Search found 2035 matches

by harrychan
Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What got you out of poverty?
Replies: 111
Views: 12850

Re: What got you out of poverty?

I was lucky as i grew up in a middle class household and father made a good living. I think back to his generation though. They grew up in the Great Depression and WWII in a small town. That town was probably middle class comparatively at the time, but the surroundings were very modest. My dad’s dad died at a young age due to an accident and much of his childhood it was just him and his mother. What is remarkable about this small town is eventually among my dads and friends, one ended up being a Fortune 500 executive, one became a top financial officer of the largest city in the state, one became a president of a local bank in that same large city and one became president of a local utility in that city. To my knowledge most of the funded ...
by harrychan
Mon Feb 19, 2024 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio checkup - age 47/43
Replies: 19
Views: 2490

Re: Portfolio checkup - age 47/43

Thanks for posting as we're very very similar except DW and I owe a bit more on our house ($300k) and I'm a bit younger.
by harrychan
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to exchange $1000 worth of yen for Japan trip?
Replies: 48
Views: 4314

Re: Best way to exchange $1000 worth of yen for Japan trip?

I just came back from Japan 3 weeks ago. $1000 USD would be too much. Exchanging with your friend $200 is good enough. A lot of Japan still use cash so you will find yourself getting cash every few days. The exchange rate at ATMs is slightly better than what boa is offering you. The default ATM to use is indeed at 7-11 but I'm starting to think the rate isn't great. You can withdraw to 100,000yen which is about $680. A bit of advice, when buying things with your credit cards they usually ask you two questions. One is how many payments you want to make. Always say 1 payment. The other is in what currency. Always choose JPY. Do not let the terminal exchange the currency for you.
by harrychan
Thu Feb 08, 2024 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you buy a mattress?
Replies: 47
Views: 3748

Re: How do you buy a mattress?

We do our research and buy from places that allow for a generous return policy. It sucks but there really is no other way. The last time we were mattress shopping, we bought and returned 7. We tried firm / medium foam but ended up going back to hybrid.
by harrychan
Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College counselor/consultant
Replies: 65
Views: 4579

Re: College counselor/consultant

My oldest also just entered high school this year. We do not plan on getting a college admission counselor. We saw no noticeable difference between friend's kids who recently graduated who did and did not use one. What I do suggest is for my son to keep in touch with seniors who graduate. We go to a small-affordable private school where alumnus frequently come back to visit. He has had a few conversation with someone who is now enrolled in his school of choice. I think this is much more valuable than any consultant can offer.
by harrychan
Sun Jan 14, 2024 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much term life insurance?
Replies: 21
Views: 2122

Re: How much term life insurance?

Term life is cheap. DW is a SAHM so we calculated based on the amount needed to pay off home. Pay for education through college and living expenses for DW. Term was until the kids are out of school. After that, we can probably self insure.
by harrychan
Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tropical Fish
Replies: 22
Views: 2852

Re: Tropical Fish

Highly recommend. I also grew up with tanks but didn't get my own until maybe 10 years ago mid-career. I had a basic tank but upgraded when I found one for cheap from a local community sale group back when Craigslist was popular. I did spend some money on a canister filter, led lights and a Co2 system. I now have a heavily planted tank which requires maybe 1 hour a week of maintenance and monthly water changes. Typically, you are looking at weekly water changes.
by harrychan
Wed Nov 29, 2023 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone feel like they missed out by not buying real estate?
Replies: 232
Views: 37733

Re: Anyone feel like they missed out by not buying real estate?

Sort of.

We bought our 'dream home' early back in 2010 when many of our peers went the townhouse / condo route as it was slightly cheaper. Many of them have since kept their first home and bought their 'dream home' albeit in not so nicer neighborhoods and at a higher price. It would've been nice to have a 2nd or 3rd property to leave to the kids when they grow up but I am satisfied with our current home.
by harrychan
Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617252

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I eat one can of sardines every day. Costco liquidation center had Wild Pacific sardines https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-Pacific-Sardines-Virgin/dp/B00H4G0HOM/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=174296579905&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029721&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14030001533021652653&hvtargid=kwd-26750468980&hydadcr=4847_9338594&keywords=wild+pacific+sardines&qid=1699388102&sr=8-1 on special today for $1/can and I had a 10% off coupon for spending >$50 on my last visit. So, I bought everything they had on the shelf (60 total cans) for ~38% normal retail price. Cashier said they had a lot more in the back, but decided to leave some for everybody else. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7890435/ Be careful about a...
by harrychan
Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you watch TV now?
Replies: 45
Views: 4650

Re: How do you watch TV now?

