Search found 311 matches

by Tribonian
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15066

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

As others have already stated, we find the listings that interest us ourselves so the buyer’s agent has done almost nothing for us. I can see listing agents adding value with their market expertise, staging, and stable of tradespeople to get a house in order.

The one really good buyer’s agent we had did not result in a purchase.

I wouldn’t be sad or surprised if buyers’ agents went the way of travel agents.
by Tribonian
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Loan Depot Security Breach
Replies: 5
Views: 688

Re: Loan Depot Security Breach

I got the letter earlier this week. We had actually inquired about a mortgage. I have been getting 3x-4x the number of phishing calls I normally get.

Luckily, we keep Experian, Equifax & TransUnion frozen as a matter of course.
by Tribonian
Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12021

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

sureshoe wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:28 am Reading this thread, it just makes me continue to shake my head that people buy these things.

I'm trying to think of any other scenario where a person pays real money for something, and they literally can't GIVE it away or disavow it. If that doesn't let you know what a brutal scam timeshares are, I have no idea what to tell you.
My former secretary was thrilled she got a dozen timeshares in divorce proceedings. She was a simpleton. I started to tell her they were albatrosses hanging around her neck but then thought better of it. May as well let her dream.
by Tribonian
Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Italy
Replies: 28
Views: 2942

Re: Trip to Italy

Contrarian view: I would consider a day trip to Florence and I would recommend against buying tickets in advance.

More than one company operates high speed rail between Roma Termini and Santa Maria Novella. Trenitalia’s frecce are nice, but so are the Italotreno options and they sometimes get into gate discount wars. Since there are multiple departures each way every hour, go the station when you’re ready and buy the tickets for whatever train is 20 minutes out.

Once at Stazione Sta. Maria Novella, be sure to stop in the church of the same name to see Masolino & Masaccio’s first scientific perspective fresco of the Renaissance.

Buon viaggio!
by Tribonian
Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I don't need renters insurance, do I?
Replies: 72
Views: 6459

Re: I don't need renters insurance, do I?

Renter’s insurance just paid for a month of AirBNB for a friend of mine who had a broken pipe in her home. She’s very relieved she had it.
by Tribonian
Thu Feb 01, 2024 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Southern Spain in March
Replies: 47
Views: 4764

Re: Southern Spain in March

If your budget permits, consider staying at the Parador in Granada. The Nasrid Palace opens directly onto the Generalife so you could get an earlier start than the rest of the crowds. It also houses the tomb of Juana la Loca. https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-gran ... lsrc=aw.ds

Cordoba and the Mesquita were my family’s favorite stop in a 6 week trip. During the time of Averroes, it was arguably the most cosmopolitan settlement in all of Europe.
by Tribonian
Fri Jan 26, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rome - Florence - Venice
Replies: 49
Views: 3795

Re: Rome - Florence - Venice

What are your spouse’s and daughter’s interests? If ancient history, more time in Rome. A few overlooked favorites: - the Capitoline Museum https://www.museicapitolini.org/ has a spectacular collection, every bit as worthy as the Vatican museum, but much smaller crowds. - Villa Giulia has an Etruscan collection that features the greatest goldsmithing of all time (imagine an earring with thousands of gold granules so small that smelting temperatures had to be within 0.5 degrees C, laid out in geometric patterns on top of a mythical creature). Also some very nice (really) sarcophagi. - Basilicata di San Clemente, 5 minutes from the Colisseum, features an XI C. church (rare, most were remodeled at some point) built on top of a IV C. Basilicata...
by Tribonian
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shatter my Van Life Dreams
Replies: 65
Views: 8427

Re: Shatter my Van Life Dreams

We loved our Eurovan Weekender for family camping trips when the kids were small. The Mercedes Metris camper looks like a worthy successor.

