Search found 2134 matches

by bluebolt
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New homeowner advice
Replies: 32
Views: 2288

Re: New homeowner advice

After being in the house for a bit (don't know that it needs to be a year), make a list of the things you'd like to change. Prioritize doing the ones that impact frequent/daily activities and hold off on the others. Also, your idea of what's important will change when kids enter the picture.

If your state, city, or utility has a free energy audit, take advantage of that and see if there are subsidies for insulation, sealing, etc.

If your lights aren't already LED, replace them with LEDs.

Learn how to DIY what you're comfortable with from YouTube.

Invest in a decent quality drill, hammer, socket set, and electric screwdriver if you don't have them already. Buy other tools on an as-needed project basis.
by bluebolt
Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
Replies: 54
Views: 4715

Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?

stuper1 wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:33 pm My wife and I are planning a two-week trip to New York City in September. We live in the western US and have never visited NYC except very briefly. Given the multitude of other places in the world that we want to visit before the no-go years, this may be our only visit to NYC. I have heard a little chatter on a few podcasts to the effect that NYC still hasn't fully recovered from the Covid pandemic. This got me to thinking that maybe if we want to see it in full bloom so to speak, we should delay a few years before we visit NYC. There are certainly other places we could visit this year. What do you guys think?
It's fine. If it's high on your priority list, come and visit. September is a lovely time to visit NYC.
by bluebolt
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 33
Views: 2744

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

TomatoTomahto wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:12 am
NYCaviator wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:25 am.
For those with the Apple Watch, is it more comfortable to wear at night since it's smaller and smoother? Maybe you just get used to having a watch on?
I wear my Apple Watch to bed each night and don’t have a problem with it. There are a zillion different bands to use, and I found one that works for me.
The Sport Loop style band is thin and comfortable.
by bluebolt
Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 33
Views: 2744

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

AllMostThere wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:37 am I ditched a perfectly good iWatch for couple reasons - 1) Needed nightly charging, 2) No sleep data as it was on cradle charging
What generation Apple Watch did you have? The newer ones (Series 7 and later) have fast charging and go from 10-80% or so in about 30 minutes and to 100% in under an hour. I place on the charger when I wake up and it's charged by the time I'm ready.
by bluebolt
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Website Provider Recommendation
Replies: 14
Views: 1199

Re: Website Provider Recommendation

Here's a bare-bones index.html that you can use as a template. It assumes the image file is named "'myimage.jpg". <!doctype html> <html lang="en-US"> <head> <meta charset="UTF=8"> <title> This appears in the title bar at the top of the browser window or tab </title> </head> <body> <h1> Page heading which displays in large bold font </h1> <p> <img src="myimage.jpg"> </p> <p> A paragraph of text in your browser's default font. You can have more of these if you want more paragraphs. Note the image above is in its own "paragraph". </p> </body> </html> I created this file using the TextEdit app on my Mac. When I double-clicked on it, my default browser (Safari) opened it and displayed it as a we...
by bluebolt
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?
Replies: 161
Views: 26641

Re: Career ending, getting fired. Can we FIRE ?

The social network is in the bay area. We already live in one of the less expensive neighborhoods in the south bay for housing, at about $430/sq ft, because the location is on a hill, and somewhat remote from job centers. This is far lower than the average price per square foot in the bay area. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1234783/average-sales-price-of-condos-and-single-family-homes-san-francisco-districts-per-square-foot/ Average price in Santa Clara county for SFH is $1112/sq ft. Unless we stay in the same or similarly priced neighborhood, or downsize by a factor of 3 or 4, it is difficult to envision a move within the bay that makes sense. It might not add a lot to the portfolio. It could increase property taxes. It would reduce...
by bluebolt
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update
Replies: 33
Views: 3008

Re: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update

illumination wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:36 pm I also don't want a potentially unsafe situation where my ultra low water use dishwasher gives me salmonella or E coli because food particles are not fully flushed away from the dirty dishes. I remember one of the things we were warned about with Covid was we weren't washing out hands long enough under the faucet. I'd rather be safe than sorry and avoid the whole family getting food poisoning or feeling I have to closely inspect everything.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cle ... dishwasher
Huh? My Bosch cleans dishes better than any dishwasher I've ever had. Definitely am not worried about food particles not being flushed away.
by bluebolt
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy this phone?
Replies: 24
Views: 2047

Re: Should I buy this phone?

