Search found 265 matches
- Sat Jan 23, 2021 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Work from home getting harder
- Replies: 95
- Views: 7280
Re: Work from home getting harder
Having been on both sides of the matter, I can see their point. I was happiest with a hybrid approach. WFH one or two days a week, and in the office the remaining days. WFH full-time takes away the sense of camaraderie. Zoom meetings aren't the same as seeing people in person. Office full-time leads...
- Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Work from home getting harder
- Replies: 95
- Views: 7280
Re: Work from home getting harder
I spoke with HR at one of our regional Accounting firms and she said the #1 reason provided why applicants are looking for a new job is that they do not like working from home.
- Sun May 10, 2020 12:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Has Your Spending Changed Since The Shutdown?
- Replies: 180
- Views: 7449
Has Your Spending Changed Since The Shutdown?
[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek] I'd be curious to see how everyone's spending habits have changed since the shutdown started. My fuel spending is down. Grocery spending has gone down with the addition of meal delivery once a week (go figure.) $ 0 per month on eating out/enter...
- Mon Apr 20, 2020 8:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How does the accounting profession fare during recessions?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2341
Re: How does the accounting profession fare during recessions?
I’m still employed (industry.) Working remotely full-time and able to perform all of my job duties from home. From what I’ve seen, most firms have put off their hiring due to the uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus. It seems like a lot of firms/companies are trying to make do with their curren...
- Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tips On Downsizing
- Replies: 5
- Views: 763
Tips On Downsizing
First, I wanted to say that I hope everyone is doing well and is staying safe during these times. One thing I realized during all of this is that I do NOT need all of the space I’m currently living in. Right now I have several acres of land (that has to be mowed and maintained) and a big 2000 square...
- Mon Apr 06, 2020 8:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Possible PPP Loan fraud
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2007
Re: Possible PPP Loan fraud
Step 1: government makes pandemic recommendations that cause direct harm to small business Step 2: government offers money to compensate small business owners so they can keep staff employed Step 3: government says AHA! You accepted the money we sent you but you weren’t REALLY uncertain about how m...
- Mon Apr 06, 2020 7:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Possible PPP Loan fraud
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2007
Re: Possible PPP Loan fraud
OP I looked at that clause as only taking the loan if you truly need it - meaning that you would’ve needed to take out a loan anyway to keep payroll at its current standing. Most SB owners think this is risk free, “free money.” When I pointed out that the official regs haven’t even been posted yet, ...
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 7:30 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
- Replies: 396
- Views: 20970
Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
We're about to find out what happens when our government is unable to save a tanking economy. We already found this out in 2008. Actually, QE and lowered interest rates helped bring the economy back in 2008. It worked because of what caused the 2008 recession in the first place. I think this is a b...
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 7:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is it time to get rid of my 16 year old car?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2298
Re: Is it time to get rid of my 16 year old car?
From a financial standpoint, it rarely makes sense to buy a new car because the old one needs repairs. It's more of a convenience thing. You can find a new rack and pinion on Rock Auto for $ 200 and have an independent mechanic install it probably for about that. Then, what's next? How much of an in...
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 7:20 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
- Replies: 396
- Views: 20970
Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
We're about to find out what happens when our government is unable to save a tanking economy. We already found this out in 2008. Actually, QE and lowered interest rates helped bring the economy back in 2008. It worked because of what caused the 2008 recession in the first place. I think this is a b...
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 7:09 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
- Replies: 396
- Views: 20970
Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
We're about to find out what happens when our government is unable to save a tanking economy. We already found this out in 2008. Actually, QE and lowered interest rates helped bring the economy back in 2008. It worked because of what caused the 2008 recession in the first place. I think this is a b...
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:49 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
- Replies: 396
- Views: 20970
Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
We're about to find out what happens when our government is unable to save a tanking economy.
- Thu Mar 12, 2020 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
- Replies: 71
- Views: 2626
Re: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
When I wanted a second battery for my lawnmower the battery alone was $200. I was able to buy a blower with the same battery and another charger for $215... Every thread about electric equipment here has a few people claiming that they can't possibly hold a candle to their gas counterparts, that th...
