Search found 1648 matches

by S&L1940
Fri Sep 20, 2019 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone converted paper I-Bonds to electronic?
Replies: 36
Views: 5641

Re: Has anyone converted paper I-Bonds to electronic?

We have no problem managing paper I Bonds at Bank of America
I think they limit a transaction to ten or less bonds
Same as cashing or depositing a check, quick and easy
by S&L1940
Mon Aug 19, 2019 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon -- no longer the lowest prices, evidently
Replies: 120
Views: 15872

Re: Amazon -- no longer the lowest prices, evidently

new2bogle wrote: Wed Aug 07, 2019 4:37 pm Amazon is a hit or a miss on price.
What it does have: convenience for hard to find items.
Correct, many items can be hard to find whether on-line or going door to door. The Amazon value is in practically instant access
Especially if your son or daughter has Prime and will send you "gifts" that arrive in two days, including weekends, and still be competitive
TVs, electronics, big tickets should always be price checked.
by S&L1940
Tue Jul 30, 2019 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you buy the highest trim car ?
Replies: 120
Views: 11136

Re: Do you buy the highest trim car ?

Just sayin... wrote: Mon Jul 29, 2019 9:47 am I am at odds with most car manufacturers. I like a good stereo and want all the advanced safety features, but don’t want a sunroof. However, almost every manufacturer forces you into a higher-end model to get what I want, but won’t sell you a non-base model without a sunroof! I know....first world problems.
Over 30 years with sunroofs, which has become our must have. Sadly, the sunroof always comes with higher trim package.
Can't help it, feel so boxed in when riding in a car with a solid roof :annoyed
Current car 2008 and figuring next one will be our last and will probably lease because into our 80s and we aren't expecting to be driving in our 90s...
by S&L1940
Tue Jul 16, 2019 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you care about your home appreciating?
Replies: 91
Views: 7034

Re: Do you care about your home appreciating?

retired, home paid for, we love the community, the friends we have here, the amenities
they are building here like it is 2005/06 again, smaller and more expensive
home is up to date, well kept, the kids may like living here or will get a fair price when we are gone, their choice
this is our home, an asset but not looked upon as an investment. we or the kids will do okay
by S&L1940
Sat Jun 22, 2019 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you approach tipping at carry-out restaurants
Replies: 111
Views: 10903

Re: How do you approach tipping at carry-out restaurants

Strictly carry outs, Never
Love the places that have a "tip" jar stuffed with $1s on the counter
Regular restaurants, picking up large order, yeah a buck or two if it is a place where we usually eat in or take out
Buffets, where service consists of the wait staff constantly cleaning off the tables and refill water or other soft drinks, $2 per head

Two of our adult kids each play in what I call bar bands, usually with little or no pay, depend on tips. They would put out a tip bowl and sometimes throw a few "starter" bucks in it so the folks get the idea...
by S&L1940
Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Why not add a "like" button to Boglehead posts?
Replies: 371
Views: 72369

Re: A way to "thank" posts

jebmke wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:03 am
Accrual wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:49 am Send a PM. I would stop visiting this website if such Facebook-esque 'features' were ever implemented.
I think a lot of people would leave the site.
Agree, thanks for the comment
by S&L1940
Sat Jun 15, 2019 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how is Home Depot's contractor service (for a water heater)?
Replies: 53
Views: 11007

Re: how is Home Depot's contractor service (for a water heater)?

Find a contractor who will check the space first
If HD will not do that try Lowes or ask around your community for a reliable plumber
HD and Lowes contractors rely on referrals, they should be reliable
by S&L1940
Mon Jun 10, 2019 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you drive old cars for long distance travels?
Replies: 105
Views: 11547

Re: Do you drive old cars for long distance travels?

JoeJohnson wrote: Mon Jun 10, 2019 4:04 pm We usually choose to rent when going on longer trips. The potential cost and disruption of a breakdown are too burdensome. Rental rates are usually decent.

If you breakdown in a rental, it's on the company to manage the headache. They get you back on the road asap. Decreased risk of missing important destinations (flights, events at destination, etc)

Renting does come with an additional cost, but it's worth it for us.
I have relatives that do that when traveling to visit us. Keeps them safe and we avoid being nervous wrecks anxiously awaiting their arrival.
by S&L1940
Mon Jun 10, 2019 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you drive old cars for long distance travels?
Replies: 105
Views: 11547

Re: Do you drive old cars for long distance travels?

jacksonm wrote: Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:42 am Just returned from a trip to New Orleans and back (from Tampa) in my 2006 Dodge Caravan with about 130k miles on it. Was a good test for the cracked engine block I fixed with some liquid stuff at the auto parts store. No problems at all.

