Search found 1234 matches

by Nearly A Moose
Sat Nov 11, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader
Replies: 16
Views: 1368

Re: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader

My 4th grader is a massive bookworm and a very advanced reader. She recently got into Greek mythology by way of the Percy Jackson books (she basically read the whole catalogue in a month, spin-offs included, while still working in some other novels, to give a sense for her reading level). That led to her reading updated (and softened) translations of some of the foundational Greek myths, and then to general middle-school style reference books on the gods and myths. I think she might be ready for something like the Odyssey, where she can see some of this in a more complete context, but I also know translations can make a huge difference. Can anyone recommend a translation that would potentially be approachable for her? I think either prose ...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Nov 11, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader
Replies: 16
Views: 1368

Re: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader

I mention this partly because he lived his last years in my family's large apartment building in NYC. A noted 20th century Irish poet, scholar, and intellectual was named Padric Colum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padraic_Colum I suppose because he lived in our building, my mother bought us "The Children's Homer" https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Homer-Adventures-Odysseus-Tale/dp/0689868839/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PH0ZYXRTN1D5&keywords=the+children%27s+homer&qid=1699727450&sprefix=the+children%27s+homer%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1 Honestly, I have no memory of it, so this is not a book review! When she gets into middle school, again after considering "adult themes", you might introduce her to Mary Renault's classical nov...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Nov 11, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader
Replies: 16
Views: 1368

Re: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader

Be aware that there is some "adult material" in The Odyssey , Also, two classics in one: Nathaniel Hawthorne's Tanglewood Tales and A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys are artistic, skillful adaptations, or should I say re-imaginings, of various stories from classical mythology. He signals the looseness by calling Mercury "Quicksilver." I love 'em. I think there's more than one from the Odyssey, but offhand Circe's Palace is the one I remember. Thanks. It’s been long enough since I read it that I’ve forgotten some of the details. The violence will probably be manageable if I’m inferring correctly in how that’s presented (more like biblical violence than game of thrones violence) but as for other “adult” aspect, I do recall...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Nov 11, 2023 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader
Replies: 16
Views: 1368

Re: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader

Here’s a Reddit discussion comparing translations from Fagles, Lattimore, and Fitzgerald. Personally I’ve read Fagles and found it pretty easy going. It is in verse but moves along well. That being said, I think it would still be a challenge for a 4th grader, maybe even a middle schooler. https://www.reddit.com/r/classics/comments/14mwn0j/which_homer_translation_is_best_between_fagles/ If you google “Which Odyssey translation for grade schooler / middle schooler”, you’ll come up with lots of discussions mostly recommending abridged versions geared toward younger readers. Thanks. That’s actually where I got the reference to the Fitzgerald translation, and I also saw the abridged ones. I tend to feel those get too abridged. There doesn’t see...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Nov 11, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader
Replies: 16
Views: 1368

Version of The Odyssey for Advanced 4th grader

My 4th grader is a massive bookworm and a very advanced reader. She recently got into Greek mythology by way of the Percy Jackson books (she basically read the whole catalogue in a month, spin-offs included, while still working in some other novels, to give a sense for her reading level). That led to her reading updated (and softened) translations of some of the foundational Greek myths, and then to general middle-school style reference books on the gods and myths. I think she might be ready for something like the Odyssey, where she can see some of this in a more complete context, but I also know translations can make a huge difference. Can anyone recommend a translation that would potentially be approachable for her? I think either prose o...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Oct 16, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6831

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

...Have you tried "Kindle Unlimited"? thoughts? This is the proof that the late Michael Hart, creator of Project Gutenberg, was right. He had a lot to say about the continuing attempts by publishers to transform us from an ownership society into a rental society, and it is all coming true. Recognizing this is risking straying off topic, but I fully agree with these and your other concerns. I am very uncomfortable with the fact that I own very little of the media I use. Physical books are about the only exception now. I care about this, but I can’t always articulate why. I enjoyed listening to my dad’s records and looking at his books while I was growing up. Because of that, I know which CCR album is his favorite if I want to put ...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6831

