Search found 775 matches

by BTDT
Sat Mar 03, 2018 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What will you do with your tax refund?
Replies: 87
Views: 9350

Re: What will you do with your tax refund?

Savings account. I'm one of the "bad" ones here that gets a refund on purpose. I use it as a forced way of savings for things such as new roof, bathroom remodel, amongst other things. I just don't trust myself to save that money for exactly those purposes. This way it comes all at once at the end of the year and then it sits in the savings awaiting use. In past years I've used it for an interior french drain system and kitchen remodel. The roof and bathroom remodels will be the next few years. This year it is just being used to shore up the savings. I get the whole "giving Uncle Sam a free loan" thing but it works for me and my family. Sometime in the future I might actually list myself as something other than single wi...
by BTDT
Sat Mar 03, 2018 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What will you do with your tax refund?
Replies: 87
Views: 9350

Re: What will you do with your tax refund?

I'm not sure what I will do with the $11 refund from my five digit income tax charge ...... but as a good a Boglehead I will work on it :oops:

Edit: my better half just advised me that shes buying $9 in Poweball tickets, and some smoked bologna for a total of $11, so there goes my tax refund :confused
by BTDT
Wed Feb 28, 2018 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Enhanced Social Security Card Scam
Replies: 4
Views: 956

Enhanced Social Security Card Scam

FYI- Local law enforcement advising that scammers are now pretending to be Social Security representatives calling to verify your SS data before sending you a new enhanced social security card in June of 2018. :oops:
by BTDT
Sat Feb 24, 2018 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof Shingle Recommendations
Replies: 26
Views: 5146

Re: Roof Shingle Recommendations

FWIW - I finally gave up on shingles and went with architectural steel. I put it on battens secured through the old shingles to the trusses. No clean up of old shingles, air gap between shingles and metal makes for a much cooler attic in summer, and repair is for life :beer
by BTDT
Wed Feb 21, 2018 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 82861

Re: What UN-frugal thing do you do?

Restoring a 62 VW crew cab pickup. The cost for replacement parts is ..................... I better not say as better half might read this :oops:

Edit....oops I forgot to mention I also own a 32' hole-in-the-water :beer
by BTDT
Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: The common sense withdrawal method
Replies: 168
Views: 25903

Re: Retirees: The common sense withdrawal method

At 71 years young , Taylor Larimore's method has worked very well for me in retirement. I think of it as "common sense" and a 'keep-it-simple-stupid' (KISS) combined approach.

Bottom line- What works for me might not work for others, so I suggest the naysayers of'Taylor's method do it there way and I will continue to do it my way. :beer
by BTDT
Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What advice would you give yourself if you were 27 again?
Replies: 120
Views: 12232

Re: What advice would you give yourself if you were 27 again?

A link to Bogleheads......actually, given my age, a phone number for Jack Bogle or Taylor Larimore might be more appropriate :oops:
by BTDT
Fri Jan 26, 2018 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinion - is snopes.com generally reliable and unbiased?
Replies: 18
Views: 2122

Re: Opinion - is snopes.com generally reliable and unbiased?

Snopes used to be fairly unbiased but I suspect it's now under new management, and I recently chose to unsubscribe.
by BTDT
Tue Jan 23, 2018 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stats on When People Take Social Security
Replies: 240
Views: 27121

Re: Stats on When People Take Social Security

Bottom line- Choosing to take SS at 62 or 70 is a subjective decision. I chose to take SS at 70 for spouse survivor reasons, but 62 for other folks may be the better option? :sharebeer
by BTDT
Sat Jan 20, 2018 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lost money through Bitconnect scam - learned my lesson
Replies: 94
Views: 12679

Re: Lost money through Bitconnect scam - learned my lesson

I always feel like such a loser because my friends always tell me how much they win in Vegas while I refuse to play. I still can't figure out how those casinos survive if everybody wins :oops:

Oh well..... I'll just stick with Taylor Larimore's guidance and my three fund portfolio. Pretty boring, but at age 71, I really sleep well at night knowing I have all the money I'll ever need :beer
by BTDT
Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?
Replies: 326
Views: 56798

Re: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?

