Thanks All ! Your answers were very helpful. I just want to be able to tell my wife that this amount was not excessive. Someone asked if it was more
than cosmetic and the answer is yes. A structural engineer told me that the best thing I could do for my house was improve the drainage. Yes, I did not get multiple bids. This guy came highly recommended and as Spring approaches and people are getting out again, quality contractors are busy so I grabbed him when he offered me a date a while back. Impulsive maybe, but it worked out. Anyway, thank you all Very Much !
Search found 152 matches
- Tue Apr 06, 2021 5:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3007
- Tue Apr 06, 2021 4:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3007
Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job
Hi Bogleheads, There was another thread on this subject but I didn't quite get the answer I was looking for. Anyway, my property had really bad drainage when we moved in a few years ago. 2200 Sq. Ft House on a Half-Acre Lot. The backyard lawn doesnt extend to the entirety of the property as the last 30 feet is wooded. The Landscaper charged me $4500 to re-grade/level the entire property and re-seed it. Brought in two dump trucks loads of dirt (Sorry I don't know the cubic foot or yardage on the dirt). Anyway, he and his crew spent two days with this thing called a "Harley Rake" and did a good job creating a nice slope away from the house front, back and sides and re-seeded. Wife says it was way too much but I think I got a square ...
- Fri Oct 02, 2020 9:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Social Security: Website Estimate vs Actual
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2774
Re: Social Security: Website Estimate vs Actual
Got my first SS Check this past August. It was spot on in accordance with the estimate on their website. I expected less as
the the calculators indicated about $100 less than the estimate. So, it was a nice little surprise.
the the calculators indicated about $100 less than the estimate. So, it was a nice little surprise.
- Sun Jul 01, 2018 7:10 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone Experienced with Credit Card Fraud ? Need Advice
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2719
- Sun Jul 01, 2018 6:47 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone Experienced with Credit Card Fraud ? Need Advice
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2719
Anyone Experienced with Credit Card Fraud ? Need Advice
Hello Diehards, Recently a fellow employee where I work went into my personal area and accessed a couple of my credit/debit cards. This person made charges totalling almost 2k and it took about 8 weeks to figure out who it was doing it. He has been fired from his job and I have been reimbursed by my bank and the card companies for the fraudulent charges. Here's the problem: my bank said if I know who did it and file a police report on this person, they will take the refunded money back from me and consider it my responsibility to recoup my funds from the crook (I'm sure I will never collect from this low-life). This is what the bank that issued my debit card told me when I asked for an affidavit required by the police. I have not spoken abo...
- Sun Feb 11, 2018 6:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: what to look for when buying a flipped house
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3541
Re: what to look for when buying a flipped house
I thinks its critical that you take the time to find a really good home inspector. Most of them don't seem to be worth their fees.
And if your working with a buyer's agent like I did, get rid of them during the inspection. Mostly I wanted to add that its not just
house flippers who are trying to get it done as cheaply as possible. I worked at Lowe's for a few years after I retired from my regular
career. Every single day I heard the same questions from regular home owners as well as flippers: How do I cover it, hide it, put a band aid on it, make it look OK until its sold and then I don't give a rat if it falls apart or not.
And if your working with a buyer's agent like I did, get rid of them during the inspection. Mostly I wanted to add that its not just
house flippers who are trying to get it done as cheaply as possible. I worked at Lowe's for a few years after I retired from my regular
career. Every single day I heard the same questions from regular home owners as well as flippers: How do I cover it, hide it, put a band aid on it, make it look OK until its sold and then I don't give a rat if it falls apart or not.
- Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:19 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2182
Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Thanks All ! I appreciate ALL responses. Yes, the reason we might want to do this IS a little sensitive. I will certainly call Vanguard. We can't divide this account if it will require the sale of taxable shares. Most of these shares were bought when the S&P 500 was in the 1000-1200 range so the tax bill would be huge. (Oh and thanks again DBR--that is the answer I was hoping to hear) So while the reasons are sensitive, and you absolutely don't need to discuss them here, you should obviously look in to whether splitting the shares this way achieves your longer term underlying purpose, whatever that may be. That appears to be why the questions were being raised (which I initially though were kind of nosy/personal myself), as depending o...
- Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2182
Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Thanks All ! I appreciate ALL responses. Yes, the reason we might want to do this IS a little sensitive. I will certainly call Vanguard.
