Search found 89 matches

by atfish
Thu Dec 24, 2020 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for Frugal Living
Replies: 284
Views: 33245

Re: Tips for Frugal Living

My Amish friend told me when buying stuff "always base it on is it a want or a need". Buy it only if it is a need.
by atfish
Mon Dec 24, 2018 2:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who's buying today? where's all the "dry powder" folks at? :)
Replies: 514
Views: 58718

Re: Whose buying today? where's all the "dry powder" folks at? :)

i am waiting till there is blood in the street and newspapers have headlines that show nothing but doom and gloom for the stock market.
by atfish
Sun Aug 12, 2018 1:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: most compelling TV character ever
Replies: 260
Views: 32804

Re: most compelling TV character ever

redd foxx on sanford and son
by atfish
Sat Dec 30, 2017 9:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Individual Stocks That Went Bust
Replies: 110
Views: 12556

Re: Individual Stocks That Went Bust

LORAL Space & Communications. They were going to be the leader in satelite cell phones. I held on till it went to 0.
by atfish
Mon Nov 20, 2017 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dave Ramsey says don't use credit cards, even if you pay them off
Replies: 221
Views: 26566

Re: Dave Ramsey says don't use credit cards, even if you pay them off

Using cash or CCs should make no difference if U ask yourself before U buy something, is this a WANT or a NEED ????
by atfish
Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tattoo Costs and Removal
Replies: 39
Views: 6564

Re: Tattoo Costs and Removal

I guarantee you it will cost a whole lot more to remove it than it cost to apply.
by atfish
Sat Apr 23, 2016 4:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Canada Vacation
Replies: 5
Views: 1319

Re: Canada Vacation

When in Banff go out to the golf course late in the day and see all the elk come down out of the mountains to graze on the grass. The golfers have to leave due to so many elk. Quite a site!!!
by atfish
Tue Mar 29, 2016 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Installing AC: Rheem vs. Trane (or other) system
Replies: 28
Views: 29133

Re: Installing AC: Rheem vs. Trane (or other) system

4 years ago we had a new Rheem heat pump installed. 18 months later the copper coil started leaking freon. The serviceman replaced the coil under warranty but we had to pay labor, $164.00. One week later a circuit board went bad and was also replaced under warranty but again we had to pay the labor (I forget the labor cost). Last week the new copper coil started leaking and we went through the same thing again but this time was replaced with a aluminum coil. Within days another circuit board went out and had to be replaced. After researching online have found out that Rheem has a class action lawsuit against them because of the flawed coils. Before the Rheem unit was installed we had an American Standard unit that lasted over 15 years witho...
by atfish
Sat Mar 19, 2016 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher recommendation.
Replies: 44
Views: 6453

Re: Dishwasher recommendation.

very happy with our BOSCH. very quite
by atfish
Mon Dec 07, 2015 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 151067

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

2003 dodge pu, bought new, now has 174,000 miles & still has original battery.
by atfish
Sat Aug 22, 2015 10:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A warning on RBDs [Really Bad Days]
Replies: 48
Views: 10647

Re: A warning on RBDs [Really Bad Days]

My reaction to a RBD is a martini.
My reaction to a really, really bad day is 2 martinis.
My reaction to a really, really, really bad day is............................................... :oops:
by atfish
Mon Aug 10, 2015 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Did You Do In The 2008/2009 Stock Market Crash?
Replies: 51
Views: 7638

Re: What Did You Do In The 2008/2009 Stock Market Crash?

Mostly stayed the course. Did NOT open my statements. Used cash on hand to buy Vanguard REIT fund.
by atfish
Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What was the 2008 crash like in real time?
Replies: 221
Views: 56871

Re: What was the 2008 crash like in real time?

During the 2008 sell off I quit reading my monthly statements and quit watching the TV financial shows. Its odd that some investors will camp out at Best Buy to get the sale items at Christmas, but will run to their brokers to sell their stocks when they go on sale. :confused
by atfish
Fri May 15, 2015 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Backdoor Roth: Schooling my CPA and getting charged for it!
Replies: 134
Views: 18134

Re: Backdoor Roth: Schooling my CPA and getting charged for it!

Many years ago I had a similiar situation when my CPA didn't know of a tax credit for IRA contributions for workers with low income. My reward for helping him was an increase of approximately 20% in my bill. :oops:
by atfish
Thu May 07, 2015 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car vs used car -- what's your approach?
Replies: 57
Views: 20506

Re: New car vs used car -- what's your approach?

