Search found 133 matches

by tnf
Thu Aug 17, 2023 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sourdough bread starter
Replies: 23
Views: 2835

Re: sourdough bread starter

Thank you all for the reference information and advice.
by tnf
Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sourdough bread starter
Replies: 23
Views: 2835

Re: sourdough bread starter

Thank you all for the replies, I very much appreciate your advice. After reading your advice I decided to prepared a starter with 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water, following quarantiny's recommendation of a 50:50 rye and unbleached flour. I will attempt to build a sourdough starter while refering to the general process instructions in Quarantiny, "Bless this mess please" blog, and the King Arthur Flour's recipe. They all basically advise similar process steps. Since any food preparation I do, i.e. cooking, grilling, smoking usually averages 30 minutes and rarely more than 2 hours, I am far out of my comfort zone in attempting a 7 to 21 day fermentation process. As backup plans, I will request a starter from the Carl's Frien...
by tnf
Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28455

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

These mentions of a beloved family pet make me add one very sad “best purchase” to the list. We adopted a pit mix from the shelter and gave her “her best life” in rural Massachusetts. The time came when we had to put her to sleep, and we had a vet make a house call. Our sweet dog got to leave the world under her favorite tree with her family around her. I am sobbing as I write this. So sorry for your loss. We bought our golden retriever pup in '02 for $500 from a farm in rural Maryland. She enriched our lives till she passed in '16. Hands down the best purchase under $1000. Full disclosure, the fence we put up for her cost $5000 :-) Next on my list is the (~$150) yearly purchase of contact lenses. I felt more confident to engage in and enj...
by tnf
Tue Aug 15, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sourdough bread starter
Replies: 23
Views: 2835

Re: sourdough bread starter

Thanks much for forwarding this source to me. Very cool story and volunteer organization. The instructions seem easy enough also. Shipping time is ~5 weeks so I will hopefully find another source while waiting for this particular starter to arrive.
by tnf
Tue Aug 15, 2023 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sourdough bread starter
Replies: 23
Views: 2835

sourdough bread starter

Do you have a recommendation on a sourdough starter I can purchase from an online retailer? Something you have used and like. I have seen a few products listed on Amazon but no idea how well they work or how tasty the bread is. I have read the King Arthur recipe for sourdough starter but was looking for something that I could feed and use in a couple of days instead of upto a week's wait. On a recent vacation I tried making and baking a few loaves of sourdough bread, this with the aid and generous advice of a friend. I enjoyed it enough to want to do it weekly but unfortunately I don't have the starter with me. My friend was using the recipe from the "bless this mess please" blog. His original starter was from the local bakery. Th...
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Re: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

queenofthemadhouse wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 7:13 pm What is the investment in the Roth that you are interested in adding to?
I would primarily purchase T-bills in auction at the 1K$/unit. I would need to be within the yearly contribution limit ($6k?).
I may also purchase individual stocks if I feel they are good longer term investment.
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Re: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

KlangFool wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:51 pm But, generally, there is one at least one S&P 500 index fund. Did you look through all the funds?
As I feared, my unsettled feeling on the market would get ferreted out in this post...This is my personal opinion only.
There are target funds in the 401K plan and a S&P tracker fund. But I am staying out as I feel things are expensive. As I said this is my personal opinion and I can lay all consequences at my own feet.
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Re: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

> IRA Contribution
- In the past the traditional IRA contribution was not available to me. Only a Roth in addition to the 401K

> short term yields
- As a principle, I do not want to be chasing yields, instead looking for a personal plan I can maintain for as long as T-bill rates are attractive.
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Re: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

KlangFool wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:32 pm
tnf wrote: Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:18 pm
I realize that I will pay additional monthly taxes.
1) And, that will wipe out any possible gain from your Roth IRA contribution. How can you go ahead after paying 10+% to 20+% taxes?
- Yes this is something I will need to understand - to see what the compounded gains net from taxes would be.
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Re: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

> Why did you pick your current split of pretax vs Roth contributions?

Currently I am not contributing to my Roth, I only contribute to the 401K. A few years ago I stopped contributing to my Roth and put that contribution into my daughter's 529.

