Search found 642 matches

by praxis
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you can't access your money?
Replies: 45
Views: 4354

Re: What if you can't access your money?

We live part of the year on the Gulf Coast and are used to being prepared for hurricanes. The rest of the year we live high in the mountains where power outages from wind or heavy snow are common. We use most of the tricks mentioned in this thread for those times. Sometimes, after a hurricane, we have been out of water and power for over two weeks. We fill our bathtubs and catch rainwater and use candles and generators for those times. We help our neighbors and make do with what's in our pantry. Ice is a valuable commodity then. Just today, several media sites like Facebook and Instagram had outages due to "technical issues". I imagine there are more customer visits on those sites than most banks or brokerages. They're tech leader...
by praxis
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
Replies: 90
Views: 8407

Re: Giving (unequal) money to adult children

My parents gave us equal gifts for each of 15 years, up to the maximum IRS tax free gift amount.
But in addition, they gave more help sometimes to the children that they felt needed it. Their call.

My wife and I have gifted equally to our children (also to the max allowed).
We have given extra help with down payments, loan payments, house repairs sometimes when we chose to.

My dad counseled me with "Fair" is not always "Equal".
by praxis
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you can't access your money?
Replies: 45
Views: 4354

What if you can't access your money?

Consider a black swan event that either wipes out a lot of your savings or blocks your access to it. Think: a world-wide internet outage, a bank or brokerage crash or a war or inflation trigger that spreads across the economy. You want to prepare for this now so what could you choose to do?

I thought of cashing out a large CD at our bank, like we did for our down payment. Now I have cashier's check for $200,000. Do I cash that into paper money, buy gold or silver coins? Then where do I put it? I understand it will erode with inflation, but at least it's spendable. Where do I hide it?

The proverbial mattress gets a lot of laughs, but what would you do? Of course this is unlikely, but that's what a black swan is.
by praxis
Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portugal trip
Replies: 19
Views: 1480

Re: Portugal trip

Had no problem using Uber in Portugal. No problems with the rental car either. I do not remember if they required a deposit, but it was returned in full if they did. As far as I recall, the toll transponder is required to be included with the rental car in Portugal. So it is very much hassle free. You must have a transponder as there is no way to pay without it. We had the same experiences. I'll add that the highways were great and the transponder was effortless. We looked up Rick Steve's recommended 2 week itinerary and followed it including most of the hotel recommendations. Portugal was a wonderful trip. Most of our travel was in our rental car. Uber was fine for before and after we had the rent car. We began and ended in Lisbon. We inc...
by praxis
Mon Feb 12, 2024 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 174
Views: 16184

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

We love pizza but we eat low-carb. We've tried all low carb pizzas we could find, including home made from almond flour. We settled on the Caulipower Thin Crust White Pizza. About $7 in most grocery stores. The crust is made of cauliflower and rice flour. We use our pizza stone at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Then top the pizza with our favorite: lightly sauteed chopped mushrooms and mini-peppers, then cut it into quarters and bake it another 8 minutes until toasted and crunchy on the edges. This variety has plenty of cheese blend and lots of spinach out of the box. We eat this once a week. If we have any cooked ground beef, smoked ham or salami around, we might top with some of that. Or olives or artichoke hearts. Just understand that, whi...
by praxis
Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 174
Views: 16184

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

We love pizza but we eat low-carb. We've tried all low carb pizzas we could find, including home made from almond flour. We settled on the Caulipower Thin Crust White Pizza. About $7 in most grocery stores. The crust is made of cauliflower and rice flour. We use our pizza stone at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Then top the pizza with our favorite: lightly sauteed chopped mushrooms and mini-peppers, then cut it into quarters and bake it another 8 minutes until toasted and crunchy on the edges. This variety has plenty of cheese blend and lots of spinach out of the box. We eat this once a week. If we have any cooked ground beef, smoked ham or salami around, we might top with some of that. Or olives or artichoke hearts.
by praxis
Sat Feb 10, 2024 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 4006

