Search found 830 matches

by tainted-meat
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 25
Views: 2763

Re: Moving in retirement.

Could you sell the land and carve out an area to keep the house?
by tainted-meat
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Continue with lease or sell industrial property?
Replies: 5
Views: 660

Re: Continue with lease or sell industrial property?

I would keep it. 60k a year is good income and as you said, the property could be worth substantially more.
by tainted-meat
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 145
Views: 12478

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

The Wal-Mart Marketside pizzas that are refrigerated (not frozen) are solid. Crust is just right - not too thick or thin. I like the Supreme ones.

$10.50 for an extra large Supreme and I don't feel all salted out afterwards.
by tainted-meat
Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions on where to move?
Replies: 135
Views: 10686

Re: Suggestions on where to move?

I see you've input several college towns as options. Bloomington, IN is a great spot.

Might I suggest, Louisville, KY. The culinary scene is impressive, bourbon is here and if you like the outdoors, the primary park system was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed Central Park).

Coming from the PNW, it's very affordable.

It's less than a 5 hour drive to Chicago.
by tainted-meat
Mon Jan 22, 2024 6:51 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 41888

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Happy Birthday, Taylor - I've learned a LOT from you!
by tainted-meat
Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2835

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

I've found running is very individual.

I keep my runs to 3 miles, even though I could go much further.

Why? Because it allows me to run every day if I want' to without a lot of pain.

If I try to run 8 miles like you say, I could do it, but then I would feel some pain and have to take a few days off.
by tainted-meat
Wed Jan 17, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy/Rent house and sell/rent existing house in same city
Replies: 17
Views: 1058

Re: Buy/Rent house and sell/rent existing house in same city

If you plan to move back, I would lean towards keeping the house as you have a very low interest rate that can't be replicated in today's market.
by tainted-meat
Wed Jan 17, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?
Replies: 75
Views: 7040

Re: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?

I'd check with a therapist to talk to about the stress. Does your employer offer an EAP program?
by tainted-meat
Tue Sep 05, 2023 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cute small towns
Replies: 100
Views: 13429

Re: cute small towns

Tons of great little towns all over Kentucky - my favorites below...

Versailles, KY - "I'll show you some horses" - Cormac McCarthy
Danville, KY - Centre College makes it a neat little college town
Berea, KY - Same as above with a neat view from the top of the hill (Berea College)
Bardstown, KY - Bourbon Central
by tainted-meat
Fri Jan 06, 2023 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?
Replies: 68
Views: 7848

Re: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?

in my experience, anything with arabica beans is usually good.

my personal favorites:

8'oclock brand 'The Original' flavor - bought at Walmart
Community Coffee brand 'Cafe Special' flavor - bought at Walmart
Tim Horton's 'Original Blend' bought at Costco
by tainted-meat
Thu Dec 29, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Annual Termite Inspections
Replies: 11
Views: 953

Re: Annual Termite Inspections

There are different types of termite and some are more common than others depending on the area of the country you reside. Drywood termites are primarily in the US South and West and are hard to detect because they live inside the wood. Subterranean termites have a larger range (much of Continental US) and have the tell-tale tubes. Look for wings that were shed in both cases. One other thing to keep an eye on is Carpenter Ants. These like to squeeze through cracks in brick or concrete and many times you can see their trail entering and exiting. I found that bait traps work best for Carpenter ants as they eat the bait and take it back to the nest. In my opinion, a local yearly inspection is a good idea. If you don't want to pay for it then l...
by tainted-meat
Wed Sep 28, 2022 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pool table stay or go when selling a house?
Replies: 53
Views: 6419

Re: Pool table stay or go when selling a house?

If I was the buyer, I would absolutely want the table.
by tainted-meat
Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying New Subaru in Seattle Area
Replies: 8
Views: 1756

Re: Buying New Subaru in Seattle Area

I am not in the Seattle area but I can tell you I inquired through the Costco program and was offered a Subaru Outback with 2K off MSRP from a dealer a couple hours away.
by tainted-meat
Sun Jul 17, 2022 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay down mortgage or invest?- Yes one more time.
Replies: 22
Views: 2679

Re: Pay down mortgage or invest?- Yes one more time.