- Thu Mar 12, 2020 4:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Want to purchase a new house. Have a child on the way, but single income earner + economic downturn = bad timing?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 809
Re: Want to purchase a new house. Have a child on the way, but single income earner + economic downturn = bad timing?
Without seeing your monthly budget, it's hard to say. Are you in a career field that's recession-proof? How long would it take to find another job in an economic downturn? You said you have 30k as an e-fund. That's pretty big, and if your expenses are low enough then you can probably make that last ...
- Tue Mar 10, 2020 10:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
- Replies: 71
- Views: 2626
Re: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
When I wanted a second battery for my lawnmower the battery alone was $200. I was able to buy a blower with the same battery and another charger for $215... Every thread about electric equipment here has a few people claiming that they can't possibly hold a candle to their gas counterparts, that th...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: mountain bike purchase
- Replies: 31
- Views: 1400
Re: mountain bike purchase
Since the market is going downhill fast... PUN! Why not 29" wheels? You get used to them after a while. I ride a Giant Talon 29er which has everything she's looking for. I can't remember the price but I bought it new and it was under a grand. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-talon-29 It...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
- Replies: 71
- Views: 2626
Re: Battery powered lawn mower recommendation
Wet grass, 45 minutes of operating time on a good day? Do yourself a favor and get a nice gas-powered model. Any electric mower that can actually run for almost an hour while cutting wet grass will cost 100x what a comparable gas model would. Either that or you'll need four or five fully charged bat...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How To Survive A Recession
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1249
Re: How To Survive A Recession
Bit the bullet and looked at my portfolio's (taxable and 401) today. Not quite up to date yet, numbers are from Friday, but it is honestly not as horrible as I thought it would be. I am 70% VTSAX / 15% VXUS / 15% BND. My allocation is still well within IPS parameters. I will rebalance with new mone...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:11 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Are we in correction territory yet or not?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2385
Re: Are we in correction territory yet or not?
You need to set some goals, here. Where do you want to be in a year, five years, ten years, from now?
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Managing_a_windfall
Don't just start throwing money in all directions. Be wise with this.
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Managing_a_windfall
Don't just start throwing money in all directions. Be wise with this.
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Traffic camera ticket
- Replies: 78
- Views: 4027
Re: Traffic camera ticket
I traveled out of state a month or so ago and just received a $50 bill in the mail from the city saying a camera caught me turning left on a red light. Is anyone familiar with the legality of having to pay this fee or not? It says on it it bold 'failure to pay this can not affect your credit report...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How To Survive A Recession
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1249
Re: How To Survive A Recession
I agree with most point except for "checking up on 401k". After today's bloodletting I suggest most people not to check their balance. If you haven't appropriately allocated your stock/bond ratio beforehand, it is already too late and any changes now is usually out of fear. If you're 90 o...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2224
Re: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
OK, so I looked at that TSB and the reprogramming is for the idle air learn procedure within the PCM. It looks like the parameters weren't coded right from the factory, hence the need to reprogram. So a PCV swap probably won't fix it. $ 350 is actually quite reasonable, considering you have to drive...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2224
Re: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
If it's just turning the CEL off, then a $ 40 code reader from Amazon will work just fine. Unplugging the battery for 30 minutes will also work. I have yet to run into a car where this doesn't reset the MIL. Of course this won't fix the underlying problem causing the CEL in the first place. OP - try...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2224
Re: Dealer wants $350+tax for repair. Doesn't seem right... I believe it is a warranty issue
Just replace the PCV valve. In fact, you can remove it and test to see if it's working by shaking it. If it doesn't make any noise then it's probably bad. Not sure why you'd have to reprogram the PCM for something like that. Have you checked the appropriate forums for your car? You'll get much bette...
- Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How To Survive A Recession
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1249
How To Survive A Recession
This isn't really anything new, but I wanted to share in light of current events. Supercharge Your Emergency Fund Make sure you are able to pay for your rent/mortgage, food, utilities, and other necessities for a minimum of six months during a recession. A year is even better. I use a market account...
- Tue Mar 03, 2020 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car Totaled, need to find a new car
- Replies: 26
- Views: 1856
Re: Car Totaled, need to find a new car
If you don't want a loan, and don't have (or want to spend) too much of your cash, then just buy another mechanically sound Camry for the amount that the insurance reimbursed you for the old one.
