out family. You are way ahead of the game, don't forget to enjoy the journey with your family. Best of luck to you. I retired early at around 50, and agree 100000% with this. What you want at age 30 or so is likely to be completely unrecognizable to what you want at age 50. Good on you for planning ahead, but it's probably better to think in terms of creating options and flexibility for your future self than to plan on early retirement that far away. Definitely would recommend not underestimating how much things can change in the next decade plus... See above Early retirement goals are great, but d...
by gmc4h232
Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Benefit of not using a 529
Replies: 124
Views: 11171

Re: Benefit of not using a 529

I have not investigated it, but my brother is gifting appreciated stock to his children once 18 to pay for college. He claims it avoids cap gain taxes altogether, but will count against his lifetime gifting exemption once exceed 17k/ yr X 2 (gifting amount permissible per year per parent without having any effect). I plan to investigate further as I’m not sure all of my children will attend college. I believe the cost basis is transferred with the gift, and when the child sells it they will have to pay the capital gains tax. This could be advantageous if they are in a lower tax bracket, but I don't think it will avoid capital gains tax "altogether". Also, if your child is still a dependent of yours, I am not so sure this will avo...
by gmc4h232
Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal
Replies: 152
Views: 28830

Re: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal

Some examples: 1. I can't stand buying small things we don't strictly need at home. Holiday decorations, paintings, fancy clothing, etc. I can afford them. I can afford to buy lots of them. But I can't psychologically get myself to feel good about consuming them. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THEM? WHAT GOOD ARE THEY? 2. I cringe at the idea of hiring people to clean up my mess. I feel terrible when I have housekeepers in to clean our place. I would rather clean out my own toilets than let someone else do it -- as grueling as the work can be. THATS BECAUSE YOU'RE A GOOD PERSON WITH ENOUGH GUMPTION TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF 3. I do virtually all home improvement work myself (except for the stuff that requires licensed contractors or is particularly d...
by gmc4h232
Wed Oct 11, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 questions in VA
Replies: 17
Views: 1215

Re: 529 questions in VA

If you already have accounts at VA529, what is your reasoning of opening others at Fidelity? Seems like you are just adding unnecessary complexity with no real benefit. You can take the 4k in VA state tax deduction for every contribution to every account owner/beneficiary/investment permutation. Im not aware of an upper limit, but I could be wrong. So in theory you can open multiple accounts with different owners/beneficiariesinvestment to use up the funds you have and you can change the beneficiary at any time. Im sure there are caveats, but in general if i have $48k to invest i could set up the following accounts: Wife FBO Husband - Investment #1 - $4k Husband FBO Wife - Investment #1- $4k Wife FBO Child #1 - Investment #1-$4k Husband FBO...
by gmc4h232
Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rooftop Antenna Installation
Replies: 72
Views: 6045

Re: Rooftop Antenna Installation

How can you stand to watch commercial tv these days with all the streaming options available?
by gmc4h232
Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [HOA issue - Excessive water usage]
Replies: 32
Views: 3403

Re: Urgent HOA issue

Econberkeley wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:06 pm However, one of the tenants complained that because sprinklers stopped watering, his house foundation sinked a little bit.
This doesn’t make any sense. His foundation sinks if the grass isn’t watered? Did he build his house out of sponges?
by gmc4h232
Sat Jul 29, 2023 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Termination of Solo 401k Plan - Need Help
Replies: 36
Views: 3763

Re: Termination of Solo 401k Plan - Need Help

Are you sure you have to terminate the plan because your sole proprietorship isn’t earning any income? I know you can’t contribute to it without income, but not certain that you have to terminate the plan because of this.

You may want to for other reasons. If so, disregard.
by gmc4h232
Sun Jul 23, 2023 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about handling of parent's estate
Replies: 89
Views: 7822

Re: Question about handling of parent's estate

My understanding is that a TOD agreement supersedes a will so you may need to review these if they exist as well.
by gmc4h232
Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card rewards vs hassle factor
Replies: 149
Views: 15887

Re: Credit card rewards vs hassle factor

If credit card companies can reward you with 2% cash back, just imagine how much money they are making on folks that aren’t paying the card off every month.

