Search found 203 matches

by yeahman
Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239894

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

Transitory inflation is still real inflation. Inflation never affects all goods and services equally at the same time. Inflation always begins with a single price increase that can be explained by some unique factor. It's only in hindsight that we can see whether it spread or not. Non-transitory inflation doesn't need any cause other than higher inflation expectations. 5 year breakeven is currently the highest since 2008. Transitory inflation can co-exist with non-transitory inflation. How certain are you that ALL of the inflation is transitory? Sure, 7% was transitory but 3%? This chip shortage is lasting an awfully long time isn't it? Longer than inflation skeptics thought it would. TSMC said today that they expect the shortage to last t...
by yeahman
Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
Replies: 415
Views: 38707

Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?

Every diet I learn something new. My accumulated, slightly depressing, knowledge so far: Losing weight is fairly easy through calorie restriction. All diets are forms of calorie restriction. Calorie counting is work so the more popular diets take the cruder but simpler approach of intermittent fasting or abstaining from certain foods (carbs, meat, refined) but the mechanism of action is all the same: calorie restriction. Fad diets rely on pseudoscience, or at best physiology-based conjecture, to sell "easy" calorie restriction through the backdoor. But they work and work very well! Not because do something different from age old calorie restriction but because they're more convincing with their veneer of science. You're more likel...
by yeahman
Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Add spouse but not other seasonal employees to solo 401k?
Replies: 1
Views: 184

Add spouse but not other seasonal employees to solo 401k?

I'm setting up a solo 401k with Fidelity. I have no permanent employees but will probably need a seasonal employee later this year. Obviously, I wouldn't want to give up my solo 401k when I hire a seasonal employee. So I'm checking the box requiring 1 year of service to be eligible for the 401k, except current employees (me). However, my spouse may end up being that employee, in which case I would want her to be eligible for the 401k immediately. Do I have any options to make that happen?
by yeahman
Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ibonds worth it even with the penalty?
Replies: 6
Views: 970

Re: Ibonds worth it even with the penalty?

Walkure wrote: Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:09 am Percentage-wise, it probably makes good sense. In absolute terms, we're talking $168/year on the $10k annual max in I-bonds. You didn't say if you were married or what size of down payment you were considering, but this is at best a solution for only a portion of the funds. Up to you whether it's worth the complexity / added hassle.
I realize it'll only be a portion but $168/year for 3-4 years is probably worth it. Wish I thought of this in time for a 2020 purchase.
by yeahman
Mon Jan 11, 2021 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ibonds worth it even with the penalty?
Replies: 6
Views: 970

Ibonds worth it even with the penalty?

I plan to buy a house in 3-4 years. I've been holding treasuries with near zero yield. I'm in the 24% federal bracket and state adds about another 6%. Barring tax law changes, I expect to remain at those brackets for a while. Should I move what I can into ibonds? Looks to be at 1.68% right now so even if I redeem it after just 1 year and forfeit 3-months interest, I should be better off, right?
by yeahman
Fri Sep 04, 2020 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do dual income households need life insurance?
Replies: 40
Views: 4007

Re: Do dual income households need life insurance?

I had neglected Social Security. From what I understand even with a $2000 benefit, by the time the survivor hits $70k in income, their benefit would be reduced to zero. The children's wouldn't be reduced until it hits the family max. Is that correct? If so, that's substantial and certainly needs to be factored into life insurance needs.
by yeahman
Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do dual income households need life insurance?
Replies: 40
Views: 4007

Re: Do dual income households need life insurance?

Thanks for the replies. A lot to think about. My thoughts... I'm not persuaded by "It's cheap and you'll sleep better at night" argument for extended warranties, terrorism insurance, or too much life insurance. In no other area do we make the argument that it's okay to spend money on things we don't need because it's cheap. In fact, I'd lose sleep thinking about paying for something I don't need. People with whole life sleep better at night but only because they don't think about how bad of a deal they got. I'm also not persuaded by "You don't think it'll happen to you but it does and you'll glad when it does" argument for too much insurance. Were a claim to be made, I'm sure it would be nice to have been overinsured man...
by yeahman
Tue Sep 01, 2020 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do dual income households need life insurance?
Replies: 40
Views: 4007

Do dual income households need life insurance?