What is your cell phone carrier? Many of them have “free” phone deals if you sign up for a particular plan, especially if you are not looking at the latest phones. Few years ago I upgraded to iphone 13 Pro with a trade-in.They gave me $400 trade-in value and costs $11/month added to phone bill, since my work was subsidizing cell phones it was a good deal. Most companies provide a stipend for monthly mobile bills so you may look into that as a way to get a new(er) model. Iphone’s cameras are the best, IMHO. I have taken many videos and live pics of fur-babies with mine. Those "free" phones typically require a specific plan to take advantage of that offer. The OP mentioned that she uses prepaid providers, so she would almost certai...
by bluebolt
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Responding to credit card "update your income" requests
Replies: 7
Views: 1078

Re: Responding to credit card "update your income" requests

I don't respond to them. My credit limits are high enough, so I don't think there's a benefit to me to tell them. The benefit to them is that they can market more products to me and not have to pay a third party for my estimated income.
by bluebolt
Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
Replies: 62
Views: 4346

Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?

This board is so conservative… you are talking $4100 mortgage payments according to a calculator I found online, so assume with taxes and insurance $6k/month. $72k/year is only about 1/3 of your salary’s even ignoring your RSUs! If you have the down payment, you can afford this. Your stock might drop between now and your future vests, but it’s unlikely to drop to zero. And even if it does you could probably make it work! It seems like you need your upcoming vest for the down payment. Fine, but you don’t need 100% of it! As long as your company is not discovered to be Enron you will be ok. And if that happens, you will probably still be ok (worst thing that happens is you lose your earnest money). This seems likely to work out. Do it or don...
by bluebolt
Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
Replies: 62
Views: 4346

Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?

The biggest reason I would wait is that my idea of what I wanted in a house, neighborhood, and property changed pretty dramatically from before and after we had kids. I would rent when I got there and buy later if that was my forever location.

With that much property, you're likely to have to maintain it, which will be hard with a young family, or outsource it, which may be expensive with that much property. Unless it's woods or something you don't have to maintain much.
by bluebolt
Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
Replies: 90
Views: 22532

Re: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?

Lynx310650 wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:46 pm
Nathan Drake wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:50 pm How does someone making 300k and spending 250k amass such a large amount?

Did you get lucky with a start up exit?
I doubt OP will or wants to answer, which is totally his right.

I doubt it was a start up exit though considering it appears he's been at the same company since college graduation. Probably an inheritance or he's the guy that started the GME mania.
Vested RSUs from a few megacorps would have had quite a run the past few years, so that's a possibility also.
by bluebolt
Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?
Replies: 14
Views: 2016

Re: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?

For the future, put a Tile or Airtag on your keychain so it's harder to lose.
by bluebolt
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
Replies: 56
Views: 5978

Re: Complain About Bad Boss?

I have found that when in this situation, effective management of your boss can help significantly. You bring the project plans, you press them for info at your 1x1s, you publicly document their decisions as part of project documentation.

It doesn't always work, but when it does, it makes you stand out as a leader.
by bluebolt
Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 42503

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

kojima wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:59 am
heywhoathere wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 6:00 pm I stopped consuming news and political content entirely. It felt akin to detoxing from a substance and getting "sober". Ignorance truly is bliss.
How did you do it? I'm pretty addicted to refreshing the news constantly. You just deleted the apps from your phone?
Turn off notifications from news apps
Delete X/Twitter or other social media that are news sources for you
Cut the cord and don't watch TV news

Makes a big difference.
by bluebolt
Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24663

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

topofthebellcurve wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:59 pm
bluebolt wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:13 am
Horton wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:21 pm Explore new ways to make coffee: viewtopic.php?t=419809
A good espresso machine, a grinder, and freshly roasted beans is a game changer if you drink coffee.

