Search found 365 matches

by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Game of thrones was kind of an one off, in that it was written based upon the books of a particular author, and much of the point of the storylines is the wandering development of the parallel storylines, and the exploration of the various characters, and their political motivations. The author never finished the series, so HBO writers had to write the last 2 seasons themselves and wrap up all of these parallel threads - which was near impossible to do, and they didn’t do a particularly good job at it True, it's also arguably the worst ending in TV history (I never watched an episode of Lost). The last two seasons were just unimaginably terrible, after the preceding seasons were so good. Certainly a difficult task to tie up, but with basic...
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue May 23, 2023 4:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP Allocation for 39 Year Old Help
Replies: 23
Views: 2389

Re: TSP Allocation for 39 Year Old Help

Good morning,

We are pretty much identical as I am the same age and have been with the government for 14 years.

I have the following:

C fund: 65%
S fund: 15%
I fund: 20%

I chose to shy away from the target date funds only because for now I do not want any bond exposure. With a future pension, I elected to be more aggressive in my allocation.

I hope that helps.
by SagaciousTraveler
Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to put the Grade school kids money
Replies: 47
Views: 4175

Re: Where to put the Grade school kids money

KlangFool wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:35 am
oldfatguy wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:29 am
KlangFool wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 7:11 am

If the kids can manage the money, you want them to manage it. If they can't, you want to maintain control until they can. UTMA don't give you the choice.

KlangFool
UTMA doesn't give you the choice when they reach the legal age, because it is their money.
Bingo! And, that is the problem.

In my context, we were talking about 10K to 20K for each kid.

KlangFool
I understand your reasoning however for us, its their money and they can either deploy our teachings on savings/spending or learn a valuable lesson.

Also, five years ago our state (Ohio) raised the age to 25 for transfer of ownership. Outside of drastic and dire situations, for some families it at least can assist in combating any maturity issues at 18 or 21.
by SagaciousTraveler
Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to put the Grade school kids money
Replies: 47
Views: 4175

Re: Where to put the Grade school kids money

We have UTMAs at Fidelity.

Currently the money in the SPAXX (money market) earning just under 4%.

Before money markets started paying anything we would take advantage of Navy Federal Credit Unions 3% CD.

When the kids start working, we will open up a Roth for each and encourage an amount to be contributed with a match from us. (not going over the earned amount).
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you keep in checking?
Replies: 309
Views: 30128

Re: How much do you keep in checking (2022)?

$50.

I move money over if I write a check (rare) or pay my bills via Bill Pay.
by SagaciousTraveler
Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water heater lifespan
Replies: 23
Views: 2246

Re: Water heater lifespan

Tom_T wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:41 pm I have a standard Rheem 50-gallon gas water heater, 11 years old. There's nothing wrong with it from what I can tell, but in the back of my mind, I am wondering it it is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and I like to be proactive with stuff like this. Just wondering what BHers think. Note that it has not been drained or anything like that, so I've been neglectful.
Ours is about the same age and I have had the same thoughts.

Majority of the answers I received on this topic lead towards our water heaters being at closing end of their life. However, to the best of my ability I'm going to keep it and continue to watch for signs around the tank and how its functioning overall.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Nov 30, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extracurricular activities for 5 year old
Replies: 49
Views: 4730

Re: Extracurricular activities for 5 year old

1. Don't feel pressured to do anything.
2. If you feel more social actives are needed, perhaps start with Girl Scouts. Sports wise, start with city held rec leagues.

My own observation. I have young children and most of their friends were met through 'scouts' and 'sports'.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Nov 30, 2022 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Mint Mobile Experience... Terrible!!!!!! What has your experience been?
Replies: 59
Views: 9741

Re: My Mint Mobile Experience... Terrible!!!!!! What has your experience been?

Price was great. However, I struggled with service on our annual trip up to North Western Michigan.

I have thus far found that Verizon and any other services that use Verizon are the only ones with decent service up there.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:36 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?
Replies: 630
Views: 97634

Re: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?

I chose a two word combo to represent Gandolph.

Perhaps in my later years, it can also reflect upon myself.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you use a password manager?
Replies: 361
Views: 34131

Re: Do you use a password manager?