From my humble personal experience, retirement is not having nothing to do, but rather doing what you want to do, when you want to do it. That said, I have led what I consider a very full life, including retirement at age 42 (military officer), retirement again at age 56 (business owner), and a third try at retirement as a corporate executive officer at age 67. I have traveled the world, lost buddies beside me in combat, found the love-of-my-life in my better-half, criss-crossed North America in an RV, and God forbid, even owned a "for profit" business (not cigarette related) :oops: I still have a pretty much endless list of things to do; including more international travel, volunteer work, hobbies, home improvement, honey-do's et...
by BTDT
Tue Jan 16, 2018 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you save tax returns?
Replies: 39
Views: 4975

Re: How long do you save tax returns?

I keep mine for seven years :beer
by BTDT
Thu Jan 11, 2018 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anyone else enjoying an afternoon nap in retirement?
Replies: 19
Views: 2850

Re: anyone else enjoying an afternoon nap in retirement?

Nope! Taking naps or going to bed early tends to adversely affect my nigh time sleep.

Had an eighty year old neighbor that was always complaining about not sleeping through the night, finally found out he was napping/sleeping during the day :oops:
by BTDT
Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "6 Reasons The Rich Should Pay-Off Their Mortgage"
Replies: 196
Views: 43388

Re: "6 Reasons The Rich Should Pay-Off Their Mortgage"

My IPS (Investor Policy Statement) is based on SWAN (Sleep Well At Night), so yes I paid off my mortgage and carry no debt. My IPS dictates that if I can't pay cash for something, I really don't need it.... like a Gulfstream G650ER :sharebeer
by BTDT
Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question regarding forced hot water system
Replies: 19
Views: 2101

Re: Question regarding forced hot water system

There is a reason my signature is BTDT aka been there done that. If you are referring to a tankless water heater beware! You must either find a way to drain the internal valves or leave it plugged in and so the internal heater keeps working and than keep you fingers crossed.

I opened the drain valve and unplugged mine. When I returned in the spring and turned the water back on I soon learned that two internal valves had frozen and burst and I had a real mess on my hands. To make matters worse, their is one part that is not available (made in Japan) and I had to scrap the unit :oops:
by BTDT
Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?
Replies: 326
Views: 56798

Re: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?

My major disappointment and sole disenchantment is how fast time is flying :oops:
by BTDT
Wed Dec 27, 2017 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The car dealership model needs to die
Replies: 85
Views: 7217

Re: The car dealership model needs to die

Recently purchased a new vehicle from a dealership three states away. Well worth the trip. Their sales is based strictly on mass volume and huge factory rebates. They have three full-time drivers just to pick up buyers at the airport who come from all over the US including Alaska. I was skeptical at first but when I arrived was shocked how quickly the process ran. What was quoted is what I paid, and I was in and out in les than an hour and a half. I think they have to sell something like 400 vehicles per month before profits kick in. Pretty amazing! What I especially liked is the vehicle pictures, VIN # and factory invoice are posted on their web page and that is what you pay. No negotiating except on trade-ins. If you you are considering a...
by BTDT
Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do We Have to Wait Until Trump Signs the Bill Before We Can Discuss It?
Replies: 44
Views: 3899

Re: Do We Have to Wait Until Trump Signs the Bill Before We Can Discuss It?

I think it should be actionable now that both the house and senate have signed a bill that the President wanted, and also given the tax implications in the next two weeks. As an example In my case I just received my 2018 property taxes due January 1st. I don't itemize so I took the option of paying paying half the tax this year and the rest in 2018 where I will be able to deduct property tax without itemizing. Had I not seen this on the FIRE website, I might have missed the savings because we can't "talk-about-the-bill" on the Bogleheads. :oops:


That said, I think the moderators do a fantastic job and I will respect whatever their decision may be. :sharebeer
by BTDT
Sat Dec 09, 2017 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Danger of being a helicopter pilot?
Replies: 40
Views: 7974

Re: Danger of being a helicopter pilot?