Youtube TV and MLB.tv+VPN through a Chromecast on a 10+ year old 60" 4k tv that I got at Costco at a discount for $500. Thing won't break! Till then, I won't be able to upgrade lol.
by harrychan
Tue Nov 07, 2023 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617252

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I eat one can of sardines every day. Costco liquidation center had Wild Pacific sardines https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-Pacific-Sardines-Virgin/dp/B00H4G0HOM/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=174296579905&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029721&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14030001533021652653&hvtargid=kwd-26750468980&hydadcr=4847_9338594&keywords=wild+pacific+sardines&qid=1699388102&sr=8-1 on special today for $1/can and I had a 10% off coupon for spending >$50 on my last visit. So, I bought everything they had on the shelf (60 total cans) for ~38% normal retail price. Cashier said they had a lot more in the back, but decided to leave some for everybody else. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7890435/ Be careful about a...
by harrychan
Sat Oct 07, 2023 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?
Replies: 75
Views: 9426

Re: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?

quantAndHold wrote: Sat Oct 07, 2023 6:46 pm Serious question. Do people actually *like* McDonalds, or do they just go there because it’s cheap? I mean, the fries are all right, but the burgers have a peculiar taste and smell, and the whole place smells like the burgers. Do people not notice that?

Pretty much anything I could cook myself at home would taste better.
I grew up with Filet o fish and Egg McMuffin. They're somewhat comfort food for me. I go maybe 2-3 times a month.
by harrychan
Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29211

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

There's a reason why budget worksheets will label eating out or buying food "to go" as entertainment. Only groceries should be considered "food".
by harrychan
Tue Oct 03, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla savings vs used ICE cars
Replies: 360
Views: 84094

Re: Tesla savings vs used ICE cars

Tesla's best selling vehicle Model Y is $50,490 for Long Range AWD with 330mi range, but they've just introduced a new RWD with 260mi for $43,990. I wonder if the competition in the US with shorter range single motor EVs shows there's demand for this configuration? Doesn't seem to make sense to me why would they change this specific model to RWD? The Y, as far as I'm aware, is supposedly considered the "SUV" of the Tesla line isn't it? Seems like a bit of a downgrade to take away AWD. I understand the lower mileage part but I thought they already sort of went through this between Long Range and Performance... I guess this is their "Budget Y"? LOL... I wonder how well it's going to sell compared to the standard Y. I've o...
by harrychan
Fri Sep 29, 2023 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Active WFH wardrobe
Replies: 71
Views: 6944

Re: Active WFH wardrobe

Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx gets a lot of my business for clothing. I do occassional drop in steep & cheap for discount brand name clothing.
by harrychan
Fri Sep 29, 2023 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent or Own Math
Replies: 22
Views: 3024

Re: Rent or Own Math

muffins14 wrote: Fri Sep 29, 2023 1:38 pm Some people have a lot of money

Imagine your dad owns a railroad in Siberia. Like the entire industry

Or your uncle owns all grocery stores in Brazil

Who cares about 4.5M then
I used to play basketball with someone whose father owns a factory in China making clothing hangars that are used by dry clean. He drives very nice cars.
One of my friend's cousin's family owns a chain of car washes also in China. They charter a private jet to Vegas every once in a while to have fun.
I can go on...
by harrychan
Fri Sep 22, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early
Replies: 118
Views: 16314

Re: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early

what_to_do wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:56 am After making this much money I can't imagine going back to work somewhere else making less in a year than I currently make in month.
I don't think you have a choice. I understand you made a huge jump and that feeling of cash coming through paycheck after paycheck is addicting, you need a mental breakthrough to find what makes sense to you. Personally, I would never take a job that keeps me away from my family for that long. My oldest one is 4 years away from college and I will cherish those 4 years. Once they leave the next, that is it. They are on their own. If they settle out of state, I will see them once every blue moon.
by harrychan
Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taking a Lyft / Uber ride to a neighboring state?
Replies: 44
Views: 4461

Re: Taking a Lyft / Uber ride to a neighboring state?

