Search found 109 matches

by FamilyMan
Sat Apr 01, 2023 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Near limits of eligibility for Roth 2023
Replies: 4
Views: 518

Re: Near limits of eligibility for Roth 2023

Thank you for the advice!
by FamilyMan
Sat Apr 01, 2023 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Near limits of eligibility for Roth 2023
Replies: 4
Views: 518

Near limits of eligibility for Roth 2023

My wife and I have been contributing to each of our Roth IRA for the last 10 years. We have a good problem that we both received raises this year. We both also receive production bonuses which will bring us close to the income limits to contribute to Roth.

If we continue to contribute to the Roth but our 2023 MAGI income ends up being above $228k this year, am I penalized some how? Can I convert the amount into a traditional IRA? Thanks.
by FamilyMan
Tue Aug 30, 2022 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boston for ~1-2 days
Replies: 48
Views: 4352

Re: Boston for ~1-2 days

Jebmke beat me to recommending the Glass flower exhibit. Very unique display that my family really enjoyed. Maybe the best part of our Harvard tour. And since you’ll be on campus, it’s probably worth the time.

https://hmnh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers
by FamilyMan
Sun Aug 21, 2022 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utah mighty 5 trip
Replies: 66
Views: 6459

Re: Utah mighty 5 trip

We did something similar but spent 10 days. 3 extra days doesn't sound like much but it is a slightly slower pace. For example, I think an extra night at Bryce was well worth it for amazing star viewing and beautiful sunrises. With only one night there, you're hoping for a cloudless night and morning. I would rather see less but visit the places more thoroughly (ie visitor center, hike into the canyon, ranger lecture, etc). But, as always, YMMV. Have a great trip in a beautiful part of the country.
by FamilyMan
Sun Jun 26, 2022 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New England Trip need advice
Replies: 66
Views: 4911

Re: New England Trip need advice

While walking the Freedom Trail, stop in the North End neighborhood for food. Specifically a nice Italian dinner followed by desserts at Mike’s Pastry. Delicious!
by FamilyMan
Sat Jun 11, 2022 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?
Replies: 181
Views: 14317

Re: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?

I think a lot depends on where you live. Most bigger cities have great stand alone bakeries with similar quality to Europe. As you get into rural America, your best bet might be larger groceries store. But no where close to quality that you are looking for. Hope this helps.
by FamilyMan
Thu Apr 21, 2022 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mole Problem in Yard
Replies: 75
Views: 6662

Re: Mole Problem in Yard

We use to have a mole issue. Then my kids befriended an outdoor cat. The moles have quickly disappeared. Nice kitty!
by FamilyMan
Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YIKES! AT&T Internet Bill Shot UP! 56% in ONE Month!
Replies: 46
Views: 5723

Re: YIKES! AT&T Internet Bill Shot UP! 56% in ONE Month!

michaeljc70 wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:07 am Also, whenever I get a promotion for 12 months or 24 months or whatever it is for something like internet I always put it on my calendar a month before it's expiring so that I can explore my options and don't get surprise bills.
Good point. This is also why I like to receive snail mail paper bill. It allows me to see a price increase if I missed it on my auto bill through my bank.
by FamilyMan
Fri Mar 18, 2022 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best informative podcasts or videos?
Replies: 4
Views: 574

Re: Best informative podcasts or videos?

scintillator wrote: Fri Mar 18, 2022 8:20 am I think The Drive hosted by Peter Attia is the best podcast for medicine and physical-performance topics. He does occasional episodes on random topics, but almost all of it is health/performance episodes.
Agree. The drive is a great podcast. My biggest complaint is in the length. Most of the episodes are 2-3 hours. Even with 1.5x speed, it’s still a chunk of time to get through. And they are very detailed in nature which is good and bad.
by FamilyMan
Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying to Zion National Park from San Jose - need inputs
Replies: 30
Views: 2602

Re: Flying to Zion National Park from San Jose - need inputs

Bryce Canyon is 100x better than Antelope Canyon.

In fact, I would skip the time allotted for Antelope and divide it between Zion and Bryce.

