Search found 521 matches
- 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.
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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?
- 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
This doesn’t make any sense. His foundation sinks if the grass isn’t watered? Did he build his house out of sponges?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.
- 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.
You may want to for other reasons. If so, disregard.
- 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.
- 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%.
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%.
- 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?
- 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
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
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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?
- 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…
- Sun Jan 01, 2023 9:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 672
- Views: 40229
- 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.
- Wed Sep 14, 2022 7:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I replace our 17 year old hot water heater before it breaks?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 10070
Re: Should I replace our 17 year old hot water heater before it breaks?
Peace of mind is a myth.
Let it ride.
Let it ride.
- 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?
- 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
Them's fightin words around here!
- 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?
Did you test the receptacle in question before taking everything apart?
Did you confirm that this is a 15A circuit and not a 20A?
- Tue Aug 02, 2022 2:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gardening 2022
- Replies: 144
- Views: 15045
Re: Gardening 2022
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.sevenseas wrote: ↑Mon Aug 01, 2022 8:58 pmI'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).
- 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.
- Fri Jul 15, 2022 3:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refrigerator and Freezer not cooling like the should. Plug it in the compressor fan runs but the compressor will not
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1320
Re: Refrigerator and Freezer not cooling like the should. Plug it in the compressor fan runs but the compressor will no
There is a start relay on the compressor that could be bad. Easy DIY fix. Worth a shot as a starting point
- 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
- 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)
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)
- 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...
- 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.
White noise machine or a shotgun are the 2 things that immediately come to mind.
- 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.
- 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...
- 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
Lathe operators are always in demand because they experience a lot of turnover.......get it?
- 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.
They probably already have a thermometer.
- 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?
ThisAmericans' attention span is limited and economic activity would come back regardless
- Mon May 23, 2022 6:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What movie should I show for a movie in the park event?
- Replies: 63
- Views: 4871
- 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
- Tue Apr 19, 2022 8:14 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dead Car Battery AGAIN !!
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3562
- 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
- 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.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.
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.
- 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 ...
- Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:34 am
- 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?
Oris Divers Sixty-Five
- 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....
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....
- 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.
Wondering if anybody else just started getting these in the mail from Schwab.