It's probably much much cheaper you do a one way car rental. Uber / lyft or get a free shuttle ride from rental location to the car dealer then drive back.
by harrychan
Sun Aug 20, 2023 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering a move to Southern California, what should I know?
Replies: 47
Views: 4452

Re: Considering a move to Southern California, what should I know?

Welcome to SoCal! Sounds like you have this thought through. Only other thing to consider that will be a major change from the PNW is the weather. Yes, we get sunshine almost every day of the year except a few winter storms and May / June gloom. Keep in mind the extremely dry weather. For my wife and I, who grew up in SE Asia, it took a bit to get used to. In some ways, my wife still hasn't gotten used to it yet. It can lead to dry skin, unusual allergies which you may have not experienced prior.
by harrychan
Thu Aug 17, 2023 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Friends' father's money blocked in US bank
Replies: 19
Views: 3268

Re: Friends' father's money blocked in US bank

Had this problem with my parents and their asia bank. It was due to inactivity. We were also told they had to show up in person and show their ID. But after talking to multiple phone bankers, they said they could call the number on file and go through numerous security checks to validate the individual and have it unlocked.
by harrychan
Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)
Replies: 207
Views: 26610

Re: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)

Neat exercise. I happen to be searching for flights in the winter to Japan and below are samples: 1 week in end of Nov to early Dec, round trip flights from LAX to Narita: Economy: $1100 Prem Economy: $2000 Business: $4900 First/Suites: $17,000 I'm in my early 40's, base pay of $220k and NW of $2M. I can't get myself to buy business for sure. Doesn't seem worth it for a 10 hour flight or even 16 hour flight. Prem economy, maybe but again. Not worth it. What I find myself doing is book economy then pay extra, usually $50-100, to reserve emergency exit rows or bulk head. They have sufficient leg room for me. First class is just lol. I can see myself booking business upon retirement. MAYBE go first class using credit card points. But I cannot...
by harrychan
Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28456

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Luckywon wrote: Sun Jul 30, 2023 12:20 pm Zojirushi VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-DCC40/50
$214 at amazon
Keeps hot water ready for the perfect cup of tea or anything else. Very well insulated so total electricity draw probably small. We use it multiple times a day. :happy
I referred my tea loving coworker to this and it blew her mind away. Till then, she was boiling water to make her tea. She had no idea there was such appliance that kept water hot.
by harrychan
Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lame Duck Tenant Potential Problems ?
Replies: 8
Views: 1689

Re: Lame Duck Tenant Potential Problems ?

You're thinking way too much. Most tenants don't go out of their way to sabotage their rental units.
by harrychan
Thu Aug 03, 2023 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrade Tesla Model Y
Replies: 132
Views: 10778

Re: Upgrade Tesla Model Y

4nursebee wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:10 pm
harrychan wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:59 pm I would wait until I am absolutely sure I will get one with H/W 4. Otherwise, I dont think it is worth it to upgrade.
It is HW 4, confirmed at TSLA sales center and using online VIN lookups.
Then I would go for it. :)
by harrychan
Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrade Tesla Model Y
Replies: 132
Views: 10778

Re: Upgrade Tesla Model Y

I would wait until I am absolutely sure I will get one with H/W 4. Otherwise, I dont think it is worth it to upgrade.
by harrychan
Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28456

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Used Specialized road bike that is carbon fiber. Got a few thousand miles out of it allowing me to explore many neighborhoods and national park and group rides with buddies. All for just $900 one time investment. Although I admit I had to do some upgrades due to failing parts but still well within what a brand new one would've costs.

A new computer my boys and I assembled together. It was a covid project and we did it right when the costs of graphic cards finally dropped. Total was just under $1000. Much better bang for the buck than buying a complete build. We use it for gaming, editing their football, basketball game tapes and general web browsing. Oh, and my wife uses it for her side gig.
by harrychan
Sun Jul 30, 2023 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying used products
Replies: 53
Views: 3534

Re: Buying used products

Just bought an open box chromebook for my son, which was required by his school. New was $599, open box was $299. Opened it and it was basically brand new. I couldn't tell it was used. Or maybe it was a gift that was returned.
by harrychan
Fri Jul 28, 2023 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Security Systems - Recommendations
Replies: 38
Views: 5173