Antelope Canyon has become over commercialized and crowded since Instagram between popular.
by FamilyMan
Wed Jan 19, 2022 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to gift college education funds to children of a deceased parent.
Replies: 34
Views: 2679

Re: How to gift college education funds to children of a deceased parent.

That’s very noble of you.

How about you treat the college kids to lunch twice a year before the semester starts. Then head on over to the bursar office to write the college a check for their tuition balances.

That should make them extra appreciative of what you do for them and how much you respected their Dad. Keeping his legacy alive.

Also, think about becoming a basic role model to them. If nothing else, help them in the real world (guiding them to get internships, teaching them basic personal finance, etc). Your deceased friend would be overwhelmed knowing your support of his kids.

Whatever you decide, keep it up!
by FamilyMan
Sun Dec 26, 2021 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bucket approach: How many years of anticipated expenses in bonds and cash?
Replies: 48
Views: 4907

Re: Bucket approach: How many years of anticipated expenses in bonds and cash?

I plan on using Fritz Gilbert @ Retirement Manifesto 3 bucket strategy when I retire. It’s well thought out but not complicated. See what you think.

https://www.theretirementmanifesto.com/ ... -paycheck/
by FamilyMan
Tue Nov 16, 2021 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which state and city to buy a retirement House?
Replies: 83
Views: 8404

Re: Which state and city to buy a retirement House?

galeno wrote: Sun Nov 14, 2021 11:01 am If I WERE a USA person in your situation I'd choose Cleveland, OH.

Why? Right now Cleveland is undesireable and thus very cheap. Climate change will make it a paradise.

If I were young, hungry, and didn't dislike RE investing I'd go looking for RE and land deals in the entire USA's rustbelt.
This made me chuckle. The guy living in sunny, balmy Mexico is recommending cold, snowy Cleveland as winter is starting to arrive. BUT, one day it might be paradise.
by FamilyMan
Wed Sep 22, 2021 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To sell or rent the family home
Replies: 15
Views: 2000

Re: To sell or rent the family home

If it was my family, I think I would try renting it out for at least a year. Maybe hire a property management group to handle repairs, cleaning, etc. It’s not like a second home with a big mortgage that you HAVE to find renters every week. Maybe enough to cover taxes and maintenance.

Then, if he didn’t enjoy being a short term landlord, sell the place. Unless the economy tanks, the value of a beach house shouldn’t drop significantly in a year or two.

I also think this would be a good transition for you (and any siblings) to ownership of the family vacation house.
by FamilyMan
Thu Jul 22, 2021 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gen-X Boglehead Thoughts
Replies: 170
Views: 34273

Re: Gen-X Boglehead Thoughts

Interesting thread. We're roughly mid forties. There is the concept of not always being on autopilot in the book die with zero. I haven't read everything, but I think the concept is whatever you've done to get 'here' may need to change from now on. I believe the concept is untying the purse strings, and aggressively spending now in your 50s vs 60s vs 70s. I also enjoyed that book. It’s kinda summed up by enjoy the journey, not just the destination. But I find it very difficult to balance saving for retirement and spending available money on current wants. No one wants to have that difficult choice of running out of money too soon. Or worse yet, it happens to your partner after your demise. If only we knew the date we would die and spend ac...
by FamilyMan
Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Man vs. Cockroach
Replies: 21
Views: 3434

Re: Man vs. Cockroach

If cockroaches were in MY northern climate house, I’m calling the expert pest control. Maybe it’s the exaggerated myth of uncontrolled infestation of the bug but I don’t play that game. That creeps me out.
by FamilyMan
Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your only money regret?
Replies: 166
Views: 20402

Re: What is your only money regret?