Also, I have driven all the way to Alaska and back with the check engine light on.
Did you check your gas cap?
Auto dealer wanted $100+ for diagnostic testing plus whatever the actual repair would cost
Local repair shop I use took four seconds to pop the cover on the gas fill and give an extra twist to the cap
Problem solved, cost $0.00 including parts and labor!
by S&L1940
Mon Jun 03, 2019 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliable Wireless Mouse?
Replies: 31
Views: 2201

Re: Reliable Wireless Mouse?

Reluctant to say this, Logitech MK 320 keyboard, been here for at least 7-8 years do not remember last time I changed the batteries
Same with mouse (unknown model #) although battery on mouse goes 1-2 times a year even with turning off the power to the mouse
Cost? Guessing,well?, under $50 for the two
by S&L1940
Sat Jun 01, 2019 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Discover Identity Theft Protection - $15/month
Replies: 13
Views: 1964

Re: Discover Identity Theft Protection - $15/month

We use two credit cards for nearly all purchases and transactions
One is a Citi Visa that sends an email every time the card is used, whether a live transaction or on line.
The other is a MasterCard that emailed us first when the "card" was presented for use in a city and state we have never visited. On the same day the "card" was used at a highway gas stop a thousand miles away. My only complaint, it took nearly a week for them to send me a replacement.
American Express used to re-issue cards when they were compromised; seems AmEx was always a target and they were on constant alert. $15 a month, not worth it.
by S&L1940
Mon May 13, 2019 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you receive a letter if you credit card is about to be closed for inactivity?
Replies: 18
Views: 2039

Re: Do you receive a letter if you credit card is about to be closed for inactivity?

Dropped American Express after I no longer needed a business card and Costco went to Visa
I still receive "updates" on my AE points
Other cards over the years have simply faded away or sent a cancellation notice
I still get statements from Morgan Stanley (formerly Smith Barney) showing a $0.02 balance in our investment account though we left them for Vanguard in 2007.
Chase cancelled Freedom and Ink after years of zero activity
by S&L1940
Fri May 10, 2019 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??
Replies: 36
Views: 3724

Re: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??

The Hearing Aid Specialist (Not a Audiologist) did her own ear testing & basically came up with a very similar report as the earlier one, she wants me to buy Phonak Audeo Marvel for $4200. I may be wrong, but the cost of the Hearing Aids seems arbitrary. My Health Insurance does not cover them which I suspected it wont. They will let me try them for a month, if not satisfied the money is refundable except the $200. They are letting me try for the weekend for free & I pay up on Monday if I want to continue. I am new to this game, I want to read/learn more before jumping in with thousands of $. So I am trying to take it slow I posted this on another thread years ago: The key to buying the high end stuff is service. Not only in the fi...
by S&L1940
Fri May 10, 2019 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??
Replies: 36
Views: 3724

Re: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??

With all the bells and whistles that high end aids offer, if you have clarity issues - which I do - the aids are are not that efficient Clarity, as I understand it, is controlled within the ear and aids can not add all that much to understanding dialog or hearing music and TV clearly I put my $3600 set of aids aside and bought this: https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/wellness/conversation_enhancing_headphones/hearphones.html Cost $500 no matter where you buy them, direct from Bose, Amazon or QVC. At first I felt goofy wearing this thing around my neck connected to ear buds. Then I look around with people wearing phones and all sorts of audio music and book gadgets hanging out of their ears, I fit right in. I find overall that pumping up th...
by S&L1940
Fri May 10, 2019 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??
Replies: 36
Views: 3724

Re: Hearing getting bad, which Hearing Aids would you recommend ??

rj342 wrote: Fri May 10, 2019 10:09 am Way out of my wheelhouse fortunately, but I read just the other day that the FDA is approving some hearing aids for over the counter sale WITHOUT an Rx.
Final approval of Over the counter hearing aids (really will be mostly over the internet) is due in about two years, like 2020 or 21
by S&L1940
Sat May 04, 2019 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multiple newspaper and magazine subscriptions - how much do you pay to stay informed?
Replies: 60
Views: 7075

Re: Multiple newspaper and magazine subscriptions - how much do you pay to stay informed?

NY Times in my driveway at around 5.00 a.m everyday. Cost me ~ $45.00 a month, worth every bit of it. Except for commentary I find the online (free with the paper subscription) Times sucks. Their lead headline is static and is usually there all day without updates. Free online, NPR and Huff Post. Daily Beast mad at me because of ad blocker which I refuse to remove so I just read their headlines and short blurbs. Reuters and BBC also in my inbox yet rarely go deep into their feature stories. Many years ago, Newsweek hard copy subscriber. Finally dropped it and I may be the cause of the end of Newsweek's hard copy editions. Dropped local paper years ago, we got tired of negotiating yearly subscription costs; there was always a better deal if ...
by S&L1940
Wed Apr 24, 2019 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to clean a garage?
Replies: 71
Views: 5695

Re: How to clean a garage?

