Search found 1849 matches

by Alexa9
Sat Jan 26, 2019 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Regretting home purchase and move - advice needed
Replies: 21
Views: 3899

Re: Regretting home purchase and move - advice needed

Make the most of it now until you decide to move again and make sure it's the right move next time. Make a list of what is most/least important to you and try to improve your situation as much as you can now.
by Alexa9
Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon marketplace delivery problem: who is to blame?
Replies: 11
Views: 1318

Re: Amazon marketplace delivery problem: who is to blame?

Interesting situation. I find it also interesting that Amazon can't be rated as a seller. I would tend to agree with the seller in this case. If it never arrived it is probably the delivery service's fault rather than Amazon or the seller.
I had a similar situation on eBay where the seller never shipped or responded. They got several negative feedback including from me but the feedback mysteriously disappeared. Worst part was eBay's policy of no refund for several weeks to give them a chance to send it.
I think feedback is very important for sellers and I tend to only do business with 100% positive sellers now if it's something important. I have more faith in Amazon than eBay now too.
by Alexa9
Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car maintenance - dealer or independent shop?
Replies: 51
Views: 4268

Re: Car maintenance - dealer or independent shop?

Some dealers try to sell you more than you need. 15k/30k mile service "packages" that are $150 up to $500 dollars. Know what maintenance is really needed. For oil changes, tire rotations, service bulletins, and under warranty issues the dealer is usually fine. They also have wifi and some offer a loaner while you wait. For more expensive things like belts, transmission, brakes, a mechanic may be significantly less expensive assuming they are recommended and do a good job.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Helping Kids with Home Purchase
Replies: 77
Views: 7984

Re: Helping Kids with Home Purchase

I would avoid co signing. Instead, consider gifting them whatever you feel appropriate towards a down payment.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 25, 2019 1:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard stole $0.01?
Replies: 80
Views: 8684

Re: Vanguard stole $0.01?

It’s kind of like the penny jar at a gas station. Sometimes you leave a penny, sometimes you take one but it all averages out.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 25, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Home Computer of Some Kind
Replies: 40
Views: 3239

Re: New Home Computer of Some Kind

I would recommend www.pcpartpicker.com and building a PC or having someone local assemble it for less than $100. You’ll save a lot on components.
If you’re not gaming though any modern PC will be great and way better than your old one. If building a PC sounds too much, an Intel NUC is an excellent small PC. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... A514&smp=Y
Just add 8GB RAM and an SSD.
Otherwise a Dell Tower is not bad. I don’t think an iMac or Mac Mini are worth the Apple premium although the MacBook Pro may be a good choice if you’re going for a laptop.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 25, 2019 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Cirque du Soleil worth it?
Replies: 33
Views: 3942

Re: Is Cirque du Soleil worth it?

Very subjective. I've heard people rave about it or say it's overrated depending on their tastes.
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 24, 2019 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell Phone Plans - Question Re Best Plan for Combining Husband & Wife
Replies: 65
Views: 4919

Re: Cell Phone Plans - Question Re Best Plan for Combining Husband & Wife

Tons of MVNO's that are way cheaper than the major carriers. Cricket, Republic, Straight Talk, Boost etc.
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 24, 2019 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiating DayCare Fees
Replies: 70
Views: 5590

Re: Negotiating DayCare Fees

At that price, you might consider an au pair.
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choose a mandatory high school class
Replies: 3
Views: 474

Re: Choose a mandatory high school class

Personal Finance & Investing obviously!
Basic Cooking is something everyone should know how to do.
I'd have to disagree with woodshop. Very niche hobby.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 23, 2019 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What lifestyle creep made you happier?
Replies: 626
Views: 96602

Re: What lifestyle creep made you happier?

