Search found 546 matches

by Dave76
Fri Jan 03, 2014 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $23K 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD V-6 Miles 33K Certified.
Replies: 23
Views: 3978

Re: $23K 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD V-6 Miles 33K Certified.

You can get a similar sized Japanese sedan brand new for the same price. It may not be a Lexus, but, still...
by Dave76
Sun Dec 29, 2013 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

Small cars don't generally have the worst accident rates nor the highest fatalities, AFAIK-- partly, for example, because they are more likely to be driven at slower speeds on urban roads. If you look at the US insurance data for Personal Injury and Medical Payments (these categories are about the passengers in your car) small cars are worse, but its not a sure thing: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/insurance-loss-information for 2010-2012 the Charger is the worst of the large cars, it's a large car that draws reckless drivers. Perhaps because it was featured in the old TV show Dukes of Hazard. All the mini cars are much worst than average. There is a definite pattern that favors the larger vehicles. But maybe the data is skewed, perhaps y...
by Dave76
Sun Dec 29, 2013 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Hitting 40, prioritizing my investments….
Replies: 12
Views: 2161

Re: Hitting 40, prioritizing my investments….

I don't know about prepaying for college. They might not want to go to college.
by Dave76
Fri Dec 27, 2013 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

JoeJohnson wrote:
I think it's a lot closer argument than most believe. It's all about what you value. A lot people value having a nice car and technology.
When you consider the fact that the average lifespan of a Trabant was 28 years, modern technology seems overrated.
by Dave76
Thu Dec 26, 2013 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

sambb wrote:A big threat to me financially, is the idea of doing something stupid on the road. I purchased a car with blind spot monitoring 2 yrs ago, and it was a great decision and has definitely saved me from an accident. I am considering trading in the next 2 years to get frontal collision warning as well. My last accident 15 years ago, was because I rear ended someone
Too many of today's automobile designs have large blind spots, which has made these monitoring devices necessary.
by Dave76
Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tired [of Corporate Life]
Replies: 57
Views: 9246

Re: Tired [of Corporate Life]

After child number 3 leaves the nest, you can sell the house and buy a cheap 1 bedroom apartment. The house is a white elephant.

Drive an old car. Child #3 can pursue a BA/BS degree online.

Why be a corporate slave who's saddled with a large mortgage, car loans, extortionate higher ed. costs, etc.?
by Dave76
Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Dilemma
Replies: 20
Views: 2509

Re: Car Dilemma

I'd buy an old wreck for $900-$1500 and use the $5k gift to pay down the car loan. Do you really want two car loans and more full comp. insurance coverage?
by Dave76
Sun Dec 22, 2013 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

ASUGrad wrote:
Apply the same rule to taxi companies. Pay a guy 30-40k(guessing here) to drive around all day, or pay a 20k premium per car to have cars that drive themselves. The employee also needs benefits and payroll taxes; the car on the other hand can be depreciated over time to lower the tax bill. Not a hard decision....
:moneybag :greedy

So, you want to put more people out of work. Lovely... Bogleheads are just full of bright ideas. :|

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3quruHpcuo
by Dave76
Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

But the new thing coming down the pike is huge: self-driving cars, which are expected to be commercially available in ~6 years. I'm not sure we'll want to be driving a 13-year-old Prius then but I would not buy a new car now expecting to keep it 10 years and there will likely be a drop-off in used car values as self-driving moves from luxury/novelty to mainstream (albeit that will maybe be more like 10 years from now)... similar to the drop-off in no-airbag cars but even more drastic because the difference in both safety and convenience will be enormous, the biggest change in the car experience in a century. I think it will be a very long time before self-driving cars become mainstream. With the way things are going now, I think most peopl...
by Dave76
Sun Dec 22, 2013 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car every 5 years vs 10
Replies: 81
Views: 10710

Re: New car every 5 years vs 10

YttriumNitrate wrote:
freebeer wrote:But the new thing coming down the pike is huge: self-driving cars, which are expected to be commercially available in ~6 years.
Don't forget that there can be a big difference between commercially available and readily available. An all electric car was commercially available 17 years ago, but only now are we seeing them readily available.
An all-electric car was commercially available 100 years ago. I think it's just a fad. Only time will tell.
by Dave76
Fri Dec 20, 2013 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kids in 5 years. Preparation with finances.
Replies: 40
Views: 3222

Re: Kids in 5 years. Preparation with finances.

cbr shadow wrote: My biggest fear is being poor and not being able to afford things for my kid.

Our house is small. 1265 sqft and 3 Bedrooms. We have 2 medium/large dogs. I think this house would be sufficient for 1-2 kids though. It would be tight, but I think it’s doable. Good neighborhood with very good schools.