Simple, one by one put the items at the foot of your driveway with a sign, 'For Sale'
Regardless of the neighborhood, they will be gone within the hour

Want to donate them? Do the same thing without the For Sale sign
by S&L1940
Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where To Get New Bikes
Replies: 67
Views: 6297

Re: Where To Get New Bikes

banhbao wrote: Mon Apr 15, 2019 10:25 am Dick's sporting goods has some decent bikes at good prices. Occasionally you can find a great sale.
Wow, took most of the page before Dick's showed up. Unless you are seeking to do $1K or more that may be the place to go.
I ride every day but local streets and short distances. Sports Authority was my go to source. Needed a repair, Bike America was the place for me. SA is gone, so is the local Bike America. Not sure if the other locations near me are still open.

Going to buy a used bike, your best bet may be the local store that will back and maintain performance. Unless you have the tools and the know how to get something on Craig's.
by S&L1940
Sat Apr 13, 2019 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money do you want to retire?
Replies: 1367
Views: 207747

Re: How much money do you want to retire?

After reading all the responses (over the past couple of years) the dear wife and I thought we might have needed to get into a time machine and start over.
Yet, we (in our late 70s) even with no pensions, figure we will continue to do just fine with our six figure bucket of assets. Even with some hefty expenses - planned and unplanned - our bucket contains more today than when we stopped accumulating ten years ago.
May your wishes be fulfilled, S & L
by S&L1940
Sat Apr 06, 2019 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eye glasses - cheaper alternates
Replies: 45
Views: 4696

Re: Eye glasses - cheaper alternates

Bought glasses at Costco for the first time and really pleased
Been wearing progressives for years and always bought a pair of reading/computer glasses as well.
Not sure how this location works but the reading glasses were super for reading and the mid/intermediate were even okay for driving. The multi range pair worked as expected. Frame cost was from low end (my favorite) to the designer names at reasonable prices.
And, I can get the fit adjusted as needed whenever I shop at Costco.
by S&L1940
Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 10 security software
Replies: 33
Views: 3289

Re: Windows 10 security software

elcadarj wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2019 7:45 am
oldzey wrote: Wed Apr 03, 2019 7:40 am I use both Malwarebytes Premium and Windows Defender.
+1

I also have adopted this recommendation, https://thewirecutter.com/blog/best-antivirus/, Defender + Malewarebytes. They do complement each other and don't conflict or slow down my system.
+3
by S&L1940
Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19187

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

larsm wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 1:49 pm Avoid gun shot wounds and car accidents. Everything else in moderation...
What about avoiding falls from high or low places onto hard surfaces?
by S&L1940
Sun Mar 31, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"
Replies: 303
Views: 43678

Re: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"

finite_difference wrote: Sun Mar 31, 2019 10:34 am I think my ideal state would be more based on climate.

Florida can be too hot and humid. Plus it has alligators.
Yeah we in gated communities have been complaining about security letting those alligators in without showing proper ID
by S&L1940
Sun Mar 31, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"
Replies: 303
Views: 43678

Re: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"

munemaker wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 6:27 pm
tennisplyr wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 5:29 pm Hard to argue with Florida (especially Sarasota) at #1......I'm good :happy
The Florida summers are very humid. I can't imagine playing pickleball in July and August. Do people really do that?
YES
by S&L1940
Sat Mar 30, 2019 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"
Replies: 303
Views: 43678

Re: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"

celia wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:29 pm
rick51 wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:15 pm I once lamented to a Floridian friend that by the time I was ready to retire all the real estate in Florida would be gone. He said with a wry smile,not to worry, a third of the real estate in Florida is for sale every day.
That's likely because of the turn-over after death (or needing to move to a nursing home).
In my neck of the woods the builders are once again filling up all the open spaces, farms and nurseries are selling out. The average turnover for many communities, those moving or, whatever, is around 10%. And, yeah, independent living facilities are also a next step destination that are filling up.
by S&L1940
Sat Mar 30, 2019 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"
Replies: 303
Views: 43678

Re: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"

Send out the word, Florida is full up
We have enough for now

Truth be known (or my opinion), any state that offers a climate that gets people outside to walk or play (where tennis and golf can be played all year long) is a good place to be.
There is a lot to be said for longevity
by S&L1940
Fri Mar 29, 2019 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where/how to keep cash on hand or equivalent?
Replies: 55
Views: 5232

Re: Where/how to keep cash on hand or equivalent?