It's good to have nice things for the hobbies that I actually use a lot.
Home Gym: weight rack, barbell, bumper plates, cardio machines
Electronics: laptop, desktop, smartphone, surround sound stereo / home theater, headphones, DSLR camera
Vacation: rarely take one but when I do I like to go all out on a "once in a lifetime" type trip
Good food, alcohol, and cookware
Camping equipment
Nice furniture
Musical Instruments

Things I don't value as much as others: nice hotels, restaurants, expensive clothing, cars
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 23, 2019 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do bonds belong in a Roth IRA
Replies: 11
Views: 4916

Re: Do bonds belong in a Roth IRA

Roth dollars are worth more. You could argue that maximum growth potential assets belongs there. However, you probably still want some bonds to rebalance in a severe downturn. If you're in or close to retirement, you also probably want a significant allocation to bonds in your IRA to minimize risk. "Some investors see bonds or bond funds as tax-inefficient because almost all of the return comes from the dividend yield, which is fully taxed as ordinary income. [note 3] In contrast, stocks get most of their return from price appreciation, which is not taxed until the stocks are sold and is taxed at the capital-gains tax rate. Therefore, these investors regard bonds as being less tax-efficient than stock index funds (which rarely sell sto...
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 23, 2019 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Headphones for a noisy/annoying office setting?
Replies: 16
Views: 1497

Re: Headphones for a noisy/annoying office setting?

Another option is to wear hearing protection earmuffs over earbud headphones.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 23, 2019 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Headphones for a noisy/annoying office setting?
Replies: 16
Views: 1497

Re: Headphones for a noisy/annoying office setting?

If you really want to block noise, they make hearing protection for lawn mowing/shooting with a headphone jack to plug into your computer or smartphone. I am in the market for these as well as I am not a fan of active noise cancelling.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Ho ... ref=plSrch
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 23, 2019 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there ever a smart time to trade a vehicle ?
Replies: 15
Views: 1398

Re: Is there ever a smart time to trade a vehicle ?

Trucks hold their value very well. I wouldn't trade it in and I wouldn't sell it until it's well over 10 years old, 100k miles. Then sell it private party. Financially it makes sense to drive a car as long as possible. Buying a new car every few years is about as bad as leasing.
by Alexa9
Tue Jan 22, 2019 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone see an inheritance not go as planned? I would like to hear stories from others of what can go wrong.
Replies: 510
Views: 78622

Re: Has anyone see an inheritance not go as planned? I would like to hear stories from others of what can go wrong.

This is what I’ve seen, it is just too much.
“Favorite” child getting everything.
Siblings that feel entitled that they are owed something.
Mess of accounts with poor records and a hoarder with greedy siblings.
Much older parent remarried. Changes will frequently depending on mood.
Do poor relatives deserve more than successful?
I would much rather gift while alive and see how it is put to use before gifting more.
by Alexa9
Tue Jan 22, 2019 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for pickup truck?
Replies: 70
Views: 5404

Re: Recommendation for pickup truck?

1. F-150
2. Silverado/Sierra
If he drives a lot, I'd get an older one with low miles. If he doesn't drive a lot, I'd get a newer one with higher miles. I would somewhat low ball craigslist ads. People want too much for used vehicles, especially trucks.
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 21, 2019 5:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: One Fund to Rule Them All
Replies: 52
Views: 7136

Re: One Fund to Rule Them All

That would be very volatile but it's fine if you're okay with that. I would use Lifestrategy Growth / Moderate Growth at age 40 or Target Date 2060.
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dentist fees
Replies: 70
Views: 6144

Re: Dentist fees

This sounds typical to me. Good dental work is worth it. Next time make sure it’s clear what’s covered beforehand and what it costs. You could complain to the insurance I suppose or your employer.
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grocery shopping strategy
Replies: 146
Views: 13607

Re: Grocery shopping strategy

You can overanalyze it. I would go to the place that you like the most. This is a combination of factors: distance, price, quality, cleanliness, employees, etc. I go to a couple stores that are very close because they're convenient. It's more expensive but it's also empty because of that which I like. The local discount grocery store is usually packed and has lower quality foods/selection.
Certainly a place like Costco or Amazon Prime you have to determine if it's worth it and if you'd actually spend more than you want there because everything is such a good deal and quality in Costco's case and convenient in Amazon's case.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Beginning investing late at 50 years old
Replies: 6
Views: 1910