The 401K plan I am in has a heavy tilt towards aggressive mutual funds. For personal reasons (related to gradually becoming risk averse) I don't want to be in those funds.

Thanks for your reply.
by tnf
Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?
Replies: 16
Views: 1379

Does my plan to reduce 401k contribution make sense?

I have been mulling a change to my 401K contribution habit. I am considering reducing my monthly 401K contribution to the 5% company match and putting my remainder monthly contribution in a ROTH IRA. Reason is the fixed income investments in my 401k plan have returns that are less than half what I can get in my Roth IRA investment options. Both plans are at the same financial institution.
I realize that I will pay additional monthly taxes. Are there any other financial matters I may be overlooking in this plan? Is this a short-sighted and foolish idea? Appreciate any insights or guidance. Thank you.
by tnf
Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College selection-NEU or OSU
Replies: 104
Views: 8593

Re: College selection-NEU or OSU

GreendaleCC wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 9:11 pm By no means am I knocking Northeastern, but hopefully everyone knows that the school’s leadership is well-known for masterfully gaming the US News college rankings: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/201 ... -rankings/
Thank you for posting a link to this article. It helped me be more aware of the marketing game being played by universities in the pursuit of tuition dollars. I guess Capitalism can claim the gullible guilt-free.

Have you come across any critiques of the Federal College Ranking? (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/) Realize I need to stay informed for a future college enrolee.
by tnf
Fri Mar 10, 2023 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Catalytic converter theft prevention?
Replies: 83
Views: 7112

Re: Catalytic converter theft prevention?

One month into the pandemic I had my catalytic convertor stolen when parked in a Home Depot lot. This was at 11 am, car was a 2005 CRV. I happened to be pulling my utility trailer and getting everything fixed and back on the road made for a long day. A cordless sawzall is a potent tool for these thieves, it is hard to add in secondary protection that will also withstand the saw blade. Insurance wanted to total the vehicle but I had an estimate from Meineke ($850) for half of what insurance estimated the cost of replacement. Got it fixed that afternoon and insurance reimbursed me later that evening. I had to drive a mile or so from HD to Meineke and that was the loudest drive of my life. If you hear an ear splitting noise from a car's exhaus...
by tnf
Tue Feb 28, 2023 3:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to hire a contractor vs DIY
Replies: 30
Views: 2435

Re: When to hire a contractor vs DIY

This is a good question given that good and reasonably priced contractors are hard to find these days. I DIY a lot so your post provided me an opportunity to revisit this topic. Contract out (these are all judgement calls) - anything that dear wife would lay out the "don't be an idiot" look. OR - when I judge that risk of short term disability (or worse) is likely - I won't have to explain to colleagues that I got injured DIY'ing trying to save a few bucks. - work that may disrupt daily routine, inconvenience family for more than a week - specialized equipment is needed to do it or do it right, training/licensure is needed to operate the equipment - tree work beyond simple pruning, roofing, some work involving use of or being on a...
by tnf
Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Salt Lake City visit: which National Park to do?
Replies: 34
Views: 3332

Re: Salt Lake City visit: which National Park to do?

White Coat Investor wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 1:42 am
tnf wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:36 pm Bryce Canyon is wonderful. If I had a week off and no responsibilities, that's the place I would road trip to.
In March? You like snowshoeing? The base at the ski resorts in Utah right now is 10 feet and Bryce Canyon is at the same elevation.
You're right, I need to add the season to my reply - hence I would go in Spring or Fall, Summer would likely be too hot and as you mention Winter will have its challenges. This BTW only lowers the probability of my being able to go in the near future :-)
by tnf
Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617136

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Propellerhead wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:53 pm I walk home from work instead of paying the fare for public transportation. Takes 125% longer to walk but I enjoy the exercise and now that my draconian company is making people return 3x a week, the savings over a year adds up to around ~$400.
+ 1. You are probably also saving time and money not having to visit a gym as often.
by tnf
Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Salt Lake City visit: which National Park to do?
Replies: 34
Views: 3332

Re: Salt Lake City visit: which National Park to do?

