Search found 116 matches

by krannerd
Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TAX loss Harvesting: Gym equipment, suppliments
Replies: 10
Views: 755

Re: TAX loss Harvesting: Gym equipment, suppliments

For the equipment....craigslist. weights have a reasonable price per pound. It will be a loss....but better than donation.

For the supplements. Good luck.
by krannerd
Fri Jan 17, 2020 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Non-Deductible TIRA Contributions - Income minimum?
Replies: 1
Views: 185

Non-Deductible TIRA Contributions - Income minimum?

Seeking confirmation about contributing to a non-deductible TIRA (before converting to a Roth).

Is there an income minimum for contributing? I thought the minimum income required was at least the value of the contribution made.

My personal financial situation is MFJ and I have a working spouse. Her income exceeds the MAGI limits for ROTH contributions and I plan to earn $0 this year.

Hence, we both can contribute to a backdoor ROTH because her income is >$12,000.

Please advise if I am in error.

Edit: I've been to the Wiki and was not seeing the answer to this question in the TIRA or Backdoor sections.
by krannerd
Wed Oct 17, 2018 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of buying a brand new Toyota 4Runner TRD
Replies: 14
Views: 2317

Re: Thinking of buying a brand new Toyota 4Runner TRD

I was at the local Toyota dealer just yesterday. They had a beautiful blue TRD Pro Tacoma. On the sticker there was a $5,000 "market adjustment" on top of MSRP. Sales guy's comment is that the TRD Pro sell so fast, they won't consider budging from their price.

Not sure if they would never budge...but seems like some people will pay well above sticker for just the right vehicle.
by krannerd
Fri Aug 03, 2018 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: weekender bag?
Replies: 30
Views: 3710

Re: weekender bag?

I'm in the Tom Bihn cult. Well built, looks good and holds a ton of stuff.

I have the tri-star...fits in the overhead bin of any RJ and fits under the seat of a mainline aircraft. I can get 4 days of clothes and a laptop in there.

Highly recommend.
by krannerd
Wed May 02, 2018 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nontraditional Cruising
Replies: 21
Views: 3589

Re: Nontraditional Cruising

I did 6 days in the Galapagos with Lindblad (affiliated with National Geographic). The cruise was as active as you wanted to be with snorkeling, hiking, kayaking. There were many shore excursions with knowledgeable guides and even lectures on topics of interest. The food was very good (so you could just eat and drink your way through the islands, if you wanted to).
by krannerd
Wed May 02, 2018 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are bonus and equity pro-rated at lay off?
Replies: 16
Views: 3479

Re: Are bonus and equity pro-rated at lay off?

It depends on your company policy. HR should have a summary policy description which answers those questions.

Some also have additional benefits if you're laid off as part of an acquisition.
by krannerd
Thu Apr 05, 2018 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tequila and Magaritas
Replies: 138
Views: 21309

Re: Tequila and Magaritas

I tend to go with more value priced ingredients (Cuervo/Sauza for Tequila and DeKuyper/Mr.Boston for Triple Sec) for Margaritas. I've experimented with the higher quality liquors and don't find that the drink tastes any better.

The quality of the mix is important and I serve a "lite" mix (Cuervo, I think) with a splash of Rose's sweet lime to up the lime flavor.

Hope this helps.
by krannerd
Tue Mar 06, 2018 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401k contribution strategy
Replies: 3
Views: 945

401k contribution strategy

I'm seeking advice on a contribution strategy for my 401k. My employment with current company will be ending on June 30 and employment with a new company is not yet determined. I'm trying to think about how to put myself in a position to fully fund a 401k this year but also leave space for future employer match. Your feedback is requested on options below (or make up your own...I'm open to different ideas) Option 1: Fully fund 401k by June 30 and potentially forego later funding. Downside is that I may miss some sort of match with a future employer Option 2: Fund 401k at current contribution rate and try to make up the funding with new employer. Downside is that it may be tricky to participate in a new plan toward the end of the year...or m...
by krannerd
Mon Feb 05, 2018 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity IRA to Roth IRA wait time?
Replies: 8
Views: 2291

Re: Fidelity IRA to Roth IRA wait time?

My experience is that there is 1 full business day between funding an IRA and being able to convert....the same for time that the conversion takes.

