Search found 1823 matches

by TxAg
Sat Feb 05, 2022 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone wish they purchased a smaller house?
Replies: 112
Views: 11586

Re: Anyone wish they purchased a smaller house?

Family of 4 plus a large dog in under 1700sf. It could be a little more efficient, but I like it. Cheap to heat/cool. Easy to clean. Lower property taxes. Forces us to purge unused stuff.

My only gripe is I wish it was on acreage instead of a city lot.
by TxAg
Tue Feb 01, 2022 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do we spend too much in groceries?
Replies: 105
Views: 12103

Re: Do we spend too much in groceries?

Family of four with two elementary aged kids.

We definitely spend over $1000/month but that includes alcohol.

We rarely eat out, so I don't mind buying what we want at the grocery store. We mix it up between Kroger, Sprouts, Costco, and Trader Joes.
by TxAg
Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s
Replies: 165
Views: 14879

Re: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s

$780/month for a car. Lol.
by TxAg
Fri Jan 21, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 82861

Re: What is your "nice" thing you don't mind splurging on?

Spent $500 on a vasectomy this week and didn't bat an eye

:sharebeer
by TxAg
Thu Jan 20, 2022 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do people still wear ties and belts?
Replies: 222
Views: 18565

Re: Do people still wear ties and belts?

Ties are evil.

I do appreciate a good belt.
by TxAg
Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dallas and nearby: Things to do?
Replies: 27
Views: 2268

Re: Dallas and nearby: Things to do?

The Perot Museum and Dallas Aquarium are across the street from one another. Both are great. They are very close to the Book Depository Museum.

If in that area, two good barbecue spots are Terry Blacks and Pecan Lodge. I prefer Terry Blacks for taste and b/c the lines aren't as long. They also have more space, including a nice outdoor area.

For Tex-Mex, Mia's on Lemmon is my favorite. For Mexican, Javier's on Cole is great. It's pricey, though.

Regarding aviation, there is a museum at Love Field...Frontiers of Flight. We enjoyed it.

Dallas Arboretum is a family favorite.
by TxAg
Thu Dec 30, 2021 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Purchases of 2021?
Replies: 203
Views: 19134

Re: Favorite Purchases of 2021?

Had a disc replaced in my neck. Pain free now.
by TxAg
Thu Dec 30, 2021 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car question- am I overthinking this ?
Replies: 48
Views: 3722

Re: Car question- am I overthinking this ?

Robdac wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:20 am Moving to Dallas? Bigger vehicle? F-150! :D
I vote for this! :sharebeer
by TxAg
Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car question- am I overthinking this ?
Replies: 48
Views: 3722

Re: Car question- am I overthinking this ?

Why not move here for a year or so and then consider a new vehicle? I wouldn't want the hassle of moving and buying a new car within a few months of each other.
by TxAg
Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney experience
Replies: 301
Views: 26022

Re: Disney experience

The one thing my wife knows I'll never do is a trip to Disney. Never ever ever ever.

More power to those of you that can!
by TxAg
Tue Dec 28, 2021 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Italian traffic ticket from 2017 now with attempt to collect in 2021
Replies: 49
Views: 11732

Re: Italian traffic ticket from 2017 now with attempt to collect in 2021

Ignore it for another 4.5 years and see what happens. I bet nothing.

:sharebeer
by TxAg
Sun Dec 26, 2021 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's trimmer
Replies: 13
Views: 1936

Re: Men's trimmer

Brio Beardscape
by TxAg
Fri Dec 24, 2021 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal Protection Dog
Replies: 94
Views: 7939

Re: Personal Protection Dog

Seems like all the famers and ranchers in this part of the world have Blue Heelers. Besides herding, they're some loyal little farts that make pretty good guards.

My SIl has an adopted Anatolian Shepherd that's great at barking and alerting though it's too gentle to ever hurt anyone.

We have a 1 yr old shepherd mutt. She's sweet but has found a "job" in keeping us alerted to anyone stopping by. I don't think she's ever attack anyone and I'm good with that. But, food for thought if you take some tours of the local pound.
by TxAg
Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricky work situation - advice needed
Replies: 42
Views: 4990

Re: Tricky work situation - advice needed

People make dumb comments all the time. That doesn't make them terrible people. Leave the cancel culture at the door and wait to see how things work out.

