Search found 156 matches

by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Organic Bed Sheets?
Replies: 9
Views: 1034

Re: Best Organic Bed Sheets?

UpperNwGuy wrote: Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:33 pm I am confused. Doesn't washing the sheet remove all pesticide residue? I avoid pesticides in my foods but not in my sheets.
Washing the sheets doesn't remove all the pesticides in the environment used to grow the crop.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Mattress vs Firm w/Topper
Replies: 53
Views: 4888

Re: Luxury Mattress vs Firm w/Topper

Check out Charles P Rogers
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Organic Bed Sheets?
Replies: 9
Views: 1034

Re: Best Organic Bed Sheets?

I second Coyuchi. One point of note: I'd stick with Cotton or Linen. Some new textiles like bamboo and eucalyptus are being marketed as "green"...but the process of turning those materials into fabric is anything but. The bamboo and eucalyptus sheets are also notorious for failing (tears, pilling) because they don't hold up to the laundry process.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Washing Machine
Replies: 18
Views: 2481

Re: New Washing Machine

I got a Speed Queen. The reviews are mixed, but I'm happy. Lowe's and HomeDepot don't carry them; I had to go to an appliance store. I think it cleans very well. Mine is four years old, a full load takes 33 minutes. There are water saver features or if you want, you can just let it fill up to rinse like the ones from years ago. Sheets do seem to get a bit tangled even when done on a gentle cycle. https://speedqueen.com/the-speed-queen-difference/ Mr. Rumples, here is the solution to your tangled sheets problem: https://www.amazon.com/Wad-Free-for-Bed-Sheets/dp/B08DMDT7DF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JGS3ZMB2EBAU&dchild=1&keywords=wadfree&qid=1596491464&sprefix=wadfree%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1 SC Anteater, which washer did you go with and...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sat Mar 28, 2020 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CARES act Stimulus for 17-year-old question
Replies: 5
Views: 877

CARES act Stimulus for 17-year-old question

My understanding is 17-year-olds do not qualify for the $500 stimulus check. My question is at what date does that age cutoff apply? If a child turned 17 a week ago, but was 16 and qualified for the child tax credit on 2019 taxes, does that parent get a $500 check (assuming the parent qualifies)?
by focusedonwhatmatters
Wed Jan 29, 2020 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice/upscale pens and pencils
Replies: 79
Views: 7703

Re: Nice/upscale pens and pencils

This handcrafted in the US pencil has a very smooth write and a substantial feel. Engraved, it makes a nice a gift.

https://modernfuel.com/products/luxury- ... cal-pencil
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Jan 13, 2020 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse diagnosed with cancer. Financial steps?
Replies: 38
Views: 7044

Re: Spouse diagnosed with cancer. Financial steps?

I am so, so sorry. I lost my husband when I was 41, my kids 5 and 9. Try to spend what time you have making memories.

Most things have been covered in other responses, but two I didn't see mentioned:

Order at least a dozen death certificates. They are required by far more organizations than I ever imagined, and many never returned them. They are cheaper and easier to order at the onset and only require that emotional turmoil once.

If you have Comcast and she is on the account, have her removed now. They were by far the worst of the utilities to deal with.

There are lots of grief groups and camps for kids which I highly recommend. It's a tough, lifelong haul.

fowm
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Startup expense tax question
Replies: 1
Views: 328

Startup expense tax question

I am starting a new business for a product line I invented. In 2019 I formed my single-member LLC and have startup expenses of ~$15K. My products won't be available until 2020, so in 2019 I have $0 in revenue. I also have no other income other than investments.

Can I hold off on deducting the $15K startup expenses incurred in 2019 until I start selling in 2020?
If not, can the $15K offset my personal dividend/interest income?
If not, can it offset a Roth conversion?

I will be hiring an accountant to handle my business, but would prefer to wait on that until I have revenue.

Thanks in advance!

fowm
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 08, 2019 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 withdrawl of principal due to scholarship tax question
Replies: 13
Views: 1595

529 withdrawl of principal due to scholarship tax question

If I withdraw principal from a 529 equal to the amount my son received in scholarships this calendar year, my understanding is there is no penalty, no state or federal income tax due, and no state tax deduction recapture. How is the principal withdraw reported for tax purposes? Is the principal withdrawn considered in MAGI for determination of ACA?

Thanks in advance!

fowm
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Dec 02, 2019 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]

I just spoke with customer service who told me a server had crashed and it is affecting certain parts of the country. They are working around the clock but still have no estimate on when it will be repaired.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Dec 02, 2019 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]

mortfree wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:58 pm Personal.vanguard.com

That’s how I could login just now using google chrome.
That did not work for me. Absolutely nothing loads.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Dec 02, 2019 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]

After logging in once on my laptop yesterday, today I am unable to. I was able to get in on the app, but I can't see all my accounts.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Dec 02, 2019 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]

mortfree wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 9:32 pm iPhone app just let me login.

