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Might depend on your build, but Bonobos stretch wash chinos are surprisingly comfortable and manage to stay relatively unwrinkled.

Here is a nice summary from the WCI. Not terribly straightforward.

https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/pass- ... deduction/

I don't think you can accomplish this without risking missing the second flight. Your best bet is likely CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance on the second flight, which usually reimburses less than 100% (the policy I had reimbursed 70%).

If your first flight was late or cancelled, you still might be able to rebook on the second last minute but it will not be guaranteed.

We are heading to France in June with a group of 6: parents, grandparents, and 2 kids ages 9 and 6. For one of our nights in Paris, we'd like to have a nice dinner out. I starting trying to research options and quickly gave up. The sheer number of good restaurants in Paris is overwhelming, and Google star reviews and food bloggers can only tell me so much. I'd love to hear your recommendations for really nice but not 3-Michelin star restaurants that you think would be appropriate for kids. They are well behaved and can sit for a 2+ hour dinner. Expensive is OK, but preferably a la carte rather than a tasting menu. In my very brief research, Dourant came up a few times. Where else? Merci! ETA: The parents will also be going on a "date n...

My in-laws live downtown, I've been there countless times with my 2 young kids. Lots of great food experiences in the city: *Central market: LONG JOHNS . We must get a dozen each visit. Stoltzfus Homestyle Bakery has the best. Linden dale farms is a goat dairy with some great cheeses and yogurts. Passenger coffee just outside the market makes a great cup of joe *Linden dale farms allows visitors when their baby goats are born. We went just before Covid and it was a memorable experience. You might still be in the window for seeing this in early April. Absolutely would try to go if you can. *Lancaster sweet shoppe has great treats and ice cream. Stroopies are a house specialty *Lancaster county park has some really pretty hikes in the woods a...

We recently set up trusts for our children to be funded in the case of our deaths. Equal distributions are to be made at ages 30, 35, and 40. However, they can petition the trustee for earlier distributions, made at the trustees discretion.

I know you didn’t ask, but agree with others 60 does seem too late. Getting a big chunk of money in their working years could be much appreciated and have more of an impact.

I've been to all those places and you can't go wrong.

With only a week I would stick to one major city, or maybe a major city + nearby location. I'm a bit partial to Italy because I was there most recently, last June with my spouse and 2 young kids. I mean, the gelato alone is worth the trip! Rome has an insane amount of history but is probably the most "gritty." You could reasonable a few days in Sorrento/Amalfi via high speed train.

Lisbon is off some people's radar but is a world class food and wine destination.

Be prepared to stay up late in all the Mediterranean destinations!

Anyone prancercise?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-50GjySwew

Pfeiffer beach park in Big Sur. At sunset, light shines through a small rock arch just offshore called keyhole rock. Plus beach sand has purple colors. Bring a nice bottle of wine

Key West is a smaller, gentler New Orleans with less frat boys and more true alcoholics. I embraced this culture during my visit. I recall being threatened by some feral chickens, but it was otherwise a blur of expensive mixed drinks.

I had to cut out the french fries and keep the booze in check in my 40s to keep the spare tire flat

Thanks for all the replies! Trying to synthesize all the info here and reflecting on what is necessary to be successful, I think I'm with ScubaHogg here:

Just proves to me I’d be terrible at real estate

If I the time and energy acquire a larger rental portfolio, I might consider it. But it seems the payoff for one or two rental properties is not worth the effort and stress. Plus I'm competing against the pros.

I plan on starting part-time 1099 work later this year for an employer based in Texas. I live in Pennsylvania. Remote work will be in 3 other states (not Texas), one of which has no state tax. The other two do. From some googling and reading threads about this topic, it seems like I should be paying PA taxes on this income but should not have to worry about the other states involved. Is my thinking correct? I believe it would need to follow where the income was “earned”- and earned meaning where you are sitting when you did the work to get the money. Looks like you might need to register in 4 states and apportion your income. This is correct To clarify, I will be sitting only in my home state and working remotely. I will never step foot in...

I plan on starting part-time 1099 work later this year for an employer based in Texas.

I live in Pennsylvania.

Remote work will be in 3 other states (not Texas), one of which has no state tax. The other two do.

From some googling and reading threads about this topic, it seems like I should be paying PA taxes on this income but should not have to worry about the other states involved. Is my thinking correct?

For a few years, I've considered becoming a landlord in my local real estate market (Pittsburgh metro area). A rule of thumb I've come across often, including in a recent thread here, is the 1% rule. In short, monthly rent should be 1% of the purchase price.