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

After college, I enlisted in the Peace Corps. Great experience in Guatemala. I learned Spanish and trained in agriculture, mostly with sheep. As of this year, there are PC volunteers in 47 countries. No upper age limit. While my sons were in Scouts, I was an Asst. Boy Scout Troop Leader. They both attained their Eagle rank. I still believe Scouts teaches good skills. I have been a non-medical hospice volunteer for over 20 years spending time in the homes of patients and their families. I originally took the training to get more familiar with the inevitable and it has helped me deal with personal loss in my family. I've been our state's coordinator for Reel Recovery for 10 years. This organization hosts 3 day retreats for men dealing with ca...
by praxis
Tue Dec 26, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hair cracks on ceiling
Replies: 24
Views: 2954

Re: Hair cracks on ceiling

Last month we had our painter mud and sand and paint the tiny cracks we had appearing along the old taped seams. Didn't need to re-tape in our case. Looks great now. Did it last year on our bedroom ceiling. No re-taping there either. Worked for us. It looked like tape and mud and paint had dried and shrunk a bit and were showing the seams.
by praxis
Wed Nov 29, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vent over an oven range
Replies: 56
Views: 6252

Re: Vent over an oven range

We went up through the kitchen ceiling and ran flexible ducting to the nearest eave and vented it out the soffit. We had an old Jenn Air stove that had been vented straight out behind the stove through the wall. We wanted a gas range and we could only find those glass top electric stoves that used a downdraft vent like that. So we bit the bullet and bought the dual fuel stove we liked and a matching strong, quiet hood vent which required some handy work. We used the same guy that routed our gas line down between the joists to the back of the stove from the attic. We are very happy with the effective venting and the nice light in the hood. It took some planning, but compared to a microwave blower that didn't take the cooking odors away, it w...
by praxis
Mon Nov 20, 2023 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom
Replies: 35
Views: 5587

Re: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom

Workouts are very personal. Motivation is maybe the most unique aspect of training. When we don't attend our local gym, we both do our own workouts daily at home or hotel or cabin using you tube and other custom routines on the rug with calisthenics, body weight like pullups, pushups, jacks, crunches and dumbbells for curls, presses, lunges and squats. I'm good for 20-30 minutes. My motivation wanes after that when I'm alone. That's why I like our local gym classes. I've been going for 35 years, 3-5 days a week. I prefer Body Pump weight classes, but do Step, Cycling and Circuit Training classes. They all last 55 minutes and have 25 to 40 men and women in every class. They are held throughout each day, Early bird at 5:30 and at least 3 or 4...
by praxis
Tue Oct 31, 2023 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for Married Bogleheads - % to allocate to joint accounts
Replies: 174
Views: 13485

Re: Question for Married Bogleheads - % to allocate to joint accounts

It took a few years before I was convinced that the 50% divorce rate for US first marriages wasn't going to likely apply to me. Plus, we live in a community property state so there's that. We are a blended family with my wife's son from a previous marriage in the mix. All in all, we have split expenses and pooled resources almost from the beginning, but it wasn't until just after our 33rd anniversary that we pooled our brokerage accounts. We had formerly registered the accounts as joint tenants with right of survivorship, but discovered that that designation is not legal in our community property state, so we changed them to comply. We are each the 100% primary beneficiary of each other's tIRAs and ROTHs. We are full agents for these accoun...
by praxis
Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas
Replies: 58
Views: 6064

Re: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas

Ask yourself: "What if I didn't pack this item and I needed this item on this trip?" instead of: "Can I imagine ever needing this item?" Most items we would pack are available in other countries. for me: passport and a copy of your ID page cards (carry a debit card for ATMs that doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee- that way you get reasonable exchange rate for currency usually and only withdraw what you need as you go. Schwab has a no fee debit card) prescription medicine phone (for maps, conversions, translations, calling home with Facetime or WhatsApp on wifi, handy news, flashlight, Uber, streaming movies, home security check-in app, email) earplugs, eyemask sink-washable clothes all liquids fit in my quart zip l...
by praxis
Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using local Schwab franchise office
Replies: 9
Views: 1152

