Search found 65 matches

by JULIE
Wed Feb 08, 2012 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Day Care / Child Care - Discussion
Replies: 39
Views: 3912

Re: Day Care / Child Care - Discussion

I have a discounted daycare rate through work. It is about half the going rate in this area. Yay. We did not like the in-home daycare feel because there was a lot of TV being the caregiver and I did not feel comfortable with that. In the center, there is not even a television in the room with the children. They also have an indoor gym for when it is cold/rainy outside so the kids can run around. I like the socialization aspect of the center my kids go to, too. My kids did not start daycare until they were 6 months old. The $5000 FSA is a joke, but it saves us a few bucks. I was not into a nanny as I had some colleagues with children who had socialization issues especially if it was one child with a nanny. There are varying levels of centers...
by JULIE
Fri Feb 03, 2012 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever actually used Paypal to pay a pal?
Replies: 38
Views: 4187

Re: Have you ever actually used Paypal to pay a pal?

I use it between friends when I am doing large group orders so people do not have to take time off work or work around their busy schedule to meet with me twice.

I also have paid people who do group amusement park ticket orders in the area so I do not have to drive 1/2 hour out of my way to meet them. I also add on enough for postage so they can dump it in the mail without me having to run out to the middle of nowhere to meet up with them if we do not have plans that week.

I have also used paypal to do pre-orders from crafty friends.
by JULIE
Thu Feb 02, 2012 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why do people think different when buying housing?
Replies: 89
Views: 7112

Re: Why do people think different when buying housing?

No house yet but here's what I'm looking for: -Sidewalks (at least 3-6 miles so I can run on without much worry) -Low traffic -3-5 miles from a major highway or highways -3-7 miles from shopping area -1-5 miles from schools/parks -Not in a thoroughfare style area or neighborhood with pinch point entry/exit points -No pool -No alley -Not on the bottom of a hill Those were some of our criteria in addition to good schools. When we were looking at a house, we also sorted houses in the area we wanted to live in by price per square foot, which I felt was a better indicator than overall price. Interestingly enough, the houses that were in the top 10 also happened to be some of the more expensive houses. So we narrowed it down to houses under a pr...
by JULIE
Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you hold your age in bonds?
Replies: 133
Views: 11328

Re: Do you hold your age in bonds?

I've been working my way there.
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

airahcaz wrote:
Liquid wrote:
airahcaz wrote:Folks,
We got a 2011 Toyota Sienna AWD with 5000 miles.
At what cost?
A loaded AWD Limited with premium entertainment and nav package for 34k (which lists at 46k) new.

@julie, I hear you - my inside voice just trying to justify my long term purchase. Then again, we're going from a rear wheel sedan that I've owned for over a decade.
airahcaz -- I understand. We have 3 cars, but my mom only lives with us for a total of 6 months a year, give or take. I like to drive the civic to keep a low profile when I am doing charity work or running errands.

The Sienna is a great choice, BTW.
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cubicle talk
Replies: 36
Views: 3895

Re: The perils of the "cubicle investor"

The cubicle investors (TM) attitudes are promulgated by the authoritative advice they encounter throughout the day, day-in and day-out. 1. "Sell your losers!" Without any specific guidance, is not it clear that "losers" are the stocks that have declined? 2. "These stocks/sectors/commodities are posed for a rise!" Usually such pronouncements are made after that above-mentioned stocks, sectors or commodities have already risen. Usually, have risen a lot. One has to sell something -- losers! -- to have money for the prospective winners. 3. Treat stocks as cars. The old car is a loser. It was purchased high, it is sold low, that's life. This car metaphor of the cubicle investors' attitude to stocks is much more pr...
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

airahcaz-- I have no problem with those who "want" a SUV. But to justify it by saying that there's no way one could fit 3 car seats across is not a defendable excuse. In my second link, the infant seat that is portable is on the passenger side so it is easily removed from the base. In the case of my friend who did not buy a minivan until child #4, the main deciding factor was a distinct lack of funds. She was a single mom whose mother provided childcare. All 4 children had the same father, but he did not stick around much other than to impregnate her and leave. For what it's worth, my children are 18 months apart and sit within touching distance in the back of my Civic. I have not had a problem with them bothering each other. We a...
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does the cruise ship sinking make you reconsider cruising?
Replies: 58
Views: 5617

Re: Does the cruise ship sinking make you reconsider cruisin

I have cruised in the past and will continue to do so. One isolated incident has no bearing on my future plans.
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cubicle talk
Replies: 36
Views: 3895

Re: Cubicle talk

That sounds like a conversation I had with my (retired) father.