Even in my LCOL/MCOL area, I'm struggling to find anything that fits this bill. Perhaps the "good" properties are being snapped up by more savvy RE investors before they even hit the market. I can't understand how a $100,000 property is going to rent for $1000 month in any market without either 1) a great deal at purchase or 2) sweat equity to rehab the property or 3) both.

What am I missing?

What about a GoPro? You could get a mount for your helmet and take some video. This kind of stuff is basically what they are designed for

Not sure about the battery/charging issue...

I'm considering a consulting opportunity related to my field. Depending how it goes, I might do it regularly or never again (or, if the offer isn't right, may not do it all).

If I were to do this regularly, I'd want to set an LLC, get an EIN, and treat it like a formal business entity. But that seems like a lot of work and a PITA if I only do it once. How have you handled a situation like this? Can I get paid directly for the first job and set up the business later?

Where are you heading from Paris? Might make sense to take the train to somewhere near your first destination in the countryside and pick up your rental car there. Car rentals in France have very modest drop off charges, so one-way rentals are often the way to go (unlike the US). No way I would want to drive inside the Paris beltway (Peripherique). Motorcycles are everywhere, driving between the lanes. I did try something like this, searching in Chartes and Tours, but could not find the rental we wanted. Honestly, it will be much easier to have the car in Paris. We have two kids and two grandparents with luggage in tow. Re: driving in Paris, I've done it once before and lived to tell the tale! At least it's on the same side of the road. I ...

Far from an expert here, but my understanding is that social network algorithms try to predict what you will like. So these weird posts might be posts that other bird-likers have also liked. Perhaps you really like them too, subconsciously.

I think you can completely turn off the algorithm and just see posts in chronological order.

Have you tried Enterprise from Gare du Nord or Gare Montparnasse? These are big train stations in Paris. I just made a reservation for an automatic 7 passenger car at Gare Montparnasse for July. If your trip is sooner they might be sold out online but you could call. In the past I’ve gotten an automatic by calling the rental place directly. Keep in mind it’s not really a minivan even though it says it is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a minivan in France, the closest would be a smaller Ford transit but I’ve had no luck finding an automatic transit. Last time I was in France the extra 2 seats were in the trunk so absolutely no luggage space except a tiny backpack. Not even our tiny stroller would fit back there with 7 seats in use. Luckily t...

In my limited anecdotal experience, "generational wealth" seems equally likely to create monsters as it is to result in quality, honest human progeny. If I were you, I'd spend my money on experiences with loved ones while you are still here, leave enough so that they aren't destitute, and donate the rest to charity.

You are so much wealthier than the vast vast majority of humanity, but you are never gonna be a billionaire. Enjoy your luck.

I'm coming across this policy for CDG on Costco's travel site, but not on the AMEX travel portal. It would present an issue for us because 1) we will be staying in Paris for a few days before getting the rental car and 2) the specific car we want/need (7 passenger automatic minivan) is only available at CDG.

Anyone encountered this policy on a recent trip to France? Do they really ask for your boarding pass to confirm you just landed?

Recently I committed to a porch addition project starting in late spring. I can comfortably fund the project by selling some of my taxable investments.

Most of my taxable investments are older with long-term gains, some of which are substantial. More recent lots have short-term losses. Long story short, I would probably not incur much if any capital gains were I to sell what I needed to today.

Breaking out the crystal ball, should I sell today and put the money in T-bills at vanguard, or just sell as needed when the contractor bills come due? There would likely be a few payments spread out over 3–6 months.

Bring bug spray

I’m a PA in oncology, and I completely agree with this advice. Mid-level providers do NOT have the in-depth education and training of MD’s and DO’s. We are very useful and efficient when utilized appropriately in a specialty practice, but we are not interchangeable with doctors. And frankly, if you are a mid-level who thinks you are interchangeable with a doctor, I do not want you in my healthcare team. OP- a board certified physician endocrinologist is your best bet. And as you mentioned, you have world-class health care at your doorstep. You received great advice (above) for identifying a great DOCTOR for your son. :) Thanks, very refreshing to hear this perspective. Please pass this on to those of your peers who are petitioning state go...

[Topic title clarified - moderator ClaycordJCA]

I'll be starting some 1099 work this year with expectations of bringing in $50-60k/year. It will be work from home and my main business expenses will be internet ($100/month) and professional licenses (uncertain, maybe ~$1000/year). I'll probably use the simplified method for home office deduction rather than itemize. I will also purchase a standing desk and few odds and ends the first year for an additional $600-700.

I'd like to use a business card to keep expenses separate and organized. Most of the sign-up bonuses seem to need $5000+ spending in 3 months to claim, which I don't think I'll hit. What would be a good option for me?

