Millions of us have the same problem. Most people get them painted.
I haven’t painted mine. They’re actually orange now. Matchrs the orange oak flooring….
I don’t like the style of my door fronts. So if I was going to do anything, I’d go online and order new shaker style doors in the color I want. They have sites that let you specify everything, size, hinge layout, full overlay or inlay etc. so I’d just need to refinish/paint the frames of the boxes, then install new doors.
I have to say though; my neighbors who paint their awful ugly cabinets plain white, it looks good when they’re done. Really incredible what a coat of white paint can do.
Search found 5586 matches
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 772
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Moving in retirement.
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2756
Re: Moving in retirement.
I just retired and will be moving in a month or two. I really don’t see it as major upheaval at all. It’s work sure, but it isn’t I definite. And you can hire out packing, moving, etc etc.
For me, a house is just a house. I don’t get attached to them. And I try not to get attached to *things*….
I’d say, figure out what the best location is for you. And be there. And if you’re already there, look for ways to keep everything manageable.
For us, wanted to be closer to family, so we are moving closer to them. And I’m sure at some point in the future, we will move again……
For me, a house is just a house. I don’t get attached to them. And I try not to get attached to *things*….
I’d say, figure out what the best location is for you. And be there. And if you’re already there, look for ways to keep everything manageable.
For us, wanted to be closer to family, so we are moving closer to them. And I’m sure at some point in the future, we will move again……
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
- Replies: 2903
- Views: 514896
Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Still not on the market yet. Will be in 2.5 weeks. Realtor will be listing at 900, and says it will likely sell higher than that.Normchad wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2024 5:35 pm I’m getting ready to sell my home in northern Virginia. Things here are getting mighty expensive. This should be interesting, as there is very little inventory right now, and we are heading into spring.
I would have thought current mortgage rates would bring prices down a bit, but it doesn’t seem to have happened.
Will probably list somewhere around 800-850.
Nothing special about this house or location. I’m stunned there is a ready supply of willing buyers at this price.
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
- Replies: 120
- Views: 11051
Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Absolutely. People don’t spend enough time working on this. If you do this, every other problem becomes a lot less stressful.whodidntante wrote: ↑Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:49 pm What really changed the game for me is when my income doubled 3 or 4 times.
Telling people to stop drinking Starbucks really is terrible advice, in that it falsely leads people to believe they can become wealthy by just cutting back on frivolities.
They should work just as hard at cranking up the income.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:43 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Help with a project [Calculating growth from an investment]
- Replies: 11
- Views: 688
Re: Help with a project
Why doesn’t it seem accurate to you? What answer did you expect?
Looks to me like it roughly doubled 4 times in roughly 28 years. That is about what I expect.
In a nutshell, that is why I invest. Be sure I do expect it to “explode” in value over long enough periods of time. If I didn’t expect that, I’d be buying BMWs and bigger houses just like everybody else.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is this a termite?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2424
Re: Is this a termite?
I don’t think so. But I’m not an expert.
My understanding is that ants have a “pinched” waist. And termites do not. Whatever this is, it has the pinched waist.
My understanding is that ants have a “pinched” waist. And termites do not. Whatever this is, it has the pinched waist.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Help with a project [Calculating growth from an investment]
- Replies: 11
- Views: 688
Re: Help with a project
Portfoliovisualizer.com
Go to “back test portfolio”
Go to “back test portfolio”
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Letter to heir - what would you include?
- Replies: 90
- Views: 7219
Re: Letter to heir - what would you include?
I’d eliminate #1. I never tell people what to do with their money….
#3. You don’t have to wait til you’re dead to tell them this…….
In addition to the other good points you have, I’d just tell them that I love them and wish them a life filled with joy and kindness.
#3. You don’t have to wait til you’re dead to tell them this…….
In addition to the other good points you have, I’d just tell them that I love them and wish them a life filled with joy and kindness.
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:47 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2539
Re: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio
I guess maybe I do t have a platform. I have accounts at Vanguard and Fidelity. I just use their websites/apps to manage everything.
I buy very low cost index funds in both….. so I pay very little in fees…..
