Search found 2498 matches

by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 260
Views: 18823

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

h82goslw wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 8:23 am
YeahBuddy wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:34 am Remote start for wife's vehicle. Keurigs. Video games, audio, muscle cars. Will see if a pool heater is worth it this year.
Pool heater is totally worth it, especially if you live where it’s a short pool season.
Good to know! Yes, I'm in the northeast where pool season is June - August. It's expensive but the wife won't get in unless the temperature is > 82. Happy wife...
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Underspending Paradox
Replies: 33
Views: 3187

Re: Underspending Paradox

This is a good problem to have. Yes, I would start having more fun, giving more $$ to family, friends, neighbors, charity, or doing more of whatever with the money. I personally would probably attend sports events, concerts, buy home audio equipment, more vacations, nicer cars, home upgrades, and help others. After all, what good is having all that money if you aren't spending any of it?
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement Waterproofing
Replies: 26
Views: 1681

Re: Basement Waterproofing

I waterproofed my basement using a professional. I started with the cheapest, easiest thing to do (trying to fill a crack in a wall myself). The problem persisted so I then hired a pro that drilled holes for injection sites and filled the crack. Problem continued. Then I had several quotes and one company stood out that they took the time to investigate where the water was coming from. My answer was a HALF French drainage system. Now compare this to a buddy of mine that dug his own drainage system and solved his problem, albeit it took him much manual labor, but far cheaper. I think the best way to go about your situation is to find a pro that will take their time to diagnose and assess your particular water problems and hopefully fix it ch...
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?
Replies: 141
Views: 6103

Re: My Auto Insurance 6 month premium is going dramatically UP?

This has been brought up multiple times. What's causing this? I've heard it's a combination of factors with a leading cause being more expensive repairs. What to do? Shop auto insurance every 6 months. My top 2 companies are Geico and Progressive. Geico went up 40% so I'm with Progressive now.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 260
Views: 18823

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

Remote start for wife's vehicle. Keurigs. Video games, audio, muscle cars. Will see if a pool heater is worth it this year.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 260
Views: 18823

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

radiowave wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:47 am Just splurged last month for a birthday present on a set of Klipsch floor, center, and subwoofer speakers. Wow, what a difference in quality of the sound and DW likes them also.

See Crutchfield if you are looking for higher end audio at competitive price and excellent customer service: https://www.crutchfield.com/
Happy new Klipsch RP 8000F customer here! I paired them with a Speedwoofer 12S. Never enough bass!
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 28, 2024 12:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

I am a little neurotic. Indoor air quality has been my hobby for two, three years. I am lucky to report I have graduated from this. 1) All these measurements are useless, as long as you havent done measurements outside of your home to get a baseline. If you live somewhere where any of these measured particular or spores or whatever are just around the neighborhood and everywhere, there´s no point in testing the indoor air without comparing it against the outside. Everyone who does that has no idea what they´re talking about. ---> he tested outside 2) What are they testing for? Particles? VOCs? Pesticides? Spores? Anything specific? Especially many gases are very difficult to detect without very specific equipment which almost require you t...
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

My home inspector friend reviewed these results and believes there IS a problem in the house.

We are planning to hire a real expert in the indoor air quality field to review results and discuss the situation. $90 for a half hour consultation seems worth it to me. My home inspector friend has offered to perform actual surface tests for mold, if recommended by the expert, for just the cost of the labs sent.

Whether or not this is causing my daughter's health concerns is unclear, but I'd rather solve the problems we find anyways. But the real obstacle is discovering where these problems are coming from. Then remediate with another company. Down the rabbit hole we go.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

finite_difference wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 5:31 pm The three cats, a dog and a guinea pig might also have some impact on AQ.
True but I don't think pet dander could cause the health concerns she is experiencing.

Also want to mention here, the company just sent me remediation suggestions of

Electrostatic Antimicrobial Spraying $1,700
Remove ceiling in son's room $1,800
$3500 total


After discussing with my home inspector friend, this company didn't definitively locate the area of concern. He is guessing, based on previous history I told him about. There's no staining, black spots, etc. We get mildew in the bathroom but there is good ventilation and we treat it asap.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

So now how is this actionable? We plan to notify her allergy/immulogist first. My home inspector friend knows of a local indoor air quality expert, considered to be the best around, well published, respected, etc who does not sell remediation, and charges $90 per half hour consultation. I wish I had found out about this expert before I hired the other company first. Thanks all.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 27, 2024 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

I would generally advise against this. They key questions/issues are: 2. Who will interpret the results, and how? If the testing company *also* sells remediation services, well that's a problem. "Electrostatic Antimicrobial Spraying" is at best a waste of money. How often would the company propose to do it? Lifetime customers--it's a good gig. And what, exactly, are they spraying around, and what are the potential toxic effects of having *that* substance in the air. Just do reasonably thorough basic household cleaining. I would question the integrity of any company that says "CDC recommends" them. What CDC actually says (at least about COVID-19) is: "These devices aerosolize chemicals, or suspend them in the air, a...
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 27, 2024 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite protein powder for shakes at home?
Replies: 77
Views: 3392

Re: Favorite protein powder for shakes at home?

