Search found 2964 matches

by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?
Replies: 124
Views: 11574

Re: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?

TheTimeLord wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:52 pm So would you like to hike Machu Picchu or the Milford Trek?

Or is not exclusive or. You can do one with your friends and enjoy it for companionship. You can do the other alone, (or with your family, with other friends) and enjoy the far away lands. I don't see the dichotomy. Having some great stories to tell would increase the value of your local hikes.
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?
Replies: 124
Views: 11574

Re: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?

If this is the case then meaningful financial success might be harmful. I know a lot of people here disagree but I think for multiple reasons increased financial success slowly becomes isolating for many. This is so glaringly true, in terms of one’s social life! For those of us who are stringently frugal and somewhat financially successful, the result is isolation. We don’t normally associate with people in comparable financial position. If we do level with our coworkers or friends, they’re going to shun us, as nasty rich people who are untethered from the common man. Whenever the stock market falls, I feel rotten, and would love to confide in my acquaintances, to commiserate and to seek solace as a group. Sadly, this isn’t possible. They ...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?
Replies: 124
Views: 11574

Re: Are we/me investing in the wrong things?

If this is the case then meaningful financial success might be harmful. I know a lot of people here disagree but I think for multiple reasons increased financial success slowly becomes isolating for many. In my mind financial success can only help relationships. More money less stress, and at the end more time, more capability to help. Of course this assumes a job with reasonable hours, or retirement. For example my friends are spread all over the world. In US from California to NY and from Texas to Indiana and PNW. Outside US from Australia to France and from UK to Eastern Europe. These are people I know for decades, I grew up with many of them. Some friendships are from high school when people make the strongest friendships. Without trav...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 7:22 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Is European real estate market collapsing?
Replies: 19
Views: 3492

Re: Is European real estate market collapsing?

THY4373 wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 5:05 pm Anecdotally I just got back from Europe and I didn't see much in Spain or Portugal that would lead me to believe real estate was melting down. There was lots of talk in Portugal about how expensive housing had gotten

Due to digital commuters from California and US at large.
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 7:21 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Is European real estate market collapsing?
Replies: 19
Views: 3492

Re: Is European real estate market collapsing?

livesoft wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 4:33 pm Literally: Buildings in Turkey have collapsed.
Different continent, mostly. But thanks for strengthening the stereotype :D

OP: Commercial real estate is imploding in US. Housing market is still holding up because in US has fixed rate 30y mortgages. Anything with floating interest rates or refinancing will be hit very hard. The combination of WFH and sudden jump in interest rates hit commercial real estate - especially office buildings - very hard.
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6488

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

This one is a lot harder to define. What is a safe distance? A completely safe distance would be the distance that allows you to stop if the car in front comes at a full stop immediately (runs into a stopped car). It's completely impractical to follow such a rule. For the rest of the situations it depends a lot on the driver attention and reflexes, tires, and the difference in braking distance between vehicles. This means that is very difficult to judge what is a safe distance for somebody else. Your response is archetypal of the exact sort of reasoning I was referencing in my original post, so I appreciate you making it to illustrate the type of person I was referring to. Well, I have about a million miles driven mostly in US but also on ...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6488

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

Most people would benefit a lot more by just adopting good basic driving behavior (pay attention, check your blind spot, signal, drive in the right lane except when passing, pay attention, pay attention etc) and maintaining their car (tires and brakes mainly). Also, following at a safe distance! I have to estimate fewer than 20% of drivers follow at a safe distance. This is one that otherwise good drivers seem to think they can ignore. This one is a lot harder to define. What is a safe distance? A completely safe distance would be the distance that allows you to stop if the car in front comes at a full stop immediately (runs into a stopped car). It's completely impractical to follow such a rule. For the rest of the situations it depends a ...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6488

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

tunafish wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:39 am I don't understand this fixation with new car safety features. I've driven for about sixty years and never been in a accident that had injuries. All three of the cars I've owned have been mine for years and years. The only new safety feature I like is a backup camera.
Most people would benefit a lot more by just adopting good basic driving behavior (pay attention, check your blind spot, signal, drive in the right lane except when passing, pay attention, pay attention etc) and maintaining their car (tires and brakes mainly).
Cemeteries are not full with dead kids whose parents did not have a Tesla. Only few years ago Tesla was not even an option.
by Starfish
Fri Mar 24, 2023 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6488

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

dknightd wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:49 am The rear backup camera is NOT a safety feature. It helps to avoid a fender bender.
Or running over a kid.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Tesla order?
Replies: 60
Views: 6488