I manage 2 Roth IRAs, an FSA, a 401k, a. Brokerage account, and 2 roll over IRAs.
I buy very low cost index funds in both….. so I pay very little in fees…..
I manage 2 Roth IRAs, an FSA, a 401k, a. Brokerage account, and 2 roll over IRAs.
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
- Replies: 207
- Views: 14890
Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
I suspect you’re right. I also tip my Ubers in cash…..
And more restaurants now are adding a credit card surcharge, so i pay them in cash. AND a bonus of doing that, is they never swivel the screen around asking for a tip when I pay with cash.
I keep less than $1000 in the house.
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:31 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34
- Replies: 80
- Views: 8052
Re: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34
You need a new financial advisor. Better yet, you should learn to be your own "financial advisor". With help, as needed, from the good folks on this Forum. :D +1. You’ve already done a great job, amassing that net worth at your age. You’re just absolutely crushing it. More education always helps, and there is no better way than to read these forums consistently. Nobody here has a profit motive. Nobody here can benefit from misleading you, or selling you something…… It’s hard and rare to find a *good financial advisor*. They do exist. The majority of them though are well intentioned salespeople. Nice people. People from your church, your parents friends, guys on the softball team, etc. they can be very persuasive. And the real val...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:06 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Embracing Principles [during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?]
- Replies: 43
- Views: 3952
Re: Embracing Principles Amidst Bitcoin and Nvidia's Surge?
Sometimes you just have to put your hand on a hot stove……jyun wrote: ↑Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:36 pm I always look to Bogleheads' advice for help with my investments. I've been investing in VOO for 5 years, and this investment has worked well for me. However, observing the recent surges in Bitcoin and Nvidia, it seems like there's a lot of FOMO among investors. For those who have been following the Bogleheads' investing principles for decades, how did you stick to your investing principles during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?
A lot of us learned the lesson the hard way……
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2567
Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
We had something similar. When we listed my mother-in-law’s house, the broker had a buyer almost immediately. The broker knew who might be interested in a house like that one. Yep. And this is why it pays to have a really good real estate agent. Good agents *know* just about ever everybody and every family. They know who isn’t selling now, but might be tempted. They know which families are sending their last kids off to college and will be ready to down size in October. Etc. etc. etc. and these same agents are the ones who originally sold them the home 20 years ago….. their kids grew up with the sellers kids. They go to the same gym, etc etc. It is hyper local. If you have your heart set on a particular neighborhood or area, find the agent...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2567
Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
A friend of mine just sold his home. Before it was listed, it was “coming soon”. Not sure who all can see that. But he had several,offers before it went up for sale. From people that had never stepped foot inside……
As a seller though, I’m not sure I should be happy about that. If it sells that fast, maybe it was underpriced? Or at least, if you waited a week to allow more offers to come in, might have gotten an even higher offer.
As a seller though, I’m not sure I should be happy about that. If it sells that fast, maybe it was underpriced? Or at least, if you waited a week to allow more offers to come in, might have gotten an even higher offer.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:34 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2322
Re: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?
You’re wrong. Stay the course.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:18 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2534
Re: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
Most of your unhappiness doesn’t look related to the house you bought. A lot of those things would be true no matter which house you bought.
Maybe home ownership just isn’t for you.
I think when I bought my first house, the realtor said the average first time buyer only stays in that home for seven years. At the time, it sounded crazy to me. Sure enough, seven years later, I was moving out. The idea of a “forever home” makes no sense to me. Don’t get wrapped up in that notion…..
Maybe home ownership just isn’t for you.
I think when I bought my first house, the realtor said the average first time buyer only stays in that home for seven years. At the time, it sounded crazy to me. Sure enough, seven years later, I was moving out. The idea of a “forever home” makes no sense to me. Don’t get wrapped up in that notion…..
- Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:40 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!
- Replies: 136
- Views: 42647
Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!