Thanks,
CBR
You don't seem poor to me!


Couples raised (and continue to raise) 2 and 3 children in 3 bdr Levittown houses. I grew up in a Sears prefab that was probably about 1,200 sq ft.
by Dave76
Fri Dec 20, 2013 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kids in 5 years. Preparation with finances.
Replies: 40
Views: 3222

Re: Kids in 5 years. Preparation with finances.

You might be too old to delay child-bearing for 5 years.
by Dave76
Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bryn Mawr [College]
Replies: 68
Views: 7203

Re: Bryn Mawr [College]

Valuethinker wrote:
fishnskiguy wrote:[OT comment removed by admin LadyGeek]

Sorry to be blunt, but that was my brother's experience. He spent over $200K putting his step daughter through Smith to get her a degree in art history. I swear, she wouldn't know a Picasso from a Warhol. The only job she ever got was as a nanny.

Thank God she got married. Got to admit, she's a fine mom.

Chris
...Very assertive (Europeans are not used to assertive American women, generally) but sharp.
Heheheh... I met a few at a top UK university. The seminars were brutal. My head felt like a Frenchman was living in it.
by Dave76
Sat Dec 14, 2013 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tuition vs Retirement Accounts
Replies: 31
Views: 4610

Re: Tuition vs Retirement Accounts

Calm Man wrote: ...but listen to me.
Linguini -- Calm Man is wise. He seems to be suggesting that you hedge your bets.
by Dave76
Sat Dec 14, 2013 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tuition vs Retirement Accounts
Replies: 31
Views: 4610

Re: Tuition vs Retirement Accounts

Sounds a bit reckless. Training spans more than a decade, and you end up married to someone who's married to a career. Have you tried talking her out of this idea? What about Physician Assistant?
by Dave76
Sat Dec 14, 2013 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gift Suggestions - for a 9 year old girl
Replies: 25
Views: 2706

Re: Gift Suggestions - for a 9 year old girl

vveat wrote:Her list will be best, can you offer to "fax it to Santa" for her?

Mine is still a bit young, but I've been thinking I would do a mother-daughter night-on-the-town kind of thing - either show/movies and dinner, or a spa or just manicure/pedicure - at that age should work well, and it's experience rather than stuff. Of course it depends whether it will be an unusual treat or you do it already frequently enough.
A manicure/pedicure for a child?

How about a few Nancy Drew mystery books?
by Dave76
Sat Dec 14, 2013 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gift Suggestions - for a 9 year old girl
Replies: 25
Views: 2706

Re: Gift Suggestions - for a 9 year old girl

island wrote:You gotta tell us more about her. What are her interests? Does she have a wish list for Santa?
Santa? I don't think any nine year old believes in Santa.
by Dave76
Sat Dec 14, 2013 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going back to school for more money.
Replies: 7
Views: 1392

Re: Going back to school for more money.

cheese_breath wrote:You said you love what you do. Would you also love what you would do as a pharmacist?

I am / was neither an accountant nor pharmacist, but it seems accounting would have better long term career potential.
Both careers seem dreadful.

How about occupational therapy?
by Dave76
Fri Dec 13, 2013 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Toyota Camry vs. Scion tC?
Replies: 6
Views: 2277

Re: Used Toyota Camry vs. Scion tC?

4 doors make things easier when you've got kids. If I had a baby, and I wanted a fun-to-drive car, I'd look for a nice Dodge Omni GLH. I've always wanted one.
by Dave76
Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nanny Minimum Wage
Replies: 34
Views: 4351

Re: Nanny Minimum Wage

You want to pay below the minimum wage?
by Dave76
Mon Dec 02, 2013 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying car from dealership not close to your house?
Replies: 39
Views: 11403

Re: buying car from dealership not close to your house?

As for Hyundai itself -- I just spent over $700 in rear brakes on a car that has 19k on the odometer. I will never buy a Hyundai again. Huh?? How is that possible? What could possibly go wrong with rear brakes in 19K miles? Rear brakes typically last well over 100K miles. Was the parking brake left on? Even so, I can't imagine it costing more than $200 for a rear brake job. Corrosion ate away at the rotors. I don't know what the calipers looked like, but they needed to be replaced as well. The pads were fine, if I recall correctly. They asked me if the car was ever parked on grass. I always park on blacktop/tarmac. I've had other problems with this car. This is the first and only 21st century car I have ever owned, and it will be my last. ...
by Dave76
Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying car from dealership not close to your house?
Replies: 39
Views: 11403

Re: buying car from dealership not close to your house?

