Search found 5836 matches

by H-Town
Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 27
Views: 1813

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

Some 1/2-gallon paper milk cartons have the more conventional opening where one opens the sides to form a spout. Others come with a capped plastic spout, from which one uncaps the spout to pour milk. We typically buy Whole Foods 365 and Trader Joe's milk, depending on which store happens to work for a particular grocery run. I find that the 365 milk spout is almost impossible to open without having the carton tear some (seemingly due to excessive glue use to seal the carton), enough that when I go to pour milk from the carton it will not come out in a neat stream. Without a "clean" pouring spot, the milk will ricochet off the pieces of torn cardboard (carton) protruding in different directions. The net result is milk landing not ...
by H-Town
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do YOU integrate cognitive decline with investment policy?
Replies: 24
Views: 1768

Re: How do YOU integrate cognitive decline with investment policy?

If I deteriorate to the point where I can't handle basic concepts of money, there won't be enough of "me" left to be worth worrying about. A friend of mine developed rapid onset dementia at age 64; mismanaged enough of their assets to require them to sell their home and downsize and then died before his 65th birthday. His wife was left to pick up the pieces. I've seen it too, on multiple occasions, up close and personal. But they have other people in the family that are capable of handling finance. If you are the only person who handles finance and you haven't looped in your spouse or your trusted partner, it's a wake-up call now. It doesn't need to be dementia. You can get hit by a bus tomorrow and leave behind a mess for other ...
by H-Town
Wed Mar 27, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dogs in a SUV: best way?
Replies: 19
Views: 1007

Re: Dogs in a SUV: best way?

I have a Volvo SUV and two medium/large dogs. I don't want them roaming free in the back with the seats down because that's dangerous in a crash. There are some aftermarket kennels that are designed to be safe, but they are a hassle to get in and out, are large, and cost upwards of $1,500. Plus they only hold one dog. Volvo makes an absurdly overpriced cargo separator that basically prevents things (dogs) from flying into the passenger area. It's designed for dogs and cargo, and keeps everything contained. The other option is to get something to cover the rear seats while they are up, and get a seatbelt adapter for the dogs, but I've read that harnesses can actually be even more dangerous in a crash. Any ideas/experience? The Volvo cargo s...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 296
Views: 62788

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

39, single, no kids, VHCOL coastal city current NW 4.3M comprised of: - 3.7M in my portfolio (taxable, roth, 401k) - the rest of the NW in my home (on which I owe 1.4M @ 2.125%) I personally want to have 5M invested (from which I am drawing 4%) and a fully paid off house. I assume this will take me another 4-6 years, in the best case, but maybe 8+ in the worst case. I realize that moving to a MCOL where I could get a nice house for ~700k would shortern my time horizon fairly significantly. I often wonder about making the move, but don't want to give up my friends/social circle/favorite places/weather/etc. meh I don't know. I just know I can afford whatever I want, whenever I want it. A number is just a number, and it will change.
by H-Town
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 208
Views: 9604

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

Neither a dedicated computer nor dedicated email will improve your security posture. A dedicated email address for financial accounts does improve security. It’s a well-meaning attempt to solve a solved problem. Password managers and 2FA address every concern supposedly handled by a separate email account without relying on a human to be infallible. It reduces the risk of bad actor trying to take over your email. They can use Forget Password to send the link to reset password to that email address. If 2FA uses that email address as well, you're out of luck. That applies to both dedicated and non-dedicated email addresses. The most important thing is having your email account locked down properly. Of lesser importance, but still beneficial,...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 208
Views: 9604

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

HawkeyePierce wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:28 pm
mptfan wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:23 pm
HawkeyePierce wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:56 am Neither a dedicated computer nor dedicated email will improve your security posture.
A dedicated email address for financial accounts does improve security.
It’s a well-meaning attempt to solve a solved problem. Password managers and 2FA address every concern supposedly handled by a separate email account without relying on a human to be infallible.
It reduces the risk of bad actor trying to take over your email. They can use Forget Password to send the link to reset password to that email address. If 2FA uses that email address as well, you're out of luck. :beer