One Ping wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 7:04 pm
Nver2Late wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 7:01 pm
JakeyLee wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 1:55 pm I maxed out all my pretax retirement accounts for over 26 years. But for some reason I was late to the game in realizing how much more flexibility I could have if I participated in a Roth IRA much sooner. :oops:
Unfortunately this ^^
Ayup.
Can you explain how a Roth IRA is much more “flexible” than a 401 or other investing vehicle? I’m assuming it has to do that you already paid taxes on it? Much appreciated.
by FamilyMan
Mon Jun 14, 2021 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Afternoon tea in Boston?? Where??
Replies: 27
Views: 3363

Re: Afternoon tea in Boston?? Where??

One of our favorite stops in Boston was the Boston Tea Museum. The museum tour is part in a building, part on a boat. They used holograms in the explanation of the tea party act that was done very well.

I mention this museum because they have an informal tea room at the end of the tour which we really enjoyed. Here is a link and see if it is something you might enjoy.

https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/tea-room
by FamilyMan
Sun May 23, 2021 9:26 am
Forum: Spain
Topic: Retirement - Spain or Portugal?
Replies: 55
Views: 25727

Re: Retirement - Spain or Portugal?

I enjoy this blog about 2 Americans who moved to Spain and talk about their life. I do think they plan on moving back to the US post COVID but their previous European experiences are interesting.

http://yourthirdlife.com/
by FamilyMan
Fri May 14, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Boston w/ young family
Replies: 35
Views: 4043

Re: Visiting Boston w/ young family

We stayed downtown and thought it was well worth the extra cost. Time is limited on vacation and I didn’t want to waste time on mass transit. Especially in a very walkable city like Boston.

We parked the car in a city garage called the Government Center Parking Garage. Instead of paying $60 per night, I paid about $17. Yes, it was a bit more work but I saved $170 over 4 nights. You’ll need that extra cash with Boston being pricy for everything.
by FamilyMan
Thu May 13, 2021 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to get rid of junk mail for my mother
Replies: 42
Views: 3674

Re: how to get rid of junk mail for my mother

SmileyFace wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 3:03 pm I just solved the problem by making sure my recycling container is one my way back from the mailbox. 99% of my mail doesn't make it into the house.
Boom, nailed it! If they want to keep sending me unwanted mail as I recycle their previously sent junk, go for it. They’ll eventually get the hint.
by FamilyMan
Thu Apr 01, 2021 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down
Replies: 124
Views: 14631

Re: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down

I recently renewed our memberships. It’s like insurance. Probably won’t have to use it but nice to have in case. Especially with young drivers.

The other benefit no one has mentioned is the discount on hotel rooms. I consistently get an extra $10-15 off per night for hotel rooms using my AAA card. That adds up and some years, pays for the annual membership.
by FamilyMan
Fri Mar 19, 2021 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport sitting in USPS distribution center for a month. What to do?
Replies: 32
Views: 6911

Re: Passport sitting in USPS distribution center for a month. What to do?

My wife and I renewed our passports at the end of December. They just arrived this week. I wasn't expecting a a 3 month wait but it is what it is.
by FamilyMan
Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parking RV In Driveway
Replies: 60
Views: 6585

Re: Parking RV In Driveway

On a side note, be mindful of your neighbors too. Is the RV hidden enough on your driveway that it’s not an eyesore for the neighborhood. Sorry to be blunt but I think an RV (especially an older model) or large boat looks awful in most neighborhoods. I would be very annoyed if my next door neighbor had one in his driveway
by FamilyMan
Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are We in Another Housing Bubble? (Charlotte NC region)
Replies: 59
Views: 6852

Re: Are We in Another Housing Bubble? (Charlotte NC region)

Charlotte is ranked third in this recent article about country’s hottest real estate markets.

https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/top ... llennials/
by FamilyMan
Wed Jan 13, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flipped out on Home Depot employee
Replies: 44
Views: 3651

Re: Flipped out on Home Depot employee

If you are recognized when in the store, tell the staff you have an identical twin who has anger issues but an anonymous Internet forum is helping him work through the issues.

