Search found 802 matches

by Traveller
Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help locating a post about Sam (?) investing at market peak?
Replies: 3
Views: 452

Re: help locating a post about Sam (?) investing at market peak?

I think you have received the answer you were looking for above, but here is something else which also demonstrates the difficulty / futility of market timing:
https://data.qz.com/2015/time-the-market/

It's a little game that shows your portfolio value as time progresses and you get one chance to sell and buy back in.
by Traveller
Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why not convert all my funds to ETFs?
Replies: 59
Views: 6302

Re: Why not convert all my funds to ETFs?

dcabler wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 8:23 am I like the tax efficiency in my taxable account and I like that I know exactly the price of my transaction at the point it happens in all accounts. I don't like that it takes a few days to settle, but even that's going to get shorter.
Are you saying there is a tax advantage to ETFs? I have a large holding of VTSAX (Vanguard Total Market) in my taxable account at Vanguard, so would there a slight ER reduction AND a tax advantage by converting to VTI etf instead?
by Traveller
Wed Feb 21, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Safety of ACH for recurring payments
Replies: 16
Views: 1708

Re: Safety of ACH for recurring payments

I'd either eat the 3%, or if I was sure I was going to keep using the gym, I might offer to prepay for a year for a discount and write a check.
by Traveller
Mon Jan 08, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Advice: Unexpected Transmission Issue with High Cost on a Low Value Mini Cooper - Recommendations?
Replies: 27
Views: 2774

Re: Car Advice: Unexpected Transmission Issue with High Cost on a Low Value Mini Cooper - Recommendations?

Just out of curiosity, what would a rebuilt tranny from these guys cost for your mini?

https://reman-transmission.com

(No idea about their quality/warranty/reputation, they just came up on the top of the Google search)
by Traveller
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Advice: Unexpected Transmission Issue with High Cost on a Low Value Mini Cooper - Recommendations?
Replies: 27
Views: 2774

Re: Car Advice: Unexpected Transmission Issue with High Cost on a Low Value Mini Cooper - Recommendations?

No experience with minis, but my thoughts would be very dependent on if/ how much she likes the car.

If she likes it and it's in otherwise good shape, I'd look into a remanufactured transmission and find a mechanic willing to install it. I suspect you could get that done for $2500 or so. I'd also be getting a quote from the dealership as well as from a few more independent garages.

Good luck!
by Traveller
Wed Jan 03, 2024 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What browser(s) do you use, and why? Mobile and Desktop
Replies: 49
Views: 8440

Re: What browser(s) do you use, and why? Mobile and Desktop

Brave unless a site needs chrome to function properly.
by Traveller
Wed Dec 13, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday Greeting Card Messages
Replies: 5
Views: 1026

Re: Holiday Greeting Card Messages

ChatGPT
by Traveller
Wed Nov 15, 2023 3:11 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?
Replies: 279
Views: 57637

Re: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?

I'm in a similar position as the OP in that I haven't been very active on the forum for several years but just chugging along. Recently started looking at the forums again and I'd add to what was already said that bonds have become far more questioned by many over the past few years as rates and yield have moved around. I now see more love for TIPS and treasuries as opposed to the prior love of Total Bond fund. Also, sentiment for vanguard customer service is way down.

Closer to home, over the past 10 years my "hairs on head" index is down maybe 10%, my "waist size" index is up maybe 5%, expenses are down maybe 20% (empty nesters), and my net worth is up around 1200%.
:beer

But that's about it.
by Traveller
Tue Oct 31, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for Married Bogleheads - % to allocate to joint accounts
Replies: 174
Views: 13485

Re: Question for Married Bogleheads - % to allocate to joint accounts

We too are joint wherever possible and always have been. Married 30 years, with my wife staying home to raise our children for much of that time. I can't imagine how we could of handled a "mine/yours/ours" model especially when income ratios were 100:0... Would I give her an "allowance"? Yuck - no way that doesn't result in some kind of resentment or value disparity judgments. "We", "us", and "ours" are the preferred pronouns in marriage...
by Traveller
Sun Oct 08, 2023 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Exceeding FDIC limits
Replies: 13
Views: 1549