I am a radiologist, and most of us have standing desks for our home workstations. Far and away most popular brand is uplift. I have one and it works great.

Are you decided on a big city? I’ve been to France three times with young kids and thoroughly enjoyed staying in smaller villages. We stayed in Uzes and Menerbes in Provence and Saint Cyprien in the Dordogne. All were lovely.

France prides itself on sustaining village life, and you will find shops/restaurants/bakeries/patisseries in even the smallest villages. If you do stay somewhere more rural, I would recommend getting a rental car.

If you are into hiking, the French or Swiss alps would be a nice complement to your time in Paris.

Enjoy the cheese!

My plan is to drive from western PA and fly to Paris from Dulles this June. I'd arrive late afternoon for an evening/night flight. We've done something similar once before and it worked well, but we stayed the night in a hotel for a "ParkSleepFly" type package. This one will be just the parking and flying.

Any suggestions on a specific parking lot? Are the on-airport lots a good option? I'm willing to pay for a more convenient location within reason. Thx

"For the love of God wear shoes to the bathroom!!!"

I can't wait to get my shoes off for a long-haul flight. I wear socks and make sure to keep my feet away from others. SOMETIMES I even walk to the bathroom without putting my shoes on!

I love travel and have found positive experiences and/or learned something new everywhere I’ve been. The more people stay at home, the more space for the rest of us

We are flying to Denver next week via Frontier. I've never flown them before and will be checking a booster seat in a carseat bag. We will also be checking 2 or 3 additional bags.

Given it's free to check a carseat bag and the hefty price for checked bags ($67), I wonder if I might be able to pack some extra items in the carseat bag to save a few bucks. I've done this before on multiple occasions without an issue. However, once years ago (I forget which airline), the gate agent gave me a hard time and made me remove most of the additional items from the carseat bag.

Anyone know of Frontier's policy on this? Google didn't give me an obvious answer. If it's gonna be a headache I'd just rather pay extra to check a bag.

We are a few years ahead of you: physicians, age 43, kids 9 and 5, invested assets about $3.3M. Assets are about 2/3 taxable, 1/3 tax-deferred at the moment. In our peak savings years, we would save in about those proportions. However, when our second child was born, we took our foot off the gas and my wife went PT, so now we save about 75% tax-deferred and 25% taxable. To partially echo a few other posters, we opened up our spending on experiences, specifically travel. We are still flying coach, but hotels/airbnbs are nicer, we pay for guided tours and special experiences, etc. For others that might be symphony season tickets or sporting events. We did get a luxury SUV when my wife's 13 year old subaru died :D You are in great shape. Good ...

Recently visited Key West for the first time. Some friends who have a family house there invited us. It’s like New Orleans for a slightly older demographic. We chatted with lots of elderly folks in bars. There were a few bachelor/bachelorette parties going round.

Weather is beautiful. Good seafood and Cuban food. Beaches are nearly nonexistent.

We did have fun by embracing day drinking

Now that we are fully on the school schedule with kids in third grade and kindergarten, we are mostly sticking to the breaks. We are fortunate our spring break is two weeks in March, and plan to use this for longer international trips. I have not noticed that travel is more expensive internationally in March compared to other times of the year. It is however usually very crowded in US destinations, sometimes more expensive. This year we are going to Singapore and Thailand.

If your school year ends early enough, June is generally a good time to travel. It’s not the peak travel season of Europe or the US yet, but kids are usually out of school.

I've heard hiking around the Drakensberg can be pretty epic if you are adventurous. Enjoy, it's a beautiful part of the world!

I tried to get a quote from Erie insurance a few years ago. They would not even provide a quote given the proximity of trees to my house (within 15-20 feet). I forget the term they used, a minimal risk insurer? Erie agent said to give them a call back if we ever take the trees down

I did not have this issue with other major insurers, and currently use Allstate.

I have two children of similar differences in age, now 8 and 5. It gets better :happy My wife and I are both physicians and were working full-time when our second was born. Our son had used daycare and then in preschool, but we decided to keep our general sanity we needed a nanny with a second child. We used a local nanny agency to filter nanny candidates that fit our needs, i.e. those who were willing to work longer than 8 hours on occasion, work odd hours, etc. Instead of paying an hourly rate, which would have been all over the place with our irregular hours month to month, we figured out average hours and paid a fixed salary for the year on the high end of that. We interviewed a few nannies and made sure our eventual choice was comforta...

We live in PA and love to travel. Now that our kids are older and on a school schedule, we are mostly restricted to traveling during breaks. They always have a 2 week break around the holidays.