Honestly, they problem won’t even recognize you. Nor do they care if you are spending money there again.
by FamilyMan
Wed Dec 30, 2020 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Just Ordered Peloton Bike
Replies: 194
Views: 23301

Re: Just Ordered Peloton Bike

A subtle request to Peloton owners from a guy who doesn’t own one. My social media accounts are filled with Peloton owners bragging about their most recent ride. Up at 4 am, “personal best time”, top 10% of leader board, etc. And my friends seem obligated to take a screen shot and circle that they finished 189 out of 4532 riders. Like they’re Lance Armstrong vying for the yellow jersey. This company seems to strive on customers bragging to others and “The fear of missing out” concept if not using this indoor bike. The rest of us non-riders don’t care that instructor Stephanie is a great leader to a Beatles tribute ride on a rural mountain road. I don’t brag about my push ups or sit ups on my carpet in my living room. Ah, I feel better. Tha...
by FamilyMan
Wed Dec 30, 2020 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Just Ordered Peloton Bike
Replies: 194
Views: 23301

Re: Just Ordered Peloton Bike

A subtle request to Peloton owners from a guy who doesn’t own one. My social media accounts are filled with Peloton owners bragging about their most recent ride. Up at 4 am, “personal best time”, top 10% of leader board, etc. And my friends seem obligated to take a screen shot and circle that they finished 189 out of 4532 riders. Like they’re Lance Armstrong vying for the yellow jersey. This company seems to strive on customers bragging to others and “The fear of missing out” concept if not using this indoor bike. The rest of us non-riders don’t care that instructor Stephanie is a great leader to a Beatles tribute ride on a rural mountain road. I don’t brag about my push ups or sit ups on my carpet in my living room. Ah, I feel better. Than...
by FamilyMan
Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me value a house
Replies: 17
Views: 1062

Re: Help me value a house

Your post is confusing. Did you “give it” (meaning sell) to your nephew or does your sister and you still own it? If your nephew now owns it and borrowed money to fix it up, your son should stay out of a done deal. If your nephew is borrowing money to fix up a house he doesn’t own yet, this situation is getting much more complex. Maybe talk to a realtor or a real estate attorney.
by FamilyMan
Sun Dec 13, 2020 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55812

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

UpperNwGuy wrote: Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:35 pm Chemex carafe.

I bought one this year and to be honest, I haven’t been overly impressed. It is aesthetically pleasing but not as functional as I thought. My biggest issue is the coffee becomes cold fairly quickly with making 5-6 cups of coffee.

I’m back to my drip coffee machine using quality beans I grind at home. Please tell me what I’m missing?
by FamilyMan
Sat Nov 28, 2020 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drinking water filtration system for home
Replies: 11
Views: 1842

Re: Drinking water filtration system for home

This question was asked on this website a few months ago. Someone recommended this waterdrop under the sink water filter. I bought it on Amazon for $39 and put it together yesterday. It took me 15 minutes. Everyone in the house agree it taste better than the Brita water. Highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/Waterdrop-Capaci ... B083NPW1DN

Edit: this for one sink, not whole house. That’s where we drink %95 of water and I didn’t want the complexity of a whole house unit.
by FamilyMan
Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel insurance on rental beach house
Replies: 10
Views: 897

Re: Travel insurance on rental beach house

As I search various realtor’s websites, most cancellation policies are basically, “pay us in full for the week and we’ll try and find another tenant for the week. If we can, here is your money back minus a cancellation fee (usually $100). If they can’t rent it again, you’re on the hook for full payment”.

I guess it depends on your comfort level. But some of these beach houses in season can easily be more than $5000 for the week. I’ll probably do the independent agent for travel insurance.
by FamilyMan
Sun Nov 22, 2020 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel insurance on rental beach house
Replies: 10
Views: 897

Re: Travel insurance on rental beach house

Thank you for the detailed responses. I appreciate it.