Opening old wounds seems like a recipe for disaster.
by TxAg
Sat Dec 18, 2021 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying prescription glasses online
Replies: 46
Views: 8415

Re: Buying prescription glasses online

We have been using Zenni for my son and are happy so far.

$20 for kid glasses is much better than $250.
by TxAg
Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Convince me to stop thinking about this house on Zillow
Replies: 88
Views: 13317

Re: Convince me to stop thinking about this house on Zillow

The 1957 house is probably built much better than the one in '98
by TxAg
Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?
Replies: 69
Views: 9481

Re: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?

I've never heard of tipping a housekeeper except as a Christmas gift.


We pay $100 per visit. She comes by herself every other week. Usually an extra $100 at Christmas as a tip/gift.


We're in TX in ~ 1700sf. She's here 3.5-4 hours each visit.
by TxAg
Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products that last forever
Replies: 288
Views: 29744

Re: Products that last forever

A quality wool blanket
by TxAg
Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Firing Painter
Replies: 76
Views: 6778

Re: Firing Painter

$10 says he's in jail
by TxAg
Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what net worth, income, etc. can I justify purchasing a watch for $5k?
Replies: 175
Views: 13152

Re: At what net worth, income, etc. can I justify purchasing a watch for $5k?

Seems like an extravagance.

Maybe you love watches, and watches are your world outside work. In that case, sure buy it. I love to hunt and don't mind spending some $ on it.

If you just like watches and want a nice one, then find a deal for sub $1k.
by TxAg
Wed Oct 13, 2021 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tree vs Basement
Replies: 83
Views: 8244

Re: Tree vs Basement

I like that tree and would leave it. However, don't let anyone here shame you into keeping it if you don't want to.

I planted a Bur Oak the other day so it'll cancel out this one being cut down :sharebeer
by TxAg
Wed Oct 13, 2021 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worlds largest cocktail party [UGA game]
Replies: 17
Views: 3839

Re: Worlds largest cocktail party

Goblue97 wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 11:08 am Thanks again for all the tips. Based on any UF/UGA fans who have gone to the game, what do you recommend for arrival time for tailgating based on 3:30p start?
7am. Can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.
by TxAg
Sat Oct 09, 2021 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
Replies: 77
Views: 9978

Re: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?

7 or 8 years ago I heard (or read) someone say "you deserve what you accept."

I know that a quote like this is mostly fluff but it seems applicable here. Probably time to start looking or adjust your work life balance to reflect your compensation.
by TxAg
Thu Oct 07, 2021 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in San Antonio, TX
Replies: 58
Views: 5432

Re: Things to do in San Antonio, TX

Newaygo wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 8:43 pm You cannot go to San Antonio and not eat at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery.

https://www.mitierracafe.com/
I love BBQ, but I'd eat here first.
by TxAg
Tue Oct 05, 2021 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pet (dog) insurance. Yay or nay?
Replies: 52
Views: 5221

Re: Pet (dog) insurance. Yay or nay?

I vote no, but I'm able to "pull the plug" if it comes to that.
by TxAg
Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What house maintenance thing did you do recently?
Replies: 113
Views: 12725

Re: What house maintenance thing did you do today?

Caught two mice in my snap traps...they had been infiltrating my compost pile. Also hand (spot) watered the yard.
by TxAg
Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen trash bags that don't rip?
Replies: 39
Views: 3946

Re: Kitchen trash bags that don't rip?

Are you overloading your bags?
by TxAg
Wed Sep 15, 2021 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Grill and garbage can cleaning services.] Are they worth it?
Replies: 85
Views: 7775

Re: [Grill and garbage can cleaning services.] Are they worth it?

My mind is blown that people clean their trashcans, let alone pay to have it done. We are so soft :)
by TxAg
Wed Sep 15, 2021 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Incident
Replies: 82
Views: 10134

Re: Dog bit someone - contact insurance now or wait?