Re: Home Security Systems - Recommendations

I had ADT for the longest time since the previous owners had it installed. We kept threatening to cancel it and they keep lowering the monthly subscription until it was down to around $15 / month. The problem was that the window sensors keep failing and throw a tamper alarm even though no one is near the sensor. It got so bad that we had to bypass 3 sensors. You can't replace the sensors on your own and ADT charges $80 for the sensor and $80 for the dispatch. I finally made the jump and installed a ring system. In all, we spent maybe $400 when there was a deal and installed 2 keypads, 1 base station, 30+ door and window sensors, 1 camera. It was very easy. I can easily monitor even from being overseas and can turn on professional monitoring...
by harrychan
Thu Jul 27, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting for life - a bad idea?
Replies: 735
Views: 87732

Re: Renting for life - a bad idea?

A topic that hits home, literally. My parents is an example of renters for life. They had a handful of opportunities to buy a home back in Asia in their home or in their adopted country but opted not to. One of the primary reason was because their rent was very low ($300USD) even today. They live in a small SFH in their adopted country that is also in Asia. Their landlord was kind and never raised rent for 45 years. I wish I could say they are well off but they never saved much money either. Now they are no longer working, their business folded and I am on the hook paying their rent until they pass. We recently got notice that the heirs want their property back. Now with no asset and income, it would be impossible to find anything for them ...
by harrychan
Thu Jul 27, 2023 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)
Replies: 207
Views: 26610

Re: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)

Neat exercise. I happen to be searching for flights in the winter to Japan and below are samples: 1 week in end of Nov to early Dec, round trip flights from LAX to Narita: Economy: $1100 Prem Economy: $2000 Business: $4900 First/Suites: $17,000 I'm in my early 40's, base pay of $220k and NW of $2M. I can't get myself to buy business for sure. Doesn't seem worth it for a 10 hour flight or even 16 hour flight. Prem economy, maybe but again. Not worth it. What I find myself doing is book economy then pay extra, usually $50-100, to reserve emergency exit rows or bulk head. They have sufficient leg room for me. First class is just lol. I can see myself booking business upon retirement. MAYBE go first class using credit card points. But I cannot...
by harrychan
Wed Jul 26, 2023 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)
Replies: 207
Views: 26610

Re: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)

Neat exercise. I happen to be searching for flights in the winter to Japan and below are samples: 1 week in end of Nov to early Dec, round trip flights from LAX to Narita: Economy: $1100 Prem Economy: $2000 Business: $4900 First/Suites: $17,000 I'm in my early 40's, base pay of $220k and NW of $2M. I can't get myself to buy business for sure. Doesn't seem worth it for a 10 hour flight or even 16 hour flight. Prem economy, maybe but again. Not worth it. What I find myself doing is book economy then pay extra, usually $50-100, to reserve emergency exit rows or bulk head. They have sufficient leg room for me. First class is just lol. I can see myself booking business upon retirement. MAYBE go first class using credit card points. But I cannot ...
by harrychan
Sat Jul 08, 2023 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: someone with my name keeps using my email address
Replies: 137
Views: 9114

Re: someone with my name keeps using my email address

I have a similar situation. I was one of the early adopters of gmail (remember when you had to get a referral from an existing user?) so I was able to snag a gmail address with a very common word in the real estate industry. Now I often get random emails of real estate mortgage submissions or real estate listings.
by harrychan
Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High expenses
Replies: 138
Views: 13034

Re: High expenses

Parents : since this came up a few times, let me give a context. As I indicated, the part of Asian society we came from has this social contract where parents spend whatever they have (often very little!!) to the betterment of their kids and the kids are under social "obligation" to support parents in old age. Even more interesting, there is in implicit contract that kids divide the parental support proportional to their financial means. Who ever becomes the first person/child to be able to support the parents will do so automatically. The other kids who are not financially able to support have no "obligation" during that period but are expected to take over for sometime when they are financially ready to do so. In our ...
by harrychan
Fri May 26, 2023 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Television
Replies: 33
Views: 2610