Re: Exceeding FDIC limits

orangeandwhite wrote: Sat Oct 07, 2023 7:32 pm Not sure if Ally participates, but there is a product called “network deposits” where your bank can, on your behalf, spread your deposit out for you among lots of banks so the entire amount is insured, but where you get customer service only from your bank. Maybe ask Ally if they can offer this to you.
Thanks. I hadn't heard of this.
by Traveller
Sat Oct 07, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Exceeding FDIC limits
Replies: 13
Views: 1549

Re: Exceeding FDIC limits

I have done this in the past for the same reason (pay cash for house bought, receive cash for house sold, pay off mortgage). I have done it at a credit union with a good call center and a local branch where I could go in if there were any issues. Cash was at the credit union for a few weeks to make sure transactions had all cleared. I have felt the benefits of using the credit union to initiate and receive the wire transfer outweighed any risks, but each person has to make their own evaluation based on their view of risks and facts. Whatever you do, don't wait until the last hours just in case there are any delays in the wire transfer. Also, in the case of Vanguard I think it is important to realize they are not a bank. I would not rely on...
by Traveller
Sat Oct 07, 2023 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Exceeding FDIC limits
Replies: 13
Views: 1549

Re: Exceeding FDIC limits

cheese_breath wrote: Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:43 pm Granted the risk is probably minimal, but why take a chance? You can open accounts at other banks now and, set them up to accept transfers from Ally as soon as you get the money.
Good point, and I may do so if it looks like I'll be sitting on the cash for any significant amount of time.
by Traveller
Sat Oct 07, 2023 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Exceeding FDIC limits
Replies: 13
Views: 1549

Re: Exceeding FDIC limits

gclancer wrote: Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:50 pm Why not just send it to a brokerage directly and dump it in a treasury money market fund?
Good option. Thanks!
by Traveller
Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Exceeding FDIC limits
Replies: 13
Views: 1549

Exceeding FDIC limits

In a few weeks I will be closing on a property deal which will result in a large sum of money wired to my personal Ally account (the amount is significantly above the FDIC limits). I expect the money to move out of there after only a few weeks. I feel confident in the near-term safety and soundness of the bank but given the amounts wanted to get a read from the collective boglehead wisdom.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome.

Thanks!
by Traveller
Tue Nov 01, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Factory Five build cars
Replies: 36
Views: 5572

Re: Factory Five build cars

smitcat wrote: Tue Nov 01, 2022 11:30 am I hope you have as much fun building these are we did about 40 years back...
Love those photos!
by Traveller
Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Factory Five build cars
Replies: 36
Views: 5572

Re: Factory Five build cars

bampf wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 8:35 pm ...
Did you go with the full kit or do you have a donor car?
Complete kit, no donor.
by Traveller
Mon Oct 31, 2022 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Factory Five build cars
Replies: 36
Views: 5572

Re: Factory Five build cars

Sorry, you can't really just do that. A picture is required. Why the coyote as opposed to a ford crate engine? Color? C'mon, don't leave a gear head hanging. Hmmm. I don't have many recent photos but have some from a few months ago. Not sure how to post images on this forum but I will PM you some links to Google photos. Hope that works. (Edit: I figured out how to post pics) https://i.postimg.cc/2S8QN5yQ/IMG-20220712-080332099.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/gJdR4cCL/IMG-20220709-210247725.jpg The Coyote is a Ford crate motor. No donor parts used. A LOT of guys are going Coyote if using a crate engine. That's a lot of bang for the buck and is very streetable. The Coyote is a great motor, but man is that a tight fit. https://i.postimg.cc/6pJQCbJy/...
by Traveller
Mon Oct 31, 2022 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Factory Five build cars
Replies: 36
Views: 5572

Re: Factory Five build cars

Sorry to be so late to this thread but I've been very inactive on this forum for some time... I am on the finishing touches of my Factory Five Mk4 build (Mk4, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS). It's been a 2 year project for me given busy work schedules and family properties. I've done every part of the build myself except body work and paint (goes to my painter this winter). I have loved every minute of the build. One of my kids in particular helped a lot along the way and I'll cherish those memories forever. These cars are beautiful to look at and incredible to drive - you just can't get into one without smiling and once you fire up the engine the smile morphs into a crazy-eyed maniacal grin... FYI - I'm 6'2 and fit comfortably. There are many things...
by Traveller
Wed Oct 06, 2021 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your cell phone bill for a family of 4 grown-ups?
Replies: 118
Views: 11426

Re: What is your cell phone bill for a family of 4 grown-ups?

