Search found 360 matches

by FraggleRock
Thu Apr 12, 2018 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84143

I am a better cook

Dottie57 wrote: Wed Apr 11, 2018 5:05 pm A new kitchen which works so much better.
+1
Yes, indeed.
by FraggleRock
Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need vacuum recomendations
Replies: 41
Views: 6773

Spend wisely and not cheaply

takeshi wrote: Wed Apr 11, 2018 11:36 pmI'm guessing it's more of a failure to fully read the OP.
I read it and I ignored the limit.
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=246696
by FraggleRock
Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it very hard to learn Spanish?
Replies: 81
Views: 9478

Facil

As someone who spent 170 hours learning Português for a 3 week trip to Portugal.
As someone who is attempting to learn a tiny bit of Euskara for a trip to España.
As someone who is attempting to learn a tiny bit of Català for a trip to España.
As someone who spent 6 years, off and on, learning Française at the Alliance française.
As someone who had 2 años de Español en la escuela superior in 1963-4.

Español es muy facil.
by FraggleRock
Sat Apr 07, 2018 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how much would a new kitchen cost?
Replies: 20
Views: 3494

Probably more than you think.

We just did 1/2 of ours.
$51K for 15 linear feet. We wrote checks. At our age we are done with major DIY.
Appliances (Miele, Sub-Zero, Wolf) were 1/2 of that.
The custom cabinets were $15K, but we did insist on all Blum LEGRABOX hardware.

Our attitude was:
We have the money
20 years
by FraggleRock
Fri Apr 06, 2018 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How often do you replace your office shoes?
Replies: 58
Views: 8290

Office shoes are still a thing?

Never.
I don't wear shoes in the office.
I have not for 21.5 years.

Frodo Baggins is my mentor.
by FraggleRock
Tue Apr 03, 2018 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Builder wants $800 to vent a gas cooktop
Replies: 53
Views: 6145

Re: Builder wants $800 to vent a gas cooktop

Walk away.
Find another house and builder.

You are reminding me why I despise non-custom builders.
by FraggleRock
Tue Apr 03, 2018 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Site to Sell Used Laser Printer Cartridges?
Replies: 4
Views: 1380

Re: Best Site to Sell Used Laser Printer Cartridges?

NextDoor.com would be my first choice.
by FraggleRock
Mon Apr 02, 2018 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you file your income taxes?
Replies: 84
Views: 9767

file your income taxes - yes, I do

I have a guy.
For the last 37 years. Father and now son.
I do whatever he tells me to do.
$300/yr.
Thanks to Congress, I am terrified to do my own taxes.
by FraggleRock
Sun Apr 01, 2018 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Towel Warmers - worthwhile luxury or useless?
Replies: 43
Views: 9786

Towel Warmers are a worthwhile luxury

Don't have one in the master bath yet, but am planning to install one.

We took a trip to Portugal last Fall and one of our AirBnBs had a towel warmer. Very nice.

I have done a bunch of research and concluded that we want:
1. Hardwired as it has a cleaner look and we have a modern house.
2. Timer.
3. Plenty of power to really warm the towels.
4. Large enough.

All of which led me to:https://runtalnorthamerica.com/towel_ra ... armer.html in white with timer.
Not cheap. And, I have to have "my" electrician install the power with GFI. Am saving up the money.

Image
by FraggleRock
Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comparison of grocery prices?
Replies: 47
Views: 7022

Eat well. You may die tomorrow.

I no longer care about food prices.
Yes, price performance is important. When 2 different, taste the same to me, OJ cartons are in front me, I will pick the cheaper one.
But, for many other foods, {cheese, raw meat, bread, charcuterie, olive oil, butter, refritos, tortillas, beer}, I am going for performance. Price be damned (is ignored).

Cheese - https://www.cheeseandprovisions.com
Meat - http://ilporcellinodenver.com and http://www.edwards-meats.com
Bread - http://raleighstreetbakery.com
Cured meats - http://www.belfioreitaliansausage.com
Refritos - https://www.yelp.com/biz/pochitos-torti ... ory-denver
Beer - http://calltoarmsbrewing.com
by FraggleRock
Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mystery: Gas bill says therms increased 33% year over year but temperature stayed the same. Why?
Replies: 26
Views: 3300

Not a Mystery

The average temperature is the same.
But, which one is most likely to have higher gas usage?

