Search found 330 matches
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1387
Re: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc
USA Soccer, Youtube, etc has good videos for drills. Stop going to/from the field. If you have green space nearby get some disc cones and create your own training area. Juggling, dribbling, footwork drills, etc. can all be done alone at home with a small yard. If you don't have a good brick wall for him to use as a backstop/rebounder you can pickup an old heavy folding table and put it on its side. Perfect to practice passing/receiving. Work both feet. Did you throw a baseball with your dad or kids in the neighborhood? Get out and kick back and forth together.
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2699
Re: Grass seed methods, timing, etc.
I like Jonathan Green Black Beauty and add a bit of Bluegrass. Soil temperature is key for germinating, as is h2o. I rake the soil loose, spread the seed, and spread a light layer of bagged pulverized top soil. I have never had an issue, but I do it in September.
If you do it in the Spring make sure that no product with crabgrass preventer is used - that stuff works by preventing anything from germinating. Blue grass is slower to germinate, 30+ days. I've heard of people putting seed on snow during the winter and having it germinate in the spring. No idea if that works. Hydroseeding may be an option too.
If you do it in the Spring make sure that no product with crabgrass preventer is used - that stuff works by preventing anything from germinating. Blue grass is slower to germinate, 30+ days. I've heard of people putting seed on snow during the winter and having it germinate in the spring. No idea if that works. Hydroseeding may be an option too.
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: college decision: UIUC or UF for ECE?
- Replies: 339
- Views: 31719
Re: college decision: $63k UIUC ECE or full-ride UF ECE?
I posted what my daughter is like in OP. Can you take another look? Of course, at college, she will grow and form a new personality. But as of now, given her "current" personality, I'm not 100% sure whether UF will push her to reach her potential. Have you looked at the first two years of the programs? Unless something has changed there are very few engineering courses. I'd say it's similar to an extension of HS with a couple of introductory engineering courses in the second year. If she isn't motivated currently, the early college classroom isn't going to help. You're looking at classes with hundreds of students and professors that typically aren't engaged. That will change with time but realize 1/3 of the kids who start freshma...
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: college decision: UIUC or UF for ECE?
- Replies: 339
- Views: 31719
Re: college decision: $63k UIUC ECE or full-ride UF ECE?
Do not discount the weather factor. Purdue and UIUC haven't seen the sun in over a week. Snow isn't a factor as much as it used to be, but below zero windchills are still common. SAD is a real thing. There are reasons the wealthy midwest move to Florida permanently or snowbird. However, this Saturday will be sunny and 54 degrees. People will be in shorts. Take advantage of the discount airlines that fly us to Florida all winter, but do it before college spring breaks startin March. Consider flying in/out of Indy. It's an easy airport on the west side of the city and less than 2 hours to both schools. I'm a Purdue engineering grad and wouldn't recommend someone from out-of-state attending there vs. UIUC unless scholarship dollars are availab...
- Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: LA/Vegas/Grand Canyon trip
- Replies: 56
- Views: 5731
- Thu Nov 09, 2023 8:10 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: City wants "Temporary Limited Easement" from me
- Replies: 42
- Views: 8012
Re: City wants "Temporary Limited Easement" from me
Talk to the firm that sent you the letter. Likely they are the Buyer for the city and have access to the project plans. Get a look at those so you understand what is happening. If your fence was getting messed with it would be a cost to cure item on the offer, similar to the trees.
- Wed Oct 11, 2023 11:30 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career/education mentoring/counseling for a young engineer
- Replies: 47
- Views: 4431
Re: Career/education mentoring/counseling for a young engineer
Have him consider going federal. Both Kansas City and St Louis have Corps of Engineers offices. They have multiple programs and a person could move within the organization to gain wider experience. The 3 major programs are dams/civil works, military installation design/construction, and hazardous waste remediation. I know of several MOS&T geological engineers that work there. Federal is not top end $ but for Midwest at least, is fairly competitive and better than state jobs. With direct hire authority, best to email resume direct to hiring managers which may take some leg work to get emails, but not that hard. Would start with those in Engineering Division. Could also check with MOS&T guidance office and attend their career fairs. ...
- Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vocational colleges for a Mech Eng/Aero Eng major
- Replies: 92
- Views: 12084
Re: Vocational colleges for a Mech Eng/Aero Eng major
https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/find-your-major
vs
https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
Hands-on versus allowed to sit for the Professional Engineer exam. You can start on the engineering side and move to the tech side. I wouldn't count on starting tech and moving to engineering.
vs
https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
Hands-on versus allowed to sit for the Professional Engineer exam. You can start on the engineering side and move to the tech side. I wouldn't count on starting tech and moving to engineering.
- Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: State DOT damaged my driveway
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1455
Re: State DOT damaged my driveway
Pretty good advice. Don't bother with the engineer in charge of the project. Call the region/district DOT and ask for the engineer in charge of the area/region. Here, that is the Area Engineer and there are a handful for each district. Your DOT probably has a different nomenclature. More than likely they will have to sign off on any repairs so it's better to get them involved/aware up-front.
- Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sports with the least commitments for kids?
- Replies: 149
- Views: 11283
- Tue Aug 01, 2023 7:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 9420
Re: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
Huge rise in the midwest. Changed carriers and got coverage at $2500 with a 5k deductible. However, wind/hail claims now come with a deductible of 1% of structure replacement cost ($7,500 in my case).
- Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Chipmunks
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2442
Re: Chipmunks
5 gallon bucket. Water. Bird Seed. Ramp.
- Thu May 25, 2023 7:30 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Wife's John Hancock 401(k) Total Expenses
- Replies: 79
- Views: 5118
Re: Wife's John Hancock 401(k) Total Expenses
I would suggest the employer pay the admin fees.
- Thu May 04, 2023 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Selling small business
- Replies: 7
- Views: 939
Re: Selling small business
A business worth 5m should have an accountant and attorney. Both should be involved in the sale. I suspect the accountant can recommend a valuation consultant. They should value the business using multiple methods and will recommend one way depending on the goals. Even then, it's just a basis for negotiations. It's worth is what someone is willing to pay for it under the terms.
Good luck with the tax part.
Good luck with the tax part.
- Thu Apr 20, 2023 7:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gated community - too much hassle?
- Replies: 68
- Views: 8515
Re: Gated community - too much hassle?
Here gated communities are responsible for their street maintenance. Depending on the neighborhood, that can be quite an assessment when the asphalt needs to be milled and resurfaced every 15-20 years. THe city wants nothing to do with it - they are considered private streets like someone's driveway.
- Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Alaska Cruise - use travel agent?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2113
Re: Alaska Cruise - use travel agent?
We have used Costco Travel for several cruises.
- Thu Mar 02, 2023 5:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Advantages of switching to an S-Corp
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1540
Re: Advantages of switching to an S-Corp
S-corp will pass through income/losses to you personally. If you're doing it right, you will likely be paying estimated taxes quarterly on income you don't have. An accountant can help you on what you should send (at a minimum do a distribution from the business for taxes).
We had an interest in changing our S-corp to a C-corp for a particular reason. It is possible but there are some double taxation issues or something. Point is, make sure you get with the right professionals and get it right for your situation.
We had an interest in changing our S-corp to a C-corp for a particular reason. It is possible but there are some double taxation issues or something. Point is, make sure you get with the right professionals and get it right for your situation.
- Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Small business 401k
- Replies: 51
- Views: 5095
Re: Small business 401k
You'll be a named fiduciary. As the employer offering the plan I don't think there is a way around that. I see this as troubling for small businesses. They either have to do a bunch of work with an EF type outfit or go with a high cost plan provider.
Also, there are rules regarding highly compensated employees (HCE). You can avoid testing altogether with a safe-harbor, but that requires employer contributions. Did you look into a SIMPLE IRA plan?
Also, there are rules regarding highly compensated employees (HCE). You can avoid testing altogether with a safe-harbor, but that requires employer contributions. Did you look into a SIMPLE IRA plan?