And, you can even justify it financially if you are paying $4-$6 daily for your fancy coffee drink.
Look up KafaTek grinders (I have two) and the Decent Espresso machine.

It’s wild how good coffee can be.

….and also how horrendously bad coffee you can make even if you have good equipment and use it incorrectly :)
Which models of the KafaTek grinder and Decent Espresso machine do you have? And, how much of a difference is there between that and a decent Baratza grinder and Breville espresso machine?
by bluebolt
Wed Feb 21, 2024 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House purchase questions
Replies: 22
Views: 2553

Re: House purchase questions

Watty wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:14 am
gaussmarkov1 wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:02 pm I've seen mixed messages on these boards about this (e.g., some say less than 3x gross salary, others disagree).
When looking at the home price the 3X gross salary rule of thumb (and similar) are worthless because they do not take current interest rates into account. What was affordable when interest rates were 2.5% is a lot different than now when they might be 6.5%.
I agree that the 3X rule doesn't generally make a lot of sense because it doesn't take interest rates into account (among other problems). However, that rule was certainly around when interest rates are equal or higher than where they are now. On this forum, there were lots of folks arguing that the multiple should be higher when interest rates were sub 4% and sub 3%.
by bluebolt
Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
Replies: 168
Views: 18370

Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?

The obvious answer is they should set up a Discord server and have people contact them through that.
by bluebolt
Fri Feb 16, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Western Europe Traveling Apps?
Replies: 28
Views: 2243

Re: Western Europe Traveling Apps?

I found Google Maps very useful for walking, driving, & transit. I download maps for offline use.
Google Translate is useful. The integrated former Google Lens is helpful for translating signs, menus, etc. You can also have someone speak into it and it will translate.
Kindle for reading travel books rather than carrying one around.
Rick Steve's audioguides are good.
Tripadvisor for reviews of things to do and restaurants.
Yelp for restaurant reviews.
TripIt for keeping track of your itinerary.
Apple Pay/Google Pay for paying for stuff.
Airtags for keeping track of your stuff.
WhatsApp for messaging/calling/video calling.
Mobile Passport Control app if you don't have Global Entry.
Uber/Lyft for ride share.
by bluebolt
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?
Replies: 33
Views: 2973

Re: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?

02nz wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:35 pm As for eSIM vs physical - I find eSIM significantly easier for international traveling. US Mobile (among many other providers) sell eSIM plans for international use. I get one before I travel, it's loaded in the phone and ready to use. No standing in line at cell phone shops upon arrival, no figuring out their plans, no looking for a paper clip to eject the SIM tray ...
I second this. There are so many reasonably priced options for international eSIMs that I haven't found it to be an issue at all. That plus wifi calling have really simplified the whole process.
by bluebolt
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

evanft wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:14 am I rent cars often and have learned a few tricks to avoid problems. Always check the vehicle carefully and take pictures before using it so you don't get blamed for any damage you didn't cause. It's also wise to look around for the best price. Picking an excellent rental company is super important to avoid headaches.
Good advice. I used to take pictures. I switched to taking a video since it's easier/faster than taking individual photos.
by bluebolt
Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
Replies: 198
Views: 18378

Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?

just frank wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:08 am Real Estate in Mass has a history of being more volatile than the rest of the country. It has had bigger crashes than elsewhere in the Northeast or midatlantic, after scaling higher highs.
During and after the global financial crisis, MA real estate had lower volatility than many places. It had not had as big a run up before (like FL, Las Vegas, Phoenix, etc) and it did not have as big of a downswing. In some of the more desirable suburbs, prices leveled off rather than declining.
by bluebolt
Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dimmer Switches
Replies: 16
Views: 1738

Re: Dimmer Switches

Lutron dimmers older than 2009 or so don't generally work with LEDs.

Here's a link to the Lutron compatibility tool to help you find bulbs that work with specific models.

https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Education- ... dLEDs.aspx
by bluebolt
Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24663

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

Horton wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:21 pm Explore new ways to make coffee: viewtopic.php?t=419809
A good espresso machine, a grinder, and freshly roasted beans is a game changer if you drink coffee.