We can't divide this account if it will require the sale of taxable shares. Most of these shares were bought when the S&P 500 was in the
1000-1200 range so the tax bill would be huge. (Oh and thanks again DBR--that is the answer I was hoping to hear)
We can't divide this account if it will require the sale of taxable shares. Most of these shares were bought when the S&P 500 was in the
1000-1200 range so the tax bill would be huge. (Oh and thanks again DBR--that is the answer I was hoping to hear)
- Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:53 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2182
Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Yes, husband and wife. Husband (me) established the account years ago. We're exploring the idea of keeping our
finances separate and this one account is the only issue. It would have to be divided in half with each half having just
one owner.
- Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2182
Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Thinking about dividing a sizable joint taxable account among the two owners. The account is all in Vanguard TSM.
Can this be done without selling shares and creating a taxable event ?
Thanks
Can this be done without selling shares and creating a taxable event ?
Thanks
- Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY Yard Tick Spray?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4455
Re: DIY Yard Tick Spray?
I use Triazicide as well. I live in a heavily wooded area in the South and ticks are always an issue. I also give my beagle Nexgard and
it works beautifully. If I do find a tick on her it's always dead and never engorged.
it works beautifully. If I do find a tick on her it's always dead and never engorged.
- Thu Mar 30, 2017 6:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BEHR Premium Deckover
- Replies: 12
- Views: 4413
Re: BEHR Premium Deckover
These acrylic deck resurfacers (Behr Deck Over, Olympic Rescue It, and especially Rustoleum Restore 10X) are notorious for adhesion problems. They require near perfect preparation and weather conditions at application or they don't hold up for long. The main reason for peeling is moisture under the product freezing during the winter months, which will make it pop right up. If you have to use the stuff, I would prime the deck with "Rustoleum Deck Start" first. This will increase your chances of success. If your wood is in decent condition--stick with an oil-based deck stain.
- Sun Mar 05, 2017 7:26 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?
- Replies: 630
- Views: 98330
Re: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?
Mike and East (Joined the forum while I was living in Japan).
- Sat Mar 04, 2017 7:18 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: (Military) Continue to pay off debt or Save for PCS? [Permanent Change of Station]
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1237
Re: (Military) Continue to pay off debt or Save for PCS?
If you're single, you shouldn't incur enough out-of-pocket expenses to worry about having cash for the PCS.
Assuming you're authorized to ship a vehicle, decide whether you will take your car or not. If you do, keep in mind that
you need written permission from the lien holder to ship it if you don't own the title free and clear. If you don't take your car,
put it storage--don't sell it. You'll be glad you did when your tour is over. Get online and find people who are there at your base
in the UK. Information from people who at there now will be your greatest resource.
Assuming you're authorized to ship a vehicle, decide whether you will take your car or not. If you do, keep in mind that
you need written permission from the lien holder to ship it if you don't own the title free and clear. If you don't take your car,
put it storage--don't sell it. You'll be glad you did when your tour is over. Get online and find people who are there at your base
in the UK. Information from people who at there now will be your greatest resource.
- Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 5127
Re: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
Thanks for your responses. Clearly, if I can't convince them to abate this tax bill, the cheapest thing to do
is just pay em.
is just pay em.
- Mon Jan 23, 2017 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 5127
Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
Hi Diehards, Got a notice that my wife owes in excess of $1300 back California State Tax (tax, penalty and interest) for the Year 2013. Problem is, she hasn’t set foot in the State of CA since 1992. The tax bill appears to have been generated when she retired from the military and her final pay was reported to the State of CA. (The State from which she entered the serice). However, all of her income that year was Active Duty Military Pay which is not taxable in California if you are a resident stationed outside of the State. I am trying to deal with these folks over the phone and through fax but we got another letter today saying she owed. They are threatening liens on property, garnishments, yada yada, but everything we own is titled in Vi...
- Sun Jan 01, 2017 11:35 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 711
- Views: 59172
2555.55
2555.55
- Sat Sep 24, 2016 7:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Would you buy this house in a flood zone? HELP!
- Replies: 63
- Views: 10831
Re: Would you buy this house in a flood zone? HELP!