We use MacPass.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missing Property Tax Check Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1208

Re: Missing Property Tax Check Advice

*Update*

After almost 30 days, my check was finally cashed yesterday by the Auditors office. Sure enough it was post marked June 23rd, 2022 and they indicated they'v seen hundreds of ones like this.

Its as a nice learning experience, one that taught patience but at the end of the day, future payments will be done in person.

Thank you to everyone whom responded down below.
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon Jul 18, 2022 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missing Property Tax Check Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1208

Re: Missing Property Tax Check Advice

Paying property tax with a credit card AND a fee is the exception I make concerning credit card use fees. Property tax payments give me discounts if paid by certain dates. My payment fee cost of 2.35% is offset by my 2% rewards credit card. The .35% fee is fine with me because I have immediate feedback that my taxes are paid and I have earned the property tax discount. OP, given the haphazard mail delivery some folks are experiencing, mailing a check for such an important activity seems risky. In the future I would see if the bank you use has a billpay program, and if so see if the property tax billpay check is sent electronically, or USPS. If USPS, the billpay mailed check has as much a chance to be lost or late as your mailed check. If e...
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missing Property Tax Check Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1208

Re: Missing Property Tax Check Advice

Hyperchicken wrote: Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:23 am I have had checks mailed to me being lost or damaged. Once I received a check (the whole envelope, for that matter) torn in halves.

When a letter has been missing in action for almost a month, I think there is very little hope for it to reappear. Thus waiting is pointless.

Maybe pay in person, explain the situation, and ask to waive penalty.
I'll do exactly that. Thanks for the input.
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missing Property Tax Check Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1208

Re: Missing Property Tax Check Advice

jebmke wrote: Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:09 am
jimhend1 wrote: Mon Jul 18, 2022 10:06 am Option 3: Pay it in person in the office. That is what we did and the check showed up the following week. We then had to file a double payment refund request which was resolved a couple of weeks later. For us the office is only 15 minutes away.
That is what I do. Unless I am called for jury duty, it is my one and only trip to the court house every year. Small town though so it is a short trip and I know some of the folks in the finance office.
I appreciate the 3rd option. I plan on doing this (and in the future) and I'll just cancel the first check. Bright-side, I made it 10 years without an issue...
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon Jul 18, 2022 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missing Property Tax Check Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1208

Missing Property Tax Check Advice

Good morning all, Unfortunately my property tax check that I sent June 23rd has not yet been received by our county auditor (not cashed either). Taxes were due July 8th, so I'm officially late. *Why we don't have an online payment option, I have no idea. I have two options I'm looking at: 1. Continue to wait and hope that not only they receive it over the next week but its post marked before July 8th. *I called last week and they told me to wait another week or so... 2. Cancel the check, issue a new one and pay a 10% late penalty which is a few hundred dollars. *Not thrilled about this option. I feel option 2 is giving up even though I did everything I'm supposed to. However, I am aware of individuals stealing mail/checks from USPS, which m...
by SagaciousTraveler
Thu Jul 07, 2022 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Summer Rain Jacket Recommendations
Replies: 45
Views: 4391

Re: Summer Rain Jacket Recommendations

I appreciate the recommendation as I'll be in the market for one soon.

I have the LL Bean Trail Model Jacket and would NOT recommend it. I've had to return it twice as the material lining starts to separate into pieces. The third one they supplied is also doing the same thing. I'm not hard on these jackets and they are stored dry inside the house.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: anyone else tax loss harvesting like crazy?
Replies: 154
Views: 22002

Re: anyone else tax loss harvesting like crazy?

Using the resources available via this site, I was able to successfully tax loss harvest.

Appreciate the site and what others have posted. Made it easy.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 9:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653089

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Whakamole wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 9:34 am
SagaciousTraveler wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 6:01 am Is it too much to ask for Oil and/or Natural Gas come down along with stocks?!? This is what I find most disheartening.