Using local Schwab franchise office

While researching our joint account features at Vanguard and Schwab, I called our new local Schwab office and was told by "the owner" that he owned the local Schwab franchise store and is paid 50% of the expenses from the holdings in accounts registered to his location (rather than a nationally registered account). He services the accounts registered to his location and splits the charges with Schwab Inc. (or something like that). I began my DIY investing with Schwab in 1990 and still have 30% of our portfolio at Schwab, but it's mostly in Vanguard ETFs there. The rest of our portfolio is at Vanguard in brokerage accounts. Because we moved, I haven't had a local Schwab office for over 25 years. I'd like to use one sometimes for fa...
by praxis
Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is your total accumulation number, how did you come to it. No Judgements!
Replies: 404
Views: 77183

Re: What is your total accumulation number, how did you come to it. No Judgements!

At 4% safe withdrawal rate, I think it is assumed you never touch the principal. So if we spend $100,000 each year and have $2,500,000 in savings, and if our portfolio averages 4% per year, we should not run out of money. If we have any unforeseen expenses, like health costs, accidents, uncovered losses, family or friends' emergencies, we can spend some principal. But do we assume that we will die with $2,500,000 left? Why die with that much money left? Also, just because we saved enough to live on a 4% SWR, we certainly could spend less than $100,000 if we had to cover a black swan event in a given year. I can't wrap my mind around, say, doubling our spending rate just so we die with less money left. We want to leave a handsome amount to o...
by praxis
Sun May 07, 2023 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?
Replies: 64
Views: 7073

Re: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?

In the south, we need mowing weekly from April through October. We pay $40/week for a moderate suburban lawn, front and back and get weed trimming, edging and blowing each week and leaf pickup during January through March (lots of mature trees that drop sequentially.) Any hedge trimming that I don't do, they will include that for me, no charge. They will fertilize if I ask them to and buy the fertilizer, but I have a spreader and do that myself most years. These two brothers do 150 lawns. Some weekly, others twice a month. They set the price at $35 ten years ago and I bumped it up to $40 about 5 years ago. I always give them a Christmas bonus and wife bakes them cookies sometimes. We live out of state for 4 months every year and our neighbo...
by praxis
Thu Apr 27, 2023 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Treating children financially equal
Replies: 259
Views: 21623

Re: Treating children financially equal

Fair is subjective and subjective just means based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. It really is whatever you want it to be Equal means the same in quantity Each child is unique, so providing more help for a child that "needs" more help, in your judgement, and less help for another child that doesn't "need" as much help, again, in your judgement, is using subjective thinking to make your decision. Using some formula like "we will pay for the equivalent of an undergrad degree at a state college for each of you" or "we will contribute $10,000 to pay for each of your weddings" is using equal to help make your decisions. Different size gifts to a disabled child or an artist comp...
by praxis
Thu Apr 27, 2023 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Treating children financially equal
Replies: 259
Views: 21623

Re: Treating children financially equal

Fair doesn't have to mean equal

Fair is subjective
Equal is math
by praxis
Sun Apr 23, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If your net worth is over $3 million, how did you do it?
Replies: 913
Views: 239857

Re: If your net worth is over $3 million, how did you do it?