One option for drivers, that buy a vehicle and drive it forever, is buying a new Toyota. They offer a lifetime powertrain warranty for as long as you own the car. When you sell the car that ends the lifetime warranty. The owner must have the car serviced according to the owners handbook. I think they also offer this on some used vehicles with less than 50,000 miles.
by atfish
Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What temperature for house for long winter absence?
Replies: 70
Views: 188045

Re: What temperature for house for long winter absence?

We always winterize a property, that is going to be vacant for a long period, by blowing out the water lines with a air compressor attached to a outside facet. With air pressure applied to the water lines close all the facets in the house and open them one at a time till all the water is gone. After blowing out all the water lines we pour antifreeze in all the drains and in the commode. We turn off the heat and leave the freezer & fridge running. We have done this for many years & never had a problem.
by atfish
Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When did you feel "Out of the Woods"?
Replies: 42
Views: 7787

Re: When did you feel "Out of the Woods"?

I
We actually "live in the woods", so I hope to never leave. Since retiring we bought 3 wooded acres and built a house in the middle of the property. We really enjoy the birds, squirrels, deer, etc. Financially we felt "out of the woods" when we managed to live off of SS & our pensions & use our investments for travel or ?????
by atfish
Sun Aug 24, 2014 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving Trip Planning
Replies: 46
Views: 4879

Re: Driving Trip Planning

I have been physically in all 50 US states, DC, and Puerto Rico. When I was a student without a cell phone, I did not book any hotels in advance. At most rest areas, there are booklets with hotels and motels with directions and discounts, I just chose one in the evening and drove there, hoped it had a room. These days, I always use a map atlas and find the approximate hours to reach a city or town in the evening and book a hotel in advance (days before the actual trip) in that city or town. The actual distance and driving time are calculated by using the Google or MSN map (directions). Now, I am thinking to drive from the lower part of US through Canada to Alaska. Has anyone here done that before? We have drove from Tenn. to Alaska 3 times...
by atfish
Mon Jul 28, 2014 2:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do any boggleheads invest in individual companies?
Replies: 95
Views: 10101

Re: Do any boggleheads invest in individual companies?

Being retired I recently sold all my individual stocks, some that I have owned for 19 years. The BH's have more than convinced me that mutual funds/ETFs, mainly the 3 fund portfolio, are the only way to go especially in retirement.
by atfish
Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you own a DOW30 or NASDAQ100 index fund?
Replies: 14
Views: 1951

Re: Do you own a DOW30 or NASDAQ100 index fund?

Have owned the QQQ's for a number of years but sold it Monday, July 21 for a tidy profit. Plan to invest proceeds into the 3 fund portfolio.
by atfish
Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs
Replies: 12
Views: 2438

Re: Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs

Sheepdog wrote:Does "your number" mean that you don't need or want any more growth in your lifetime? Fantastic.
Even at my age, I haven't hit that one.
I could put through a "stop loss", but I can't put through a "stop gain". Selling might just mean that.

By hitting my number I was referring to selling my individual stocks/ETF's and rebalancing into the 3 fund portfolio with my desired AA. We all need growth to stay ahead of inflation.
by atfish
Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs
Replies: 12
Views: 2438

Re: Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs

Thanks InvestorNewb for the link.
by atfish
Sun Jul 20, 2014 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs
Replies: 12
Views: 2438

Stop Loss on stocks/ ETFs

After hitting your number what do the BHs think of putting a "stop loss of 11/12 %" on stocks & ETFs and rebalance to your desired AA via the 3 fund portfolio when stocks/ETFs are sold. My thoughts are you can ride the bull market till the market takes a hit. Using the 11/12% stop loss number would keep you from "stopping out" when the market has a normal 10% correction and then resumes its upward movement. I realize a person could take a larger hit when the market suffers a crash, i.e. 1987, but I would be willing to take that chance.
by atfish
Sat Apr 12, 2014 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seward AK to Denali, back to Anchorage
Replies: 8
Views: 1652

Re: Seward AK to Denali, back to Anchorage

If U go to Denali make sure U catch the free sled dog demo. Very interesting.
by atfish
Thu Mar 27, 2014 4:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We Don't want to die with Money
Replies: 45
Views: 6062