It would be nice for investors/every day people to at least get a reprieve somewhere. Right now we are not only taking it on the chin in our accounts but everywhere else in our normal lives.
Welcome to stagflation.
I don't like it. Be gone.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 9:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653089

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

bigbadbuff wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 8:40 am I have highly infrequent conversations about the market/finance with few people amongst my family/friends, but when it has come up over the years I have been jaw dropped repeatedly at what I have heard over that time. Far and away the most common :shock: is how little people think they need to (or choose to) save for retirement. 5% seems to be the most frequent number I've heard, and this is from people all making north of 100k in pretty low COL areas.

Found out recently a family member has move to all crypto for retirement savings. This person supports a family of 6. I just...
I guess ignorance is bliss. Goodness.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?
Replies: 181
Views: 14317

Re: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?

Depends what you mean by good quality.

Do you need organic, do you need one without seed oils, do you need it without a ton of added sugar?

From a mass producer standpoint, Daves Killer Bread's PowerSeed (thin slice for me) and Ezekiel Bread (sprouted) meet my criteria.

However, as many stated, if you can find an independent baker that uses high quality ingredients, that's your best bet. There are a few near me that produce a nice loaf of bread with around 5 ingredients total.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653089

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Is it too much to ask for Oil and/or Natural Gas come down along with stocks?!? This is what I find most disheartening. It would be nice for investors/every day people to at least get a reprieve somewhere. Right now we are not only taking it on the chin in our accounts but everywhere else in our normal lives. You consider investors and every day people part of the same group? Every day people don't invest and they don't care what the stock market is doing except insomuch as it affects their prospects for gainful employment. Every day people don't invest? Most everyday people have some sort of retirement account, no matter how small, which is investing to me. I can very much say they care if the balance of those accounts go down. Fewer than...
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FYI, Yellowstone is closed because of extreme rain and flooding
Replies: 4
Views: 1002

Re: FYI, Yellowstone is closed because of extreme rain and flooding

I saw a video of a bridge near Tom Miner Basin get completely swept away. No matter how many times I see it, I find myself in awe of the power of water.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 7:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653089

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Is it too much to ask for Oil and/or Natural Gas come down along with stocks?!? This is what I find most disheartening. It would be nice for investors/every day people to at least get a reprieve somewhere. Right now we are not only taking it on the chin in our accounts but everywhere else in our normal lives. You consider investors and every day people part of the same group? Every day people don't invest and they don't care what the stock market is doing except insomuch as it affects their prospects for gainful employment. Every day people don't invest? Most everyday people have some sort of retirement account, no matter how small, which is investing to me. I can very much say they care if the balance of those accounts go down. Sure, when...
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Jun 14, 2022 6:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653089

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Is it too much to ask for Oil and/or Natural Gas come down along with stocks?!? This is what I find most disheartening.

It would be nice for investors/every day people to at least get a reprieve somewhere. Right now we are not only taking it on the chin in our accounts but everywhere else in our normal lives.
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Jun 03, 2022 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Zelle fraud
Replies: 62
Views: 8341

Re: Zelle fraud

..... The institution using Zelle could be the problem. I'm not a fan of them automatically enrolling individuals in this service and if they do, then they need to best support those customers that are defrauded through the service. Which not all are doing. ... I understand Phishing schemes and I do my best to constantly be on alert but one day someone is going to get me with something that I'm not prepared for. When they do, my hope is that institution I'm with helps me resolve the issue. Not trying to be argumentative and am somewhat supportive, but sarcastically I would ask you whether you have "turned-off" capability to send wires from your account because, if the account owner is the risk, wires are a far greater threat to y...
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Jun 03, 2022 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Zelle fraud
Replies: 62
Views: 8341

Re: Zelle fraud

Zelle is not the problem. People are the problem. No different than other financial scams, just another mode to conduct them. Love Zelle, use it all of the time. BUT, I only send to people I know. Not sure I fully agree. The institution using Zelle could be the problem. I'm not a fan of them automatically enrolling individuals in this service and if they do, then they need to best support those customers that are defrauded through the service. Which not all are doing. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/zelle-scams-banks-wont-help I understand Phishing schemes and I do my best to constantly be on alert but one day someone is going to get me with something that I'm not prepared for. When they do, my hope is that institution I'm with helps me res...
by SagaciousTraveler
Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?
Replies: 373
Views: 39641

Re: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?