I would invest in taxable over paying down that loan. Having a 3% mortgage in this inflationary environment is a wonderful hedge.

Assuming yahoo finance is correct VXUS is showing a 3.28% Dividend yield which is greater than your interest rate.
by tainted-meat
Wed May 18, 2022 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!
Replies: 377
Views: 84212

Re: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!

I was just thinking about this last night, looking at our beautiful clay tennis court which is largely unused . . . I think I’ll reach out to the guy who opens/closes the court to see how much effort it would be to replace it with pickleball. My wife and I started trying to learn tennis when we bought the house a few years ago, but frankly, learning tennis at age 70 is a tough road. The clay is good on our knees, but arthritis/health for both of us makes tennis tough (eg, an old frozen shoulder makes serving something I don’t even try). My wife was thinking of turning the tennis court into a chicken coop, but I think pickleball would be better. How easy is it to play singles? We have some neighbors who might be available to play doubles. D...
by tainted-meat
Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mole Problem in Yard
Replies: 75
Views: 6660

Re: Mole Problem in Yard

The problem with eliminating the mole food source (e.g. by chemicals) is that it would necessitate you also eliminating earthworms.

Eliminating earthworms is a bad idea for lawn health.
by tainted-meat
Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mole Problem in Yard
Replies: 75
Views: 6660

Re: Mole Problem in Yard

Don't use poison.

I've had success using two scissor traps (place on the same run several feet apart).

I learned by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nDlvnK9iwg
by tainted-meat
Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Long Would You Stay in a Boring Government Job?
Replies: 114
Views: 12002

Re: How Long Would You Stay in a Boring Government Job?

A boring job that pays 100K sounds pretty good. It also allows you the opportunity to do the private practice work that you like. Perhaps if you left the government job you might have to take on cases that you don't like as much. You are in a position to be choosy when it comes to your private practice. If you rely solely on that income maybe you can't be so choosy anymore.
by tainted-meat
Thu Mar 11, 2021 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving to Orange County or Poway.
Replies: 25
Views: 2287

Re: Moving to Orange County or Poway.

One thing to keep in mind is that Yorba Linda is not that close to the beach - I'd pass.
by tainted-meat
Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a house in NJ...Huge mistake?
Replies: 55
Views: 9014

Re: Buying a house in NJ...Huge mistake?

Where would you find something to rent that would be anything similar to this property and monthly payment in NJ. A house that costs $410K is very reasonable for two people working in professional jobs.

The anxiety is normal and I felt it when I bought my 1950's era home. The materials from that time are just better and homes were better constructed. Good luck with your purchase and trust yourself that you are making the right decision.

Also remember - smaller house means typically less maintenance and certainly less heating/cooling costs (less to clean, too!).
by tainted-meat
Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite non fiction book?
Replies: 152
Views: 13443

Re: What is your favorite non fiction book?

Under 500 pages - Lincoln the Unknown by Dale Carnegie

Any - James K Polk A Country of Vast Designs by Robert Merry

The Admirals by Walter Borneman
by tainted-meat
Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:33 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: The front page is ugly
Replies: 226
Views: 36862

Re: The front page is ugly

I love the front page and how basic and fast it loads. Many sites I used to visit run too slowly because of the flashy upgrades.
by tainted-meat
Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are Job Gaps Always a Resume Killer?
Replies: 33
Views: 3380

Re: Are Job Gaps Always a Resume Killer?

I would also recommend ensuring health insurance needs are covered.
by tainted-meat
Tue Feb 02, 2021 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stay in job or Lose $420k?
Replies: 37
Views: 5645

Re: Stay in job or Lose $420k?

For that kid of money I would stick it out. But then again, I don't make that kind of money.
by tainted-meat
Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flipped out on Home Depot employee
Replies: 44
Views: 3641

Re: Flipped out on Home Depot employee

Request to un-ban yourself from Home Depot approved.
by tainted-meat
Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks are undervalued!
Replies: 122
Views: 15644

Re: International stocks are undervalued!

abuss368 wrote: Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:30 pm Has anyone consider International Real Estate compared to US Real Estate?