Image
vs
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by FraggleRock
Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to free up space on iMac?
Replies: 19
Views: 1816

Not the right question

The complete answer is way more complicated that one would initially think. 1. You need a complete backup of your entire drive to protect against internal hard drive failure . The longer you own your iMac, the more likely this is to occur. This means buying hardware and software: a. SuperDuper! from https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html for $28. b. An external hard drive equal to or larger in size than your internal drive. For example, https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/ME3UH7T2.0/ for 2TB at $140. Or, http://www.g-technology.com/products/g-drive-usb (same size/price). I own both. The G-Drive is a bit quieter. 2. You need backup of your data files (films, music, photos, and books) in case you accidentally delet...
by FraggleRock
Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which cordless weed whacker to buy?
Replies: 49
Views: 5827

Stihl

STIHL
https://battery.stihlusa.com/categories/trimmers/
Visit a dealer, get advice, bring your credit card.

Image

"Professionals get gasoline-powered performance from their STIHL Battery-Powered Equipment with the 36-volt, 1148 watt-hour AR 3000 backpack battery."
by FraggleRock
Tue Mar 27, 2018 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Not going to be buying chicken for a while...
Replies: 65
Views: 18231

Will be buying chicken

Thank you very much for posting this. I had no idea. My wife and first noticed the striping 2 years ago in chickens that we bought from Sprouts. And, we definitely had some woody breasts. We actually threw out a few after cooking. So, we shifted to chicken from King Soopers (Kroger) and it seemed to be better. Happily, for us, just a few weeks ago, our local salumeria, Il Porcellino, started carrying fresh meat from small Colorado producers and we have shifted all our purchases to them. P.S. I care about eating the chicken and not about chickens feeling pain. P.P.S. More reading http://www.poultrytimes.com/poultry_today/article_cd6d0284-5ab9-11e7-a8e4-c399c839e7e8.html https://atlasofscience.org/the-woody-breast-condition-affects-texture-c...
by FraggleRock
Mon Mar 26, 2018 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drip irrigation or pop-up sprayers for garden?
Replies: 19
Views: 3162

Re: Drip irrigation or pop-up sprayers for garden?

Pop-up is so much lower in cost.
You live in a rainy place.
If you lived in Amman, Jordan, I would have different answer.

If you go drip, go http://www.rainbird.com/landscape/produ ... ne/XFS.htm
by FraggleRock
Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Easiest way to add shelves to cabinet and closet
Replies: 6
Views: 1263

Re: Easiest way to add shelves to cabinet and closet

I agree with Pajamas.
But, if CC proves problematic, then here is a possible solution: https://www.etsy.com/listing/519972027/ ... e-desk-top
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 23, 2018 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Light Switch Style and Why?
Replies: 12
Views: 2150

Re: Light Switch Style and Why?

1. Leviton Decora is good. Comes in various grades. Do research on their website and then buy the most expensive one.

2. Look at LeGrand Adorne. Beautiful.
https://www.legrand.us/adorne/products/switches.aspx

Image
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 23, 2018 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One month summer vacation with kids age 10 & 12
Replies: 7
Views: 873

One month summer vacation in Portugal

remomnyc wrote: Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:53 am Not very Griswoldian, but I would take the kids to Spain or Portugal and rent a house for a month. It's surprisingly cheap and a great adventure.
I highly recommend Portugal.
Just make sure to spend 3 or more nights in each place so you don't spend "all" your time packing/unpacking/traveling.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 23, 2018 10:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The high cost of conflicted advice to retirement savers
Replies: 3
Views: 1193

The high cost of conflicted advice to retirement savers

"Here is what’s at stake with the conflict of interest (‘fiduciary’) rule"

https://www.epi.org/publication/here-is ... iary-rule/

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by FraggleRock
Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FB
Replies: 356
Views: 43209

Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?