We have 1 child born last year. We both earn enough to cover expenses individually if needed. No debt. If one of us were to die, the survivor's savings rate would plummet so it makes sense to me to get just enough life insurance to ensure that the survivor can have a decent, but not lavish, retirement. Since that money wouldn't be needed until retirement, the lump sum needed would be a small fraction of what it would be if the survivor needed immediate and continuous income replacement. If we were to both die, we have high income siblings who are more than willing to adopt. My big worry is supporting a child were the survivor to suffer loss of income. That's not a completely independent risk after all. E.g., car accident where one parent di...
by yeahman
Tue May 05, 2020 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Optimizing UTMA
Replies: 4
Views: 323

Tax Optimizing UTMA

I set up a UTMA which I plan to make regular contributions to and never withdraw from. 529 is already sufficiently funded so that's not an option. Am I correct in preferring cap gains to dividends and interest since my kid can take possession and realize the gains at his 0% tax rate in the future? Ideally, he would fund an IRA with his initial income and withdraw from the UTMA, correct? If my thinking is correct, what are some options for low/no dividend investing?
by yeahman
Thu Sep 05, 2019 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laser or inkjet
Replies: 58
Views: 4756

Re: Laser or inkjet

You mention that you print infrequently. HP has a program now called "Instant Ink" that for many printers they sell allow you to print 15 pages a month at no cost beyond the paper. It requires internet connectivity so HP can monitor the ink levels and send you ink when needed to being low or age. https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/ The HP OfficeJet 3833 AIO printer qualifies: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ504F1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Note: This was just $50 on Prime day. Often these sales are repeated for Black Friday if you can wait. *I am not affiliated with HP in any way I was intrigued so I looked into it. Obviously don't make sense for people who print more than 15 B&W pages ...
by yeahman
Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good credit card for business
Replies: 5
Views: 586

Re: Good credit card for business

Chase Ink Cash + Ink Unlimited. Chase Ink Preferred worth the annual fee only if you have over $6333 in travel, shipping, and internet advertising expenses. Transfer the points over to your Chase Sapphire personal card.
by yeahman
Tue Aug 13, 2019 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Healthy fast food
Replies: 152
Views: 14149

Re: Healthy fast food

We found the food snobs.

I only eat free-range eggs, fair trade coffee, and locally-sourced vegetables from the farmer's market that I bike to on Sundays after SoulCycle. I'm trying to cut out the coffee because everyone knows it's not good for you. It messes with your body's natural rhythm. Gluten is classified as a poison according to the People's Center for Holistic Well-Being - Brooklyn Chapter. The rest isn't even food, it's all chemicals pushed on us by Big Farma. We didn't have mass shootings before the invention of artificial sweeteners. Noah lived to 950 because he couldn't eat the animals on his ark and had to subsist on wild fish high in Omega-3 and the hydroponic garden he had on board.
by yeahman
Tue Aug 13, 2019 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6053
Views: 1036458

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

engineerbme wrote: Tue Aug 13, 2019 10:35 am with interest rates dropping and SPRXX now yielding 1.95%, where are people parking their cash funds into for their brokerage accounts and CMA (not asking about the admiral $100k investment mins), TIA!
SPRXX. I use the CMA for the convenience, not the rates. Other options have always had superior rates. Having said that, I'm not a big believer in holding cash.
by yeahman
Wed Jun 12, 2019 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

DiMAn0684 wrote: Wed Jun 12, 2019 12:48 pm Do you have a link for a current 100k / $10k spend offer. Checking my usual sources I've not been able to find a current offer like that.
It's targeted and requires applying by phone.
by yeahman
Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gillette Fusion razors
Replies: 57
Views: 6591

Re: Gillette Fusion razors

ThankYouJack wrote: Tue Jun 11, 2019 8:06 pm Now for next thread - which shaving cream? :)
Best: Taylor of Old Bond St.
Cheapest: Facial soap
Best buy: Proraso