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

I use the first gen Kindle Oasis as my ereader. It’s been my favorite kindle, but with the caveat that to me, a kindle never tops a physical book. But, it’s very convenient, and the library connection is really nice. I have young kids, and so being able to read it in the dark is nice. In a vacuum, to me, physical book is superior to kindle which is superior to a phone/tablet/computer. Here’s how I generally approach things: -if I anticipate using it as a future reference, but hard copy so I can make margin notes, dog ear pages, etc. Much easier to pull a book off the shelf and thumb to the right page than to find highlights or whatnot. -if it’s general fiction, or nonfiction I want to learn from but don’t necessarily think I’ll need to refe...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone 13 Mini - Any User Feedback?
Replies: 40
Views: 3665

Re: iPhone 13 Mini - Any User Feedback?

I love mine, or as much as one can move a phone (I miss my Moto Razer). I will resist upgrading for as long as I can if they don’t have this same format available. I love the smaller size. Easily fits in my hip pocket, and can easily work one handed. That said, I also try very hard to avoid using my phone for anything that requires text input, and I’m not a social media user or “content” consumer. But I am a lawyer, and it’s perfectly fine for keeping tabs on the hundreds of emails I get a day.
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Sep 25, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Bentonville AR
Replies: 16
Views: 2658

Re: Visiting Bentonville AR

21c hotel has a nice art-inspired lobby such that it’s actually interesting to wonder around a bit and look, especially if the hotel bar will let you wander out with a glass of wine…

Sounds like you’re not going to be there for a football game day, but otherwise I’d say check that out. I don’t know if the campus itself is anything special, but I’ve always enjoyed wandering around college campuses to take in the ambiance and enjoy the memories that brings up.
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 22, 2023 9:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Noise cancelling buds
Replies: 44
Views: 6425

Re: Best Noise cancelling buds

If this is still a live issue, the Bose QC II are great for listening to audio. Very good noise cancelling. Not quite as good as the QC 35 over the ear set that I wear when I’m working from home and the kids are noisy, but I think they’re excellent headphones. I use them for audio in noisy environments. Daily on the metro (subway), and when I’m flying and don’t want to bother with the larger over the ear headphones. I’m usually listening to an audiobook at a decently high speed, or sometimes a podcast, and I’m able to hear it very clearly without having to Jack up the volume. I think they’re an excellent purchase and a real upgrade over a lesser quality mid-$100 set I’d been using. I have the impression they’re so-so for call quality, but i...
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vehicle self-storage
Replies: 26
Views: 3008

Re: Vehicle self-storage

If the car isn’t sentimental or hard to replace (eg extra low mileage or meticulously cared for to very high standards), I’d seriously look at running the numbers to compare all the storage costs and hassles versus selling it and buying a comparable car when needed. You can get an instant online quote from carmax, which will be very accurate if you put in your vin and are realistic in describing the condition. You can also see from them what it would cost to buy a comparable car or, look at what it would cost to buy a ~2014 version as a proxy for rebuying the 2016 in 2 years. Don’t forget to include taxes and title, etc. Compare that against the cost of prepping the car, storage fees, and insurance. I wouldn’t be surprised if the math comes...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 15, 2023 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jersey shore or DE beach town for Empty Nesters??
Replies: 70
Views: 7389

Re: Jersey shore or DE beach town for Empty Nesters??

Update. DW and I have decided (for now) to keep our PA house, keep working full time at current job, and to consider a weekend/beach house, probably in the Rehoboth/Lewes area. We have a local realtor and have begun to consider some properties about 1M or so. I think we would probably prefer a place smaller and closer in to downtown RB ie walkable as opposed to a larger place farther out ie not easily walkable and dealing with parking struggles when downtown. Some properties in RB come with a single parking space, which is ok for us, but we are trying to figure out how we can have visitors and where they can park. Certainly a work in progress. I don’t know Rehoboth that well but have stayed there a few times and know people with property t...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 08, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cute small towns
Replies: 100
Views: 13429