- Tue Feb 21, 2023 1:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Small business 401k
- Replies: 51
- Views: 5095
Re: Small business 401k
Keep in mind that you have a fudiciary duty as plan administrator.
- Thu Feb 09, 2023 6:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 9074
Re: Can we afford a move to a mountain town?
Have you priced what it will cost you to have those kid(s) on the county ski team?
- Mon Nov 07, 2022 8:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Snow Country Trip- What Clothes to Buy?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3835
Re: Snow Country Trip- What Clothes to Buy?
Balacava and goggles if wind is a consideration. Wind is a game-changer and can turn 10 degrees into -20.
- Tue May 03, 2022 1:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: In ground basketball hoop - please help me pick
- Replies: 27
- Views: 5111
Re: In ground basketball hoop - please help me pick
We have "requirements" in our neighborhood for hoops. I went with the Goaliath 54" Prodigy from Dick's. Seemed like a good balance between quality, price and looks. There is some rattle when shooting - probably inevitable unless you go $$$. The worst part was attaching the backboard. There is a Youtube video of the Goaliath install that showed a guy installing the backboard on the ground and using a pickup to set the assembly. I would do that if I had to do it again.
- Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sewer lateral missing!! who pays for it now?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3744
Re: Sewer lateral missing!! who pays for it now?
Find an experienced utility locating service and explain your issue. My guess is that ground penetrating radar might find it depending on depth and soil conditions.
- Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Who Pays? [Neighbor developing backyard "discovered" my sewer lateral]
- Replies: 99
- Views: 16262
Re: Who Pays? [Neighbor developing backyard "discovered" my sewer lateral]
a) you have an encroachment, now known, on his property or
b) he is going to build a building across an easement that favors you and potentially relocate your sewer lateral outside that easement
Neither of these are good and now you are both aware of the situation. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to disclosure.
If it was me I would also considering replacing a 80-100 year old lateral, likely a clay tile pipe, in conjunction with my neighbors and work with an attorney to make it copasetic from a title standpoint. This isn't just your problem.
b) he is going to build a building across an easement that favors you and potentially relocate your sewer lateral outside that easement
Neither of these are good and now you are both aware of the situation. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to disclosure.
If it was me I would also considering replacing a 80-100 year old lateral, likely a clay tile pipe, in conjunction with my neighbors and work with an attorney to make it copasetic from a title standpoint. This isn't just your problem.
- Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:37 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Property Survey Issue
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1976
Re: Property Survey Issue
Adverse possession is rare, but people sure love to talk about it. Open, notorious and a time-frame - all state dependent. Platted land and taxes can also be factors. Again, rare and expensive in most cases. I've seen it once in 25 years and that was against an abandoned railroad that had no interest in defending their title. I would worry more about a prescriptive easement, which is why I suggested granting an easement on your terms and move on. I'm sure there are other things about the house you don't like, just add this to the list.
- Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Property Survey Issue
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1976
Re: Property Survey Issue
What would be the purpose or even the type of affidavit? The survey says it is encroaching. If you're relying on a mortgage survey, don't. If it is a stakes in the ground survey the neighbor at this point will have seen it. At worse, your title insurance will except it from the policy. Personally, I would disregard the issue for the house purchase unless the lot or property was very small or in an area with valuable land. Once purchased I would approach the neighbors and see if they had a survey with a different opinion of where the property line is. If they built the fence without a survey I would grant them an easement allowing the current fence to stay in place for a)certain amount of time, b)sale of their property, c)it fell into disrep...
- Fri Nov 12, 2021 8:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying A Car
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2090
Re: Buying A Car
There's buying a car in "normal" times and there is buying a car now. I wanted a Camry Hybrid or Rav4 Hybrid. Very difficult to find. Check carvana - used hybrid Rav4's are priced like MSRP of new. I talked to a large dealer who wasn't getting any new Camry's until mid-January. I found another dealer that had one being built next Wednesday he could sell to me. MSRP plus garbage floormat charge and $1000 for delivery processing/handling. At that margin they don't care cash vs. financing.
- Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:29 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do I get my old-school uncle out of UBS Managed Account?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 3959
Re: How do I get my old-school uncle out of UBS Managed Account?