Applied with a Parker badger hair brush. If it's a tube, I just apply directly onto the wet brush.
by yeahman
Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gillette Fusion razors
Replies: 57
Views: 6591

Re: Gillette Fusion razors

mancich wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2019 8:51 am I like Harry's. Reasonable cost and close shave. I am a fast shaver, and I'm not sure how forgiving a DE razor is for someone who rushes through their shaves; anyone have any insight on that?
It's just not possible to shave as fast without cutting yourself. Maybe people have leather skin or they've forgotten how fast shaving with a cartridge is. Even bladeheads will acknowledge that it takes longer.
by yeahman
Wed Jun 12, 2019 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

We have a big house project coming up that will allow us to pay $20-30k on a credit card... makes one think about SUBs... :) 2 x Amex Platinum Business. It has the highest min spend requirement so I would use that rare opportunity to get that bonus. Currently getting 75k MR points for Biz Plat would require $20k spend. I'd rather open three Chase Ink Biz cards each (Unlimited/Cash/Preferred) and collect 180k UR pts per person. Also one can refer the other for CIP, so extra 20k pts there. Total of 380k UR pts for $22k of spend. My point is you can open those anytime. But unless you actually used it for business, the ability to get the Business Platinum bonus doesn't come along often. Also there are 100k Business Platinum offers so it would ...
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

My parents bought their forever house in 1958. They paid 20K for the house they built and the land cost was 5K (5 acres). The adjacent 5 acre lot was for sale but my dad thought $1K an acre was too much and didn't buy it. When my mom past away in 2007 I sold their home for 2 million. This was in Great Falls Virginia. Even incredible stories like this deserve pause and reflection, because they show how people dramatically overrate/overestimate the financial benefits of home ownership. Your post makes this sound like an all-time great deal, but here is something to consider: - If your parents took that 25,000 in 1958 and put it in the stock market and didn’t touch it, a hypothetical S&P fund with dividend reinvestment would have resulted...
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

teamDE wrote: Tue Jun 11, 2019 1:37 pm We have a big house project coming up that will allow us to pay $20-30k on a credit card... makes one think about SUBs... :)
2 x Amex Platinum Business. It has the highest min spend requirement so I would use that rare opportunity to get that bonus.
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What lifestyle creep made you happier?
Replies: 626
Views: 97057

Re: What lifestyle creep made you happier?

If you paid extra for it, you did so because you presumably derive some value from it. The better question would be: What lifestyle creep DIDN'T make you happier?

The only thing I can come up with is the king bed. A queen would've been plenty.
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air Purifier for Bedroom?
Replies: 17
Views: 3299

Re: Air Purifier for Bedroom?

I use a DIY. Noisier but it's just white noise and it can be placed farther away because it can circulate more air than those silent ones. But the real reason I use a DIY is because I want to be able to use it on the window to get some fresh air without the pollen.
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

iamblessed wrote: Tue Jun 11, 2019 12:04 pm Just remember someone had to buy the place to rent it to you. That makes me want to buy.
Someone had to buy a car to Uber you. Makes you want to buy a car? Maybe or maybe it should make you think "This is great! I can just Uber and never have to buy a car! Let someone else deal with the hassle and cost of buying and maintaining a car."
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

What I'll say is you are paying a middle man (landlord) and paying a middle man for something usually makes something more expensive. People don't invest in and manage real estate to lose money. This is a pervasive misconception. Whenever you shop on Amazon or at Walmart or Macy's you're paying a middleman. "We cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you" is a common marketing ploy that exploits this misconception. It should be curious then that middlemen exist at all. Sometimes, they exist artificially because they're mandated by law (e.g., car dealerships, real estate brokers). But typically, they exist because they add value, often even in the form of lower prices (e.g., through better distribution). Landlords add val...
by yeahman
Tue Jun 11, 2019 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

THY4373 wrote: Tue Jun 11, 2019 10:22 am This thread is about the people who choose to rent not those that have to rent. I would be much more interested in statistics between homeowners and those that choose to rent but could afford to own. Also I am sure "statistics" would bear out rich folks drive more expensive cars, that doesn't mean it is a good financial move but it may be a good lifestyle move.
Anecdotally, the wealthy are more likely to own than rent. Being able to knock down a wall is a luxury the wealthy can afford and mobility is less important, often completely unimportant, to the established.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 5:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is it bad to look at debt (student loans) like this?
Replies: 39
Views: 3994

Re: Is it bad to look at debt (student loans) like this?

