Search found 1791 matches

by alpenglow
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for mobile phone plans for a high schooler
Replies: 10
Views: 968

Re: Suggestions for mobile phone plans for a high schooler

I'm a middle school teacher and all of the kids have Chromebooks. The district has controls, but the kids have all sorts of work arounds that they are always sharing with one another. Not phones, but the point is that kids are very good at outsmarting controls/monitoring/etc.
by alpenglow
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 81
Views: 6496

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Sandtrap wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:00 pm Subaru Forester
Honda Passpot Elite AWD
Toyota with AWD
These are great suggestions!

I had a BMW when I was younger. Reliability and maintenance costs were a huge problem. I'm on my second Toyota and so is my wife. They have been incredibly reliable and low stress to own.
by alpenglow
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College degree worthwhile for marketing?
Replies: 112
Views: 7118

Re: College degree worthwhile for marketing?

tibbitts wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 12:44 am I vote for finishing now.

But I've failed to convince someone in a similar situation with only two classes to finish a degree that it was worth it.
How did that turn out?

My friend's roommate dropped out during his last semester at Cornell for "personal reasons." Not really sure what those reasons were, but we all tried to convince him to stay. I just Googled him for the first time in decades and see that he completed his degree two years later and is now a successful software engineer!
by alpenglow
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 120
Views: 11115

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

This site! I was looking for some market timing ideas and came across Bogleheads. I largely use a 3-fund portfolio. Thanks Taylor (and many others)!
by alpenglow
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kid's Accounts and How They Use Them
Replies: 22
Views: 1943

Re: Kid's Accounts and How They Use Them

We do a 50/50 split with our 10 year olds. Savings goes into a 6% youth account at the credit union and spending is kept as cash. Sometimes the kids get undesirable gift cards, so for now(!), I'm willing to cash them out at full value. I deal with using them somehow later on. :annoyed
by alpenglow
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to sell diamond ring
Replies: 12
Views: 1167

Re: How to sell diamond ring

CAsage wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:13 pm
alpenglow wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:06 pm
jebmke wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:52 pm I'd think you also want to start to determine what the cost basis is. I'm assuming this would be reportable as a capital gain -- if so, you need to know what the relative paid for it originally (unless you really mean inherited, not a gift).
Might be a loss.
I can't see how you would ever deduct or claim a loss on a personal decorative item - like clothes, jewelry, purses etc. If it was a gold coin, or an actual investment... But this was a gift, and it wasn't worth any more or less at that time, then when you sell it. No tax issue here.
Sorry - I wasn't trying to say that it would be a loss for tax purposes. Just likely to have lost value given the resale market and highly doubt it would be a capital gain.
by alpenglow
Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to sell diamond ring
Replies: 12
Views: 1167

Re: How to sell diamond ring

jebmke wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:52 pm I'd think you also want to start to determine what the cost basis is. I'm assuming this would be reportable as a capital gain -- if so, you need to know what the relative paid for it originally (unless you really mean inherited, not a gift).
Might be a loss.
by alpenglow
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: choosing CDs
Replies: 9
Views: 962

Re: choosing CDs

You can go here to search CDs. Select noncallable:
https://client.schwab.com/Areas/Trade/F ... h.aspx/CDS

Or, if you click on an individual CD, scroll to the bottom of the page where it says "Call/Put/Sink Features"

Edit: You can use also this table. When you click on the maturities, it shows which bonds are callable in the appropriate column.
https://client.schwab.com/Areas/Trade/F ... oductRates
by alpenglow
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual majors and non big 50 colleges
Replies: 111
Views: 7178

Re: Dual majors and non big 50 colleges

MMiroir wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:40 pm Very true. More than 50 percent of college students change their majors at least once, which brings up the point that parents should consider not only how good a target school is for the intended major, but also how strong the school is for a couple of alternative majors and how easy it is to switch.
+1
My college roommate started as a physics major and ended as a film major. Now he's a successful science writer.
I majored in a very small/niche science area, took a bunch of finance courses as a senior, worked on Wall Street for few years, and now I'm a teacher.
by alpenglow
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual majors and non big 50 colleges
Replies: 111
Views: 7178

