I don't think this should be a hard-and-fast rule. I can think of a few cases in which it would be beneficial to do so, such as for the FIRE community (who might want to do Roth conversions), or for folks with poor 401k investing choices/high costs.
Search found 683 matches
- Sat Dec 17, 2022 4:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Financial Advice You Wish You Knew
- Replies: 69
- Views: 10622
Re: Financial Advice You Wish You Knew
- Wed Feb 03, 2021 9:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Camping Stove - Upgrade?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2547
Re: Camping Stove - Upgrade?
The Coleman stoves still work adequately, in my experience. My 2-burner model is about 10 years old. My main limitation is poor flame control. The knobs are a bit spongy feeling, so if I try to turn it down a small increment, the flame size decrease, but when I let go of the knob, if springs back to a high level. This makes it difficult to simmer. The knobs are about 1/3 of a turn from off to full open, but the practical range is much less than that. Unsure if this will work for you, but there is a YouTube video that walks owners of a popular Coleman stove model through how to fix this. In the video, it was a matter of taking the control knobs off and replacing the factory grease with some silicone grease instead. I did it to mine and it w...
- Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What to Invest Roth IRAs in?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1084
Re: What to Invest Roth IRAs in?
Thank you, everyone, for your replies and assistance!
- Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What to Invest Roth IRAs in?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1084
What to Invest Roth IRAs in?
Hi everyone, My wife and I have long contributed to and maxed out our employer 401k plans, but we'd like to expand our tax-advantaged space into backdoor Roths, now that we have some extra money to do so. The question is, what should we buy with our Vanguard Roth IRAs? Here's what each of our 401k allocations look like (they pretty much mirror each other). Total balance is about $800k: 45% 1000 Index Fund 30% Bonds 20% International 5% 2000 Index Fund We do not have any funds in taxable. Our extra funds have thus far been put into 529s for the kids and paying off student loans/mortgage. 1. We'd like to keep our overall allocation listed above, but have read that certain types of investments make more sense in a Roth IRA for tax efficiency. ...
- Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Millennial - invest in bonds at all?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 11008
Re: Millennial - invest in bonds at all?
I won't comment on the money side of things (you've already been given great replies), but I did want to appreciate and admire the wisdom you've acquired about work life, before even hitting age 40. In my experience, it's not common....especially in men (not sure your gender). Thank you.I'd like to hit 7 figures by 40. Once I get here I'd like to shift my focus to work for the benefit of society - I already currently do this to some extent, but I feel that I could do even more. So early retirement is not really my goal, but having the flexibility to choose a lower paying job if it aligns better with my holistic goals, is.
- Tue Jan 12, 2021 12:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Struggling to Figure Out a Side Gig
- Replies: 59
- Views: 7590
Re: Struggling to Figure Out a Side Gig
Bank account/credit card sign-up bonuses. Once you hit a wall with your own, start them for your spouse (if you have one).....or do them simultaneously.very small, short-term side gig. I don’t need to earn much at it, maybe just a couple hundred.
We aren't into it now as much as we used to be, but made ~$8k between 2017-early 2019, according to my spreadsheet.
- Sun Aug 23, 2020 10:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Simplisafe in 2020
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3726
Re: Simplisafe in 2020
I've used Simplisafe now for a few years. My yard sign says ADT. While I understand many want a system that they think will deter a break-in, that's not my main concern. If someone wants in our house, he/she will find a way, but will be disappointed to find we don't have much of anything valuable in it. A motivated thief will be long gone before any authorities are likely to show up, regardless of how much noise my alarm system is making. The primary reason I like Simplisafe is because I can integrate water leak detectors and smoke alarms into it. I want to know if there's a fire or flood in my home when I'm away from it, and Simplisafe allows me to do that. I'm sure there are other systems that allow this as well, so I recommend choosing o...