I like the idea of getting travel insurance independently of the realtor. I’ll do some research for this trip and future trips.
by FamilyMan
Sun Nov 22, 2020 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel insurance on rental beach house
Replies: 10
Views: 897

Travel insurance on rental beach house

My family and I are interested in renting a beach house for a week next August. We have narrowed it down to a home in Virginia Beach. When inquiring about the property, the realtor (who list the rental) suggested getting travel insurance. It is bought through their package but insured by an insurance company (Travel Guard). When I asked what is covered, the agent quickly ran through different scenarios including mandatory evacuation from the coast due to a hurricane, hospitalization when visiting and “a death in the family”. COVID related issues are not covered. The cost is about 10% extra of rental price. I don’t know this area of the country and I worry the most about being evacuated for a hurricane. I’m curious to hear different thoughts...
by FamilyMan
Sat Nov 21, 2020 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refi options--what would you do?
Replies: 12
Views: 928

Re: Refi options--what would you do?

Thanks...I did some shopping at Loan Depot and Better Mortgage. They were able to to a 15 year at 2.375% with closing cost ($2154) rolled into loan and and a credit to me of about $200 at close. I showed this to my local lender and he said he would match it (he was offering 15 year at 2.65%) This would take my current payment from $1313/Month to $1754/Month but save me about 90K compared to staying in my current 30 year loan. How do these closing cost sound? Any reason not to pull the trigger on this? I’d just go with Loan Depot then. I closed a mortgage with them last month and it was fine. They have a good online process. Why reward the company that didn’t give you a good rate out of the gate? Also, in your situation, I’d do a 30-year mo...
by FamilyMan
Mon Oct 26, 2020 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Merit Aid Question...
Replies: 51
Views: 5036

Re: College Merit Aid Question...

If she went to PSU, she might try to get into their honors college (Schreyer's). They give an extra $5,000 off per year for those students.

https://www.shc.psu.edu/admissions/cost-aid/
by FamilyMan
Wed Sep 23, 2020 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoker next door
Replies: 79
Views: 5659

Re: Smoker next door

How about some heavy duty fan? Maybe not commercial grade but close. I’d spend couple hundred dollars and blow their smoke out/back towards them. Another thought is installing plexiglass on that side of balcony to create a barrier.

If they ask, I’d would say I’m allergic to cigarette smoke. Maybe they’ll get the point.

Edit: 2 posts before me were thinking same ideas. I would decide between one of them
by FamilyMan
Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Way to Watch British Mystery Shows
Replies: 111
Views: 13694

Re: Best Way to Watch British Mystery Shows

I saw this morning that Netflix is releasing “Young Wallander” series tomorrow. Might be worth a watch. The story starts as he graduates the police academy
by FamilyMan
Sat Aug 22, 2020 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stage 4 Cancer and Young Family
Replies: 105
Views: 17133

Re: Stage 4 Cancer and Young Family

ram wrote: Sat Aug 22, 2020 11:35 am
You said you have "unknown primary". Depending on your geographic location consider a second opinion from Mayo clinic (Minnesota, Florida, Arizona)/ Memorial Sloan Kettering/ MD Anderson/Cleveland Clinic/ nearest University hospital.
+1

Sorry for diagnosis. You do seem a bit uncertain about diagnosis. Are you getting the right treatment plan? If I was in your shoes, I would want to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan with a large, cancer specific hospital team. It would give me some comfort that I did everything possible.
by FamilyMan
Fri Aug 14, 2020 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming Peacock
Replies: 19
Views: 2051

Re: Streaming Peacock

The main reason I see people signing up for Peacock network is to stream The Office. My kids and their friends love that show and is one of the main reasons we signed up for Netflix. This switch of streaming services occurs at the end of the year.

Me personally, I’m not signing up for another streaming service unless we discontinue another. It’s the money but also just another distraction in front of a screen.
by FamilyMan
Wed Jul 15, 2020 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Liability for Golf Ball Through Windshield
Replies: 93
Views: 9176

Re: Liability for Golf Ball Through Windshield

With kids, I spend more time at little league baseball fields than golf courses. I do wonder who is responsible when a kid’s foul ball breaks a windshield or dents a hood. The field owner? The coach or player’s parents? The little league association? The driver?

Sorry for the slight derailment but curious as this is similar to a golf slice. Fore!
by FamilyMan
Tue Jun 23, 2020 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
Replies: 163
Views: 14666

Re: New construction house - what to consider?