Keeping both of my Fb accounts.
The fake one and the real one.
by FraggleRock
Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 82895

Detroit

KSOC wrote: Wed Mar 21, 2018 4:55 pmthis is the first I've ever heard "Detroit Style" anything.
1. https://www.eater.com/2016/5/8/11612056 ... gs-history

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit-style_pizza
by FraggleRock
Wed Mar 21, 2018 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Card Recommendations
Replies: 43
Views: 31847

Re: Credit Card Recommendations

Not enough info.
What are your credit card reward goals? Travel points, cash back?
What is your credit score?
Do you intend (or think you might) carry a balance?
Do you do international travel?
What cards do you have now?
by FraggleRock
Wed Mar 21, 2018 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 82895

baked?

My brain.
I live in Colorado.
by FraggleRock
Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you Continue to invest even in down market??
Replies: 54
Views: 8646

Do you Continue to invest?

No.
At age 69.3, I am done with “adding”.
As soon as I “retire” (I am in one more day mode), I am going to subtraction mode.
by FraggleRock
Tue Mar 20, 2018 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cookware Brands - Demeyere?
Replies: 43
Views: 9121

Sounds German. Is Not.

kwarden13 wrote: Tue Mar 20, 2018 2:29 pmI found this when searching for rivetless design in cookware. Anyone have experience with this brand? https://www.gunterwilhelm.com/5ply-stai ... are-11pcs/
"Made InChina"
Nope.
by FraggleRock
Mon Mar 19, 2018 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9th grade earth science honors or biology honors
Replies: 28
Views: 4494

or? no, and

Both.
High school is a cake walk.
by FraggleRock
Mon Mar 19, 2018 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cookware Brands - Demeyere?
Replies: 43
Views: 9121

Demeyere = yes

kwarden13 wrote: Mon Mar 19, 2018 7:11 pmDemeyere seems to be best at Bed Bath and Beyond since I can use a 20% off coupon. Thoughts?
I presume you will read this after your trip to bbb.
by FraggleRock
Mon Mar 19, 2018 12:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads car buying strategies with new safety technologies
Replies: 71
Views: 7496

new strategy

Yes.
We have been: buy and hold for many years.
We will be shifting to: lease.
Technology is moving more quickly.
Our next car will be 100% electric.
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 18, 2018 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling time share "points" for my stepfather
Replies: 12
Views: 1987

Bad thread title

Selling time share "points" for my stepfather

Should be: “Selling” time share points for my stepfather; as in: you won’t.
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 18, 2018 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of bike do I need and how much should I spend?
Replies: 44
Views: 4501

Did someone say: bike?

Build your own.
$2500.
You will love the exercise and the exercise.
And, remember the rule of n+1.
Maybe, a nice single speed
Image
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spoke to a financial advisor yesterday - what do you think he's up to?
Replies: 81
Views: 11184

less than Vanguard

rasputin wrote: Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:04 pm He's suggesting that there are funds out there that are more expense efficient than what Vanguard offers. I'm very curious about this.
Fidelity claims to be cheaper.
https://www.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/i ... ndex-funds
But, the dollar delta amount is $10/$100K
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attic Ladder Installation - Whom To Call
Replies: 18
Views: 2435

Re: big box subs

Silk McCue wrote: Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:50 pmMost everyone knows that Lowe’s uses sub-contractors. Whether they do or don’t doesn’t matter because you pay Lowe’s and not the sub. if the installation has any issues your recourse is with Lowe’s. They will make it right.
1. Lots of people don't know.
2. If you read numerous Yelp reviews (I read 400 per day) for both Lowe's and Home Depot, you will see a lot of dissatisfaction when the sub/installer fails. Finger pointing and angry consumers.
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 18, 2018 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attic Ladder Installation - Whom To Call
Replies: 18
Views: 2435

Attic Experts

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:46 am Lowe's sells and installs these. One benefit to this is that you have someone on the hook for the job that will back up the installation.
Not true.
Lowe's sells and hires sub-contractors to install these.
by FraggleRock
Sat Mar 17, 2018 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soft boxer shorts for men
Replies: 28
Views: 5067

Re: Soft boxer shorts for men

ny_knicks wrote: Sat Mar 17, 2018 6:53 pmGo commando you'll save money.
Not if you have had colon cancer surgery and chemotheropy and now suffer from intermittent anal leakage.
by FraggleRock
Sat Mar 17, 2018 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84143

Food, glorious food

Food.
Artisanal food.
Don't even consider prices.
by FraggleRock
Sat Mar 17, 2018 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soft boxer shorts for men
Replies: 28
Views: 5067

Saxx

https://www.saxxunderwear.com/collections/boxer-brief
Very comfortable. And, with a special pocket for your...
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced Rum?
Replies: 48
Views: 7285

I love rum

Bacardi Añejo for every day sipping with cookies whilst sitting in the reading room.
Flor de Caña. But, only the older ones. Pricier and worth it.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 16, 2018 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you pick a financial advisor?
Replies: 8
Views: 1762

Easy

For me, it was easy.

