Search found 492 matches

by Mister Whale
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

Re: When do winter/snow tires make sense? Do you have a second set of wheels?

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.
by Mister Whale
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.)
by Mister Whale
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 ...
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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. :beer
by Mister Whale
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. :beer
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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!

:D

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.
by Mister Whale
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).
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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

Cherokee8215 wrote:
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.
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.
It sounds as if your issue isn't really about risk.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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?

JustinTime wrote:I was just reading this post: http://attitudes4innovation.com/7-reaso ... ng-wealthy.
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.

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.
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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?

edge wrote:Trying to enforce your view of happiness on your wife is borderline marriage suicide.
You could turn that statement around so that it faces the other direction and it would still be true. :beer
by Mister Whale
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 ...
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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?

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.
I really, really like this.
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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?

island wrote:3 pages on this, seriously?
It's like moths to a flame ... :D

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.
by Mister Whale
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

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.
Amen, brother (or sister). I'm now deep into my 40s, and I can't stay up that late anymore.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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. :beer
by Mister Whale
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".
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.
I couldn't agree more, despite a gajillion Wall Street Journal articles purporting to the contrary. :beer
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.

VictoriaF wrote:
four7s wrote:One of the most important things I've learned is: " Don't expect people to be happy for your success."
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.

Victoria
P.S. I have a minor milestone today, exactly 7.5 years of posting.
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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

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.
This, absolutely, especially the bold part. :beer
by Mister Whale
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..??

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.
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. :happy
by Mister Whale
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

TheOscarGuy wrote:Suggestions: Land Cruiser! If your intentions are only doing off-roading, there are virtually none better than LC.
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.

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.
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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
by Mister Whale
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.
by Mister Whale
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...
by Mister Whale
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

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.
I hate to say it, but just Google "toyota sequoia tundra frame rust."