- Tue Mar 03, 2020 2:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Study CFA just for personal investment and portfolio management knowledge
- Replies: 55
- Views: 4513
Re: Study CFA just for personal investment and portfolio management knowledge
What do you do for work? If having a CFA certification is going to help you in your career, then by all means do it. Otherwise, you'd be better off reading some good personal investment books, many of which are mentioned on this forum. I have certifications in my field, and I've found them helpful i...
- Tue Mar 03, 2020 11:28 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2.5% spike in one minute?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1405
Re: 2.5% spike in one minute?
Can someone give me a layman’s rundown on how this is supposed to help? In theory, the fed reduces the federal funds rate to make it cheaper for banks to borrow money. Banks then are able to lower their own rates and lend cheaper money to consumers. Think of it as a stimulus package from the fed. L...
- Tue Mar 03, 2020 11:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bought Too Much Car
- Replies: 30
- Views: 5069
Re: Bought Too Much Car
OP, here are some tips for selling your car: 1. Be reasonable. Check KBB, Edmunds TMV, and NADA. Have a range where you'd feel comfortable selling. 2. Weigh your options. What's worse, being upside down on a car for a few years, or selling it now and having a loan that's returning nothing? 3. Make s...
- Tue Mar 03, 2020 11:08 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What if Fed cut doesn't work?
- Replies: 137
- Views: 6586
Re: What if Fed cut doesn't work?
Sooner or later, the fed is going to learn that they can't keep slashing rates just to keep the economy afloat.
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thoughts on car financing
- Replies: 54
- Views: 4312
Re: Thoughts on car financing
160k is nothing. Agreed. Quality, modern cars can easily do 250k without exvessive upkeep. Save up and pay cash for it. While the 1% obviously is a great rate and likely less than investment returns. However, if you're buying a car that's within your income and net worth "profile" the opp...
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Golfers - how often do you get new clubs?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 2706
Re: Golfers - how often do you get new clubs?
I’ve played everything from state of the art sets costing thousands of dollars, to old clubs I’ve literally found thrown into the woods. My go-to is a knockoff TaylorMade set I made with my grandfather in the 90s. I don’t know what it is, but I play best with those clubs. Now I do re-grip as needed,...
- Fri Feb 21, 2020 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Personal Finance/Budgeting Software
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2744
Re: Personal Finance/Budgeting Software
I have my own spreadsheet that I use and have developed over the course of several years. It uses daily balances so I never have more $ in checking than necessary. It's stored in the cloud so if I am on vacation or away from home I can still budget. I also calculate NW using my own setup. This is mo...
- Fri Feb 21, 2020 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Haven't received 1099 from a side gig Employer
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1186
Re: Haven't received 1099 from a side gig Employer
I have not received a 1099 from an out of state online school that I taught for in 2019. I have emailed and left voicemails for the people I was given their names to contact. I was a contracted teacher/employee for this online school for about 4 or 5 months. What should be my next action to try to ...
- Fri Feb 21, 2020 3:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Oil?
- Replies: 124
- Views: 11197
Re: Best Oil?
There are enough arguments on BITOG to make your head spin. Here's what I do instead: 1. Look in owner's manual to determine what spec oil your machine/car/boat requires. 2. Buy cheapest synthetic oil that meets specs found in step 1 Usually Wal-Mart has the cheapest oil. However Advance Auto Parts ...
- Fri Nov 15, 2019 9:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Romantic northeast winter weekend getaway?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3513
Re: Romantic northeast winter weekend getaway?
Lake Placid. Get a hotel room that overlooks one of the lakes.
- Fri Nov 15, 2019 9:17 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Preparing for a down market
- Replies: 78
- Views: 7197
Re: Preparing for a down market
Portfolio wise I don’t do anything other than make sure my asset allocation is in line with my investment goals.
- Tue Nov 05, 2019 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Best way to ensure USPS mailed tax return makes it to IRS
- Replies: 63
- Views: 6952
Re: Best way to ensure USPS mailed tax return makes it to IRS
Everything I mail to the taxing agencies goes via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt.