While we’re sitting here thinking that doesn’t apply to me because I pay my balance, think about how much more you spend on plastic than you do if you had to pay in cold hard cash. I bet it’s more than 2%.
by gmc4h232
Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raised bed irrigation recommendations
Replies: 13
Views: 1717

Re: Raised bed irrigation recommendations

Dont you have a neighbor that can water for you while on vacation?
by gmc4h232
Mon Apr 24, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To mulch or not to mulch and an overall pretty bad soil
Replies: 27
Views: 3321

Re: To mulch or not to mulch and an overall pretty bad soil

Soil wants to be covered. If you don’t cover it (mulch), nature will cover it for you (weeds). You can build your soil by adding organic material like previous posters have suggested. If this is for your vegetable garden, try cover cropping.

Good soil is a living thing and it will build itself over time as long as it’s planted and plants are photosynthesizing and growing roots in the soil.

Unfortunately what society thinks a yard should look like with short green grass and manicured hedges with high chemical and fertilizer needs is exacerbating erosion, runoff and water pollution
by gmc4h232
Sat Mar 25, 2023 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stationary bikes
Replies: 49
Views: 5362

Re: Stationary bikes

Get a used airdyne
by gmc4h232
Wed Mar 22, 2023 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bad Work Situation Pushing me into retirement.
Replies: 182
Views: 22276

Re: Bad Work Situation Pushing me into retirement.

I feel your pain - roughly same age, same assets, same kids. My number to walk away is $4M. I’m encouraged by the other threads that talk about how much quicker subsequent millions accumulate than the first, and I look forward to getting some momentum back in the stock market.

I think you find another job that hopefully comes with a big raise. That should get you through another couple years. Then you will be due for a midlife crisis, which you can satisfy with early retirement.
by gmc4h232
Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33110

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

I dont normally wear a watch, but when I do, it's an Oris Divers Sixty Five
by gmc4h232
Sun Jan 22, 2023 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor furnitures that last a lifetime
Replies: 18
Views: 1680

Re: Outdoor furnitures that last a lifetime

McKinnon and Harris
by gmc4h232
Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mysterious dripping sound in ceiling **SOLVED!**
Replies: 64
Views: 21123

Re: Mysterious dripping sound in ceiling

Are your gutters full of debris and you're hearing water slowly dripping down the downspout?
by gmc4h232
Sun Jan 01, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much does a FICO score matter
Replies: 53
Views: 5287

Re: How much does a FICO score matter

FICO score means nothing. Think of it as a score in a video game which is also meaningless. The whole purpose of keeping score is to get you to keep playing the game…
by gmc4h232
Mon Dec 12, 2022 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grandma's wishes
Replies: 35
Views: 4831

Re: Grandma's wishes

Are we sure the car no longer exists? Just because a car is totalled doesn't mean it no longer exists. Have your husband buy the car from the insurance company and fix it if he wants the car. I doubt any siblings would object and the family harmony would be preserved.
by gmc4h232
Mon Aug 29, 2022 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. that are a good value for the money
Replies: 51
Views: 5234

Re: Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. that are a good value for the money

I just bought a brick of Irish spring original scent after finally finishing a brick of dove bars. I swear they’ve changed the scent. Much more perfumey now. Maybe due to supply chain issues? Anybody else notice this?
by gmc4h232
Sat Aug 20, 2022 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Doing the "Big Things" Right
Replies: 59
Views: 8146

Re: Doing the "Big Things" Right

stoptothink wrote: Sat Aug 20, 2022 6:40 am As maybe the most frugal poster on this board
Them's fightin words around here!
by gmc4h232
Sun Aug 07, 2022 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Electrical Outlet question
Replies: 46
Views: 4690

Re: Home Electrical Outlet question

Agree with previous poster that based on the questions you’re asking, it doesn’t sound like electrical work is for you. Both receptacles are compatible.

Did you test the receptacle in question before taking everything apart?