Dad: The market is doing really bad lately. I've been losing a lot of money, but I've figured out a way to beat it.
Me: So what have you been doing?
Dad: I sold the bad stocks for good ones.
Me: so... you sold the stocks that went down in value for the ones that were rising in value?
Dad: Yes. Why didn't anyone else think of that?
Me: *facepalm* sure...

Thank goodness their investment account is just something for my dad to get his gambling addiction out of his blood and not something they depend on.
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Time to overweigh International?
Replies: 50
Views: 5304

Re: Time to overweigh International?

No. I have been investing 30% of my portfolio in International since I started. I'm holding steady at this point.
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

Folks, We got a 2011 Toyota Sienna AWD with 5000 miles. Congrats. I've been following this thread. We are a 3 car family. I have an AWD sedan, but I classify it as a want vs. need. My Honda Civic fits 2 carseats (recently 2 rearfacing carseats!) and 2 adults fine. It also drives OK in the snow as long as I don't drive too aggressively. I drove it around for a winter in Detroit and had no issues. It's debatable for 2 kids. It's inevitable if planning for 3. Not exactly. I have seen people put 3 across in the back seat of different sedans. I even had a friend who went from a sedan to a van only when she had her 4th child. I would say not a civic but a sedan is debatable for 3 kids, and inevitable for 4 children under the age of 10. It is not...
by JULIE
Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

Folks, We got a 2011 Toyota Sienna AWD with 5000 miles. Congrats. I've been following this thread. We are a 3 car family. I have an AWD sedan, but I classify it as a want vs. need. My Honda Civic fits 2 carseats (recently 2 rearfacing carseats!) and 2 adults fine. It also drives OK in the snow as long as I don't drive too aggressively. I drove it around for a winter in Detroit and had no issues. It's debatable for 2 kids. It's inevitable if planning for 3. Not exactly. I have seen people put 3 across in the back seat of different sedans. I even had a friend who went from a sedan to a van only when she had her 4th child. I would say not a civic but a sedan is debatable for 3 kids, and inevitable for 4 children under the age of 10.
by JULIE
Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

airahcaz wrote:Folks,
We got a 2011 Toyota Sienna AWD with 5000 miles.
Congrats. I've been following this thread.

We are a 3 car family. I have an AWD sedan, but I classify it as a want vs. need. My Honda Civic fits 2 carseats (recently 2 rearfacing carseats!) and 2 adults fine. It also drives OK in the snow as long as I don't drive too aggressively. I drove it around for a winter in Detroit and had no issues.
by JULIE
Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Percentage of your Gross Income for Housing & Auto?
Replies: 87
Views: 9874

Re: What Percentage of your Gross Income for Housing & Auto?

18.7% if we don't count the extra payments I make to the principal.

31.1% with the extra payments.
by JULIE
Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead food cost Poll
Replies: 85
Views: 7285

Re: Boglehead food cost Poll

I think there are regional differences. I polled about 20+ of my friends in the area and found that they were in the thrifty to low-cost range. We just have a lot of options for cheaper fresh food in the area I live.
by JULIE
Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead food cost Poll
Replies: 85
Views: 7285

Re: Boglehead food cost Poll

When I was a kid, I ate what my mother put on my plate. If I didn't want to eat it, I could sit there all night for all she cared. My kids got pretty much the same. Of course, we didn't serve peanuts to the one who was allergic to peanuts, but the rest of the family still get pb&j. Just serve them fish and let them sit. Bah humbug. OMG!! Did your mother really do that to her kids? And did you really do the same to your own kids? My mother had a large family to feed, and she usually had fish, red meat, white meat, different kinds of vegetables and carbs. We got to eat stuff we liked and ignored stuff we didn't like. Your mother may have had tons of time, but I don't have the time to cook 4 separate meals for my family for dinner. Unless...
by JULIE
Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead food cost Poll
Replies: 85
Views: 7285

Re: Boglehead food cost Poll

We are in the "thrifty" category based on dollars.

