Search found 47 matches

by mclvngr
Thu Oct 07, 2021 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving to San Diego - Help with areas
Replies: 80
Views: 8824

Re: Moving to San Diego - Help with areas

I live in San Diego and thought I’d give you you my two cents for what they’re worth.

North Poway - it’s a cheaper Rancho Santa Fe.
Rural Escondido - good value, up & coming.
Ramona - East of Poway, rural feel, affordable.
Clairemont - centrally located in SD, food mecca, affordable.
Carmel Mountain Ranch - central, Poway schools.
by mclvngr
Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pistol safe recommendation
Replies: 32
Views: 5206

Re: Pistol safe recommendation

A pistol safe from Fort Knox is what you’re looking for. No biometrics, no batteries. They sell for about $300.
by mclvngr
Tue Jan 12, 2021 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Speed Queen Washer & Dryer
Replies: 24
Views: 3708

Re: Speed Queen Washer & Dryer

We replaced our old set with new Speed Queens two years ago after a ton of research. Zero regrets!
by mclvngr
Thu Dec 31, 2020 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Is VPN essential for online privacy & security?]
Replies: 62
Views: 6535

Re: Which VPN would you recommend?

TorGuard. You can find their Anonymous VPN service discounted 50% off; the lifetime annual cost will be $29.
by mclvngr
Thu Dec 24, 2020 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?
Replies: 470
Views: 47148

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

2000 Acura RL with 88,000 miles
2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 with 110k
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in with 100k+
by mclvngr
Wed Dec 23, 2020 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password storage apps, recommendations?
Replies: 119
Views: 7207

Re: Password storage apps, recommendations?

The best password manager happens to be free. I highly suggest you research and try Bitwarden.
by mclvngr
Fri Aug 24, 2018 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $65K Fun Daily Driver
Replies: 112
Views: 11130

Re: $65K Fun Daily Driver

$65,000 for a car?! Have overpriced cars replaced overpriced watches on this forum?
by mclvngr
Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alternatives to money market funds?
Replies: 8
Views: 1905

Alternatives to money market funds?

I currently have savings of about $400,000 taxable in a Vanguard money market fund. It is intended as emergency money and will be tapped in a year or two to help pay for our daughter's college in addition to her 529. What are some other good alternatives to a traditional money market fund? I would like relative safety and liquidity. I'm in California. Bond funds? California Tax exempt?
by mclvngr
Sun Aug 06, 2017 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money do you want to retire?
Replies: 1367
Views: 207751

Re: How much money do you want to retire?

I'm 51, my wife is 48.

Maybe 8 years away from retirement.

Current net worth about $4 million, not including pension or SS.

I'll win the game when I'm worth $5 million.
by mclvngr
Thu May 04, 2017 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2-3 days around Nice, France. Advice?
Replies: 9
Views: 1369

Re: 2-3 days around Nice, France. Advice?

I went to high school in Nice! I would avoid Monaco as there's a lot of traffic and congestion. Not worth the trouble to be be around all the tourists. Instead, go to the quaint hilltop village of St. Paul de Vence and enjoy a pastis at the Café de la Place and watch the locals play petanque! A meal at the world famous Colombe d'Or (across the way) would be unforgettable!
by mclvngr
Thu May 04, 2017 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Paris for 8 days - what to do?
Replies: 47
Views: 5900

Re: Visiting Paris for 8 days - what to do?

The catacombs are amazing and unforgettable. Take the train to London for a day. Rent city bikes but stay in the Luxembourg gardens or along the Seine. My advice is to stay away from the main tourist attractions.
by mclvngr
Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hit $1.5 million, another $1 million to go
Replies: 20
Views: 5227

Re: Hit $1.5 million, another $1 million to go

Congratulations! What's crazy, at least to me, is that government pensions are the equivalent of $2,000,000 or more in savings. It ain't easy being in the private sector!
by mclvngr
Sat Apr 15, 2017 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washer/dryer suggestions?
Replies: 46
Views: 9378

Re: Washer/dryer suggestions?

