I live in Virginia but still have winter tires (mounted on their own wheels) for two of our vehicles. For driving in any accumulation of snow, they are FAR superior to any all-season tire. (I tell people that driving on them in snow is like having a superpower, and that they should come with a sign for the back of your car that says "DO NOT FOLLOW".)
Everyone is welcome to make their own decisions about what they're comfortable with, but there's no arguing the fact that winter tires are superior to all-seasons (even those with the mountain-and-snowflake rating), by every metric, for driving in snow and for ice.
Search found 492 matches
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When do winter/snow tires make sense? Do you have a second set of wheels?
- Replies: 80
- Views: 5139
- Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Serpentine Belt Replacement
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2621
Re: Serpentine Belt Replacement
It seems highly unlikely that the belt has deteriorated within that timeframe/mileage unless there is an underlying problem. (This also takes into consideration my experience that OEM belts seem to last longer than the less-expensive aftermarket belts.)
- Sat Feb 11, 2023 10:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Septic System Train Wreck
- Replies: 229
- Views: 19594
Re: Septic System Train Wreck
A good working properly sized septic can go a long time between pump outs. Of course this assumes your not abusing it by putting junk into it. I use a tool called CoreTaker. It's a clear tube with increments marked on it and a check valve on the bottom. You submerge it into the tank until it reaches the bottom. Then pull it out. You can clearly see in the tube the depth of your solids and scum layer with clear in between. I just had my tank pumped this past summer at the 5 year mark. It only had a 2" scum depth and a 2" solids depth. I could have gone close to 50 years and still been operating in the safe zone. Just when I think that I know everything there is to know about septic systems (I have a few OCD tendencies and tend to ...
- Wed Feb 08, 2023 1:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Chilly bedroom above garage and any way to quiet a garage door opener ?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 4269
Re: Chilly bedroom above garage and any way to quiet a garage door opener ?
Belt drive makes a difference, but soft-start makes even more of one.
I like the idea of the isolation mounts, too, but be sure that they're rated for the load.
I like the idea of the isolation mounts, too, but be sure that they're rated for the load.
- Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card
- Replies: 184
- Views: 12355
Re: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card
Why should everyone -- including those who pay cash or by check -- have to subsidize the credit card fees incurred by the users of credit cards?
And where do consumers think that "cash back" and "rewards" come from? Hint for the many who have no idea: it doesn't come from the generosity of the bank.
I hope that this practice (surcharges for credit card usage) becomes widespread, so that I can recover some of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that I pay in credit card fees every year. And I would cheerfully pay for the personal convenience of using a card if so asked.
Signed, a small local business owner who has a LOT of daily card transactions and a narrow profit margin
And where do consumers think that "cash back" and "rewards" come from? Hint for the many who have no idea: it doesn't come from the generosity of the bank.
I hope that this practice (surcharges for credit card usage) becomes widespread, so that I can recover some of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that I pay in credit card fees every year. And I would cheerfully pay for the personal convenience of using a card if so asked.
Signed, a small local business owner who has a LOT of daily card transactions and a narrow profit margin
- Sat Nov 12, 2022 2:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Snow tires Qs
- Replies: 123
- Views: 10787
Re: Snow tires Qs
I'm a huge fan of winter tires and so is my wife, even though we live in an area where the typical winter sees less than 20" of snow. Everyone has to decide what to spend money on in order to be comfortable, to feel safe, and/or to enjoy a particular kind of freedom. For me, winter tires hit all three marks, and are well worth the expense and the trouble. Also, I have no trouble swapping tires on two vehicles twice a year (it takes me under an hour per vehicle), so that makes the decision easier for me. And when we have that rare storm where the snow piles up (or if we take a 4-hour trip into snow country to go skiing), we have zero problems leaving the house, navigating the roads, and making it back up several steep hills on the way h...
- Fri Aug 05, 2022 12:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950s house - UPDATE 2
- Replies: 167
- Views: 12591
Re: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950’s house
Good article in Fine Homebuilding about the technical aspects of insulating attic space with knee walls:
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/0 ... -kneewalls
If you currently have old batt insulation in the knee walls, spray foam (or some other approach to insulating and air-sealing) will make a big difference.