And, you can even justify it financially if you are paying $4-$6 daily for your fancy coffee drink.
by bluebolt
Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5620

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

Random Musings wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 10:17 am
deikel wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:40 am
My current Bosch works like a charm ever since I found this one (I had a Bosch before that failed just like the rest, so its not just the brand). This one also has a 30 min program that works really really well - we use nothing else anymore....its like we found a system that actually works like the old ones and are intentionally not using the rubbish programs to sanitize, safe water or energy.
We have a Bosch which has a "quick" 60 min program. I'll run that the next time to see if there is anything noticably different - my guess will be the dishes won't be as dry. We shall see.

RM
Those shorter cycles generally use more water and energy than the regular cycle. That said, they are super convenient when time is short.
by bluebolt
Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5620

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

Here's the most recent info from Yale appliance on dishwasher repair rates for the brands they sell and service:

https://blog.yaleappliance.com/most-rel ... ishwashers
by bluebolt
Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
Replies: 21
Views: 2178

Re: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house

Craigslist, eBay.
You can give things away via your local Buy Nothing or similar group.
by bluebolt
Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
Replies: 52
Views: 5647

Re: Verizon Wireless price increase

bloom2708 wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:39 pm Check out Boost Infinite.

They utilize all 3 carriers and pick the strongest signal. $25/month for unlimited.

$50/month if you want a new iPhone every year (read details).

Every carrier has dead spots for people. Boost Infinite seems like it might solve that. MVNO deprioritization would still apply.

US Mobile is another good option, but Boost Infinite is a touch more compelling for me.
Boost Infinite uses T-mobile, AT&T and Dish networks. They do not use the Verizon network.
by bluebolt
Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrolux vs LG Washer/Dryer
Replies: 20
Views: 2331

Re: Electrolux vs LG Washer/Dryer

LG has a terrible reputation when it comes to appliances. I just had a repair guy a few weeks ago for a washer/dryer of mine and when I asked him what appliances to buy or avoid, he said avoid LG. And that sentiment seems to be widespread. Samsung is also one people say to avoid. Consumer reports rates some models of LG washer & dryers very highly. I bought the top rated ones (front loader, not top/stacked) a year ago. Nice connected machines. No problem so far. What's the process they use to rate the appliances? What I'm interested in is not how it performs right now or after a year; I want to know how it performs in 10 years. I'd think that an appliance repair person would be a good resource for that kind of information. Yale Applian...
by bluebolt
Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
Replies: 198
Views: 18378

Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?

teamDE wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:24 pm I think you guys might be overestimating what $1.5mil gets you in many of the mentioned towns these days.
$1.5MM will get you a modest condo in Brookline, not a SFH.
It will get you an older and/or smaller home in Wellesley, Needham, Newton, Belmont, Lexington and similar suburbs. Probably not big enough for a family of 5.
Generally, the closer you get to 495, the more it will buy you.
by bluebolt
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6494

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

It is not for everyone. I was initially a skeptic and thought I would return mine, but I find it very convenient for lots of things and appreciate not having to take out and look at my phone for certain things.

Daily/near-daily:
  • Silent alarm
  • Exercise tracking
  • Time
  • Weather
  • Calendar next event
  • Laptop login
  • Preview texts/phone calls
  • Apple Pay
Regularly:
  • Find my phone
Infrequently:
  • Timers
  • Answer/make calls
  • Send texts
by bluebolt
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing
Replies: 41
Views: 5072

Re: Credit cards with benefits - *** No bonus chasing

Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Visa Signature’s cash back structure is: 5% restaurants and gas 3% groceries, discount stores, wholesale clubs, utilities, phone and streaming services 1.5% everything else Each category/type had its own $7,000 annual cap. So it’s 5% on the first $7,000 of restaurants, 5% on the first $7,000 of gas, and so on. The card does not have a foreign transaction fee. https://www.redfcu.org/personal/credits-cards/visa-signature/ This is awesome. Unfortunately I don't think I qualify; the list is very geared towards NW Alabama residents. I suppose I could call to ask to join one of the PTA's on the list, but that would probably be weird. Maybe the Friends of the Library for $25? Is there an eligible organization on th...
by bluebolt
Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2937