Re: New Television

I haven't encountered a good TV with built in GUI to navigate apps. I've had tremendous success with Vizio. The first HDTV I bought 16 YEARS AGO is still functioning and is being used by my son as his gaming tv. I currently have a 60" and plug a Google TV Chromecast into it. I find the Chromecast GUI futureproofs as it auto updates and the remote is very functional. I haven't touched the OEM remote in years.
by harrychan
Fri May 26, 2023 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Burnt out and looking for advice
Replies: 30
Views: 4412

Re: Burnt out and looking for advice

I recommend you connect with alumni or go to socials for attorneys and get an idea of what others are doing. It can give you insights as to what is available out there. Good luck!
by harrychan
Wed May 17, 2023 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Tesla
Replies: 101
Views: 8575

Re: Buying a Tesla

If I were in your situation, I would buy a NEW model S in a heartbeat. We were also skeptical about getting an EV but Covid allowed me to delay my Subaru Outback as we weren't going anywhere. Then I read more and more about EV particularly Tesla. Prior, we would drive on average 350 miles a week which required us to get gas on a weekly basis. Now we 'top up' every night with our Tesla wall charge. GAME CHANGER. This alone was worth switching to an EV. Now we only go to a gas station every 2 months or so to fill up our 2nd car. Road trips or even driving in traffic is a breeze with autopilot. I would say do a test drive by renting one for a day through Turo. BTW, our Model Y SR RWD OTD was $44k which was on par with a Outback XT.
by harrychan
Sat Apr 29, 2023 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent increase again - What can I do?
Replies: 181
Views: 16077

Re: Rent increase again - What can I do?

Vanguard User wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 1:51 am
harrychan wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:44 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sun Apr 23, 2023 1:31 am
harrychan wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:25 pm I don't think there's much you can do. When you sign the lease, you can share how much of a challenge this will be for you and your family. That can help avoid future rent raises. The landlord seems reasonable and having great tenant may be worth keeping the rent lower than market. Turnover is a cost as well as a risk to the landlord which they want to avoid.
Share to who? You think they care? This isn’t Section 8.
Then why even post here??
To get advice.
You can make more income.
by harrychan
Wed Apr 26, 2023 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent increase again - What can I do?
Replies: 181
Views: 16077

Re: Rent increase again - What can I do?

Vanguard User wrote: Sun Apr 23, 2023 1:31 am
harrychan wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:25 pm I don't think there's much you can do. When you sign the lease, you can share how much of a challenge this will be for you and your family. That can help avoid future rent raises. The landlord seems reasonable and having great tenant may be worth keeping the rent lower than market. Turnover is a cost as well as a risk to the landlord which they want to avoid.
Share to who? You think they care? This isn’t Section 8.
Then why even post here??
by harrychan
Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent increase again - What can I do?
Replies: 181
Views: 16077

Re: Rent increase again - What can I do?

I don't think there's much you can do. When you sign the lease, you can share how much of a challenge this will be for you and your family. That can help avoid future rent raises. The landlord seems reasonable and having great tenant may be worth keeping the rent lower than market. Turnover is a cost as well as a risk to the landlord which they want to avoid.
by harrychan
Sat Apr 08, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off from tech job
Replies: 84
Views: 11290

Re: Laid off from tech job

I'm sorry to hear your situation OP. That is my fear as we are single income and DW is a SAHM to our 2 boys. We're very similar in a sense of remainder of mortgage of $300k+ and our monthly expenses. I currently make $220k before bonus which is usually around $20k. We're in the LA area so cost of living should be very similar. Based on what we are going through, you just need about $100-150k to be able to balance. I would immediately put on pause some luxury items which you've identified. Regarding job, I would go scorched earth announcing on linkedin, facebook, anyone anywhere who can help submit your resume. It really is a world of who you know. Think all friends, relatives, classmates from university. Anyone that can help vouch for you t...
by harrychan
Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse (Age 37) Going Back to University
Replies: 196
Views: 17193

Re: Spouse (Age 37) Going Back to University

I didn't miss it. Unfortunately or fortunately, I haven't had that situation but the spouse needs to consider input from OP. Being supportive doesn't mean blindly accepting your partner going into a bad situation.
by harrychan
Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Frustrated at work…should I burn down my bridges before a recession?
Replies: 45
Views: 7487

Re: Frustrated at work…should I burn down my bridges before a recession?