Setting up my new login seemed to go fine... But then ~5-6 hours later, I received an email stating, "Your Address Change request was received on June 1, 2022. Your confirmation number is..." I did not request an address change. Getting in touch with them about this should be fun. Also, when I look under Savings & Retirement > Contributions > Contribution Balances > Details, the Roth balance listed there is significantly different from the Roth balance listed under Savings & Retirement > Contributions > Nontaxable Balances > Details. Should these be different? If so, why? I got the same but I ignored it. Overall I thought it looks much more modern and works fine. My only quibble is the log out button isn’t easy to find an...
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?
Replies: 373
Views: 39641

Re: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?

Had issues at the step with putting my phone number in. Errored out without giving me any information, when I tried it again it said my number was in use.

I skipped the phone number step (Luckily downstream, it accepted my phone number) and was successful in creating the account. Was pretty shocked they required documentation proving who you are but appreciate that layer. I did have to provide my old TSP account number.

I also tried the PIV log in, no dice. Died multiple times and gave up.

As for the UI, its early so I'll give it more time but early indications are, meh.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue May 31, 2022 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any baseball experts? 6yr old son is interested in playing -- tips on technique? etc?
Replies: 37
Views: 2920

Re: Any baseball experts? 6yr old son is interested in playing -- tips on technique? etc?

Plenty of information provided. My experience/suggestions, as I'm currently going through it with my 5 year old in t-ball: -Hitting and throwing seem to be the easiest thing to for the kiddos to learn. They all seem to be pretty close in skill here. -Catching and attention (lol) is where almost all of the kids struggle. *I'm sure there are better things out there but we started with the kids holding their glove up and us lobbing the ball into it, so they get used to the feeling. We are now transitioning into catching it underhand and trapping it with the other hand. **Attention. Boy, kindergarten teachers get even more respect as keeping all these kiddos focused is a chore (they love kicking up dirt!). We do what we can, definitely making s...
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon May 16, 2022 1:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Replies: 38
Views: 3171

Re: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?

9-5 Suited wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 1:41 pm
jebmke wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 1:38 pm maybe we need a Thunderdome between Fidelity and VG fans.
I've got a 60/40 portfolio (60% VG, 40% FY) ... which team do I fight for???
Too easy. You add excitement.

First 36 seconds you fight for Vanguard. The following 24 you turn face and fight for Fidelity.

This of course assumes you last a minute. Perhaps do this in 10 second intervals instead.
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon May 16, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Replies: 38
Views: 3171

Re: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?

Fidelity isn't doing right by their customers because they are trying to expand their offering of tools and products to different types of customers? Is that what you are saying? Do you blast every firm for allowing the trade of leveraged products? I don't believe in those products, but I'm not going to say Fidelity has eroded my trust in them by offering them to other investors. Fidelity provides me the banking services and products that help me achieve my short mid and long term goals. So no, I'm not going anywhere. Let’s assume you hold their balanced fund, FBALX, in a taxable account, and Fidelity decides to incorporate crypto into it and their other funds. Would you be ok with that? The writing is on the wall, it’s only a matter of ti...
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon May 16, 2022 1:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Replies: 38
Views: 3171

Re: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?

Fidelity isn't doing right by their customers because they are trying to expand their offering of tools and products to different types of customers? Is that what you are saying? Do you blast every firm for allowing the trade of leveraged products? I don't believe in those products, but I'm not going to say Fidelity has eroded my trust in them by offering them to other investors. Fidelity provides me the banking services and products that help me achieve my short mid and long term goals. So no, I'm not going anywhere. Let’s assume you hold their balanced fund, FBALX, in a taxable account, and Fidelity decides to incorporate crypto into it and their other funds. Would you be ok with that? The writing is on the wall, it’s only a matter of ti...
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon May 16, 2022 1:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?
Replies: 38
Views: 3171

Re: Fidelity Taking a Turn for the Worse?

Fidelity isn't doing right by their customers because they are trying to expand their offering of tools and products to different types of customers? Is that what you are saying?

Do you blast every firm for allowing the trade of leveraged products? I don't believe in those products, but I'm not going to say Fidelity has eroded my trust in them by allowing them to be traded by other investors.