So, of you funded the IRA today , you can convert on Wednesday. And you,could purchase funds in the converted IRA on Friday.
by krannerd
Sun Dec 24, 2017 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: European Cities that don't interest you
Replies: 187
Views: 18481

Re: European Cities that don't interest you

I did not care for Madrid. The night life wasn't a draw and I don't like having dinner at 10PM. There was some interesting architecture, but not enough to keep my interest.

I was there for a week (school related) and would not go back.
by krannerd
Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW Z3 or Z4 or nothing at all?
Replies: 82
Views: 17430

Re: BMW Z3 or Z4 or nothing at all?

I had a 2004 Z4 3.0 for 6 years. It was a complete blast to drive and was generally trouble free. This car was therapy for me to drive to/from work. Living in AZ, the top was down at least 1 way to/from the office for 9 months out of the year. My wife did not like it as it sat too low for her and she wouldn't drive a manual transmission car. Some overlooked plusses: --The trunk was HUGE for a car that size. I could get a 60 quart cooler in the back...or my mother in law's 1970's era suitcases. --The top was very well done with a glass rear window and could go up / down in about 15 seconds (maybe that's common now...but was an upgrade from the Z3 with plastic rear window) --The 3.0 was more than enough power to have fun and not so much that ...
by krannerd
Mon Mar 27, 2017 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: China Trip - Visa Expediter?
Replies: 26
Views: 3000

Re: China Trip - Visa Expediter?

I've used CIBT for my work related visas to China. It was quite seamless. They now offer a service ($$) where they'll print digital pictures for you instead of having to go get a specific passport photo. I'm not sure of the rates for this service, but it's $200+ (depending on timing that you need).

Pricing is always up front and transparent. I've never had an issue with them. It's totally worth it as my employer was paying. If I had to pay for it myself, I'd probably do it so that I didn't have to travel somewhere.

Hope this helps.
by krannerd
Tue Mar 21, 2017 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term unemployment planning
Replies: 61
Views: 5548

Re: Long term unemployment planning

OP, Based on the numbers you provide, I think you could hold out almost indefinitely in an unemployed state. Unemployment in Illinois will pay out $613 for you and child weekly (and possibly an additional $419 for your working spouse...not sure about total family benefits allowed). So...best case you could bring in $4128 / month from unemployment for 26 weeks (out of each 52 week period). Reduce that for tax withholdings (15%) and you're at $3508 / month. Info from http://www.ides.illinois.gov/Pages/Unemployment%20Insurance.aspx So, if you've got a $60k EF that you burn at $3k/month (after expense reduction), you've got 20 months there. Plus ~6 months of unemployment. IMO...the best way prepare for long term unemployment...reduce expenses a...
by krannerd
Sat Jan 07, 2017 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom is colder than rest of house. Radiator heating question.
Replies: 70
Views: 11031

Re: Bedroom is colder than rest of house. Radiator heating question.

What is the water pressure setting for your boiler? I have a 70's vintage boiler and the water pressure greatly affects upstairs temps.

If upstairs is cold, I add water. If it's hot, I wait for the pressure to drop.

Realize that you have a newer boiler....Any chance that a tune up would help?

Another option....If you have convection radiators...You can close off some of them on the main floor. It will decrease the amount of heat there.
by krannerd
Thu Jan 05, 2017 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: spousal disagreement over how much house to buy
Replies: 99
Views: 10066

Re: spousal disagreement over how much house to buy

What will happen if the person with the largest salary loses their job? Will you be able to make the house payment and associated costs without touching emergency? OP, I'm going to 2nd this sentiment. My wife and I bought a nice house that we could afford on 1 income (even though we were both working). I lost my job 3 months ago and have not lost sleep worrying about where the next mortgage payment would come from. Having a big fancy house sure is nice (and my wife would like a bigger and fancier one)...but having big enough and fancy enough with cash left over is SO much nicer to me (and she's come around to this way of thinking). My suggestion....keep shopping. You can probably afford your dream home...but what are you sacrificing for it...
by krannerd
Wed Jan 04, 2017 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to dress for winter vacation in Alberta
Replies: 45
Views: 4302

Re: How to dress for winter vacation in Alberta

You should dress for the activities that you're planning to undertake while on vacation. Minnesotan here who spends time outside in the winter....and I've got multiple layers of different gear depending on activity. Basically: layers, layers, layers. Wicking undergarments if you're going to sweat at all (and even if you're not). Wind blocking layer. Cover all exposed skin that you don't want to have freeze and fall off. Sounds like you're from Texas....not sure if you've been in -20F before....but, it's cold....like "your nose freezes when you inhale" cold. If you're going to be sitting by the fire and spending minimal time outside (you could get away with less): --A nice big coat...hopefully rated to -30 or so. Extends down to mi...
by krannerd
Thu Dec 08, 2016 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Current Market rally
Replies: 61
Views: 10380