I buy seafood, fresh vegetables/fruits, and mostly whatever I want. But we have a Chinese grocery store half hour away that I buy a lot of it from. I also try to not overfeed the family on meat. It seems to give one of my kids digestive issues so she is mostly vegetarian now. I also live by a lot of organic farms. Our meat is from an organic free-range, grass-fed farm about 1/2 hour away from our house.
by JULIE
Wed Jan 18, 2012 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30
Replies: 52
Views: 10657

Re: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30

I put in 02113 for Boston, MA.

In bold red print, inside the descriptor of the top 4 phones, it says:


* Includes NET10 Unlimited Airtime Card (Unlimited Talk, Text, Web/Email, and calls to 411and 30 days of service) now only $30.00 (was $50.00)
* To continue to receive the special price of $30.00 a month for up to 12 months, on your Unlimited Plan you must enroll in Auto Refill on your Unlimited Plan at http://www.NET10.com within 25 days of activation.

WEB EXCLUSIVE - LIMITED TIME OFFER- WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!


ETA: Unfortunately, it looks like it is not valid for the LG Optimus like it is in my area. Bummer.
by JULIE
Wed Jan 18, 2012 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30
Replies: 52
Views: 10657

Re: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30

ejvyas wrote:
JULIE wrote:Net10 offers unlimited talk, text, web for $30 a month. They sell Android phones. No contract.
link? It shows me $50 plan : https://www.net10.com/direct/Purchase?payGo=true
Go here http://www.net10.com/e_store.jsp

Put your zip code in, and make as if to buy a phone. You will see that if you buy a smartphone from net10 (which you would likely need to do anyways), they will give you a plan price of $30/month unlimited.
by JULIE
Wed Jan 18, 2012 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30
Replies: 52
Views: 10657

Re: Best Cell Phone Plan for unlimited everything - $30

Net10 offers unlimited talk, text, web for $30 a month. They sell Android phones. No contract.
by JULIE
Wed Jan 18, 2012 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cut the land line with magicjack plus
Replies: 42
Views: 6299

Re: cut the land line with magicjack plus

My parents use it so they can make/receive calls to the US when they are in their other house, but it is far from reliable.

We just did away with the landline altogether and use our cells.
by JULIE
Wed Jan 18, 2012 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you ever regret your career choice
Replies: 54
Views: 6796

Re: Did you ever regret your career choice

Tim_in_GA -- That's very interesting. My BIL has a Bachelor's in Music and works as a software engineer today. It seems that his is not the only case of someone who enjoys/excels in music/art doing well in engineering.
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need some advice on shredder
Replies: 39
Views: 4297

Re: Need some advise on shredder

I picked up a cross-cut shredder from staples for about $5 about 7 years ago. It still works, but I don't bother using shredders anymore. We have a giant incinerator at work for documents that need shredding and I'm too lazy to open everything so they will fit through the shredder without jamming it so into the flames they go.
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you ever regret your career choice
Replies: 54
Views: 6796

Re: Did you ever regret your career choice

Imperabo wrote:
JULIE wrote:No. It was either be an engineer or a sex worker. I think engineer turned out ok for me. :sharebeer
Ever thought of combining the two? There's definitely a demand.
Ooh, that might be fun. But then I'd have to live in Nevada. :lol
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where are the best places to do a home ReFi right now?
Replies: 29
Views: 2832

Re: Where are the best places to do a home ReFi right now?

Another vote for Amerisave here. The process was pretty painless.