Re: We Don't want to die with Money

If we only knew when we were going to "kick the bucket"...........
by atfish
Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: opinions on this computer
Replies: 5
Views: 1066

opinions on this computer

What are your opinions on this computer??? I am getting this computer via eMachine lawsuit settlement. The computer will be used mostly for surfing the internet, paying bills, and checking email. Product Specifications Processor Type: Intel Processor Model: Celeron G1620 Processor Speed: 2.7GHz Processor Core: Dual-core Cache: 2MB System Memory (RAM): 4GB Hard Drive Capacity: 500GB Type of Memory (RAM): DDR3SDRAM Memory Slot: Yes Graphics: On board USB Drive Yes Hard Drive Interface: SATA Video Memory: Not Available Wireless Networking: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n Available Expansion Slots: Not Available Available Expansion Slots: Not Available Control Devices: Keyboard, Mouse Operating System: Windows 8 64-bit System Version: 64-bit Software Includ...
by atfish
Tue Jan 28, 2014 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .....
Replies: 74
Views: 6757

Re: Favorite National Parks

By far Denali is our favorite NP. Great hiking and twice a day, during the summer months, they have a sled dog demonstration. Take the shuttle bus into the park and, depending on the animals, you will get to see caribou, moose, fox, wolves, bears, sheep, goats in their natural habitat. If you are lucky [ about a 30% chance since it is likely cloud covered] you will get to see Mt. McKinley [ Mt. Denali is what the locals call it].
by atfish
Mon Jan 13, 2014 5:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Earners - What's Your Profession?
Replies: 1217
Views: 223819

Re: High Earners - What's Your Profession?

Retired small business owner.
by atfish
Sun Jan 05, 2014 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop suggestions (for my mom)
Replies: 10
Views: 1366

Re: Laptop suggestions (for my mom)

Am helping my mom get with the times with regard to her computer usage. She is currently using a desktop that is probably 10-15 years old and dial up! She is (understandably) frustrated when she tries to accomplish even the simplest of tasks online. I suggested that she get a laptop and get wifi, which she is onboard with. She has not idea where to start in looking for a laptop. She uses it infrequently and only for e-mail and surfing the web. So she doesn't need anything fancy. Any suggestions for an inexpensive laptop I can recommend to her? Based on what you say here, a chromebook seems optimal. low-cost, no need to keep updating security. Does she EVER need Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint?). Googledocs has pretty good simulat...
by atfish
Fri Dec 06, 2013 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV show recommendations?
Replies: 606
Views: 248006

Re: TV show recommendations?

My all time favorite is "The Honeymooners" with Jackie Gleason & Art Carney. BTW the actress that played Trixie pasted away the other day. RIP Trixie.
by atfish
Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: recommendations for a new laptop
Replies: 3
Views: 1069

Re: recommendations for a new laptop

ieee488 wrote:there is already another discussion on this http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 1&t=117029
ooops! Didn't see the posting when I was typing my post.
by atfish
Fri Jun 07, 2013 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: recommendations for a new laptop
Replies: 3
Views: 1069

recommendations for a new laptop

Would appreciate some recommendations on a new laptop computer. The new laptop would be used primarily for surfing the internet & checking e-mail while traveling.
by atfish
Tue May 14, 2013 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I got to thank a WWII Veteran today.
Replies: 30
Views: 2960

Re: I got to thank a WWII Veteran today.

Levett wrote:The bravest people I've seen (some from family) are those dealing with terminal illness and yet affirming life.

Service in the military is overrated.

Lev
Overrated???? Have you been in the military serving in a war zone dodging bullets???
by atfish
Sun May 12, 2013 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash back credit card + no foreign transaction fee?
Replies: 20
Views: 423289

Re: Cash back credit card + no foreign transaction fee?

Check out the PenFed Platinum Cash Rewards Visa® Card. No foreign transaction fees, 5% back on gas purchases, but only .25% on other purchases. Also no annual fee. The site is: penfed.org
by atfish
Thu May 02, 2013 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The golden age of retirement - is now??
Replies: 21
Views: 5433

Re: The golden age of retirement - is now??