Optimum Nutrition whey protein - Extreme Milk Chocolate
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To buy or not to buy a big SUV
Replies: 42
Views: 3495

Re: To buy or not to buy a big SUV

I vote rent because it is much cheaper than buying. Probably cheaper than the sales tax of buying, much less the depreciation, maintenance, and upkeep. Locally, I'm finding large SUVs like the Ford Expedition MAX, Yukon, Suburban for around $100 - $140 / day on Turo and $650 per week from Enterprise. Also, just wondering if you have considered a minivan? They seat 7-8 and are better on gas typically.
by YeahBuddy
Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

If you want to leave no stone unturned in terms of your daughter's health, go for it. I am almost certain they will find something that needs remediation (follow the money), and you will feel an obligation to do it. Why test if you aren't going to action the results? Hopefully the end result will be an improvement in your daughter's health. I think I will present the results to her doctors for their thoughts about the results before proceeding with any remediation recs. Also, I understand we cannot test all the environments she's in (school, activities) but this is the bulk of her time spent throughout the day. I've always thought, well if it's environmental, we would ALL experience issues, or some of us. However, this will bring closure t...
by YeahBuddy
Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 25
Views: 2011

Indoor air quality testing services

Has anyone ever contracted out indoor air quality / mold testing? If so, how useful was the info? This is actionable, as I am ready to hire and want to make sure we are not wasting our money.I know big box has the test strips in which you can test areas of concern, but our situation is different and we are thinking of hiring a local company. Not to make this medical advice, but it would help us completely rule out environment in regards to our daughters health. We have lots of experts on board, and the one thing we haven't tested for is environment. Spot testing doesn't give us the answers we need, since there is no 1 or 2 spots in the house of concern. This company would test the actual air and surfaces, all 3 levels of the house indoors v...
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6940

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

Yes we leave $5 or $10 per night on the dresser.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 56
Views: 3734

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

A broom works better for me than a blower. How do you broom up leaves? :wink: A blower is much more time efficient than a broom. After mowing and trimming, I'll pick the blower to clean up in less than 5 minutes every time vs sweeping for a half hour. Blowers are justifiably becoming illegal in many cities and towns. They are going the way of the gun popping cowpokes. Sweeping is nearly as quick and far more relaxing. Leaves mulch. that's the loud backpack blowers that mostly landscapers use. my battery powered blower is nowhere near that loud, even on the higher speed. It saves my back, and saves valuable time and energy. Also, not many cities and towns around here are banning the back pack blowers. I recall one or two local towns so far ...
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3800

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

02nz wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:53 pm
YeahBuddy wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:11 pm I should've included this, but I'm looking specifically at Model 3 and Y. Long range or performance. Thanks!
A new base Model Y is like $34K after the tax credit (looking at ones in inventory) and is faster than anybody really needs. A used one isn't much less.

I think those are demos, and the range of the base is 242 miles, so here in cold weather that's more like 150. That wouldn't work well for my longer commutes. I see a 2021 long range locally for $25k after tax credit.
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3800

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

RJC wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:17 pm Which Tesla? A Model S/X may have more issues due to the complexity compared to the 3/Y. My 3-year old MY never had any issues other than mild cosmetic (minor scratch at delivery, headlight slightly not flushed, etc.). Nothing that is worth getting resolved.
I should've included this, but I'm looking specifically at Model 3 and Y. Long range or performance. Thanks!
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5833
Views: 591219

Re: What are you listening to now

Sublime (self titled album)
Soundgarden - Spoonman
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3800

Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

Question for those actively, or previously, shopping for used Teslas. What are you finding in terms of quality? This has been a long discussed topic, but I've recently become more aware recently that even 3-5 year old Teslas are suffering from quality issues and I'm wondering if this is the norm, or just an issue of doing one's own due diligence, and not affecting most Teslas. Throttle House on YouTube recently posted a video showing what I would describe as awful quality for a 50k, 5 year old Tesla. Paint chipping off, B-pillar falling apart, driver's seat lost its integrity / cushion, windows making horrible noises when being rolled down, etc. Also, a close friend of mine has a 30k, 3 year old Tesla that's going in the shop for ball joint...
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 19, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 56
Views: 3734