- Tue May 05, 2020 12:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Amazon Prime Membership Question [Considering to drop membership]
- Replies: 136
- Views: 15429
Re: Amazon Prime Membership Question
I agree: it's their public position. But, it's interesting that I haven't been able to order food, medicine, or many essentials on their website over the past few weeks because there are no delivery windows for Whole Foods, they are out of stock on many essentials, or those essentials will arrive in 1-3 weeks.
Delays don't bother me if I can trust/verify that they exist for a good reason. Since I am unable to verify this, and am led to instead suspect that some businesses like Amazon might be prioritizing financial gain vs. customer service during the pandemic, I too will be cancelling my Prime membership in the Fall.
- Mon May 04, 2020 7:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Spending advice for younger kids?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1498
Re: Spending advice for younger kids?
What do you encourage your younger kids (say 7-12) to spend money on? The oldest is 6, and for him, he gets to spend money on old things he can restore, such as old Tonka/Nylint trucks, or old tools he finds. He gets to fix them up with his Dad (drill out rivets, sandblast, etc), takes pride in doing so, and then has a toy which holds special meaning for him. He also learns fine motor skills, patience, and practice, along with some history about the item. We do not buy new plastic toys, for they are quickly broken and hold no sentimental value. The only exception is Lego, which he also has a ton of, but which we bought for him. We have also stayed away from electronics and gaming systems thus far, but not sure how long that will last.
- Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Dumping small value?
- Replies: 107
- Views: 10733
Re: Dumping small value?
My issue is, I find it hard to fathom in a crisis like this and a near depression most likely to follow (which will then be followed with more outbreaks and additional quarantines for next two years if one reads the projections) that the weakest smallest companies will survive and then somehow breakout like after 2009. This is not same world anymore, why are we applying the same antiquated fama french studies? The world is a different place, but my original plan based on a world that no longer exists should remain the same? a) You have no idea if a "depression is likely to follow." No one does. b) You have no idea when "more outbreaks" will follow or if quarantines will happen. No one does. Our authority figures can't e...
- Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GOOD RX...What Is It?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4493
Re: GOOD RX...What Is It?
Always ask a medication's price without insurance. Some meds are much cheaper without insurance. Sorry, but this just isn't true. An insurance copay can never be higher than the cash price of the drug. Yes, it is true. I have a $20 co-pay for generics and there are dozens if not hundreds of drugs where 30 pills costs less than $20. I wouldn't be paying for a Kroger RX Savings card and looking at GoodRx if what you are saying is true. "Should You Pay Cash for Your Prescription? You might reasonably assume you’ll pay less for a drug with insurance. You might be wrong." https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-01-23/should-you-pay-cash-for-your-prescription "Why a patient paid a $285 copay for a $40 dr...
- Sat Apr 04, 2020 9:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GOOD RX...What Is It?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4493
Re: GOOD RX...What Is It?
Always ask a medication's price without insurance. Some meds are much cheaper without insurance. Sorry, but this just isn't true. An insurance copay can never be higher than the cash price of the drug. Yes, it is true. I have a $20 co-pay for generics and there are dozens if not hundreds of drugs where 30 pills costs less than $20. I wouldn't be paying for a Kroger RX Savings card and looking at GoodRx if what you are saying is true. "Should You Pay Cash for Your Prescription? You might reasonably assume you’ll pay less for a drug with insurance. You might be wrong." https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-01-23/should-you-pay-cash-for-your-prescription "Why a patient paid a $285 copay for a $40 dr...
- Sat Apr 04, 2020 2:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GOOD RX...What Is It?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4493
Re: GOOD RX...What Is It?
Always ask a medication's price without insurance. Some meds are much cheaper without insurance. Sorry, but this just isn't true. An insurance copay can never be higher than the cash price of the drug. I hear Walmart is just as good as Costco. It depends on the drug. We are higher than Costco on some drugs, lower on others. Best to check both. But, in general, your best bet is a major retailer or wholesaler club. We aren't as dependent on sales/profit as the stand-alone pharmacies and so can be more competitive, specifically on OTC products. Does using these coupons affect your health insurance? Will my ability to use my insurance to get drugs be compromised or eliminated? No, not even in split-bill scenarios. But for seniors here, it's no...