Larry Swedroe has long said International REITs present a more compelling value than US REITs.

Best.
Tony
I’m interested in that, what index funds are available? (At Fidelity)
by tainted-meat
Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does your company offer after-tax 401k contributions?
Replies: 31
Views: 2759

Re: Does your company offer after-tax 401k contributions?

MathWizard wrote: Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:26 pm
sailaway wrote: Sun Jan 03, 2021 8:29 pm
DRC67 wrote: Sun Jan 03, 2021 8:24 pm The company I work for has our 401K through Vanguard. We are able to do both, a traditional 401K and a Roth 401K. My employer does a 5% match.
The OP is asking about a 3rd option: non Roth after tax contributions.

Why would there be such an option? Wouldn't that just be a Roth 401k (or 403b or 457b depending on employment type).

Is there an after tax retirement contribution in the tax code other than a Roth style.
The Roth 401K is different than the After Tax option. The after tax option (depending on the plan) allows you to go over 50k in total contributions per year to retirement. The really good plans let you do that and then also do in-service rollovers to a Roth IRA
by tainted-meat
Sat Jan 02, 2021 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement windows
Replies: 29
Views: 3757

Re: Replacement windows

ClevrChico wrote: Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:37 pm I opted for new, modern storm windows over replacing the primary windows. It made a world of difference at a fraction of the cost.
Did the same about 4 yrs ago and would do it again.
by tainted-meat
Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Public vs Private Sector Employment
Replies: 101
Views: 7276

Re: Public vs Private Sector Employment

I’d keep doing your current job. That pension, especially if it includes healthcare benefits is really valuable.
by tainted-meat
Sat Dec 12, 2020 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Retire?
Replies: 262
Views: 29082

Re: Where to Retire?

Kentucky has a homestead act that lowers property tax for seniors. It also has a state income tax exclusion up to a certain level of retirement income.

Sales tax is 6% and does not tax groceries.

Tons of outdoor stuff to do year-round.
by tainted-meat
Fri Dec 11, 2020 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy to buy this house?
Replies: 25
Views: 2101

Re: Am I crazy to buy this house?

You have the money for it, easily.
by tainted-meat
Tue Dec 08, 2020 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dentist/Dental hygienist? (in times of COVID)
Replies: 48
Views: 4967

Re: Dentist/Dental hygienist? (in times of COVID)

I've gone to the dentist twice during pandemic times (May and about 3 weeks ago). No COVID yet that I'm aware of.
by tainted-meat
Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I feel like my friend is about to make a massive financial mistake
Replies: 153
Views: 24950

Re: I feel like my friend is about to make a massive financial mistake

If I was about to make a really bad decision I hope someone would tell me about it! There's casual ways to say it if your buddy brings it up... I'd respond 'man that sounds really risky, I like to buys stock index mutual funds and hold them forever...I like buying things that make money and don't make me work...
by tainted-meat
Thu Dec 03, 2020 7:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Impossibility of retirement when there is inflation
Replies: 11
Views: 1683

Re: Impossibility of retirement when there is inflation

Assuming your investments keep pace or outpace inflation I don’t see the problem.
by tainted-meat
Sun Oct 18, 2020 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get a ping pong table?
Replies: 75
Views: 5353

Re: Should I get a ping pong table?

I loved the ping pong table when I was a kid, then later the pool table as I got older.

I don't have room for either now but if I did I'd absolutely have either or both!
by tainted-meat
Fri Oct 09, 2020 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Choosing a career
Replies: 112
Views: 8938

Re: Choosing a career

Be a doctor or a salesperson and you'll be employed forever.
by tainted-meat
Wed Oct 07, 2020 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Peanut Butter With Little or No Added Sugar
Replies: 81
Views: 6822

Re: Recommendations for Peanut Butter With Little or No Added Sugar

Smucker's all natural peanut butter.

Kroger natural peanut butter.

We buy a lot of both
by tainted-meat
Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kids back to On Campus School - Would you ?
Replies: 46
Views: 2798

Re: Kids back to On Campus School - Would you ?