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

Boglegrappler wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:38 pm One "rule of thumb" regarding distances was to never do a run that is more than 3x your average daily mileage (assuming you have a base of several weeks of training). I found that to be a pretty good rule. It's possible to do a longer run, but then you are risking an overuse injury that will sideline you for weeks. So, if you want to go on longer runs, you need to build your base by doing more frequent runs and slowly lengthening them.
Some of this depends on your age, gait, and physiology. It worked better for me to keep my short runs short and slowly extend my long run.
by bluebolt
Sat Jan 20, 2024 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancel my health insurance?
Replies: 102
Views: 13164

Re: Cancel my health insurance?

Three words.

Mary. Lou. Retton.
by bluebolt
Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082145

Re: Share your net worth progression

yobyot wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:17 am Birth: $0.00
Today: undisclosed

I don't understand people who are either braggadocios or unconcerned enough to tell an online forum your net worth, even in the most general terms.

The former makes the claim less believable and the latter makes me worry for these folks in this age of internet scams and worse.
You've shared plenty in your posts, though not specific net worth. Just because you don't understand the motivations of folks that share this, they might not understand your motivation to share what you have. If no one here shared anything about anything, it'd be a pretty quiet forum.
by bluebolt
Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Overwhelmed on estate planning - Guidance appreciated!
Replies: 16
Views: 2041

Re: Overwhelmed on estate planning - Guidance appreciated!

I would weigh the likelihood of the worst case scenarios against the expense and time of creating an estate plan. Your state's default likely has some version of estate going to living parents & siblings. In any case, you'll have to redo your estate plan if you have kids.

Barring any special circumstances, if you're planning on having kids, I would wait until then.
by bluebolt
Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoke & CO detector recommendation
Replies: 1
Views: 554

Re: Smoke & CO detector recommendation

Google Nest Protect sounds like it would fit your needs.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... oke-alarm/
by bluebolt
Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama
Replies: 96
Views: 17388

Re: Real Estate Windfall Amid Family Drama

PNWpilot wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:46 am However, he believes that we could walk away with more money selling ourselves due to his income tax rate and the gift tax.
Based on your description of the properties, he won't be paying any gift tax. He may have to file Form 709 if the value exceeds the annual exclusion.
by bluebolt
Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Beneficiaries
Replies: 4
Views: 816

Re: Beneficiaries

Talk to a trust and estates lawyer who can advise you on your specific circumstances and needs.

It might not be the least expensive option, but they can walk you through the pros and cons of a trust, SPIA, etc.
by bluebolt
Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082145

Re: Share your net worth progression

Wow -- some of this is so incredible. Makes me wish that I'd started earlier, but, whatever, better late than never! Seeing others' progressions though is a bit confusing. I don't really seem to be following the same trajectory at least in terms of percentage. My 2022 was really worse than others', and I'm not sure why. I'm basically back to where I was in January 2022, taking into account savings. I follow a straight target date and three-fund portfolio and so I would have thought that my returns on a percentage basis each year would have been consistent with other bogleheads. I'm not sure what happened. Anyway, 56, steady income the last few years and I save about $110-120k per year. Brackets are U.S./Int./Bond. I only do the math once a...
by bluebolt
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Training for new career in my 50s, unrealistic?
Replies: 28
Views: 3664

Re: Training for new career in my 50s, unrealistic?

If I were a manager and you:
1) Showed initiative by getting the credentials you need for the job
2) Demonstrated success in another field
3) Told me you were committed to doing this for 10 years (or 5!)