Did you confirm that this is a 15A circuit and not a 20A?
by gmc4h232
Tue Aug 02, 2022 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening 2022
Replies: 144
Views: 15045

Re: Gardening 2022

sevenseas wrote: Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:58 pm
gmc4h232 wrote: Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:16 am Where are yall buying fall planted bulbs? looking for large quantities at the best price. I see some places online are offering fall preorders at the moment.
I've never compared prices so don't know where they fall, but I've had a good experience with Colorblends (tulip and daffodil bulbs). Their bulb quality is top notch and they offer a great selection and large quantities. I've also gotten good quality Oriental lily tubers from John Scheepers (who also have an extensive bulb catalog).
Thanks for the tip. Ive been looking at tulipworld. They are running some preorder sales. Looks like a mixed bag on their quality based on reviews.
by gmc4h232
Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening 2022
Replies: 144
Views: 15045

Re: Gardening 2022

Where are yall buying fall planted bulbs? looking for large quantities at the best price. I see some places online are offering fall preorders at the moment.
by gmc4h232
Wed Jul 13, 2022 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Concrete Counter Tops
Replies: 7
Views: 1038

Re: DIY Concrete Counter Tops

use the fiber reinforced crack resistant mix as well as some wire reinforcement and keep it hydrated while it cures for the first 7 days and it should be fine
by gmc4h232
Wed Jul 13, 2022 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Continuing to Convert Traditional to Roth
Replies: 25
Views: 2757

Re: Continuing to Convert Traditional to Roth

As others have mentioned, projected RMD calculations is the biggest thing to consider.

Some of the other implications are the same for all folks trying to control their level of income to avoid various financial consequences. Here are a few that come to mind:
-IRMAA
-ACA Subsidies
-LT Cap Gains Tax Bracket
-Taxability of SS benefits
-Age Deduction - (Virginia specific)
by gmc4h232
Tue Jun 28, 2022 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Potentially buying new car- sticker shock
Replies: 41
Views: 3983

Re: Potentially buying new car- sticker shock

Here is situation- First child due in December. Wife currently drives a 2009 Toyota Yaris with about 150k miles. Car has been flawless, no issues whatsoever. With it getting up in miles and a baby on the way (want the new safety features) we were wanting to buy a new Toyota RAV4. (Will not be trading Yaris). Don't think you need a new car, it's want, based on emotions of new child expected arrival clouding your rational part of brain. Happened to us way back, popped $25k in cash on a new shiny minivan, price haggle and all that good stuff, but still think that money should not have been spent then instead should have bought a used car/suv for a lot cheaper. I will continue driving the Yaris, it sounds like it's in fine condition, 150k mile...
by gmc4h232
Mon Jun 27, 2022 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scaring away mockingbirds
Replies: 40
Views: 4168

Re: Scaring away mockingbirds

Been there...good luck

White noise machine or a shotgun are the 2 things that immediately come to mind.
by gmc4h232
Fri Jun 24, 2022 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Antique Dutch Onion Bottles
Replies: 7
Views: 819

Re: Antique Dutch Onion Bottles

If you are on facebook, join some metal detecting groups and ask those guys. Some specialize in glass like that. There may also be some glass digging specific groups.
by gmc4h232
Sat Jun 04, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re Retirement "I wish I'd known..."
Replies: 299
Views: 54681

Re: Re Retirement "I wish I'd known..."

After I retired and seriously started understanding my finances I discovered that I could have retired a lot earlier! Exactly the same for me. In all reality, you don't need a zillion dollars to retire comfortably. I wish I would have went about 4-5 years earlier. Bob Yup. If I'd known, I could have been gone years sooner. It's not that I didn't do the planning or understand, in general, the reduction in certain expenses, it's just that there were things I didn't realize. For example, I had time to do things myself that when I was working I would pay people to do. Getting a pet cat would make a decision to travel more difficult. This is true, except for us it was a dog. Once the dog passed on, travel became much more spontaneous. I find it...
by gmc4h232
Wed Jun 01, 2022 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: high paying blue-collar careers
Replies: 59
Views: 6387

Re: high paying blue-collar careers

Flashes1 wrote: Wed Jun 01, 2022 5:04 pm Welders make big money and I see signs around town for "lathe operators" which I'm not entirely sure what they do but I believe a lot of them deal in high tech manufacturing.
Lathe operators are always in demand because they experience a lot of turnover.......get it?
by gmc4h232
Fri May 27, 2022 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling / cooking gadget recommendations
Replies: 57
Views: 4705

Re: Grilling / cooking gadget recommendations

Just buy them some meat.