People talk about wanting to go back to the "Good old Days". Not me!!! For me now is the "Good Old Days" & my golden age of retirement.
by atfish
Wed May 01, 2013 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your best financial move
Replies: 98
Views: 11749

Re: Your best financial move

Contributing the max to my 401K & IRA.
Buying Ebay at the IPO & selling after 1200 % gain.
Discovering this forum.
by atfish
Tue Apr 30, 2013 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Dumbest Financial Move
Replies: 166
Views: 20290

Re: Your Dumbest Financial Move

Buying stock in Loral Space & Communications (LOR). One of those "You can't miss", "Sure thing" stocks. The company provided cell service to any where in the world, even to the amazon jungle. Rode it down to "0". Another one of those "it can't get any cheaper".
by atfish
Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tenant wants to purchase property and pay me mortgage- HELP!
Replies: 12
Views: 2718

Re: Tenant wants to purchase property and pay me mortgage- H

leroyzona wrote:Hi- Im new here and have enjoyed reading all the posts. I have a question that Im looking for advice on regarding an income property that I own. I currently have a tenant who wants to buy the property but wants me to hold the mortgage...any thoughts? If I understand correctly if they dont pay then I get the title of the house back. Is this something I should consider or turn and run in the oppostie direction? thanks ahead of time for input-
How long have they been your tenants?? Did they pay rent on time?? If you decide to sell get at least 25% down so they have a vested interest in paying for the property.
by atfish
Tue Mar 26, 2013 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transfer of Assets Before Death
Replies: 29
Views: 4226

Re: Transfer of Assets Before Death

TravelforFun wrote:Hiding their assets so that others can pay for your grandparents' long term care is called cheating.

X2
by atfish
Mon Mar 25, 2013 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling a rental property
Replies: 4
Views: 1307

Re: Selling a rental property

You should have added the additional work and upgrades to the purchase price of the property. When added together this would be the starting point for the depreciation when you start renting the property. Just to be sure I would check with a CPA.
by atfish
Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri's Portfolio
Replies: 196
Views: 82028

Re: Rick Ferri's Portfolio

"And remember that I spent the first 8 years out of college serving in the Marines."

Thanks so much Rick for serving our country.
by atfish
Sat Mar 09, 2013 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: grass trimmer?
Replies: 18
Views: 2789

Re: grass trimmer?

ECHO makes a very good dependable trimmer. Check out what the professional lawncare pros are using.
by atfish
Fri Mar 08, 2013 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1564268

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

"My Personal Best" by John Wooden
by atfish
Wed Feb 20, 2013 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 160955

Re: That Frugal Thing You Do

Buy whole milk and water it down to 2% or 1%, etc. Usually the stores around here charge about the same for whole or 2% milk.
by atfish
Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3-fund portfolio: replace bonds with CDs?
Replies: 58
Views: 10127

Re: 3-fund portfolio: replace bonds with CDs?

the one bright spot is that most of my f.i. in my 401k is in a s.v.f. paying 3%, so barring any black swan stable value fund event, i'm good with a few bond funds in my ira's (including s.t. tips and s.t. bond idx).
[/quote]

Would you share with us where you are getting 3% in a Stable Value Fund????
by atfish
Sun Feb 10, 2013 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Legos
Replies: 52
Views: 10754

Re: Legos

We still have Legos from the 1970s our 2 kids played with. Now we have a hugh pile and our Grandkids play with them; sometimes for hours. Hopefully we will have Great Grandkids and they get to play with them.
by atfish
Fri Feb 08, 2013 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Live in rural area, need internet provider
Replies: 12
Views: 2414

Re: Live in rural area, need internet provider

Have used Hughesnet for 4 years with so-so results. They have recently upgraded our speeds and allocations. Not many options for rural folks.
by atfish
Fri Feb 08, 2013 5:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy long term treasuries in 1981?
Replies: 50
Views: 7455

Re: Buy long term treasuries in 1981?

Did not have extra monies for bonds nor CDs.
by atfish
Wed Jan 30, 2013 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sell in May strategy
Replies: 19
Views: 3109

Re: Sell in May strategy

larryswedroe wrote:If interested you can check out my blog at CBSNEWS as I have written on the strategy several times, and even before costs, especially taxes it has not worked
Larry
Thanks Larry for sharing your research material and especially keeping us focused on the BH way of investing.
by atfish
Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sell in May strategy
Replies: 19
Views: 3109

Sell in May strategy

Has any BH ever employed the "Sell in May & go away strategy" and if so what was the results???