T mobile unlimited everything for 4 lines runs me just under $200 per month. Plus free hulu.
by Traveller
Sun Aug 29, 2021 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your advice on Mid Caps in my 401K Please
Replies: 20
Views: 2190

Re: Ramifications in switching Mutual Funds in a 401K

There are no cost basis ramifications inside a 401k as all withdrawals will be treated as ordinary income - there are no capital gains. So in that regard, there is no reason not to switch funds.

But the question is why do you now feel you should change your allocation?
by Traveller
Mon Aug 09, 2021 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Surviving Spouse Question
Replies: 4
Views: 577

Re: Social Security Surviving Spouse Question

cbeck wrote: Mon Aug 09, 2021 4:25 pm Get over the idea that longevity is heritable. The life spans of your ancestors tells you very little about how long you will live.

...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30401766/
Thanks for this. On the other hand, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree and I see myself having made similar decisions to those before me - high achieving, high stress, poor track record when it comes to diet and exercise, etc. Despite that, I am in fairly good health and not too old (51) and am focusing more on my health and less on my accomplishments these days... :beer
by Traveller
Mon Aug 09, 2021 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Surviving Spouse Question
Replies: 4
Views: 577

Re: Social Security Surviving Spouse Question

susa wrote: Mon Aug 09, 2021 3:36 pm viewtopic.php?p=6099299#p6099299
Well, there it is... Thanks!
by Traveller
Mon Aug 09, 2021 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Surviving Spouse Question
Replies: 4
Views: 577

Social Security Surviving Spouse Question

I am a ways away from claiming social security, but was thinking through several scenarios and have a question. Background: I have a sizeable portfolio and plan on delaying social security until 70. My wife stopped working very early so she will be best served by claiming 50% of my benefit. We are very close in age, but if family history tells us anything - her family lives a long time while mine die fairly young (my father died in his late 60's as did his father). So my plan is to delay claiming SS until I am 70 and I understand that after a death, the surviving spouse receives the higher of their benefit or the deceased spouse's benefit. My question is what happens if I die before claiming any SS. What would my wife receive? I assume it w...
by Traveller
Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much time does it take for you to monitor/manage your assets/money each month?
Replies: 42
Views: 4095

Re: How much time does it take for you to monitor/manage your assets/money each month?

Not retired, but I spend less than 1 hour each quarter on a high 7 figure portfolio.

Keep things simple!
by Traveller
Wed Jul 14, 2021 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I finish my engineering degree?
Replies: 71
Views: 6378

Re: Should I finish my engineering degree?

I know lots of people who got advanced degrees because they liked getting degrees and enjoyed the educational system, but the ROI was never there. The question is why do you want/need the additional degree? I guess if it isn't costing you anything and you enjoy the process, why not? But if it is causing you stress in any area of your life, then why do it?

[full disclosure - this is coming from someone who got his bachelor's degree with the thought of going back to grad school in the future. Then I realized that my real world experience was FAR more valuable to my career than going back to school. YMMV]
by Traveller
Sun Jul 04, 2021 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1250

Re: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund

Lee_WSP wrote: Sun Jul 04, 2021 12:43 pm In all likelihood given your balances, you will be in the same or lower relative bracket in retirement. As such, I always suggest just taking the deduction today and dealing with conversions once you're actually retired. Unless you have a strong belief that taxes will increase, in which case, opt for Roth today.
Yep. That's been my approach as well. Thank you for the validation.
by Traveller
Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1250

Re: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund

yes the 1% may be paid before the "preferred 10% return" but it still appears they're taking 20% of the profits similar to a hedge fund. You're putting up 100% of the capital and taking 100% of the risk and getting 80% of the return. That's the "return split". 20% goes to the members. A hedge fund is 2/20 (2% per year and 20% of the profits) usually. This is 1/20 basically. Vanguard's Reit index fund is 0.12% period. low low cost. I know they're not exactly the same because with the REIT you are owning the companies dealing in real estate and the DLP is a lending situation. But if you want real estate, look at the lowest cost. The less you pay, the more you keep. Thanks for all your input - I appreciate it. I should add...
by Traveller
Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1250