I would also want to conduct an energy audit to see how much heat load is being transferred to the living space, and a Manual J calculation done to correctly size the cooling load necessary.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/0 ... -kneewalls
If you currently have old batt insulation in the knee walls, spray foam (or some other approach to insulating and air-sealing) will make a big difference.
I would also want to conduct an energy audit to see how much heat load is being transferred to the living space, and a Manual J calculation done to correctly size the cooling load necessary.
- Tue Jul 05, 2022 9:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Trailer/Bike hitch: 1 1/4" or 2"
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3460
Re: Trailer/Bike hitch: 1 1/4" or 2"
I'd counter only with making sure that one hitch (brand, size etc.) won't hang noticeably lower (or further out) than another.
We put a 2" hitch on my wife's 2012 Legacy and it hangs pretty low, but we already had bike racks that fit a 2" hitch.
We put a 2" hitch on my wife's 2012 Legacy and it hangs pretty low, but we already had bike racks that fit a 2" hitch.
- Mon Jun 20, 2022 5:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
- Replies: 284
- Views: 21814
Re: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
Electric bass: 5- and 6-string, fretted and fretless. Been playing for 30 years, with 7 years off (begun by burnout, extended after the birth of my son). One of the best things ever to happen to the benefit of my playing was Covid; with no gigs, I found a teacher and focused solely on development for over a year. I'm still taking online lessons with my teacher, but the gigs are back to being a "distraction."
The instruments and gear that I've acquired as a musician (and as a sound technician) point to behavior characteristics that have yet to successfully adapt to the Boglehead "way," to put it lightly.
The instruments and gear that I've acquired as a musician (and as a sound technician) point to behavior characteristics that have yet to successfully adapt to the Boglehead "way," to put it lightly.
- Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:32 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TIPS - Did you give up?
- Replies: 493
- Views: 101265
Re: TIPS - Did you give up?
I thought that this would be a fun thread to resurrect, in order to see if folks' ideas about TIPS allocation have changed in the last year or so.
- Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:29 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Two tank septic system, recommended to pump both tanks?
- Replies: 36
- Views: 5805
Re: Two tank septic system, recommended to pump both tanks?
I pump my tank every 3-4 years, and it's only after it has been pumped that it can be inspected (for root intrusion, baffles in place, etc.)
The basics to drainfield longevity: send as little food grease down the drain as possible (I wipe off plates etc. with a paper towel before washing), avoid using harsh cleaners or excessive bleach, and keep roots out of your drainfield.
The basics to drainfield longevity: send as little food grease down the drain as possible (I wipe off plates etc. with a paper towel before washing), avoid using harsh cleaners or excessive bleach, and keep roots out of your drainfield.
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should you always use a 529?
- Replies: 106
- Views: 18471
Re: Should you always use a 529?
Once the roth ira and 401k are maxed out, 529 is often the next major tax shelter for professional high income earners. It is a fantadtic tax break for the wealthy top 3-5% of income households. No annual contribution limit. I have a few investment banking friends in their thirties who can use 529 to pay for NYC private schools now thanks to the GOP tax cuts. Theyre putting $500k in this year for their young children and all gains are tax free. One of my friends doesn't even have children yet, it is so good. Just put the 529 under your name and gift the amount to the child over time. There are few guarantees in life, but investing heavily in children's education has large demonstrated financial returns. I don't understand this post. How we...
- Mon Jul 11, 2016 4:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: A nice wrist watch under $1500
- Replies: 42
- Views: 10418
Re: A nice wrist watch under $1500
Is the the back of the line to tut-tut-tut over how someone else spends their money, and let them know that I disapprove? Wow, it's a lot longer than I thought it would be. Hope I don't have to wait too long, there are other people on the internet who are wrong and need to be corrected!
OP, congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Take the time to really look at a lot of different watches, and don't pay retail. Me, I'd love to have an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, but I've never been able to pull the trigger.
OP, congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Take the time to really look at a lot of different watches, and don't pay retail. Me, I'd love to have an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, but I've never been able to pull the trigger.
- Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:01 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TIPS - Did you give up?