Seems like a trolling post every so often (esp weekends) and always about vanguard.
mortfree, with all due respect, please consider that real people (such as me) had an actual problem, and in the absence of any explanation from the organization (Vanguard), and being unable to contact a human (their call center is closed on the weekend...I tried prior to posting), in such a situation one might inquire on this board if others experienced the same thing. I take offense to be called a "troll".
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 01, 2019 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]

After a dozen or so attempts today, I'm finally able to log in on my computer.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else unable to log in to Vanguard today 12/1/19?

HomeStretch wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:26 pm I did not have any issues today logging onto website or app.

There’s another thread started today about a log on problem:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=296400
homestretch, thanks for the link. Before I posted this topic I did a search to see if anyone else had an issue with Vanguard today; the OP of the other tread had a typo in Vanguard so it didn't come up :P
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vangaurd

I also can't log in on my laptop or phone, but just downloaded the app and it worked. :confused
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Re: Is anyone else unable to log in to Vanguard today 12/1/19?

Thanks dur808, the app worked. I'm flummoxed as to why I can't login otherwise.... :confused :confused
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone else having trouble getting into vanguard [12-1-19]
Replies: 57
Views: 4090

Is anyone else unable to log in to Vanguard today 12/1/19?

[merged this post and its replies into existing topic - moderator prudent]

I've tried to log on using multiple browsers on different devices and can't get in. Is it just me?
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Productizing an idea
Replies: 28
Views: 2325

Re: Productizing an idea

InvestingGeek wrote: Fri Nov 15, 2019 11:37 am
But then, my concern with premature knock-offs is dilution of the product idea resulting in poor quality early experiences that would affect adoption.
Crowdsourcing sites such as Kickstarter and Indigogo are known to be trolled by people looking to knock off products. These folks potentially have greater manufacturing expertise than you and can get to market quicker. Exercise caution if this is of concern to you and your product idea.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Productizing an idea
Replies: 28
Views: 2325

Re: Productizing an idea

There was a great "Planet Money" episode. Listen to it or Episode 724: Cat Scam about the husband-and-wife entrepreneurs who developed the "Ripple Rug," a play toy for cats, that was ripped off. The "Planet Money" episode wasn't about how the Ripple Rug was ripped off, it was about how middlemen drop shippers were selling the Ripple Rugs at a markup. Once customers realized they overpaid, there were a lot of returns to Ripple Rug, which ended up costing Ripple Rug thousands of dollars in returns, fees, shipping, etc. That "Planet Money" episode was from 2016. Do you know if any of the online marketplaces have clamped down on arbitrage since then? Would a simple deterrent to such drop shipper practice...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Wed Nov 13, 2019 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Productizing an idea
Replies: 28
Views: 2325

Re: Productizing an idea

by focusedonwhatmatters
Sat Sep 14, 2019 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling all iPhone SE Bogleheads
Replies: 61
Views: 6252

Re: Calling all iPhone SE Bogleheads

Here's hoping Apple sees this thread and moves forward with the rumored SE2. I want a better camera but not a bigger phone.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Jun 17, 2019 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recommendations for business bank account for LLC?
Replies: 25
Views: 3748

Re: Recommendations for business bank account for LLC?

Quirkz,

I'm curious which bank you went with, and what your experience has been.

Thanks in advance,

fowm
by focusedonwhatmatters
Wed Apr 17, 2019 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .
Replies: 73
Views: 6080

Re: Washing Machine that uses a LOT of Water

Does anyone have a problem with bed sheets getting twisted, tangled, and wadded?
by focusedonwhatmatters
Mon Mar 18, 2019 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy a mattress
Replies: 62
Views: 9440

Re: How to buy a mattress

Can negotiations be made on online mattress sites? I'm leaning toward Nest Bedding. The highest coupon code I've found is 8% off or ~$125.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Feb 03, 2019 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Bank Of America Cash Rewards Card Now Lets You Choose Your 3%(=5.25%) Category"
Replies: 216
Views: 52103

Re: "Bank Of America Cash Rewards Card Now Lets You Choose Your 3%(=5.25%) Category"

Does anyone know if this BoA Cash Rewards Card has something similar to the Citi Price Rewind for product purchases? I can't find anything about that on their website.