I just bought a pair of Speed Queens last week. So far so good! I was sold by reading reviews from their loyal customer base, the fact that they're made in the USA, and the no-frills technology.
by mclvngr
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Property Tax Late Penalty
Replies: 3
Views: 642

Property Tax Late Penalty

I was five days late paying my San Diego property tax. Now I have a $900 penalty on a $9000 second installment!

During the past two weeks we have had a house flood AND my wife was hospitalized for an emergency gallbladder surgery! Do you think they will waive the penalty?
by mclvngr
Fri Mar 10, 2017 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google wifi is awesome
Replies: 67
Views: 17879

Re: Google wifi is awesome

If you're at all concerned with your privacy (even if you don't have anything to hide) you should NOT use Google products. All data going in and out of Google hardware is being mined. Two safer alternatives are eero and Orbi (Netgear).
by mclvngr
Fri Mar 10, 2017 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do with all these passwords ?
Replies: 125
Views: 23992

Re: What to do with all these passwords ?

+1 for 1Password and LastPass. Both are user friendly (1Password a little more so) and both have received rave reviews from security experts.
by mclvngr
Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi Router Advice
Replies: 67
Views: 9783

Re: Wifi Router Advice

Eero. Simply the best. Try it for a week and I'm sure you'll agree!
by mclvngr
Wed Jan 11, 2017 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shutterbugs - How do you organize your digital photos?
Replies: 44
Views: 5770

Re: Shutterbugs - How do you organize your digital photos?

Use the rule of three or 3-2-1 backup method. Three copies on two different media (including SATA and SSD hard drives, USB thumb drives, DVDs, and CDs) and one copy off-site or on the cloud. Google Photos is probably the best backup solution for photos right now. It's easy, free, and will likely be around for awhile.
by mclvngr
Wed Dec 14, 2016 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any WiFi experts? Acer with AC Adapter - really SLOW
Replies: 18
Views: 2865

Re: Any WiFi experts? Acer with AC Adapter - really SLOW

I recently upgraded to four eero's from an Apple Time Capsule and several Airport Expresses used as expanders. No regrets even with some sticker shock ($500). Well worth the premium. A mesh network isn't for everyone. Consider it if you have a large house or a place that has wifi issues. Setup is embarrassing it's so easy!
by mclvngr
Sat Dec 10, 2016 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy coffee beans?
Replies: 200
Views: 22150

Re: Where do you buy coffee beans?

Midnight Oil from Sweetwater Coffee out of Florida. $12.95/lb.

I've never tasted anything better from a French press!

http://www.sweetwaterorganiccoffee.com/ ... ic-coffee/
by mclvngr
Sat Dec 10, 2016 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What site do you prefer for online doc storage?
Replies: 18
Views: 3107

Re: What site do you prefer for online doc storage?

Dropbox is a good choice. Same with Google drive. You should encrypt any sensitive information (tax returns, passwords, etc.) before uploading. Here are instructions for how to do that on a Mac.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201599
by mclvngr
Tue Jul 26, 2016 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Encryption [Computer disk encryption]
Replies: 19
Views: 2572

Re: Encryption

Use FileVault whole disk encryption if you have a MacBook or an iMac. It's built-in to Apple's OSX.
by mclvngr
Fri Aug 28, 2015 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any [iPhone] "Apps" you like?
Replies: 69
Views: 11775

Re: Any [iPhone] "Apps" you like?

A few I can't live without:

Instapaper - Save articles (without ads and clutter) for later.

1Password - password manager, fingerprint enabled.

Flipboard - news & magazine aggregator.

Casts - podcast manager.

Scannerpro - document scanner.

Reeder - RSS reader, what I read Bogleheads on.

Signal - encrypted texting & calling.

Sonos - music remote for Sonos speakers.

Bank of America - easy check deposits.

Vanguard - of course!
by mclvngr
Thu Jan 01, 2015 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with my 1041 and Schedule K-1
Replies: 3
Views: 1413

Re: Help with my 1041 and Schedule K-1

I'm the trustee and I'm the only beneficiary. I have not been filing tax returns for the trust. #1, there hasn't been any income outside of the IRA. #2, I thought that I could just put the RMD amount on my 1040 as an IRA distribution. If what you're saying is true, then I haven't had to file a 1041 since there hasn't been any income.
by mclvngr
Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best watch for around $5,000? [Archived]
Replies: 1479
Views: 347494

Re: Best watch for around $5,000?