Re: Current Market rally

sometimesinvestor wrote:At current levels I don't particularly want to buy stocks or bonds.
I've been worried about both stocks and bonds being overvalued for years now...everything is always too expensive and doomed to drop in value soon. Luckily, I continued to plow along with automatic investments according to my asset allocation plan and have reaped the rewards.

To the OP, I don't know where this is going but have everything allocated about as well as I can with a healthy EF. Wake me up when something happens.
by krannerd
Wed Dec 07, 2016 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I fill out survey evaluation of my boss?
Replies: 53
Views: 8345

Re: Should I fill out survey evaluation of my boss?

Agree with the posters above that suggest you complete the survey with information that you would say publicly and have on the record. I avoid these whenever possible and put in only the minimum when asked.

It sounds like this is a small survey for your department only. If administered by HR, I wouldn't say much. If this is a 1 on 1 meeting with your boss's boss, I would open up a little more (and I've done so without repercussion in the past). I've found that skip-level meetings are OK for providing fair and honest feedback.
by krannerd
Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any particular oven toaster you prefer????
Replies: 23
Views: 3809

Re: Any particular oven toaster you preffer????

lazydavid wrote:I've had two of this Cuisinart model over the past fifteen years. .
My wife got me one of these for Christmas years ago....not a big fan of it. Toasting is slow (3-4 minutes) and results are uneven. It's good for cooking things on Thanksgiving and reheating pizza....but, it was unnecessarily expensive. It does heat up much more quickly than the big oven and doesn't heat up the house.

I had a $40 Oster model in mind (or something similar)...I don't really see the benefits of spending this much money on a toaster oven.
by krannerd
Fri Dec 02, 2016 11:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What percentage of international do you hold?
Replies: 127
Views: 12039

Re: What percentage of international do you hold?

International Equity: 27% of all equity, 19% of total portfolio

International Bonds: 0%

Not sure how I got to my target of 25-30% international equity...but think I'll stay about here for a while. After reading this thread...seems like I'm in reasonable company.
by krannerd
Fri Dec 02, 2016 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CBP (INS) Global Entry program worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 7589

Re: CBP (INS) Global Entry program worth it?

Totally worth it...and the PreCheck benefits are very nice.

A few years ago, I did an international to domestic transit at LAX in 30 minutes (from deplanement to through security 2 terminals away). Basically, I walked up to the Global Entry kiosk, was done there in 30 seconds, handed my printout to the CBP officer on the way out the door and was through the domestic security 15 minutes later (most of that time was walking).

I just renewed my membership for another 5 years...no interview required this time.
by krannerd
Wed Nov 09, 2016 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: India to Replace Largest Bank Notes
Replies: 20
Views: 3767

Re: India to Replace Largest Bank Notes

TroyMcClure wrote: I can't think of any legitimate bank or financial institution that would either buy or sell rupees outside of India since that is also de facto illegal.
Funny that you say this as my local Wells Fargo bank branch is more than willing to order some for me from their foreign exchange desk. I think that Bank of America did the same thing a few years ago as well. Last purchase that I made....5000INR maybe?

Checked with my home FX bank and found that I'm going to be out 500INR in a few days....dang.
by krannerd
Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Househould spending analysis
Replies: 17
Views: 3552

Re: Househould spending analysis

For reducing insurance spend....you can raise deductibles. This assumes that you have enough cash on hand.

I've shopped around for a little bit, but have been with State Farm for 20+ years and it's difficult to get other insurers to be close to what I'm paying for home and auto now.

Are you interested in money saving projects? My biggest winner was insulating my house (cold winters in MN). This dropped my gas bill by $500 for the season and electric went down as well. Payback on the project was 4 years....but comfort is up too.

I noticed you didn't include a mortgage in your analysis...thought about a refi? I've seen 15 yr no-cost refi's at 2.875%.
by krannerd
Sat Oct 29, 2016 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nanny Tax?
Replies: 26
Views: 7290

Re: Nanny Tax?

I'm in MN and used a local tax prep (bergstrom tax) firm in SW minneapolis to prepare our documents and tax forms. We paid her via bank transfer weekly and paid the taxes quarterly.