- Mon Mar 30, 2020 9:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to get Toilet Paper ? seriously.
- Replies: 684
- Views: 66828
Re: How to get Toilet Paper ? seriously.
Do you use a pharmacy near you regularly, and do they know you well?
We've had a few of our favorite customers mention toilet paper concerns, so when we see it suddenly appear in carts, that's our cue to go back and grab a few rolls, then call these customers to have them come in to purchase.
Not for nothing, but we pharmacists may also have some tips on the best times to check stock for thermometers, alcohol, gloves, etc., too, if you're nice to us.
We've had a few of our favorite customers mention toilet paper concerns, so when we see it suddenly appear in carts, that's our cue to go back and grab a few rolls, then call these customers to have them come in to purchase.
Not for nothing, but we pharmacists may also have some tips on the best times to check stock for thermometers, alcohol, gloves, etc., too, if you're nice to us.
- Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:19 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: When to jump back in?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 5982
Re: When to jump back in?
+1. OP makes one post, never responds again, and yet people keep feeding knowledge. Why? C'mon, Bogleheads, we're better than this. Too many of these types of posts lately. Save your helpful spirit for young people who actually want to learn, not just post or argue for attention. That's what social media is for, and we don't need to lower our standards to that here.
What's a "professional", anyway?
- Thu Mar 26, 2020 12:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What Individual stocks are you buying?
- Replies: 222
- Views: 28304
Re: What Individual stocks are you buying?
If several other people here list the same stocks as you (travel/airlines/real estate), is that an indicator to you that you should also buy, or that you shouldn't? If you see a stock listed here that you haven't seen mentioned anywhere else recently, is that an indicator to you that perhaps that person knows something you don't, and that you should run off and read up on it, to stoke some confirmation bias? "Everybody in Wall St. is so smart that their brilliance offsets each other. And that whatever they know is already reflected in the level of stock prices for the much, and consequently what happens in the future represents what they don’t know." -Benjamin Graham I do not believe in speculating that I know something other peop...
- Wed Mar 25, 2020 11:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Dumping small value?
- Replies: 107
- Views: 10733
Re: Dumping small value?
My issue is, I find it hard to fathom in a crisis like this and a near depression most likely to follow (which will then be followed with more outbreaks and additional quarantines for next two years if one reads the projections) that the weakest smallest companies will survive and then somehow breakout like after 2009. This is not same world anymore, why are we applying the same antiquated fama french studies? The world is a different place, but my original plan based on a world that no longer exists should remain the same? a) You have no idea if a "depression is likely to follow." No one does. b) You have no idea when "more outbreaks" will follow or if quarantines will happen. No one does. Our authority figures can't e...
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Guys I Rebalanced (Moved Monies Out Of S&P 500)
- Replies: 301
- Views: 23895
Re: Guys I Rebalanced (Moved Monies Out Of S&P 500)
Since you don't seem to be interested in theory, here's some FACTS to aid you in your "getting back in":Ambitious994 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:24 pm
- Or, do I just move the equities to the side for a couple of months, then get back in, and keep riding it up as I still have 25 years?
https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of ... 500-2015-3
You think you're "saving" thousands now, but what you have a much bigger potential of doing is losing out on many thousands in the future.
From the article: "Missing these days do so much damage because those missed gains aren't able to compound during the rest of the investment holding period."
- Thu Mar 19, 2020 12:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Unprepared for Potential Great Depression Part 2
- Replies: 257
- Views: 32053
Re: Unprepared for Potential Great Depression Part 2
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge."
https://us.spindices.com/spiva/#/reports
https://us.spindices.com/spiva/#/reports
- Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Buying Silver for apocalypse
- Replies: 63
- Views: 10048
Re: Buying Silver for apocalypse
+1. At least you can use the alcohol when you later discover how useless it was to rush out and buy silver.