Re: Beginning investing late at 50 years old

You can invest $6,000 ($5,000 depending on when you turned 50) per year for last year (until April 15)and $7,000 per year in a Roth IRA this year and going forward (catch up bonus $1,000 per year since you're 50+). Then I would look into work retirement plan (401k, etc.) or Solo 401k if it's your own business and you're the only employee. After that you can invest in a taxable account. I wouldn't definitely plan on leaving anything to heirs until you are fully able to retire comfortably. It costs more than you expect. For asset allocation, I'd do plenty of reading: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax-efficient_fund_placement I would max your...
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 20, 2019 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Negotiating for CPO Toyota or Honda
Replies: 24
Views: 3703

Re: Negotiating for CPO Toyota or Honda

The 2019 RAV-4 is just a month old. Might consider a Mazda or Hyundai if you're looking to save. Toyota/Honda are top sellers and dealers don't seem to negotiate as much. Agree that the 2018 RAV-4 should be much more negotiable although the styling and technology is dated. I think the 2019 should have more wiggle room closer to summer. Or, make an offer to several dealers, walk away, and see who gets the closest.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 20, 2019 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for old school CD player & bookshelf stereo
Replies: 28
Views: 3101

Re: Looking for old school CD player & bookshelf stereo

I would skip any dated player and use a computer (desktop/laptop) to rip the CD's (for them if necessary) to iTunes. Most radio stations can be accessed online as well. They probably already have a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Then I would get these computer speakers: https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1280T-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016P9HJIA/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1548011305&sr=1-5&keywords=edifier+speakers It is good for older people to embrace technology and have a young person teach them even if they grumble about it. Otherwise you might get a receiver and some speakers. https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-C-7030-Compact-Player-Black/dp/B004UR487A/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1548014680&...
by Alexa9
Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning up Facebook feed for elderly relative
Replies: 12
Views: 2686

Re: Cleaning up Facebook feed for elderly relative

I think you can create a group for close friends or hide acquaintances. Ublock Origin or similar adblocker might block the spam.
by Alexa9
Sat Jan 19, 2019 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ford F-series pickup with 4x4 and 4 doors?
Replies: 31
Views: 2886

Re: Ford F-series pickup with 4x4 and 4 doors?

Since your user name is Jeep4Life, maybe you can wait for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator:

Image
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 18, 2019 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Curry Powder?
Replies: 38
Views: 3088

Re: Curry Powder?

6 C's + Turmeric: Cumin, Cayenne, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Coriander, Clove, Turmeric
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I dump our wealth planner/financial advisor?
Replies: 49
Views: 7152

Re: Should I dump our wealth planner/financial advisor?

If you're going to get advice, pay by the hour so you know what you're getting and what you're paying. Paying a percentage of your assets should be outlawed. Just because someone got a certificate in things that are widely available for free and puts on a suit does not mean they are worth paying 1% of your assets annually especially if you're willing to take the time to learn it yourself.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refurbished iPhones from Amazon
Replies: 23
Views: 10565

Re: Refurbished iPhones from Amazon

If you use a highly rated seller, it's fine. Check the battery health and fully test it within the return period. Usually much cheaper than Apple Refurbished. I had one that was listed as Like New and the volume button stuck but they refunded me quickly. You might try eBay too, they are often lower than Amazon.
by Alexa9
Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Credit Card for International Travel
Replies: 51
Views: 5241

Re: Best Credit Card for International Travel

If you have Amazon Prime or Costco, their cards have no FTF although there is a membership fee.
BOA Travel Rewards card has no FTF and no annual fee. Visa Signature with 0% APR for 12 months and 25k sign up bonus.
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What shelf liquor and your favorite cocktails?
Replies: 45
Views: 4665

Re: What shelf liquor and your favorite cocktails?