Nothing is perfect. But I'm surprised you just brushed off any suggestions to improve security.
by H-Town
Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 208
Views: 9604

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

JoeNJ28 wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:38 am Since the vast majority of the financial hacks seem to be phishing and social engineering I don’t see how a seperate pc stops any of this. If the fbi calls and you give your social and info to them the people will just do it from their end. Doesn’t matter that you have a separate finance computer that’s hardwired only and you disconnect the network cable after use.
I never pick up any call from unknown number. Sorry, fbi.
by H-Town
Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?
Replies: 135
Views: 20805

Re: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?

Say you are in your 40s with a $100,000 salary with a NW of $2,000,000 or 20x Income to NW ratio You are not quite motivated to work harder in your career (e.g. staying in the office until 8pm) because your investments daily fluctuations is more than your salary. You are comfortable enough to give your boss/upper management the middle finger if he pulls a fast one on you. However, you are not quite ready to retire early yet as in today's economy, $2million doesn't carry your that far, especially in HCOL cities like NY or SF. Is that a career to retirement "rut"? If you still let money dictate your behavior, you're not quite financially independent yet. If your boss or upper management pulls a fast one on you, it's your responsibi...
by H-Town
Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 208
Views: 9604

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

This topic occasionally comes up but is fairly hard to search on the form. So how many people are using a dedicated financial computer as their only means of online access to their accounts? Any tips or tricks you think are worth sharing? Aside from having a dedicated computer, we also put several protocols in place: 1) No wifi. Internet hardwire only. We disconnect internet hardwire after use. 2) Password changes every week. 3) No emails. We check emails on our phone for 2-factor authentication if needed. 4) Browser is used incognito mode, so browser data and cookies will be deleted after each use. 5) Frequent OS update, virus/spyware update. 6) Use Threatlocker to prevent unauthorized spy apps to execute. Convenience vs. security. We lea...
by H-Town
Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 208
Views: 9604

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

Oddball wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:34 pm I don't understand, are you saying some people own a computer that is only used to access their bank, investment, etc. accounts, and not used for anything else? They have a separate computer to track their March Madness brackets, look up stuff to cook, shop online?
Yes.
by H-Town
Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Totaled - Insurance Options
Replies: 22
Views: 1455

Re: Car Totaled - Insurance Options

Life Is Good wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:18 pm So I have three options, I think.
1) Sell the car for $2950 and put it toward a new (used) vehicle,
2) Take the $2250 and repair the car, or
3) Take the $2250 and not repair the car.
Option 1 is pretty good since KBB priced a 2004 Accord at 197 miles at $1,427 - $2,518. I know you value it more than that, but insurance company offered you more than KBB's range. I'd take that offer and buy me something I like.
by H-Town
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To buy or not to buy a big SUV
Replies: 42
Views: 3492

Re: To buy or not to buy a big SUV

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - vehicle purchase. mod mkc] We need a big SUV when we travel. We travel two to four times a year, about four to seven days per trip. We can rent or buy. I am thinking we will rent or buy a Suburban or equivalent, gently used or new. If we buy, we will be replacing our midsize SUV, which is probably worth $25k. Should we buy or rent? I am thinking we should rent. We can afford either choice but we still want to do the "right" choice as we have a young family. (P.S. The need of a bigger SUV is not a question. We really do need it when we travel. Minivans are not an option, unless there is one that has an AWD and really really long front legroom of 44 inch or longer. ) If you can afford eit...
by H-Town
Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 5% MMF + 2% CC = 7% return?
Replies: 13
Views: 1338

Re: 5% MMF + 2% CC = 7% return?