Go Blue 99 wrote:I've been reading up on the strategy on getting the lowest new car price possible (emailing/calling every dealer and pitting them against each other). If you did this, did you have any concern about not buying from a dealership that is close to you?
I bought a 2012 Hyundai from a dealership 80 miles from home. No dealership in my area had the model with the options I wanted. I get the car serviced at a local dealership. The car is a piece of junk, but they honor the warranty.

As for Hyundai itself -- I just spent over $700 in rear brakes on a car that has 19k on the odometer. I will never buy a Hyundai again.
by Dave76
Fri Nov 29, 2013 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: college investing for nephew. how?
Replies: 7
Views: 940

Re: college investing for nephew. how?

His parents make a ton of money. Why not give him something his parents don't have?

How about some good books? See the list below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Books

I would choose from this list, especially if the child's home is an intellectual wasteland. His parents don't seem to need the money. Let them pay the tuition fees.
by Dave76
Thu Nov 28, 2013 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6076

Re: I might buy this car from car max

Here's one: http://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/displaycar.php?stock=141&location=LOU Mileage is claimed to be 7,900. I would not buy this car, even though it's never been driven (much). First of all, even never driven, stuff still deteriorates over 30 years just from sitting there. Second, there are no airbags or other safety stuff that can be found in the later years Panther cars. I bought an '87 model year car three years ago and replaced a few wear-and-tear items. It wasn't a big deal. Airbags are nice to have, but I don't like the bloated look of the steering wheel. Besides, in a car equipped with a driver's side airbag, the driver is usually advised to hold the wheel at either 10 and 2 o'clock or 9 and 3 o'clock and form-feed the w...
by Dave76
Wed Nov 27, 2013 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6076

Re: I might buy this car from car max

Here's one: http://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/displ ... cation=LOU

Mileage is claimed to be 7,900.
by Dave76
Wed Nov 27, 2013 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6076

Re: I might buy this car from car max

A little tip about used rental enterprise cars - ask them for a car that an employee has. Enterprise gives out company cars to area, regional, HR managers and others and they are used as any other person would. My spouse works for enterprise and they usually take the car away at 10k miles and sell it...I guess they have actuaries that figure out the optimal time to sell. They go right into the drink with the other used rentals. I guess Enterprise does things differently. When I worked for AVIS, my boss (the 'station manager') had a different car every week. If a particular car was in high demand for any given day/week, and she had it, we would prep it and put in on the ready-line. She would then take another car or van. AVIS managers didn'...
by Dave76
Sun Nov 24, 2013 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safest cars for under $30k?
Replies: 40
Views: 4485

Re: Safest cars for under $30k?

A minivan seems a bit much for a family of three. A small or midsized station wagon would seem sensible, but I don't think they are made anymore. There isn't much of a selection out there. I have a Hyundai Elantra Touring, but I think the production run of that model has ended.
by Dave76
Sat Nov 23, 2013 8:22 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

Re: The JFK Assassination

It was a very sad day indeed. However, I wonder what would have happened had JFK not been assassinated. [OT comments removed by admin LadyGeek]
by Dave76
Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The New Consumer Reports Issue on Cars
Replies: 26
Views: 6294

Re: The New Conumer Reports on Cars

CR likes the Chrysler 300 V6.
by Dave76
Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2013/2014 Honda accord - any better values?
Replies: 66
Views: 33157

Re: 2013/2014 Honda accord - any better values?

If I were looking at this market segment, I would definitely look at the Mazda 6, in addition to the Accord and Camry. If you live where there is snow, I'd add in the Subaru Legacy (which is what I own). I realize the initial question was about value - which inherently leaves out, or at least minimizes, other yardsticks such as styling, comfort, performance, snow traction, etc. In reality, this market segment is so competitive, there's no clear winner. Yes, Honda and Toyota are known for providing value, but I've test driven several Camrys over several decades, but have never liked any of them. Too bland, too forgettable. That's just me, of course, but I can't imagine buying and driving a car for hundreds of hours a year that I don't like ...
by Dave76
Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2013/2014 Honda accord - any better values?
Replies: 66
Views: 33157

Re: 2013/2014 Honda accord - any better values?

ragabnh wrote:Nothing ages like a Toyota, and that is beside reliability and quietness.

For the above 3, certainly vote for Camry.
Except for this -- http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dea ... 05703.html

These cars outlive their owners. They are known to reach 400,000 miles. Once you drive a $40k Honda or Acura or Lexus off the lot, you've lost $10k-$12k. So, basically, you got your Rolls for nothing! It's probably the best value out there.

Just my two cents.
by Dave76
Thu Oct 24, 2013 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Much Does Vehicle Safety Matter?
Replies: 55
Views: 4983

Re: How Much Does Vehicle Safety Matter?