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

livesoft wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:49 pm A broom works better for me than a blower.
How do you broom up leaves? :wink:

A blower is much more time efficient than a broom. After mowing and trimming, I'll pick the blower to clean up in less than 5 minutes every time vs sweeping for a half hour.
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3522

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

To close the loop on this, we just made our decision. We received a total of 4 quotes. 3 quotes from contractors found on Angi and one quote from a landscaper from our town that we previously hired some 7-8 years ago. All quotes were pretty similar. First contractor was 30 min late without notice. Not a deal breaker but not a great look either. All others were perfectly on time and all are saying they are busy. We hired the local landscaper that we hired in the past because of his responsiveness. He was able to show up next day, he changed the quote to fit our budget and desires within 10 minutes, and was immediately available via text and phone. His price per arborvitae was actually the highest.

Thanks to all those here that helped us!
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 56
Views: 3734

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

I'm a bit of a lawn care nut. The only lawn equipment you need is what you need at the moment (or near future). What I mean by that is don't go buying a ton of expensive equipment you may not need or use much. My first lawn equipment was second hand push mower I got for free from my neighbor who fixes small engine equipment. Then I bought a better one from him for like $50 a few months later. I'd say start with a good workable plan and for equipment get a lawn mower, rake, weed whacker, and a leaf blower. Then add equipment as you see fit. So if you get on a good lawn care plan, you will find you need a drop spreader. EGO makes good ones, but I've also done fine with Scott's. First you need to decide if you need a ride on mower or you can m...
by YeahBuddy
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone purchased a RAV4 hybrid recently?
Replies: 32
Views: 4838

Re: Anyone purchased a RAV4 hybrid recently?

Dealer dependent, of course, but we were offered $1,000 off when about to walk away from a Grand Highlander purchase. Also, I can attest to Toyota hybrids being very dependent, besides the minivan power sliding doors. 1 interior light replacement is my only mechanical issue on my 7 year old Prius. I will be hard pressed to buy anything but Toyota (or Honda) for our future purchases.
by YeahBuddy
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: RIP edmunds.com....how can one evaluate the value of a used car now?
Replies: 25
Views: 4280

Re: RIP edmunds.com....how can one evaluate the value of a used car now?

NADA
JD Powers
Car & Driver has a new and used car calculator
Facebook marketplace
eBay motors, clicked used
Google the car you're looking for. Click "Shopping".
Car Gurus
Craigslist
Carmax
Truecar
Autotrader
by YeahBuddy
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3522

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

A cheap contractor can make you wish you picked the most expensive one... Not "cheap" but "reasonably priced". Here's a couple examples. Right @ 2017 or so, I noticed a huge increase in dollar amount of quotes. - I wanted a very small walkway installed in my front yard and was told $10k, without even a detailed invoice. It was really a $3-4k job. I ended up doing it myself for like $600-$700. - Two basement waterproofing companies told me I needed full French drainage systems for $10-$12k to deal with the water I would get in my basement during heavy rains. I found a local, highly rated company that took the time to assess the situation and resolved it with a partial French drainage system that cost me $5500. Not a drop...
by YeahBuddy
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 101
Views: 8726

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

You have a net worth greater than most your age. You can afford to pay cash. If you understand what depreciation will do to your money and are OK with that to have your dream car, then it's absolutely fine to do that. Your rent is low compared to your income. You have a lot in investments. I'd go for it in your position. Enjoy!
by YeahBuddy
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4395

Re: Utilities cost?

How is any of this actionable?
by YeahBuddy
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25633

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

Taylor Larimore's lazy 3 fund portfolio post here.
Meeting my wife. She's frugal and she even makes having kids not expensive.
by YeahBuddy
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extra Low Mileage Drivers: How much do you spend on your car?
Replies: 54
Views: 5573

Re: Extra Low Mileage Drivers: How much do you spend on your car?

I would not own a car if my car sat for 6 weeks at a time. Uber or Lyft would be much cheaper options. Or I'd at least rent it out using Turo.

I recently owned a classic car and I found it impossible to let it sit and collect dust. I spent a few thousand on repairs, new wheels, and audio. When I got my fill, I sold it.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 44
Views: 3367

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

madbrain wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:07 pm
YeahBuddy wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:55 pm $500 per speaker x 9 speakers is $4,500. I wouldn't skimp on a $1k AVR at that point.
Sure, you don't have to go that low. But $5K which you originally suggested would be excessive when spending $4.5k on speakers.