Yes I would send them to in-person classes.. wish I had the option here for mine but remote learning is our only option.
by tainted-meat
Thu Sep 17, 2020 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Offer
Replies: 27
Views: 2491

Re: Job Offer

Not sure if it's too late to respond... but here's my 2 cents being in sales at the same company for over a decade after progressing from other roles:

At the current company, you know how to make money. At the new company, it may take some time before you know how to make the big $$.

If it's truly a lateral, I don't think it's a great move as you may not make the big $$ immediately like you are right now.

People come into the company I work at with successful sales experience, but they don't know how to navigate the organization and many end up quitting because of this.

I'd pass on this opportunity. Good luck!
by tainted-meat
Tue Sep 08, 2020 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Managing Indoor Humidity
Replies: 62
Views: 4530

Re: Managing Indoor Humidity

I'm in KY so not quite as hot or humid as SC but similar rules will probably apply.

I run regular A/C on main and 2nd floor.

In the basement, I run a de-humidifier during the months when the A/C is running - empty every day.

Hope that helps.
by tainted-meat
Sun Aug 30, 2020 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life change after laid off?
Replies: 30
Views: 3987

Re: Life change after laid off?

kelway wrote: Sun Aug 30, 2020 9:25 am
hi_there wrote: Sat Aug 29, 2020 7:54 pm
It will be relevant to note that my wife and I have a bit over $6 million of liquid assets in stocks and funds.
Yep. That's good and relevant. Consider that you're at my dream finish line. It's time to see the world and slow travel and drink coffee and enjoy many indian buffets and whatever else you can!
Buffets are so 2019
by tainted-meat
Sat Aug 15, 2020 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much house to buy in Seattle?
Replies: 33
Views: 4248

Re: How much house to buy in Seattle?

You can pay that sure but to be FI ASAP would be a bad idea and conflict with your FI goal.
by tainted-meat
Thu Jul 30, 2020 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing appliances--buy dumb
Replies: 53
Views: 7003

Re: Replacing appliances--buy dumb

I agree with this - I did the same with a dryer.

Also, I had a self propelled lawn mower that was a pain to start and when started could hardly mow through thick grass. I bought a $130 'basic' lawn mower and that thing runs through everything. 4th season using it on a large lawn and still going strong.
by tainted-meat
Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Screened in porch - Yay or Nay
Replies: 47
Views: 6089

Re: Screened in porch - Yay or Nay

I have a screened in porch and love it, especially in fall and the spring.

Put a nice light and fan in there and use it as a nice spot to read :happy
by tainted-meat
Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on a more livable place
Replies: 145
Views: 14815

Re: Advice on a more livable place

Personally I like Louisville, KY quite a bit, so can recommend it.

Also, check out Fishers, Noblesville and Carmel (Hamilton County) near Indianapolis, IN.
by tainted-meat
Fri Jul 17, 2020 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else love this new working from home thing?
Replies: 89
Views: 8092

Re: Anyone else love this new working from home thing?

I've worked from home / traveled for a decade. I don't think I could go back to an office job.
by tainted-meat
Tue Jun 02, 2020 8:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Equity Investors: What are you holding?
Replies: 30
Views: 3565

Re: 100% Equity Investors: What are you holding?

Rough estimates:

35% S&P 500
40% Total International
15% Emerging Market (in addition to Total International which also has emerging markets)
10% Small & Mid Cap
by tainted-meat
Wed May 20, 2020 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what to do about 1000s of dandelions/weeds?
Replies: 60
Views: 6058

Re: what to do about 1000s of dandelions/weeds?

Watch the youtube videos from Allyn Hane (The Lawn Care Nut) and/or buy his cool season guide for $25 or so. Follow the plan and your yard will look progressively better over time.

Milorganite is a fertilizer. You need something to kill the weeds but not the grass - think Ortho Weed B Gone.
by tainted-meat
Sun May 17, 2020 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alternatives to Craftsman Tools
Replies: 98
Views: 10484

Re: Alternatives to Craftsman Tools

I have a Napa toolset that says made in USA and works well for my needs. I bought it almost 20 years ago so not sure if they are still made in USA or not.