Search found 79 matches

by swordandscales
Thu May 21, 2020 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Potential relocation, how concerned should I be with a 4/10 school?
Replies: 32
Views: 3230

Re: Potential relocation, how concerned should I be with a 4/10 school?

Great schools is garbage when picking the school that will educate your child best. Don't panic. Ask neighbors if you can, or look for deeper metrics like teacher retention and morale if publicly available. Otherwise it's basically just a ranking of the richest student bodies. Urban high school teacher here. It’s about the teachers in the building and their ability / conviction / compassion for young people. Try to meet them and talk to parents. Talk to former students if possible. Sometimes schools will have alumni associations you can work with. Standardized testing, in the end, means so little in the broad scope of things. If you’re going to look at numbers it would probably be ACT / SAT performance but even then it can be misleading. I...
by swordandscales
Thu May 21, 2020 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I afford to buy an expensive guitar?
Replies: 34
Views: 1988

Re: Can I afford to buy an expensive guitar?

I think when it comes to luxuries an old adage works well, and it’s something the BH mentality has helped me harness.

“If you have to ask, you can’t afford it”

That being said, we like to keep a “wish farm” in our family budget.

We water it when we can, and I have a Suhr Classic in there waiting for me someday. Might be 10 years from now. By then I might be good enough to deserve it.
by swordandscales
Sun May 10, 2020 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Laptop Recommendations
Replies: 53
Views: 4971

Re: New Laptop Recommendations

Refurbished MacBook Air 13”
by swordandscales
Sat May 09, 2020 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: College age kid wrecked his car...
Replies: 113
Views: 8050

Re: College age kid wrecked his car...

Quite the financial advice sometimes given here. One might confuse it with armchair child psychology if they’re not cautious.
by swordandscales
Sat May 02, 2020 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any One-More-Year FIRE people sticking to their plan?
Replies: 72
Views: 10626

Re: Any One-More-Year FIRE people sticking to their plan?

What will you do when you retire? With spouse working, and assuming your friends are still working, how do you envision spending your time? I am mid-40s as well, and I struggle with the question of how I would spend my time after the initial decompression/exhilaration period ran its course. I suppose it is heavily personality dependent. As you point out I'm not retirement-police-compliant FIRE if I have a spouse still working. I plan to be the house-husband and do all the household chores. I have a decade of deferred maintenance on two houses with the skills but not the time. I plan to train to run marathons and take up swimming and bicycling and do an ironman. Take several extended vacations per year (wife's job allows this while my curre...
by swordandscales
Mon Apr 27, 2020 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity
Replies: 82
Views: 9887

Re: Toyota vs. Kia Quality & Longevity

I have owned a 2011 Kia Optima for 9 years now. Our local dealer has the most annoying sales department and the most stellar service department I’ve ever worked with.

My original engine began consuming oil at 85000 miles. After a rigorous oil consumption test process, which was a bit annoying but understandable, I got an entire new small block under the 10 yr / 100k warranty.

The quality of the car has been very solid, enduring fender benders Ive received well. The only thing being goofy at 95k miles is the radio. It functions mostly correctly, but the steering wheel controls have new, unexpected outputs. Like turning down the volume actually starting a call.

Truly a value car imho.
by swordandscales
Mon Apr 20, 2020 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No longer desiring promotion - change career?
Replies: 48
Views: 5620

Re: No longer desiring promotion - change career?

When you are on your deathbed and your children are there, what will success mean at that point?

That, to me, is all that matters when it comes to “succeeding” in life. What have I done for those I’ve loved?
by swordandscales
Sun Apr 19, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New laptop/desktop for [Work From Home]?
Replies: 58
Views: 5435

Re: New laptop/desktop for [Work From Home]?

There is no better value laptop than a refurbished MacBook Air for general productivity work. It will last you so many years compared to nearly any other laptop.

If you’re open to a desktop, then I’d say there are innumerable options.
by swordandscales
Sun Apr 19, 2020 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off!!
Replies: 96
Views: 18275

Re: Laid off!!

Bogle7 wrote: Sun Apr 19, 2020 9:00 pm Move on.
Agree with this OP.