Re: cute small towns

Perhaps I'm repeating an earlier post, but Camden Maine is gorgeous. Cute waterfront, you can sail out into the bay and get great views back into land, and there's a hike to a bluff above town that gives you one of those postcard views of the world. And lots of good seafood!
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying empty lot in vacation destination
Replies: 13
Views: 2096

Re: Buying empty lot in vacation destination

bertilak wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:33 pm
niagara_guy wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 5:49 pm There are scams out there where they will sell you a worthless piece of property, usually sold to someone who has never seen the property. Another way to steal your money.
I am a strong believer in using a real estate agent. They can keep you from falling for things like that. They, as is said "know the territory." Just be sure you find a good, honest agent.
Yeah, certainly wouldn't want that. I agree I'd need to diligence the site and laws. These would likely be in a formed community or subdivisions. Sewer and water connections seem to exist in the ones I've seen, and houses actually are popping up in the area.
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5415

Re: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

This has been a extremely helpful thread, I really appreciate everyone's input. I've read it all but have tried to avoid spamming the thread with a bunch of replies. We've resigned to be stuck with the Sienna for the foreseeable future, so getting a more robust AWD vehicle won't be an option (plus I secretly like my minivan!). It's possible that my last experience was a fluke and that I won't ever have to try to get out of a steep driveway in the snow again, but it seems that our preferred areas have enough short but steep grades that it's not zero risk, and it was definitely unnerving to realize my family was stuck unless and until we could find a tow truck (who actually came really fast). Looks like I'll be testing out the AWD model this...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 08, 2023 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying empty lot in vacation destination
Replies: 13
Views: 2096

Buying empty lot in vacation destination

For those of you have bought an empty lot in a potential vacation or retirement destination, what went into your thinking and how did it work out? We've been fantasizing about getting a second place outside the city, in a certain destination we've gone to and have liked, although prices there are such it would probably still be a few years out before we could make that purchase without affecting finances. We've idly toyed with buying an empty lot. The area is a mountain/lake area with skiing, there's a lot of development there already but also a lot of growth the past decade. There are some decent lots still available (some could be ski-in/out). A few acquaintances described how they bought land in that area and gradually transitioned to bu...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri Sep 08, 2023 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5415

Re: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

This has been a extremely helpful thread, I really appreciate everyone's input. I've read it all but have tried to avoid spamming the thread with a bunch of replies. We've resigned to be stuck with the Sienna for the foreseeable future, so getting a more robust AWD vehicle won't be an option (plus I secretly like my minivan!). It's possible that my last experience was a fluke and that I won't ever have to try to get out of a steep driveway in the snow again, but it seems that our preferred areas have enough short but steep grades that it's not zero risk, and it was definitely unnerving to realize my family was stuck unless and until we could find a tow truck (who actually came really fast). Looks like I'll be testing out the AWD model this ...
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Sep 06, 2023 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5415

Re: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

I am probably guesstimating the amount of snow incorrectly, but it was certainly a few inches deep after having had a couple days to settle in. I live in DC, and I can usually avoid have to drive entirely On the rare instances We have any significant amount of snow. This is really just about getting us to the slopes in the winter.
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5415

Re: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

This is all super helpful. I believe my van has 19” wheels, so room for chains, but I’ll try them out this month. Interesting to learn that the consensus seems to be snow tires first, then AWD next. Hadn't really considered that option. Storage is always tight, but I imagine I could find space to store an extra set of full tires. Then, it would just be a matter of changing tires at beginning/end of season, right? That seems easy enough to do… What does a good set of fully mounted snow tires cost? I’m looking at about $10-12k in net cost to trade in our van for a like model with AWD (and with an extra 40k miles :/ ). And, to the comments about why I’d need these, the two main uses would be (1) getting out of a steep driveway at a rental hous...
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Sep 06, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?
Replies: 75
Views: 5415

Snow chains, AWD, or both for winter mountain driving?