YoungBogle wrote: Mon Jun 10, 2019 3:38 am Assuming continuous employment
Agree with other comments that that assumption's doing all the work. Assuming I don't die, isn't having life insurance the same as not having life insurance? Why do people treat them differently?
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

Many, if not most, buyers have regrets. Wrong price, wrong size, wrong location, wrong school district, wrong neighbors, wrong sun exposure, etc. Fewer renters have regrets. Even if renting costs more, it can be thought of a mobility premium. I seriously doubt that most buyers have regrets (at least not serious regrets). All major decisions have regrets but that doesnt make it a big deal. ~2/3 of people are homeowners and 1/3 are renters and this has been mostly consistent for years (some change over the years but nothing major). People are making many buying decisions over their lives and if they were having serious regrets we would see major increase in the number of renters. I think it is what you want to believe. May or may not be seri...
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?
Replies: 302
Views: 26044

Re: Paying for rent is throwing away money...myth?

Many, if not most, buyers have regrets. Wrong price, wrong size, wrong location, wrong school district, wrong neighbors, wrong sun exposure, etc.
Fewer renters have regrets. Even if renting costs more, it can be thought of a mobility premium.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laminating important documents - a good idea?
Replies: 34
Views: 4932

Re: Laminating important documents - a good idea?

I would consider lamination "damage." A plastic sleeve and waterproof document safe is plenty. They're also scanned which is almost always all I need anyway.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything you wish you had spent money on when you were younger?
Replies: 73
Views: 8943

Re: Anything you wish you had spent money on when you were younger?

A lot of people seem to regret home purchases. Typically, it's because they overspent but even those who believe they underspent, I would argue that they actually overspent. I.e., they bought a less-than-ideal home when they should have rented, at least for a bit longer.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 10, 2019 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything you wish you had spent money on when you were younger?
Replies: 73
Views: 8943

Re: Anything you wish you had spent money on when you were younger?

In retrospect, what we regret is the failure to create a better memories. So we'll wish we experienced more (travel, events, activities) and spent more time with loved ones before it was too late. Nobody regrets not buying those $300 shoes 10 years ago.
by yeahman
Fri Jun 07, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What flagship (even used) item is better than a budget new item?
Replies: 131
Views: 10330

Re: What flagship (even used) item is better than a budget new item?

The flagship will typically fetch a disproportionate premium. The best values are typically at the low-end of the high-end. E.g., iPhone XR, Galaxy S10e, Pixel 3a, 128GB MacBook Air, etc.

New releases also fetch a premium but older models are not necessarily better values. Just waiting a few months for a price drop on the latest model could score you a better product at similar prices to older models.

Refurbished items obviously present a better value than new. Non-certified used can be a crap shoot. I've gotten unbelievable value but also lemons.
by yeahman
Wed Jun 05, 2019 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gillette Fusion razors
Replies: 57
Views: 6591

Re: Gillette Fusion razors

I've tried them all, including DE razors. Mach 3 is the best balance between convenience and cost. Completely dry the blade after every shave to increase longevity. Can even keep it in oil. Some people enjoy shaving like others enjoy golf and invest the time and money. I enjoy a nice slow shave once in a while but 95% of the time, I'm just trying to get out the door.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 03, 2019 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

The only cards I actually use are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and whatever I'm trying to get a bonus for at the moment. The CSR is only used for the travel insurance. Even 5% back cards don't interest me since a bonus easily beats that. By my calculations, if I apply for a new card every 3 months, it'll be something like 8 years before I run out of worthwhile bonuses and need to settle for lowly 5% bonuses. And by then I'm sure there will be more cards for me to churn.