Bryce Canyon is wonderful. If I had a week off and no responsibilities, that's the place I would road trip to.
by tnf
Sun Feb 26, 2023 3:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6893

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

Sharing an experience. When I visited Germany a few years back I had to use an ATM to withdraw Euros. Some smaller stores would not accept a credit card due to the merchant fees charged. Well as I learnt upon my return to the US, my checking account was hacked linked to that ATM use and $1600 was stolen. I had to file a police report with the German police and file a report with my bank. My funds were restored by my bank.
by tnf
Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Posting status update: Thanks to all the BHs who added their inputs to my original post. Adding my experience to share with other interested BHs. We ended up buying a Certified Used 2020 Acura RDX Base AWD with 19K miles. We drove to a dealer about 50 miles to purchase a vehicle of our choice. I used CR extensively and also asked my wife to use CR to research her choices. Per CR, the RDX has reported issues (in surveys) about body integrity, electronics interfaces, and paint. The body integrity (sun roof rattle, rear windshield blow out and hood rattle) were mentioned by other sources on Youtube review videos and forums also. Transmission reliability is another area and hopefully mitigated some by the 7 year/100K powertrain warranty. Oil di...
by tnf
Tue Feb 21, 2023 6:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225807

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

jebmke wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:49 am
tnf wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:23 am This winter I haven't seen as many starlings. I live in DE near the PA border. Hope they just moved elsewhere this year and large flocks are being seen regularly in other areas. Until this year it seemed to me that their numbers had kept increasing year after year.
Come south. Late last year I saw a murmuration in Wicomico Co that we estimated to be 100,000-150,000 birds in a single flock.
+1, happy to hear that. Wow, that's a huge flock and must have been quite a sight to see.
by tnf
Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617136

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I gave myself a haircut. (Usually done about four times per year.) I don't get it. I mean, I've given myself a haircut. Many times. Especially during Covid. But it doesn't look good! Yes, I understand. However, I give myself a buzzcut and it's pretty hard to screw up. haha, this post made me smile. I am going to my barber for my quarterly hair cut today morning. My wife had been cutting my hair during the Covid years and I was so proud of the fact that I was saving $20. ( And no worries that I would blow off the loose clippings with a Ryobi leaf blower...:-) Have started going to the barber now, he's a friendly guy, always has some interesting music playing on a LP and has an efficient appointment process so there is a minimal wait.
by tnf
Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617136

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Replaced batteries in dead digital thermometers instead of buying a new one. Had to figure out how to open in and had to buy the LR41 size battery, but hopefully will use the extra ones in the package in future.
by tnf
Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225807

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

This winter I haven't seen as many starlings. I live in DE near the PA border. Hope they just moved elsewhere this year and large flocks are being seen regularly in other areas. Until this year it seemed to me that their numbers had kept increasing year after year.
by tnf
Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225807

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Got a good look at a pileated woodpecker flying across the backyard lawns near my house. It's a very striking bird and I enjoyed seeing it for a bit longer than I usually get.
by tnf
Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Hello Bogleheads, posting an update. We did some test drives today and sharing our experience. Recall my wife needs a car to replace her 2010 Acura TSX. The other driver's insurance company has offered a total-loss property settlement that seems a fair value. 1) First test drive was at the Honda dealer. We went for our scheduled appointment asking to test drive a CRV and possibly an Accord. While there my wife noticed a 2020 HRV parked next to the 2023 CRV. The car's size seemed a better fit for her driving preference. We test drove the HRV first and she really liked how it drove, it's handling, brake and accelerator location and overall how comfortable she felt in it. The new 2023 CRV has a VERY nice interior, one of the best I've seen in ...
by tnf
Wed Feb 15, 2023 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Thank you all for the replies. I am continuing to review the sources as time permits. Amongst some of the newer sources recommended, I did find the Car Wizard informative and knowledgable. His griping about weak Honda transmissions on some older models matches what I have heard from a few Honda techs I know. Am recovering from mild case of Covid amd will hopefully be able to visit the library next week to look at the CR print edition. I am paying attetion to safety information,reviews on headlights more closely in this car purchase prep. Prices are noticeably hugher, seems like the market shifted up 5 to 10K in the past 10 years, prices less than 20k$ are rare anymore. The 2023 Acura TLX would have been our first choice, but it has a much l...
by tnf
Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