ObiQuiet wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:12 pm Thanks, I meant "net". Let me clarify:

Put $1000 in the MMF. A year later, withdraw "that same" $1050 to pay the CC bill. Repeat in a rolling fashion.

How much did that $1000 buy? $1070 worth of stuff?
Don’t forget the taxman. He will take 37% or whatever tax bracket you’re in.

Why $50 a big deal when you’re sending $1,000?
by H-Town
Sun Mar 24, 2024 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life...moving forward. Existential.
Replies: 16
Views: 1775

Re: Life...moving forward. Existential.

I'm from Scotland. Wife is from ND. Both early 60's. No kids. We live in a gorgeous place in Dana Point. SoCal. 30 min walk to the beach. Over 4MM in investments. I still work and will probably do for another 10 years if I wish. We used to dream years ago...Move to Scotland? But no, now it's not desirable for various reasons. (Political and economic.) Move to Paris for 6 months? I dunno.... Move to the Village, NY and use it as a base for visiting Europe. 5 hour flights etc... In the first instance I would like to ask how practical it would be moving to the village or somewhere else desirable but near an airport. Boston for example.. Or just keep flying from SoCal. What's the value of your house? I mean... Dana Point. Average home price se...
by H-Town
Sun Mar 24, 2024 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are your "hidden" tax tips?
Replies: 56
Views: 4789

Re: What are your "hidden" tax tips?

TimeIsYourFriend wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 5:40 am What tips have you learned that saved you money on your taxes that weren't obvious from the beginning?
The more I learn about taxes, the more I have to remind myself: "Do not let the tax tail wag the dog". Sometimes it might be a good tax answer, but not a great overall answer. You need to let the economic and common sense lead the way, even if you need to take on tax inefficiencies.
by H-Town
Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

I can afford it and don’t want to be a jerk. The next time you eat at a restaurant, you should tip the kitchen staff you make your food, the busboy, and the dishwasher. Why just tip the waitstaff who just brought your food? We don’t want to be a jerk right? When you visit your grocery store, be sure to tip the people who stock the groceries. Those items don’t appear out of thin air. You need to tip the cashier too! They provided personal service for you so you don’t have to go through the self checkout line. Let’s not be a jerk and not leaving them a tip. If you are seriously asking, here’s the difference I see. One, norms and expectations vary by job. It’s illogical and I would rather not have any of our US tipping system, but that’s not ...
by H-Town
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

Thank you for the question! What eye opening responses. In the past, I would rarely tip—not on principle, but because it was not top of mind and I almost never have cash. This thread has changed my mind. From now on I will carry 5s in my travel bag and leave one each day with a thank you note. I travel ~5 nights a month on average, so that’s $300 a year. I can afford it and don’t want to be a jerk. The next time you eat at a restaurant, you should tip the kitchen staff you make your food, the busboy, and the dishwasher. Why just tip the waitstaff who just brought your food? We don’t want to be a jerk right? When you visit your grocery store, be sure to tip the people who stock the groceries. Those items don’t appear out of thin air. You ne...
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

Yes, nightly a few dollars. Having waited tables back in the day (we always said doing so should be required of everyone, as a life lesson), I know how much of a difference a few dollars makes. I do think that cleaning hotel rooms is an awful job and I assume the workers are low-paid. Plus, it brings me pleasure to make a small difference to someone, whether with a few bucks, or in other situations, where I actually interact with people, treating them as I would like to be treated. That said, I do have an issue with the tipping culture in general. I don't think I should be asked to tip 10-20% for the person who rings up my takeout order and hands it to me. I still give a small tip however, because it's not the person who is trying to earn ...
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