I think the costs were $40 per quarter and they knew how to navigate the state agencies.

Hope this helps.
by krannerd
Fri Oct 07, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with Pension / 401k options
Replies: 2
Views: 614

Help with Pension / 401k options

Hello All, I've recently ended my relationship with a long term employer and am seeking guidance on options for what to do with my 401k and pension. I'm 39, married and in good financial shape overall (good e-fund, LBYM, etc). 401k: I have good fund choices with low expense ratios. I plan to keep this 401k with the existing MegaCorp for now. Have not confirmed with the company that I cannot do this (but calling them today). Eventual plan will be to roll into a new employer's 401k provided the options are good and expenses low. Pension: I have the option of taking a lump sum now (or later) or using the pension as normal upon retirement. Given the time frame until my retirement, I am leaning towards taking the lump sum (~$100k) and trying to ...
by krannerd
Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on snowblower
Replies: 62
Views: 7848

Re: Advice on snowblower

Minneapolitan here. Have a 2 stage Ariens and it's almost overkill. I've got a corner lot in the city and a 2 car drive....about 1000 sq ft of surface. Comments about my machine: --it's too heavy for me to transport for repair --it leaves a small layer of snow on the concrete that I shovel...sometimes --it completely mows down the plow berm in my driveway and on the corner --it will destroy chunky snowpiles and throw them across the street (if necessary) --it turns in a pretty tight radius but still requires a lot of effort to move around. In retrospect, I'd rather have a stout single stage machine that I can use more regularly. I only breakout the monster for 4" or more because it's just a beast. Not sure what type / amount of snow yo...
by krannerd
Fri Sep 16, 2016 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which city for part time home during retirement?
Replies: 86
Views: 13722

Re: Which city for part time home during retirement?

Tucson AZ 1- Affordable: I think $400k gets you quite a bit there (depending on neighborhood). 2- Liberal leaning city: Typically elect democrats to state office and much more liberal than Phoenix. Not terribly liberal, but left of center 3- Weather: Winter is awesome! Sunny, dry, 50's during the day. Snows in the mountains and can get below freezing at night in the foothills...really only in January. 4- Walkable and near trees/hiking: Downtown is walkable and hiking is very near. Would still probably want a car. 5- Near culture: Plenty of culture, museums, etc. No pro sports...and I think MLB spring training is gone. 6- Has healthy options for food & groceries: Winter veggie prices are rock bottom. Lots of healthy options 7- Airport: T...
by krannerd
Wed Aug 03, 2016 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Community Solar [Should I buy a solar farm]
Replies: 13
Views: 1805

Re: Community Solar [Should I buy a solar farm]

I also live in MN and have been blanketed with ads for community solar. Incentives expire this year which explains the marketing blitz. I have read that there are concerns about the viability of the organizations that provide the solar energy. The 25 year contract is what worries me the most about this.

Given the modest expected savings for me ($35/mo)...there is too much uncertainty for me. I like the idea...but I am not an early adopter.

Hope this helps.
by krannerd
Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Winter Tires: Yay or Nay
Replies: 105
Views: 12769

Re: Winter Tires: Yay or Nay

Minneapolis here....have AWD and run winter tires for ice performance. When it's -20 for a week and the city's a hockey rink, I like to be able to start and stop more effectively. My wife has FWD and all season tires...huge difference.

If you were concerned about the tires....late spring is usually a good time to find them on craigslist. I got my set from a friend who was leaving town. I also have a spare set of rims on which the tires are mounted....changeover and full tire cleaning is 45 minutes at Thanksgiving and Easter (or thereabouts).
by krannerd
Sun Jun 19, 2016 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to dispose of an inorganic chemical kit?
Replies: 35
Views: 5982

Re: How to dispose of an inorganic chemical kit?

Check your county or city website. Many have hazardous waste drop off locations.

You can also Google your city and hazardous waste.....there are sometimes specific days that you can leave these by your trash can.
by krannerd
Mon Jun 13, 2016 10:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your overall portfolio weighted expense ratio
Replies: 333
Views: 43873

Re: What is your overall portfolio weighted expense ratio

0.11% including all investments. My worst fund is 0.26% (small cap fund in the 401k...working to get rid of this).
by krannerd
Mon Jun 13, 2016 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many activities for your kids?
Replies: 70
Views: 15114

Re: How many activities for your kids?