Have y'all addressed the dog?
by TxAg
Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

I appreciate all the replies. We will keep my policy.

At our savings rate, I think the length of this policy is plenty. Our house will be paid off in a few years. College will be mostly funded before they go.

I figure if I die, my family gets an extra $750k on top of the $1.25M investments we have.

If my wife and I both die, my kids get $2.4M from my policy, home sale, and investments. My parents get them in this event, and they are good with money and young enough to properly care for the kids.

If my wife dies, I keep working. I have a flexible job and great family support so I think we're ok there. In hindsight, we should have kept her policy since it was inexpensive.
by TxAg
Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
Replies: 139
Views: 17979

Re: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion

TxAg wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 10:13 pm
bltkmt wrote: Sun Aug 29, 2021 3:35 pm
Big Mig wrote: Sun Aug 22, 2021 5:04 pm I’ve been happy with a Tom Bihn Nik’s #3: https://www.tombihn.com/collections/acc ... 2305458239
I use their small Ghost Whale pouch as a wallet and love it.
You inspired me to buy a whale pouch super mini...looks like what I need for holding a few cards and cash
Been a few days... I like it so far.
by TxAg
Thu Sep 09, 2021 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Asset Protection" for young teenage driver in the household
Replies: 90
Views: 9429

Re: "Asset Protection" for young teenage driver in the household

So if I have $3M in taxable and get $3M in umbrella, what's stopping from the insurance company tendering limits and the lawyer going onto the next target, i.e. me? Especially with a kid involved and a sympathetic jury, why not get the full $6 Million judgment or is the insurance company going to force the attorney to waive the right to sue me as part of the settlement? OP, why pay 3x your taxable net worth for umbrella? I think you are overthinking this. Why not 1x? And it is not a complex strategy about hiring lawyers to drag out a lawsuit to keep sharks at bay. Suppose you goofed, swerved over the center line, and rendered a 5-year-old child a quadriplegic and killed his mom. Suing you for a lot of money would be a legitimate claim—not ...
by TxAg
Thu Sep 09, 2021 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retire with a child
Replies: 84
Views: 7494

Re: Retire with a child

You don't need to go to a job everyday to set a good example for your kids.

Plenty of people with kids are retired, or stay at home parents, or work flexible schedules.

I have a flexible job. My kids rarely see me working or in work clothes. It's just the way our schedules line up. My wife is planning to go part time next year. No biggie...the kids are doing great.

We know plenty of people who work like crazy and have nannies raising their kids. Different strokes for different folks.

We plan on retiring as soon as we're able, and I'm confident our kids will turn out fine.
by TxAg
Wed Sep 08, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

I think we're in agreement so far Is there a number that it makes sense to "stop"? I'm 8 years into a 20 year term. Not a number but a time. When your surviving spouse (and any minor children) can maintain an equivalent lifestyle without relying upon your income, then it is a good time to consider jettisoning your life insurance coverage. IMO, one of the greatest gifts you could leave your family in the event of your premature demise is financial security. In fact, if you are currently paying $85k per year for daycare, I assume that your wife is making significantly more than that and if you are the breadwinner, you are making significantly more than she is. If that is the case, you may even be underinsured. Food for thought...ju...
by TxAg
Wed Sep 08, 2021 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

Appreciate the comments. We'll hold onto it.
by TxAg
Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

I think we're in agreement so far Is there a number that it makes sense to "stop"? I'm 8 years into a 20 year term. You seem in a hurry to drop term life. You are in your 30s and have two young children. It costs only $850 a year. Also, I think the surviving spouse would need to keep saving for retirement to have a comfortable retirement as decades of income would be lost. Keep it until your children are launched and/or you reach FI. Also, you did not provide many details about your situation but some might argue that you should reconsider whether your spouse needs life insurance. If they were to pass, who would take on more of the work of raising the children? Would you want/need to work less to be with them during difficult tim...
by TxAg
Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

I think we're in agreement so far


Is there a number that it makes sense to "stop"? I'm 8 years into a 20 year term.
by TxAg
Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 39
Views: 4248

Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?