Re: Dual majors and non big 50 colleges

KlangFool wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:00 pm genie pigs
For my three wishes I'll take bacon, ribs, and pulled pork. :twisted:
by alpenglow
Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: choosing CDs
Replies: 9
Views: 962

Re: choosing CDs

If the CD is FDIC insured I don't really care which bank it is. At the same time, I don't buy CDs trading at a premium. The best rates lately have also been callable, so I've been buying treasuries instead.
by alpenglow
Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

$200 - $300. I hate cash, but some smaller thrift stores don't take cards. Also for summer farmers markets and smaller restaurants with credit card surcharges.
by alpenglow
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help me understand which T-bill to buy
Replies: 12
Views: 1377

Re: Help me understand which T-bill to buy

secondopinion wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:18 am From my experience, it is easier to buy actual treasury bills if you want a short-term investment.
+1
by alpenglow
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help me understand which T-bill to buy
Replies: 12
Views: 1377

Re: Help me understand which T-bill to buy

Not all of these are T-bills!
by alpenglow
Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Not understanding taxes and why I owe money
Replies: 50
Views: 4810

Re: Not understanding taxes and why I owe money

I saw some similar posts including one by me many years ago. So clearly I don't understand taxes. My wife and I owe federal taxes (only like $1,100). Not the end of the world. But given we claim 0, seems strange. Sounds like that doesn't exist anymore? My fear is not knowing what I'll owe next year and getting a surprise. We will make more money in 2024 so I suspect I will owe even more when I file next year ? How do I tweak withholding to owe as close to $0 as possible like you used to be able to ? Any general learnings you can share would be great. Thank you! There are too many possibilities without knowing more about you, but I'll guess that the rapid increase in interest rates may have played a role, particularly if you have a large em...
by alpenglow
Sat Mar 02, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11689

Re: Mid-career change to law?

AnnetteLouisan wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:36 pm
alpenglow wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:02 am
Normchad wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:09 pm I’ve never met a happy lawyer. I’m sure there are some though…… I know lots of people that regret going into law.
The happiest lawyer I know became a judge. He loves the schedule compared to private practice.
Define, “happy.” lol.
He's not nearly as stressed, not working to all hours, and enjoying life.
Edit to add: His networth is in the multi-millions from his private practice.
by alpenglow
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you simplify financial details with your love ones?
Replies: 16
Views: 1948

Re: Do you simplify financial details with your love ones?

gavinsiu wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:17 am I am curious for folks with parents or significant others with limited financial knowledge, rather than explaining how it works, you end up explaining it in such a way that it's sort of right but is not technically correct? For example, I have tried to explain Tbill to my mom, but she doesn't get it and II just tell her it's a US government issue CD. I guess I alway try to explain the concept first but if their eyes glazed over, I try to switch to analogies.
I don't see anything wrong with that approach. The details of a t-bill vs cd don't really matter much. The idea of getting interest and your principal back at the end is most important.
by alpenglow
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11689

Re: Mid-career change to law?

Normchad wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:09 pm I’ve never met a happy lawyer. I’m sure there are some though…… I know lots of people that regret going into law.
The happiest lawyer I know became a judge. He loves the schedule compared to private practice.
by alpenglow
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest cash when interest goes down
Replies: 52
Views: 5198

Re: Invest cash when interest goes down

bendix wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:10 am I would love to have an easy way, that doesnt require me to become a customer of Treasure Direct, that allows me to invest in newly issued 20y treasuries and not a rolling mix of all sorts of 20y treasures that are at various stages of maturity. Then I wouldnt need to worry.
I'm confused. Why not just buy at auction at Fidelity or Vanguard? There was just a 20 year new issue this week. CUSIP 912810TZ1.
by alpenglow
Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to park cash for short term: T-bills or Treasury EFTs?
Replies: 4
Views: 605

Re: Where to park cash for short term: T-bills or Treasury EFTs?