Re: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund

... #1. The only difference is will you be in a higher bracket when money is contributed or later when money is withdrawn. It sounds like if you're in a high tax bracket now, you'd be in a lower bracket later. That favors contributing to tax deferred now. You can always convert later when you're in a lower bracket. The time to do this is after you retire but before RMDs and SS starts. So don't think of it as not getting the Roth benefit. Think of it as getting a large tax break now and getting money in the Roth later. read more here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Roth_IRA_conversion Thank you for confirming my thoughts. #2. did you see this: Return Split 80 Member/20 Manager I believe that means you're giving 20% of the profits to the ma...
by Traveller
Sat Jul 03, 2021 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1250

What next - 2 questions: Roth 401k and RE hard money fund

Hi all. Its been a while since I posted a question about my own investments, but there are two questions that have been rattling around in my head lately, and I'd appreciate hearing from the Bogleheads. 1) 401k: all my career I've made pretty good money (very high income now). When my company started offering a Roth 401k option, I continued contributing the max to traditional 401k option as I was in the top tax bracket and assumed I might be able to withdraw in retirement at a lower bracket. I now have $1.5M+ in that account and may work another 5 to 10 years (I am 51 now). Also, I have a larger taxable brokerage account that I add much more to every year. I also have significantly more in equity shares in my company with a very high likely...
by Traveller
Thu Jul 01, 2021 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movies for kids between 8-12 (not animated)
Replies: 66
Views: 6764

Re: Movies for kids between 8-12 (not animated)

Miracle - film about Herb Brooks, coach if the 1980 US Olympic hockey team. Great movie based on the true story.
by Traveller
Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pesky 7-day waiting period for backdoor Roth steps at Vanguard
Replies: 40
Views: 5522

Re: Pesky 7-day waiting period for backdoor Roth steps at Vanguard

Where did this 7 day holding period come from. I do backdoor Roth at Vanguard and never experienced this. I agree. I've done this many times without a 7 day wait period. My process is just as the OP described. I buy a money market fund in my non-deductible traditional IRA (with that money coming from a linked bank account at another institution). The next day I exchange that money market fund to an equity fund in my Roth IRA. I DO recall having a notice window pop-up saying I may not be able to withdraw those funds for a period of time, but it does not prevent the back door process. There is no separate "non deductible" traditional IRA, correct? You are essentially just depositing into your tIRA as non deductible on your tax form...
by Traveller
Tue Jun 08, 2021 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So now you're dead -- how does your executor find all your accounts & bills?
Replies: 184
Views: 41549

Re: So now you're dead -- how does your executor find all your accounts & bills?

I keep a binder in my home office that includes all relevant info including accounts, contacts, insurance, copy of our wills, passwords, combo to the safe, our budget (which shows all our monthly bills), etc. My spouse and siblings know where it is.
by Traveller
Wed May 19, 2021 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal finance books
Replies: 9
Views: 901

Re: Personal finance books

I maintain a spreadsheet that gets completely updated every January. The various tabs in the spreadsheet contain details of our financial life. The tabs are: Net Worth - summary of net worth and historical NW going back 20 years. This tab pulls data from the other tabs Investments - all accounts and holdings Business - details about equity I have in my company Banking - all banking account details and balances Home - estimated home value (pulls estimate from Zillow as well as estimating value based on appreciation rate) Mortgage - amortization table which calculates current balance (historical in my case as I no longer have a mortgage) Budget - our spending plan for the year Insurance - details of our insurance agents, policies, and coverag...
by Traveller
Sat May 15, 2021 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I pay for extra day for 10 year anniversary?
Replies: 41
Views: 4952

Re: Do I pay for extra day for 10 year anniversary?

I could not find a rental car in Orlando a few weeks ago and tried Turo.com for the first time. It worked out great.

If you are not familiar with Turo, it's a car sharing marketplace (kind of the car equivalent to AirBnB).
by Traveller
Sat May 15, 2021 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I pay for extra day for 10 year anniversary?
Replies: 41
Views: 4952

Re: Do I pay for extra day for 10 year anniversary?