With over 3000 hours of helicopter time including examiner ratings, plus two combat tours in Vietnam, I would say no, it's not more dangerous than many other 'outside' jobs including fire fighter ( I was a smoke jumper also). If you are doing it for the money, than I would suggest early retirement with full benefits from the government, and than start a small business instead. I did much the same and at 70 life is good! :sharebeer
by BTDT
Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BOGLEHEAD CONTEST -- November
Replies: 6
Views: 1447

Re: BOGLEHEAD CONTEST -- November

I was hoping madbrain would win with 36000 :oops:
by BTDT
Tue Nov 14, 2017 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mozilla Firefox Donations?
Replies: 20
Views: 3500

Re: Mozilla Firefox Donations?

Seems like many want something for nothing. Yes I donate to the things I use frequently such as Mozilla, Bogleheads, Wikipedia, CBrats,......etc.. I guess I was brought up different and to each their own.... :oops:
by BTDT
Tue Nov 14, 2017 8:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: I got this!!
Replies: 82
Views: 12680

Re: Retirees: I got this!!

As a long time Boglehead who follows an IPS titled SWAN (sleep well at night) I am very happy and sleep quite well. We traveled extensively in our 60's but international travel seem to be slowing down in our 70's. We still like to travel but airports, airlines, and fellow 'traveler's, are sucking the fun out of it.

My major concern is Alzheimer's. We should be ok financially but coping with the slow loss of your best friend through such a horrible process is terrifying to me.
by BTDT
Mon Nov 13, 2017 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement Policy Statement (RPS) -- Is anyone else using one?
Replies: 49
Views: 7657

Re: Retirement Policy Statement (RPS) -- Is anyone else using one?

I modified my IPS to account for retirement changes. I guess I could now call it IPS/RPS but my better half would probably not appreciate another acronym. I'm more into the KISS principle anyway and try to avoid OCB :oops:
by BTDT
Sun Nov 05, 2017 8:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who owns Vanguard? Schwab and Fidelity!
Replies: 27
Views: 6297

Re: Who owns Vanguard? Schwab and Fidelity!

eddyd wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2017 1:42 am
I am frankly shocked and disappointed. These guys can't compete with Vanguard so they buy Vanguard's funds and no doubt repackage them and sell them on to their unsuspecting clients at a nice profit. That's bad enough. But worse, this gives them potentially a huge influence over how Vanguard operates, including nominating directors etc.
So if my employer chooses Charles Schwab to manage our 401K's, I should not be allowed to have Vanguard funds in my 401k portfolio? :oops:
by BTDT
Sat Nov 04, 2017 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recommendations
Replies: 54
Views: 6939

Re: dishwasher recommendations

Frigidaire- only drawback is you can't tell it's running, but the dishes come out sparkling :oops:
by BTDT
Fri Oct 20, 2017 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how long did it take to get used to retirement
Replies: 105
Views: 17813

Re: how long did it take to get used to retirement

Took me about two weeks to quit waking up at 5AM to go to work, and about six months to quit having dreams/nightmares about work.
My to-do-list continues to grow, but retirement to me is having lots to do but only doing what I want to when I want to :sharebeer
by BTDT
Fri Oct 13, 2017 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building additional garage - recommendations?
Replies: 26
Views: 2445

Re: Building additional garage - recommendations?

DaleMaley wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:32 am When I built my current house back in 1999, I had a 220V outlet put in the garage for my 1980's Sears 12 inch planer.

As time went by, I bought a 12.5 inch wide Dewalt planer, which only needs 110V. So the old 220V Sears planer sets unused in the garage taking up floor space (I use it once a year maybe), while I run the heck out of my Dewalt paner in my basement workshop on 110V. I have a complete woodworking shop in my basement, and none of the tools require 220V. In retrospect, I would skip the 220V outlet in the garage.
Surely there is another Boglehead that uses a 220 volt welder and/or air tools needing higher CFM flow? :oops:
by BTDT
Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building additional garage - recommendations?
Replies: 26
Views: 2445

Re: Building additional garage - recommendations?

