Search found 267 matches

by slayed
Mon Aug 19, 2019 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: RV purchase ?
Replies: 86
Views: 8360

Re: RV purchase ?

I would suggest a conversion van instead of a trailer. Something like what they sell here: https://sportsmobile.com/

Your family will be more comfortable, they are easier to drive, and you can go places where large trailers cannot.
by slayed
Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net-worth rule of thumb for house purchase?
Replies: 123
Views: 8057

Re: Net-worth rule of thumb for house purchase?

rbaldini wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:32 pm
But I don't know of any rules of thumb regarding net worth - e.g. don't buy a house whose value exceeds some factor of your net worth. One could imagine all sorts of formulas. Maybe those are around and I've just forgotten about them.
There are no good rules of thumb for this because once you have a reasonable emergency fund it is your income that is important not your net worth.
by slayed
Wed Jul 24, 2019 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can we afford $600k home?
Replies: 98
Views: 9405

Re: Can we afford $600k home?

This purchase would entirely deplete your taxable account, seems too risky to me.
by slayed
Tue Mar 12, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Renting in Boston - how difficult with a pit bull?
Replies: 48
Views: 4558

Re: Renting in Boston - how difficult with a pit bull?

When I lived in Boston area (Cambridge) it was near impossible to find an apartment that would take my dog (I had a German Shepard), I imagine it will be even harder with a pit bull. When I finally found one it was in an owner-occupied 2 family home that wasn't in the best shape. Be prepared to settle for what you can get.
by slayed
Wed Mar 06, 2019 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Objective news source?
Replies: 69
Views: 6535

Re: Objective news source?

SerenityBlue wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2019 9:14 am Don't know how accurate this is but their rankings look correct from my perspective.
https://www.adfontesmedia.com/
That chart is ridiculous.
by slayed
Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the truth - paper towels vs. electric hand dryer?
Replies: 37
Views: 2943

Re: What is the truth - paper towels vs. electric hand dryer?

I always prefer paper towel because I can use it to open the door when leaving. washing is rather pointless otherwise if you have to grab a filthy door handle on your way out.
by slayed
Wed Aug 22, 2018 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Test your cognitive biases
Replies: 89
Views: 7248

Re: Test your cognitive biases

same here, got the "This is the highest score one can receive on this test."

i thought the questions were overly simplistic tbh.
by slayed
Tue Aug 21, 2018 2:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is a million really the benchmark for retirement
Replies: 153
Views: 27554

Re: Is a million really the benchmark for retirement

It is hard to have this discussion unless someone defines what a successful retirement means to them. For me, a retirement where I am just "not homeless", or where I have to shop for my clothes at Wal-Mart, or where I can't afford to travel unless I stay at a cheap motel, would not be a success. You of course do not need a lot of money (and certainly not 1 million dollars) to live out your later years as a pauper, but I doubt many on this board are planning for that kind of retirement.
by slayed
Fri Aug 17, 2018 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reckless driving ticket in VA-Help!
Replies: 124
Views: 10219

Re: Reckless driving ticket in VA-Help!

I had a similar ticket in 1999 in Va (89 in a 65 or something like that). Ignored it for a few years. Ended up just paying a fine online and that was it. It was 2003 when I had to settle the ticket because I was applying for my license in MA.
by slayed
Fri Aug 17, 2018 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: physics/math major looking for programmer/analyst job?
Replies: 111
Views: 13517

Re: physics/math major looking for programmer/analyst job?

What has he been doing for the past year?
by slayed
Wed Aug 15, 2018 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Odd situation.. How much down payment? 15/30 year loan? Should I sell taxable investments for the down payment?
Replies: 14
Views: 1161

Re: Odd situation.. How much down payment? 15/30 year loan? Should I sell taxable investments for the down payment?

This is a good opportunity to teach your parents a lesson. Take their $100k gift and buy the home and then sell it and pocket most of that $100k. Then keep renting. :sharebeer
by slayed
Wed Aug 15, 2018 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Brokerage checking: Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard
Replies: 36
Views: 6887

Re: Brokerage checking: Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard

I have been using the Fidelity CMA for a few years now. Very happy with it. Has all of the usual perks without any minimum balance requirement (free checks, ATM fee rebate, free bill pay, etc).
by slayed
Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Housing affordability - what is your take?
Replies: 74
Views: 10026

Re: Housing affordability - what is your take?