Travel itself can be somewhat tiring. That combined with your pretty tight itinerary. Add the day and enjoy the trip.
by Traveller
Wed May 12, 2021 2:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can A Stock Go To Zero?
Replies: 23
Views: 2211

Re: Can A Stock Go To Zero?

Back in my youth, I bought shares of this company that was opening the tallest hotel / casino in Vegas. Bought it cheap, rode it up maybe 10x over the course of a few weeks, then watched them spiral into defaults, bankruptcy, insolvency, and delisting at an astonishing rate. Total loss. Everytime I see the Stratosphere in Vegas, I'm reminded how badly I suck at stock picking....

Yes they go to zero.
by Traveller
Wed May 05, 2021 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a retirement focused mother's day present for wife!
Replies: 39
Views: 3078

Re: Need a retirement focused mother's day present for wife!

MrCheapo wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 2:18 pm
oldfatguy wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 2:13 pm Apparently I've lead a sheltered life.

Carry on.
But at least you've had six ex-wives who once loved you ...

How could you NOT know you had to buy your children's mother a present for mothers day!
+1. I missed a mother's day for my wife once... Once.
by Traveller
Wed May 05, 2021 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a retirement focused mother's day present for wife!
Replies: 39
Views: 3078

Re: Need a retirement focused mother's day present for wife!

JoeRetire wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 1:58 pm
oldfatguy wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 1:54 pm
sailaway wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 1:43 pm
oldfatguy wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 1:40 pm I'm confused by the concept of a mothers day present for a wife. :confused
Presumably the mother of the husband's children.
Presumably, but is it common to give a mother's day present to someone other than one's own mother?
It's pretty very common.
I fixed it for ya...
by Traveller
Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to travel with grandparents if they don’t like the beach and can’t walk too far
Replies: 54
Views: 7853

Re: Where to travel with grandparents if they don’t like the beach and can’t walk too far

Here is a specific recommendation: Although I do not know your specific interests or where you are coming from (geographically), I'll a share trip I took extended family on before COVID (multiple generations) and it worked out GREAT. We went to Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks in Missouri. It's a beautiful / fairly high-end resort with plenty of activities for all ages. There are pools, kayaks, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, shooting facility, paddle boarding, golf courses, etc for the young / active. There are museums, golf-cart tours of caves, vehicle-based tours of animal preserves, pontoon boat rental, camp fires, etc for the less-mobile. Several very good restaurants on property as well. It's nice because everyone can set their ...
by Traveller
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5832
Views: 590508

Re: What are you listening to now

Not usually my style, but the last few days I've fallen down the Postmodern Jukebox rabbit hole and I'm loving it.

If your not familiar, PMJ is a collective of musicians led by Scott Bradlee who takes modern hits and arranges generally vintage-jazzy versions. Really good stuff.

Just finished hearing their take on Aerosmith's "Dream On"
https://youtu.be/Yq4KA0mUnC8
by Traveller
Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: first million [in your retirement portfolio]
Replies: 253
Views: 59174

Re: first million [in your retirement portfolio]

1) Two comma club at age 43 (now 51)
2) Graduated college with some debt and a negative NW, started saving for retirement in earnest around age 25.
3) All self made meaning no inheritance, no "family loans" etc, mostly single income (spouse only worked for the first 5 years of marriage right out of college then stay home mom ever since), no lotto/gambling winnings.
by Traveller
Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cockroach Coming Out of Hole in Sink?
Replies: 32
Views: 8386

Re: Cockroach Coming Out of Hole in Sink?

waltman300 wrote: Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:57 pm Now... are you suggesting i spray something into those three holes in the sink? Wouldnt it cause some negative things to the water though? Again i have no idea about plumbling or anything like this. Now is there any issue if i use some tape and just tape those three holes so no roach could come out from there?
These holes are for overflow and to allow better draining of the sink basin. Whatever you spray in there will go down the drain, not into your fresh water supply.