Bears repeating: rent until you are certain you know what you are getting into and like it.
by Tribonian
Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712634

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montague.
She is a hilarious observer of society.
First reliable western account of the harems in the Ottoman Empire and introduced a form of inoculation many decades before Edward Jenner.
by Tribonian
Sun Nov 26, 2023 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals on Luggage/Duffles?
Replies: 11
Views: 2249

Re: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals on Luggage/Duffles?

NYT Wirecutter had some recommendations.
I really like my Osprey backpack and spouse swears by baggalini.
by Tribonian
Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best ways to get gifts to overseas family?
Replies: 7
Views: 834

Re: Best ways to get gifts to overseas family?

Amazon.fr should work for your situation.
by Tribonian
Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]
Replies: 81
Views: 8606

Re: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]

Just rent in Bellevue within walking distance of the employer -- then enjoy the bigger salary, good schools, and stores, parks, libraries within walking distance, and bike lanes. Avoid the streets without bike lanes, or ride on the sidewalk (allowed where there is no bike lane). Lots of people rent. For costs other than housing, Costco is pretty similar everywhere. You can go to Costco in Kirkland or Issaquah, or others in the area. Whether you are in downtown Bellevue or near Microsoft (near the Crossroads Mall and near the Starbucks where the local Bogleheads chapter often holds meetings) you see people walking to the stores. For the young professional looking for a neighborhood near Boeing Field and Museum of Flight: Isn't that in Tukwi...
by Tribonian
Tue Nov 07, 2023 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]
Replies: 81
Views: 8606

Re: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]

WhitePuma wrote: Tue Nov 07, 2023 4:59 pm
KyleAAA wrote: Tue Nov 07, 2023 4:56 pm
WhitePuma wrote: Tue Nov 07, 2023 4:51 pm A current snapshot of the Seattle-Bellevue area:

—Housing prices are absurd. Of course there are “cheaper” homes, but anything under $1.5M is priced as such for a reason. I
There are plenty of very nice homes in nice neighborhoods for under $1.5mm. They aren't in Green Lake or Madrona, but Mt Baker, Seward Park, and especially West Seattle have some.
In west Seattle, anything under $1M is a tear down. Unless you’re into Burien. But then you’re in Burien.

Baker and Seward Park are just flat out undesirable (unsafe)
Communities. I would not recommend raising kids there nowadays.
Is there a neighborhood near Boeing Field/Museum of Flight you would recommend for a childless professional just starting out?
by Tribonian
Wed Oct 18, 2023 1:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much commute is too much?
Replies: 82
Views: 6692

Re: How much commute is too much?

Is there a better commute option? As said above, transit can be great as can commuter rail or cycling. You sound young- can you move closer to the office?
by Tribonian
Fri Oct 13, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712634

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Recently finished Hernan Diaz’ Trust which I recommend highly.
Currently enjoying Owen Matthews’ Glorious Misdaventures: Nikolai Rezakov and the Dream of a Russian America.

California (& Hawaii!) may have been one rider falling off a horse in Siberia in 1806 from being Russian territory.
by Tribonian
Sat Sep 23, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home rental and capital gains exclusion
Replies: 8
Views: 1202

Re: Home rental and capital gains exclusion

Not an accountant but it looks like you must reduce the basis by the amount of depreciation available, whether or not you actually claim it:

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/capital-gains- ... home-etc-5
by Tribonian
Thu Sep 14, 2023 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
Replies: 209
Views: 49663

Re: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"

If doctors had strictly followed my mother’s DNR, we’d’ve lost her 10 years ago. The whole family still has them in place but with spouse override depending on diagnosis and prognosis.
by Tribonian
Sat Sep 09, 2023 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [resolved] Should I buy a car to drive 100 miles a month?
Replies: 96
Views: 7858

Re: Should I buy a car to drive 100 miles a month?

Lived very happily carfree in Boston for 6.5 years. Between the T and a bike for the Emerald Necklace & Minuteman Trail I found it pretty easy to get around. Where outside the City are you trying to go? Commuter rail is really accessible too.
by Tribonian
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much state pension to leave spouse?
Replies: 46
Views: 4133

Re: How much state pension to leave spouse?