1 generous 401K match from employer starting with 1:1 in 1978 and dropping off over my 30 year employment 2 maxing my contributions to 401K every year plus some annual after-tax contributions (thanks to a smart HR counselor) 3 mostly investing the 401K in conservative "capital preservation" fund options in the early years, not much "trading" 4 adding ROTH accounts as soon as they became available including regular conversions when strategic for taxes 5 starting salary in 1976 of $11K/year, with raises and bonuses every year for 30 years 6 stock options cashed out 6 months after retirement during an upswing in company stock price 7 management job requiring international travel so on expense account with salary deposited i...
by praxis
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Malaga (Spain) in May 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 1581

Re: Trip to Malaga (Spain) in May 2023

Recommend do a little research on Malaga itself. There is plenty to see and do both there and in nearby area. Picasso museum is outstanding, fine beaches, nice restaurants (we liked El Pimpy’s). Rick Steves treated Malaga rather dismissively in the book of his we used before our 2013 trip to Spain. We found his advice on Malaga ill-informed, surprisingly so for such a storied traveler. I must have visited a different Picasso museum. The house was where he lived in his very early years and had none of his art in the building. We were traveling with a big Picasso fan who had been to other world sites with his work, like New York and Paris and came away unimpressed. I guess YMMV. I'm glad we followed RIck Steves' tips and didn't hang around M...
by praxis
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Malaga (Spain) in May 2023
Replies: 14
Views: 1581

Re: Trip to Malaga (Spain) in May 2023

We are going to Spain this year as well. I would definitely recommend you buy the latest edition of the Rick Steves' book and read it! TONS of useful and interesting information! We are going to be in Granada for five nights, partly because we are really interested in the Alhambra, and partly because we want some downtime and relaxation between Madrid and Barcelona, etc. In Malaga, you are within day-trip-range of a ton of interesting Andalusian sights. If I were you, my top priority would be getting to Granada for an Alhambra visit, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba, etc. This is called the "General Visit" on their website. The official website is: alhambra-patronato.es/ (other sites may be a ripoff!) As others ...
by praxis
Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car for car camping
Replies: 63
Views: 7126

Re: Car for car camping

My Suburban was a fine, roomy overnight on cross country trips. I used a sleeping pad and a good pillow. The 2nd & 3rd rows folded flat. Same with my 3 row Explorer. Now my 3 row Tahoe does not fold flat, but on my long road trips (1200 miles from home to cabin) several times/year, I do something else: tent, sleep in a reclined seat or motel. I need a larger SUV for mountain roads, ice/snow, pulling trailers. Downside has been the gas mileage of 18-22 mpg. Bonus has been quiet, smooth ride on the highways.
by praxis
Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625762

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Today during my haircut, my barber bragged about how many fish he caught over the weekend. I've never done it before, but I said: "someday if you feel generous, we would love a fish". He cuts my wife's hair too and she loves the speckled trout he always goes for. He said, "Sure, I've got a break after your cut and I live across the street. Pass by on your way out and I'll give you some fillets". So tonight (and tomorrow night) we will enjoy trout almandine for dinner.
by praxis
Sat Jan 28, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to spend more money - request for help regarding an article
Replies: 116
Views: 13569

Re: How to spend more money - request for help regarding an article

retiredjg wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 5:34 pm This is a behavioral issue. I would guess it would take a significant emotional event to change this behavior.
I believe we can create an event like this for ourselves.
Change your mind. Change your paradigm.
Being retired, you have the time now. Use it creatively. Put your own stamp on it.
Just as you can write the story of your life, you can also edit it.
We're both living and dying at the same time.
Celebrate what you have accomplished.
by praxis
Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy used skis ?
Replies: 44
Views: 2623

Re: How to buy used skis ?

Maybe where you’re able to rent skis they sell them too. Great idea. Tell them you want to rent with the intention of buying if you like to ski on them. There are always independent ski shops in resort areas that do this. I have always bought used skis for 50 years. If you are a blue run skier, you don't stress your skis much and that's what most skiers are. You can tell just by cosmetics the amount of wear that a ski has usually. My wife tried 3 used pair from the on-the-mountain rental shop before falling in love with a ski and has used them happily ever since. They of course adjusted them to her own boots and threw in a tune-up/edge sharpening. Give the parabolic skis a chance. I've skied my whole life and watched skis change design oft...
by praxis
Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you are TRULY financially independent, why would you still work?
Replies: 427
Views: 41257

Re: If you are TRULY financially independent, why would you still work?