Prices are high because people are willing to spend a huge (and in my opinion unwise) percentage of their income on housing. Your choice is to either compete with them (and make the same poor decision) or move elsewhere.
by slayed
Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Turkey/Turkish Stocks down 32% - approaching 2008 levels
Replies: 106
Views: 14821

Re: Turkey/Turkish Stocks down 32% - approaching 2008 levels

Demographic trends in Turkey do not look good, I would stay away.
by slayed
Wed Aug 08, 2018 3:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If it were March, 2000, would you still allocate 50% to Stocks?
Replies: 94
Views: 6547

Re: If it were March, 2000, would you still allocate 50% to Stocks?

CraigTester wrote: Wed Aug 08, 2018 8:09 am
And by obvious extension, if you're currently sitting on enormous gains in your SP500 index fund, why not take profits?
Taxes.
by slayed
Tue Aug 07, 2018 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grind and Brew Coffee Makers - worth it?
Replies: 39
Views: 5382

Re: Grind and Brew Coffee Makers - worth it?

was considering the Miele CM6350 (it's the countertop version). anyone have a Miele and love it or hate it?
by slayed
Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coldness Pismo beach water
Replies: 24
Views: 2321

Re: if foggy go to Avila Beach

FB01 wrote: Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:20 pm
Socrates28 wrote: Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:13 pm lot nicer weather and nicer beach.....about 10 minutes North
like which one? Can you give the names?
probably talking about Morro Bay. water is cold there too though.
by slayed
Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DW job in dangerous area
Replies: 90
Views: 9743

Re: DW job in dangerous area

I would not take a job like that unless I was incredibly desperate. You make 200k, so no, I would not take it.
by slayed
Sun Jul 08, 2018 4:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Girls and investing
Replies: 115
Views: 8509

Re: Girls and investing

Poppy1234 wrote: Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:38 pm What does gender have to do with anything? Why isn’t the post titled “KIDS and investing”? I don’t even know what to say.
Girls and boys tend to learn and develop differently, especially at young ages.
by slayed
Thu Jun 28, 2018 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your debt interest rate threshold?
Replies: 57
Views: 4839

Re: What is your debt interest rate threshold?

I would not be in a hurry to pay off any debt with an interest rate that is less than the rate of inflation. Currently that is around 2.1%.
by slayed
Mon Jun 25, 2018 2:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Complain or Negative Review for Rip-off Plumber?
Replies: 29
Views: 3898

Re: Complain or Negative Review for Rip-off Plumber?

Did you use Yelp to find this plumber in the first place? I stopped using Yelp when I realized the extent to which reviews are manipulated.
by slayed
Wed Jun 13, 2018 4:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 1 Year Rule - Not allowed to execute new investment strategy until 1 year has passed
Replies: 27
Views: 3162

Re: 1 Year Rule - Not allowed to execute new investment strategy until 1 year has passed

JustinR wrote: Wed Jun 13, 2018 3:32 am It's said one of the worse things investors can do is constantly tinker with their investment strategy. It's hard to do when you keep reading about value tilts, emerging markets, REITs, US vs International, tax efficiency, etc.
I would argue it is even worse to stick with an investment strategy that is bad and/or inappropriate. There is nothing wrong with changing strategy if it is done for the right reason(s).
by slayed
Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: MD&P just purchased X / sold Y [md&pharmacist]
Replies: 198
Views: 19573

Re: MD&P just purchased X / sold Y [md&pharmacist]

Is this trading happening in a taxable account? If so then where are the taxes due coming from when you realize a gain?
by slayed
Sun Jun 03, 2018 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a physician work in tech while practicing as well?
Replies: 57
Views: 5971

Re: Can a physician work in tech while practicing as well?

jayk238 wrote: Sun Jun 03, 2018 8:56 am Maybe get a masters in engineering EE while working and focus on machine learning and big data for the hospital system. I plan to get a math degree too-
What value do you place on the degree(s)? Because you don't need to go to school to learn any of the above.
by slayed
Wed May 30, 2018 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My mind exploded
Replies: 79
Views: 6150