The more you replay the scenario in your head, the worse your mental state will be. Look forward - you’re in a field that should be quick to move to a new job (making some assumptions here)

Put your energy in the future. Don’t poison your thoughts with the past.
by swordandscales
Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal quarantine habits to keep
Replies: 87
Views: 9658

Re: Frugal quarantine habits to keep

Like it or not, the pandemic and quarantine have forced frugal habits on all of us. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research , overall consumer spending is down over 50%. On the bright side, some of these frugal habits will be worth keeping after returning to business as usual. The biggest one for me has been creating a home gym rather than buying a monthly gym membership. I spent a total of $360 to get adjustable dumbbells that go up to 100 pounds each, a bench, foam exercise floor mats, and Olympic rings with straps. I can do bench press, squats, curls, pull-ups, dips, and just about any other exercise I want. As an added perk, I don’t have to wait around for the bench to free up, standing awkwardly close to ensure people kn...
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Daycare closed
Replies: 140
Views: 13236

Re: Daycare closed

Dmanse02 wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2020 6:03 pm Anybody’s daycares charging fees that are not being credited to future months? Our daycare is charging simply a “holding fee.” $0 is being applied towards credits for future months. They are not engaging in online or remote activities. the only thing I am aware they are doing is having someone sit in the front office for 2 hours each friday to collect these “holding fees.”
If I had the choice I don’t think I’d be paying for that sort of service any longer.
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Daycare closed
Replies: 140
Views: 13236

Re: Daycare closed

Our daycare has not charged us anything - our tuition is normally $1000 month for both of our children, though one is only there for before/after school these days.

They held an Easter Bunny drive through visit which was really more lovely than expected.
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to deal with loud neighbor bass noise in NYC
Replies: 34
Views: 3621

Re: How to deal with loud neighbor bass noise in NYC

Buy a drum set, prepare for battle.
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.
Replies: 226
Views: 33049

Re: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.

Random Poster wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2020 5:29 pm
swordandscales wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:01 pm Sure thing. Also it’s “Adorama”. Not Adriana. Not sure why my iPhone is obsessed with correcting my information.
Because the phone isn’t as smart as it thinks that it is.
:D Indeed. I’ve been thinking that one of my new Boglehead habits as I embrace this lifestyle will be ending my new phone every 4 years routine.

Hopefully planned obsolescence doesn’t make a liar out of me. If it does I might start packing a Nokia.
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.
Replies: 226
Views: 33049

Re: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.

Sure thing. Also it’s “Adorama”. Not Adriana. Not sure why my iPhone is obsessed with correcting my information.
by swordandscales
Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.
Replies: 226
Views: 33049

Re: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.

Expensive camera lenses — I’ve found that I’m happy and well-engaged using my 35mm lens and don’t use the other focal lengths I purchased. Andy. My nifty fifty on the full frame has delighted me for the past several years. I used to have a solid armory, with a 16-35 L, a 24-70L and a 70-200L. I sold the shorter zooms and kept the 70-200 for kids’ sports. Luckily those lenses are a minimally depreciating asset if you buy them used. Any recommendations on best places to buy used lenses? I like the idea though have concerns the lens may be damaged. Sure, I like KEH, but some of the big name places have more “official” refurbs, e.g. Adriana, BH Photo/Video. There is a private seller place where I bought my 70-200, but that was about 8 years ag...
by swordandscales
Wed Apr 15, 2020 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.
Replies: 226
Views: 33049

Re: Please share some lifestyle creep you regret.

PhilosophyAndrew wrote: Wed Jan 30, 2019 9:38 am Expensive camera lenses — I’ve found that I’m happy and well-engaged using my 35mm lens and don’t use the other focal lengths I purchased.

Andy.
My nifty fifty on the full frame has delighted me for the past several years. I used to have a solid armory, with a 16-35 L, a 24-70L and a 70-200L. I sold the shorter zooms and kept the 70-200 for kids’ sports.

Luckily those lenses are a minimally depreciating asset if you buy them used.
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking
Replies: 10
Views: 697

Re: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking

Not sure I understand, but I would pay down credit card tonight and still have $3k left over in checking. It doesn't make sense to be concerned with yield on a checking account between 0-1.8% while carrying a $5k credit card balance that is 15+%. I can see that, but we have a plan in place that guarantees it being paid off within 3 months and provides us financial security to weather major incidents in the meantime. We had to replace a refrigerator in January, a car bill of $1000 in February, and gutters that were basically falling off our home in March for $1500, so not having to dive back into our CC for that has been important to us. This is mental gymnastics to me. Pay down the $5k credit card, save the interest immediately between now...
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking
Replies: 10
Views: 697