Something like a Denon AVR-X6700H would be perfectly adequate, currently retailing for $1699 at best buy. There is open box for $1399 also.

I bought a Marantz SR7011 open box at Best buy for about $1000 in 2017. It is still the main AVR in my 7.1.4 system. I kept my old Yamaha AVR to power the extra 2 speakers that the Marantz doesn't have amplifiers for.
AVRs have gone up quite a bit since 2017, though.

I never suggested that price point, I simply asked what their budget was for an AVR.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture prices... is this normal?
Replies: 60
Views: 10081

Re: Furniture prices... is this normal?

meowcat wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:52 am
YeahBuddy wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:35 pm Not normal. Love sac is a trendy, expensive option. My daughter once took me to check out love sac at the mall and I was shocked at the prices.
We purchase sectionals at a trustworthy, local furniture store for around $3k. We currently have a 5 seat sectional, with 3 power recliners, a storage section with cupholders and chargers, it came with a free 5 year free upholstery cleaning coverage and I think we paid $3,500. It's really nice.
Don't forget, part of that outrageous price for Lovesac is its lifetime warranty from defects.
Oh, I wasn't aware of that! Thank you!
But now I'm wanting to read that warranty, as I can't remember ever having defects vs general wear and tear being the determining factor when replacing furniture.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3522

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

tonyclifton wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:57 am
YeahBuddy wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:27 pm How do frugal folks go about finding the best priced contractors?
I use Angi.com and e-mail our neighborhood's e-mail list. Through the e-mail list, I was pleasantly surprised to find that two of my neighbors used and raved about the same exterior painter. I also wrote down the names of a siding outfit that did an awesome insulation job and other crew that did a basement waterproofing. I've used Angi since it launched - it has changed a lot but it still a good starting point for contractors - I have not use it for project management or to bid out jobs.

Thank you, and others that recommended Angi. I received an immediate call back and scheduled an appointment for tomorrow at 4pm! This will get the ball rolling.
by YeahBuddy
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 44
Views: 3367

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

madbrain wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:43 am
YeahBuddy wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:10 pm Are you looking to spend $5k on a AVR or $50k? Same for speakers, amplifiers. And one or more subs.
Op suggested $250-$500 per speaker, so probably won't be spending $5k on an AVR, much less $50k ;)

There are decent AVR options in the $1k - $3k range.

$500 per speaker x 9 speakers is $4,500. I wouldn't skimp on a $1k AVR at that point.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice for my investments
Replies: 9
Views: 1253

Re: Advice for my investments

I wouldn't pay an advisor anything. I've found more useful info on this forum and that I manage my own portfolio. Basically setup a lazy 3 fund portfolio advocated here. If you're getting close to retirement, I'd probably go closer to 75/25 stocks to bonds. All depends on your own risk tolerance. I have a pension so I'm planning on sticking with 100% stocks until I'm in my 60s, as my investment window is 80+.

viewtopic.php?t=88005
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Home Question
Replies: 7
Views: 819

Re: New Home Question

Sounds like a great buying position to be in. Enjoy the new home!
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3522

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

Guess I will just google landscapers near me and hopefully find a reasonable one.
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 44
Views: 3367

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

7.1.4 layout is the gold standard for Dolby Atmos. Without knowing your budget, it's impossible to make recommendations. Do you want something that just bounces sound off the ceiling? Or you want in ceiling speakers? Bouncing sound off the ceiling won't sound as good as speakers installed directly in your ceiling. Are you looking to spend $5k on a AVR or $50k? Same for speakers, amplifiers. And one or more subs. I recommend Audioholics take on Dolby Atmos for your reading enjoyment https://www.audioholics.com/audio-technologies/dolby-atmos-best-setup-practices Or do you want just a plug and play soundbar system? The Samsung Q990C is currently one of the best under $2k. But it won't compare to a real Dolby Atmos system. https://www.samsung.c...
by YeahBuddy
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3522

How to find reasonably priced contractors?

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc] How do frugal folks go about finding the best priced contractors? I usually do things on my own or have family members help out when they can, but I have a larger landscaping job I'd like to contract out. But lately the quotes have been through the roof. $2k for tree trimming. $4,500 to run some heat in the basement. $40k to finish my basement (did most of it with a friend for ~ $1,500). In the past, I hired handymen off craigslist. One was good, one did half the job. Just wondering since I haven't hired anyone in a number of years. So how do budget minded folks find reasonably priced pros? Angie's list? Facebook? Google? I plan to get 2-3 quotes. The job is installing green giant arborv...
by YeahBuddy
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your primary credit card?
Replies: 117
Views: 10619

Re: What's your primary credit card?