- Replies: 493
- Views: 101265
Re: TIPS - Did you give up?
I continue to stay the course (I own only the Vanguard TIPS fund, and only in my son's 529 portfolio).
- Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any motorcyclists here? - First road trip
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4775
Re: Any motorcyclists here? - First road trip
It'll be hot. Bring a CamelBak, and whenever you stop for gas fill it with ice, water and Gatorade or what have you.
Been occasionally traveling like that for 25+ years on all manner of bikes, many of them far less suited for that kind of trip than your FZ6. I'm sure you'll have a great time.
And +1 on advrider.com/forums -- it's a deep rabbit hole.
Been occasionally traveling like that for 25+ years on all manner of bikes, many of them far less suited for that kind of trip than your FZ6. I'm sure you'll have a great time.
And +1 on advrider.com/forums -- it's a deep rabbit hole.
- Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Neighborhood kids setting up lemonade stand on my property
- Replies: 102
- Views: 14794
Re: Neighborhood kids setting up lemonade stand on my property
It sounds as if your issue isn't really about risk.Cherokee8215 wrote:I know. But this isn't 1950 anymore. In today's litigious and socially avoidant society there is far more risk. I don't like it any more than you do. I didn't create this atmosphere, it's the way it is now. Had they come to my door and asked permission I may leaned towards allowing it, but they didn't do that.Jim85 wrote:Wow. Maybe I'm a irresponsible risk taker but good grief! a lemonade stand ? Call the police ? Local health code violations ? What a world.
The only issue I see here is the kids or mother should have asked permission. Seems like the polite way of doing this.
- Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Neighborhood kids setting up lemonade stand on my property
- Replies: 102
- Views: 14794
Re: Neighborhood kids setting up lemonade stand on my property
Do they accept credit cards, so that customers can get their frequent flier miles?
I mean, everyone here knows that every business that accepts cash does so only to cheat on their taxes.
I mean, everyone here knows that every business that accepts cash does so only to cheat on their taxes.
- Mon Jun 13, 2016 4:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Rolex Watch
- Replies: 171
- Views: 30175
Re: Buying a Rolex Watch
I thought this forum was supposed to be about how to best structure our own finances, and our own spending habits, so as to produce the best results towards our individual goals and desires -- not about self-denial for its own sake, or projection of how one must imagine all wealthy people to behave.
One may come to a late realization that there is a game being played, but that doesn't mean that one must forbid oneself from playing.
One may come to a late realization that there is a game being played, but that doesn't mean that one must forbid oneself from playing.
- Mon Nov 09, 2015 10:47 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When To Justify Expensive Wants?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 9757
Re: When To Justify Expensive Wants?
You are doing great and it certainly seems that you can afford a fun purchase or two. However, I highly recommend that you stop reading websites like the one you linked; no good will come of that.JustinTime wrote:I was just reading this post: http://attitudes4innovation.com/7-reaso ... ng-wealthy.
Also, know that at such a young age it's most important to save now (as opposed to later) if you can, as your saved money has the greatest potential for compounding itself multiple times over during your lifetime.
- Fri Oct 16, 2015 7:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Progressive lenses for eyeglasses if you want clarity above all
- Replies: 77
- Views: 12430
Re: Progressive lenses for eyeglasses if you want clarity above all
I tried progressives and I really, really did not like them. I was told that I would "get used to them," but the distortion (straight vertical lines no longer appear straight, sides are distorted) was not something that I wanted to get used to. I was also told that "most people don't look out of the sides of their lenses anyway," and it was at that point that I was ready to run out of the office. (Seriously?) With bi- and trifocals, you quickly learn exactly where to look in the lens, and you can have them insert the second and third lenses exactly where they will be most useful to you. (I like mine quite low in the lens.) Yeah, I'm fussy. I bought the most expensive lenses that I could in an effort to see as well as pos...
- Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Am I being too stingy for a high-income household?
- Replies: 223
- Views: 27767
Re: Am I being too stingy for a high-income household?
You could turn that statement around so that it faces the other direction and it would still be true.edge wrote:Trying to enforce your view of happiness on your wife is borderline marriage suicide.
- Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Am I being too stingy for a high-income household?