I drive a front wheel drive minivan (2019 Toyota Sienna). Last winter, I got stuck in a steep gravel driveway at a rental house trying to drive in 6-12 inches of snow. It was a traction problem, not a ground clearance problem. We plan on doing a lot of skiing in the future, and the areas we will be using will have some amount of steep hills or small mountains. (Specifically, Wintergreen in the Blue Ridge mountains, Wisp in the Allegheny mountains, and rolling hills in PA and WV, for those who know those areas.) After getting stuck last year, I bought snow chains, but I haven’t had a chance to try them yet (and I’ve never used snow chains before). Looking ahead, I’m trying to minimize the chances of that happening again. My options are to re...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Jul 22, 2023 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Patio Heater Recommendation (240V)
Replies: 3
Views: 401

Re: Infrared Patio Heater Recommendation (240V)

Giving this just one bump now that we're in the weekend. Do any Bogleheads who built a nice outdoor living room over the past few years have any suggestions?
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Jul 19, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on work/ dress shoes?
Replies: 86
Views: 9039

Re: How much do you spend on work/ dress shoes?

I basically buy Allen Edmonds, and nothing else. Very well-made shoes that last forever. Well worth the $$$. One of my pairs is 24 years old, and it's still part of my regular rotation. I've found these to be the keys to getting the best value out of them: -Buy a shoe that can be recrafted - for ~$150, you essentially get a remade shoe, and you can usually do it a couple times. I think most of theirs can be. -Get the rubber sole. Yes, I much prefer the look of a slick leather sole, but the rubber wears much more slowly. -Buy several. You need to let good leather dress shoes dry out and breath, so you need to rotate them, and use good cedar shoe trees when you're not wearing them. -Factory seconds can save you ~$100 if the regular ones are t...
by Nearly A Moose
Wed Jul 19, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Patio Heater Recommendation (240V)
Replies: 3
Views: 401

Infrared Patio Heater Recommendation (240V)

We're doing an extensive renovation, and as part of it, we're having the builder run a 240V hookup to the backyard so that we can install an infrared heater. Our builder will install it, but we need to supply it. I'm looking for recommendations. We've asked the builder too, but I'm hoping those lucky Bogleheads who set up backyard oases the past few years may have some ideas... Setup: We live in a rowhome with a detached garage behind the house, and we have a roughly 20' x 20' patio between the house and the garage. We live in the mid-atlantic. No overhead structure over the patio, so this will have to be mounted on either the house or garage wall (i.e., not directly overhead). We want to install a good patio heater to let us extend the tim...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Jun 05, 2023 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan
Replies: 17
Views: 1591

Re: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan

Stinky wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 9:25 pm
Nearly A Moose wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 9:03 pm
Nothing I’m hearing makes me terribly keen to participate in any way.
Let us know if this is your final answer.
99% sure it's the final answer. I might sit in on an informational session just for fun.
by Nearly A Moose
Sun Jun 04, 2023 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan
Replies: 17
Views: 1591

Re: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan

...One follow up question: apparently, the trust is going to ask partners who don’t participate in this scheme if they’re nonetheless willing to have a life insurance policy taken out on them, to the benefit of the trust. The partner would get a $50,000 death benefit, so basically nothing relative to to dollar amounts at play here. Is there any downside to letting them do this for me, even I’m not participating in the scheme?.. I don't think the trust having a $50K policy on you is going to have a material impact on the amount of coverage you can acquire elsewhere. I'm surprised they didn't sweeten the deal by saying the trust will get a $100K policy on each partner and keep half the proceeds, paying the balance to the beneficiary that you...
by Nearly A Moose
Sun Jun 04, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan
Replies: 17
Views: 1591

Re: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan

Thanks, everyone. Glad (I guess) to know I’m not missing something. One follow up question: apparently, the trust is going to ask partners who don’t participate in this scheme if they’re nonetheless willing to have a life insurance policy taken out on them, to the benefit of the trust. The partner would get a $50,000 death benefit, so basically nothing relative to to dollar amounts at play here. Is there any downside to letting them do this for me, even I’m not participating in the scheme? I have laddered term policies in place that should cover our needs, and so I don’t anticipate needing to take out more life insurance on myself, but also, you never know, and I don’t if this would limit my own options in the future. I have no problem goin...
by Nearly A Moose
Wed May 31, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan
Replies: 17
Views: 1591

Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) Plan

I'm a partner in a large law firm, and my firm is apparently considering the option of establishing a Partnership-Owned Life Insurance (POLI) plan. I've never heard of this before, and I'd welcome any input from the Bogleheads crowd on whether this is something to consider participating in. I'm laying out the basic parameters below (as I understand them from a fairly detailed proposal), followed by my initial thoughts. The general idea seems to be creating a tax-free cashflow during the later retirement years. The proposal says this is sometimes called a "super roth." Proposal as I understand it: A trust is established, for the benefit of participating partners. Partners pay in a fixed sum for the first 5 years (minimum $25k/year,...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat May 28, 2022 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??
Replies: 123
Views: 9955

Re: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??

Probably piling on but will admit I haven’t read the whole chain. Take the long leave if at all possible. I’m a partner in a huge law firm, and I took the max (12 weeks) for our third. Much longer than I took with our other others. I don’t regret it one bit and suffered zero professional issues, either internally or with clients (although in reality I probably worked 20% time during those months). They’re only young once, and it’s a great way to spend time with your family. Just manage it well internally — be clear on the timeframe, make sure someone is covering everything you’d be doing, delegate to your subordinates as much as possible (it’s great training for them), and if appropriate for your position make it clear you can be reached i...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri May 27, 2022 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Way To Get Out of Whole Life
Replies: 48
Views: 4055

Re: Best Way To Get Out of Whole Life

Looking for a gut check on getting out of a Whole Life policy. I've done research but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Below are the details and I appreciate the support anyone can provide. Background: My wife and I have two kids and needed more life insurance. We bought whole life policies 3 years ago, payment for 4th year is due in Aug.. Through research (here and elsewhere) we feel there are better ways to use our money than whole life. We have two kids and need insurance, but could more cheaply pay for term life and invest leftover dollars we were putting toward our Whole Life into a Mega Back Door Roth IRA. (Take cash from policy put into bank and then redirect more of our paychecks into Back Door Roth). Premium Outlay: $5,...
by Nearly A Moose
Fri May 27, 2022 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??
Replies: 123
Views: 9955

Re: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??

Probably piling on but will admit I haven’t read the whole chain. Take the long leave if at all possible. I’m a partner in a huge law firm, and I took the max (12 weeks) for our third. Much longer than I took with our other others. I don’t regret it one bit and suffered zero professional issues, either internally or with clients (although in reality I probably worked 20% time during those months). They’re only young once, and it’s a great way to spend time with your family. Just manage it well internally — be clear on the timeframe, make sure someone is covering everything you’d be doing, delegate to your subordinates as much as possible (it’s great training for them), and if appropriate for your position make it clear you can be reached i...
by Nearly A Moose
Thu May 26, 2022 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Way To Get Out of Whole Life
Replies: 48
Views: 4055

Re: Best Way To Get Out of Whole Life

Looking for a gut check on getting out of a Whole Life policy. I've done research but want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Below are the details and I appreciate the support anyone can provide. Background: My wife and I have two kids and needed more life insurance. We bought whole life policies 3 years ago, payment for 4th year is due in Aug.. Through research (here and elsewhere) we feel there are better ways to use our money than whole life. We have two kids and need insurance, but could more cheaply pay for term life and invest leftover dollars we were putting toward our Whole Life into a Mega Back Door Roth IRA. (Take cash from policy put into bank and then redirect more of our paychecks into Back Door Roth). Premium Outlay: $5,...
by Nearly A Moose
Thu May 26, 2022 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??
Replies: 123
Views: 9955

Re: New baby - conflicted on paternity leave??