- Tue Nov 05, 2019 4:16 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Robinhood, Heading for a Trainwreck?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 6571
Re: Robinhood, Heading for a Trainwreck?
Don't give fintech startups your money. These companies exist in a Silicon Fairytale Land where money grows on trees and losing billions every year in the name of growth is an acceptable practice. Why would they be concerned if they lose your money? In this case it is the other way around (investor...
- Tue Nov 05, 2019 4:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Robinhood, Heading for a Trainwreck?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 6571
Re: Robinhood, Heading for a Trainwreck?
Basically what happened was the margin limit somehow was able to be bypassed. https://robinhood.com/support/articles/360026164112/overview/ Not sure how margin calls are going to work in this case: https://robinhood.com/support/articles/360026463951/margin-calls/ It'll be interesting to see how this...
- Thu Aug 29, 2019 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Side Hustle
- Replies: 51
- Views: 3711
Re: Side Hustle
IMO the side hustle that'll have the best ROI is taking your day job and turning it into your side hustle.
- Thu Aug 29, 2019 4:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The cost to talk to a doctor
- Replies: 151
- Views: 10311
Re: The cost to talk to a doctor
My doctor doesn’t charge anything to communicate using email/patient portal. Obviously you don’t want to be the little boy crying wolf and emailing them every week, but when I’ve been genuinely sick I’ve always talked to them through the portal and they never charged me anything. IMO I’d try to fin...
- Thu Aug 29, 2019 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking to buy a Patagonia jacket. Which are your favorites?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3230
Re: Looking to buy a Patagonia jacket. Which are your favorites?
One of my ski buddies has the Down Sweater. No complaints, and that price on Patagonia's site looks really good for what you get. IIRC my LL Bean jacket cost more than the Patagonia.
- Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another car affordability question, YOLO vs. extreme FI
- Replies: 64
- Views: 4035
Re: Another car affordability question, YOLO vs. extreme FI
I was in your shoes this week. I found a car I’ve always wanted in great shape and for the right price. I slept on it and looked at it from a numbers perspective. I already own a car that I like, and there’s nothing wrong with it. The purchase price is just a small fraction of what you’ll be spendin...
- Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Prepare for Recession?
- Replies: 80
- Views: 13969
Re: Prepare for Recession?
+1.UpperNwGuy wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2019 5:27 pm If you’ve been maintaining an asset allocation that matches your risk tolerance, and keeping your emergency fund up to date, then you’re already prepared for whatever the economy might do. No special actions need be taken.
- Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The cost to talk to a doctor
- Replies: 151
- Views: 10311
Re: The cost to talk to a doctor
IMO I’d try to find a different doctor/practice. $ 150+ just to ask them a question is absurd. I think the OP is using “talk to the doctor” as a euphemism for an office visit. The prices would seem to reflect E&M services of varying complexity. In that case it would make sense to bill the patie...
- Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The cost to talk to a doctor
- Replies: 151
- Views: 10311
Re: The cost to talk to a doctor
My doctor doesn’t charge anything to communicate using email/patient portal. Obviously you don’t want to be the little boy crying wolf and emailing them every week, but when I’ve been genuinely sick I’ve always talked to them through the portal and they never charged me anything. IMO I’d try to find...
- Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Budget for a new professional out of college
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3347
Re: Budget for a new professional out of college
I can send you the budget I used when I was fresh out of college. Of course you’ll have to tailor it to her income and necessary expenses.
- Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 1503
- Views: 178587
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
Passed on buying my dream car. Even though I could pay cash and it was a great deal, the car I have now works just fine and i couldn’t bring myself to replace it simply because I wanted to.
- Thu Aug 22, 2019 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: White collars- How much is your work downtime?
- Replies: 205
- Views: 20021
Re: White collars- How much is your work downtime?
How big is the company you work for?
Are you a full-charge Accountant?
I work for a small tech company and have minimal downtime. An hour a week, if that. I do everything from monthly reconciliations to payroll.
Are you a full-charge Accountant?
I work for a small tech company and have minimal downtime. An hour a week, if that. I do everything from monthly reconciliations to payroll.