Stay out of it.
- Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should We Return to Cruising?
- Replies: 58
- Views: 6017
Re: Should We Return to Cruising?
I didn't hesitate taking a July 3rd cruise from FTL. Great time. Middle aged and no concerning conditions. What's the point of vaccination if I still sit at home?
- Thu Mar 18, 2021 7:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pressure to start returning to the office from WFH
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1973
Re: Pressure to start returning to the office from WFH
In a survey we did, 95% of employees said they are more productive remotely. That is simply not true for the most part. Most count their commute time into it.
100% want an option to work remotely forever.
50% want to work at the office 3+ days per week.
With a few exceptions we will require employees to be at the office 4 out of 5 days per week when the vaccine is widely available. We have lost a sense of culture, training of newer employees is terrible, overall productivity is down and our billings are starting to waver. We want people like you to be at the office and show our other employees how to do it.
Employees are required to wear masks when they are not in their work area. Non-negotiable. Work areas are spaced appropriately.
100% want an option to work remotely forever.
50% want to work at the office 3+ days per week.
With a few exceptions we will require employees to be at the office 4 out of 5 days per week when the vaccine is widely available. We have lost a sense of culture, training of newer employees is terrible, overall productivity is down and our billings are starting to waver. We want people like you to be at the office and show our other employees how to do it.
Employees are required to wear masks when they are not in their work area. Non-negotiable. Work areas are spaced appropriately.
- Fri Nov 13, 2020 9:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Traeger Pellet Grill - Super Excited!
- Replies: 38
- Views: 4120
Re: New Traeger Pellet Grill - Super Excited!
I have been happy with mine but I only use it for protein that doesn't need a sear. For a tri-tip or whole chicken that gets smoked, it spends some time on the gas grill before serving. Steaks, chicken parts, etc. only see the gas grill. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.
- Fri Oct 23, 2020 12:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Downsizing to one car in a pandemic
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3795
Re: Downsizing to one car in a pandemic
My wife didn't like her car and we sold it to Carmax in May. Sports came into play this Fall and we ended up double booked on two nights. We managed but it was a lot of driving. We are searching for a "fun" late 60's convertible that is in good shape.
- Fri Oct 09, 2020 8:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Marketers think I'm elderly. I'm not.
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5281
Re: Marketers think I'm elderly. I'm not.
When I was 25 a younger friend signed me up for AARP. The gift that keeps on giving.
- Wed Oct 07, 2020 11:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Floor tile grout appears stained. Is it a plumber issue or a cleaning issue?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 6715
Re: Floor tile grout appears stained. Is it a plumber issue or a cleaning issue?
If it was me, I'd replace the wax ring just for piece of mind.
- Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any car enthusiasts? (or soon to be)
- Replies: 142
- Views: 12439
- Fri Aug 28, 2020 12:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any car enthusiasts? (or soon to be)
- Replies: 142
- Views: 12439
Re: Any car enthusiasts? (or soon to be)
I'm contemplating a 95 Mercedes E320 convertible. Anyone have idea on what it is going to take to keep that running?
Or a 60's mustang. That I know I can work on.
Or a 60's mustang. That I know I can work on.
- Wed Aug 12, 2020 12:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rec'd Unsolicited Offer for Land
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2689
Re: Rec'd Unsolicited Offer for Land
While it seems trivial, projects can pit neighbor vs. neighbor as they proceed through the approval and/or re-zone process. Are you okay with 1/2 the people in the area hating your guts if you give your blessing by letting them buy the option and start the process?
- Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Screened in porch - Yay or Nay
- Replies: 47
- Views: 6089
Re: Screened in porch - Yay or Nay
For 25-35k you should be able put actual doors and windows. That's maybe a 5k material cost for standard doors and big fiberglass windows that slide. Throw in a 2k hotel style heat pump and you have a four season room that adds sq ft.