Dark 'N Stormy: Goslings Dark Rum + Goslings Ginger Beer + Lime Gin 'N Tonic: Bombay Sapphire or Gordon's + Schweppes Tonic Water + Lime Skinny "Witch": Mango/Lime/Grapefruit/Watermelon Waterloo Soda Water + Bacardi Silver + Lime Martini: Hendrick's or Botanist Gin + Olive w/ Trader Joe's Stilton Cheese OR Cucumber Slices Grapefruit/Orange Juice + Costco Kirkland American Vodka($16/handle) Margarita: Simply Limeade + Kirkland Tequila + Ice blended Piña Colada: Coco Lopez Coconut Cream + Pineapple Juice (or fresh) + Bacardi Silver + Ice blended Spanish/Irish Coffee: Decaf or Regular Coffee + half and half + Tia Maria or Bailey's Irish Creme Apple Jack: Hot Apple Cider + Jack Daniel's or similar bourbon/whiskey Sipping: Papa Pilar's...
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81318

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

Bogle was far ahead of his time and a revolutionary thinker. He dramatically changed the financial industry for the better for the benefit of everyone.
by Alexa9
Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Jordan Peterson books/videos?
Replies: 4
Views: 1025

Re: Thoughts on Jordan Peterson books/videos?

He seems overconfident in his claims to say the least although he is amusing/controversial. I've seen enough of him on Youtube to not buy his books, but he may appeal to your views. Like a stereotypical psychologist he is good at pointing out the flaws in others but not himself.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fun with Amazon
Replies: 35
Views: 4706

Re: Fun with Amazon

They’re expanding faster than they can keep up. I still find them much more convenient than driving to the store for most things. Although I do cross shop with eBay, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart more often now.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 16, 2019 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 100% in VTSAX - Is it crazy???
Replies: 87
Views: 19869

Re: 100% in VTSAX - Is it crazy???

It's fine, 20% bonds is often recommended as similar returns with lower volatility. When you get closer to retirement, you will rethink this allocation but it's fine until probably age 50 if you understand the risk.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are You Dumping Netflix?
Replies: 218
Views: 22815

Re: Are You Dumping Netflix?

I find there is nothing I am interested in watching on Cable, Netflix, Amazon anymore. I think the quality of films/TV has gone way down for whatever reason: maybe pirated media and more competition with other forms of entertainment like gaming and youtube.
by Alexa9
Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When would you stop being a Boglehead?
Replies: 95
Views: 9983

Re: When would you stop being a Boglehead?

I suppose I could get in on some insider trading deals at some point. Otherwise, what would be the point?
by Alexa9
Tue Jan 15, 2019 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Camry vs RAV4
Replies: 48
Views: 8386

Re: 2019 Camry vs RAV4

I am more interested in a good deal and curious how much people really get off of MSRP. I am aware of pitting the dealers against eachother but I know that even the lowest price offered by one dealer is not even close to as low as they will go with negotiating. I would guess the best method is to offer a price well below the lowest offer to many dealers and see who will get the closest. I prefer the RAV4 but it's brand new and there won't be deals for a while and haggling will likely be laughed at as they sell quickly. Also sedans are not selling nearly as well as SUV's. Another thing to consider is the previous model year is the previous generation and I wonder how much off dealers are willing to negotiate on that model to where the price ...
by Alexa9
Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I know market timing is a fool's game but...
Replies: 59
Views: 5839

Re: I know market timing is a fool's game but...