Re: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking

-snip- That is definitely inspirational, and I can see the benefits of focusing on one thing. I think that's what we're leaning towards as we think more about it, and perhaps having a lower goal on our emergency fund in the immediate future. I know I'd feel most comfortable with at least 2 months of all expenses available to us. Both of our jobs are considered non-volatile, but this pandemic situation has definitely laid bare (and will continue to) the realities of how secure all of our jobs are! Having two children is a major expense on many fronts, and I think that is something we have to deal with pretty regularly. YNAB has been a great gift to us as we learn to cope with expenses ahead of time and live more frugally. It may be necessar...
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking
Replies: 10
Views: 697

Re: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking

Not sure I understand, but I would pay down credit card tonight and still have $3k left over in checking. It doesn't make sense to be concerned with yield on a checking account between 0-1.8% while carrying a $5k credit card balance that is 15+%. I can see that, but we have a plan in place that guarantees it being paid off within 3 months and provides us financial security to weather major incidents in the meantime. We had to replace a refrigerator in January, a car bill of $1000 in February, and gutters that were basically falling off our home in March for $1500, so not having to dive back into our CC for that has been important to us. Also, without the particulars to the budget it appears that you contribute $700 a month to your retireme...
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What will you do first, once COVID pandemic is over?
Replies: 271
Views: 22853

Re: What will you do first, once COVID pandemic is over?

It is most certainly seeing our family and beloved friends.

My best friend and his wife delivered a small gift for our daughter after she broke her arm (of all the times to do so!). Just seeing them, socially distant, on our doorstep was intensely bittersweet. I cannot wait to have them over for game night again.
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking
Replies: 10
Views: 697

Post-CC Debt Focus vs. Multi-tasking

Hi Bogleheads, Thanks to you all, my wife and I have completely changed our perspective on finances and our future / the future of our children. While we had been contributing at maximums to our respective retirement plans, we were not handling the day-to-day budget operations of our household very effectively. That included amassing about $9k in CC debt since we became homeowners and discovered the many hidden expenses lying in wait. I had the audacity, about 9 months ago, to ask you all about buying a $23k new to me car with all that CC debt and an emergency fund of, wait for it: $1000 USD! Now that we have a real budget, and a strong, mutual understanding of our financial plan, we have some positive new questions to consider with consume...
by swordandscales
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Budget Coffee
Replies: 107
Views: 10450

Re: Budget Coffee

Jazzysoon wrote: Thu Oct 11, 2018 4:17 pm Peets Major Dickasons - Target usually has it on sale for 7.99/12 oz. Roasted date printed on front of bag.
We love Peet’s Big Bang. I’m a coffee snob but the wife is not. It’s great for both of us and definitely does better meeting my flavor “wants” more than any store bought we’ve tried.
by swordandscales
Sat Mar 07, 2020 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Staying Proficient on Windows PCs
Replies: 33
Views: 2480

Re: Staying Proficient on Windows PCs

tibbitts wrote: Sat Mar 07, 2020 7:10 am
swordandscales wrote: Fri Mar 06, 2020 6:48 pm Unless you’re writing a book in Word, or doing something pretty specific with Excel, I think the Google suite is more than adequate.
But it's not "more than adequate" for what the OP wants to use it for: staying current for employment purposes. Virtually every employer wants MSOffice skills; they don't care if you can sort-of-kind-of-sometimes do the same thing in another way with different software.
I missed that part, however, the features still align well.
by swordandscales
Sat Mar 07, 2020 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Choosing a university/college for my son a future Computer Science Major
Replies: 212
Views: 25477

Re: Choosing a university/college for my son a future Computer Science Major

I’m on the other side of the fence. I teach CS in high school. We send lots of students to high end institutions. I have a student at UChicago right now on a full ride who had a 31 ACT score. There are lots of very informative posts here and I’m going to keep my response short. Your son should choose a program and campus he is happy with and interested in - while keeping debt as low as possible. I also recommend a school that emphasizes the whole academic experience. STEM majors sometimes have short runways after graduation - if he doesn’t live and breathe CS work it’s good to have an education that gives him more to think about. I disagree strongly with coding boot camps as a replacement for college when it comes to 18 year olds. That’s a ...
by swordandscales
Fri Mar 06, 2020 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Staying Proficient on Windows PCs
Replies: 33
Views: 2480

Re: Staying Proficient on Windows PCs

Unless you’re writing a book in Word, or doing something pretty specific with Excel, I think the Google suite is more than adequate.
by swordandscales
Thu Mar 05, 2020 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer fix or pruchase or replace?
Replies: 26
Views: 1821

Re: Computer fix or pruchase or replace?