Re: Cancel Tesla order?

we don't have any information on how affordable the car is for you either with or without a layoff Without a layoff it's easy. Cash is ~$155k. Taxable stock is ~$107k Retirement is ~$443k Mortgage is $245k @ 3.125% when do you need to decide? Tesla says April-June so I'm not sure but not this second. the safest thing you can do isn't one car versus another it would be to drive less, period. True but sometimes I have to. Soccer, school, store, family, birthdays, etc. I'm not going to have no car. A brand new $55,000+ car is “easy” for someone with a dependents/family, a working car, a company actively going through rounds of layoffs, and NW excluding home equity less than twice their outstanding debts? Or do you mean it’s easy to calculate ...
by Starfish
Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer
Replies: 84
Views: 7416

Re: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer

It looks like I may need to increase my budget to get a decent grill. How much do I need to spend to get the "Toyota Camry" equivalent of a grill, i.e. something that does its job well but not fancy. I have a 50$ propane grill, now 200$. We have often 10 guests or more and I have no problem with it. https://www.bbqguys.com/cuisinart/chefs-style-portable-tabletop-grill-cgg-306?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=1558352392&utm_content=374177083379&utm_term=2938793&species=shopping-ad&campaignid=1558352392&adgroupid=76625889516&creative=374177083379&targetid=pla-1480037170316&network=g&device=c&adtype=pla&productchannel=online&productid=2938793&productpartitioni...
by Starfish
Wed Mar 22, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7274

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

EnjoyIt wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 8:41 am Just curious, have you done any trips without the kids? If not, try it. I highly recommend it every so often.
Of course, lots of them but almost never together with my wife. We go separately for work or other reasons.
When we travel to cities, mostly in Europe, I also take long walks at late at night. I love exploring cities at night, they are very different than in the day time.
My point is that I do not see any reason to have panic attacks from traveling with kids. Although is not necessary the best solution for everybody, it's actually pretty easy and it CAN be very very pleasant. At least in hindsight :D
by Starfish
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7274

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

We travel with our kids for appropriate things that are fun for everyone. The only traveling we do with our kids is to family or friends otherwise we do it with grandparents so that we can all enjoy ourselves a little. We travelled with our kid all over the world. Before 6 he went in Germany (twice), Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, Eastern Europe, France (twice), Mexico (twice), Costa Rica, Panama, Hawaii (multiple). We had a a great time and we made great memories. We did a lot of walking and sightseeing (he could walk 12 miles with 4000ft climb in a muddy jungle at 5). I am very happy we used that time and did not wait for him to grow up and for us to get old. Help from grand parents was not available, so we did everything by ourselves, but ...
by Starfish
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing colleges
Replies: 146
Views: 10158

Re: Choosing colleges

One thing to know about Stony Brook: New York State had for many years an egalitarian education system. New York had 64 campuses, many of them community colleges, how on similar funding models. The goal was to have affordable education within range of all citizens. Last year they designated two campuses as flagships. Stony Brook was one of them. This means greater resources and attention to Stony Brook students. https://news.stonybrook.edu/university/governor-hochul-names-stony-brook-a-flagship-university-in-state-of-the-state-address/ It has to be said that that looks good, and a SB student might benefit from improving prestige of the university. Also perhaps get in on the ground floor at the AI lab etc. It's just a commuter school. I rea...
by Starfish
Mon Mar 20, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing colleges
Replies: 146
Views: 10158

Re: Choosing colleges

Weather is important for old people, not for students. Of course weather is important to some students. I personally would never have gone to college way, way up north (barring a unique opportunity) cause I wouldn’t have wanted to freeze all winter. If you don’t think weather is important to 20 year olds just ask yourself where they go on Spring Break… I personally enjoy the desert in the cooler months. And if you want outdoor opportunities Oct-Apr there is going to be a ton more than somewhere cold and snowy way up north. I like green too much to permanently live in the desert, but for the four winters of college? Absolutely Spring break has value exactly because is in spring: contrast with winter. It's why going on vacation in Hawaii is ...
by Starfish
Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing colleges
Replies: 146
Views: 10158