I can see someone going from 40/60 to 60/40. Not a big deal. But to go all in or all out on a gut feeling is not wise.
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 14, 2019 2:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Dirt Simple Wins Again. Couch Potato Portfolio"
Replies: 20
Views: 5897

Re: "Dirt Simple Wins Again. Couch Potato Portfolio"

50% Total Stock Market
50% TIPS
His hands off philosophy is good but his allocation could be a little better. One year returns in a bear market are not a good indicator of a solid portfolio.
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 14, 2019 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Camry vs RAV4
Replies: 48
Views: 8386

Re: 2019 Camry vs RAV4

So the Camry shoot for less than $22,000 + Tax, Title, License? RAV4 24,500 + TTL?
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 14, 2019 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 Camry vs RAV4
Replies: 48
Views: 8386

2019 Camry vs RAV4

I really like the looks of the new RAV4 and the Camry is not bad either. Looking for a rough price difference between these two cars. The RAV4 is a top seller and I think the rear liftgate would be useful when moving large stuff vs. a trunk. Sedans don't seem to be selling well though so it may be worth it to save a significant amount on a Camry. How much off MSRP should I expect on a 2019 Camry LE ($24,350) vs RAV4 LE FWD ($25,500) after haggling? I should probably also factor in resale value since an SUV is more desirable. Another thing to consider is the 2019 RAV4 is all new so the 2018 might have significant discounts. I assume that sedan sales should make the Camry much more negotiable as the RAV4 is the #1 selling car after American p...
by Alexa9
Mon Jan 14, 2019 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lazy Portfolio vs CFP
Replies: 4
Views: 778

Re: Lazy Portfolio vs CFP

Most active funds underperform long term especially after fees. Even the ones that get lucky don’t often continue to do so. It becomes more like gambling the more active you become so take 5% of your portfolio and play with it if you want.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for online photography course?
Replies: 27
Views: 1769

Re: Tips for online photography course?

Exposure is not that complicated: SAIL: Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO, and Lighting. I like Aperture priority most of the time, wide open for portraits and narrow for landscapes. Auto ISO, white balance, and shutter speed. I would just take a lot of photos and post them online to get feedback. Shoot in full manual mode to get a feel for it. Offer to take portraits of friends/family. Other than exposure, the most important thing is a creative POV and framing which is not that difficult. There are specific tips for landscape vs. portrait such as angles and focus/bokeh that you can read about all over the internet without paying for a class. I would prefer a local class over online with other people to get feedback on your photos and new ideas.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taking expensive DSLR on kayak?
Replies: 41
Views: 3115

Re: Taking expensive DSLR on kayak?

If you have a sturdy kayak and the river or lake is very calm, you might do it at your own risk. Assuming you can afford to easily replace it. Carry a waterproof bag for getting in and out of the kayak.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EBay Auction with Best Offer
Replies: 8
Views: 1073

Re: EBay Auction with Best Offer

I hate bid wars. I usually go for Buy It Now, but I would offer what you think is a fair amount for best offer. You might wait until it is almost over though and bid if you are patient.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Small cap tilting
Replies: 20
Views: 2128

Re: SMALL CAP TILTING

If you're going to tilt to the small factor, you should also consider tilting to value. Read Fama French and Larry Portfolio. It will have periods of underperformance, but I and many others think it's worth doing if you're going to stick with it, rebalance, and be in the market for 20+ years.
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Looking for Advise
Replies: 5
Views: 786

Re: Looking for Advise

By all means, don't pay someone for AUM! It's not rocket science. However, certain other parts of insurance/social security/financial/tax/estate planning may be worth consulting someone for an hourly fee if you have a complicated situation.

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Vanguar ... tegy_Funds
by Alexa9
Sun Jan 13, 2019 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: charles schwab, fidelity and seven other banks and brokerages are planning to launch a new exchange
Replies: 9
Views: 2568

Re: charles schwab, fidelity and seven other banks and brokerages are planning to launch a new exchange

I like the idea of slower trading. High frequency trading and computers could really mess things up quickly.
by Alexa9
Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake fluid replacement?
Replies: 103
Views: 10013

Re: Brake fluid replacement?

From what I’ve read, they are less likely to fail if you change it every few years. Some people never change it and get lucky but it is a costly fix and dangerous if it does happen. Also be sure to replace pads and rotors when needed.