I bought a house in a 100 year Flood Zone about 3 years mostly to get into the school zone I wanted. Youngest kid is a senior in HS this
year so I am getting out of here ASAP. Flood insurance is 1200 (modest house) a year and I live in fear of the month of September, when all the damaging hurricanes seem to hit this area. It's getting worse every year it seems. 7 feet of storm surge in the Chesapeake Bay and I can Kayak to 7-11 for a cup of coffee. Can't wait to get out. Around here FEMA is known as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays"
year so I am getting out of here ASAP. Flood insurance is 1200 (modest house) a year and I live in fear of the month of September, when all the damaging hurricanes seem to hit this area. It's getting worse every year it seems. 7 feet of storm surge in the Chesapeake Bay and I can Kayak to 7-11 for a cup of coffee. Can't wait to get out. Around here FEMA is known as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays"
- Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dual-military couple relocating to Vilseck, Germany :)
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3484
Re: Dual-military couple relocating to Vilseck, Germany :)
Congratulations ! Wife and I left that area (Hohenfels, which is about 62 Km from Vilseck) two years ago. We were dual military (both retired now) and this was, hands down, the best assignment we ever had. Best advice I can give you is to get in contact with your sponsor and follow their guidance, especially with regards to what furniture to ship or not ship. Recommend you switch your auto insurance to USAA if you don't have it already. Most people keep their military checks going to their stateside banks and then get an account with the Community Bank on base to pay your local bills. If you have dogs, be aware that some breeds are banned in Germany (i.e. pitbulls) and many airlines wont ship flat faced dogs such as bulldogs. And if you do ...
- Wed Nov 25, 2015 5:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Military SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) - Is it worth it?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 6041
Re: Military SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) - Is it worth it?
Your fiancé will have up to 1 year after the date of the marriage to sign up for SBP with you as a beneficiary. SBP is a much better deal now
than in the past since they did away with the Social Security offset and dropped the premiums after 30 years ( or age 70). Didn't use to be that way.
Wife and I are both military retirees and we both have SBP. Very glad that we took it.
than in the past since they did away with the Social Security offset and dropped the premiums after 30 years ( or age 70). Didn't use to be that way.
Wife and I are both military retirees and we both have SBP. Very glad that we took it.
- Sun Sep 06, 2015 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 844
Re: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
Well, my brother needs a house with a mortgage of about half what he's paying now. Roughly 1500 mortgage needs to come down to 700 or less. This is easy to do in my area and surprisingly he wont take that big a hit on his life style as he can find this new house in the same neighborhood. It will mostly be a matter of losing square footage and doing without some expensive upgrades which caused him to be under water in the first place. His condition makes him immediately eligible for SS disability and that coupled with his disability insurance coverage at work will keep him at 45K per year more or less and at full retirement age he goes to SS only. He will probably end up in bankruptcy due to huge medical bills. He has decent insurance but ju...
- Sun Sep 06, 2015 9:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 844
Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
Hi Bogleheads, Just wondering what you think of this strategy: Sibling in his fifties can no longer work due to a rare cancer although with treatment he can still live a long life. Income will go from a comfy six figures to a mid-low 5 figures so he must get out of his current house and down size quickly. (already way behind in mortgage payments on a house on which he owes more than its worth. Plan is for my parents in their 80s to buy a relatively inexpensive home (they own the home they are living in outright) and rent it back to my brother for the same amount as the mortgage/insurance/tax payment. Their net worth is probably 3-4 times what the rental house would be worth and they have nice pensions that cover all of their living expenses...
- Sun Aug 30, 2015 7:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Blue collar worker and millionaire dream
- Replies: 32
- Views: 6471
Re: Blue collar worker and millionaire dream
My wife and I went from zero to millionaire in about 20 years on a similar income (less actually). We lived on one pay check and saved the other. It wasn't that difficult. I discovered the Vanguard Diehards through the Morningstar Site around 1998 and started getting good advice from all of the wonderful people here, started reading the recommended books. We just stayed the course with a simple portfolio (age in bonds, the rest in equities). A little slice and dice and some REITS. We did, however, rev up the purchase of equity fund shares like TSM whenever the market seriously tanked. But for the most part, it was just make a plan and stay the course.
- Sun Aug 16, 2015 9:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash in the house
- Replies: 80
- Views: 10381
Re: Cash in the house
Only during peak Hurricane season. Like about now through the end of September. Around $1500 or so. Like someone else said already,
during power outages, "Cash is King."
during power outages, "Cash is King."
- Fri Jul 03, 2015 6:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Learning Spanish
- Replies: 62
- Views: 14797
Re: Learning Spanish
I use the BBC online program "Mi Vida Loca" and Duo Lingo. All Free.