I’m done March 8th, 2024. I’m 55. Very pleased to be in the same class as Longinvest. I’ll also be using the VPW methodology, and the truly wonderful spreadsheet that Longinvest maintains and explains so patiently. A real boglehead gem! All the best to everybody! Welcome to the Retirement Roll Call, Normchad! And yes - you're in the same retirement class with Longinvest - how cool is that! :D After your first weekend out loose in the real world, please let us know how retirement feels without stress and deadlines. We hope you find all good times and experiences in this new phase of life. Best wishes for a long, happy and very healthy retirement. Please keep us posted on what you're doing and how your spreadsheets work out :beer Thank you M...
- Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Investing Forums
- Replies: 3
- Views: 622
Re: Investing Forums
There are a lot of,bots on Reddit, but I don’t know how to quantify that. Reddit is a very *addictive* platform, and I probably spend more time there, than I do here. Although I ignore those finance forums in Reddit. And who knows what those numbers really represent. I’m not subscribed to any of the Reddit forums at all. But the algorithms do show me posts from lots of forums, including those. So maybe I get counted in those numbers. I’m not suggesting anything nefarious, but Reddit has filed to go IPO. And so big numbers are a good thing for them. There is a profit motive there. The posts I usually see, are screen grabs of portfolio graphs. Invariably somebody has turned $300 into $100,000 over night. Or they’ve turned 100,000 into 300 ove...
- Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1620
Re: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
I would just be concerned when selling my house and a prospective purchaser asked who did the kitchen. Like it or not, "Ikea" is not a desirable answer. I used IKEA cabinets when I redid the kitchen in my first home. Had no problem selling the house and many people complimented the kitchen. I once again used IKEA cabinets when I redid the kitchen in my current house. I doubt the vast majority of buyers would consider this when buying a house. Some on this board, sure, but not enough people for an IKEA kitchen to be a deal breaker. Yeah. Really, the builders grade cabinets in the other houses you’re competing against, aren’t some great desireable thing. Nobody will be like “man, I really wish they had those Merrilat cabinets from ...
- Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1629
Re: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
This is wonderfully good advice. +1.retiredjg wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:13 am My suggestion: You will find the most support from people who have already been there. Find an al-anon group and attend at least 5 meetings in order to understand your role in this problem and what steps to take to regain control of your life.
If you do not find a home in one group, find another.
- Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1629
Re: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
As my southwest pilot says “put your own mask on before helping others”.
This really is a relationship issue though.
In your shoes, I’d say, it sounds harsh. Get some backbone. Makes the plans you want for you and your wife, and just do them. Help out the kids in between doing those other things. Don’t cancel your plans for them. They can be a complete disaster without your help.
Ive seen this same story before. Often time s it is you, or your spouse, that is anchoring themselves to the kids, more so than the kids.
This really is a relationship issue though.
In your shoes, I’d say, it sounds harsh. Get some backbone. Makes the plans you want for you and your wife, and just do them. Help out the kids in between doing those other things. Don’t cancel your plans for them. They can be a complete disaster without your help.
Ive seen this same story before. Often time s it is you, or your spouse, that is anchoring themselves to the kids, more so than the kids.
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Who has rebalanced?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3646
Re: Who has rebalanced?
I haven’t. But this is a good reminder that I should probably look and see if it needs to be done.bugleheadd wrote: ↑Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:41 pm stocks have gone up nicely this year...
who has rebalanced?
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4772
Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Pitching in to say, this is the most polite and constructive IPhone vs. android thread I have ever read, anywhere.
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1620
Re: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
I’ve had them in various homes for 30 years. They are long lasting and easy to install.
I’m actually amazed at how well they hold up. When you’re assembling them, they don’t feel like they’re going to last.
Some don’t like the look of them. For those folks, you can just buy the “boxes” from IKEA. Then buy designer doors and drawer fronts from many places in line that specialize in doing that.
A really nice thing about them, is that they are modular and you can buy individual parts and pieces. If you ever need to repair or replace one, you can do that.
I’m actually amazed at how well they hold up. When you’re assembling them, they don’t feel like they’re going to last.
Some don’t like the look of them. For those folks, you can just buy the “boxes” from IKEA. Then buy designer doors and drawer fronts from many places in line that specialize in doing that.
A really nice thing about them, is that they are modular and you can buy individual parts and pieces. If you ever need to repair or replace one, you can do that.
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?
- Replies: 68
- Views: 5594
Re: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?
