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.
Search found 1823 matches
- Sat Feb 05, 2022 12:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone wish they purchased a smaller house?
- Replies: 112
- Views: 11611
- Tue Feb 01, 2022 5:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do we spend too much in groceries?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 12174
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.
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.
- Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s
- Replies: 165
- Views: 15020
Re: Considering first big purchase - mid 20s
$780/month for a car. Lol.
- 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: 84171
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
- Thu Jan 20, 2022 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do people still wear ties and belts?
- Replies: 222
- Views: 18750
Re: Do people still wear ties and belts?
Ties are evil.
I do appreciate a good belt.
I do appreciate a good belt.
- Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dallas and nearby: Things to do?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2297
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.
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.
- Thu Dec 30, 2021 6:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Favorite Purchases of 2021?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 19287
Re: Favorite Purchases of 2021?
Had a disc replaced in my neck. Pain free now.
- Thu Dec 30, 2021 11:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car question- am I overthinking this ?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3784
- Thu Dec 30, 2021 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car question- am I overthinking this ?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3784
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.
- Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney experience
- Replies: 301
- Views: 26311
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!
More power to those of you that can!
- 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: 11884
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.
- Sun Dec 26, 2021 10:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Men's trimmer
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1957
Re: Men's trimmer
Brio Beardscape
- Fri Dec 24, 2021 2:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Personal Protection Dog
- Replies: 94
- Views: 8073
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.
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.
- Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tricky work situation - advice needed
- Replies: 42
- Views: 5014
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.
Opening old wounds seems like a recipe for disaster.
- Sat Dec 18, 2021 7:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying prescription glasses online
- Replies: 46
- Views: 8552
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.
$20 for kid glasses is much better than $250.
- 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: 13404
Re: Convince me to stop thinking about this house on Zillow
The 1957 house is probably built much better than the one in '98
- Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 9507
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.
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.
- Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Products that last forever
- Replies: 288
- Views: 29977
Re: Products that last forever
A quality wool blanket
- Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Firing Painter
- Replies: 76
- Views: 6825
Re: Firing Painter
$10 says he's in jail
- 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: 13250
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.
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.
- Wed Oct 13, 2021 6:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tree vs Basement
- Replies: 83
- Views: 8313
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
I planted a Bur Oak the other day so it'll cancel out this one being cut down
- Wed Oct 13, 2021 11:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Worlds largest cocktail party [UGA game]
- Replies: 17
- Views: 3840
- Sat Oct 09, 2021 8:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
- Replies: 77
- Views: 10084
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.
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.
- Thu Oct 07, 2021 10:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Things to do in San Antonio, TX
- Replies: 58
- Views: 5480
Re: Things to do in San Antonio, TX
I love BBQ, but I'd eat here first.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/
- Tue Oct 05, 2021 3:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pet (dog) insurance. Yay or nay?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5290
Re: Pet (dog) insurance. Yay or nay?
I vote no, but I'm able to "pull the plug" if it comes to that.
- Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What house maintenance thing did you do recently?
- Replies: 113
- Views: 12941
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.
- Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kitchen trash bags that don't rip?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4005
Re: Kitchen trash bags that don't rip?
Are you overloading your bags?
- 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: 7911
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
- Wed Sep 15, 2021 3:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Incident
- Replies: 82
- Views: 10157
Re: Dog bit someone - contact insurance now or wait?
Have y'all addressed the dog?
- Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
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.
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.
- Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
- Replies: 139
- Views: 18115
Re: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
Been a few days... I like it so far.TxAg wrote: ↑Mon Aug 30, 2021 10:13 pmYou inspired me to buy a whale pouch super mini...looks like what I need for holding a few cards and cashbltkmt wrote: ↑Sun Aug 29, 2021 3:35 pmI use their small Ghost Whale pouch as a wallet and love it.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
- 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: 9524
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 ...
- Thu Sep 09, 2021 12:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retire with a child
- Replies: 84
- Views: 7510
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.
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.
- Wed Sep 08, 2021 8:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
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...
- Wed Sep 08, 2021 7:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
Re: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
Appreciate the comments. We'll hold onto it.
- Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
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...
- Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
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.
Is there a number that it makes sense to "stop"? I'm 8 years into a 20 year term.
- Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I still carry Term Life Insurance?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4259
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
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
- Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pistol safe recommendation
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5278
- 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: 15562
Re: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
Duuuuude!yuppiebogle wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:08 pmYes, and I do pay them some rent but will be moving out soon into my own space.
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.
- 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: 15562
Re: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
Because you'll look back at 35 or 40 and think it was an immature thing to do.yuppiebogle wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:42 pmThanks for the comment. Can you elaborate on your thought process?
- Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Would this be a extremely bad purchase? (Sport Car)
- Replies: 212
- Views: 15562
- Mon Aug 30, 2021 10:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
- Replies: 139
- Views: 18115
Re: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
You inspired me to buy a whale pouch super mini...looks like what I need for holding a few cards and cashbltkmt wrote: ↑Sun Aug 29, 2021 3:35 pmI use their small Ghost Whale pouch as a wallet and love it.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
- Sun Aug 29, 2021 12:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tell My Brother He is Possibly Making a Huge Mistake?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2923
Re: Tell My Brother He is Possibly Making a Huge Mistake?
I'd say something for sure
- Wed Aug 25, 2021 7:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Whole milk vs 2%?
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3010
Re: Whole milk vs 2%?
Either tastes fine, but we have small kids so whole milk it is.
- Sun Aug 22, 2021 4:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Freezer or top freezer fridge in garage?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3363
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.
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.
- Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pet Insurance
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1998
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.
- Sat Aug 21, 2021 11:37 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: High income physician seeking financial and life advice
- Replies: 202
- Views: 42775
Re: High income physician seeking financial and life advice
You only get one chance to raise your kids.
- Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:05 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How much to spend on remodel?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2937
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.
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.
- Mon Aug 16, 2021 2:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thirties - Can we retire? We're scared!
- Replies: 44
- Views: 8204
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
Then I would lump sum
Then I would work half heartedly for a year or so to see what happens
Then I'd retire