- Tue Jun 02, 2015 6:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Starting later in life... should I buy a home?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2567
Re: Starting later in life... should I buy a home?
I'm a home owner now and I don't really like it. Constant maintenance, yard work, gutter cleaning, money spent at Lowes, taxes, flood insurance, worry. When is my 15 year-old furnace going to die ? Will this be the year we get another major hurricane ? etc I am not cut out to be a homeowner. I love the freedom that comes with renting--knowing that you can leave with a month or two notice and no strings attached. Are YOU cut out to be a homeowner ?
- Sat May 16, 2015 7:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much does social security factor into your retirement income?
- Replies: 169
- Views: 46376
Re: How much does social security factor into your retirement income?
We're 60 and 53 now. If there is no deterioration of our expected benefits, we wont need to tap into our savings and the kids will get a
meaningful inheritance. If they ever means test it, I may regret saving so much.
meaningful inheritance. If they ever means test it, I may regret saving so much.
- Thu May 07, 2015 7:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Easy careers to last me to retirement?
- Replies: 141
- Views: 27334
Re: What job to get to coast to Retirement at age 59 1/2?
I'm 60 and I work at a big-box store part time. 20-25 hours a week on average an make 12-15K per year. I work primarily to pay my taxes
and delay SS. These jobs are easy to get for someone who shows up to work on time, doesn't do drugs, and has a decent work ethic. It's easy
work and can be fun if you like dealing with people. Lots of other geezers there so I fit right in. I can come and go with no hard feelings. Last year I quit, took the Summer off and came back in Fall--no big deal. Something to think about if you need work right away while looking for something better.
and delay SS. These jobs are easy to get for someone who shows up to work on time, doesn't do drugs, and has a decent work ethic. It's easy
work and can be fun if you like dealing with people. Lots of other geezers there so I fit right in. I can come and go with no hard feelings. Last year I quit, took the Summer off and came back in Fall--no big deal. Something to think about if you need work right away while looking for something better.
- Tue May 05, 2015 5:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
- Replies: 12
- Views: 4731
Re: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
Some more detailed information here:
http://www.retirees.af.mil/factsheets/f ... p?id=11692
you'd have to buy your way back in by paying the difference between your initial election and full coverage (with interest)
http://www.retirees.af.mil/factsheets/f ... p?id=11692
you'd have to buy your way back in by paying the difference between your initial election and full coverage (with interest)
- Tue May 05, 2015 3:38 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
- Replies: 12
- Views: 4731
Re: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
Couple of points: Chances are your divorce decree will order you to elect Former Spouse Coverage in which case, the base amount will not change. Your ex remains covered at the same rate she had when you were married. You cannot "split" SBP coverage among current and former spouses, so if you remarry, new spouse cannot be covered. In the event that your divorce does not specify Former Spouse Coverage or she remarries and SBP is cancelled , you will not be able to insure a new wife at full coverage. The base amount you and you wife chose at retirement cannot be changed. Long story short, no--you cant divorce her and increase her coverage if you marry her again. Nearest military base should have an RSO (Retirement Services Officer) w...
- Thu Apr 30, 2015 6:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Karate for kids—Thoughts?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 6640
Re: Karate for kids—Thoughts?
In my view, the grappling arts Judo, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu are much more fun for kids and effective for confidence and anti-bullying. They're doing it right off the bat (tossing each other around)
and not just doing a bunch of kata forms of questionable value just to get their next colored belt.
and not just doing a bunch of kata forms of questionable value just to get their next colored belt.
- Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: European Cruises
- Replies: 29
- Views: 4228
Re: European Cruises
I've done two Mediterranean Cruises with Costa Cruise Lines; Western Med in 2012, and Eastern Med in 2013. One left from Savona and the other from Venice. Stops were in Greece, Spain,
Sicily, Croatia. Departure from Venice for the Eastern Med Cruise was best and I would list Venice as a must see. The Cruises were great and I would do Costa again, but there was not a lot of
time to see Rome. Just a one day excursion from the port of Civitavecchia.
Sicily, Croatia. Departure from Venice for the Eastern Med Cruise was best and I would list Venice as a must see. The Cruises were great and I would do Costa again, but there was not a lot of
time to see Rome. Just a one day excursion from the port of Civitavecchia.