Something you don’t need for the house after reading this thread?

A budget!!
by FamilyMan
Wed Jun 10, 2020 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New construction house - what to consider?
Replies: 163
Views: 14666

Re: New construction house - what to consider?

Good suggestions.

When I built 10 years ago, I asked this question to a lot of friends and family. It seems all the men said “make it a 3 car garage”. I did and I love the extra space for bikes, mowers, freezer, etc. I think it should help for the resale of the house one day too.
by FamilyMan
Sat Jun 06, 2020 7:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone screwed up timing the market?
Replies: 94
Views: 10822

Re: Anyone screwed up timing the market?

rockstar wrote: Mon May 25, 2020 11:53 am I did okay. I didn't catch the very bottom, but I got in about half way to the bottom and back up again. This leaves me beating the market this year by roughly 12%. I followed my rule: sold when the market hit the 300 day moving average, and I bought back in when the market's PE hit 20x ttm. That worked for me.
When you say you are up “roughly 12%”, does that factor in the cost to sell and rebuy the stock? I’m not trying to be condescending but just looking for a true cost to timing the market. The transactional fee, in my opinion, has to be considered in these gains. Thanks.
by FamilyMan
Thu Jun 04, 2020 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Membership Question [Considering to drop membership]
Replies: 136
Views: 15429

Re: Amazon WITHOUT Prime?

We listen to ad free Amazon music probably at least 1-2 hours daily. And they seem to have most artist and songs available.

Spotify and Pandora might be a bit cheaper but don’t have the free video content and shipping options.

So I’m happy with my Prime membership at the current price.
by FamilyMan
Mon Feb 03, 2020 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skiing Frugally
Replies: 45
Views: 5683

Re: Skiing Frugally

Two weeks ago, we tried skiing at a new resort where I dropped $350 for the family for lift tickets and rentals for one day. For lunch we brown bagged it because it is cheaper and honestly, better food. As we were sitting in the cafeteria, when a worker came up to me with THAT look. "I'm sorry sir, this section of the cafeteria doesn't allow outside food." No sign or anything. Luckily for him, he politely said for next visit, sit in the area "over there" not serving food. I almost scolded him (and customer service) reminding them how much I spent for one day skiing. There are too many options to be scolded at like your a kid trying to scam them.
by FamilyMan
Sun Oct 20, 2019 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4525
Views: 617505

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

A Broadway singer I like came to my city to do two shows (Wednesday and Thursday night this week) in a jazz venue. Tickets were $50, and these kinds of shows usually run about 75 minutes. I couldn't quite make myself pull the trigger for $50, so I called the box office to see if they had any discounts. I wasn't eligible for student or military/fire/police discounts. Right after I said "Thanks anyway" and was about to hang up, they mentioned that the performance would be streamed into a lounge next door, so I decided to try that on Wednesday night. I ordered an alcoholic drink and a soft drink ($11 plus $2 tip) because I thought it would be tacky not to order anything, though 3 or 4 people did that. It's not exactly the same as li...
by FamilyMan
Sat Apr 13, 2019 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soon to be dad, how to prepare
Replies: 127
Views: 10156

Re: Soon to be dad, how to prepare

Father of 2, and below is my short list of advice (all are optional, last two are a must): Optional Tour and reserve spots on daycare immediately, good ones fill up quick. Read to your kids every night, even when they are babies. Don't worry if fatherhood doesn't come naturally, sometimes you have to grow into the role. If you don't have patience, stick with tough situations to build it. In saying that, don't be afraid to ask for help. If your kid is driving you insane, put them on the floor and walk away for a minute. Remember, they cant roll off the ground. The first six weeks........buckle up. Look at your kids often, they grow so fast. When you come home, immediately greet and kiss your spouse. This reminds the kids your spouse is #1, ...
by FamilyMan
Sun Mar 10, 2019 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three Days in DC
Replies: 83
Views: 5562

Re: Three Days in DC

When we went, my kids favorite visits were the White House and the Mint. You’re probably too late for WH tickets but I highly recommend the Mint.