Curious how people view social security in this situation. Should the more at risk spouse claim benefits early?
by Tribonian
Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports with the least commitments for kids?
Replies: 149
Views: 11279

Re: Sports with the least commitments for kids?

1) we tried exposing our kids to lots of sports (& other activities) then went with the ones they enjoyed the most.

2) martial arts require finding a dojo that is a good fit but that was the biggest return on investment and required the least time & money from us. As one father told me while watching his 12 year old daughter kick a 6’2” brown belt in the head, “You know, when she’s off at college in a few years, I won’t give a damn whether she’s good at soccer or not. But I’m glad she can do that.”
by Tribonian
Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ATM or Credit Card(s) for 2024 International Travel?
Replies: 71
Views: 5307

Re: US to Italy Debit card for ATM recommendations

If you have time, the WISE debit card worked very well for us.
by Tribonian
Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life insurance and Will Question from new dad
Replies: 64
Views: 4832

Re: Life insurance and Will Question from new dad

Consider getting a term policy on your wife also, whether or not if she is working. We've had several low cost term policies through https://www.zanderins.com/. Banner and Pacific Life have been the low cost term providers depending on your individual health factors. Thank you very much for the advice. My income is approximately 3x what my wife's is. Financially, I could get by without my wife $$$ wise. We've even spoke about her not going back to work and staying home with the kids. There would obviously need to be some basic cutbacks, but financially I'd survive. My wife couldn't get by without my income though. A coworker of mine lost his stay at home wife and even though his income didn’t change, his expenses went way up. The “services...
by Tribonian
Fri Jul 21, 2023 4:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are we buying too much house?
Replies: 216
Views: 17531

Re: Are we buying too much house?

chantana wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:06 pm Ended up walking. Sellers had backup people offering appraisal waivers and stuff. They wouldn’t give any concessions. Thanks for everyone’s advice.
Good luck finding a place you like even more. We had multiple false starts when trying to buy our first home. Which still suits us 20+ years later.
by Tribonian
Tue Jul 18, 2023 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?
Replies: 338
Views: 29773

Re: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?

Beensabu wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 12:49 pm
Tribonian wrote: Wed Jul 12, 2023 11:04 am
Cruise wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:21 pm OP, my "business" card reads "Retired Guy."
I just bought a used book and the business card inside identified the person as [name], Ph.D, Chief Curmudgeon, Curmudgeon Associates with e-mail & cell contact info. I was tempted to contact them.
:D

What is the book?
It was one of the Bruno, Chief of Police detective series books. Maybe #14 or #15. I’ve been tearing through the series which is why I did not see your post until just now. Cheers!
by Tribonian
Wed Jul 12, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?
Replies: 338
Views: 29773

Re: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?

Cruise wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:21 pm OP, my "business" card reads "Retired Guy."
I just bought a used book and the business card inside identified the person as [name], Ph.D, Chief Curmudgeon, Curmudgeon Associates with e-mail & cell contact info. I was tempted to contact them.
by Tribonian
Tue Jul 11, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New roof color decision
Replies: 22
Views: 1999

Re: New roof color decision

We went with the shingle with the highest SRI (solar reflectivity index) that did not look terrible. Energy efficiency over aesthetics but we live in a hot climate with lots of sun. It is not as nice looking as some of the darker shingles but it is 20% more efficient.
by Tribonian
Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Final Retirement Location
Replies: 87
Views: 8674

Re: Final Retirement Location

We bought a second home in the mountains when our kids were about the same age as yours. Our hope is that fond memories bring them back to visit us when we retire there. And we may sell our primary residence to be closer to them once they settle down.
by Tribonian
Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Order of home maintenance projects, painting then roof?
Replies: 18
Views: 2237

Re: Order of home maintenance projects, painting then roof?

We just reroofed & painted, already had solar.

The roofers (who were excellent) replaced a lot of dry rot, including on fascia boards. It was nice to have those painted at the same time as the rest of the house after the roofing dust settled.