- Sat Apr 18, 2015 12:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Is The Worst Car You Have Ever Owned?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4636
Re: What Is The Worst Car You Have Ever Owned?
Ford Pinto ( a 75, I think). What a piece of junk. The bloody door was so heavy that it was always out of alignment--you had to lift up on it to get it to close. Couldn't use the
air conditioner during city driving--the engine couldn't handle it. We called it "The Pimple"
air conditioner during city driving--the engine couldn't handle it. We called it "The Pimple"
- Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best 4-6 person tent
- Replies: 32
- Views: 7637
Re: Best 4-6 person tent
Coleman Rechargeable Battery Lantern. Got one for Christmas--it's awesome. Car camping with Cubs--get a nice blow-up air mattress. (for you--the kid doesn't need one)
Bring ear plugs for sleeping to all Scout campouts.
Bring ear plugs for sleeping to all Scout campouts.
- Sat Feb 14, 2015 12:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [Is it worth getting an] AARP [membership]?
- Replies: 58
- Views: 21651
Re: [Is it worth getting an] AARP [membership]?
15% off at one of my favorite restaurant , so the annual fee sort of pays for it self there. The magazines are a hoot sometimes (Bob Dylan on the cover of the last issue).
Does seem to generate some annoying junk mail though.
Does seem to generate some annoying junk mail though.
- Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1787
Re: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
Yes (it's my wife, actually) She's rated disabled at 50%, so in addition to her regular, full military retirement from DFAS, she receivesmaxq wrote: Is the OP at the 50% or above level?
a separate payment from the VA.
Mike
- Sat Jan 17, 2015 3:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1787
Re: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
Thanks Jimb, that site does help.
- Sat Jan 17, 2015 6:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1787
Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
Everything I've read seems to indicate that service connected disability payments received concurrently with regular military retirement
are taxable. However, the is no statement such as a 1099 available as far as I can figure. Also, there doesn't seem to be anyway to have
Fed taxes withheld from these payments. Can anyone shed any light on how to report this income at tax time? Am I missing something ?
Thanks,
Mike
are taxable. However, the is no statement such as a 1099 available as far as I can figure. Also, there doesn't seem to be anyway to have
Fed taxes withheld from these payments. Can anyone shed any light on how to report this income at tax time? Am I missing something ?
Thanks,
Mike
- Sat Jan 03, 2015 8:09 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
- Replies: 557
- Views: 57683
2760.55
2760.55
- Mon Nov 24, 2014 6:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Animal vacuums?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 969
Re: Animal vacuums?
I just bought a Dyson Animal 25 a few weeks ago ($298 at Home Depot). My dog sheds a lot. Prior to the Dyson, I had a Bissell upright. For floors and carpet, they seem to perform
about the same. However, the pet hair attachment on the Dyson is much more powerful than the Bissell and that made it worth the higher price. Bissells (or any vacuum with those foam
filters are a pain to clean). I had to wash and dry the filters weekly with the Bissell.
about the same. However, the pet hair attachment on the Dyson is much more powerful than the Bissell and that made it worth the higher price. Bissells (or any vacuum with those foam
filters are a pain to clean). I had to wash and dry the filters weekly with the Bissell.
- Wed Nov 12, 2014 4:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3378
Re: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
Yes, they have vent fins on the top and sides with an internal cooling fan that kicks on automatically when needed. The extra heat is no big deal really,CountryBoy wrote:Does a combo oven (microwave and convection vent into the room? I am having trouble visualizing its function.Postby mikeast » Tue Nov 11, 2014 4:08 pm
Then I'd get a combo oven (microwave and convection in one
but they must be clear of obstruction for a few inches on the sides and top. They are great for baking !
- Tue Nov 11, 2014 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3378
Re: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
Then I'd get a combo oven (microwave and convection in one). With the convection oven feature you can bake cookies, rolls, cook crispy stuff, pizza etc.
I've a had Sears counter top combo oven for 11 years now and it's indispensable.
I've a had Sears counter top combo oven for 11 years now and it's indispensable.
- Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Your very first email
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4743
Re: Your very first email
January 1991 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Augsburg, Germany. I forget the subject of the first one though. Coulda been some sensitive operational Army stuff or maybe
we just ran out of toilet paper. Probably the toilet paper.
we just ran out of toilet paper. Probably the toilet paper.
- Sun Oct 26, 2014 7:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you regret buying your home?
- Replies: 82
- Views: 26102
Re: Do you regret buying your home?