Thanks in advance,

fowm
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Jan 27, 2019 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waterpik
Replies: 28
Views: 3545

Re: Waterpik

Long-time Oral-B and Waterpik user. The game changer for me is Cocofloss:

https://cocofloss.com
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets
Replies: 36
Views: 6453

Re: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets

randomguy wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:21 pm
topper1296 wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:20 pm
focusedonwhatmatters wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:07 pm https://www.sheex.com

I can only speak toward the Original Performance Sheex series. They stay cool and have lasted years.

I also have Sheex and they do sleep cooler much better than any other sheet I have tried over the years. This is important to me since I "sleep hot".
They aren't really soft though. I used them for about 3 months and decide I prefered my old egyptian cotton sheets. Obviously we are way off in personal preference land here.
Correct, I wouldn't describe Sheex as soft, but rather silky. Slippery even. Another bonus of the Sheex original performance sheets is they dry very quickly.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets
Replies: 36
Views: 6453

Re: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets

Alexa9 wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:15 pm I would buy several and return what you don’t like. Bamboo sheets have gotten good ratings. There is a brand I’ve seen on tv that looks good: Sheex. I’m not very picky. I just like them to be cool. I’ve had good luck with Costco and 5 star review sheets on Amazon.
I would not recommend this strategy. I think returned sheets can't be resold -- even unwashed in the package -- because of bed bug and other sanitary concerns.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets
Replies: 36
Views: 6453

Re: Bedding (sheets) recommendations - having terrible experience finding quality sheets

https://www.sheex.com

I can only speak toward the Original Performance Sheex series. They stay cool and have lasted years.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Sun Dec 30, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Last day of TLH for Year 2018
Replies: 12
Views: 1997

Re: Last day of TLH for Year 2018

PhysicianOnFIRE wrote: Wed Dec 26, 2018 1:00 pm
artking99 wrote: Wed Dec 26, 2018 9:55 am
Stinky wrote: Wed Dec 26, 2018 9:53 am
artking99 wrote: Wed Dec 26, 2018 9:53 am Is Dec. 31 the last day of TLH for year 2018? If the market goes down further on Dec. 31, should I harvest more loss for this year? I have a lot Cap gain distribution this year from active funds.
Short answers. Yes and yes.
So it is the Trade Date that matters, not the settlement date. Thanks.
A benefit of using Vanguard mutual funds to exchange from one fund to another is that there is no settlement date. As long as the trade is entered prior to the closing bell, the transaction will go through on that day.

Happy Harvesting!

:beer
-PoF
Does this apply to Vanguard ETFs as well? Specifically, can I sell VTI on December 31 before the market close as a TLH for 2018?
by focusedonwhatmatters
Thu Dec 20, 2018 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dilemma about 529 and computer
Replies: 7
Views: 948

Re: Dilemma about 529 and computer

I don't think this expense during the last month or two college is any less legitimate than in the first month or two. If a computer were purchased after finals of her last semester, that would be a different story, but up until then I think it's valid.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Thu Dec 20, 2018 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for a cold bedroom above a garage?
Replies: 36
Views: 4313

Re: Tips for a cold bedroom above a garage?

BashDash wrote: Wed Dec 19, 2018 1:07 pm Thanks for all the replies! I have a range of options. We are considering turning our deck into a master bedroom suite and our GC did suggest radiant heat. I am guessing radiant heat can't easily be put on existing floors. Maybe even a space heater is fine as suggested. This room may be turning into a child's room so I would like it to be cozy.
The Dyson heat towers work great, and are quiet and safe for kids. They do not get hot at all when you touch it, and turns off if tipped over.

https://www.dyson.com/fans-and-heaters/ ... rview.html
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 30, 2018 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation for single parent and 2 teens: Belize or where?
Replies: 29
Views: 3168

Re: Vacation for single parent and 2 teens: Belize or where?

Although you say you want international, you also say you want something simple. I'll put in a plug for the big island of Hawaii. To me, Hawaii is a good mix of easy (no currency changes, no safety concerns, no driving concerns, no language barriers), but also a different cultural feel. Other islands are great as well, I just find the big island to be the most affordable. You could take an early flight into Kona for a few days where you could go snorkeling, rent bikes, go on hikes, tour the cloud forest, go on a boat tour, go stand-up-paddle boarding or kayaking, go on a helicopter tour. Then you could drive up to the observatory, then head over to the Hilo side for a night, then go to Volcano National Park for a day and fly out of Hilo on...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 30, 2018 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation for single parent and 2 teens: Belize or where?
Replies: 29
Views: 3168

Re: Vacation for single parent and 2 teens: Belize or where?