Safety is in fashion these days, with every automaker jumping on the bandwagon.
by Dave76
Tue Oct 22, 2013 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Target 2060 Fund for car????
Replies: 13
Views: 1367

Re: Vanguard Target 2060 Fund for car????

A new/late model car for a 16 year old? :oops: Why does a 16 year old even need a car? You're throwing your money away.
by Dave76
Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest way to own and operate a car
Replies: 18
Views: 3497

Re: Cheapest way to own and operate a car

These days, most of what is available to purchase for $2,000 will likely be a problematic pile of junk in short order unless you are getting a crazy lowball deal from a friend/relative or are a mechanic yourself. In my opinion, if funds are limited, might as well just lease a new Civic for $200/month or whatever they are going for now, where it will be under warranty and your maintenance expenses are basically limited to $30 oil changes a couple of times per year. At least you will know roughly what the maximum monthly cost will be, as there will be few if any surprises. The customer still has to put money down on it (thousands). 2-3 years down the road, he/she has two choices -- buy it or give it back. If the customer gives it back, he/sh...
by Dave76
Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest way to own and operate a car
Replies: 18
Views: 3497

Re: Cheapest way to own and operate a car

I have a friend who struggles making good financial decisions, especially when it comes to cars. Her current car has had a number of problems and is no longer running. It seems like used cars have gone up quite a bit in the last couple years but are there still decent buys for under $2,000? Also, what sort of monthly budget should be expected to pay for maintenance & repairs, gas, insurance, etc? Obviously everything depends upon what kind of car he gets and what the previous owner(s) did to it. If he can find a good Honda/Toyota/Nissan which had regular oil changes and repairs (such as timing belts, brakes, etc...) and has decent mileage (under 200k), he can probably get a pretty good price on it. There are definitely good deals out t...
by Dave76
Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest way to own and operate a car
Replies: 18
Views: 3497

Re: Cheapest way to own and operate a car

john94549 wrote:Here in the SF Bay Area, we have what is in effect a "put" on older cars. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has a standing offer to purchase any older vehicle (1994 or earlier model) for $1000. While there are some restrictions, one could conceivably purchase an older vehicle, operate it for a few years (until it qualifies for the surrender value), then collect the "put". The State of California has a similar program, but I do not know if it is adequately funded at this time.
What are they doing with these cars?
by Dave76
Mon Oct 07, 2013 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Son's first car
Replies: 50
Views: 6243

Re: Son's first car

1985-1989 Lincoln Town Car
1980-1990 Chevrolet Caprice/Pontiac Parisienne
1979-1991 Ford LTD/Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis
1980-1985 Buick Park Avenue
1977-1989 Dodge Diplomat/Plymouth Gran Fury, Chrysler Lebaron


Big and lazy engines, robust, cheap to insure.
by Dave76
Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2007 Honda Civic, to sell or not to sell?
Replies: 57
Views: 6820

Re: 2007 Honda Civic, to sell or not to sell?

I think you should consider buying a safer car if you can afford it. A 2007 Civic has about a 50% higher fatality rate attributable to lack of modern safety equipment than does a late model Civic equipped with electronic stability control and other less important safety features. Modern safety equipment is of little value if the one behind the wheel drives recklessly, undertakes negligent actions including the use of alcohol and drugs and/or the latest in my region - texting or chitchatting while holding a cellphone in hand and trying to drive at the same time. Multi-tasking is not helpful if you want to exit a motor vehicle, alive or in good health. Modern safety equipment will not help you if an opposing vehicle decides to not obey traff...
by Dave76
Mon Sep 30, 2013 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: KIA Optima Passenger Seat
Replies: 27
Views: 18296

Re: KIA Optima Passenger Seat

deanbrew wrote: After reading this thread, I noticed that the car we test drove yesterday has height adustment on the driver side but not the passenger side. I suspect that is common.
That's surprising. My car has power height-adjustable seats for both driver and front passenger, and it's a 26 year old K car. It seems they're trying to cut costs, which is understandable, considering the expensive government mandated safety systems.