I would have saved less earlier on. I skipped or missed some things in my 20s because I was over saving. Older me would have gladly loaned younger me the money to do it…..
That’s all hind sight though.
That’s all hind sight though.
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2979
Re: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?
Would appreciate your experiences and perspectives. I have been in my current role as a senior manager for 5 years. Approached my supervisor about a bump to next level( director). He spoke positively about the prospects and the value I add. In my time in the current the role, the company acquired 5 companies and that added to the work load. My supervisor discussed my case with the decision maker( head). Now, I am asked to write a justification letter why I qualify for a promotion. Is it common practice asking the employee to write his own justification for promotion? This feels like the upper mgmt thinks as if I am not ready yet? Thanks! I’ve had your bosses job before. Part of that job is dealing with really good employees, who just aren’...
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 2:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pay Cash or Asset Backed Mortgage at 7.75% for a $1.5M home
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2217
Re: Pay Cash or Asset Backed Mortgage at 7.75% for a $1.5M home
I’d pay straight cash.
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kitchen Cabinet Cost
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3165
Re: Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Thanks for everyone's thoughts. My wife is making a push to flip the rooms. I'm starting to come around. I have found some extendable oval table that 54-68 inch long and 46 inches wide. They would extend to 74-108 inches wide. While that wouldnt fit in a 12x10 dining room, I think for the 2-3x we need more than 4 seats each year, we could position the table diagonally and, while it would be tight, could probably fit 8-10. We actually talked to design firm about flipping the rooms initially. That was his first suggestion and he thought the cost would be ~$200k. That was $50-75k more than I wanted to spend so we didnt pursue it further but I have an unfinished utility room underneath the kitchen and dining room. My HVAC, electrical panel and...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
- Replies: 148
- Views: 22522
Re: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
I DID IT! Had the follow-up conversation with my boss today, and it went wonderfully. I told her I’d done a lot of reflecting and - though the timing isn’t great for me personally as we’ve discussed - I would rather come to an agreement and take a career break at this point. She was disappointed and exclaimed that wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but said she understood. I said that I am not 100% sure what I want to do, but given the nudge I’m being faced with as a result of this coaching situation, and how long I’ve been deliberating, that I feel the timing is right professionally to take a step back and re-evaluate. We talked at length. She appreciated me being open about not being in it for the coaching and that actually it was better fo...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: close to retiring - what to do with company 401k
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1627
Re: close to retiring - what to do with company 401k
I’ll be rolling mine over.
First, I don’t want any ties back to any previous employers. Secondly, I like to minimize the number of accounts and brokerages I have. So combining all past 401Ks into a single rollover IRA is what I do.
Mine happen to be at vanguard. Fidelity would,be fine too. People say Schwab is great too.
First, I don’t want any ties back to any previous employers. Secondly, I like to minimize the number of accounts and brokerages I have. So combining all past 401Ks into a single rollover IRA is what I do.
Mine happen to be at vanguard. Fidelity would,be fine too. People say Schwab is great too.
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3793
Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Re: fair/even/the same, I get it. I think you could go crazy trying to keep everything perfectly fair/even. But also, I think "fair" doesn't always mean "even". It could mean that you're just trying your best to help all of your kids have the level of success & financial stability they're individually looking for. Of course, we also have to take into account what your kids are putting into it. They shouldn't be given an abundance of assistance when they're not making great choices. But at the same time, the ones that are putting everything they have into it are less likely to need assistance. There are a lot of variables, and it's not an exact science. I'm mostly looking to hear different philosophies (which I've be...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: about Norway rats
- Replies: 31
- Views: 4745
Re: about Norway rats
I’d just leave the traps where they are and check on them once in a while. I keep mouse traps in my garage all the time, just in case. Mine aren’t the live traps though. I’d feel bad leaving a live trap out if I was y going to check it daily…..
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Any particular reason why healthcare funds are performing so bad?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 718
Re: Any particular reason why healthcare funds are performing so bad?
These are great businesses. But great businesses don’t always make for being great stocks to own….. that’s why I diversify…..
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:58 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Aggressive savers: Reduce stocks % the closer you are to your target numbers?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 3574
Re: Aggressive savers: Reduce stocks % the closer you are to your target numbers?