Although you say you want international, you also say you want something simple. I'll put in a plug for the big island of Hawaii. To me, Hawaii is a good mix of easy (no currency changes, no safety concerns, no driving concerns, no language barriers), but also a different cultural feel. Other islands are great as well, I just find the big island to be the most affordable. You could take an early flight into Kona for a few days where you could go snorkeling, rent bikes, go on hikes, tour the cloud forest, go on a boat tour, go stand-up-paddle boarding or kayaking, go on a helicopter tour. Then you could drive up to the observatory, then head over to the Hilo side for a night, then go to Volcano National Park for a day and fly out of Hilo on ...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 30, 2018 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?
Replies: 13
Views: 2653

Re: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?

To wrap up this thread, I first researched the requirements for small claims court. While I don't trust the roofing company is able to make the repairs to industry standards, it is necessary in my state to put my demand in writing and give the company a chance to repair their defects. Next I sent a letter via a-mail and certified mail to the owner of the roofing company detailing our exchanges, including multiple photos and a bid from another company for the proper repair. The letter was ignored. I changed the pronouns and sent filed it as a complaint with the BBB. Within hours of the BBB contacting the roofer, the owner called saying they would pay the company of my choice to make the repairs. The majority of the work was completed (over $...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 30, 2018 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Children's Books for Gifting
Replies: 16
Views: 1170

Re: Children's Books for Gifting

Presumably they are reading in school, so I don't need the classics that might be required reading. And when I was combing thru various "top picks" lists, I thought there was a lot of, uh, inspirational books, or fantasy or science fiction books. And maybe that's where I need to go? But what about a decent whodunit/mystery or what about a good nonfiction book? "What If?" by Randall Munroe https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=what+if "The Grapes of Math: How Life Reflects Numbers and Numbers Reflect Life" by Alex Bellos https://www.amazon.com/Grapes-Math-Reflects-Numbers-Reflect/dp/1451640110/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1543590076&sr=1-1 ...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Thu Nov 29, 2018 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Children's Books for Gifting
Replies: 16
Views: 1170

Re: Children's Books for Gifting

Great gift!

Here are some ideas from youngest to oldest:

Dr. Suess's "ABCs"
Any of the Eric Carle books
Any of Laura Numeroff's Mouse books
"Make Way for Ducklings"
Any of Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House chapter books
Harry Potter series
Expanse series
by focusedonwhatmatters
Thu Nov 08, 2018 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?
Replies: 13
Views: 2653

Re: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?

Thank you for all the responses. The repair job has increased to over $4,000 as the damage was more extensive than I could see from the ground. This bid may go up if further damage is revealed once they get in there. I am writing a letter to the owner of the roofing company -- which I will both email and send by certified mail -- demanding he pay for the repairs or I will file suit. I am including the bid I received to do the repairs as well as multiple photos of his failed work. My thought is he hasn't been willing to work with me up until now, so trying to resolve this through the BBB would probably just be spinning my wheels. I might as well just cut to the chase and go to small claims court. Not that I really want to go to court, but $4...
by focusedonwhatmatters
Thu Nov 08, 2018 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College graduation gift amount
Replies: 25
Views: 2641

Re: College graduation gift amount

Thank you for all the responses!
by focusedonwhatmatters
Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College graduation gift amount
Replies: 25
Views: 2641

College graduation gift amount

What is a typical cash gift for your child's BS?

Thanks in advance!
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 02, 2018 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?
Replies: 13
Views: 2653

Re: Damage caused by roofer, what are my options?

Thanks for all the responses. I will hire another company for the repairs, then file a complaint with the BBB. If I don't get anywhere with the BBB, I'll try small claims.

I called my insurance company who said they couldn't help me since the claim was paid and closed. My insurance company suggested I file a claim with the roofer's insurance company. I called the roofer's company who told me their coverage doesn't cover such a thing, I would have to take them to court. :annoyed

I hesitate to write a review on Google or Yelp because it identifies me publicly.
by focusedonwhatmatters
Fri Nov 02, 2018 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What does the BH community do with their pets when they travel?
Replies: 78
Views: 8582

Re: What does the BH community do with their pets when they travel?

ChowYunPhat wrote: Thu Nov 01, 2018 6:24 pm
Riverstwo wrote: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:48 am Petsitter works best for us. Neighborhood teen stays at the house. Dogs freak when you take them somewhere and drop them off.
This. It can be hard to find that right person. We've used nieces and nephews in the past. Most recently we've had success using Nextdoor to find nearby young adults who don't mind getting out of the house and it helps them + parents knowing their home is nearby.
+1 on Nextdoor. It is a great site to find someone -- usually a student -- close by that can come by several times a day. Just be sure when you post to the site not to put too many details which serve as an announcement that you will be out of town.