Although I don't really like all the maintenance (my labor and the expense) and yard work that comes with my house, some of these neighbor comments have made me realize how lucky I am to live where I do. I have woods on the South, East, and West sides of my house. No one can build there because it is either protected wet lands or the wooded part of my rich neighbor's multi-acre lots. Only one next-door neighbor to the North and he is a nice guy who is always gone on business. He says he has no intention of ever selling and even if he did, I could throw up a privacy fence and forget about it. I can walk out on my deck in my underwear to let the dog out, fire a gun in my back yard--nobody cares. This thread has made me appreciate home ownersh...
- Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: NJ - Buying house in flood zone (FEMA)?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 8071
Re: NJ - Buying house in flood zone (FEMA)?
Last year I bought a house in an area that was badly flooded by Hurricane Isabel in 03. Love the house, love the area, but I'm only here
for the school zone until my youngest finishes high school. For me it is not a matter of IF it floods, it is only a matter of WHEN. We all pay for
flood insurance around here and my neighbors refer to FEMA as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays." Talking to my neighbors was absolutely
the best source of information on flooding in my area that I could find. All that being said----I'm moving to higher ground as soon as I can.
for the school zone until my youngest finishes high school. For me it is not a matter of IF it floods, it is only a matter of WHEN. We all pay for
flood insurance around here and my neighbors refer to FEMA as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays." Talking to my neighbors was absolutely
the best source of information on flooding in my area that I could find. All that being said----I'm moving to higher ground as soon as I can.
- Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)
- Replies: 194
- Views: 29001
Re: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)
70K Gross with the house paid off would be just fine for my wife and I. In reality, we will probably retire at about 105K--more if I delay SS.
I guess I would place our life style on the lower end of Middle Class--- the area we live in is about average cost-of-living wise.
I guess I would place our life style on the lower end of Middle Class--- the area we live in is about average cost-of-living wise.
- Thu Sep 25, 2014 12:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: [S&P is down 1.3%, thus] We're all going to die!!!
- Replies: 58
- Views: 7676
Re: We're all going to die!!!
Can't argue with that--the human mortality rate is still 100 %. Too bad the market isn't that predictable.
- Wed Sep 03, 2014 11:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone familiar with Switzerland?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2636
Re: Anyone familiar with Switzerland?
Kandersteg is a wonderful place to hike. The scenery around Lake Oeschinen in the Alps is as good as it gets. Kandersteg
is also home to The Kandersteg International Scout Center (KISC) founded by Baden Powell. I've been there
every year for the past three years attending Boy Scout events. Easily accessible by train. You can stay at the Scout Center for
a small fraction of the cost of local lodging if you don't mind hostel style accommodations (clean,comfortable, no frills and sharing bathrooms). All staff members are required to speak English and they can help you do anything you want to do in the area.
is also home to The Kandersteg International Scout Center (KISC) founded by Baden Powell. I've been there
every year for the past three years attending Boy Scout events. Easily accessible by train. You can stay at the Scout Center for
a small fraction of the cost of local lodging if you don't mind hostel style accommodations (clean,comfortable, no frills and sharing bathrooms). All staff members are required to speak English and they can help you do anything you want to do in the area.
- Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Advice for stay at home mom/military wife going back to work
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2829
Re: Advice for stay at home mom/military wife going back to
Do you have any interest in becoming a financial counsellor to military families ? If so, the National Military Family Association (NMFA) has a
scholarship program to train military spouses to become financial counsellors ( I am a recipient of this scholarship myself). They award about 50
of these every year. You do the training at home online and then complete testing and a practicum to get certified.
Within the military community, volunteering is still one of the best ways to get a foot in the door for jobs on base.
scholarship program to train military spouses to become financial counsellors ( I am a recipient of this scholarship myself). They award about 50
of these every year. You do the training at home online and then complete testing and a practicum to get certified.
Within the military community, volunteering is still one of the best ways to get a foot in the door for jobs on base.
- Thu Aug 21, 2014 3:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kimchi
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3888
Re: Kimchi
You need to know what really good kimchi tastes like before you attempt to make your own. Buy some first. Nothing better with white rice.
The stuff can make you reek though if you eat enough of it. I like "kimchi reek"--reminds me of good times in Korea.
The stuff can make you reek though if you eat enough of it. I like "kimchi reek"--reminds me of good times in Korea.