I do keep an Amex Platinum and Marriott for the benefits. I will probably add a Hyatt too. Any other cards worth keeping just for the benefits? Hilton doesn't seem like a good deal especially after today's devaluation of their resort credit.
by yeahman
Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Discussions about Chase Ink etc, are making me a bit envious. I might look into this one, although half my job is as a writer, so partially self-employed (not a proprietor). The only card I've opened in the last few years is 5% Target Redcard, lol. But that's because a new Target opened up one block away from me in Manhattan, and their prices for household essentials beats the local CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores and often Amazon. I use their order/ship to store & pickup service regularly as it's convenient and if I'm not happy with something, returns are easy. .... Amazon Prime Rewards Visa (Chase) This is almost a no-brainer if you shop at Amazon regularly, as it's easy to apply the bonus to purchases. But it'd also be a no-brainer t...
by yeahman
Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 23 and me vs. ancestry- thoughts?
Replies: 38
Views: 4162

Re: 23 and me vs. ancestry- thoughts?

I've done both. 23andme provides superior ancestry info. I didn't bother to buy the health results. Instead, I uploaded both raw data files to promethease.com to get health results. FYI, there's always a Black Friday sale for 23andme and Ancestry.
by yeahman
Sat May 11, 2019 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best month to visit London?
Replies: 39
Views: 4444

Re: Best month to visit London?

If you're interested in watching Parliament, go when it's in session.
by yeahman
Sat May 11, 2019 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421636

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

ERguy101 wrote: Sun May 05, 2019 7:41 pm So, in the last few months I did the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Ink Business Cash, and CFU. I generated like 180,000 points, and just blew it all on a badass trip to Europe. Are there other options to keep generating Chase points? Or should I start the AMEX quadfecta to get all the bonuses and do another great trip?
Chase Ink Preferred, Chase Ink Unlimited, Chase Freedom. In that order. Then I would do the Chase Hyatt and Marriott. Chase Southwest Business and Personal if you have a travel partner you can use the companion pass on.

Then Barclay. Then Amex. Reason: Chase's 5/24 rule and Barclay's 6/24 rule.
by yeahman
Mon Apr 01, 2019 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

JEC wrote: Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:59 pm
yeahman wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 11:11 pm 4. Check blood pressure and cholesterol. Don't worry about salt or dietary cholesterol. Cardio and medication are the best medicine.
Please watch your sodium intake, people. I know medical advice is prohibited on the forum so I won't get into any specifics, but "don't worry about salt" is an incredibly dangerous recommendation.
You're right, though low sodium carries a higher risk than high sodium. Both are worse than moderate sodium. Surprisingly, most Americans are in the safe range when it comes to sodium.
by yeahman
Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First HSA - Devenir/HSA Bank, basics, fund choice, California
Replies: 8
Views: 838

Re: First HSA - Devenir/HSA Bank, basics, fund choice, California

There's no 1099 so you'll have to keep track of dividends and cap gains (so also basis) yourself. A major PITA that isn't worth it if you can get away with 100% treasuries in the HSA.
by yeahman
Mon Apr 01, 2019 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

9. SPF 30. Stay in the shade. Don't worry, everyone's vitamin D "deficient" and it haven't been shown to have any negative impact. Did you throw this in as an April Fools joke?? Otherwise, this is one of the most patently false things I've ever read on this site (easily google-able). Vitamin D is an important part of your immune system (hence incidence of illness increases in the winter when there's less sun). Vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, increased risk of cancer, depression, poor bone health, slower healing, cognitive decline, and a host of other things. Classic lesson in "correlation does not imply causation." The incidence of illness increases in the winter because people are in closer co...
by yeahman
Mon Apr 01, 2019 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

9. SPF 30. Stay in the shade. Don't worry, everyone's vitamin D "deficient" and it haven't been shown to have any negative impact. Did you throw this in as an April Fools joke?? Otherwise, this is one of the most patently false things I've ever read on this site (easily google-able). Vitamin D is an important part of your immune system (hence incidence of illness increases in the winter when there's less sun). Vitamin D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, increased risk of cancer, depression, poor bone health, slower healing, cognitive decline, and a host of other things. Classic lesson in "correlation does not imply causation." The incidence of illness increases in the winter because people are in closer co...
by yeahman
Sun Mar 31, 2019 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