I would use a seat cushion. I'm talking about the chair cushions that are commonly used for kitchen dining sets made of wood.
by Dave76
Thu Sep 26, 2013 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: KIA Optima Passenger Seat
Replies: 27
Views: 18296

Re: KIA Optima Passenger Seat

I have also noticed the high door sills on late model cars. Driver and passenger comfort (and general ergonomics) don't compare to cars built 25 years ago. The seats in new cars are too firm; the ride is choppy due to the tires not having enough sidewall; cheap seat fabric; less insulation to reduce weight (for better fuel economy); LCD displays instead of VFD; LED lights that are costly to replace; poor visibility all around, hence the need for cameras. I could go on... I have to disagree with some of your opinions, Dave, though I understand where you are coming from. Many cars in the 70s and 80s did have softer, more cushioned seats, as well as floaty roads due to higher sidewalls and softer suspensions. I, for one, prefer a more connect...
by Dave76
Wed Sep 25, 2013 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: KIA Optima Passenger Seat
Replies: 27
Views: 18296

Re: KIA Optima Passenger Seat

I'm 36. :|
by Dave76
Wed Sep 25, 2013 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: KIA Optima Passenger Seat
Replies: 27
Views: 18296

Re: KIA Optima Passenger Seat

I have also noticed the high door sills on late model cars. Driver and passenger comfort (and general ergonomics) don't compare to cars built 25 years ago. The seats in new cars are too firm; the ride is choppy due to the tires not having enough sidewall; cheap seat fabric; less insulation to reduce weight (for better fuel economy); LCD displays instead of VFD; LED lights that are costly to replace; poor visibility all around, hence the need for cameras. I could go on...
by Dave76
Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd Car for local driving-suggestions please
Replies: 35
Views: 3414

Re: 2nd Car for local driving-suggestions please

Stay away from the Hyundai Elantra. I've made numerous trips to the dealer, paid for costly repairs on wear and tear items (rear brakes) for a 2012 car with less than 20k miles on the odometer. I will never buy a Hyundai again.

My second car is a 1987 Chrysler New Yorker (4 cylinder K-car). This car is reliable and costs little to run. It's the best car I've ever owned.

Keep in mind that replacement parts for any foreign make are expensive.
by Dave76
Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going without a pre-nup?
Replies: 255
Views: 20811

Re: Going without a pre-nup?

Things were simpler in the old days, when money always married money.
by Dave76
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the better car deal?
Replies: 38
Views: 3658

Re: Which is the better car deal?

Thrift vs spirited driving experience. I don't see any lower cost, fun-to-drive alternatives that match the BMW. I've never driven a Kia Optima or Volkswagen Jetta. Maybe a Mazda 6 comes close. I don't know. There once was a time when one didn't have to sacrifice one for the other -- Chrysler Lebaron GTS vs BMW 3-series; Peugeot 405 vs BMW 3-series. Today's low-cost sedans are boring.
by Dave76
Sat Aug 31, 2013 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What activities to enroll my daughter in -pls help me decide
Replies: 17
Views: 2574

Re: What activities to enroll my daughter in -pls help me de

Dancing lessons (traditional styles)

Mathematics/natural sciences may be worth pursuing. If she's interested, perhaps you can sign her up for a junior fossil dig.
by Dave76
Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't let the phone co. rip the copper wires from your house
Replies: 54
Views: 10685

Re: Don't let the phone co. rip the copper wires from your h

The Wizard wrote:
It's all good...
And expensive. Phone service is too expensive and cable networks air commercials. I thought the whole purpose of paying for cable meant not having to watch commercials. These days, if you want to watch a two hour movie on network X, you have to watch an hour of commercials. A 2 hour movie set within a 3-3.5 hour block is ridiculous. One recent example -- The TV show 'Vikings' aired on 5 minute intervals -- 5 minutes of Vikings, 5 minutes of commercials.
by Dave76
Fri Aug 23, 2013 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Almost at point to pay hourly adviser...
Replies: 18
Views: 2062

Re: Almost at point to pay hourly adviser...

Many people on this board recommend the 529. I think the 529 has too many drawbacks. This recommendation is ill-advised.
by Dave76
Mon Aug 19, 2013 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Used car recommendations?
Replies: 15
Views: 1502

Re: Used car recommendations?

Wow, lots of car recommendation threads recently... I recently bought a certified 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X Premium with All-Weather Package (and a few other extras) with <25K miles for <$18K. So something like this could be in your budget. I really like my Forester, am so pleased with it. Huge sunroof! Great visibility! Hauls lots of stuff! Note that the Forester seats five, but the person in the middle back seat better be small. Hope this helps. $18k for a used Subaru? That's awful. I paid $900 for a 23 year old car and it runs great. I've had it for nearly three years. A 2011 Kia Sportage might be worth a look. It's too bad that late model cars are so overpriced. All that money for cheap plastic junk. While you might be happy with a 23...
by Dave76
Mon Aug 19, 2013 2:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Swedroe On Int'l Allocation
Replies: 38
Views: 6428

Re: Swedroe On Int'l Allocation

I read somewhere that BAM recommends 40% int. for most of its clients. (?)