As for credit score, try credit karma?
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you ever regret your career choice
Replies: 54
Views: 6796

Re: Did you ever regret your career choice

No. It was either be an engineer or a sex worker. I think engineer turned out ok for me. :sharebeer
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sherlock - BBC series on Holmes set in 21st Century
Replies: 67
Views: 7732

Re: Sherlock - BBC series on Holmes set in 21st Century

I can't wait for season 3. I really enjoyed Moffat's readaptations of classics like Jekyll and now Sherlock.
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for Obstructionist Drivers
Replies: 171
Views: 10204

Re: Question for Obstructionist Drivers

When I first read the title, I was thinking of obstructionist as someone who speeds around cutting off other cars just to cut in front of you just to slam on the brakes in front of you. Or is that just called being a jerk?

I don't consider myself that slow of a driver, but I've had that happen to me a few times... in NJ, NY, and DC.
by JULIE
Tue Jan 17, 2012 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health Bloggers/Researchers/etc.
Replies: 2
Views: 509

Re: Health Bloggers/Researchers/etc.

I have a coworker in the same boat who is using a book called "Weightlifting for Women" It might be worth a look-over.
by JULIE
Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good walking hiking shoes?
Replies: 27
Views: 4671

Re: Good walking hiking shoes?

I really like the Merrells for hiking. Mine had weathered several different climates and keep on ticking. The only issue is that if you get the gore-tex for waterproofness, it does not ventilate like .. well... running sneakers ;)
by JULIE
Fri Jan 13, 2012 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you own Apple products?
Replies: 114
Views: 9440

Re: Do you own Apple products?

2 older ipods (video and classic) that were both won from 2 different work raffles (free).
by JULIE
Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford to quit my job or do we need to refi first?
Replies: 21
Views: 4095

I'm not going to rehash all the previous posters' comments even though I agree with them.

I just want to say that once you have a baby, driving, although cheaper, may not be the best way to get somewhere. It depends on the baby.

My first child was a dream in the car. She would go to sleep. She was very happy to go anywhere and very laidback. My second screamed the entire time she was not in my arms for the first 3 months. Her personal best was a 12 hour long screaming session when she got sick with hand foot and mouth disease and her throat hurt.

So, yes, I will probably only travel short distances with my second child in tow. She is just not a good traveler at this point in time.
by JULIE
Wed Sep 01, 2010 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Love the home, but the spiral staircase...
Replies: 39
Views: 27592

I have a little girl turning 2 this month as well as a 5 month old.

My first thought upon seeing that staircase is absolutely not.

My toddler is dangerous enough on our regular stairs. It is also not easy to carry a struggling tantruming child up the stairs. A spiral staircase can be very dangerous. I can see all sorts of unfortunate accidents.

So this is just my own personal opinion, but take it with a grain of salt. I wouldn't buy a house with a pool, either.
by JULIE
Sun Aug 29, 2010 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I afford it?
Replies: 35
Views: 4918

I am in my late 20s and my husband is 30. We were in the same boat.

Yes, you can afford it, but if you do not live in a high cost of living area, I would reconsider getting a house that fits your needs. You did not mention if this is a very large home or a medium-sized home.

If I were in your shoes, I would purchase a house based on one income. How stable is your job? How about your SO's? Do one of you think you will quit and stay home with the baby? I can tell you that many people change their minds about going back to work once they have a child.

I have 2 children and also plan to have a 3rd. You will be surprised how much they can drain your cashflow, and, in turn, your net worth.
by JULIE
Sat Aug 21, 2010 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your savings rate?
Replies: 146
Views: 22510

Around 30% gross.
by JULIE
Sat Aug 21, 2010 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Death of the 'McMansion': Era Of Supersized Homes Is Over
Replies: 135
Views: 17862

We live in a home just under 3000 sq. ft on the East Coast. I like it. I wouldn't want any smaller; this is just the right size. We also have a fully finished basement. My older daughter can go downstairs and play with her daddy while our colicky and very sensitive baby is sleeping or resting. My mom can stay with us for months without us feeling cramped. We have no cathedral ceilings. We live in a neighborhood with decent setback and spacing between houses. There are sidewalks and cul-de-sacs and many school aged children and their moms socialize in them. I would not want anything more. I don't like going outside because of allergies. We have 1/4 of an acre and I am happy with it. There is a swingset and patio for bbqs out back. There is a...
by JULIE
Wed Aug 18, 2010 4:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP and TIPS
Replies: 9
Views: 2342

alec - ha! Not everyone wants or gets RDO.