Probably piling on but will admit I haven’t read the whole chain. Take the long leave if at all possible. I’m a partner in a huge law firm, and I took the max (12 weeks) for our third. Much longer than I took with our other others. I don’t regret it one bit and suffered zero professional issues, either internally or with clients (although in reality I probably worked 20% time during those months). They’re only young once, and it’s a great way to spend time with your family. Just manage it well internally — be clear on the timeframe, make sure someone is covering everything you’d be doing, delegate to your subordinates as much as possible (it’s great training for them), and if appropriate for your position make it clear you can be reached if...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP Moves if Spouse is Leaving Federal Government
Replies: 16
Views: 1519

Re: TSP Moves if Spouse is Leaving Federal Government

delamer wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:27 am
tj wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 9:28 am
delamer wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 9:37 pm Yes, you can roll an IRA into the TSP once she leaves federal service.
You can roll an IRA into the tsp as an active employee, no need to wait until you leave federal service
Yes, however, the OP specifically was asking about post-employment.
Yes, I was asking about that after she leaves federal service to see if we had to rush. The thought was, if this is our last chance to position money for the G fund later, perhaps every little bit helps. But given that it sounds like we could still do that later, and we’re only talking about part of the yearly level, seems easier to just leave it well enough alone for now. Love it when inertia is the answer!
by Nearly A Moose
Sun Apr 17, 2022 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP Moves if Spouse is Leaving Federal Government
Replies: 16
Views: 1519

TSP Moves if Spouse is Leaving Federal Government

My spouse will likely be leaving the federal government, possibly in 6-8 weeks. I've always viewed the TSP as overall a very good retirement savings plan for our style, and I like the G Fund. Three questions: 1. Should we fully max out spouse's annual TSP contribution limit in the next few weeks? We usually have it dialed in just right so that we reach the max on the last pay period, to maximize the TSP match. But if spouse is leaving, it seems that doesn't matter. Spouse will have access to a 401k in new job, but no match. Our cashflow can handle the accelerated contribution. I guess the only downside is that if something strange happens and spouse stays in government, we lose the match for the rest of the year? 2. I had long been meaning ...
by Nearly A Moose
Tue Jan 18, 2022 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cross bars for car roof rack - OEM vs Aftermarket
Replies: 10
Views: 4773

Re: Cross bars for car roof rack - OEM vs Aftermarket

Thanks. How important is the ability to lock the bars to the roof? I recognize this can be situation-specific, but is it common to have the entire crossbar plus roof box setup stolen? I live in a city but have a garage and in any case wouldn’t keep the box on when not in use. But having a box of ski gear or luggage stolen at a rest stop obviously wouldn’t be ideal. Can’t tell if that’s a legit concern or fear-mongering to drive sales…
by Nearly A Moose
Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cross bars for car roof rack - OEM vs Aftermarket
Replies: 10
Views: 4773

Cross bars for car roof rack - OEM vs Aftermarket

A random question, but this is a random group: What are the considerations in choosing between OEM cross bars and aftermarket brand cross bars to support a rooftop box? We need to get a rooftop box for ski gear for our 2019 Toyota Sienna. Our thinking is that for the few extra hundred bucks to buy a box versus just the ski racks, we'll be able to use it for camping gear and/or overflow storage, as we often have a large party when we travel (that's not the point of the question, but open to feedback on it). The question: Our Sienna has raised roof rails (ie the rails that run front-to-back on each side), but we don't have cross bars. It looks like Thule and Yakima cross bars cost ~$500, whereas OEM cross bars from a dealer cost ~$140. I know...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon Nov 08, 2021 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a partner in a business open a business credit card
Replies: 8
Views: 2276

Re: Can a partner in a business open a business credit card

I’m in a similar position—partner in a large partnership. I would not recommend this course of action, even if it’s possible. You would be taking on debt on behalf of the partnership, something other partners might object to. If you’re really keen on having more control of a business, you might consider a two level organizational hierarchy. You could, for example, form a corporation and have that corporation join the partnership. I personally use this structure. Yeah, I would not want to take on debt on behalf of the partnership in this manner. (I get reimbursed for business expenses, we don't have a centralized corporate credit card that I can use.) My confusion lies in what actually goes on behind the scenes for a business credit card. I...
by Nearly A Moose
Sun Nov 07, 2021 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a partner in a business open a business credit card
Replies: 8
Views: 2276