What I don't understand is the idea if you have a job you don't have any time to pursue any other interests or hobbies. There are 168 hours in a week. If you sleep 8 hours per night, that leaves 112. If you work 80 hours per week in BigLaw or investment banking or are traveling 150,000 miles per year for work, sure, your waking hours are fully occupied by work. But not everyone is in that boat. My job takes on average 35 hours per week. That estimate is probably a little high -- the majority of weeks are more like 25-30, and then there are about 8 or so weeks that are 40-45. I go into the office 1 or 2 days per month. So virtually no commuting time. Last year I took two brief (2 days) domestic business trips, and one long (one week) intern...
by praxis
Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel luggage preferences
Replies: 58
Views: 4988

Re: Travel luggage preferences

Woodshark wrote: Sat Jan 07, 2023 4:26 pm I swear by my Mother Lode Travel Backpack by EBags. It meet carry on requirements and I've done multiple 3-4 week trips to Europe with it. It is EXACTLY what I need. I loved mine so much, the wife bought one too. Her's is the wheeled version.
Over 10 years ago my wife and I bought two Mother Lode Junior backpacks and use a super light daypack for our "personal item". It's amazing how much you can pack into one. Very ingenious. Once in a while we have shoved a less-full eBag under the seat in front of us to avoid checking when the overhead is full. Many many trips with these bags. We are 73 and 68 and fit.
by praxis
Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111104

Re: So what are you cooking

Wife and I cook and eat a wide variety of foods. Lately (4 years) have been aiming to cook and eat healthier. Partly to beat rising cholesterol numbers without medicine and partly to stay around for our grandkids. Healthier tips have come from our doctors and lots of reading. The Blue Zones are famous as places in the world with highest numbers of people over 100. Similarities in their diets in all Blue Zone locations are vegetables, fruits, fish, grains, low animal fats, no cured meats, low sugar. We just bought the newest cookbook for our Christmas present and we intend to eat our way through this: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Zones-American-Kitchen-Recipes/dp/1426222475/ref=asc_df_1426222475/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=5647...
by praxis
Tue Dec 20, 2022 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43737

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

oxothuk wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:39 am
BrooklynInvest wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:19 am Truth or Consequences New Mexico. Stayed in a spa/discount motel overlooking the Mississipi.
You must have been on a VERY high floor. I’ve only ever been able to see the Rio Grande.
:happy
by praxis
Tue Dec 20, 2022 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43737

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

Some people enjoy Disney-clean streets and trains that run on time-other people accept a little more grit in their Bohemia. All a matter of taste. Our most remembered vacations often include unplanned, off-the-trail adventures.
by praxis
Sun Dec 04, 2022 1:10 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?
Replies: 83
Views: 7955

Re: What do YOU want for Christmas this year?

After trying to answer this for myself, I realized that the reason most of the answers in this thread are for things you can't "buy" , like health and peace and happiness is because many BHs already have their possessions covered and have moved on to other ways to fill their lives. I read reviews all the time (like Wire Cutter or KK.org Cool Tools, What's in My Bag) but rarely find motivation to buy anything. I like pears and grapefruit, though.
by praxis
Thu Nov 24, 2022 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple rule to not become a miser?
Replies: 85
Views: 11572

Re: Simple rule to not become a miser?

Make a personal list. Call it "Cheap Riches", or "Things I'm Grateful For". Make it real long. Fill it with things that make you happy. Like:

my wife's laughter
ocean sunrises
not judging
the milky way
blueberry pancakes
haikus
girls with a boy's name
seeing a dog that looks like a dog I know
baby toes
lobster
sandals
rivers
fresh juicy ideas
carving a ski turn
confidence
harmony
commitment

Keep it in your wallet.
by praxis
Wed Nov 16, 2022 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does Vanguard have an interest bearing savings account?
Replies: 13
Views: 1780

Re: Does Vanguard have an interest bearing savings account?