Re: My mind exploded

My 2 cents:

Don't let her know you snooped on her, it does nobody any good for her to know.
Stop snooping.
by slayed
Sun May 20, 2018 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wifi + wired device [updated]
Replies: 56
Views: 5064

Re: Wifi + wired device

Earl Lemongrab wrote: Sun May 20, 2018 12:47 pm
The only mention of the port in the manual is for setting up a separate network. The spec sheet just refers to it as a Gigabit ethernet port. Does it seem likely that it would serve the purpose?
Yes it is listed as wired to wireless adapter. It is probably also there as a setup option if you cant use WPS for whatever reason.
by slayed
Sat May 19, 2018 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What’s your phone/internet bill?
Replies: 92
Views: 9673

Re: What’s your phone/internet bill?

phone $35/mo (Cricket)
internet $40/mo for 150up/150down (Frontier)
by slayed
Thu May 03, 2018 11:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ed. Jones rep didn't like our plan, now we're locked out
Replies: 152
Views: 25004

Re: Ed. Jones rep didn't like our plan, now we're locked out

keepingitsimple wrote: Thu May 03, 2018 11:12 pm I’ve been reading Bogleheads for a few months (hands down best discovery I ever made) and have encouraged my parents to transfer their four stocks to Charles Schwab to sell and then invest the proceeds in Vanguard Funds through Schwab.
You should consider just buying the Schwab index funds if you are investing with Schwab. They have most (if not all) of the low cost index funds you would want and you won't pay any commissions.
by slayed
Mon Apr 23, 2018 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with wood countertops for kitchen / wet bar ?
Replies: 9
Views: 1920

Re: Experience with wood countertops for kitchen / wet bar ?

I would consider concrete as well... many, many options for finishes, epoxy, etc. You can even have a concrete countertop that looks like wood if you want.
by slayed
Mon Apr 23, 2018 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a home with water damage
Replies: 21
Views: 2986

Re: Buying a home with water damage

Walk away, don't even waste money on getting it inspected.
by slayed
Mon Apr 23, 2018 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Building a New Home (Talk me out of it!)
Replies: 61
Views: 7225

Re: Building a New Home (Talk me out of it!)

It usually doesn't make sense to overbuild for the neighborhood, you won't get a good return on the money you put into it.
by slayed
Thu Apr 19, 2018 1:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bill Bonner: what's your take?
Replies: 38
Views: 6171

Re: Bill Bonner: what's your take?

TreadLightly wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:32 am
we've got no problem throwing money into equities when we hit a downturn, but with BB swearing it's coming, it's hard to buy in without a clear dip.
we just had a dip in February and again in March (worst week in 2 years for US stocks), did you buy then? why not?
by slayed
Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy I-Bonds before May 1 or After?
Replies: 16
Views: 2561

Re: Buy I-Bonds before May 1 or After?

If fixed rate goes up i'll buy at end of May, otherwise i'll wait until end of the year.
by slayed
Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wanting to leave Fidelity
Replies: 97
Views: 17862

Re: Wanting to leave Fidelity

if you are not happy at Fidelity you probably won't be happy anywhere.
by slayed
Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Los Angeles Condo Purchase Advice
Replies: 53
Views: 5686

Re: Los Angeles Condo Purchase Advice

If you don't buy now, will the downpayment gift be available to you in the future when you do buy? If not, then I would buy, to not lose the "free" 235k you are getting from her parents.
by slayed
Sat Mar 17, 2018 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24339

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

I went through this same process in 2016 when shopping for my SUV. Went with the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with the Tech and safety packages, been very happy with it. I would at least test drive it before you pull the trigger on your purchase.
by slayed
Fri Mar 16, 2018 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I join Mensa?
Replies: 39
Views: 4607

Re: Should I join Mensa?

I don't think it is exclusive enough to mean much as far as bragging rights go.
by slayed
Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's Cologne
Replies: 120
Views: 12801

Re: Men's Cologne

No such thing as a masculine cologne IMO
by slayed
Wed Feb 28, 2018 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much cash do you keep at any time on checking?
Replies: 183
Views: 23748

Re: How much cash do you keep at any time on checking?