Re: Choosing colleges

My son gets admissions from U. Minnesota (Twin Cities), SUNY Stony Brook and Arizona State, all in Computer Science. Cost aside, which one is the best to attend? Has your son every been through a Minnesota winter? Going from memory (30 years ago) one of the features that the University of Minnesota brochures advertised was their extensive tunnel system so that one could avoid the weather during winter. SUNY looks to have easy access to New York City (and thus to Manhattan). For some folks this won't matter. For others this is a huge plus. ASU is, well, warmer than either of the first two. Which one fits your child best? I feel cold is better tolerated than hot weather. Except it won’t really be hot during the school year. It’ll be lovely a...
by Starfish
Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7274

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

ResearchMed wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 1:33 pm We were completely beyond belief when we were at a top hotel in the Lake Como, Italy, area, and we saw some signs to hang on the doorknob. You know, like "Privacy Please". "Please Make Up Room", etc. The English wording may have been slightly different.
It used to be normal to leave a baby alone for couple of hours while sleeping and it is still no big deal in most of the world.
On the other hand they would be in disbelief at American custom of leaving the baby in a different room, sometimes far away on a different floor of a large house, for an entire night.
by Starfish
Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7274

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

MathWizard wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 6:20 pm
Kids under 5 won't remember a thing.
And even later if they do, they don't care. No kid likes "fine dining".
You don't travels for kids, you travel for yourself.
by Starfish
Mon Mar 20, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7274

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

In the first 2-3 years of my kid's life we traveled to Europe 3 times (Dublin, Germany, Paris, Eastern Europe), twice to Mexico, once to Hawaii. Plus local trips (skiing, hiking etc).
By far the easiest is all inclusive in Mexico. They do have some child care services but we did not use them. If you can include grandparents it's even better.
Jetlag is tough with kids. You can have them running on the streets at midnight until they get tired (did that), but if they wake up at 6am and parents went to sleep at 4am (did that too, days in a row) it kinda diminishes your vacation rest.
Regardless of where you go, if you go with friends with kids of the same age, don't get too drunk. There is a tendency among the tired parents to overdo it.
by Starfish
Fri Mar 17, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your best tips for more comfortable and happy travel?
Replies: 107
Views: 10979

Re: What are your best tips for more comfortable and happy travel?

My best tip is no kids. Traveling by plane without kids is great. I don't need any of the fancy gadgets described here. A book/kindle is everything I need. Decent closed headphones and airplane wine is already a luxury that keeps me ecstatic.
Then the large airports are great! Lights, stores, things to look at, coffee, food, people. I mean the European and Asian ones, not the American airports.
With kids on long 1(12-20h) red eye flights is hard.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Douglas Tires by Walmart any good?
Replies: 47
Views: 5620

Re: Are Douglas Tires by Walmart any good?

teelainen wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 11:52 am Are Douglas Tires by Walmart any good?

They are $99 per tire, and the same size tire would cost me $175 with a name brand tired.

How has your experience been with Douglas tires?
Even the smallest fender bender is going to destroy decades of savings.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Douglas Tires by Walmart any good?
Replies: 47
Views: 5620

Re: Are Douglas Tires by Walmart any good?

ekid wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:32 pm Three names: Continental, Michelin, Bridgestone

Accept no substitutes.
And toyota camry!
Goodyear, Pirelli (!), Vredestein, Nokian,...
by Starfish
Tue Mar 14, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10691

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

A lot of people overlook the base/foundation. It's just as important. Because if they sag, then it doesn't matter which mattress you use, it's uncomfortable. Most boxes are built cheaply and sag in no time. We went with a solid MDF platform supported by 5 slats and two 4x4 " posts per slat; overkill I know: I was trying to take a lot of pressure off the rails of the sleigh bed frame to make it last forever as well. Our base has exactly 0% chance of sagging for the rest of our lives. (Again we used various layers of foam purchased at the thefoamfactory.com.. the perforated latex rubber topper over the most expensive firm HD foam is quite comfy.) By base you mean those tall beds found in hotels? I found them very uncomfortable and I hop...
by Starfish
Mon Mar 13, 2023 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $3000 mattress worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 10691

Re: $3000 mattress worth it?

When we ciough the last mattress you went in Macy's and blind tested a bunch of mattresses. The one we both liked the best was the cheapest one, 800$ Beautyrest on sale. It's in good shape, more than 10 y later.
I personably cannot stand memory foam and any soft mattress. My grad and grand grad parents slept on some very rudimentary bedding with no back issues until 80-90y old.

PS: I had a not so young Japanese apartment mate back in grad school and he was sleeping on a tatami. That's hard!
by Starfish
Mon Mar 13, 2023 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?
Replies: 62
Views: 7529

Re: Audi Q5 - Any experiences?