Good Luck!
by Tribonian
Mon Jul 03, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!
Replies: 80
Views: 9389

Re: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!

We booked a room in Mazatlán back in 2017. Confirmed with the hotel that the reservation is still on the books.
by Tribonian
Wed Jun 28, 2023 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should we pay $70-$90k private school tuition for next 12 years
Replies: 183
Views: 19345

Re: Should we pay $70-$90k private school tuition for next 12 years

We revisited schooling for our kids every year and second guessed our decisions every academic year. To answer OP, I would love to the better neighborhood/school district, try the public schools, see if they work for either or both of your children and be prepared to transfer to a private school and transfer back to the school district depending on how your children are responding. Our oldest went to a top rated public school and many of the kids were first generation college bound. They did a superb job of getting most of their kids into 4 year programs but were not great at getting any of them into elite schools. We were one of the rich families there. Youngest now goes to a small private school that is expensive and worth every penny. Fo...
by Tribonian
Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Enough Money?
Replies: 24
Views: 4199

Re: Enough Money?

In-home care is not a solution from what I can see. I have come to the same conclusion for now. I used to think aging at-home, if preferred, was achievable as long as one had sufficient $ and good family/friends to oversee the caregivers/medical needs/home maintenance as well as to take care of financial matters. The last 5 years supporting 4 parents/in-laws showed me that is not the case. Another thing I learned was to choose a facility under non-emergency circumstances as the better facilities have wait times and admission criteria (health, finances). Hopefully the lifetime care facilities remain solvent and honor the “lifetime” part of the contract. Even with good family and friends checking in multiple times daily, and with an excellen...
by Tribonian
Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Purchase Question
Replies: 9
Views: 1339

Re: House Purchase Question

If you use the ADU for an au pair, you might be able cut down on childcare costs and expose your kids to a more cosmopolitan upbringing.

It looks affordable/reasonable regardless of whether or not you use the ADU.
by Tribonian
Fri Jun 23, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CNC Laser wood engraver - custom gifts
Replies: 2
Views: 343

Re: CNC Laser wood engraver - custom gifts

In my town, the local Makers club has a ton of high end tools that you can use on site for a small fee (after taking a class or demonstrating competency). Might want to see if there are any available for use locally.
by Tribonian
Tue Jun 20, 2023 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?
Replies: 97
Views: 17532

Re: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?

I assume you are not in a managerial position as a nurse. I don't understand why the organizational politics affect you that much. Are you in a position to influence others? Can you just do your job? Are you sure you don't have difficulty in adjusting to changes? Many here also tend to complain about internal politics for various reasons. I had a long day today and want to re-answer your question. Thanks again for the response. We have a 14 person department and 14 people have left in the three years I've been there. The boss is the problem. I do good work, but now the focus is on me. I'm 60 and have a stellar work record. This isn't some 25 year old complaining about office morale. But there's a large deficit in the organization and any n...
by Tribonian
Mon Jun 19, 2023 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Narrowed down to buying new Suburu Forester or Rav4. Planning on keeping it 10 years. Any recommendations?
Replies: 59
Views: 7149

Re: Narrowed down to buying new Suburu Forester or Rav4. Planning on keeping it 10 years. Any recommendations?

Our Subaru (fully loaded 2006 Outback) died after fewer than $100k and started needing regular repairs immediately after warranty ended. The seats were uncomfortable for any drive over half an hour, so I strongly recommend sitting in the Forester for a good long time if you plan to use it for long road trips.