Can a partner in a business open a business credit card

Hoping the credit card experts can help me better understand business credit cards. I am a partner in a very large partnership. That's my primary/only source of earned income. I am interested in the benefits a business credit card offers (specifically, I'm looking at Amex Platinum Business). My questions: 1. Am I eligible for a business card based on my being part of the partnership? 2. Is the business itself in any way affected by or informed of a business credit card application? I get paid on a K-1, pay self-employment tax, etc., and so I think I am genuinely a business owner. But everything I read on the interwebs seems geared at either sole proprietorships or people using a side hustle as their business. For example, the credit card ap...
by Nearly A Moose
Tue Aug 31, 2021 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything else to check while replacing roof?
Replies: 18
Views: 2091

Re: Anything else to check while replacing roof?

Thanks everyone, very helpful (and very pleased Sandtrap weighed in!). The roofer so far has seemed pretty flexible and accommodating, and they also have some subcontractors that are able to do at least some of this work (for what strikes me as a markup I'm willing to pay to just get it all done). That's how we're doing insulation, for example. I particularly appreciate the reminder about bathroom fan venting. I have no idea how our master fan is vented because there's no attic there (it might tie into an unused chimney nearby, can't tell), so I'm not entirely sure how to sequence that. I'll see if the roofers have a thought on how to do that. We have tuckpointing and waterproofing the chimneys. crickets for chimneys, waterproofing all pene...
by Nearly A Moose
Sun Aug 29, 2021 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything else to check while replacing roof?
Replies: 18
Views: 2091

Anything else to check while replacing roof?

I'm having a full roof removal/replacement done on my 150+yr old rowhome in the coming weeks. This is my first time replacing a roof. I got multiple bids, referrals, etc., so I'm hopefully all set with my contractor. My question is, while the roof is off/being replaced, is there anything else I should be doing or checking on at the same time? So far: -I'm having them add or replace ceiling insulation in an expansion that is clearly un/under-insulated -They're going to check for rotting wood in the rafters -They're designing to address failure points that caused pooling in the current roof -Either I'm going to climb up and take some pictures of the sub-structure or I'm going to ask them to take pictures while the roof is off, so that I can h...
by Nearly A Moose
Mon May 17, 2021 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection
Replies: 10
Views: 1522

Re: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection

placeholder wrote: Sun May 16, 2021 6:51 pm
bertilak wrote: Sun May 16, 2021 9:26 am TLH must consider ALL your holdings, regardless of were held.
The only thing the irs pubs mention are iras in addition to taxable accounts although some people want to extend this without real justification to 401k and other accounts.
I'm not sure about kid's accounts but suspect they don't count. Maybe it depends on whether or not you claim them as dependents, or have decision authority over the accounts. Perhaps someone with a more definitive answer will chime in.
The only people the pubs mention are spouses not any other relatives.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p550#e ... k100010601
Thanks, I'll review the pub.
by Nearly A Moose
Sun May 16, 2021 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection
Replies: 10
Views: 1522

Re: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection

Why are there not 2 Roth IRAs one for (Husband) and one for (non-Husband spouse)? Take your Roth IRAs and exchange VTSAX in them to something else like VFIAX or VLCAX or VTCLX. After doing that, in your taxable account use VTSAX and the non-chosen two from above as tax-loss harvesting triplet. Thanks. Wife has an IRA (all bonds) and a Roth (all REITs), so I didn't include them. We should probably roll her IRA into her TSP so that we can do a backdoor with her, but inertia is a powerful thing... In writing this all up, and in looking at Duckie's list and your suggestion, it looks like I can disregard the 529s, which simplifies things. And with things simplified, I can set it up so that our tax-preferred accounts to all have funds tracking t...
by Nearly A Moose
Sun May 16, 2021 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection
Replies: 10
Views: 1522