Unless it is a lot of money, minor differences probably don't matter. Money market, CDs, or t-bills all sound fine, depending on your state tax situation. SGOV is a 0-3 month T-bill ETF if you don't want to buy t-bills directly. I wouldn't use VGSH or VGIT for 12 months.
Edit to add:
The duration on SGOV is 0.08 yrs, VGSH is 1.9 years, and VCIT is 5.0 years.
by alpenglow
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs: How do you justify holding them?
Replies: 16
Views: 2348

Re: CDs: How do you justify holding them?

Everyone's situation is different. I would suggest CDs in a tax deferred account. If not, maybe muni bond funds are for you. Or perhaps treasuries which are free of state tax. It depends on tax brackets, state tax rate, etc.
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24369

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

bendix wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:33 pm
Wannaretireearly wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:19 pm Best: having close to a FU attitude at work, although not quite FI :)
This is so true. You dont have to be FI in order to be a little more FU at work. Freedom is a great thing to have.
As a school teacher, there is only so much FU I can have at work. I will say that I started saying no to some things at work and establishing better boundaries has been a great thing.
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8119

Re: How do you live healthy?

vnatale wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:27 pm
Don't know how many have heard of Narragansett Beer. Rhode Island beer. It was a mile from my house. When we were playing softball at my elementary school in the summers we could smell the brewery.
Narragansett is a New England classic IMO. I still like a cold one every now and then on a hot summer day.
by alpenglow
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4594

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

david99 wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:11 am We have a chest freezer in the basement. It’s a time saver because we don’t have to make as many trips to the supermarket.
All kidding aside, we have one in the basement too. Gotta have someplace to store the Costco stuff.
by alpenglow
Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4594

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

livesoft wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:22 am
Random Musings wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:14 am Also have a chess freezer in the basement. With a family, the freezer upstairs does not have enough space and can also buy items when on sale.

RM
The freezer model is the Grandmaster, right?
My chess freezer is from Eastern Europe - the brand is Czechmates.
by alpenglow
Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 126
Views: 19040

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1410

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

Doom&Gloom wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:21 pm I'm afraid I would tell the family member that this is a one person job.
I agree - too many cooks makes me very uncomfortable.
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1410

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

Despite discussion to the contrary, my sister was out of the blue granted full trading authority on all accounts that I've managed. Does the family member who contrarily discussed this know what is happening? This is a tough situation and I'm not sure of the right answer. But if my relationship was good with the family member account owner, I would discuss my concerns with them in a frank manner. If they still feel as if it is the right thing to do, I would politely bow out and separate myself from doing any more financial account management and fully expect that when the time comes to inherit it, my half of the split might be zero dollars. The family member is aware and granted the authority. I think there is strong intimidation in play, ...
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1410

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

livesoft wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:03 pm Reminds of a situation that I won't go into except to say that the account was divided in 2 and managed separately. So divide in two and each of you go at it even to the point of using different financial institutions. It should become apparent if one of you doesn't "keep up" with the other from the same starting point.
Very intriguing idea!
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1410

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

yikes. no, i haven't had to deal with this, but what comes to mind: on the one hand, she's making demands to take control of the finances. 1st, do you suspect she will siphon the accounts if she gains access? I'm concerned not only by her financial illiteracy, but actual fraudulent activity if she's viewing this windfall as her own. If so, and she is able to coerce the family member to take over, you will have to audit the accounts as she's trying to do for you and shut it down the second she makes a fraudulent move. There could be legal ramifications for her as well as a result of filing a police report for suspected fraud. You'd have to do this for the sake of the family member. You say "money chasing sister". What does this me...
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1410

Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

I have been helping a widowed family member with investments and personal finance for over a decade. I have, with permission, made appropriate trades at a big box broker using "full trading authority." I also have a POA. I have completed and filed taxes, as well as helping with cash flow concerns and RMDs. Never have I accepted a cent in compensation. I have always acted as a fiduciary, selecting low cost index investments, CDs, and treasuries that fit the needs and risk tolerance of this individual. The family member recently came into a seven figure inheritance. Suddenly, my money chasing sister is all over the scene, making demands. Even though she is financially illiterate for the most part, I feel as though I am suddenly unde...
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The vanity of legacy - a better approach
Replies: 30
Views: 3463