I find not everywhere takes discover, so I go with a Capital One Visa (Quicksilver). 1.5% cash back (cb) on purchases I then have a Penfed 5% cb on gas, AMEX 6% cb groceries, an amazon card, and there's some cards that have rotating rewards that I don't find very helpful most of the time. For many, many years I had a Penfed that was supposed to be 5% on gas and groceries. Except when I wanted to take the rewards in the form of cash they were only worth 80% of value. And, even then it was not easy as I could not take it in the form of a statement credit. I had to buy many Amazon gift cards to use up my balance, all of which took way too much time to buy those Amazon cards. I stopped using the Penfed card after that miserable experience. Wow...
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture prices... is this normal?
Replies: 60
Views: 10081

Re: Furniture prices... is this normal?

Not normal. Love sac is a trendy, expensive option. My daughter once took me to check out love sac at the mall and I was shocked at the prices.
We purchase sectionals at a trustworthy, local furniture store for around $3k. We currently have a 5 seat sectional, with 3 power recliners, a storage section with cupholders and chargers, it came with a free 5 year free upholstery cleaning coverage and I think we paid $3,500. It's really nice.
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15487

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

My wife comes from a Portuguese background where they keep cash over investments or evening savings in a bank. So she started keeping more cash especially around 2020 in an envelope. Like another posted here, it helps at times when we have large, unexpected car repair bills or other expenses, so we don't have to put it all on a credit card. It's up to $2,000. I'd rather run the large bill on a credit card paying 2% cash back and then pay it off with money from a HYSA or MM fund paying 5% on my 2K than just let it sit in the house. I understand it's a cultural thing, but it doesn't math right for me. Very small price to pay for a happy wife. Life is about more than just squeezing every penny out of every situation. Also, not every merchant ...
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15487

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

My wife comes from a Portuguese background where they keep cash over investments or evening savings in a bank. So she started keeping more cash especially around 2020 in an envelope. Like another posted here, it helps at times when we have large, unexpected car repair bills or other expenses, so we don't have to put it all on a credit card. It's up to $2,000. I'd rather run the large bill on a credit card paying 2% cash back and then pay it off with money from a HYSA or MM fund paying 5% on my 2K than just let it sit in the house. I understand it's a cultural thing, but it doesn't math right for me. Very small price to pay for a happy wife. Life is about more than just squeezing every penny out of every situation. Also, not every merchant ...
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15487

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

My wife comes from a Portuguese background where they keep cash over investments or evening savings in a bank. So she started keeping more cash especially around 2020 in an envelope. Like another posted here, it helps at times when we have large, unexpected car repair bills or other expenses, so we don't have to put it all on a credit card. It's up to $2,000.
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your primary credit card?
Replies: 117
Views: 10619

Re: What's your primary credit card?

I find not everywhere takes discover, so I go with a Capital One Visa (Quicksilver). 1.5% cash back (cb) on purchases

I then have a Penfed 5% cb on gas, AMEX 6% cb groceries, an amazon card, and there's some cards that have rotating rewards that I don't find very helpful most of the time.
by YeahBuddy
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
Replies: 34
Views: 3475

Re: Feeling stuck with the mortgage

Hello all! :beer I purchased a $260k home next to an expanding highway in a fast growing exurb area in late 2019 in order to be close to work in the nearby big city 30 min away. I refinanced for a 30 year 2.9% rate in 2020. Then COVID hit, and I started working remotely and for better pay. Then came a 7k fence upgrade because the dogs were getting out, then after home warranty expired, a 1k roof repair, $500 plumbing repair, a few broken appliances, 2 new babies and high risk medical bills, added insulation , upgraded electrical and solar (we own EV’s and live in a hot desert)... Basically, a lot has already been sunk into this home, and its still in need of cosmetic work. Additionally, the general area, lifestyle, and vibes have changed f...
by YeahBuddy
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Take lower paying job for less stress
Replies: 14
Views: 1021

Re: Take lower paying job for less stress

Well only you know you, so I'll flip the tables and ask you this - Are you a high stress person?
Did these problems with sleep, not being able to exercise, and problems disconnecting in the evening for family exist prior to your current position/job or are they new issues?

I went through a higher stress opportunity about 5 years back which would have resulted in a pay increase of around 20%. It was challenging and worthwhile but wasn't worth the physical toll for me. I took a step back and since then I've been there for almost all my family's big moments, kids sports and success, I workout frequently, have down time, etc. Hope this helps.