I don't know much about Q5 but do your onw research and don't listen the reliability stories. VAG (Audi/VW) and Toyota are the largest auto companies in the world. You cannot get there if you make bad cars.
My last 2 cars have been VWs. Both over 100k miles now, both without issues. Maintenance was a little more expensive than my old Honda Civic, but my Civic died at about 160k miles.
The only problem I see is that I cannot buy a Japanese car anymore. There is a large difference in perceived quality.
by Starfish
Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spain recommendations
Replies: 39
Views: 4143

Re: Spain recommendations

Goblue97 wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 10:16 pm Thanks again folks for all the recommendations. Our focus is on visiting old world culture and food while trying to focus on medium/small town charm.
It's a big mistake IMO. World world is urban. From my experience small towns are mostly Disney-like tourist invaded places with not much "real" population not related to tourist industry.
by Starfish
Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy a car when there are none
Replies: 42
Views: 6359

Re: How to buy a car when there are none

Obviously if you keep it for 3 months you pay several hundreds more for the car (>1%).
by Starfish
Fri Mar 03, 2023 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5122

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

2016 VW Sportwagen SE, CPO, 16,000 miles, $19K. This is better than what I saw in the past, at least 20% less than new price (I have a 2016 VW GTi bought with 21k, the Sportwagen SE is probably 2000$ more). It's still not a great deal as 10% of car's life (the best 10%) is gone and there is always a risk with used cars. But I think this is because VWs depreciate faster. For Toyota's and Lexus it will be different. Regarding new BMW 230i - they are not to be found and base price is $38K. In normal times. way too much risk for my taste (230 has certain type of driver, especially a low miles one) for only 10% less. I guess the whole point is to get rid of it before warranty expires, and nowadays you could even make money on it! Great data, th...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5122

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

Agent 99 wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:47 am I bought CPO for the added warranty, assurance that used car was in good shape that manufacturer would be willing to add to warranty, etc. It had nothing to do with my credit worthiness. I paid cash for both CPOs. In this market the CPO was more affordable than a new car and available when I needed it.

Pleas explain the negative opinions of CPO.
What was the discount comparing to the best price you can obtain for the same car, new? And how old/ what mileage were the cars?
by Starfish
Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5122

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

Why buy an SUV instead of Audi A4 or A6 allroad or Volvo V60 crosscountry? Audi wagons are pretty hard to come by in these parts, and when you do find one they are very expensive. A lot more than I’d like to pay. I did try the newer V60, and it just felt way too small. The newer Volvo wagons have an extreme slope to the back roof (presumably to look sleeker) which is at the expense of cargo space. Just seemed like a waste. You are considering a sedan which is a lot more sloped in the back :). I assume V60 should be bigger than 330. With the caveat that I was never in any of the cars I mentioned, I really do not understand the fascination with SUVs. Everything about them is worse, price, aerodynamics, weight, center of gravity, maneuverabil...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5122

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

Why buy an SUV instead of Audi A4 or A6 allroad or Volvo V60 crosscountry? Audi wagons are pretty hard to come by in these parts, and when you do find one they are very expensive. A lot more than I’d like to pay. I did try the newer V60, and it just felt way too small. The newer Volvo wagons have an extreme slope to the back roof (presumably to look sleeker) which is at the expense of cargo space. Just seemed like a waste. You are considering a sedan which is a lot more sloped in the back :). I assume V60 should be bigger than 330. With the caveat that I was never in any of the cars I mentioned, I really do not understand the fascination with SUVs. Everything about them is worse, price, aerodynamics, weight, center of gravity, maneuverabil...
by Starfish
Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

TravelGeek wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:04 am
Starfish wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:39 pm
In certain situations 2h waits are common regardless of brand. I waited 2h at Hertz, Enterprise and others.
What are the certain situations? No cars available, or a long line at the counter with not enough agents?
Yes :D
I hit last 2 pretty often (almost always, actually) for big brands in touristic places or big airports (Hawaii, Salt Lake City, LA).
I did not try the loyalty programs, good suggestion. Especially because I use Budget a lot more that the other companies.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.
Replies: 67
Views: 5122

Re: Buying a CPO Luxury Car; questions and advice.

Why buy an SUV instead of Audi A4 or A6 allroad or Volvo V60 crosscountry?
by Starfish
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How do you determine if you are a Millionaire?]
Replies: 124
Views: 10405

Re: [How do you determine if you are a Millionaire?]