Either way, it goes to someone who needs it a lot more than I do. And some places pool tips (at least in theory). The class of people who "need it" more than I do is pretty large. Even if we limit it to those who do something for me. Having said that, I have concluded that hotel cleaning staff warrant a few bucks. I do not intend to broaden it much beyond that, and there are a fair number of services I do not use because they seem to involve tipping. For example, I would rather park my car and walk than tip a valet. By the way, by that reasoning, shouldn't I get a tip from those much better off than me? Maybe we should leave an envelope with a QR code for our boss, or for the CEwhatever next time he comes by for a pep talk. The h...
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

funyun wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:00 pm
bradinsky wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:59 pm
funyun wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:15 pm Yep, during the stay and when checking out. First, it's the right thing to do. Second, I assume if you tip, there's less chance they'll do vile things to your toiletries. I actually travel with a decoy toothbrush after hearing some horror stories from travel companions.
Seriously?
Yup - just google what hotel staff do to toothbrushes.
Seriously? You don't carry your own toothbrush when you travel? Eww.
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

Dmevsjd wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:54 pm
H-Town wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:53 pm
lessismore22 wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:37 pm Curious to hear thoughts on leaving cash for the hotel staff when you check out of a room. If you leave a tip, how do you determine how much? If not, why not?
No.

Do you know who you leave the tip to? Is it the person who cleaned your room before you check-in? Or the person who will clean the room for the next person checking in?
That’s why you do it nightly. They are cleaning up after you.
Which hotel are you staying? After the pandemic, our hotel chain changed the policy. They don't clean room every day if your stay is less than a week.

We generally clean up after ourselves. We don't leave behind any mess.
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6929

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

lessismore22 wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:37 pm Curious to hear thoughts on leaving cash for the hotel staff when you check out of a room. If you leave a tip, how do you determine how much? If not, why not?
No.

Do you know who you leave the tip to? Is it the person who cleaned your room before you check-in? Or the person who will clean the room for the next person checking in?
by H-Town
Thu Mar 21, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what point did you prioritize health over money?
Replies: 65
Views: 8593

Re: At what point did you prioritize health over money?

What specifically are you debating? I feel like I have both my health and money. I am curious about how other Bogleheads approach life, I suppose! I feel like way too much of my time is consumed by thoughts of financial planning, and I always feel like I’m three steps behind (especially reading this forum!) And I also feel like the mental stress of always thinking about money deprives me of the ability to fully live in the present. It seems like there’s always the next financial goal to reach. When is it “done?” Even at retirement, there are RMDs, Roth conversions, or whatever. I’m wondering if the successful folks on this forum are truly able to “win the game” in a way that frees them from committing so much time to finances, and instead ...
by H-Town
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???
Replies: 54
Views: 6143

Re: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???

Stinky wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:23 pm
H-Town wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:14 pm I never would have thought we need 2 keys for a new "luxury" vehicle.
Two drivers. Two keys are optimal.

(Yeah, I know - first world problem :twisted: )
You can ask the dealership for a free "credit card" fob. My colleague has it.

Image
by H-Town
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:24 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Courage to Invest in Equities
Replies: 57
Views: 4516

Re: Courage to Invest in Equities

michoco911 wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:57 am Besides staying the course and no one can predict the future accurately and consistently, how do you convince yourself in investing in equities like $VUSD or $VWRD at these levels where:
1. Stocks are at all time high and seem overvalued
2. Inflation ticking Up again for the past 2 months
3. Economy doesn’t seem to be doing well (Huge layoffs, decreased earnings outlook, high debt)

Thanks in advance.
Because I will probably die long before the world goes into the s****er.
by H-Town
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???
Replies: 54
Views: 6143

Re: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???