I also highly recommend going out and getting yourself some chickens and/or goats, too. If you can hide them for long enough, very useful.
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: A message to young/new Bogleheads that are freaking out
- Replies: 17
- Views: 11050
Re: A message to young/new Bogleheads that are freaking out
Thank you for your inspiring story, and for taking the time to share it with the rest of us.elliott1234 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 15, 2020 3:54 pm I finally joined the Boglehead cult fully and since then have been investing using a 3 fund strategy at a 95/5 allocation.
I'm curious, what made you elect to go with a 95/5 allocation?
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:05 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: student loan interest frozen- invest or pay off loans?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1214
Re: student loan interest frozen- invest or pay off loans?
In my opinion, a far more effective use of your time than worrying about a temporary interest rate freeze at almost 7% (!!!) would be to look at refinance options, if you're comfortable/able to do this.
- Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing: when does the sale occur?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 481
- Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing: when does the sale occur?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 481
Rebalancing: when does the sale occur?
Hello friends!
My wife and I both hit a 5% band within our 401k last week, and decided to rebalance around 10pm Thursday evening, by selling bonds and buying more stocks. What I can't figure out is when that sale "hit the market" on Friday. Is there a "general rule" here about when sales are executed that anyone is aware of?
While I don't expect anyone to know how my 401k's website works, there aren't any "time" details there anyway under my Fund Transfer history, nor was I given any confirmation of when the timing occurred.
I'd love to think that our sale occurred right at market opening, and not later in the day.
My wife and I both hit a 5% band within our 401k last week, and decided to rebalance around 10pm Thursday evening, by selling bonds and buying more stocks. What I can't figure out is when that sale "hit the market" on Friday. Is there a "general rule" here about when sales are executed that anyone is aware of?
While I don't expect anyone to know how my 401k's website works, there aren't any "time" details there anyway under my Fund Transfer history, nor was I given any confirmation of when the timing occurred.
I'd love to think that our sale occurred right at market opening, and not later in the day.
- Fri Mar 13, 2020 1:12 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Who is staying course and how are you dealing with net worth going down?
- Replies: 359
- Views: 33484
Re: Who is staying course and how are you dealing with net worth going down?
You may have seen it coming, but market timing has TWO parts. You'll also need to be able to successfully predict when it goes, too. I wish you luck in that endeavor.Prettyfrtnt wrote: ↑Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:20 pm Everyone here is wrong. We could see this coming and it was obvious. If you see a tidal wave coming before the “intelligent” market does. Then market timing makes sense. Market timing is smart with an obvious black swan. And wow what a black swan. This was one off and do nothing was wrong here.
You, and many others here with fears, would do well to read this: https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of ... 500-2015-3
- Tue Mar 10, 2020 3:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Difficulty getting quotes from landscapers
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1965
Re: Difficulty getting quotes from landscapers
It's usually the contractor thinks the person will be difficult to work with, the job is not enjoyable, the job is low margin, or it's a one off job. My brother owns a landscape company. He doesn't need business from difficult people. He doesn't need one off jobs. He has plenty of work. He can be selective in who he deals with. +1. They made time to come to your house, but made no time for you after that. They're sending you a message. I'd approach them with the weekly offer first. If you go the easy/predictable route first, you might get a better response on the more tedious work. This also gives you an opportunity to first observe their work. Besides, if they are cutting your grass, won't this take care of sweetgum balls? If your kid is ...