We replaced it with a 2021 RAV4 hybrid which has exceeded our expectations. I did not realize how much I’d like the blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Most importantly, my spouse loves it. Your mileage may literally vary.

p.s. the RAV4 has performed well in snowy conditions & icy roads.
by Tribonian
Mon Jun 19, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Elderly Person Scammed into Wire Transfer
Replies: 78
Views: 7633

Re: Elderly Person Scammed into Wire Transfer

I would think bank employees would be trained to ask their customers about large transactions in a way that wouldn’t be offensive or off-putting. “Mr. Elderly, I fully understand that this is your money and your business. But we do want you to know that we’ve seen scams in the past that involved just this kind of transaction. Would you consider running the details of this transaction by one of your relatives just as a double-check that there’s no funny business involved? We sure hate to see your money end up in the wrong hands. And we’ll be happy to explain to your relative why we’re asking.” I like it when employees look out for me. Last year when I bought a dozen or so gift cards for my wife’s holiday party, the cashier at the supermarke...
by Tribonian
Sun Jun 18, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Needs a Card - Credit or Debit?
Replies: 31
Views: 2771

Re: Child Needs a Card - Credit or Debit?

We went with credit cards at is has worked out well. For our kids. The older one said it helped his credit history and he has since gotten a card in his own right that he manages completely. I think/hope it is preparing him for when the undergrad subsidy for groceries expires.

The younger one needed a brief talking to once after he used it for vending machines instead of just gas. But I’d rather have had the responsibility talk over $10 of junk food while he’s at home than a bigger bill when he’s further away.
by Tribonian
Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy your pet's food?
Replies: 111
Views: 9400

Re: Where do you buy your pet's food?

GT99 wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 8:06 am Costco Kirkland Signature. $50 or so a $35 lb bag and it's as good as the high end stuff. I had done some research when my dogs were puppies (they're 11 now) and found a study comparing dog foods. Kirkland signature rated as high as stuff that cost twice as much.

Both my dogs have been on it pretty much their entire lives and are in great health.
We did the same. And our 96 lb. rescue lab devoured everything in his bowl in under 90 seconds so we never felt it was worth paying a premium. He made it to 14 years, 10 months with his appetite intact.
by Tribonian
Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Help with FIRE Europe Plan
Replies: 42
Views: 5415

Re: Help with FIRE Europe Plan

If I don't stay longer than 6 months in any EU country, that could solve the EU tax issues.
I have a family member who does this.

Tax issues usually also confer benefits such as full access to healthcare. So try to be mindful of services, too. If I were to ever move to the EU, I’d probably start (and likely finish) at <183 days/year but would be happy to pay taxes for the benefits I receive if I choose to stay longer
by Tribonian
Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:27 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Help with FIRE Europe Plan
Replies: 42
Views: 5415

Re: Help with FIRE Europe Plan

Spending less than 183 days in a country shouldn’t require continuous travel; you could scout 3 different countries for 4 months at a time, Portugal, Spain, France & Italy for 3 months each 6 cites for 2 months, etc. to see if anywhere feels more like home. A gay coworker said he had a wonderful time in Barcelona and used some app to couch surf for days at a time. If you land somewhere you like for quality of life, you can research taxes during the morning and explore the culture in the afternoons & evenings. I’ve had a great time in France despite not knowing the language but would not move there if I could not attain fluency. Spain holds great appeal despite the tax burden because cost of living is so low. Loved living in Italy bu...
by Tribonian
Tue May 16, 2023 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rock struck my new car from city mower
Replies: 10
Views: 1576

Re: Rock struck my new car from city mower

You could use your state’s equivalent of the Freedom of Information Act/Public Records Act to verify the whereabouts of the city vehicle at the time of damage. A small claim from you directly may prompt a nuisance value settlement.
by Tribonian
Fri Apr 21, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Summer home in the mountains
Replies: 20
Views: 2532

Re: Summer home in the mountains

DoubleComma wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 6:29 pm
fitawrari wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 5:55 pm Always dreamed of having a summer home in the mountains by a lake near a big city (less than 2.5hrs) that has excellent weather.

Is the list of cities that satisfy this requirement empty set { } in the US?
Sacramento -> Lake Tahoe seems to meet your criteria.