I think you more or less have to use several sources. CR is useful, but, may not be as detailed as you would like. Take for example the CRV. ...I went through this last year. First I figured out what I wanted....Then I started looking at what was actually available in a reasonable time frame. This was new to me. ...I ended up with a Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited... If you need a car right away, I might use a different tactic. Find out what is available that suits your needs. Research it quickly, then buy it before somebody else does. Thank you for sharing your experience last year and advice for my situation. I hadn't mentioned this previously but this car will be driven by wife. She has a limited interest in cars and her midwest common...
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Hahaha, nice!, I liked your post and looked up the PMC. You were nimble and lucky to grab one of these beauties.
Posting a link to a video made by Acura marketing. Marysville is Honda's original US factory. Pretty interesting to see parts of the factory and manufacturing process. Classic Honda racing roots come through:
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases/re ... -available
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Thank you Watty for your detailed post. I found everything you recommended valuable advice.

I have a CR online membership and will check if a more specific option for a car buyer is offered. It's reassuring to learn that CR is highly recommended so far in the replies.

Thanks much for your recommending iihs, it gives me a place to start on the second vector in my search.
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:58 pm I think it's good practice to look at cars, test drive multiple ones carefully about each model you're interested in. .... Some fun characteristics I've heard over the last year or so:
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your tips. I am learning so much on upgrading my search sources.

I am prone to looking closely at the reliability reports (from CR mainly) and have become habituated to take this as a key factor in my test-drive selections. So that's why I commit to doing this work. The test drive brings in the real experience of the moment, and the fun and exciting part of car buying.
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

Don't just test drive a few blocks or so; you won't be able to tell if the seats are comfortable for you in 10-15 minutes. Also, don't assume the passenger seat is as comfortable as the drivers seat so spend some "quality time" in the passenger seat with someone else driving. Using this process I learned that the 2018 Honda seats were pure torture, for me . I would not have lasted more than 20-30 minutes on a trip if I had to sit in the passenger seat. Good and valuable reminder, thanks, I recall we had settled for a 2005 CRV (proved to be a great choice) over the 2004 Element that I badly wanted. We found the Element ride and seats to be pretty hard and jostled the passenger's head around. Would have been uncomfortable for us on...
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

I am in a situation where I will need to buy a vehicle in a few weeks as opposed to the few years later that I had planned. Our trusty 2010 Acura TSX was t-boned by an inattentive driver who ran a red light. Thankfully all involved are physically unhurt. The TSX absorbed the impact and is basically totalled. I am not as well informed about the recent car market beyond the headlines and some reliability reports. Wanted to seek the forum's recommendations on what trusted online resources would be useful in researching new and used cars. I am interested in reliability and safety features in a sedan or a compact SUV. Would you share any useful websites, or any articles or magazines I could review? Are Consumer Reports Car recommendations and r...
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

I am interested in reliability and safety features in a sedan or a compact SUV. Would you share any useful websites, or any articles or magazines I could review? Are Consumer Reports Car recommendations and reviews still a gold standard? Yes The cars have been good, if a bit boring. I would love to follow my past playbook If I was looking for reliable and boring vehicles I would consider the following manufacturers: Toyota/ Lexus Subaru Honda. I have been very satisfied with my last 3 vehicles: Lexus RX 450h, Lexus LS 460 and Toyota Avalon. Thanks for the tips. A Highlander in 2014 was better than anything I had test-driven then. I settled for a used 2011 MDX with 28k miles, the new Highlander was about 5k$ more than I had budgeted. I will...
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Re: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

livesoft, thanks for the advice. I might have to plan a few more test drives than in the past.
I also deleted my personal observations on Sales, it really isn't relevent to the question I have. Thanks for raising your concern.
by tnf
Sat Feb 11, 2023 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying
Replies: 47
Views: 5069