I added a second garage a couple of years ago and now have his-and-hers two-car garages at each end. Absolutely love. Observations: 24' minimum width- I did 20 and significantly reduced work and storage area on one side of garage without intruding into vehicle parking. Minimum 10' ceiling with reinforcement for attic storage and easy to use staircase. 12 foot height is much better and allows use of lifts for work or storage 16' door at each end. I put a glass panel door on the backside and added a patio cover. We now spend more time there than on a 'old' back porch. Also gives great air flow and sweeping is done with a gas blower in direction of breeze. 220 volt outlet for welder, air compressor, split hvac, etc. Stained concrete. Looks pre...
by BTDT
Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building additional garage - recommendations?
Replies: 26
Views: 2445

Re: Building additional garage - recommendations?

mouses wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2017 1:54 am Make it easy to carry stuff like bags of groceries into the house. No steps up to the house, etc. If you don't care about this now, you will when you're older.
Do not make your garage floor level with the living area. Leaking gasoline fumes (lawn mower, car, weedeater, etc,) can create a bomb like condition in your living area :oops:
by BTDT
Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A good value wine I found...
Replies: 22
Views: 3847

Re: A good value wine I found...

FWIW- My Malwarebytes is blocking the image link
by BTDT
Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card budget
Replies: 10
Views: 1700

Re: Credit card budget

I use my credit card(s) for almost every transaction over $20, and use it for automatic debit of utilities, SS, etc. I keep $500 cash in my wallet just in case (emergency breakdown, power failure, etc.). I check our credit card accounts two or three times a week and pay them off well before the balance is due. I can't honestly remember the last time I payed interest. My biggest 'sin' is Amazon and there I use PayPal. I also carry one credit card with a very limited balance for dining out as handing my credit card to a waiter who disappears with it for several minutes is really not my cup of tea, and thus far has led to three credit card replacements. I also use USAA Banking that does the much the same tabulation as the OP's bank, but combin...
by BTDT
Fri Sep 29, 2017 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2018 Medicare Plan Details Now Available
Replies: 15
Views: 2265

Re: 2018 Medicare Plan Details Now Available

Perhaps the OP might consider editing the title to: " 2018 Kaiser Medicare Advantage Plan details Now Available ". This could help many of us non-Kaiser folks not waste our time thinking it's about the "2018 Medicare Plan" ? :oops:
by BTDT
Mon Sep 25, 2017 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you avoid risky adventures once you have the money?
Replies: 71
Views: 6034

Re: Do you avoid risky adventures once you have the money?

I find I no longer bounce when I impact the ground, and 'repair-time' takes much longer, so therefore I'm not as adventurous. Money is not an issue except I do enjoy camping in a five star hotel versus a pup tent. :beer
by BTDT
Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Car Purchase
Replies: 47
Views: 5770

Re: Luxury Car Purchase

Traveller wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:24 am
BTDT wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:16 am... life is terminal and at 66 you will 'soon' die...

... which give you 'just 16 years to do your 'thing'...

...especially when you start losing many of your best friends who were in their late 60's....

If you want a wake a wake up call take a tape measure and extend it to your present age, than extend it to 82 inches and see how much you have used versus what you have left :oops:
Sheesh. You are SO not invited to my next birthday party!
I don't do birthday parties. I celebrate every day I wake up above the ground. All I'm really saying is life is short so enjoy it while you still have your health, versus at age 66 asking a forum if you should buy a Rolls Royce. :sharebeer
by BTDT
Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 53945

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

Gentlemen jack, Makers Mark
by BTDT
Fri Sep 22, 2017 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Age you retired
Replies: 112
Views: 13926

Re: Age you retired

42 Military
56 Business owner
67 Manufacturing executive
:oops:
by BTDT
Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Car Purchase
Replies: 47
Views: 5770

Re: Luxury Car Purchase

Net worth is pretty ambiguous especially when the house is included. That said, life is terminal and at 66 you will 'soon' die. I worked in the luxury motorcoach business and found that 82 seemed to be the maximum mark where people sold their RV's, started liquidating thier car collections, and significantly reducing their travel. There are of course exceptions, but 82 seemed to be a magic line in the sand, which give you 'just 16 years to do your 'thing'. I am older than you and please trust me when I say time-flies as you get older. Every year seems to go quicker, especially when you start losing many of your best friends who were in their late 60's. If you want a wake a wake up call take a tape measure and extend it to your present age, ...
by BTDT
Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Uplifted Driveway = No Home Owners Policy ?!
Replies: 82
Views: 8513

Re: Uplifted Driveway = No Home Owners Policy ?!