H-Town wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:29 pm I didn't feel like a millionaire when we crossed $1 million of investable assets.
I still don't feel like a millionaire now that we crossed $4 million.
Worse for me: I was convinced we have nothing until a friend of mine convinced me to calculate my net worth. I was already a millionaire at that point (including equity) but did not feel anything.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How do you determine if you are a Millionaire?]
Replies: 124
Views: 10405

Re: [How do you determine if you are a Millionaire?]

I become a millionaire pretty quick in life. I lived in a country with hyperinflation. The currency gained 5 zeros during highschool. One million was 300$ or so.
What is millionaire today is very different than 50 years ago.
Anyway, I don't bother myself with these questions. It is what it is.
srt7 wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 5:36 pm Nope. Not in the context of the OP's question which was - how does one calculate their net worth and determine if they're a millionaire (assuming $1 MM USD)? It's a simple arithmetic question. Not about how much purchasing power etc. etc.
Millionaire does not mean that I have a a million. Millionaire means rich, wealthy. If the dollar becomes worthless the word will not be used anymore, as I witnessed already.
by Starfish
Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

Check out Turo which is basically Airbnb for cars. People rent out their own vehicles. L I know Turo, but to me it sounds like a terrible idea. We used Turo on a trip last year and it worked flawlessly. And we saved a good bit of money. and got a really nice car We paid a few dollars extra and the owner dropped the car off (and we returned it) in an airport lot. I would definitely do it again. We've used Sixt with no issues and as others have said, they are not an off-brand. The one I've heard horror stories (missing reservations, 2-hour waits for a car) about is Fox. In certain situations 2h waits are common regardless of brand. I waited 2h at Hertz, Enterprise and others. I am not sure about the logic of "I used Turo once and it wor...
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

hunoraut wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:06 pm
Starfish wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:47 pm
Do you carry your furniture and speakers weekly around the house and on the stairs?

No, it's merely MY reality based on arguments and very recent experience. I see many reasons to buy an expensive, long lasting fridge but not a vacuum cleaner.
You must've skipped the post where *I* (twice), and other people, espouse using a stick cleaner for everyday use and a canister as the best tool for heavier jobs.

Another vote just came in for Miele. You can continue to choose to see what you want to see. I'm sure OP sees very well the consensus answer to his question by now.
So your workaround is buy another 400$ plastic vacuum because you cannot carry the regular 1000$ Miele around? :D
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

JP711 wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:38 pm Check out Turo which is basically Airbnb for cars. People rent out their own vehicles. L
I know Turo, but to me it sounds like a terrible idea.
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

How are Ace and Sixt off brand? Sixt is one of most well know rental car brands, I've been using them for almost 2 decades. Actually it's probably my favorite one.
I don't know anything about ACe but I see their logo often enough to assume it's a large(ish) brand.
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

hunoraut wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:34 pm Like audio speakers, furniture, hardware tools, things we intuit heft with quality because theyre obvious....
Do you carry your furniture and speakers weekly around the house and on the stairs?
unless your objective is merely contrarianism
No, it's merely MY reality based on arguments and very recent experience. I see many reasons to buy an expensive, long lasting fridge but not a vacuum cleaner.
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
Replies: 248
Views: 22118

Re: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.

theac wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 8:16 am friend. I was just going to get a regular coffee to keep him company, but when he ordered TWO expressos (I think that's what they're called, tiny cup, extremely strong?)
Espresso, no x.
One espresso does not have much caffeine, so they are strong only in taste. Two are maybe ok, still not really strong, as much as a small coffee. I drank about a decade a large coffee a day which is about 5-6 espressos in terms of caffeine content.
The good ones are actually not bitter at all and have very complex flavors. Unfortunately Starbucks is not the place were you should try them.
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

hunoraut wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:22 pm The miele canister are generally heavier than the others.
That's makes it clearly an inferior product.
Notice how heavy duty, commercial grade products are ancient designs that arent packed with gizmos but look like they can survive getting run over by a truck? Less complex , more reliable... but heavier.
Irrelevant. Most people don't run over their vacuums with a truck, but everybody likes a light vacuum, a light bicycle, a light car, a light tent etc.
Plastic lasts about the same for all practical purposes, and if it doesn't - who cares, it's 200$ not 2000.
So you give up 2 extremely clear advantages (price and weight) for a very questionable one (last more if run over by a truck). It seems to me like an inferior product.
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

hunoraut wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:22 pm What that means in practice is a $400 one today will be superior to a $200 today, and remain better to a $200 one of tomorrow.