Fidelity provides me the banking services and products that help me achieve my short mid and long term goals. So no, I'm not going anywhere.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Apr 26, 2022 6:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has anyone “shorted the market?”
Replies: 38
Views: 5666

Re: Has anyone “shorted the market?”

Ive never shorted a stock.

However, in my 20s I did buy ETFs that did short the market. While I got lucky and made a profit its nothing something I intend to do again. Personally, I just didn't like being short as It felt like I was rooting against companies and to a lesser part the people in those companies. Irrational, probably so but its how I felt.
by SagaciousTraveler
Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Happy Days are almost here again!
Replies: 151
Views: 18918

Re: Happy Days are almost here again!

When I see the market going down my thoughts are with those who can't afford to panic but do. I also think about those that are retired, on shoe string budgets, watching the money they depend on shrink or lose purchasing power. Most importantly if the market is going down, there are issues in the economy that are causing/caused it. The result very well could be job loss, home loss, food insecurity, etc. The stock market is not the economy. The current unemployment rate is amazingly great: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf Even GDP growth is pretty good at +6.9% annual rate for the fourth quarter of 2021: https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product As for "issues in the economy" I think there are some, but wh...
by SagaciousTraveler
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Happy Days are almost here again!
Replies: 151
Views: 18918

Re: Happy Days are almost here again!

The title of this thread as well as the euphoria of the market going down is a bit off putting. If you want to start a thread about a strategy, fine. But labeling the stock market's potentially continued decline as 'Happy Days', lacks perspective and perhaps empathy. When I see the market going down my thoughts are with those who can't afford to panic but do. I also think about those that are retired, on shoe string budgets, watching the money they depend on shrink or lose purchasing power. Most importantly if the market is going down, there are issues in the economy that are causing/caused it. The result very well could be job loss, home loss, food insecurity, etc. I don't believe you directly meant harm in your words but there are a good ...
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP new offering - 5000 mutual funds ! But will new fees make it worthwhile?
Replies: 60
Views: 6920

Re: TSP new offering - 5000 mutual funds ! But will new fees make it worthwhile?

Bogle64Pilot wrote: Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:11 am Fees are much too high. This is the TSP yet again having no clue about industry metrics and proposing a 20 year old solution as if it’s new or special. The second I retire I’m moving 100% of my balance to Fidelity.
I will probably be doing the same. I'll stick to the basics of TSP while I'm contributing and building but how it operates today it would not fit my needs in retirement.
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone use Fidelity as their bank account?
Replies: 68
Views: 28990

Re: Anyone use Fidelity as their bank account?

We knew going in they would try to sell us on their services and of course attempted. What was a bit annoying is it took 8 days to clear and they called a few additional times. The mobile limit seems like a way to have their advisors lock on to bigger deposits.. Not my experience. I've been into my local B&M Fidelity office maybe 5 times in the last 10 years. All times to complete something I couldn't do from the mobile app (large 401k roll over, large check deposit, get something notarized, etc). I've never been contacted by Fidelity afterwards, other than to check if I was satisfied with the level of support I got from them at the local office. My most recent trip (last week), to deposit a large check to the Trust account for my moth...
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone use Fidelity as their bank account?
Replies: 68
Views: 28990

Re: Anyone use Fidelity as their bank account?

I see where this topic has been "dead" for a long time. But I'm so frustrated I had to vent somewhere. Here's what I can tell you. My last six mobile deposits have taken between 8 and 10 BUSINESS DAYS before the funds are available to withdraw or transfer!!! [The funds are available sooner only if you're going to buy something.] Personally, I'm upset. It seems, as a Fidelity customer for over 50 years, abusing the float is just another "nickel-dime" strategy to make up for their "mostly commission free" trading. So, if you're going to cash your paycheck this way and expect to get grocery store shopping money from an ATM the next week, you better stick with a brick-and-mortar or you'll starve. Were the amounts ...
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP new offering - 5000 mutual funds ! But will new fees make it worthwhile?
Replies: 60
Views: 6920

Re: TSP new offering - 5000 mutual funds ! But will new fees make it worthwhile?