Ally currently pays 2.75% APR, is FDIC insured, no minimum to open and no monthly maintenance fee. I learned about it on this forum and tried it about a year ago and linked it to my local bank checking account and to my Vanguard accounts where I sweep dividends into the Ally account.
It only takes a couple days to move money back and forth and Ally has adjusted its rates along with each Fed announcement. It works for me and I use it on the app on my phone.
by praxis
Thu Nov 03, 2022 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift Worthy Coffee
Replies: 116
Views: 10582

Re: Gift Worthy Coffee

We love Ruta Maya coffee, origin is Chiapas and their coffee is similar to other Guatemalan coffees. You can order it dark or medium or espresso roasts and whole bean or ground or even decaf. It is a full flavored coffee and not bitter. It used to be available in some Costco stores but seems to have been replaced by Kirkland brand. It is roasted in Austin. For $17.50/ kilo, we buy it in dark roast, whole bean, 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) bags and buy 2 at a time, as the UPS shipping is the same as one bag. https://rutamayacoffee.com/collections/all We have sent it to several coffee fans as a present Cheers praxis, I think it is available on costsco.com (online). https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Ruta KlangFool Thanks KF, I did...
by praxis
Thu Nov 03, 2022 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift Worthy Coffee
Replies: 116
Views: 10582

Re: Gift Worthy Coffee

We love Ruta Maya coffee, origin is Chiapas and their coffee is similar to other Guatemalan coffees. You can order it dark or medium or espresso roasts and whole bean or ground or even decaf. It is a full flavored coffee and not bitter. It used to be available in some Costco stores but seems to have been replaced by Kirkland brand. It is roasted in Austin. For $17.50/ kilo, we buy it in dark roast, whole bean, 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) bags and buy 2 at a time, as the UPS shipping is the same as one bag. https://rutamayacoffee.com/collections/all We have sent it to several coffee fans as a present Cheers praxis, I think it is available on costsco.com (online). https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Ruta KlangFool Thanks KF, I did...
by praxis
Wed Nov 02, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift Worthy Coffee
Replies: 116
Views: 10582

Re: Gift Worthy Coffee

We love Ruta Maya coffee, origin is Chiapas and their coffee is similar to other Guatemalan coffees.
You can order it dark or medium or espresso roasts and whole bean or ground or even decaf.
It is a full flavored coffee and not bitter.
It used to be available in some Costco stores but seems to have been replaced by Kirkland brand.
It is roasted in Austin.
For $17.50/ kilo, we buy it in dark roast, whole bean, 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) bags and buy 2 at a time, as the UPS shipping is the same as one bag.

https://rutamayacoffee.com/collections/all

We have sent it to several coffee fans as a present

Cheers
by praxis
Sun Sep 18, 2022 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Razors
Replies: 75
Views: 7002

Re: Electric Razors

I prefer a wet blade shave enough that I tolerate the mess. Usually I shave in the shower.3 years ago I tried a tube of Cremo shave cream and one tube lasts about 4 months. When I follow their directions, I avoid nicks completely, even on my neck. They make a 2.5 ounce size I can travel with. My disposable (Bic 3 blade is my favorite) seems to stay sharp much longer. Sorry, but electric razors have not worked for me. They can't beat the clean smooth result of wet shave for me.
by praxis
Tue May 31, 2022 4:02 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Searching for Lost Contributors
Replies: 544
Views: 140535

Re: Searching for Lost Contributors

Nicolas wrote: Tue May 31, 2022 2:58 pm
praxis wrote: Tue May 31, 2022 2:25 pm I can't remember the member's name (he might have been an Admin) but he was an opera fan and had a picture of Beethoven as his avatar. He had some fascinating posts and I miss reading them.
Could it be this guy? It looks like he’s still active.
thank you!
by praxis
Tue May 31, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Searching for Lost Contributors
Replies: 544
Views: 140535

Re: Searching for Lost Contributors

I can't remember the member's name (he might have been an Admin) but he was an opera fan and had a picture of Beethoven as his avatar. He had some fascinating posts and I miss reading them.
by praxis
Tue Apr 12, 2022 1:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why save over 25x?
Replies: 598
Views: 59097

Re: Why save over 25x?