Why not launch your own ad agency on the side by taking on gigs and grow your clientele while staying employed? Get a taste of building your ad agency then quit when ready.
by harrychan
Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse (Age 37) Going Back to University
Replies: 196
Views: 17193

Re: Spouse (Age 37) Going Back to University

Also in the camp of supporting her to pursue higher education but not at a for-profit. There were a number of for profit schools around this area that went under and it's credits went into thin air. A number of students filed a class action lawsuit. I would highly recommend state school to get a flavor of going back to school. I would even recommend private school. Just not for profit. There's a reason why the pitch bachelor degrees in 18-24 months.
by harrychan
Mon Jan 09, 2023 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Anxiety
Replies: 63
Views: 7302

Re: New Car Anxiety

Buy your Volvo SUV. You are in great shape and I won't even look back. I am single income with two kids with just a bit higher NW and we bought a $44k Tesla two years ago. I had that same guilt feeling as I could easily accomplish the same driving point A to B with a car that costs $10k less. But my DW reminded me that it is ok to splurge a little and she was more than confident that the extra cost was going to be worth it. Go ahead and reward yourself for all the hard work for the amazing income and NW at such an age!
by harrychan
Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ever taken a job you have no interest in?
Replies: 35
Views: 3381

Re: Ever taken a job you have no interest in?

Depends what you mean by no interest. If the lack of interest leads to boredom and mundane, then I would keep looking. If it is something you don't have any particular passion but you are good at, then that is ok imo. I took a network engineer job straight out of college so I could stay in the US to pursue a green card. I could care less of Fortune 500 company's network works or not. I mean its my job. It was interesting and challenging enough that every day was different. I never clock watched. After 4 years it became a full time work from home gig and 10 years down I got my coveted green card. It helped that I was very good at it and discovered a gift of leadership along the way. Now I don't do any hands on work but am a tech leader in a ...
by harrychan
Wed Jan 04, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do we need Private College counsellor for High School Sophomore?
Replies: 73
Views: 6713

Re: Do we need Private College counsellor for High School Sophomore?

If someone claims they have the magic formula to get into top schools, they are lying. Admission criteria is changing fast and a few affirmative action as well as lawsuits claiming lack of housing is contributing to homelessness at CAL. What I recommend is look within a your network to find kids who recently graduated high school and got into schools of their top choice what they did. Find patterns and you will come up with a good list of what to focus on. Most of which has been stated here. Also, I would do everything possible to not put pressure on which school they get into. I've mentored youth before and you can have two kids from the exact same high school with one getting to school of their choice and another not getting into any. You...
by harrychan
Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible to have a nice time at DisneyWorld without the infamous Disney hassles?
Replies: 93
Views: 10322

Re: Possible to have a nice time at DisneyWorld without the infamous Disney hassles?

In some what, I am very similar to you. I loathe crowds, the waiting in line, and get extremely stressed prior to the trip up until the flight. When my wife and I put up a vote for the kids to either go to Hawaii or Disney World for spring break, I died a bit inside when they excitedly said Disney World! (They are teenagers). My wife and I said we should go to DW as they may not want to go in a few years. But once we are there, all that angst goes away. It really is magical. Even the hot and humid temperature wasn't so bad. Key thing is that we experienced a lot as a family and made memories together. My dad only took me to Tokyo Disneyland as a child when I was 5 years old and I still remember vaguely from that day. And if you can afford i...
by harrychan
Sat Dec 17, 2022 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: advice for T-Mobile customer service headache
Replies: 9
Views: 1538

Re: advice for T-Mobile customer service headache

Call 611 then explain that you need to talk to a supervisor as this is the nth time you are trying to reach them to resolve a billing issue. GL.
by harrychan
Wed Dec 14, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nail in Tire, thoughts?
Replies: 101
Views: 7545

Re: Nail in Tire, thoughts?

They and I would not patch that. This is what emergency funds are for. Get new tire(s).
by harrychan
Wed Dec 14, 2022 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EV SUV around $65K
Replies: 157
Views: 14426

Re: EV SUV around $65K

EV owner here. There's no reason to get an EV with 300 mile of range. If you reach and get one that's advertised as 300 mile, you will be disappointed. The best EVs under optimal condition will have an efficiency of 75-80%. you also don't operate an EV like a gas car where you "fill up" when you are empty. You charge nightly. So unless you drive over 200 miles a day, you don't need a 300 mile EV.