Search found 683 matches

by Loik098
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

senex wrote: Fri Dec 16, 2022 7:42 pm 19. Don't roll a 401(k) into an IRA; it reduces some protections and some conversion opportunities
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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!
by Loik098
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. ...
by Loik098
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'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.
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.
by Loik098
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

very small, short-term side gig. I don’t need to earn much at it, maybe just a couple hundred.
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.

We aren't into it now as much as we used to be, but made ~$8k between 2017-early 2019, according to my spreadsheet.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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

crefwatch wrote: Mon May 04, 2020 11:36 am Amazon's public position is that they are prioritizing food and medicine and other pandemic essentials.
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.
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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?

SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Thu Mar 26, 2020 11:37 pm I think this forum gets trolled a lot.
+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?
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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)

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?
Since you don't seem to be interested in theory, here's some FACTS to aid you in your "getting back in":

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."
by Loik098
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
by Loik098
Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying Silver for apocalypse
Replies: 63
Views: 10048

Re: Buying Silver for apocalypse

z3r0c00l wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:22 pm Buy guns, ammo, medicine, machetes, shoes, other clothing, and alcohol, will be worth more than metal disks when the economy collapses.
+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.
by Loik098
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

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.
Thank you for your inspiring story, and for taking the time to share it with the rest of us.

I'm curious, what made you elect to go with a 95/5 allocation?
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalancing: when does the sale occur?
Replies: 8
Views: 481

Re: Rebalancing: when does the sale occur?

rkhusky wrote: Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:54 pm Mutual fund transactions occur after market close - usually 4 pm eastern time. 401k’s the same.

ETF transactions happen during the day.
Thank you very much! Have a great day.
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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?

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 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.

You, and many others here with fears, would do well to read this: https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of ... 500-2015-3
by Loik098
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 ...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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?

eimaise wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 8:17 pm Thanks. We already have someone, but they don't have a rate they charge so we are trying to figure out how much to fairly pay them.
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.
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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?

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.
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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, ...
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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?

robphoto wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2019 10:41 am One other point from our experience: if you can do a 15 year mortgage, you will be clear of the mortgage when the kids are in college, so it's much easier to cash flow tuition or other college expenses then.
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.
by Loik098
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?

Watty wrote: Tue Oct 16, 2018 9:15 am What is odd about this is that they sent this to your home address and at some other address was not used.

I would be concerned about if the fraudster was planning on stealing the new credit card from your mailbox.
OP, who's the letter addressed to? Perhaps Synchrony just screwed up?
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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?

delamer wrote: Wed Oct 10, 2018 6:43 pm Sounds like you owe your “attorney friend” some business.
The business came from OP's sister, so I think OP owes his sister a nice meal out :happy

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.
by Loik098
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?

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?
He can predict future rates for utilities? Nice skill.

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.
by Loik098
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.
by Loik098
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...
by Loik098
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

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.
+1. Life is too short.