My least favorite outlook is when they call you cheap for thinking about retirement or being wary of debt, say that one needs to lighten up or say that they are above the idea of thinking about money - they have higher values. Sometimes this is even after you leant them money. I eventually lost patience with this sort of person. In my life money has been a contentious issue in friendships to the extent that some of them ended - sometimes I ended them and sometimes they did. I prefer the old rule of not discussing finances with friends. I take the blame for some of this because I have not understood how I am perceived and what an ugly thing jealousy is. I also didn’t understand the whole “money is dirty” attitude some people learned early i...
by praxis
Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bench press and weights
Replies: 91
Views: 9404

Re: Bench press and weights

I’d advise you to find a good trainer and work with them for a month or two to: - clarify your goals - learn good, non injury-producing habits and form - develop a routine that will work for you Once you get rolling, you will be much better suited to find equipment that matches your needs. this is great advice I have been exercising regularly for over 50 years. I quit my gym over 2 years ago over covid fears and went back to creating an exercise routine at home. (Pullups, pushups, burpees, barbells, jacks, etc.) This morning, I returned to our local gym and joined my first weight lifting class (Body Pump) since covid. It is not Olympic weight lifting and I'm not an Olympic weight lifter, but I attribute weight bearing exercise combined wit...
by praxis
Wed Mar 23, 2022 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What has been your best volunteering experience?
Replies: 56
Views: 5697

Re: What has been your best volunteering experience?

Peace Corps in Guatemala
Hospice volunteer for our local non profit (20 years)
Boy Scouts
Blind skier mountain guide
State coordinator for fly fishing retreat for men coping with cancer (10 years)
by praxis
Wed Mar 09, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625762

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Having our two tubs resurfaced ($475 each) instead of a bathroom remodel. Over time, we've changed the sinks, toilets, counters and wallpaper. (trust me, that wasn't CLOSE to the remodel quotes). Bonus: the resurface guy looked at the film and hard water stains in the large shower stall and door in our other bathroom and said, "Here, I'll show you a trick. I bought this odorless oven cleaner at the Dollar Store. I'll spray it on the tile and aluminum door and glass and after an hour I'll show you the trick". He returned with a hard bristle brush and all those stubborn stains rinsed off after I had tried every cleaner on the market. The glass shower door replacement was quoted at $850.
by praxis
Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need recommendation for new washing machine
Replies: 67
Views: 8903

Re: Need recommendation for new washing machine

Spin RPMs are an important comparison and the reason we bought a Fisher & Paykel top loader 12 years ago. Our clothes take less time to dry because our F&P washer spins at over 1000 RPM. Speed Queen is decent at 700 RPM. We've never had a repair on our F&P and the clothes come out clean and almost dry. Maybe half of our laundry is workout clothes made of polyester and lycra blends so we hang dry right out of the washer and put them away a few hours later.
by praxis
Tue Jan 04, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bucket list ideas?
Replies: 77
Views: 7822

Re: bucket list ideas?

FreddieG wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 10:12 pm Two years ago I drove from Colorado to Argentina via the Pan American Hwy.

It took me six months. Unfortunately I had to suspend my trip because of Covid.