I love my Rolex Submariner!
by mclvngr
Thu Jan 01, 2015 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with my 1041 and Schedule K-1
Replies: 3
Views: 1413

Help with my 1041 and Schedule K-1

I recently discovered that I’ve been doing my taxes incorrectly the last couple of years! I hope someone can help me figure out how to fill out my 1041 and Schedule K-1. I would prefer to do this myself and save a few bucks! My father died in 2008 and left his IRA to his trust with me as the sole beneficiary of the trust. There is approximately $2 million in the inherited IRA, with equal parts invested in the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index, Vanguard Total International Stock Market Index, and Vanguard Total Bond Market Index. This year’s RMD was about $60,000. I have an automatic service through Vanguard that deposits the RMD directly into my money market account. I’ve been putting the RMD amount down on line 15b of my 1040 and paying ta...
by mclvngr
Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What home gym equipment do you have?
Replies: 68
Views: 9543

Re: What home gym equipment do you have?

Bob dummy for punching & kicking
Treadmill - Landice, with iPad attached for movies or music
Rowing machine - Concept 2
Bench
Dumbbells
Medicine balls
Jump rope
by mclvngr
Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Scott Burn's "Four Question Wealth Test"
Replies: 18
Views: 4516

Scott Burn's "Four Question Wealth Test"

Are you wealthy yet?

[Content in excess of copyright fair use removed by admin LadyGeek. The link: The Four Question Wealth Test]
by mclvngr
Tue Jan 08, 2013 10:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your current Asset Allocation Policy and why?
Replies: 83
Views: 15986

Re: What is your current Asset Allocation Policy and why?

Age: 47

Married, two young children

IRA's, 403b's: $3 million

Mostly 3 fund portfolio:

50% stocks (2/3 Total US, 1/3 Total Int'l)
50% Total Bond

The rest is in Wellesley.

Feeling pretty risk-adverse these last couple of years!
by mclvngr
Sun Sep 16, 2012 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Prius owners?
Replies: 37
Views: 5512

Re: Any Prius owners?

We've had the Prius Plug-in for a few months now. Goes 12 miles electric only. My wife drives all the way to work and half way back on a charge, and then burns maybe a cup of gas the rest of the way home. It only takes 3 hours to charge using a standard 110 outlet. We couldn't be happier!
by mclvngr
Sun Sep 16, 2012 10:36 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: iPad app for this site?
Replies: 6
Views: 1711

Re: iPad app for this site?

I use the app called Reeder. In fact, I only use my iPad to read Bogleheads.
by mclvngr
Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do we bogleheads Splurge?!
Replies: 138
Views: 14510

Re: Where do we bogleheads Splurge?!

The $5,000 watch, of course!
by mclvngr
Sat Mar 17, 2012 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1560530

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

The first Jack Reacher book, Killing Floor. Tom Cruise is going to play Jack - too bad! Read the book, you'll know what I mean.
by mclvngr
Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anti Virus Software
Replies: 55
Views: 5943

Re: Anti Virus Software

Running Mac OSX. It's my favorite anti-virus program out there. Oh yeah, it doubles as an operating system! :happy
by mclvngr
Tue Jan 31, 2012 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hit By Online Banking Hacker - Change Login ID and Passwords
Replies: 74
Views: 8849

Re: Hit By Online Banking Hacker - Change Login ID and Passw

If you use it or are considering using it you have to watch what Steve Gibson of Security Now has to say on the subject. Google his podcast. If you're not convinced of the bullet-proof security of Lastpass after hearing Steve you might as well unplug your computer from the wall! I recommend subscribing to Security Now - free, of course!
by mclvngr
Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much does a house cost in your area?
Replies: 56
Views: 5521

Re: How much does a house cost in your area?