Seeking advice on researching cars prior to buying

I am in a situation where I will need to buy a vehicle in a few weeks as opposed to the few years later that I had planned. Our trusty 2010 Acura TSX was t-boned by an inattentive driver who ran a red light. Thankfully all involved are physically unhurt. The TSX absorbed the impact and is basically totalled. I am not as well informed about the recent car market beyond the headlines and some reliability reports. Wanted to seek the forum's recommendations on what trusted online resources would be useful in researching new and used cars. I am interested in reliability and safety features in a sedan or a compact SUV. Would you share any useful websites, or any articles or magazines I could review? Are Consumer Reports Car recommendations and re...
by tnf
Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans
Replies: 10
Views: 925

Re: Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans

Thank you for sharing your insights. I will (continue) monthly payoff any balance on the credit card.
by tnf
Sun Jan 15, 2023 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans
Replies: 10
Views: 925

Re: Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans

Thanks for the replies, they are giving me the information I was looking for.

I am mulling over the pay-in-cash scenario for a future auto. Reality is I would buy used but the cash now/loan would depend on the price and rates. Not sure right now, should start stashing something monthly either way.
by tnf
Sun Jan 15, 2023 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sub-$500 Home Improvement Projects That Increased Quality of Life
Replies: 135
Views: 23191

Re: Sub-$500 Home Improvement Projects That Increased Quality of Life

Adding to all the great suggestions: - felt-pile weather-stripping for doors and windows. These are inexpensive and available in different pile sizes to match the gap you are sealing. They are adhesive backed and easy to install with a little care. They work very well. - I have fitted the inside of my home with Ecowitt temperature and humidity sensors, water leak detectors, the outside with outdoor temp and humidity sensors, an anemometer and a rain gauge. I have added these sensors gradually over time. The information can be accessed on an app or available as a history plot on the Ecowitt website. The entire ecosystem addition is less than $500 and is a DIY - adding R-30 attic roll insulation made the second floor of my home more comfortab...
by tnf
Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans
Replies: 10
Views: 925

Credit Score drop and question on obtaining future loans

I payed off my mortgage last month. Checked my credit score today and it dropped 22 points into the 770s. My total outstanding debt is now <$200, this is my credit card charges for the last month. I have no other loans presently.
My plan is to use my one credit card for small recurring monthly expenses and pay off the statement balance each month.

My question is whether my credit score will continue to drop in this scenario. I am concerned that if my credit score continues to drop, my ability to secure a future car loan may be difficult.
by tnf
Sun Dec 25, 2022 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA
Replies: 3
Views: 623

Re: Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA

OK, read about how to buy Treasury bills using the link originally posted in Kevin's post: "https://thefinancebuff.com/treasury-bil ... arket.html". Followed the helpful instructions on how to purchase via Fidelity. Found that 6 Treasuries were listed for future auction.

Corrected my initial order quantity to drop three zeros :oops: and EZPZ my order was in.

Thanks again for the advice. The folks on this forum are so willing to help, appreciate it.
by tnf
Sun Dec 25, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA
Replies: 3
Views: 623

Re: Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA

You could buy a Treasury bill maturing on 5/18/2023 at 4.57% on Friday. Treasuries are much more liquid than CDs, in case you decide to sell before maturity. Also, there is no commission to buy or sell Treasuries on the secondary market, while there is a $1 per bond fee for CDs. If the CD is past the issue date, you must buy it on the secondary market. I would buy a Treasury instead, but if for some reason you really want a CD, look at the new issues. For CDs bought as new issues, yes, the yield is the same as the coupon (4.5% in this case), so that's the annualized return you will earn. For a Treasury, the yield probably is different than the coupon, because the price probably is not 100. Kevin Thank you Kevin. I really appreciate your re...
by tnf
Sun Dec 25, 2022 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574569

Re: What are you listening to now

Alan Jackson on Amazon Music from an Echo Gen 1! Great voice, simple lyrics and awesome music from the talented Nashville musicians.
by tnf
Sun Dec 25, 2022 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA
Replies: 3
Views: 623