It’s not for everyone, but I had fun. Hoping to do the northern leg of the highway to Alaska at some point.

https://thepanamericanhighway.blogspot.com/?m=1
I've been enjoying your photos. What an amazing trip you took! Did you do it all alone? Did you sleep in your truck, or those colorful by-the-hour motels? Did you then drive all the way back home? Great job FreddieG! I'd love to read more about your trip.
by praxis
Thu Dec 30, 2021 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's trimmer
Replies: 13
Views: 1957

Re: Men's trimmer

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Professional-Classic-Clipper-8685/dp/B00011K2BA/ref=asc_df_B00011K2BA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=168236909693&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13011164393913824151&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9025237&hvtargid=pla-312919535195&psc=1 I have owned two cordless Wahl trimmers and eventually they have lost power. Just this week I ordered a Wahl Peanut corded trimmer. The cord isn't as handy but the power is strong and constant. No batteries required. At first try, it seems to work smooth and precise on my beard. The trimmer comes with four guides of different depths. The shallow one leaves me with an even, tight style. I re-read my ma...
by praxis
Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The pros and cons of gifting money to children early?
Replies: 344
Views: 36814

Re: The pros and cons of gifting money to children early?

We gift early. We have two sons. Older one has an impulse buying monkey on his back so we have directly paid off a car note, helped with down payments, paid some of a divorce lawyer bill, helped with some of his IRS penalty payments and given him grocery money between paychecks and opened 529's for our two little grandkids. Younger one and his new wife each have hefty school loans and a new house payment and some auto expense challenges to pay for. We have been gifting them the annual max and they show us how they spend it on loan service and dental co-pays and house repairs and savings (in their Vanguard account). We try to be fair but I learned years ago on this forum that fair isn't always equal. My parents did both early and after death...
by praxis
Sun Dec 26, 2021 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?
Replies: 34
Views: 3009

Re: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?

I'm looking for input on a good handheld vacuum, either corded or battery powered. The main uses are picking up cat hair off hard surfaces, but even better if it does a good job on rugs, and kitty litter that she flings out of the box and around the floor. I saw some youtubes on a Black&Decker 20V model that made it look great, but then actual user input on amazon (well, I think they are actual users) is that the battery dies quickly and can't be replaced. Bottom line is I don't think online reviews are to be trusted. Thanks in advance 2marshmallow We have used battery hand helds for a few years. Eventually they peter out and stop sucking well. I know the convenience of cordless is important, but after spending time with many reviews w...
by praxis
Sun Nov 21, 2021 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cash Back and Rewards Cards - Just Say No?
Replies: 237
Views: 19794

Re: Cash Back and Rewards Cards - Just Say No?

I'm still frugal after retiring. (I just went to Walmart and bought kitchen trash can liners by comparing unit prices between brands and, as usual, I bought the cheapest per unit box.) I used to travel a lot and have two mileage cards for the two airlines I use most. Airlines have cut back so much by charging more miles for trips and making fewer seats available per flight for point travelers that once I use up the miles I've accrued, I will drop those two cards. Cashing the miles for cash doesn't go as far as buying tickets with the miles so even factoring in the annual fees, I haven't gone that route yet. Both DW and I have started using our Costco Visa for everything and about once a month using the other two just to keep miles from expi...
by praxis
Sat Nov 06, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Donor Advised Fund questions
Replies: 6
Views: 769

Re: Donor Advised Fund questions

vabeek wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 9:58 am Same experience with Schwab. We have been very happy with the DAF in terms of grant selection/ execution as well as very little difficulty transferring in-kind assets from Vanguard.

Schwab states "Minimum annual administrative fee of $100 will be assessed on or around July each year, less any administrative fees that have been collected in the previous 12 months".
+1
by praxis
Fri Oct 29, 2021 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most Effective Rodent Deterrent
Replies: 25
Views: 2040

Re: Most Effective Rodent Deterrent

After several spark plug wire and hose replacements, I ordered two under hood deterrent devices that emit an ultrasonic beep and flash an intermittent LED strobe light. You can get battery operated ones but I connected my models to my car battery terminals and after two years, I believe it does not drain my battery on either car. I also ordered some peppermint/spearmint essence spray. That odor is offered by a lot of products for rodent deterrent. Because we live in the woods, it's hard to put a dent in the population of chipmunks, mice and packrats by trapping and poison but I keep after it. I have found that a Havahart one-door trap is a very effective device. Not the smallest size because the larger critters can reach in to the bait whil...