If you decide to buy, I believe there is no better *laptop* for the money than a refurbished MacBook Air. I have owned my current one nearly 8 years and it is 10 years old total. It runs like the day I bought it.

I use https://macofalltrades.com, but there are other options.

On the other hand, stuck keys - depending on the cause - can be fixed. With that said, laptop repairs are never inexpensive.
by swordandscales
Wed Feb 05, 2020 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Couples w/ kids: What is/was the most expensive time period of your life?
Replies: 145
Views: 18707

Re: Couples w/ kids: What is/was the most expensive time period of your life?

Thegame14 wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2020 9:23 am
swordandscales wrote: Tue Feb 04, 2020 4:40 pm Same boat as you. Daycare is our second highest expense barely behind the mortgage. We live in a modest home and send our kiddos to a “normal” daycare, e.g. they don’t eat organic, locally sourced smoked salmon for their breakfast snack.

It’s incredibly expensive.
I wish, mortgage is $1,400, daycare is $2,700 a year.
Holy cow, I am sorry my friend.
by swordandscales
Wed Feb 05, 2020 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any adult Nintendo Switch owners? Thoughts?
Replies: 29
Views: 26238

Re: Any adult Nintendo Switch owners? Thoughts?

Breath of the Wild is worth it if you’ve ever enjoyed a Zelda game. Masterpiece.
by swordandscales
Tue Feb 04, 2020 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Couples w/ kids: What is/was the most expensive time period of your life?
Replies: 145
Views: 18707

Re: Couples w/ kids: What is/was the most expensive time period of your life?

Same boat as you. Daycare is our second highest expense barely behind the mortgage. We live in a modest home and send our kiddos to a “normal” daycare, e.g. they don’t eat organic, locally sourced smoked salmon for their breakfast snack.

It’s incredibly expensive.
by swordandscales
Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 529
Views: 88290

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

Last 3 games that I finished: The Witcher 3 and DLCs, Horizon Zero Dawn and DLC, then The Witcher 2. Kind of scrounging around looking for something else. Got my eye on Greedfall and the Outer Worlds - but I prefer to wait until at least the game has matured with maybe a DLC or two, and maybe a "Game of The Year Edition" or something. Played both and had fun with them. Outer worlds seemed to be overhyped in the community and the actual delivery was slightly weaker but still a fun game to play, closest to skyrim (with guns) if you played skyrim. Greedfall on the other hand was a refreshing experience, the game is way better than I expected, though it went under the radar for most. Original world settings and storyline, though at t...
by swordandscales
Mon Feb 03, 2020 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Change to Cyber Security
Replies: 16
Views: 2505

Re: Career Change to Cyber Security

Do you have a bachelors degree in anything at all? A lot of schools have graduate programs for career changers that lead to IT careers. I would look for those. Start with that, take as many electives in the security area as you can, get employed, then have your employer pay for further training. A masters degree in information systems or some such will have more career potential than a community college certification program. If you don’t already have a bachelors degree, though, a community college program might be the ticket. A suggestion like Security+ is useless unless you already have enough of an IT background to understand the material. I just have the associates in video production. The community college I'm looking at offers two re...
by swordandscales
Mon Feb 03, 2020 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Change to Cyber Security
Replies: 16
Views: 2505

Re: Career Change to Cyber Security

What are you doing now? Are you starting completely from scratch in IT? Yes, I'd be starting from scratch. I'm currently in television/film production as a coordinator/manager (scheduling and logistics). Cool job, love working on sets, but not enough demand, stability or money. I was an IT professional for 12 years before I stopped and started teaching computer science. Cybersecurity is a huge field. It also requires a very strong set of foundational skills in areas like systems administration and networking. Personally, I wouldn’t value a “cyber security degree” very highly. Employers in IT value experience and specific credentials. Now notice I say IT and not computer science oriented careers like software development. A good place to st...
by swordandscales
Mon Feb 03, 2020 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 529
Views: 88290

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

Thegame14 wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2020 4:35 pm anyone have any PC strategy games to suggest, nothing too complicated, no first person shooter.