I've got a 4 year old...not going to over-subscribe him.

Last month, he was in swim lessons as the Y for 2 days a week at 30 min each...it's a 5 minute drive. This month, he's playing T-ball at the park 3 blocks away 2 nights a week.

1 activity at a time is about right for us. If he eventually turns out to have a talent for something and may benefit from something more intense...then great. But, no way are we going to do 3 activities at the same time....with travel....expense...etc.
by krannerd
Mon Jun 13, 2016 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Brooklyn Bedding or Bed in a box anyone?
Replies: 8
Views: 1727

Re: Brooklyn Bedding or Bed in a box anyone?

Bought from Brooklyn 6 weeks ago. Good experience and nice product. I got a firm mattress...and it is FIRM.

Get 5%off with a code from mattress underground.

Requires 2 people to move the box.
by krannerd
Fri Jun 03, 2016 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roofing replacement
Replies: 15
Views: 2546

Re: Roofing replacement

My recommendation....get more quotes. The one contractor you spoke with may only be interested in full replacements and not repairs. You will find others who have different opinions and willingness to work on your roof. You'll also see how much pricing can vary between contractors.
by krannerd
Fri May 27, 2016 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I want a house with a pool?
Replies: 96
Views: 12762

Re: Do I want a house with a pool?

Had a pool in Phoenix. It was wonderful. Maintained it my myself and costs were low. It's not hard if you check weekly.

In Minnesota now. No way do I want a pool.

Hope this helps.
by krannerd
Thu May 26, 2016 6:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What was your first investment?
Replies: 117
Views: 12084

Re: What was your first investment?

12 shares of Papa John's Pizza shortly after IPO. Gave it away a few years ago after it was up 2000%....cost basis adjusted was $2 a share and gave it away at $45.

All other investments since have been a disappointment. Hence, I am in index funds now.
by krannerd
Tue May 24, 2016 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on house
Replies: 12
Views: 1732

Re: Advice on house

Why not go on a "fishing expedition" with your current house? You could have several realtors provide you with estimates of the value of your house and compete over their commission. Based on that information of potential sales prices...you could check out alternate neighborhoods and see what you could get for your budget.

Then you can assess for yourself if the threat of powerlines in 5-7 years is worth $xx,xxx.

In terms of your concern about buying another house where something like this will happen...unforeseeable. And, since you're theoretically selling into an inflated market...hopefully your sold house will also be inflated as much.
by krannerd
Tue May 17, 2016 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bad experiences with Brooklyn Bedding mattress?
Replies: 36
Views: 16961

Re: Any bad experiences with Brooklyn Bedding mattress?

kgressler wrote:
krannerd wrote:Had a good experience.....got a firm queen...sleeps well. No complaints at all.

Moving the box in does require 2 people.
How long have you had it? Did you notice it softening as time went on?
10 days so far....too early to tell. However...it is firm. Little motion transfer when I move. The side of the bed squishes when I sit on it (as others mention).
by krannerd
Tue May 17, 2016 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bad experiences with Brooklyn Bedding mattress?
Replies: 36
Views: 16961

Re: Any bad experiences with Brooklyn Bedding mattress?

Had a good experience.....got a firm queen...sleeps well. No complaints at all.

Moving the box in does require 2 people.
by krannerd
Mon May 16, 2016 1:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What % do you have in alternatives? REITs, commodities, etc.)
Replies: 67
Views: 8578

Re: What % do you have in alternatives? REITs, commodities, etc.)

4% in REITs and 3% in commodities as part of a target date retirement fund.
by krannerd
Thu May 05, 2016 12:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many funds in your portfolio?
Replies: 99
Views: 14158

Re: How many funds in your portfolio?

12 funds / tickers
1 employer stock fund (tiny)
3 appreciated equity positions
2 Bond funds (different accounts)
1 S&P 500 Index
2 Small / Midcap US Index
1 Total US Index
1 International Index
1 Retirement Target Date fund

Down from 18 a few years ago. My target is to consolidate the 500 index and small cap index...and gift the equities away (over time). I think I can get to 6 funds.