$5k - $15k. When my account hits $15k I transfer $10k of it to Vanguard or TreasuryDirect and let it build back up again.
by slayed
Sat Feb 17, 2018 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Effect of spending money on appearance in career
Replies: 91
Views: 11033

Re: Effect of spending money on appearance in career

Men are judged on their appearance as well, this isn't something that just faces women. How you present yourself to the world matters.
by slayed
Fri Feb 16, 2018 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good brands for Kitchenware?
Replies: 40
Views: 5143

Re: Good brands for Kitchenware?

One other thing I would mention is to avoid the store brands when it comes to cook ware (SurLaTable, WilliamsSonoma, etc) as well as the gimmick lines named after a celebrity chef (Martha Stewart Living, Wolfgang Puck, etc). These are all knock off products that get out sourced and are not good enough quality to justify the higher price tag. Buy only manufacturer brands (All Clad, Staub, LeCreuset, Demeyere, Lodge, etc).

Also realize that some brands which are very good at some cookware (LeCreuset is known for the high quality enameled/cast iron) are not so good at others. So it is not just what are the good brands but what are the good brands for the specific thing you are buying.
by slayed
Fri Feb 16, 2018 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good brands for Kitchenware?
Replies: 40
Views: 5143

Re: Good brands for Kitchenware?

All-Clad stainless is kind of the standard in stainless steel cookware and is made in the USA. A lot of the other brands have All Clad knockoff products that they manufacture in China (LeCreuset, Cuisinart, etc).

One downside of All-Clad though is that a lot of people do not like the handles.

Another brand you could consider is Demeyere which is made in Belgium I believe.
by slayed
Thu Feb 15, 2018 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental chews for dogs....useful?
Replies: 36
Views: 4704

Re: Dental chews for dogs....useful?

Dilbydog wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2018 11:19 pm Remember, canines in the wild will gnaw and consume raw bones.
They also have very short lifespans in the wild. They usually die long before tooth decay would be an issue.
by slayed
Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I claim chapter 7 bankruptcy? debt 110k
Replies: 64
Views: 9955

Re: Should I claim chapter 7 bankruptcy? debt 110k

hookemhorns wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2018 5:42 pm How did you manage to get a margin account with such a risk allowance? Fibbing on the initial brokerage application about your income and assets?
This. If you lied on your application in order to get the margin account that would be fraud and you might be in some legal trouble.
by slayed
Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Kinda laughing, kinda mad - Vanguard Personal Investor
Replies: 45
Views: 9610

Re: Kinda laughing, kinda mad - Vanguard Personal Investor

I don't get it, why didn't you just tell your advisor you wanted someone else? Stop being so agreeable and just do it.
by slayed
Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working in the real world
Replies: 118
Views: 13300

Re: Working in the real world

Pajamas wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2018 2:22 pm
snowman wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2018 2:10 pm Maybe little off topic, but last year I read "Coming Apart" - excellent and highly recommended book by Charles Murray. It was eye-opening!
Might as well give the full title if you are going to so wholeheartedly recommend that particular book and author.

Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010
+1 I recommend this book as well. You can also find many good talks by Murray on youtube.
by slayed
Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working in the real world
Replies: 118
Views: 13300

Re: Working in the real world

miamivice wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:46 pm tech workers that work 250k/year (and married to tech workers who make the same), and other absurd amounts. While here and there they might be accurate, I think there are too many high claims for them to all be actual income.
That is not at all unusual for software jobs in HCOL areas. I grossed $234k last year (Boston area) and I know pay is generally higher in both SF and NYC areas where a lot of posters seem to be from. My background is not particularly special and I only have a bachelor's degree.
by slayed
Wed Jan 10, 2018 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Early Retirement Incentive Plan is generating paranoia in a co-worker
Replies: 47
Views: 7321

Re: Early Retirement Incentive Plan is generating paranoia in a co-worker

Dottie57 wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2018 1:53 pm I also believe that Megacorp really wants those of us with habits that are not congruent with Agile Software development to leave. Early retirement package is a way of clearing the way for newer and "better" models who will take to Agile development with enthusiasm.
As a fellow developer I am curious what these habits are that are not compatible with an Agile work environment.