We purchased a new Lexus from our local dealership in late February 2024. We got one key with the vehicle, with the promise (from the salesman) of a second key in the mail in about 3 weeks. We haven't received the second key yet, so I called the local dealership, who told me that I will be getting a letter from Lexus itself (or a message in the Lexus app, or a text message, or an email) sometime in the future telling me about how to procure my second key. They had no information about timeline for getting the second key. The dealership seems to be "out of the loop". I then called the national Lexus Corporate number. I was told that I might be getting a letter sometime in April, May, or June of this year, and the key would come af...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dividend shock: Help me reduce dividends
Replies: 30
Views: 4027

Re: Dividend shock: Help me reduce dividends

I got a shock doing my taxes this year, because my dividends went up substantially from last year. I’m surprised to find myself at the very top of 22% bracket and also paying NIIT, so being taxed at 25.8%. If dividends increase next year, it will be 27.8%. I looked at the EAI on the Fidelity Statement, and the amount of dividends I received in 2023 is substantially higher than the EAI. It is also substantially higher than the dividends received in 2022. Here is the breakdown of my taxable portfolio (excludes retirement accounts). Do you see some way to reduce the total dividends and non-qualified dividends being generated? Holding Percentage of Taxable Portfolio: Money Mkt, CDs, IBonds 7% VSIGX (Int Treas Index) 14% FUMBX (ST Treas) 9% VTI...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 54
Views: 7089

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

mikep wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:12 pm Reason #547097 I file the first week of April.
Uhh I file on the first week of October...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't
Replies: 32
Views: 4249

Re: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't

LaramieWind wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:59 am I had similar problem a number of years ago. My record keeping and understanding of the tax laws was better than the IRS and was able to cut the bill substantially. I owed because I did make a very minor omission but far less than the tens of thousands they claimed I owed.
I know you really want to think your tax knowledge is better than the IRS', but really? If so, you should get paid million of dollars.

Don't confuse IRS letters automatically generated by a computer with their understanding and enforcing tax laws. The computer just matches Form 1099 with what you claim on your return. If they don't match, the computer just print out a letter. It doesn't matter if you're Bill Gates or the other Bill.
by H-Town
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 56
Views: 3725

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

Do as little as absolutely possible. Do you want to own your home or your home to own you? Don't water the lawn ever. It will dry out and turn brown in the summer and you won't have to mow it. In the fall when the rain returns it will green up on its own and start growing again. Best answer yet. :beer Natural plants to the area will grow, die, and come back to life with seasons change. You don't need to have a neatly trimmed lawn like everyone tells you to. You're not British royalties. You don't need to water the lawn or mow the grass as you think society expects you to. Just stop wasting water and let natural plants do their things. To me, grass and weed are the same green thing. OP: the only thing you need to do is to keep the tree in t...
by H-Town
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 64
Views: 3368

Re: navigation system for car

The navigation system in my car has gone to heaven, or the other place, and according to the dealer and my actual mechanic there is no newer one that can be substituted because the car is old (2003 Lexus LS430) and the existing one is intertwined with other systems in the car. So I am looking for a substitute. Without having paid any real attention to them, I think I have seen photos of systems sitting on dashpads (where do they get power, I wouldn't want a battery to go dead in boonieland.) People have tossed off remarks like get a holder for your smart phone, and my flip phone was really insulted. I do have a nook tablet and perhaps that could be rigged up. I will have to look at it. But I am thinking one of those apparently stand alone ...
by H-Town
Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I will need a new car or repair one
Replies: 46
Views: 2206

Re: I will need a new car or repair one

CLKGTR wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:21 pm
delamer wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:09 pm
CLKGTR wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:53 pm
delamer wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:45 pm What year is the vehicle?

It isn’t clear whether you bought it new 6 years ago, or it was “pre owned” then.
2019. Bought it new early 2018.
Then it is probably worth it to repair the vehicle if you are otherwise happy with it.