I would definitely want to talk to you.
by bluebolt
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"
Replies: 137
Views: 28591

Re: At what net worth did you start not sweating the "small stuff"

A few inputs into the equation for me: Time, frustration level, certainty of outcome, dollar amount If something is small dollars, but will only take an email or 5 min online chat at a time that I would otherwise not be doing much, I might do it. If something is big dollars, but will require a protracted fight with lots of time spent on the phone, on correspondence, and/or lawyers, and the outcome is unclear, I probably won't do it. It explains why I have walked away from lots of money that would have required tons of time and stress, but will still collect (somewhat passive) credit card rewards, comparison shop online, get price alerts, wait for Black Friday to buy something that is a want (not a need), etc. That said, I usually don't go o...
by bluebolt
Sat Dec 30, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips
Replies: 66
Views: 9376

Re: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips

Move to Massachusetts. Insurance must cover IVF. 3 attempts. 0 success. Adopted 2 boys. IVF is free here. Adoption is very, very expensive here. Cite? Wife and I went through IVF about 3 years ago (successfully) and it certainly wasn't free. Not sure what to cite. We did it. Free. Here's what the state of MA has to say about coverage. There are some cases where it may not be covered. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-health-insurance#:~:text=My%20employer%20is%20headquartered%20out,only%20for%20residents%20of%20Massachusetts. "The Massachusetts infertility mandate applies to individual and group policies issued by an insurer licensed in Massachusetts and provides coverage only for residents of Massachu...
by bluebolt
Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Solar Worth It?
Replies: 193
Views: 49344

Re: Is Solar Worth It?

watchnerd wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:20 pm For those of you who added solar:

How much did your home owner's insurance increase?
I think mine went up $8/yr. for a $30Kish (pre-incentive) install.
by bluebolt
Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which iPad To Get
Replies: 38
Views: 4645

Re: Which iPad To Get

Most important question is what will you use them for?

For most people, I would recommend getting the 9th generation iPad.
64GB if you're mostly going to do web browsing, email, reading, video streaming.
256GB if you're going to be traveling and want to download seasons of TV shows or a bunch of movies.

The size, weight, and technology differences of the Air didn't seem worth it to me.
by bluebolt
Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift ideas for adult sibling to share with grandkids ages 6 and 8
Replies: 9
Views: 1064

Re: Gift ideas for adult sibling to share with grandkids ages 6 and 8

Obviously depends a great deal on what the kids like, so YMMV.

Games - Uno, Ticket to Ride First Journey, Taco vs Burrito, Jenga, Bananagrams
Puzzles
Crafts/projects to do together
Building stuff - Legos, Magnatiles, etc
Also like the idea of membership to museum, zoo, etc.
by bluebolt
Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Tips for a Macbook Air?
Replies: 16
Views: 1697

Re: Best Tips for a Macbook Air?

Sometimes indexing after an update also makes things seem wonky. I'm assuming you've already done a shutdown/restart.

But like others have said, I would make an appointment and take it into an Apple Store to have them take a look.
by bluebolt
Mon Dec 25, 2023 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Solar Worth It?
Replies: 193
Views: 49344

Re: Is Solar Worth It?

With favorable net metering, tax credits, and SRECs, my original payoff was about 7.5 years*. This is in the northeast with the panels facing a non-ideal direction on my roof. With rate increases, the payoff is down to about 6.5 years. It's also a hedge against future rising electricity costs. And it's a low-risk, non-taxable "return."

*factors in taxable SRECs, but does not factor in any labor to replace warrantied inverters or panels or any labor to remove panels if roof work is needed. Panels were installed onto a new roof.
by bluebolt
Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse still has an FSA balance this year, even though she canceled it. HSA implications?
Replies: 41
Views: 2399

Re: Spouse still has an FSA balance this year, even though she canceled it. HSA implications?

joneeboy3000 wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 5:41 pm I appreciate your response, and hope that's true. Someone else on the Reddit thread I posted said "As far as I understand, FSA can not be terminated mid-plan year. Requirements to do that are termination of employment or end of plan year. Even carrying $0 balance, this would be the case."

So that makes me a little worried, but I've also heard FSA can be terminated mid-year, though it's very hard to find a source for this. Do you have any knowledge on this or know where to look? Thanks again
Some employers allow changes to FSAs with a qualifying life event like marriage.