Re: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection

I need help come up with a stable of funds that I can rotate through in my taxable account without creating wash sales through transactions in our nontaxable accounts, but my head starts spinning each time I try to map out the options. What do folks recommend here? Here is a list of possible Tax-Loss Harvest (TLH) retail partners with the indexes they follow: US Total Stock VTSAX (VTI) - CRSP US Total Market Index SCHB - Dow Jones US Broad Market Index ITOT - S&P Total Market Index IWV, VTHR, TIEIX, BKTSX - Russell 3000 Index SWSTX, FSKAX - Dow Jones US Total Stock Market Index FZROX - Fidelity US Total Investable Market Index SPTM - S&P Composite 1500 Index US Large Cap VFIAX (VOO), IVV, SPY, FXAIX, SWPPX - S&P 500 Index VLCAX...
by Nearly A Moose
Sun May 16, 2021 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection
Replies: 10
Views: 1522

Need help with Tax Loss Harvesting Fund Selection

I’m looking for help in developing my tax loss harvesting strategy. In particular, I need help come up with a stable of funds that I can rotate through in my taxable account without creating wash sales through transactions in our nontaxable accounts, but my head starts spinning each time I try to map out the options. What do folks recommend here? Below I’ve listed our accounts and the relevant fund(s) we hold. I’m focused only on the stock holdings at this point. We have very broad fund access in all accounts except the TSP, so I haven't listed alternatives - we can basically access anything that Vanguard or Fidelity Brokerage Link offers. We have automatic monthly investments into our 401ks, taxable account, and 529s. For the sake of simpl...
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Apr 17, 2021 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nanny pay & tax processing
Replies: 4
Views: 796

Re: Nanny pay & tax processing

I use care.com/homepay/Breedlove (all the same company) for our nanny payroll and tax services. All in it’s about a thousand dollars a year (they post their fee schedule). Extremely easy to work with, knowledgeable people answer the phone, and it’s worth it to me to not have to be responsible for the taxes, especially the state/local ones that may not be obvious.
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Apr 17, 2021 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent Care FSA Increase Through FSAFeds?
Replies: 3
Views: 406

Re: Dependent Care FSA Increase Through FSAFeds?

dukeblue219 wrote: Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:47 am Tweet them.

But be aware that even the last round of changes to FSA grace period rules due to COVID took forever for them to implement, right up to the new deadline. They will be the last FSA provider to adopt these new rules, sadly, even if that means it's too late to be useful. I could absolutely see this languishing until October.
Interesting. I guess that means I need to keep $5500 in cash around in case we need to have all of my wife's last couple paychecks diverted to this, and then cross my fingers.
by Nearly A Moose
Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent Care FSA Increase Through FSAFeds?
Replies: 3
Views: 406

Dependent Care FSA Increase Through FSAFeds?

I know that that the American Rescue Plan Act increased the 2021 annual limit for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA) to $10,500. I hadn't followed the implementation too closely, but my understanding is that (1) this increase is optional for employers and (2) there would be some sort of midyear allowance to increase one's election. We have a DCFSA through FSAFeds (the program available to federal employees), that we funded fully to $5,000 in last Fall's open season. My wife, the account holder, has not received any communications from FSAFeds about the limit change whatsoever, and I can't find anything on their website about it. Does anyone know whether FSAFeds plans to allow this change and/or has communicated anything? It f...
by Nearly A Moose
Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: estimate of home value on real estate sites, which site (if any) is 'most accurate'?
Replies: 21
Views: 3383

Re: estimate of home value on real estate sites, which site (if any) is 'most accurate'?

I tracked actual transactions in my historical (ie, not cookie cutter and hard to uniformly price) neighborhood like a hawk in the year leading up to buying each of our houses. I sometimes look for fun still. My sense is that Zillow is generally too high in my neighborhood, as it picks up lots of recent flips that don’t translate well to a non flipped (ie tasteful) house :/ I’ve found the Redfin estimate to be a touch low. I actually think averaging Zillow and Redfin averages probably comes closest, *for my neighborhood*. I keep a net worth tracker that includes my house value, largely for fun. I use the Redfin value for that, figuring it’s close enough yet likely on the more conservative side. If Zillow and Redfin ever flipped, I’d probabl...