I’d never knowingly put money into Elon Musk’s pocket, but to each their own.
Would you do it? Market value for the car is only 20k.
Yeah I would. My car worth 3.5k per KBB, but I dropped 1.2k to fix leaking coolant and overheating engine. Buying a new car would mean 30k. It's pretty easy decision. I expect the value of my car is $0 when I'm done with it.
by H-Town
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Do you get election spam texts? I'm sick and tired of it. Every other day I get some candidate or committee trying to hit me up for money. Today, I got one from someone running for DA across the other corner of the country (USA). I haven't donated in over two years. Even when I did donate, it was always small amounts of $5-10. I've tried replying with word 'stop'. About a hundred+ times. I've tried reporting it as junk, a feature on iPhone. The pace of texts has not stopped. Even increased. I'm at my wits end with this. Do you deal with it better? If so, please share some wisdom with me. Yes, it would be my mental break. I would text back and ask for donation for whoever run against their candidate. I would donate $100 to the opponent and ...
by H-Town
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15481

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

AerialWombat wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:24 am
VanityPlate wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:08 pm I think the better topic would be: if you keep cash in your home, why?
I live near a town in which most merchants do not accept credit cards. If I want to eat or shop there, it’s cash or nothing. Thus, I keep cash on hand.
I live in a city where most places do not accept cash. Many stores got broke in and they don't want to put their employees in harm way. Cash is useless around here.
by H-Town
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Do you get election spam texts? I'm sick and tired of it. Every other day I get some candidate or committee trying to hit me up for money. Today, I got one from someone running for DA across the other corner of the country (USA). I haven't donated in over two years. Even when I did donate, it was always small amounts of $5-10. I've tried replying with word 'stop'. About a hundred+ times. I've tried reporting it as junk, a feature on iPhone. The pace of texts has not stopped. Even increased. I'm at my wits end with this. Do you deal with it better? If so, please share some wisdom with me. Yes, it would be my mental break. I would text back and ask for donation for whoever run against their candidate. I would donate $100 to the opponent and ...
by H-Town
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Filed 2023 Return and Received K1 Today
Replies: 7
Views: 944

Re: Filed 2023 Return and Received K1 Today

As the title states, I already filed our Federal and State 2023 return and my wife received a K1 today. I had to mail the returns as I had to include a form that was not eFile allowed (Form 4852). The returns were mailed out last week on 3/7/24. This morning, my wife informed me that she received an email from her CFO that included her 2023 K1 Tax Estimate. She joined this company last September and was awarded a small percentage of equity in the company. She/I should have anticipated a K1 but it wasn't on my radar when preparing taxes this year as we have never had to deal with K1s before. So I now have to figure out how to enter the K1 data into FreeTaxUSA and then how/when to amend our returns. Based on the K1 data I have entered, it sh...
by H-Town
Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84176

Re: Frugal heros - what is your one guilty consumer splurge?

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] I get a lot of insight on efficient spending from people on this board. I think we all probably have at least one area where we are willing to loosen the purse strings for some reason. It is weird but many of us are very frugal in almost every way, daily, then we splurge at odd times almost as a relief valve to the frugality. There can be huge diversity here, based on my conversations with others. For some people it is sporty cars, others jewelry/watches, and some entertaining or travel. For us, it is probably housing. We are willing to pay way over our frugal minimum to live in a house with the location and design that appeals to us. We manage to keep the capex around 20% of our net worth and the...
by H-Town
Tue Mar 12, 2024 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preparing for Marriage
Replies: 47
Views: 4813

Re: Preparing for Marriage

My quickest and best advice is to treat all money as one pool. Get out of the idea of thinking of “your money vs my money.” Then work everything out through discussion and agreement. It’ll make your life a million times easier. And the longer you are married the easier it’ll make your life Also: don’t do the Boglehead thing of cheaping out on life insurance Agreed there. I make it very clear on my goals for the future and show her what we need to do to achieve them and how much needs to go where. I am definitely the more financially savvy one and these types of things is what I genuinely enjoy doing. I have no problem creating a budget and enforcing saving/paying down debt to the tune of 'we can't go out to eat tonight because we are over ...
by H-Town
Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15481