As far as we know, Alzheimer's can't be prevented. Best you can do is to mitigate its effects. Maintain a routine and relationships. Use a pill box. Use lists. Put as much of your life as possible on autopilot. Have a plan.
by yeahman
Sun Mar 31, 2019 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

VictoriaF wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 10:36 pm
radiowave wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 10:00 pm Minimize or avoid caffeine. It causes vasoconstriction (raises blood pressure by narrowing arteries) and in the long term is not good for you. So stop going to Starbucks and save a few hundred a year you can devote to a nice hiking trip in the mountains.
Coffee, black tea, and green tea have health benefit. Starbucks does not have have health benefits, and you can have inexpensive coffee and tea at home.

One of my rules is not to have caffeinated drinks after 2pm so that all caffeine would leave my digestive system by the time of the night sleep.

Victoria
That hiking trip is probably more dangerous than the coffee/tea.
by yeahman
Sun Mar 31, 2019 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19414

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

1. Don't smoke. Don't worry about second hand smoke. It may smell bad but it won't kill you. 2. Eat in moderation. You don't need to avoid anything but avoiding certain foods may help you consume fewer calories. E.g., many people find cutting out bread, soda, alcohol, or juice a fairly easy way to reduce caloric intake. 3. Regular cardio. Anything that gets your heart rate elevated. Even a few mins is better than nothing. Enjoyability is a priority so you keep on doing it. 4. Check blood pressure and cholesterol. Don't worry about salt or dietary cholesterol. Cardio and medication are the best medicine. 5. For strength, do some resistance training. Not necessary for longevity but great for when you have to move the couch. 6. Get your shots....
by yeahman
Sun Mar 31, 2019 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?
Replies: 45
Views: 3504

Re: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?

fortfun wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 4:50 pm
yeahman wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:02 pm I'm doing Amex Business cards until I fall under 5/24 again.
Which ones?
Thanks!
Marriott and Hilton. Business Platinum min spend is too high for anyone without a legit small business. There's also Wells Fargo and BoA business cards.
by yeahman
Fri Mar 29, 2019 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?
Replies: 45
Views: 3504

Re: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?

MotoTrojan wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:09 pm
yeahman wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:06 pm All Chase cards are subject to 5/24 now.
Since when? Unless this is a recent development, some are not. I got the Disney in Q3 2018 with more like 9/24. This is even after an approved freedom was taken back the next day.
Since November.
by yeahman
Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?
Replies: 45
Views: 3504

Re: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?

MotoTrojan wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:01 pm OP, Chase Disney card isn’t susceptible to the 5/24 and I believe it was an easy $200 credit on $500 spend.
All Chase cards are subject to 5/24 now.
by yeahman
Fri Mar 29, 2019 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?
Replies: 45
Views: 3504

Re: Credit card to get after using up bonus offers due to 5/24 rule?

I'm doing Amex Business cards until I fall under 5/24 again.
by yeahman
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deferring HSA by paying medical Out-of-Pocket: Overblown?
Replies: 42
Views: 4646

Re: Deferring HSA by paying medical Out-of-Pocket: Overblown?

3) During retirement , Roth IRA distributions and 401k would be more valuable because they can be used for ANY expenses. That's why it would make more sense to max those out before building up an HSA nest egg since HSA is limited to medical expenses not covered by medicare. During retirement, a Roth IRA/401k is far superior to a traditional IRA/401k. At contribution, the traditional is superior, making it a wash at the same tax rate. An HSA is superior to both because it gets traditional treatment at contribution and Roth treatment at distribution. Max out HSA first. 4)Spending post tax money for medical expenses and being reimbursed with pre-tax money is a loss equivalent to the taxes paid. It requires more income to pay post-tax. If you'...
by yeahman
Tue Mar 26, 2019 9:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the Duration of Your Bond Portfolio? And Why?
Replies: 71
Views: 14517

Re: What is the Duration of Your Bond Portfolio? And Why?

I'm a beginner bond investor. Why wouldn't I want a very long duration if I intend to hold it for at least as long?