- Sun Mar 08, 2020 3:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinancing when it's NOT your "forever" house
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2505
Re: Refinancing when it's NOT your "forever" house
Go for a zero cost refi at 30 years with the lowest rate you can find. As long as you are reducing the interest rate you come out ahead as long as you make the same total payment as your current mortgage. This way would not reset the mortgage clock. +1. Op, DO NOT pay points if you do not plan to stay there. Also agree that looking into a 10/1 ARM might make sense for you. This is pretty simple: use a calculator like this one (https://www.dinkytown.net/java/mortgage-refinance-calculator.html) and determine when your break-even point will be. If it occurs well before you plan to sell, a refi makes sense. If it does not, then a refi does not make sense. Contrary to what a previous poster thinks, refinances are much easier nowadays if you cho...
- Mon Mar 02, 2020 1:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How much would you pay babysitter/nanny?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1969
Re: How much would you pay babysitter/nanny?
Why not ask them what rate they want to be paid? Then go a bit higher than that (one day/week + 3 kids = a big ask).
If their asking rate is outrageous, you'll need to move on anyway, before he/she does.
- Mon Mar 02, 2020 1:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Question on New Fence Etiquette
- Replies: 29
- Views: 3540
Re: Question on New Fence Etiquette
3) Do you know why your neighbors also have a fence? If not, your first introduction might be a good time to ascertain whether they also have dogs. I've heard several stories about "shared" fences between neighbors who have each have dogs not going very well.
3a) If your dog is one to make a lot of noise at the slightest movement, etiquette might also suggest that you tend to learn your neighbors' patterns in their yard, and try to refrain from letting the hound loose at the same time(s). A slow introduction might also be in order, if indeed you care about maintaining relationships with those who may not love dogs as much as you do.
3a) If your dog is one to make a lot of noise at the slightest movement, etiquette might also suggest that you tend to learn your neighbors' patterns in their yard, and try to refrain from letting the hound loose at the same time(s). A slow introduction might also be in order, if indeed you care about maintaining relationships with those who may not love dogs as much as you do.
- Sat Feb 29, 2020 4:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?
- Replies: 1800
- Views: 178815
Re: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?
For what it's worth, a high percentage alcohol (say, 99%) is actually LESS anti-microbial than a 70% would be. Reason: it evaporates too quickly. You'll want to stick with a 50-70% concentration so that the alcohol has time to have it's killing effect, before it evaporates.willthrill81 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:43 pm
We picked up some 99% isopropyl alcohol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) yesterday when we got groceries. Previously, I'd only seen 70% on store shelves and had to order 99% on Amazon. This will work just as well as hand sanitizer. We also picked up some extra bleach.
- Fri Feb 21, 2020 4:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Perform own oil change pros & cons?
- Replies: 224
- Views: 15407
Re: Perform own oil change pros & cons?
I do my own oil changes, ever since my car (since sold) broke down on a freeway the day after a trip to Jiffy Lube. That was 4 years ago. My career path: 1) Buy jack stands, jack, wheel chocks. Yes, I could use the oil sucker and do it from the top to avoid lifting the car like many here have mentioned, but I need to do a tire rotation at each oil change, too, anyway. Might as well do that myself, too. Buy tire thread gauge, start spreadsheet. Meanwhile, compressor arrives in garage. Now I can fill my own air, too! 2) Buy a Fumoto valve for both cars, install. Marvel at self for having them, fantasize what a mechanic would think of my genius when he sees them, too...if he ever even sees the car. 3) Realize the next maintenance step is to dr...
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 7:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vague Sellers on eBay
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1730
Re: Vague Sellers on eBay
I buy and sell Legos quite a bit, including on Ebay. There's quite a few words to describe the box they come in, and I've seen them all. "NIB" can mean anything from "it's in the box" to "the box itself has no creases, dents, scratches, marks, stickers, and looks like it just came out of the factory."
Point is, my "mint" is not the same as everyone else's "mint."
Pictures are worth a thousand words. If "mint" is important, and I don't have pics, I won't buy the item.
Point is, my "mint" is not the same as everyone else's "mint."
Pictures are worth a thousand words. If "mint" is important, and I don't have pics, I won't buy the item.