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

At home? It's a kinda odd question to ask. Looks like a questionnaire from the home robbers. I usually don't keep large amounts of cash with me. All the cash I have is in my wallet. But sometimes I need to pay in cash. Recently, we've been replacing our old fence and have had to split the costs with neighbors. Gladly, the contractor told me in advance that he doesn't accept cheques, so I could withdraw the requested amount before their arrival. Yup. Scammers and robbers are working very hard. I'm surprised that people are so willing to share how much cash they keep at home or in their car. It's not hard to trace your IP address or look you up on social media. Carrying cash makes you a target for robbery. It seems like on the news everyday....
by H-Town
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preparing for Marriage
Replies: 47
Views: 4813

Re: Preparing for Marriage

Hi all, I am getting married later this year (November 1, 2024) and I wanted to ask the group here a simple question: what smart/savvy financial moves or savvy risk management moves did you do to prepare for or shortly after marriage? I am referring to items such as life insurance, wills, joint accounts, etc. Our wedding funding is secured via parents and a little bit by ourselves. To help, (not sure if actually helps; just giving a high level overview) I am including the below: Age: I am 30 and fiancé is 26 residing in MN Emergency funds: yes, 3-6 months expenses Debt: -no credit card debt, we both don't carry a monthly balance and pay them off monthly -his car: 1.9% -her car: 6% -house: 2.875% -her student loans: rates vary per loan, not...
by H-Town
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15481

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

grogu wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:31 pm
afan wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:10 pm For those who keep cash at home, why do you do this? Why not keep it in a bank and use a credit card when you want to buy something?
More and more businesses charge a screw-you fee for credit cards these days. In the past couple of years, I have found myself using cash more frequently than ever (either because I had to or because the cash arbitrage was greater than my credit card reward), particularly with restaurants. Plus various other cash-only industries/transactions.
Ugh. I hate cash. Sweden has moved to a cashless society. Great move! It helps to eliminate opportunities for crime.
by H-Town
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15481

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Hi, In addition to all of my regular investing and Emergency Savings, etc., many years ago I started keeping an envelope hidden in my home and every time I go to the bank to take out cash, I take $40.00 off the top and save it in the envelope. I'll also put occasional cash gifts we get from our parents in there. My husband knows and supports this extra saving strategy. It's come in handy over the years because when a bigger than normal expense comes up, I can use my envelope money and not feel it at all in any of my other accounts. Now, the amount in my envelope has reached $3,700.00 and I'm starting to think that I should invest this money in my VTSAX fund so it can earn interest. I'd love to know your thoughts and how much, if any, money...
by H-Town
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 336
Views: 30445

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

Thanks for replies so far. 4 people - including 1 HS athlete. M/HCOL area. I just did a quick analysis of my Costco bill today and this is what I found: Breakfasts: $110: Coffee beans, creamer (flavored Starbucks, a favorite of a one person in our household), 1/2 and 1/2, Bacon thick cut, granola, Eggs, Pierogi, Greek Yogurt, Kielbasa Dairy: $26: Grated cheese, goat cheese, other cheese Vegetables $35: Spinach, Tricolor peppers, raw vegetables, broccoli, avocados Dinner meats $107: Ground beef organic, chicken (5 pounds), rotisserie chicken, T-bone steaks Snacks $62: Chip multipack for lunches, almonds, pecans, chocolate strawberries, cookies Pantry $67: Tomato sauce, Diced tomatoes, flour, hot sauce, spice, oil, Worcester sauce Protein $8...
by H-Town
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 336
Views: 30445

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

My grocery spending is higher than what I would like and it seems to have risen suddenly (although that may just be my perception). I used to not really be too concerned with grocery spending but now sometimes I wince a bit at the grocery bill. In addition to groceries, we still end up eating out a couple times a week on average. When I look at the grocery bill, it all seems reasonable, but as a whole it seems really high. Costco is our primary source of groceries but we buy other household items there too which may be driving up my perception that we are spending too much on groceries. I don't want to shop at multiple places because I plan a higher value on my time. Groceries across all sources is probably $2,000 - $2,500 a month (exclude...
by H-Town
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ “unsafe lane change” law
Replies: 14
Views: 1367