- Mon Jul 13, 2020 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: “Surviving” a Florida panhandle vacation
- Replies: 38
- Views: 5449
Re: “Surviving” a Florida panhandle vacation
We just returned from a month on the Atlantic side near Daytona. The behavior change in a month was noticeable. Most locals follow mask guidelines. Most tourist don't. Beaches in front of hotels were a madhouse. The beach outside of our condo wasn't bad. We stopped doing our large grocery shopping at the beach and went inland. Some restaurants were shutting down for 2 days for sanitizing - clearly a sign that staff had contracted it. We did eat out but only outside between 2 and 4 pm at restaurants where social distancing and server mask wear was in force. We could have stayed as long as we wanted for free but chose to come home. From the behavior I saw at hotels and restaurants, I can only imagine that many tourists are getting the virus d...
- Tue May 19, 2020 7:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Central Indiana: Reasonable Cost?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1474
Re: Central Indiana: Reasonable Cost?
Indy area. Labor is at $60/hr so your job is roughly 95 man hours. Divide that by two guys and you're roughly at a week of labor.
- Fri May 15, 2020 12:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Selling home - low ball negotiation
- Replies: 145
- Views: 15748
Re: Selling home - low ball negotiation
Wait about 6 months.
- Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: PPP Loan ethics
- Replies: 56
- Views: 5003
Re: PPP Loan ethics
It's complicated and the short-sightedness by many doesn't help. Taken in context, many of these loans were applied for nearly a month ago when circumstances regarding the loans weren't clear and the future was, at best, muddy. My business applied for and received a loan. Have we been hurt financially? It's tough to say. We've had visible revenue and productivity reductions, but the exact numbers aren't known until monthly billings are completed. In other words, hours worked in early April aren't translated into P&L until second week of May. That will be true for many professional service firms. Paychecks and rent are due now. Receivables, some of which may never come in, are typically 60-90 days out. Many also concentrate on the forgiv...
- Thu Apr 16, 2020 1:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Has your PPP loan been processed yet? Ours hasn’t been, and I'm getting concerned
- Replies: 102
- Views: 10029
Re: Has your PPP loan been processed yet? Ours hasn’t been, and I'm getting concerned
Even more disappointed is the queue will not be maintained. That can't be a difficult thing to maintain now that applications are frozen.
- Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Has your PPP loan been processed yet? Ours hasn’t been, and I'm getting concerned
- Replies: 102
- Views: 10029
Re: Has your PPP loan been processed yet? Ours hasn’t been, and I'm getting concerned
Our stage is "paralending obtaining SBA Authorization" whatever that means. The banker doesn't know. Application went in 4/6.
- Fri Jan 17, 2020 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Engineers - What are you making? ($$$)
- Replies: 357
- Views: 54072
Re: Engineers - What are you making?
If there are any experienced road/bridge civils reading this and are willing to relocate to Indiana you will have no problem exceeding 100k. Probably Ohio too. Feel free to message. I'm currently looking for road, bridge, survey and construction inspection staff. Everybody else is too.
- Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Latest updates driving from New Hampshire to Clearwater
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4117
Re: Latest updates driving from New Hampshire to Clearwater
There are two primary ways for me to get home from Florida. One will run me up 95 to Charleston then NW and the other up 75 through Atlanta. The 95 route is 20 miles longer. Guess which one Waze/Google tells me to take at 6 AM when leaving Florida? Real-time there is no traffic in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, etc. at 6 AM.
- Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Latest updates driving from New Hampshire to Clearwater
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4117
- Thu Dec 19, 2019 11:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Injured at work, should I bill my employer?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 5078
Re: Injured at work, should I bill my employer?
As an employer, I want you to do this through workman's comp. The exact injury and remedy is documented.
- Wed Oct 30, 2019 12:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cutting the Cord - NFL Network?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 8086
Re: Cutting the Cord - NFL Network?
I'm in a similar situation losing VUE. I can't seem to find a service that has Big Ten and NHL and will run on a firestick.
- Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bookkeeping side hustle for wife: thoughts?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3150
Re: Bookkeeping side hustle for wife: thoughts?
QuickBooks. Most small companies looking for PT help will likely be using or should be using this. A good target here is 5-20 employee service firms.