Exactly. Everybody should get more conservative as they get there, regardless of how much they’re saving.
But if you’re young and saving like crazy, and would be okay with working extra years if the market turns south, then you might reconsider. If your plan is to be done in two years though, you shouldn’t be 100/0.
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3793
Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
I really disagree with the notion that you should treat your kids the same. They aren’t the same. Each kid will need different things, at different times. I think of our family as a “team”. And we’re all engaged as needed to ensure that the team is successful, whatever that means. If a kid wants to go to college to reach their dreams, I want to help them do that. If they want to join the Navy, I’ll help them with that. As much as I can help them. And I expect the others in my family to help me too, and they do. It’s non financial of course, but not all help needs to be financial. And if I happened to have a kid that didn’t want to go to college, I’m okay with that. And if they change their mind later, I’d help them if I could. And the inevi...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3309
Re: At what point in a car’s life do you try miracle elixir fixes?
I have a 2014 Camry with 124k miles that is leaking oil from the rear main seal. I was quoted about $2,300 to fix it. I figure the car’s value is ~$8-9k. The question I have at this point in googling around is there are various ‘stop leak’ products that make claims to fix problems like this. The one I found at AT-205 re-seal; which I pour in with the engine oil. Part of me figures the math on something like this makes sense--Try a $20 fix to avoid a $2,300 repair--Another part of me says putting at risk $8-9k because I tried to cheap out on a repair is a worse idea. I could afford a new car so money is not really the issue—just would feel stupid if I spent money to repair something that could have been fixed a lot easier or feel even more ...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4270
Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
Hi all, My wife and I are welcoming our first child in August and this has hastened our intention to move from a VHCOL area to our hometown in the Midwest. We are currently renting and would like to purchase a home when we move. I am a remote worker and my wife will not be returning to work once the baby is born. Our current plan is to have the baby where we are currently living and move sometime in early 2025 to give us time to settle into the new routine. All that said, we found a house we like and are thinking about adjusting our plan and moving before Christmas if we purchased a home. We need to have the baby where we are currently living due to insurance plans and doctors, so moving before the baby is born isn't an option. The house w...
- Sun Mar 03, 2024 9:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4270
Re: Can we (and should we) buy this house?
In your shoes, I don’t think I’d do this now. Maybe in the future though. A lot of your concerns, are things that I would have brought up. Chiefly, how long will your great position last? And how likely are you to get another one if it doesn’t? I do think remote and hybrid work is here to stay. But it’s not a forgone conclusion. And even if/when it does stay, it doesn’t necessarily mean everybody will keep a HCOL salary in a LCoL place. I just encourage everybody to try to,live in places that are full of opportunities for them. But a $900K house, Wowzers. Are you sure this is a LCOL area? Are you overbuying? Personally, I always lived in an expensive place and maximized my income. By doing so, I never lived near family. My offspring ever re...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)
- Replies: 38
- Views: 5042
Re: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)
It’s very hard, and not discussed enough. Unlike a lot of life transitions, retirement is subtracting something from your life. You’re not adding a spouse. You’re not adding a child. You’re not adding a home. You’re walking away from a major, major piece of your life. Something you’ve invested yourself in, for decades. It’s a loss. I just announced my retirement a few weeks back, and will be fully retired in a week. I always thought this would feel *good *. Like a major accomplishment. But I don’t feel that way at all. I know I’m doing the right thing, but I’m still dealing with self doubt. Like you, I like my employer. I like my job. I love my team. And this is what I’ve done for decades. Here so what has sustained me for the last several ...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5678
Re: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
The information posted by Lexus at this link (linked already posted earlier in the thread) adds to the confusion. https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129 I submitted a question asking why the web page and owners manual for the NX 350h don't agree. Nice work! I agree completely that it is confusing. I don’t happen to own a Lexus. Back when I had the Turbo 4 RDX, the GAS CAP clearly stated that premium was required. You couldn’t miss it. Hopefully everybody does that, but I know we shouldn’t assume that. Also confusing, but I’m too,lazy to look it up. That Lexus hybrid system is apparently identical to what they use in many Toyotas. I can’t believe Toyota would be telling hybrid Camry owners they have to use premium, b...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
- Replies: 90
- Views: 22205
Re: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
I’ll be going on ACA soon. I may COBRA for a while first though.BogleSpy90274 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:23 pmThis is one of the worst parts...I'm still covered on company medical through July but looking at plans has amazed me. I'm looking at $20K per year for a basic health plan. How in the World do people afford this?indexinvestor101 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:18 pm what are some good medical plans in this situation comparable with typical megacorp medical plans?