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 7:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: strong role model books for 8 YO girl
- Replies: 53
- Views: 4679
Re: strong role model books for 8 YO girl
Perfect age for the Little House on the Prairie book series.
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Critique My 2019 Spending
- Replies: 48
- Views: 5336
Re: Critique My 2019 Spending
Two thoughts: 1) Disability insurance : yours is very cheap. I don't know your occupation, but if it's one that requires a very specific skill set, I hope that you aren't relying solely on an employer-provided disability plan....one in which they can "just-make-you-be-a-janitor-and-not-have-to-pay-you" sort of plan. We chose to get "own-occupation" disability, and our insurance rates are therefore much higher than yours. Something like 1 in 4 adults will have a disability in their lifetime, so in my opinion, disability insurance is more important to "get right" than life insurance is. 2) 529 : we have three kids. Looking back, I wish I would have pumped more of my excess money into the first kid's 529 plan whil...
- Wed Jan 15, 2020 2:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What is/ was your career and would you recommend it now?
- Replies: 517
- Views: 76186
Re: What is/ was your career and would you recommend it now?
Retail pharmacist, and nope, not right now. Not unless you're one of few bright ones, with a willingness to do more than just count pills. With so many new pharmacy schools opening over the last 10-15 years, we are reaching/have reached points of saturation across the country, especially in larger metropolitan areas. Retail chains aren't dumb, they recognize this, so, in my company and others, wages are starting to drop for new hires. This, combined with influx of visas, means that my company is looking for creative ways to get rid of those of us who've been around for awhile, and replace us with much cheaper labor. I imagine this market to be an ebb and flow: I'm hearing some of the pharmacy schools are now having trouble recruiting studen...
- Thu Jan 09, 2020 4:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Customer service representative request for last name
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2031
Re: Customer service representative request for last name
As part of my job, I'm often asked for my name after I give information over the phone, too. Sometimes, I get asked for my last name. I don't give it.
Why? The resolution to claims, problems, or whatever else the caller wants won't ever come down to "who they spoke with"....especially if money is involved. All that matters is whether the information I gave is correct.
If said caller doesn't trust the information to be correct, then that should tell him/her that they need to seek a different avenue for resolution.
Why? The resolution to claims, problems, or whatever else the caller wants won't ever come down to "who they spoke with"....especially if money is involved. All that matters is whether the information I gave is correct.
If said caller doesn't trust the information to be correct, then that should tell him/her that they need to seek a different avenue for resolution.
- Fri Nov 29, 2019 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Simple "Skype" Device for Video Chats???
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1877
Re: Simple "Skype" Device for Video Chats???
Completely understand if it "must be" Skype, but if you're willing to go a different FREE route, you could consider Facebook Messenger. If you're going to buy a tablet anyway, you could spend the same money on a Facebook Portal device. The Portal allows for video-calling at sometimes-faster speeds/clarity than Skype. The parties communicating need a FB account only to access Messenger; the account doesn't have to be used for anything else FB-related. Also understand if privacy issues are a concern, but as for us, we've chosen to believe all companies probably have privacy issues, whether we know about them or not....and the Portals we have work great. We love that the cameras can pan in & out and adjust based on our movement, ...
- Sat Oct 19, 2019 5:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wallets [Do you carry a wallet?]
- Replies: 109
- Views: 18450
Re: Wallets
I will never, ever tie my wallet to my phone by purchasing a case/holder for the phone. You lose the phone, you lose the wallet.
I'm not willing to deal with the DMV for the sake of simplicity. I've proven I'm willing to carry things in my pockets if I'm already carrying my phone in one, right?
Instead, I've opted for a slim, metal wallet with money clip (similar to a Ridge wallet) that won't allow for bending of cards in my back pocket like some of the other slim wallets do.
I'm not willing to deal with the DMV for the sake of simplicity. I've proven I'm willing to carry things in my pockets if I'm already carrying my phone in one, right?