Re: NJ “unsafe lane change” law

Under NJ law, “unsafe lane change” is defined under NJSA 39:4-88B as follows: “…a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely with a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.” I had to cross a couple lanes of traffic at an intersection to get to a gas station. A cop stopped me and said I wasn’t allowed to cross lanes of traffic like that. The statute merely says I can’t move lanes unless I’ve ascertained that doing so can be done safely. I did that. There was no oncoming traffic and I made sure it was safe. How is this a ticketable offense?! $186! No idea if points attach. I plan to fight this nonsense. Any views?! Since when we can cross lane...
by H-Town
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???
Replies: 45
Views: 4179

Re: Are white, red, blue and other bright colors safer [for cars] than other colors???

BeachPerson wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:02 am [Title edited for clarity. Moderator Pops1860]

When driving in the rain, black color cars seem to blend in with the road, and silver and gray color cars tend to blend in with the atmosphere. Seeing car accidents in the rain, it seems the black, silver and gray color cars are on the side of the road hit.

I prefer red, blue and white colors since they seem easier to see in bad weather.

Anyone else prefer these colors for safety?
Is bad weather common in your area? Common sense suggests we should drive during bad weather that you couldn’t see clearly… Pull over safely to a parking lot or a store and wait it out. If you can’t even see 20ft ahead of you, would car color help you?
by H-Town
Fri Mar 08, 2024 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9378

Re: How much car can I afford?

2 paid off cars (2021 Mercedes GLE, 2008 Honda Accord) You have two paid off cars why throw money away! The 16 yr old Honda lacks a lot of newer safety features. But it's in excellent shape and could probably run another 10 yrs. I guess my rationale is if I don't spend my money, what am I going to do with it? I don't have kids and I'm not much of a charity guy. I didn't live frugally saving money just to leave it all behind when it's my time to go. If I want to buy a Porsche, I would already buy it yesterday. I don't think you need to justify your purchase to strangers on the internet. There is something else, isn't there? Buying a $150K car is a big financial decision for me. It's no different than asking Bogleheads if upgrading to a bigg...
by H-Town
Fri Mar 08, 2024 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9378

Re: How much car can I afford?

nextmilenium wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:46 pm
Marq1 wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:52 pm
2 paid off cars (2021 Mercedes GLE, 2008 Honda Accord)
You have two paid off cars why throw money away!
The 16 yr old Honda lacks a lot of newer safety features. But it's in excellent shape and could probably run another 10 yrs.

I guess my rationale is if I don't spend my money, what am I going to do with it? I don't have kids and I'm not much of a charity guy. I didn't live frugally saving money just to leave it all behind when it's my time to go.
If I want to buy a Porsche, I would already buy it yesterday. I don't think you need to justify your purchase to strangers on the internet. There is something else, isn't there?
by H-Town
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9378

Re: How much car can I afford?

nextmilenium wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:04 pm Here's a good quote. Not sure who said it but it makes perfect sense to me.

"Money is money only if you spend it. Million dollars in the bank is only papers if you don't use it"
I'm sure one the dealership owners said that. Million dollars in your bank doesn't mean anything if you spend it at his dealership.
by H-Town
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9378

Re: How much car can I afford?

valleyrock wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:03 am
H-Town wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 5:02 pm
valleyrock wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:09 am It all depends on what the car will be used for. Basic transportation? Wowing the neighbors? Curb appeal ?Drag racing? Uber on the side? Something to work on? Something with a great warranty at a great dealership? Etc?
Just speaking for myself, my car is sitting on the driveway collecting dust and pollens all week, except for a few errand trips here and there.
So, curb appeal, then!
Exactly! It carries a message to anyone who wants to break in my car to move along as nothing can be taken here.