20K is just another expense. Just budget for it and move on. “Normal people” with lower incomes get significant subsidies. I’ll probably get about $12,000 per year in subsidies, despite having substantial assets. I just won’t have much “income”.
You’re in a different situation. But 20k won’t knock you off course here….. the math still checks out for you.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
- Replies: 90
- Views: 22205
Re: Let go from Megacorp at 42....can I retire?
Yeah, math and past history say you will be fine.
If you want to be more comfortable though, look at your expenses, and determine what amount is “required to live” and what amount is “discretionary”. That way you can say “hey, if things go sideways, I can cut my expenses back by XX% and still be fine”.
Early Retirement Now has a 40 part series on “Safe Withdrawl Rates”. I recommend you read it. One big takeaway is that very minor adjustments in Withdrawl rates have surprisingly big impacts. For example, if you’re withdrawing 4% and are a little bit uneasy, cutting back to 3.75% makes an enormous difference.
You’ve done well. All the best to,you in the future. You clearly know how to manage money and figure things out.
If you want to be more comfortable though, look at your expenses, and determine what amount is “required to live” and what amount is “discretionary”. That way you can say “hey, if things go sideways, I can cut my expenses back by XX% and still be fine”.
Early Retirement Now has a 40 part series on “Safe Withdrawl Rates”. I recommend you read it. One big takeaway is that very minor adjustments in Withdrawl rates have surprisingly big impacts. For example, if you’re withdrawing 4% and are a little bit uneasy, cutting back to 3.75% makes an enormous difference.
You’ve done well. All the best to,you in the future. You clearly know how to manage money and figure things out.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cloud based backup options for sensitive files
- Replies: 92
- Views: 7377
Re: Cloud based backup options for sensitive files
I highly doubt Microsoft is going to do anything with my data. My account is protected by strong authentication, I'm not going to have my account compromised by a phishing attack as I never enter a password to access it (always login via biometrics from one of my devices). Microsoft still owns the encryption keys for your OneDrive vault. It is not end to end encrypted. A rogue employee, or a hacker, could potentially gain access to the keys, unbeknownst to you. A court order could compel them to do so as well. https://www.cloudwards.net/onedrive-security/ This may be an acceptable risk to you, but the op asked about sensitive data. I don't believe this meets the requirements. IMO, a cloud storage service should pass the so-called "mud...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5678
Re: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
Why did you edit out this part of CenTexans' quote? Do you have any reason to believe the quote is incorrect? No, I believe it is correct, just not actionable. Of course it's actionable. CenTexans' post was most helpful to alleviate confusion, shown by many posters up thread, that Lexus requires premium fuel for these vehicles. Or don't buy one of these Lexus models if you don't want to pay for premium gas. My point is that premium gas is not required, only recommended. That's probably true for all cars. Nope. It’s REQUIRED for both non-hybrids, RX and NX. That’s not what the manual for the 2024 RX350H says. It says 87 is the minimum. And that using something below 87 may lead to knocking and engine damage. It does not say that premium is ...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65, even with a well-planned budget?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 6317
Re: Even with a well-planned budget, does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65?