But I would imagine there are hundreds of options.
Lake Tahoe also has Reno for airlift.
by Tribonian
Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574696

Re: What are you listening to now

Manolo Sanlucar’s Mundo y Formas de la guitarra flamenca. El
Maestro sought out traditional forms for decades and released 3 double albums documenting the guitar styles from villages throughout the south of Spain. Playing a duet with his brother: https://youtu.be/iJP5_IRF5Fs. He died in 2022.

Also really enjoying Los Dug Dug’s, Mexico’s greatest psychedelic band. They only released 4 albums in the 1970s but there are some real gems. https://youtu.be/vpk5t4eaMZI
by Tribonian
Thu Mar 30, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?
Replies: 66
Views: 5396

Re: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?

Depends how long you are staying and how long your kids’ attention spans are. The Doge’s Palace and the Cathedral are definitely worth the visit and Piazza San Marco is big enough for the kids to run around if they have excess energy. Haven’t seen it mentioned yet, but Peggy Guggenheim’s house has a great collection and a yard big enough for some careful play. The Accademia has a fantastic collection of your kids can manage it.

But mostly the suggestion to just wander is a great one. Poke your nose into every church and explore the ones that catch your fancy.
by Tribonian
Sat Dec 03, 2022 1:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you most thankful for in your investing career?
Replies: 78
Views: 7577

Re: What are you most thankful for in your investing career?

That whatever mistakes I made along the way, our kids will not finish college with crushing debt.
by Tribonian
Thu Sep 15, 2022 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Yosemite and Tahoe with a toddler
Replies: 3
Views: 537

Re: Visiting Yosemite and Tahoe with a toddler

Vernal Falls Trail at Yosemite is easy but can be very crowded and it looks like they are closing it pretty frequently for work.

It would help to know where in Tahoe you will be based but Eagle Falls Trail and the Rubicon Trail are both very scenic, though I would not have taken our toddler on parts of Rubicon.
by Tribonian
Fri Sep 09, 2022 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Europe Trip 2023 Summer
Replies: 63
Views: 5744

Re: Europe Trip 2023 Summer

Milan was bombed heavily during WWII so the interesting bits are dispersed. Depending on where you are staying, Brera, Navigli or Porta Romana may be áreas to explore but mostly I’d plan on decompressing a little and overcoming jet lag. In Florence, I’d plan on turning the kids loose in the Boboli Gardens after visiting Pitti Palace & Ponte Vecchio. In Rome, skip the Vatican Museums in favor of the Capitoline Museum. Villa Borghese, Piazza Navona and even the forum would be good places for the kids to run around a little. Piazza in Sta. Maria in Trastevere, Spanish Steps & Campo dei fiori also plenty of room for them to stretch their legs in a fun family friendly environment. I’d skip the excursion to London altogether to simplify y...
by Tribonian
Wed Sep 07, 2022 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there an easy BH way to buy and hold foreign currency (JPY and KRW)?
Replies: 10
Views: 977

Re: Is there an easy BH way to buy and hold foreign currency (JPY and KRW)?

mamster wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 11:39 am How do you withdraw money from your Wise account? It looks like the fee to convert and store your deposit is very small, but it's not clear to me how to withdraw money in, e.g., JPY without incurring relatively large fees.
I ordered a Wise debit card (I detest debit cards) for $9. After I entered the info into Apple Pay, I rarely used the physical card and never tried to withdraw from an ATM.

The account was easy to set up and the transaction fees very low.

I also used the Wise account to fund a small bank account (under FINCEN FBAR reporting threshold but I will file anyway). It literally took under a minute for the funds to transfer via SWIFT.
by Tribonian
Sat Aug 27, 2022 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 70s?
Replies: 357
Views: 31169

Re: Favorite music from the 70s?

coalcracker wrote: Sat Aug 27, 2022 10:59 am Hocus Pocus (by Focus) is one of the stranger hit songs I've heard. I was born in 1979, so did not hear it when released. Enjoy the surprise if it's the first time you've heard it. This is a particularly good live version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFDW9b_ejfI
That was weird. And wonderful. Thanks for sharing