- Replies: 223
- Views: 27767
Re: Am I being too stingy for a high-income household?
Family: wife and I are 31, 1.5 yr old w/ another one on the way Income: $450k me, $80k her working 32 hrs/week Net worth: 2M House: $400k, $250k mortgage, bought new in 2010, 3200sqft Cars: 2011 CRV, 2006 Accord Annual spending: 90k, biggest spending areas: mortgage, dining out/groceries, travel. Wife would like us to make two major purchases in the next 2 years: 1) Upgrade our car to an Acura MDX or a Honda Pilot. Her argument is that we need a bigger car w/ a 2nd child. 2) Buy a new home that is bigger w/ better fixtures, looking at the 700k range. In my opinion, both of these purchases are unnecessary. We can easily afford it but neither one would make *me* significantly happier over the long-term. I feel that long-term happiness comes ...
- Fri Jan 02, 2015 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Help with spouse and finances (read: lots of debt)
- Replies: 110
- Views: 20399
Re: Help with spouse and finances (read: lots of debt)
I just read this whole thread for the first time. I will leave financial advice to the side for now, and just say that you are an extraordinary woman. You have been through a lot and have managed things better than almost anyone else could have. You deserve a ton of credit and moral support, and I for one offer it unreservedly. You will now be making a fresh start, which is a great gift. You are still young, healthy, and have your whole life ahead of you. It will take some work to get your financial affairs fully settled, but there is no better resource than this forum. With your mindset and discipline, I have no doubt that in time, everything will be in great shape. In all sincerity, I offer my best wishes for a happy, healthy new year an...
- Thu Dec 25, 2014 1:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best watch for around $5,000? [Archived]
- Replies: 1479
- Views: 347573
Re: I think I just got a $5,000 watch for Christmas
Subscribed for the ride.
- Thu Dec 25, 2014 12:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to choose Fabric Sofas?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 5027
Re: How to choose Fabric Sofas?
This is a small statistical sample, but we have had excellent results with Crate & Barrel cloth-covered furniture.
- Tue Dec 09, 2014 8:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tow hitch cargo
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3845
Re: Tow hitch cargo
I once pulled 1500 pounds of mulch on a 600 pound trailer behind a 1987 Acura Integra.
I won't ever do that again.
However, I can report with certainty that there was no damage to the vehicle.
I'm pretty sure that you'll be fine with a 100 pound box on a hitch.
I won't ever do that again.
However, I can report with certainty that there was no damage to the vehicle.
I'm pretty sure that you'll be fine with a 100 pound box on a hitch.
- Sat Nov 29, 2014 8:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When do you feel comfortable financially to have kids?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 6639
Re: When do you feel comfortable financially to have kids?
I really, really like this.Professor Emeritus wrote:Interestingly my wife's family has a multi generational tradition of grandparents helping with children financially so that young people would not put off having children. It dated back to buying farms in the 1860s. I was assured that there would be a college fund for any children we had. Biology did not cooperate and it took us several years longer than we thought to have our kids. We told our daughters the same thing and we now have 2.5 grandchildren.
- Fri Nov 28, 2014 1:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I being too conservative at 65/35?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 9282
Re: Am I being too conservative at 65/35?
Here is the short and sweet of our situation. Having lost some serious cash in 2008, I have slowly crept up my bond allocation in the portfolio. Our goal is to retire in 13 years off $120k income for 30 years life expectancy. Saved-$1.7 MIl Age- both 47 Housing-No mortgage Dependents-1 Combined income-$150k We pay about 35% when all taxes are added up (state/federal) We have a portfolio that is very bogleheadish with a slight tilt toward small co value We have all our savings in vanguard accounts) except for about 15% in fidelity index funds and a small portion in some brkb stock. We have a 529 for our child and are on target to fund half their education, so we are good there. My biggest concern is that to get where we want to go and bonds...
- Mon Nov 24, 2014 7:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 23 year old... Can I afford a Rolex?
- Replies: 213
- Views: 45381
Re: 23 year old... Can I afford a Rolex?
It's like moths to a flame ...island wrote:3 pages on this, seriously?
To the OP: Good luck, and consider carefully what kind of female (or male friends) you are hoping to attract with the lure scent of a Rolex on your wrist.
- Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Side jobs or hobbies that make you money
- Replies: 127
- Views: 26668
Re: Side jobs or hobbies that make you money
Amen, brother (or sister). I'm now deep into my 40s, and I can't stay up that late anymore.caroljm36 wrote:I play in a band, which is how I used to make my living. I save the cash up at home to use for home projects and walking-around money. But I file schedule C on it too.
I could play more but the late hours just kill me now.
- Wed Nov 19, 2014 7:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Jeep Cherokee replacement vehicles
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1739
Re: Jeep Cherokee replacement vehicles
+1 to Sequoia.
Perusing Cars.com I see several examples near your price/mileage thresholds.
Big, comfy, strong (although they can't tow as much as a Suburban etc.), reliable, nicer ride than a Jeep IMO, fantastic in the snow.
The Land Cruiser/LX470 is a great vehicle -- it might just be the most reliable and well-screwed-together vehicle on the planet -- but you'll never find one in that price/mileage range.
Perusing Cars.com I see several examples near your price/mileage thresholds.
Big, comfy, strong (although they can't tow as much as a Suburban etc.), reliable, nicer ride than a Jeep IMO, fantastic in the snow.
The Land Cruiser/LX470 is a great vehicle -- it might just be the most reliable and well-screwed-together vehicle on the planet -- but you'll never find one in that price/mileage range.
- Mon Nov 17, 2014 7:34 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Taylor Larimore, My Favorite Teacher
- Replies: 14
- Views: 5117
Re: Taylor Larimore, My Favorite Teacher
I very much appreciate your steady wisdom and guidance, Taylor.
- Mon Nov 17, 2014 4:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: car sensor showing TPMS sign
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4313
Re: car sensor showing TPMS sign
I would be very surprised if you could not simply replace the valve core with a core removal tool. These pieces are inexpensive and the replacement is easy to do -- just note that you need access to an air supply when you do this as removing the valve core will make all the air come out of the tire.
Google "schrader valve core" or stop by any auto parts store.
And yes, this is the time of the year when TPMS dash indicators start lighting up, with the onset of cold weather. Props to the poster who referenced Boyle's Law.
Google "schrader valve core" or stop by any auto parts store.
And yes, this is the time of the year when TPMS dash indicators start lighting up, with the onset of cold weather. Props to the poster who referenced Boyle's Law.
- Sun Nov 16, 2014 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
- Replies: 111
- Views: 15515
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
littlebird wrote:Don't be too intimidated by research showing that it's "better" to spend on experiences, rather than "things. I say "phooey".
I couldn't agree more, despite a gajillion Wall Street Journal articles purporting to the contrary.ChrisC wrote:I don't know if the dichotomy between purchases of experiences and material objects really makes that much sense, since some material objects keep on spawning additional experiences of good feelings. So purchasing, art work, furniture, musical recordings, china, or even books may cause recurring pleasurable experiences (and might even be superior to human memory in replicating or recounting "fun" experiences so I also say "phooey" to this behavorial research.
- Mon Oct 13, 2014 7:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Clothes Dryer drying very slowly
- Replies: 24
- Views: 6111
Re: Clothes Dryer drying very slowly
I had to pull the cover off of my dryer to retrieve a sock that was stuck in the blower motor. When I did I took the opportunity to vacuum out many pounds of lint that lined the ducting and coated the internals. Made a big difference in dry time and was easy to do. There are YouTube videos for almost everything these days.
- Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best solution for clouded auto headlight lens?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 10196
Re: Best solution for clouded auto headlight lens?
If the headlight isn't too clouded then Novus Plastic Polish #2 (sold on Amazon) or the 3m equivalent (sold in auto parts stores) will clear it up easily, if it's bad then the very fine sandpaper/wetsand route will be necessary. I used to use #2 on the headlights on my Grand Voyager every 6 months or so, just a couple of minutes each time kept them looking like glass.
- Sat Oct 11, 2014 7:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Suggest an AM - FM Stereo Receiver?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3726
Re: Suggest an AM - FM Stereo Receiver?