Re: The vanity of legacy - a better approach

Classical composers get a lot of rhetoric about immortality. I read a book whose title unfortunately escapes me, that was a serious analysis of the rise and fall of classical composers' reputation, and it was an eye-opener. Classical music goes through fads and fashions like everything else. To be sure, a lot of classical music is reasonably durable. And one isn't necessarily aware of the slow changes in fashion. I was surprised to find that Cesar Franck's Symphonic Variations , which was a standard of the repertoire when I was a kid, is apparently rarely programmed any more. Pachelbel's Canon shot up out of nowhere almost as dramatically as any pop hit. Many almost-totally-forgotten composers were once very famous. There's a line in a Gil...
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg
Replies: 129
Views: 13001

Re: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg

RajaDada wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 1:35 am I got the warning once today, but then refreshed the page and was able to login without issue.
Same thing for me.
by alpenglow
Thu Feb 15, 2024 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Surprising Return of Interest
Replies: 68
Views: 8878

Re: The Surprising Return of Interest

I'm not surprised exactly, but seeing all of the interest add up last year motivated me to be more tax efficient with my asset allocation. I shifted stocks to taxable accounts and bonds to my 457.
by alpenglow
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25545

Re: What inferior good do you love?

Miller High Life, The Champagne of Beers
by alpenglow
Tue Feb 13, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: T-Bill Ladder long or shorter term
Replies: 4
Views: 687

Re: T-Bill Ladder long or shorter term

I like to keep my treasuries shorter and my TIPS longer. If it were me, I'd probably ladder 3-5 years out with bills/notes. YMMV.
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hair loss products like Rogaine - Do they work? How do you know?
Replies: 15
Views: 1411

Re: Hair loss products like Rogaine - Do they work? How do you know?

JPH wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:17 am What was the name of that spray on stuff advertised in the old infomercials?
Are you thinking of GLH by Ron Popeil? Classic! A "hair"-brained scheme for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GeF7A05zQ8
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hair loss products like Rogaine - Do they work? How do you know?
Replies: 15
Views: 1411

Re: Hair loss products like Rogaine - Do they work? How do you know?

runner3081 wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:42 am In before the lock. Why fight it, embrace hair loss.
I totally embraced it - I've saved a lot of money on shampoo, haircuts, etc.
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Beneficiary challenge a designation percent
Replies: 22
Views: 2261

Re: Beneficiary challenge a designation percent

It results in chaos if it leaves the estate without enough money to pay debts, taxes, expenses and preresiduary bequests and one of the TOD beneficiaries balks at contributing his/her share. Easily handled with a small account outside the beneficiary designations, in control of the executor, or in friendly family situations. I often hear this, and wonder, what debts, taxes are we talking about? They may be quite small. See above. I don't believe a blanket statement that TOD beneficiaries for taxable accounts are "generally not a good idea" is accurate. It just depends on the facts and circumstances for the specific people involved. In certain areas, property taxes can be quite high. A relative of mine is paying about $23k in prop...
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Beneficiary challenge a designation percent
Replies: 22
Views: 2261

Re: Beneficiary challenge a designation percent

Joey Jo Jo Jr wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:11 pm Depends on the situation. A POA agent changing the designation is a fairly common scenario. I had a recent case where a second husband changed the wife’s IRA designation to himself online (home IPS address) while she was in the hospital on her deathbed.
How did that play out? Seems like obvious fraud to me.
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turning off Margin ability on a Schwab account
Replies: 28
Views: 2253

Re: Turning off Margin ability on a Schwab account

nisiprius wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:20 am Not a criticism, just curiosity. How exactly did you end up with a margin account?

Do Schwab accounts default to margin accounts? This Schwab web page, margin loans, seems to imply "no," it's an add-on feature that you need to "apply" for.

Did you do that when you set up the account, thinking only that it might be handy to have the capability even if you never used it?

Image
I recently opened an account at Schwab and was surprised during the application process to find that "Yes" was the default choice regarding margin. I changed it to no.
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?
Replies: 146
Views: 12838

Re: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?