I am beginning to realize how good the G fund is myself.
by JULIE
Tue Aug 10, 2010 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should my son pay me rent, utilities, etc...?
Replies: 124
Views: 14583

cosmic - I did not mean for OP to let his son know what he is doing with the rent. I also am glad I am not your child. I think I am quite strict but probably not as much as you are. As for what your son should be doing, here is a comparison: My 22 month old sweeps up after herself when she eats. She puts her bowl and utensils in the sink. She likes vacuuming with a stick vacuum and will help wipe the floors and the parts of windows that she can reach. She can dust, too. She will take all our shoes and put them away nicely in the corner. If she can contribute that much, you should be making your son cleaning your bathrooms and take out the trash. That could be part of his "rent". You might even want to make him cook you guys one me...
by JULIE
Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How rich is rich?
Replies: 73
Views: 11175

My husband and I do decently well salary-wise.

That doesn't make me feel rich at all. I don't think I will ever feel "rich" or want to be rich. What I aspire to be is comfortable.

As a PP said, I want my current lifestyle without having to go in to work every day.
by JULIE
Mon Aug 09, 2010 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should my son pay me rent, utilities, etc...?
Replies: 124
Views: 14583

Charge him rent. Invest in Roth for him.

Make him do chores. You (or your SO) do not cook/clean for him anymore.

He better be cutting your lawn.

I'm 27 and I see too many people in my age range that are slackers for life. He needs to contribute, especially since he does not plan to go to college.

Make a plan. Escalate rent payments at certain intervals so it makes it uncomfortable for him to stay at home. That is, unless you want him to live with you for a long time.

True story, I had a coworker who lived in his father's basement. He is now 42 and still lives with his dad. Do you see where I am going with this?
by JULIE
Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Washington, DC vs Charlotte, NC
Replies: 42
Views: 11069

The only consideration for living in DC with children is that they get in-state tuition rates at any state university in the country.
by JULIE
Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BWI off site parking..
Replies: 9
Views: 2019

My husband has had a great experience with the express parking at BWI. $10 a day, but they come pick you up right at your spot and whisk you to the terminal ASAP. He now prefers it to getting picked up by an unreliable limo service.
by JULIE
Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your college ROI?
Replies: 47
Views: 6825

My ROI ends up being undefined (divide by 0) because the cost of my college was 0. In my opinion, that makes it the best ROI. I was accepted to Harvard and MIT, but I decided to go to a state school with a full scholarship and a stipend. Never regretted it for one second. I love that I never ever had a student loan, and I'm happy where I am.
by JULIE
Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? Part IV. (07/04/2010)
Replies: 1507
Views: 401874

I am reading Sleepless in America: Practical Strategies to Help Your Family to Get the Sleep it Deserves by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.

Slowly. Very Slowly. I have a 2nd birthday party coming up and a demanding 4 month old.
by JULIE
Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are you obsessed with your NET WORTH?
Replies: 97
Views: 17089

I look at it monthly, but that's about it. I'm not obsessed, but I am aware that I am trying to increase it.
by JULIE
Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Kids "sharing" a 529 account?
Replies: 21
Views: 3380

I'd look into the no yearly fee option. My 529 has a fee but waives it if you do automatic monthly contributions. See if you can get out of that.

Also, do you know if you get credit on your taxes for an in-state 529? That might actually help you make your decision to switch 529 providers.
by JULIE
Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your extravagance?
Replies: 98
Views: 14025

local organic fruits, veggies, and eggs.
local free range grass fed beef, pork, and chicken.

I have a stroller addiction.

Cute things for my daughters.
by JULIE
Tue Aug 03, 2010 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blackberry or Droid
Replies: 96
Views: 19160

I have 2 blackberries. I like them a lot. If you download the Opera browser, it also zooms in and out so you don't have to scroll side to side.

Plus, I like the security of the blackberry more. I may be in my 20s but I'm not really into the latest gadgets and toys.