The Japanese stuff from the 70s, 80s and early 90s is built like tanks and can still work well. I would check audiogon.com or eBay for Yamaha/Pioneer/Technics/Sansui/Kenwood/Sony and research the model a bit before you buy.
- Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Deleted
- Replies: 262
- Views: 24700
Re: A 'really good book' you did NOT enjoy
The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People.
Infinite Jest? I came to see this title as a description of the author's intellectual disdain towards those who actually took the effort to read, discuss and expound the work. Perhaps tellingly, it was a hot title in graduate English department circles at the time.
Infinite Jest? I came to see this title as a description of the author's intellectual disdain towards those who actually took the effort to read, discuss and expound the work. Perhaps tellingly, it was a hot title in graduate English department circles at the time.
- Wed Aug 27, 2014 8:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Telling my friends I paid off my house was a mistake.
- Replies: 73
- Views: 14544
Re: Telling my friends I paid off my house was a mistake.
Since this wheel of this thread has been yanked completely off-topic, it now seems appropriate to point out that the above-mentioned accolades aren't from *strangers* but rather are from fellow BHs -- folks with whom we are united in a common purpose, with whom we often have some degree of familiarity and with whom we are accustomed to sharing support.VictoriaF wrote:Interestingly, strangers are likely to be happy for one's success. Witness the congratulations people receive in the Bogleheads Forum after they achieve major milestones.four7s wrote:One of the most important things I've learned is: " Don't expect people to be happy for your success."
Victoria
P.S. I have a minor milestone today, exactly 7.5 years of posting.
- Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Summer indoor humidity levels
- Replies: 18
- Views: 15744
Re: Summer indoor humidity levels
Ideally an A/C unit will run just about non-stop on the hottest days of the year. Short operating cycles don't remove humidity. IMO, most residential HVAC units are oversized; my guess is that people want "COLD" air coming out of the registers and want to be able to drop the temperature on a hot day "RIGHT NOW." It's unfortunate.
I too prefer humidity levels to be low; mid-40% range is comfortable to me. I run a dehumidifier in my basement garage and it makes a substantial difference. Without the dehumidifier the humidity will settle in at the mid-50% range.
I too prefer humidity levels to be low; mid-40% range is comfortable to me. I run a dehumidifier in my basement garage and it makes a substantial difference. Without the dehumidifier the humidity will settle in at the mid-50% range.
- Sat Jun 28, 2014 7:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Who do you talk with about your financial goals?
- Replies: 158
- Views: 17057
- Sat Jun 21, 2014 6:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Washing Machine Lint Traps/Filters
- Replies: 24
- Views: 13395
Re: Washing Machine Lint Traps/Filters
Wow! I never heard of this, and at one point I did tons of research on septic systems and how/why they function/fail.
Did your septic company jet or scope your system, and if so did they find lint?
Oh, and pumps fail.
Did your septic company jet or scope your system, and if so did they find lint?
Oh, and pumps fail.
- Thu May 29, 2014 10:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Thinking of buying a 1974 Corvette
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3607
Re: Thinking of buying a 1974 Corvette
This, absolutely, especially the bold part.LeeMKE wrote:The only way to get a good deal on a vintage auto is to buy a restored, finished, road ready vehicle from the estate of someone who paid for professional restoration and the family is selling. The large car auctions (Barrett Jackson, Mecum) have plenty of cars that are nice drivers, and much less than the cost of restoring one yourself. Unless you are a gear head and love working on cars, a partially restored car will not make you happy IMHO.
- Wed May 28, 2014 11:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash in Safe Deposit Box..??
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7132
Re: Cash in Safe Deposit Box..??
Oh, just mention that you're a "hardworking and honest" retailer who happens to "accept cash" (or, for fun, that you prefer it to charge cards). There'll be no subtlety.Doom&Gloom wrote:I find it refreshing that drug dealers have not been mentioned. The "war on drugs" has subtly convinced most Americans that possession of large sums of cash is illegal or presumptive proof of illegal activity.