Instead, I've opted for a slim, metal wallet with money clip (similar to a Ridge wallet) that won't allow for bending of cards in my back pocket like some of the other slim wallets do.
- Sun Oct 13, 2019 4:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I sell or keep my 5 year old depreciated Tesla
- Replies: 89
- Views: 9923
Re: Should I sell or keep my 5 year old depreciated Tesla
I had wondered when these discussions would start. I believe that the majority of people I know who have bought a Tesla did so because it represents status, not necessarily because it will "save them money over the long run" or "save the environment." Of course, there are exceptions, as noted on this and other threads. The only way owning a Tesla accomplishes either of the above ideals is for the owner to keep it for many, many years. Otherwise, they should have just bought a Honda. But, I suspect the majority of Telsa owners will trade up into the next trendy status symbol when the opportunity comes along. If by "changing philosophy" you mean that you no longer care about status, good for you: that's a sign of...
- Sun Sep 22, 2019 9:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Time Saving Tactics: Kids Edition
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9971
Re: Time Saving Tactics: Kids Edition
Not trying to ruffle any feathers, but as a household with two full-time working professionals (and my wife is also a full-time student) and a 5 and 2 yr old, we've never really felt this crunch. Both the wife and I are sticklers for organization and structure, so I guess it is just second nature and we don't really need any time hacks . Thank goodness for you. I have no problem with ruffling feathers: seems like more and more people out there just "don't have the time" nowadays and really need a hard reset. We have a 5-year old and two 2-year olds, we both also work full-time, and we carry the same mentality as you. Our children have chores to do every day. If they make a mess, they clean it up. We do not hire help. We do our ow...
- Sun Sep 22, 2019 3:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How do you spend money to gain time? (young family)
- Replies: 155
- Views: 14306
Re: How do you spend money to gain time? (young family)
Call us old-fashioned, I guess. We take a different approach: We have three kids under five, and we both work full-time. We don't hire any help out, do our own grocery shopping, our own auto maintenance, lawn maintenance, and cook almost all meals at home. Kids go to day-care full time, but that's so we can work. That will change once student loans are paid off. We spend quality time with our children every day, and find a family activity outdoors to do together each weekend. When chores need to be done, they help, or they play by themselves , together, outside. We both have time for our own hobbies: she has a blog, he has a YT channel. We each exercise multiple days each week. We chuckle at some (usually younger) couples we know who say th...
- Tue Jul 16, 2019 11:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Have $3m at 33, "approach to career" advice needed
- Replies: 157
- Views: 41107
- Fri Jul 12, 2019 3:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pay student loans via cash-out refinance?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3186
Re: Pay student loans via cash-out refinance?
I see quite a few mentions in this thread of 15-year and 30-year timelines to pay off a refinance.
With the behavior trends what they are today, should this even be a part of the math? I suppose some do find their "forever home" early on, but I'd be certain to ask whether the couple sees themselves in same home for 15 or 30 more years.
- Tue Oct 16, 2018 4:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Attempted fraud against my frozen credit - Need I do more?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2009
Re: Attempted fraud against my frozen credit - Need I do more?
OP, who's the letter addressed to? Perhaps Synchrony just screwed up?
- Fri Oct 12, 2018 10:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Just Divorced -- Need Help [looking for new credit card]
- Replies: 73
- Views: 8545
Re: Just Divorced -- Need Help
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/02/upshot/the-divorce-surge-is-over-but-the-myth-lives-on.html Divorce rates peaked in the 1980s and have been falling ever since. "Of college-educated people who married in the early 2000s, only about 11 percent divorced by their seventh anniversary, the last year for which data is available. Among people without college degrees, 17 percent were divorced." That's a far cry from 50%. I'm not divorced. None of my four siblings that got married have divorced. None of my wife's six siblings who got married have divorced (though one's spouse is in jail). None of my parent's siblings, nor my wife's parent's siblings have divorced. I can't even think of someone who is divorced. I know a lot of divorced p...