Stellaris, Civ VI are good.
XCOM is turn-based strategy shooter combat (I prefer the “new” original to XCOM 2, they’re substantially different)

What sort of strategy are you looking for? Massive, macro, micro, RTS?
by swordandscales
Sun Feb 02, 2020 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Books that changed your life]
Replies: 577
Views: 73156

Re: Books that changed your life

Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
Essentialism - Gregg McKeown
The Millionaire Next Door - Thomas Stanley
by swordandscales
Sun Feb 02, 2020 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Dota players on this board?
Replies: 13
Views: 1865

Re: Any Dota players on this board?

I've recently started gaming a little more again in my free time and wonder if there are any Bogleheads who love this game too. 8-) I don't buy any of the in-game items, so it is just a free experience for me. :beer Is this a 2013 necro thread? I've been itching to try more recent games, but apart from the fact I love Dota, my laptop doesn't support many games. I asked the forum a few months ago if I could get a gaming rig set up for less than $1,000 and the overwhelming consensus was that it was hard. Doable, but requiring lots of effort, so I kinda gave up and am waiting a few more years. I will always be behind the gaming/technological curve since I don't want to pay so much :beer In 2025, I'll be playing the games you are playing now, ...
by swordandscales
Sun Feb 02, 2020 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Dota players on this board?
Replies: 13
Views: 1865

Re: Any Dota players on this board?

I have just under 2500 hours in game.

However, I haven’t played seriously in about two years simply due to time constraints.

It’s certainly a masterpiece of a competitive game / experience and I miss it from time to time.

What are your favorite heroes?
by swordandscales
Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car repair - would you fix everything the mechanic suggested?
Replies: 39
Views: 3240

Re: Car repair - would you fix everything the mechanic suggested?

sss2009 wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2020 4:19 pm
swordandscales wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:41 pm A doctor says you have a sprained ankle and a serious case of strep throat. He prescribes an antibiotic and some Tylenol.

Do you take it?
I am not too sure if there is an analogy between a doctors advice and a mechanics.....take second opinion if you don't trust your doctor or mechanic
They’re both experts in a given field. That’s my point. We doubt doctor’s less, but it’s not a valid bias really.
by swordandscales
Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car repair - would you fix everything the mechanic suggested?
Replies: 39
Views: 3240

Re: Car repair - would you fix everything the mechanic suggested?

A doctor says you have a sprained ankle and a serious case of strep throat. He prescribes an antibiotic and some Tylenol.

Do you take it?
by swordandscales
Sat Jan 18, 2020 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625730

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Not today, but last weekend. Our fridge was about 20 years old and finally bit the dust.

My wife and I looked long and hard at the options and ultimately decided to forego the water / ice dispensers and other luxury options and opted for a bottom freezer, single door under $1k.

Feels good walking by it in the kitchen- 1. It looks good. 2. We paid cash without blinking.
by swordandscales
Sat Jan 11, 2020 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My First Budget: advice please?
Replies: 20
Views: 2501

Re: My First Budget: advice please?

I use YNAB, check it out. I have found that a flexible budget works the best for us. It is not the buckets that makes the difference, it is knowing where the money is going. You might find small things that you didn't even realize that you were spending on. Most credit card companies have an end of year summary for your charges and are nicely categorized. It would be a good place to start +1 for YNAB. It’s less about the software than it is about the mindset. Manually having to enter all the expenses (although you can automate it with YNAB) really makes you conscious about your habits. Their philosophy on giving every dollar a job is also really wonderful. It gets you thinking critically about how you’re going to use your money as effectiv...
by swordandscales
Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying last year model car when new models are out
Replies: 44
Views: 4256

Re: Buying last year model car when new models are out

I usually buy older cars that are nearing full depreciation. In the one time and possibly only time I bought a new car, I waited until the first day the manufacturer was accepting orders for the new model and ordered one. I did this because: - I have observed that cars are getting significantly better over time, and I believe this trend has so far continued. Specifically, better and more features, improved reliability, improved driving nannies, better connectivity, faster infotainment processors, improved power, improved transmissions, fewer glitches and fewer problems with initial quality. - Manufacturers expend significantly more R&D dollars towards new models than on maintaining old designs. They tend to focus on extracting profit f...
by swordandscales
Mon Sep 16, 2019 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iPhone on sale for $599.99
Replies: 52
Views: 5192

Re: New iPhone on sale for $599.99

runner3081 wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2019 8:55 am That is so much money for a cell phone. Doesn't seem worth it at all.
Although I buy older models, this sentiment is not based in reality.