They probably already have a thermometer.
by gmc4h232
Wed May 25, 2022 6:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "experienced" investors: is this time different?
Replies: 377
Views: 54112

Re: "experienced" investors: is this time different?

Americans' attention span is limited and economic activity would come back regardless
This
by gmc4h232
Tue Apr 19, 2022 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Saving for a new infant (529 or other?)
Replies: 9
Views: 1269

Re: Saving for a new infant (529 or other?)

4nursebee wrote: Tue Apr 19, 2022 7:24 am Current infant born to a couple we suspect is not as financially responsible as they might be in the future.
Curious what makes you think they are destined to change?

Are you related to this couple?
by gmc4h232
Mon Apr 18, 2022 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disposing of foam mattress -- can I cut it up with an electric saw?
Replies: 32
Views: 5536

Re: Disposing of foam mattress -- can I cut it up with an electric saw?

tibbitts wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 7:04 pm It seems like the bigger challenge would be cutting up a conventional mattress; has anyone done that?
Yes - box cutter for the fabric and bolt cutters for the springs

Same process as cutting up a couch
by gmc4h232
Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Update #3 wet basement wall below water pipe coming into the house
Replies: 32
Views: 3250

Re: Update #2 wet basement wall below water pipe coming into the house

fix the grade outside. pipe the gutters further away from the house. Run a dehumidifier in the basement.
by gmc4h232
Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Cref Accumulation, Pensionize or Not?
Replies: 9
Views: 1008

Re: TIAA Cref Accumulation, Pensionize or Not?

What are your other options? Transfer Payout Annuity over 9 yrs + 1 day? Rollover to an IRA at Vanguard?
by gmc4h232
Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your go-to websites?
Replies: 62
Views: 8683

Re: What are your go-to websites?

Nobody for foxnews.com?
by gmc4h232
Wed Apr 06, 2022 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raising chicken in backyard for eggs
Replies: 76
Views: 7238

Re: Raising chicken in backyard for eggs

What is your current egg demand?
by gmc4h232
Wed Apr 06, 2022 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New build, no Certificate of Occupancy - questions
Replies: 14
Views: 1734

Re: New build, no Certificate of Occupancy - questions

Is the basement permitted separately from the main house?

Echo the advice of others to talk to the local building official. Not sure about residential, but some jurisdictions will issue a temporary CO or stocking CO for commercial construction to allow use of the building while still waiting on some minor work to be completed.

The issue is that moving your possessions in impacts an inspector's ability to see all the completed work - furniture blocking receptacles, boxes impeding access to spaces, etc.
by gmc4h232
Sat Apr 02, 2022 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College decision advice
Replies: 163
Views: 11728

Re: College decision advice

What is the typical career path for CS majors? Do you start out programming and then move into a middle management position after 5-10 yrs? I was listening to every boglehead's favorite talking head Dave Ramsey the other day and they were talking like you can go to a programming school (Bethel Tech is who he reps) and get a certificate in less than 4 yrs and go immediately to work programming at significantly less cost if you want to be a programmer. He also made the point that with a 4 yr degree, the stuff learned in the early years is obsolete by the time you graduate due to the fast paced nature of the industry. Does this route put you on a different path than a CS degree? Is it like an electrical engineering degree vs electrician going ...
by gmc4h232
Sat Jan 22, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s
Replies: 165
Views: 14879

Re: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s

Luxury purchases (fancy cars, fancy jewelry, fancy houses, etc) that stroke your ego will bleed you dry if you cant learn to control the impulse. Practice now while youre still young.

If you HAVE to have a tesla, save up to pay cash, and after you've saved all that cash up, see if you really still want it.

Cars are about the WORST thing you can buy from a rate of return standpoint. So many hidden costs: Monthly payment, interest, insurance, personal property taxes, depreciation, repairs, fuel, accessories and the list goes on....
by gmc4h232
Sat Jan 15, 2022 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab In Plan Roth Conversion Distribution Confirmation
Replies: 1
Views: 353

Schwab In Plan Roth Conversion Distribution Confirmation

DWs 401k plan with schwab allows non deductible 401k contributions with automatic in plan roth conversions. We started doing this in september of last year, and after the first contribution this year, she got a paper distribution confirmation in the mail noting the conversion.

Wondering if anybody else just started getting these in the mail from Schwab.