- Wed Oct 10, 2018 7:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Copy/paste from sister's Living Trust?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1923
Re: Copy/paste from sister's Living Trust?
The business came from OP's sister, so I think OP owes his sister a nice meal out
OP, proceed. Many, many folks DIY this sort of thing, and if you are comfortable in your knowledge of state laws as well as your ability to properly edit such a document to keep it legal, go for it.
That being said, the lawyers here will likely have a different answer for you.
- Thu Oct 04, 2018 4:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Landlord wants to raise rent, but is asking if he can?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6465
Re: Landlord wants to raise rent, but is asking if he can?
He can predict future rates for utilities? Nice skill.schrute wrote: ↑Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:13 pm Last year he increased rent +2.5% due to utilities going up. Same thing this year, asking to raise rent +2.5% this year, but asking if he can. He says if we don't want to, we don't have to because he likes us. But he says utilities are going up again this year. I mean how much can utilities go up?
Ok, if that's the reason he's giving you, ask to see the utility bills and offer to pay the difference you calculate.
When he balks, then you'll know (and you should already suspect anyway) that the increase is not really due solely to utilities, and you should expect such a conversation and subsequent increase to occur every year when planning your budget.
- Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone want to share their monthly budget? Here's ours
- Replies: 157
- Views: 41064
Re: Anyone want to share their monthly budget? Here's ours
Our monthly budget totals about $16,500.
Because the margin for error for us is slim, we keep a detailed sheet for expenses that is updated using Mint. Monthly totals are then transferred to the next year, with a small extra buffer amount granted to each non-fixed expense.
All purchases that can be put on a rewards credit card are done so.
I would encourage folks like OP to not only maintain a monthly budget sheet, but also project spending and retirement/investment accounts growth on the same sheet for the next 10-15 years. Doing so can bring more focus to long-term goals such as retirement, reduction in work hours, and spending priorities, and allow you to better plan for bigger expenses such as home repairs, new cars, etc.
Because the margin for error for us is slim, we keep a detailed sheet for expenses that is updated using Mint. Monthly totals are then transferred to the next year, with a small extra buffer amount granted to each non-fixed expense.
All purchases that can be put on a rewards credit card are done so.
I would encourage folks like OP to not only maintain a monthly budget sheet, but also project spending and retirement/investment accounts growth on the same sheet for the next 10-15 years. Doing so can bring more focus to long-term goals such as retirement, reduction in work hours, and spending priorities, and allow you to better plan for bigger expenses such as home repairs, new cars, etc.
- Sun Sep 30, 2018 1:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When the $2000 deductible bites you in the rear end!
- Replies: 30
- Views: 4784
Re: When the $2000 deductible bites you in the rear end!
OP, I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. I encounter this exact scenario every day on my way to work. Traffic backs up on the two-lane road I travel on at a particular stop light. There is a third, legal but long turn lane on the far right that people drive all of the way down to in order to turn right at the next light. Not that many people use it because there's not much happening down the next road, but I happen to be one of them. Obviously, it's great because I can bypass all of the waiting cars so that I can turn, and don't have to wait until I get up to the light to do so. I can't tell you how many times the two lanes of cars will try to leave space for drivers coming in the opposite direction to turn left into the various business...
- Sat Sep 29, 2018 3:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 0% loan to family member
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3581
Re: 0% loan to family member
+1. Life is too short.Nissanzx1 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 29, 2018 1:41 pm I do have to say, if he was my brother I would confront him (just the two of you) and let him know that he's taking advantage of your parents and that it's not ok with you (if it's not). Better for me to get it off my chest than let this fester for the next 25 years. If it costs you a relationship with him, that's on him. I would probably disown him if he didn't get his act together. This guy needs to be called out in private on what he's doing.