For the last 5+ years, I have been reading a lot in this forum.
I have also read some of the underlying academic papers/articles that are cited here.

I signed up for and spent $40 at MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com which helped me decide when each of us should take it.
I have spent time with calculators such as cfiresim.com which has helped calm me down.

After all that, I learned that my best financial advisor is me.
by FraggleRock
Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is anyone using a bill paying service?
Replies: 38
Views: 5913

Re: Is anyone using a bill paying service?

jackholloway wrote: Wed Mar 14, 2018 9:30 pm Silver Bills - it’s about $100 a month
Reads like elderly abuse to me.
by FraggleRock
Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $12,000 Refrigerator? [Looking in $7k price range]
Replies: 71
Views: 13001

Re: $12,000 Refrigerator? [Looking in $7k price range]

dia wrote: Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:18 pmI wish I could get an ice box.
Don’t be silly.
The ice man no longer delivers.
by FraggleRock
Mon Mar 12, 2018 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opening Up Kitchen to Dining Room
Replies: 17
Views: 3192

Expertise is worth it

Hire an architect.
They are better at this than you.
We always do.
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cookware Brands - Demeyere?
Replies: 43
Views: 9121

Demeyere? Yes

setemupknockem wrote: Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:42 pm I'm deep in research for cookware right ...That set is good,
As a nerd.
As a serious cook (not chef).
Spot on advice.
by FraggleRock
Sun Mar 11, 2018 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Balsamic vinegar?
Replies: 42
Views: 6757

Re: Balsamic vinegar?

Go to your local cheese shop.
Ask for help.
by FraggleRock
Sat Mar 10, 2018 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I install a new kitchen?
Replies: 19
Views: 2538

Trust, but verify

Kababayan wrote: Sat Mar 10, 2018 7:02 pmI just found out that IKEA will install the entire kitchen
IKEA will not. An independent contractor will.
Get references and check them out.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone watching Ari Melber's "The Beat"?
Replies: 11
Views: 1976

Re: Anyone watching Ari Melber's "The Beat"?

Only the last few minutes of each show as I wait for Chris’ head to explode.
It really does not matter to me who is on MSNBC at 1700 when we sit down for appetizers and white/pink wine.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 09, 2018 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you pay for your phone/cable/internet? REAL total with tax?
Replies: 61
Views: 8063

Re: phone/cable/internet? REAL total with tax?

F150HD wrote: Fri Mar 09, 2018 5:21 pmyou pay $125+ for cable TV per month? Holy cow.
Happy wife → happy life.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 09, 2018 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Large cutting board recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 2445

Maple

This company gets rave reviews - http://www.theboardsmith.com/product/maple-2-x-12-x-18/
Their FAQs are helpful. Even if biased.

If I had not build my own maple board in 1973, I would buy one from them. I wasted an afternoon researching cutting boards a few months ago.

My advice is ignore price. You are going to amortize the expense over decades.
Find the best one for you. Thicker is better, in my opinion.
I think rubber feet are a necessity.
Mine does sit on the counter next to the sink all the time. It is never put away.
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 09, 2018 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are you ready for Amazon checking?
Replies: 42
Views: 7176

Nope, Maybe

Beach wrote: Wed Mar 07, 2018 11:35 amHopefully they have a huge signup bonus that I can use to my advantage, then promptly cancel the account because I am totally happy where I am.
I like the cut of your jib.
For me: Fidelity + CU (#15 in size, member since 1967). Why would I change?
by FraggleRock
Fri Mar 09, 2018 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another shower question: ShowerGuard and Ultra Clear glass?
Replies: 3
Views: 847

ShowerGuard

We have ShowerGuard. The cost was $300.
The purpose, for us, is to slow down the accumulation of crap, etching on the glass over decades.
Still expect to replace the glass when we sell in 20 years.