North County San Diego. One of the best school districts in Southern California. Twenty minutes to the beach. Around $500,000 for a decent 3/2 these days. The same house a couple of blocks from the beach will run you at least $2 million! Anything less than $500K is either trashed or in a seedy neighborhood. Sorry, just my opinion! I lived in a couple of those houses and I couldn't wait to move!
by mclvngr
Sat Jan 21, 2012 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: san diego
Replies: 24
Views: 2297

Re: san diego

Easy! Take the San Diego Trolley Tour. You can hop on and off as often as you like. The complete tour lasts a couple of hours and hits just about everywhere you'd want to go.

Speaking of hop, I assume you're a beer drinker by your nickname! Try some of our microbrews or visit one of the breweries - Stone is just incredible! San Diego has the best selection of beer/breweries in the country. Other breweries include Green Flash, Pizza Port, Coronado, Alesmith - too many to mention!
by mclvngr
Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Herman Miller Aeron Chairs
Replies: 12
Views: 5956

Re: Herman Miller Aeron Chairs

I have an Aeron and I love it! Looks classic, is inviting, and nothing is more comfortable. Find one used and save a few hundred bucks, buy definitely go with a quality chair.
by mclvngr
Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!
Replies: 28
Views: 3992

Re: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!

bmelikia wrote:I am not a "Boglehead" so that I can be cheap on beer and the things that I enjoy. . .

. . .I choose to be a "Boglehead" because I require good beer and to take part in the things that I enjoy that require money. . .and as a result I must invest appropriately!
I couldn't agree more! I've tried poor and I've tried rich. I like rich! :sharebeer
by mclvngr
Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how many languages do you speak?
Replies: 36
Views: 3083

Re: how many languages do you speak?

French. Spent my teens living in the south of France.
by mclvngr
Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are they really affluent???
Replies: 34
Views: 5528

Re: Are they really affluent???

I'm curious how Bogleheads compare in net worth to that 2003 pie chart! I wouldn't be surprised if instead of 2.7% we have ten times that - over 27% - with a net worth of over $1 million here. Anyone want to make an anonymous poll?
by mclvngr
Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:48 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: RSS stop working with new upgrade?
Replies: 21
Views: 2982

Re: RSS stop working with new upgrade?

LG,

Any news on RSS? That's what I want for Christmas!
by mclvngr
Thu Nov 24, 2011 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password manager?
Replies: 109
Views: 12509

Re: Password manager?

LastPass, end of debate. Watch this video about LastPass by security expert Steve Gibson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Q_anb7pwg
by mclvngr
Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:14 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: RSS stop working with new upgrade?
Replies: 21
Views: 2982

Re: RSS stop working with new upgrade?

Before the most recent upgrade I enjoyed using my iPad to read Bogelheads via Google Reader. Are there plans to make the forum Google friendly again?
by mclvngr
Sat Aug 06, 2011 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer VERY sluggish - need suggestions
Replies: 38
Views: 3686

I agree with John 2525. Another option to consider is to keep your hardware and install Linux. I'd recommend Ubuntu. It's free, and so is 99% of the software that you'll ever need. Either one will make your life easier.
by mclvngr
Thu Aug 04, 2011 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max out our 403b's and dip into our taxable account?
Replies: 8
Views: 1145

Max out our 403b's and dip into our taxable account?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you give! What I want to know is if my wife and I should max out our 403b's so we can 1) dollar cost average into the current market, 2) lower our tax bill, and 3) reduce the amount in our money market account. Right now we're only contributing $5,000 to our IRA's ($10,000 total) each year. The standard 403b max is $16,500, I believe. We may qualify for a catch-up which would increase it to $19,500 each. If we maxed out for three years we'd have to dip into our MM account by about $120,000, with plenty left over for emergencies. We're probably going to sell our rental house in 2013 so we don't get hit with capital gains - will add to our available cash to invest. Family: 45 (me), 40 (wife), kids 11 &...
by mclvngr
Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cordless electric lawn mowers - yea or nay?
Replies: 26
Views: 4397

I'm also very happy with the Neuton I've had for five years. I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat. Never had to replace the battery or get the blade sharpened. Holds a charge longer than the thirty minutes i mow each week. I even use it "off road" to mow weeds in the undeveloped lot behind our house!