M: 39
F: 36
Kids: 7 & 5
Investments: $1.25M
Home equity: $400k
Debt: $85k left on home (2.5%)

Her: dropped term life insurance last year
Him: as breadwinner, carry $750k life insurance for $850/yr

Edited for clarity....Total Expenses: $85k/yr (includes daycare)... $75k/yr starting mid 2022
by TxAg
Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pistol safe recommendation
Replies: 32
Views: 5207

Re: Pistol safe recommendation

gmc4h232 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 7:45 pm What’s the motivation to get a safe after your kid is already a young adult? Are you new to gun ownership? I recommend teaching your young adult about guns to remove the curiosity factor
You took the words out of my mouth
by TxAg
Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
Replies: 212
Views: 15384

Re: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)

yuppiebogle wrote: Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:08 pm
LilyFleur wrote: Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:06 pm Are you still living with your parents?
Yes, and I do pay them some rent but will be moving out soon into my own space.
Duuuuude!

There's a guy down the street that lives with his parents. He bought a Tesla with personalized plates. He has had two sets of plates... One said "Sup Girl" and the other said "No Hanz"

Maybe I'm a just a curmudgeon at 39, but it drives me crazy.
by TxAg
Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
Replies: 212
Views: 15384

Re: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)

yuppiebogle wrote: Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:42 pm
TxAg wrote: Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:41 pmDon't do it
Thanks for the comment. Can you elaborate on your thought process?
Because you'll look back at 35 or 40 and think it was an immature thing to do.
by TxAg
Mon Aug 30, 2021 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
Replies: 139
Views: 17979

Re: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion

bltkmt wrote: Sun Aug 29, 2021 3:35 pm
Big Mig wrote: Sun Aug 22, 2021 5:04 pm I’ve been happy with a Tom Bihn Nik’s #3: https://www.tombihn.com/collections/acc ... 2305458239
I use their small Ghost Whale pouch as a wallet and love it.
You inspired me to buy a whale pouch super mini...looks like what I need for holding a few cards and cash
by TxAg
Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whole milk vs 2%?
Replies: 36
Views: 2974

Re: Whole milk vs 2%?

Either tastes fine, but we have small kids so whole milk it is.
by TxAg
Sun Aug 22, 2021 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Freezer or top freezer fridge in garage?
Replies: 38
Views: 3325

Re: Freezer or top freezer fridge in garage?

We went from a fridge/freezer in the kitchen to now having one in the garage also plus a chest freezer.

It's probably overkill, but the chest freezer was free and we received it after adding the outdoor fridge/freezer.

We love keeping drinks in the outside fridge like milk, Topo Chico, kid yogurt smoothies, beer, kombucha, cold wines...you get the idea. It is handy for the holidays as well...like thawing a turkey slowly.

I hunt a lot so the chest freezer means we have more room for various cuts of meat and bones for the dog. Plenty of room for Costco runs as well.

I try to live minimally, but I don't want to go back to just the kitchen set up.
by TxAg
Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pet Insurance
Replies: 18
Views: 1990

Re: Pet Insurance

Just another data point: It's a no go for us. We always adopts our dogs. They get a lot of love and attention and their basic health requirements are met with our local vet. However, if the bill were to creep too high for a major surgery, we're prepared to "pull the plug." We'd then adopt another in need of a good home....there's never a shortage of poor dogs needing a home.
by TxAg
Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income physician seeking financial and life advice
Replies: 202
Views: 42613

Re: High income physician seeking financial and life advice

You only get one chance to raise your kids.
by TxAg
Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on remodel?
Replies: 32
Views: 2901

Re: How much to spend on remodel?

You're in good shape. Acreage and a pond is a big bonus.

If you spent $100-200k making this house they way you want it and plan on staying for 20 years then I say go for it. I'd want it all done within a year...not stretched out for years.

As for paying for it, maybe cash flow half and use a heloc for half.
by TxAg
Mon Aug 16, 2021 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thirties - Can we retire? We're scared!
Replies: 44
Views: 8192

Re: Thirties - Can we retire? We're scared!

I'd sell the real estate in a heartbeat

Then I would lump sum

Then I would work half heartedly for a year or so to see what happens

Then I'd retire