As others have said, get some roach killer and spray into the holes. Also some gel attractant/bait traps in the dark crevaces around your place because there is NEVER just one.
by Traveller
Thu Apr 01, 2021 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storage Unit Rent Increase
Replies: 54
Views: 6487

Re: Storage Unit Rent Increase

I'm finding so many ways to sell junk these days. I recently went looking for an app that would scan old CDs and DVDs and pay for them. Plenty out there. I've managed to send them 3 wine bottle boxes of these things so far. They also take video games and books. I can see going to Staples to drop off a UPS labeled box every day of the week for this entire month the way things are going. I would never rent a storage unit, but then again, I have a basement, an 864 square foot garage and a huge shed. There are currently 4 cars in my garage plus my workbench, log splitter and work area. That said, 2 cars and my tractor stay outside. You must have a substantially large lot. Storage units do well in areas of high density with small lot sizes or e...
by Traveller
Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it safe to pay the IRS taxes on-line?
Replies: 9
Views: 1438

Re: Is it safe to pay the IRS taxes on-line?

I've used eftps for many years without problem. As mentioned, the setup process is slow (if I recall correctly I had to wait to receive a verification code by mail). Once setup, it is easy to use. Just last week I used it to pay my 2020 amount due on my return, and schedule all 4 quarterly estimates for 2021.
by Traveller
Sun Mar 14, 2021 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fraud via PayPal
Replies: 14
Views: 1762

Re: Fraud via PayPal

On the rare occasions that I go into my "junk email" folder, I am always greated by a TON of emails from PayPal (all scams), plus a TON of emails telling me that I've received a substantial Bitcoin payment, and another TON of emails introducing women from other countries who are desparate to meet me...

Delete your email and move on.
by Traveller
Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?
Replies: 16
Views: 1497

Re: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?

I just purchased this phone for my wife and she loves it.

I purchased from local Best Buy, but they can ship it to you as well. Not sure if you can do a cell phone purchase as a curb side pickup or not.
by Traveller
Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Money for Wedding [Looking for Advice]
Replies: 60
Views: 4388

Re: Money for Wedding Advice

Perfect timing - our DD is getting married this summer, so this topic hits home. ... Anyone have any advice or pitfalls to look out for? One question I would ask you is if this is intended to be an engagement gift, or a wedding gift? I ask because I have some friends whose child got "engaged" and yet YEARS later and they still have no date for the ceremony... Personally, I would not want to fund their co-habitation living expenses for a long drawn-out engagement period. If I were to do it the way you are thinking, I would probably position it this way: "DD - we are so happy for you and want to support your upcoming marriage by offering $30k for the wedding expenses. Anything left over after the wedding is yours to keep for wh...
by Traveller
Wed Feb 03, 2021 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2 computers, 1 set of peripherals
Replies: 20
Views: 1555

Re: 2 computers, 1 set of peripherals

My setup is similar to some mentioned above and includes a micro PC (Intel NUC) running linux which is my personal / home computer plus a laptop which I use for work. The PC sits on one back corner of my desk and there is a stand that holds my laptop (closed) on the other corner. Both connect to an ultra wide monitor which supports split screen. Final piece is a Logitech bluetooth keyboard and mouse which supports multiple devices.

The left half of my monitor is typically showing my home machine, the right is work. Mouse and keyboard switch control between the two with a click of a button. Or I can hit the monitor menu to switch the monitor to just one of the computers full screen. I love the setup and find it very convenient.
by Traveller
Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085389

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The Italian Job (1969 version)

Hadn't seen it in ages. I have always loved older european cars so when I saw that it is on Prime Video this evening and I had a few hours to kill, I sat back and enjoyed the show.

Now here is a real treat for those of you who may have similar taste in cars. Watching the movie reminded me of a YouTube video I never got around to watching until now. Iain Tyrrell has a YouTube channel where he talks about repairing and restoring european classics, especially Lamborghinis. In this one, he drives the actual Muira from that movie along the same roads in the Alps as the opening scene. VERY enjoyable! There is much more, but I don't want to spoil it...
https://youtu.be/RKwW1_EUVkc
by Traveller
Sun Jan 10, 2021 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can a car have problem if you drive very little?
Replies: 34
Views: 3240

Re: Can a car have problem if you drive very little?

A lot of good advise in this thread: Battery tender, fresh gas / stabilizer, check for mouse nest in air box, and take it on longer drives at least monthly.
Jack FFR1846 wrote: Sun Jan 10, 2021 7:01 pm ...
I would also worry about mice. There are a number of things I do to discourage them.
Based on your username, I think you'll appreciate that a few months ago I found signs (in the form of sunflower seed husks) that a mouse had taken up residence in the bell housing of FFR#9673. I hate mice...