Regular type people should be able to afford medical insurance through the ACA. If their income is above 400% of FPL, then I think this year their premiums are capped at 8.5% of MAGI. So it might be the case that they chose to not have, and took the risk that was the. OST sensible choice for them.gotoparks wrote: ↑Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:30 am Someone in my family was forced out of his job at 62. I found out recently that he was paying out of pocket for health services for himself and his wife because they couldn't afford the premiums. He just turned 65 and now is on Medicare but his wife is younger. I offered to pay her premiums until she can get Medicare, but I haven't heard anything more about it. These are regular-type people and not Bogleheads.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5678
Re: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
Neither the NX hybrid nor the RX hybrid require premium gas. But both the NX non-hybrid and the RX non-hybrid do require premium gas. This chart says the NX 350h "recommends" premium since 2022: https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129 The "h" models are the hybrid. The spec sheet for the NX 350h hybrid says "91-octane or higher unleaded (recommended)". I would not buy a luxury car and not follow the recommended service schedule, parts, oil, tires, gas, etc. But as the saying goes, YMVV (your mileage may vary) which may be the first time this phrase has ever been used in context correctly :) Do as you wish. Most of the Lexus owners on the various internet bulletin boards that I peruse run...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:57 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why is 60/40 the benchmark?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3363
Re: Why is 60/40 the benchmark?
It’s one bench mark. There are lots of other benchmarks. And all of these are sort of matters of opinion.
But, I think most serious people here believe that 60/40 is perfectly reasonable for most people. Not saying it’s perfect. It’s certainly not terrible.
100% stocks is very risky. 100% bonds is very risky. Although the devils in the details. You need some of each. Where you draw that line isn’t completely clear.
And everything depends on personal circumstances. I don’t think 60/40 is the right answer for every stage of life. I do think it’s right a lot if the time though.
It’s a great starting point for sure. Adjust as necessary.
But, I think most serious people here believe that 60/40 is perfectly reasonable for most people. Not saying it’s perfect. It’s certainly not terrible.
100% stocks is very risky. 100% bonds is very risky. Although the devils in the details. You need some of each. Where you draw that line isn’t completely clear.
And everything depends on personal circumstances. I don’t think 60/40 is the right answer for every stage of life. I do think it’s right a lot if the time though.
It’s a great starting point for sure. Adjust as necessary.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 5818
Re: Complain About Bad Boss?
Also not said here, the OPs opinion of the situation might be wrong. Or their assessment is correct, but it’s the preferred way in that organization.
Just because an employee thinks something is stupid, wrong, short sighted doesn’t mean it’s necessarily true. Might be. Might not be.
I’ve seen it from both sides before.
But if they are misreading the situation, and they complain, they will get worked out of the organization.
All the best to OP though. Nobody wants to be miserable at work, or report to somebody they don’t respect. So if they can get out of that situation, they should.
Just because an employee thinks something is stupid, wrong, short sighted doesn’t mean it’s necessarily true. Might be. Might not be.
I’ve seen it from both sides before.
But if they are misreading the situation, and they complain, they will get worked out of the organization.
All the best to OP though. Nobody wants to be miserable at work, or report to somebody they don’t respect. So if they can get out of that situation, they should.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:45 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Flea Remedies That Have Worked for You?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3217
Re: Flea Remedies That Have Worked for You?
Here's a low tech flea trap that is effective if you are patient. Thorough vacuuming is step one. This means getting to all the cracks between the baseboard and the floor, as well as any crevices between floorboards. The action of the vacuum is sufficient to kill the fleas. (Do NOT put mothballs in the vacuum bag!) These traps work best if placed in the corners of several rooms in the house, and on all levels in the house. Just use a plastic tray or even a litter box, preferably one with lower sides than average. They make these for geriatric cats. Put enough water in them to cover the bottom to a depth of between 1/2 and 1 inch. Add a small amount of dishwashing soap. Clamp a shop light to a chair or table leg or any other type of support...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5678
Re: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
The Lexus NX requires premium gas. The RX uses regular as does the UX. Premium gas ruled out the NX for me. The new RX's also require premium now. Exactly. Just researched this a few weeks ago. I refuse to buy PREMIUM gas. RX used to have a 6 cylinder, but now a turbo 4 and the owners manual says to use 94 octane or you might void your warranty. My neighbor bought a 2024 RX350 a month ago and didn't know it required premium. (I could hear it knocking). Neither the NX hybrid nor the RX hybrid require premium gas. But both the NX non-hybrid and the RX non-hybrid do require premium gas. This chart says the NX 350h "recommends" premium since 2022: https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129 The "h" models...