Need basic help: First purchase of CD in Roth IRA

Bogleheads, I want to purchase a CD from within my Roth IRA. This is a new investment for me as so far I have only purchased CDs from banks. As I am realizing, this topic is more technical than I had expected it to be. I am basically looking for a simple investment and will hold the CD to maturity. I have been reviewing prior posts on this topic and have some basic questions regarding what amount I would invest and what I would receive back when the CD matures. My Roth is at Fidelity and I have found a CD that I would like to buy. Here are some details. CUSIP: 61690UV49, as I understand this is a basic CD offered by Morgan Stanley Coupon: 4.5 Maturity Date: 05/17/2023 Bond Type: CD Issue Date: 11/17/2022 1) Can I invest in this CD? It was l...
by tnf
Wed Aug 10, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS dog fencing
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

Re: GPS dog fencing

SmallSaver wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 2:40 pm .... Part of invisible fencing is the dog learning where the line is and that seems complicated by the collar only being able to locate the dog within tens of feet. I don't know for certain that the company hasn't solved the problem, but I skeptical.
Thank you, this is exactly what a friend of mine told me today. An inconsistent correction signal would confuse the dog about where the boundaries are.
by tnf
Wed Aug 10, 2022 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS dog fencing
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

Re: GPS dog fencing

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Foxes walk through our yard daily and this will be a continual containment issue if Daisy is not well trained by me to respect any kind of invisible boundaries established.
by tnf
Mon Aug 08, 2022 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066362

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

We saw "The Bad Guys" with our 6 year old, this on the day it premiered. First movie theater visit in 3 years and it was great fun. I enjoyed the movie despite my advancing years, you might too with your young 'uns. Dear Daughter was thrilled.
Wife dozed off during movie and daughter was mortified :D
by tnf
Mon Aug 08, 2022 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AC Condenser Fan Motor Replacement Cost
Replies: 79
Views: 7699

Re: AC Condenser Fan Motor Replacement Cost

I replaced an outdoor AC unit's condensor fan motor last year. The unit is a 30 years old Lennox and the motor would draw too much current and trip it's internal OT protection. Just passing along my experience as this was a DIY job in case you are considering this route. The replacement parts and tools (motor, cap, hub puller) cost me less than $400. The motor replacement itself is not difficult if you research the steps, but the toughest part of the install for me was getting the old fan off the corroded motor shaft. I tried everything I could do, peneterants, fan hub puller etc, but it would not budge. I ended up first cutting and then drilling the old motor's shaft to remove the old fan. I discovered the thinnest burr had formed on the s...
by tnf
Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS dog fencing
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

Re: GPS dog fencing

Thank you for sharing your experience as I mull the options.
The HOA will only allow a physical fence on a small area. They have no concerns with the invisible fences. My default plan is to exercise Daisy daily and then put up a smaller post rail fenced area when she is older (5+).
In my previous home and Golden we had a six-foot cedar fence for the entire 2 acres. It worked wonderully for all of us. We lived on a busy road and she went from tail between legs when in yard, to tail up and wagging post-fence install, Tired and happy dog = happy owners, :D
by tnf
Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS dog fencing
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

Re: GPS dog fencing

Thank you for sharing your experience with Halo Collar. Accuracy amd shading is one of my concerns as there is a mature treeline on the boundary.
by tnf
Sat Aug 06, 2022 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS dog fencing
Replies: 12
Views: 1660

GPS dog fencing

Has anyone used a GPS based dog fence (GPS geofencing)? can you share your experience, the brand/product you use, and whether you are satisfied with it? I have read the two forum topics on invisible fences and found the discussions useful. This post is specifically about the GPS based dog collar and fence. Thank you for sharing any experience with this dog fencing technology. My dog Daisy is a 24 month Golden Retriever. Off-leash she will chase any rodent or fox and bolt to the road to greet all neighborhood dogs and people. I almost never let her off-leash in the yard anymore which is a shame as the lot is several acres of lawn. To expend her energy I exercise her for over an hour daily, longer on weekends. I am hoping I can find a suitabl...