Nottingham wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 4:58 pm I stopped drinking my favorite booze as it's now $75 vs $40 pre-covid.
Alcohol is the biggest cut from the "budget" (I don't actually track/budget per se) for price and health reasons. Some craft brew prices are getting out of control IMO. I just can't justify spending $20+ on a 4 pack. We're also focusing on better value wines with great success. Don't even get me started on whisk(e)y prices.
by alpenglow
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Birthday gift for kids at 13
Replies: 32
Views: 2581

Re: Birthday gift for kids at 13

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:44 am
livesoft wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:42 am Their first smartphone and a checking account.
Fidelity youth account - not sure if they are still offering the put $50 in and they will match it, comes with a debit card.
+1 Unless it was renewed, I think the bonus expired last month. Still a great idea though!
by alpenglow
Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time
Replies: 143
Views: 14853

Re: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time

Go Curry Cracker recently made two blog posts with regard to taking SS early: https://www.gocurrycracker.com/why-i-plan-to-collect-social-security-as-early-as-possible/ https://www.gocurrycracker.com/why-early-social-security-provides-the-greatest-spousal-benefit/ Even though I'm very healthy, my family history doesn't favor male longevity, so I may take SS earlier than 70. Too early to call at 48 though. Just a note. My dad died at age 90. His family medical history is riddled with people who died fairly ealy in 60’s and 70’s. One brother died at age 50 and other at 62. No one would have thought dad would live to 90. Health Care makes a big difference. Knowing my family history, I'm very careful with my health. I think it is safe to say t...
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time
Replies: 143
Views: 14853

Re: Collecting Social Security at 62 Leaves Me (and My Heirs) Better Off, Every Time

Go Curry Cracker recently made two blog posts with regard to taking SS early:
https://www.gocurrycracker.com/why-i-pl ... -possible/
https://www.gocurrycracker.com/why-earl ... l-benefit/

Even though I'm very healthy, my family history doesn't favor male longevity, so I may take SS earlier than 70. Too early to call at 48 though.
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 04, 2024 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fish at Costco
Replies: 43
Views: 6087

Re: Fish at Costco

I've been happy with all of the fish from Costco. The sea bass is delicious, but not cheap. I also buy the mahi mahi, sockeye salmon, scallops, and langoustines. All frozen - very convenient to throw in the deep freeze and pull out a portion as needed.
by alpenglow
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Computershare certificated shares
Replies: 5
Views: 610

Re: Computershare certificated shares

Have you called them? When I helped my parents consolidate at Fidelity, the Computershare folks were very helpful in getting the info I needed to deal with some of the DRIPs my Dad set up.
by alpenglow
Sat Feb 03, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Funeral gift (card with money, flower, plant, etc.)?
Replies: 9
Views: 1116

Re: Funeral gift (card with money, flower, plant, etc.)?

I only gave cash at one wake. In that case, I knew the family well enough to know that they needed money for the burial. At the most recent wake I attended, I gave to a charity that was aligned with my deceased friend's interests. I would not bring flowers. If attending a shiva, I would bring food.
by alpenglow
Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
Replies: 21
Views: 2159

Re: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house

Interesting. I've never tried Nextdoor. Well, if you decide to check it out, don't say you weren't warned. :wink: As runner3081 said, it is a cesspool. My wife checks it out occasionally and many of the threads are cringeworthy. One day, someone left their car unlocked in their driveway overnight. They had some items stolen and started a rant on Nextdoor about the "lack" of police protection in the area, what are we paying taxes for, etc., etc. A couple of days later, the same person posts that they've seen a police cruiser "lurking" in the area and starts complaining that the country has turned into a police state, we can't leave our homes without Big Brother watching, etc., etc. :oops: It seems that some people just l...
by alpenglow
Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
Replies: 21
Views: 2159

Re: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house

Horologium wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:05 am
runner3081 wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 6:08 pm Though it is the toilet pit of the internet, Nextdoor is a good one for selling.
100%

It is an otherwise awful place, but when we were looking to give away an area rug recently, I posted it on FB Marketplace and got zero response. The wife then posted it on her Nextdoor account and got a taker within minutes.
Interesting. I've never tried Nextdoor. If it is easy to ship, my wife tries to sell it on eBay. After dealing with too many scammers, large items are displayed on the curb for free takeaway or donated.