- Wed May 28, 2014 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Thinking about buying an old Jeep Wrangler for fun
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1581
Re: Thinking about buying an old Jeep Wrangler for fun
True, for long-term reliability and overlanding in comfort. They do hold their value a little too well to fit into the price range above, unless you fall back to an 80 series. Much more comfortable than a Wrangler.TheOscarGuy wrote:Suggestions: Land Cruiser! If your intentions are only doing off-roading, there are virtually none better than LC.
If you want to go and have inexpensive fun bombing around on trails, as an entry ticket into off-roading the Wrangler is #1. However, the on-road experience is as Spartan as it gets.
- Wed May 28, 2014 9:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, Lowes
- Replies: 43
- Views: 40371
Re: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, L
I just replaced a water heater in a rental unit and used my regular plumber. The one that failed was likely 40 years old.
I trust my plumber to replace components with those of good quality (and I find that the quality of merchandise in big box stores, in general, is in a constant slow decline). He chose an AO Smith unit made in the USA, and he replaced several gate valves that he thought needed replacing with good ball valves.
Bottom line, a working relationship with a good tradesman is valuable. Hopefully your acquaintances can provide a recommendation.
I trust my plumber to replace components with those of good quality (and I find that the quality of merchandise in big box stores, in general, is in a constant slow decline). He chose an AO Smith unit made in the USA, and he replaced several gate valves that he thought needed replacing with good ball valves.
Bottom line, a working relationship with a good tradesman is valuable. Hopefully your acquaintances can provide a recommendation.
- Wed May 28, 2014 9:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash in Safe Deposit Box..??
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7132
Re: Cash in Safe Deposit Box..??
Cash in savings account = backing of FDIC
Cash in safe deposit box = you're on your own
Cash in safe deposit box = you're on your own
- Tue May 27, 2014 8:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new car soon, old man's advice needed
- Replies: 54
- Views: 5214
Re: Buying a new car soon, old man's advice needed
Accord or Camry, ~7 years old. Drive. Change fluids according to maintenance schedule. Enjoy.
I mostly drove beaters in my 20s and 30s, save for the occasional weekend-drive sports car (that I invariably sold for more than I bought it for), and over time I came to have a great appreciation for well-depreciated iron from those two manufacturers.
As a bonus, these cars are "invisible" because of their ubiquitousness: no one will think twice about the fact that you drive one.
And Home Depot delivers.
Finally, I wish I had found a resource like this when I was your age. Good luck to you, Austin.
I mostly drove beaters in my 20s and 30s, save for the occasional weekend-drive sports car (that I invariably sold for more than I bought it for), and over time I came to have a great appreciation for well-depreciated iron from those two manufacturers.
As a bonus, these cars are "invisible" because of their ubiquitousness: no one will think twice about the fact that you drive one.
And Home Depot delivers.
Finally, I wish I had found a resource like this when I was your age. Good luck to you, Austin.
- Thu May 22, 2014 10:08 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your 529 Plan - Thoughts and Strategies
- Replies: 43
- Views: 8051
Re: Your 529 Plan - Thoughts and Strategies
1. How old are your children who you're saving for? One child, age 5. 2. Which 529 Plan do you invest in? VA 529, not the "pre-paid tuition" version but the regular savings program ("inVEST"). 3. What's the current balance? 90k 4. How much do you contribute and how often? How did you come to this number? 1-2 times a month for each account, to total about $4000/account/year. I have six "accounts" (really, just 6 different funds). VA allows $4k state tax deduction per child per account (with carry-forward allowed). This amount gets us close to the annual gift tax exclusion as well; as my income increases and my debt drops I intend to fund the 529 out to the annual max (currently 28k), which will mean adding anot...
- Sun May 18, 2014 8:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Convince me to choose a Suburban over a Sequoia
- Replies: 87
- Views: 42209
Re: Convince me to choose a Suburban over a Sequoia
I hate to say it, but just Google "toyota sequoia tundra frame rust."Keep It Simple wrote:I just read that lawyers are looking into a class action lawsuit regarding the corrosion of the underside of those vehicles where many of the brake lines are failing and GM was aware of it and did nothing allegedly.
I just don't feel like GM can be trusted when I hear real life experiences like these. I rarely hear of a Toyota having this many problems...in fact I haven't ever heard something like this with Toyota.
Just something to keep in mind.
K.I.S.