My SO doesn't care much for this...but gets a quarterly report from me....and she has to do her backdoor ROTH annually to practice clicking on things.
by krannerd
Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So, are Bogleheads Bourbon or Scotch drinkers?
Replies: 115
Views: 18369

Re: So,are Bogleheads Bourbon or Scotch drinkers?

barnaclebob wrote:Yes...
Violently agree with this!
by krannerd
Fri Jan 29, 2016 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Boglehead Way of Employment
Replies: 82
Views: 12680

Re: The Boglehead Way of Employment

amitb00 wrote:I agree that health care - dentist/surgeons/physicians and other jobs like nursing etc are great. They pay well, are recesson proof and can't be off shored.
My dentist and I had a conversation about this...he noted that he (and his peers) are afflicted with repetitive stress injuries in their hands (from holding implements tightly all day). It sounds as if his work is really more labor than I had imagined earlier.

The takeaway is...dentistry requires physical effort that not everyone is capable of.
by krannerd
Fri Jan 29, 2016 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which news source do you use?
Replies: 67
Views: 8858

Re: Which news source do you use?

My news habits reflect others who have already posted: NY Times, WSJ, Economist (paid subscriptions to all 3). My rationale is that I get the perspectives of the left, right and international journalists. My local paper (Star Tribune) is mainly wire reports, adverts and discussions of local notables.

I don't watch local or national news on TV...use CNN for breaking news...and NPR when in the car.
by krannerd
Sat Jan 23, 2016 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: improper furnace install from previous homeowner, what now?
Replies: 19
Views: 3445

Re: improper furnace install from previous homeowner, what now?

The furnace has been working just fine. However, it sits in a closet with a vented door, through which CO may leak from (which appears to violate current building code). None of the smoke detector/CO alarms have ever gone off though. I suggest getting a CO detector with a display that will read low levels of CO. A typical alarm will only sound after extended exposure to elevated levels....like 400ppm for 15 minutes...which is really crisis level. http://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/products/fire-safety/co-alarms/c3010d/ I have purchased the product above to measure CO near my 45 year old boiler. I have standard alarms elsewhere in the house, but use this one to monitor the boiler room. This unit can read down below 30ppm....as low as 9p...
by krannerd
Sun Jan 17, 2016 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your company 401k contribution
Replies: 105
Views: 10215

Re: What's your company 401k contribution

$0.75 for every $1.00 contributed up to 8% of salary after 8 years of service. The match is up to 4% for the first 8 years of service. We have good choices with reasonable fees...and the fees have declined in the last few years.

I am still covered under a pension that is not terribly generous...but it is unavailable to new employees and it is better than nothing.
by krannerd
Fri Dec 18, 2015 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For people with a MBA..when should I be looking to apply?
Replies: 30
Views: 3202

Re: For people with a MBA..when should I be looking to apply?

I started my MBA with 2 years of experience at a top 25 school. I think that 1 more year would have made a difference for me...more experience would have made the work more relevant. If you're planning on attending a Top 10 type school...even more experience may make you a more viable candidate.

I suggest taking the GMAT right away. You're still in an "academic" mindset and that seems to dissipate pretty quickly when you're not in school. Since the scores are valid for a few years, it doesn't hurt to take it more than once. Also, the technical material in the test may be fresher in your mind now than it will be in 2 years.
by krannerd
Sun Dec 06, 2015 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday tipping: letter carriers
Replies: 120
Views: 14730

Re: Holiday tipping: letter carriers

We have a letter carrier who is the primary carrier for our house. He's nice and friendly. One year he got a plate of Christmas cookies from us...said he loved the fudge...so, now he gets fudge each year.

I've not done this elsewhere...but our letter carrier is a neighborhood fixture and we treat him as we do other neighbors.
by krannerd
Sat Nov 28, 2015 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are suitcase locks worth it?
Replies: 44
Views: 6414

Re: Are suitcase locks worth it?

I do not have suitcase locks. One time, years ago, someone opened my bag after it was checked and put on someone else's lock by mistake.

I carry on anything of value...let the baggage thieves have my dirty clothes...on the rare occasion that I check a bag.

In seriousness...a slightly determined thief will not be deterred by a lock...and probably has a copy of the TSA key already.
by krannerd
Fri Nov 06, 2015 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 12 foot step laddder
Replies: 13
Views: 1570

Re: 12 foot step laddder

runner9 wrote:Think first about how big the ladder is in it's closed position, and if/how to angle that into the house and up. My house is much smaller, but no way could I get my 24 foot extension ladder in through the door without hitting a wall.
This! I have an 8' step and it is a pain...bouncing off of ceilings and hard to navigate through doors.

The collapseable ones sound like a good idea.