I saw the announcement but didn't find these new funds on their site. Do you have a link?
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Aviation Bonus & Portfolio Review
Replies: 33
Views: 4683

Re: Managing a Windfall

https://militarymoneymanual.com/air-force-pilot-bonus/

Also check the DOD FMR on paying back bonuses when you fail to meet your contract. From the Navy perspective I've seen bonuses having to be repaid for programs when either you fail to fulfill your contract or fail out of the program. It's sad to see some of these kids leaving service having to repay $10,000+ via an out of service debt.
by SagaciousTraveler
Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money and Moral Dilemma
Replies: 45
Views: 5551

Re: Money and Moral Dilemma

I would talk with your friend and explain the situation. You may find them supportive, thus you can eliminate their feelings from your decision.

You listed pay and benefits in your post but said the most important thing was to work from home. Your current job just offered you this.

Just incase, I would reassess and make sure they aren't factors in your decision. Pros/cons lists always work for me
by SagaciousTraveler
Sun Apr 03, 2022 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066845

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Ron's gone wrong: Watched it with the kids on Disney+. Absolutely hilarious.

Death on the Nile: Wife and I enjoyed it. Its streaming on HBO Max.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Mar 22, 2022 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066845

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Turning Red: Kids loved it, good enough for me.

Free Guy: Funny at times if you like that Ryan Reynolds humor. I was shocked that Taika Waititi was just an actor and not a producer. On that subject if you haven't seen Jojo Rabbit, please do.
by SagaciousTraveler
Wed Feb 23, 2022 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690169

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Space Force. Hilarious. Just finished Season one.

Seinfeld. Just started Season four. Really holds up as most good shows do.
by SagaciousTraveler
Mon Feb 07, 2022 5:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Shorting the S&P for a week: please tell me if there is anything irrational in my reasoning
Replies: 98
Views: 11695

Re: Shorting the S&P for a week: please tell me if there is anything irrational in my reasoning

You may be right. The market Is ugly right now. If you feel strongly and won't be deterred, are you interested in the following, Instead of using your entire S&P 500 ETF proceeds?: -Sell a percentage you feel comfortable with and buy puts. That way if you are wrong, you aren't wrong big and with your entire portfolio. -Its not the same as shorting but if you want to earn some income in a down market, can you sell calls against your current ETF holding? I can't begin to tell you how far out or what strike price but if you are rights you earn some income while the market goes down and if you are wrong, you still get the income and sell your ETFs at a higher price. Just my thoughts. Hi, I do not know how to buy puts or selling calls; does...
by SagaciousTraveler
Sat Feb 05, 2022 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Equifax Data Breach Settlement
Replies: 130
Views: 15050

Re: Equifax Data Breach Settlement

squirm wrote: Sat Feb 05, 2022 9:52 am The free credit monitor thingy is worthless, IMO.

Consider all your sensitive info is already out there floating around. Just lock your credit accounts. Use secure passwords and things like that on your email accounts too.
This.

Credit monitoring is after the fact. It's a worthless gesture for their incompetence

Credit Freezing prevents anything from happening. Zero hassle in thawing for a specified timeframe should you need to access your credit.
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Feb 01, 2022 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]
Replies: 393
Views: 43403

Re: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]

The New York Times Company announced in a press release that it had bought the online word game, which has exploded in popularity in recent months, for a price in the "low seven figures." It also said that the game's format will remain unchanged and that it will "initially remain free to new and existing players." On the one hand, a bummer, since they will almost certainly ruin what was great about Wordle. The shared experience of everyone, everywhere, playing the same puzzle each day is part of the fun. If--or let's face it, when--the audience inevitably narrows to just NYTimes puzzle subscribers, so much for that. (I do happen to already be a subscriber, but still...) On the other hand, there are plenty of knock-offs ...
by SagaciousTraveler
Tue Feb 01, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]
Replies: 393
Views: 43403

Re: Wordle [Anyone playing Wordle?]

The New York Times Company announced in a press release that it had bought the online word game, which has exploded in popularity in recent months, for a price in the "low seven figures." It also said that the game's format will remain unchanged and that it will "initially remain free to new and existing players."