In college, I spent my only Christmas/New years abroad in Austria and Italy, respectively, with my future wife. We both have very fond memories. I'd like to take my kids somewhere in Europe over the holidays, including Christmas day, one of these years. Off the top of my head, perhaps visit some of the famous Christmas markets in Germany/Austria/Switzerland/France, or London, or Paris.

I know every family is different, but I'd love to hear how it went if you took a similar trip with kids. How did you handle gifts? Santa? Where did you go?

Depends. Will there be a mosh pit?

Congrats on your success, you are in a great position. I'm 33, married, with 4 young kids. My hobbies are golf, softball, racquetball, weightlifting, video games, and board games. Basically I just enjoy being active and competitive. My kids are still little (oldest is 7), but I'm looking to find more things to do with them. I don't know how parents of young children manage to make time for significant hobby development. My kids are 8 and 5 and I work full time. Between exercise (not really a hobby IMO), work, a little meditation, meal prep, walking the dog, hanging out with the kids, and taking care of household duties, I might have 30-60 minutes per day to catch up with my wife after the kids bedtime! Weekends can sometimes be busier, and...

My wife and I love to cook, and when we host we will do a “tasting menu” with drink pairings. Nothing too crazy, usually appetizers, salad course, main meal, and dessert, each paired with a drink. We’ll print a menu for each place setting at the table. It’s fun for us and I think family enjoys it

I'm heading with 3 other families for a 5-day ski trip to Breckenridge the week before Christmas. We have our house rental, lift tickets (Epic day passes), ski rentals, and a day of ski school in order. I'm also going cross country skiing one day at the Nordic Center with one of the other parents.

This is our first family ski trip out west. (My spouse and I skied in Utah about 20 years ago for 1 day.) Two kids, ages 9 and 5, are beginners. I'm a novice and spouse is a bit more comfortable than I am on skis.

Any helpful tips for Colorado skiing generally and Breckenridge (can't bring myself to call it "Breck") specifically? We will be staying on the outskirts of town in Airbnbs. Thanks!

At least the stamps are self adhesive these days. I’ve heard ingesting too much stamp glue can be fatal

Sigur Rós. Technically their breakthrough album (Ágætis byrjun) was released in 1999, but mostly a band of the 00s. The music is incredibly atmospheric, and they are one of the rare bands who sound better live.

The lead singer has a haunting voice, with some songs in a made-up language instead of his native Icelandic, and he plays the guitar with a cello bow which some have compared to whale song. Many of their songs have horn and string sections and even choirs. If you have a chance to see them!

I recently spend 10 days in Southern England (London, Bath, Cornwall) in September. Agree with Valuethinker about the driving and crowds in Cornwall. I'm used to driving narrow city streets in the US, but in rural Cornwall many roads are flanked by stone walls or tall hedgerows which severely limit visibility. There are many blind turns. We had to completely stop and back up on the road more than once. Roundabouts were not too bad after you get used to the rules, but that took a day or two. Simply getting accustomed to the geometry of the car driving from the "passenger" seat was a challenge by itself. I would have taken a guided tour if there were some specific itinerary we wanted to follow, but we just wanted to explore. We were...

Off the top of my head, flying mid week can save a good deal. However I personally can’t usually use this “hack” because I’m still working and usually want to leave and return on the weekends.

I’ll stay at a cheap Airbnb rather than almost any hotel.

I will NOT hold back spending money on good food and drink. For me, one of the true pleasures of travel is exploring the flavors and specialties of another part of the country or world. Just had some great Cuban and Caribbean food in Key West

As someone with interest in but zero to no experience with long-distance cycling, are most of these routes on roads shared with cars? I know the GAP trail from Pittsburgh to DC is purely a cycling/hiking trail, but unsure on the others. I don't know that I could fully enjoy myself with the remote possibility of an 18-wheeler mowing me down

Another vote for restoration hardware. We’ve had them for over a decade, and the color and absorbency has held up beyond expectations. They look almost like new.

Of course, quality may have changed in the last 10 years.

I was recently a victim of identity theft. Someone obtained my SSN and was able to open a fraudulent account with Verizon Wireless in my name. I discovered this account was open when I received a letter from a debt collector for $7000. The reps at Verizon Wireless have been unwilling/unable to provide much detail about what happened, but from what they have told me here is a rough summary: -Someone walked into a Walmart near my location and opened a VW account in my name with my SSN -"equipment" was purchased on some kind of payment plan (which obviously was never paid) -I suppose the bills went to some other address, or were sent to a fraudulent email? -This all happened in April 2022. I received the collection notice in Septemb...