Instead, you might say: that is a great price for a highly mobile computer, digital camera, and communication device.
by swordandscales
Wed Aug 07, 2019 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extreme Anxiety with Time/Money
Replies: 95
Views: 11111

Re: Extreme Anxiety with Time/Money

I dealt with issues around extreme anxiety over time management a few years ago. I was travelling a lot for work, but had tons of things to do in the office on a daily basis. I was first line supervisor, rater, approver, etc. for 36 employees, so just keeping that going was a full time job. On top of it I was doing an aggressive business development campaign that had me on the road about 50% of the time. Add to that there was a lot of stress in my family life at the time. It came to a head one day while driving to the airport in the form of a full on panic attack. Had to pull over to the side of the road. Couldn't breathe. Heart racing. Didn't know if I should cry or scream. It was not good. I was fortunate to have some supportive friends ...
by swordandscales
Mon Aug 05, 2019 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for new laptop
Replies: 26
Views: 3244

Re: Looking for new laptop

I would describe those as subjective requirements. I have had a 128 GB SSD, non-Retina, 4 GB RAM MBA for nearly 7 years. Beyond normal work, I am a photographer and use it to edit photos in Lightroom as well. The specs you’ve described are for a pretty nice MBA, which is more than most people really need. That's the system you bought 7 years ago. Would you buy it today? I wouldn't. If a person is budgeting for a new laptop, those are the specs I would say are the sweet spot for price/features/specs if buying new or refurbished. Most people would be able to get by with a 10 year old laptop running Linux and OpenOffice or Google Docs. You’re right. I should have qualified my statements more clearly. What I suggested is definitely the Honda C...
by swordandscales
Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for new laptop
Replies: 26
Views: 3244

Re: Looking for new laptop

I would describe those as subjective requirements.

I have had a 128 GB SSD, non-Retina, 4 GB RAM MBA for nearly 7 years.

Beyond normal work, I am a photographer and use it to edit photos in Lightroom as well.

The specs you’ve described are for a pretty nice MBA, which is more than most people really need.
by swordandscales
Sun Aug 04, 2019 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for new laptop
Replies: 26
Views: 3244

Re: Looking for new laptop

I believe a cheap, refurbished MacBook Air is the best laptop money can buy.

I have built several of my own gaming PCs which obviously run Windows. In the workplace, I’ve liked powerful Lenovo laptop/s that had MSRPs of nearly $3k.

An MBA stands alone because of its build quality, design, and the quality of MacOS for general productivity. Contrary to popular sentiment, I don’t think this Mac in particular is only for specific needs.

It is light, fast, and will last a user 10 years or more which is u heard of for laptops.
by swordandscales
Sat Aug 03, 2019 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ink Pens
Replies: 77
Views: 6854

Re: Ink Pens

I purchased a Lamy Safari about 1.5 years ago. It is a very simple, practical fountain pen available in colors that I don t consider flashy.

I’ve never used another pen since, unless it was some cheap handout and I didn’t have the Lamy with me.

It’s pleasant to write with, and was only $20. As a teacher, it saves me money in the long run.
by swordandscales
Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose my next Boglecar!
Replies: 52
Views: 4714

Re: Help me choose my next Boglecar!

stimulacra wrote: Fri Aug 02, 2019 5:45 pm Contemporary equivalents of Matrix/Vibe:

1) Mazda 3
2) Subaru Crosstrek / Impreza hatchback
3) VW Golf / GTI
4) Chevy Cruze hatchback
5) Honda Fit (smaller but just as versatile space wise)

Slightly larger non-CUV alternatives

1) VW Golf Sportwagon / Alltrack
2) Honda Crosstour
3) Toyota Venza
4) Buick Regal TourX
I test drove a VW GTI. That’s a fun vehicle.
by swordandscales
Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insane to buy a sports car?
Replies: 249
Views: 22251

Re: Insane to buy a sports car?

Not crazy, but I don't think you are rich enough to be not considered a douche by others for owning an $80k sports car. How would anyone know I wasn’t “rich enough” to own an $80k car? I’m not buying a car to please others anyway. I think I’ve come to peace with the fact that no one will appreciate the car as much as I will— and that haters will always hate. Obviously, you can do whatever you want, but if you did not want to hear possible counter arguments to your question, then why ask it in the first place? I’m new here, and while I got great advice about not buying a vehicle I was interested in, I think some folks seem obsessed with the “image factor” and how you shouldn’t buy a car for the image. As a car person, I couldn’t care less a...