First sentence is questionable at best, depending on how you define better (sucks more? more complex? more reliable? lighter?).
The second sentence is pure speculation. If I can see the difference between vacuums with the same price (adjusted to inflation) what makes you believe that the trend will not continue?
Anyway is laughable discussion. 200$ on 10y is way to little money and I bet I spent more than 200$ of time writing these posts :D .
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

retireIn2020 wrote: Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:33 pm The best vacuum is no vacuum! I went all hardwood and LVP, simple as that!

If you need a vacuum, you're doing it wrong!
I vacuum my hard wood floors too.
I cannot imagine living in the house with bare floors. Its just bad for al kind of reasons thermal ,sound, aesthetics, health (arthrosis) etc
by Starfish
Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

I have never bought a Toyota, and I don't intend to, but the comparison is exaggerated. Cars are complex and expensive, vacuum cleaners are cheap and mostly reliable and easy to change . I would much rather buy 2X 200$ vacuum cleaners that 1 x 400$ one. A new vacuum is better than an old one, because I just changed one and I know. Or at least because it looks better. That equation works if the useful service of the product - its utility and functionality - were perfectly fungible. But a $200 vacuum is tangibly worse than a $400 one both the beginning of their life, and then again with a new one against the other at half of its life. Not all things in life work that way in the price vs marginal value scale. Some do. I know because ive handl...
by Starfish
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12889

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

There is absolutely no reason to get the "best" vacuum cleaner. A 200$ Sharks works very well, and holds up for 10 years when is about time to replace any vacuum cleaner. I assume nobody wants an antique vacuum cleaner around the house, so why should it last more than that? The assumption is Toyotas last practically forever... say 1 million miles. People don't buy Toyotas because they intend to drive it 1 million miles. They buy them because that fact suggests their 50k, 100k, 200k of ownership will be troublefree. What great future technological advances are we expecting from a manually-operated vacuum machine? My household appliances are ancient (10yr+) but I dont see why I wouldnt want them... I have never bought a Toyota, and...
by Starfish
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
Replies: 248
Views: 22118

Re: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.

I think it’s very interesting. It’s a caffeine fix either way, lighter and probably healthier. Good tip in a pinch! Thank you. To paraphrase a millionaire in The Millionaire Next Door: “I drink two kinds of coffee - free and complimentary!” Yeah, I have another idea: why drink expensive wine, beers, cognac, scotch etc when can but a large bottle of food grade alcohol for peanuts. It's just an alcohol fix. Stinginess should not be encouraged when it gets to pathological levels. It's hard to believe that somebody can write a book about their symptoms, make money and intelligent people read it. I agree overdoing anything is bad. And since our most valuable asset tends to be time, it’s good not to squander bigger opportunities focusing on minu...
by Starfish
Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.
Replies: 248
Views: 22118

Re: Frugal Tip: Black Tea vs Coffee -- we save around $600 per year this way.

AnnetteLouisan wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 1:49 pm I think it’s very interesting. It’s a caffeine fix either way, lighter and probably healthier. Good tip in a pinch! Thank you.

To paraphrase a millionaire in The Millionaire Next Door:

“I drink two kinds of coffee - free and complimentary!”
Yeah, I have another idea: why drink expensive wine, beers, cognac, scotch etc when can but a large bottle of food grade alcohol for peanuts. It's just an alcohol fix.
Stinginess should not be encouraged when it gets to pathological levels. It's hard to believe that somebody can write a book about their symptoms, make money and intelligent people read it.
by Starfish
Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SIXT auto rental bait and switch
Replies: 15
Views: 2027

Re: SIXT auto rental bait and switch

JoMoney wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:27 pm I've frequently had rental car companies tell me the car/type I booked isn't available, then try to up sell me on some larger option, I've just stuck to my reservation and explained I booked the type I wanted ... usually they either "find" a car or give me whatever they have at the same price (usually a mid-size versus the economy car I booked ... while I have had car companies try to up-sell to a luxury car, never felt forced into it nor provided without an upcharge...)
I never had this from any company. All companies I dealt with just give me whatever they have, always a superior class, at the same price. The only thing they tried to upsell is the insurance and the tank of gas.
by Starfish
Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SIXT auto rental bait and switch
Replies: 15
Views: 2027

Re: SIXT auto rental bait and switch

Sixt is one if my favorite rental cars companies outside US, I rented from maybe 10 time with no issues.