Your umbrella policy provides additional protection when your homeowner's policy limits reach maximum payout. Your homeowner's insurance could care less that you have a 1 million umbrella policy as they have to pay first. If an elderly person trips and falls on your known 'defective' driveway, breaks their hip and dies, your umbrella policy is toast, along with your home ownership. I suggest fixing the 'faulty driveway'' and welcome to the most litigiousness country on earth :oops:
by BTDT
Wed Sep 20, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Memory Foam Mattress Recomendations
Replies: 63
Views: 10193

Re: Memory Foam Mattress Recomendations

Went from a Sealy-Posture Pedic to Memory foam. I found the memory foam too 'warm'. Replaced with natural latex, three years ago.

Dr says I'm sleeping too much (10pm to 7am) but that's OK with me. DW and I both love the mattress and absolutely no noticeable change in mattress since delivered.
by BTDT
Sun Sep 17, 2017 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Account security - Hackers gain access to mobile and then break havoc
Replies: 159
Views: 19588

Re: Account security - Hackers gain access to mobile and then break havoc

How do the bad guys get into your iPhone? I have to either enter the six digit pin or use a finger print to access whenever I use it. The US govt spent a million bucks to break into the iphone of the terrorist in San Bernardino CA, so has something changed with mobile phone security? If people choose to avoid the use of passwords, limited guesses, and time-outs on their phone than I think they are inviting security issues.
by BTDT
Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another battery question
Replies: 25
Views: 3821

Re: Another battery question

First question- You went the cheap route with a $13 Harbor Freight charger and now your stuck getting a controller or frequent battery replacement.

Second question- Both methods work OK, it's more an ease of vehicle use question
by BTDT
Sat Sep 09, 2017 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else freeze their credit score?
Replies: 126
Views: 16086

Re: Anyone else freeze their credit score?

NorCalDad wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2017 11:04 am I'd been maximizing credit card point offers for travel, so I didn't freeze our reports, but I'm doing so now. This breach seems much bigger than any of the ones before.
You can still maximize CC points , it only cost you $10 to un-freeze the credit bureau the card is using. The only difference you have to look for the deals as the the junk mail tends to dry up
by BTDT
Sat Sep 09, 2017 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else freeze their credit score?
Replies: 126
Views: 16086

Re: Anyone else freeze their credit score?

I froze mine years ago. I recently purchased a new truck and financed a small portion. To un freeze takes a couple of minutes. Ask your lender who they are using for the credit check and than simply unlock that frozen account using the pin they previously provided. Cost ten bucks and you can limit un-freeze to one day. A side benefit is the credit card/loan sharks leave you alone because you have no credit. It seems when a credit check is initiated the credit bureau doesn't say your account is frozen they simply reply that you have zero credit :beer
by BTDT
Sat Sep 09, 2017 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I need an Amazon Echo??.....
Replies: 82
Views: 10818

Re: Do I need an Amazon Echo??.....

Marjimmy wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2017 9:33 am No, you do not NEED an echo. Period.
I agree! Just like you don't need a TV remote, cruise control, stereo music, HD/4K TV, programmable thermostats etc etc :oops:
by BTDT
Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Name something you had to have and now you regret purchasing it?
Replies: 505
Views: 80050

Re: Name something you had to have and now you regret purchasing it?

VictoriaF wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:40 pm

This brings up an interesting question. If paying for experiences is more satisfying than paying for goods, then is wasting money on experiences that don't happen more demoralizing than wasting money on goods that are not used.

Victoria
Yes :oops:
by BTDT
Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waterproof container for documents-pending Florida hurricane
Replies: 29
Views: 4247

Re: Waterproof container for documents-pending Florida hurricane

Top of the line one gallon and two gallon Zip lock type bags stored inside small firesafe's is a pretty good option. Vacuum sealed bags are even better!
by BTDT
Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Relative angry I will not co-sign
Replies: 90
Views: 12259

Re: Relative angry I will not co-sign

Based on my experience, one of the best ways to squelch a family relationship is to loan them money. Those that don't/won't/can't pay it back will no longer talk to you. So far I'm batting three 3 outs and one run. It appears to be a pretty much no win situation.

As to the original poster's question- Just say no! I highly recommend you never co-sign any loan especially for a close friend or family member. If the bank requires a co-signer than you can rest assured the bank is concerned the applicant can/will pay it back.