Two points 1) Years ago I kept cash at home and thought I was brilliant in wrapping it in foil and putting it in the freezer. Then I heard a repentant thief on a radio talk show say one of the first places he looked for stash during a break-in was in. the. freezer. 2) As a general contractor at the end of the day on a project I was preparing a room for my men to rehab and was emptying a closet loaded with books. An envelope drops out of one of the books and I instantly knew it was cash. But I could tell not enough to get the wife and I to Brazil for the rest of our lives. Handed it over to the lady of the house and said good night. Next day the husband thanks me and for some reason then tells me there was $4,000 (back in the 60s, maybe equi...
by S&L1940
Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice men's jeans
Replies: 52
Views: 16926

Re: Nice men's jeans

telemark wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2019 11:31 am
gtg970g wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:06 am My Costco only carries even number waist sizes and unfortunately I fall between two of the sizes.
As does approximately half the customer population. You'd think there would be a store somewhere that only carries odd sizes...
Have you ever tried Lands End? Years ago they were tops in providing quality products in custom sizes and good pricing. Reliable sizing so I did not have to find that one brand's 33 waist worked and in another 34 was my fit and inseam, man that was another crap shoot from 32 to 33 to 34.
Sears stepped in and as far as I was concerned, it all went downhill.
Different corporate structure now, maybe they got their mojo back?

Now, I use Costco's designer sportswear department, works for me...
by S&L1940
Sun Mar 24, 2019 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paper I Bonds
Replies: 50
Views: 5761

Re: Paper I Bonds

No longer accumulating, store at home in fire proof box, keep several copies of serial numbers
Recently went to my local BoA branch, cashed in several of my lower interest paying bonds and had the choice of getting the cash or depositing in one of my accounts. As quick as any other transaction, the accumulated interest was added and transaction completed in a matter of minutes.
by S&L1940
Sun Mar 17, 2019 12:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are I Bonds like cash or bonds?
Replies: 16
Views: 1813

Re: Are I Bonds like cash or bonds?

Both
Cash usually does not earn interest
Yet I can take my paper I Bonds to the bank and have the amount immediately available in my account or, walk out with the cash
So sorry we came to I Bonds late in our accumulation period.
Learning about I Bonds, Another BH benefit
by S&L1940
Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:06 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: South Florida Local Chapter
Replies: 628
Views: 213412

Re: South Florida Local Chapter

Please put me on the SF contact list.
Attended one or two meetings years ago and dropped off for health reasons.

Can you send me an update notice for the July session?

Looking forward to meeting the local Boglehead crowd
by S&L1940
Wed Mar 06, 2019 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Objective news source?
Replies: 69
Views: 6531

Re: Objective news source?

objectivity is in the eyes of the beholder
by S&L1940
Mon Mar 04, 2019 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why do you live where you live?
Replies: 134
Views: 12521

Re: Why do you live where you live?

Came for health reasons, needed the warmth, the beaches. Fair amount of family here and nice flat areas for biking. Living is good, lots of friends (new and old). Tennis and outdoor living are great elixirs.
by S&L1940
Fri Mar 01, 2019 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BH could you live off your SS benefit?
Replies: 140
Views: 10591

Re: BH could you live off your SS benefit?

Not us. Even with only one major trip a year and minimum travel. Our SS figures are mid range as health brought on earnings challenges. Closing in on 80, should one of us dies, if we needed to depend on SS alone that would be a disaster.
Thanks to Bogleheads we are going to do fine.
by S&L1940
Wed Feb 27, 2019 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! At Fault’s Insurance Company Refusing to Pay Diminished Value
Replies: 73
Views: 10954

Re: Help! At Fault’s Insurance Company Refusing to Pay Diminished Value

If diminished value is covered by your carrier(?), than I guess your best path would be to file the claim and let the insurers work it out. Otherwise you gotta sue. Good Luck
by S&L1940
Sun Feb 24, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How did mylife.com get my info?
Replies: 115
Views: 21455

Re: How did mylife.com get my info?

2015 wrote: Fri Feb 22, 2019 1:35 pm Yep. Hence I'm sure somehow someway someone knows the size of my underwear.
That (size of my underwear) I can deal with yet I wish they would also include the brand name. That way I can receive spam with special offers of something I can use!
by S&L1940
Fri Feb 22, 2019 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How did mylife.com get my info?
Replies: 115
Views: 21455

Re: How did mylife.com get my info?

I try to remain as unseen as possible yet I too Googled myself and came up with much current info some of which was correct. Included was a nice yearly earning figure, I am retired and sadly never came close to that number. Home value inflated yet assets way below actual... Family make up scrambled with some in-laws and strangers listed as my direct family and posted religion has me with the wrong tribe. My biggest bitch is the emails sent to me by friends/acquaintances where I am part of a large group of recipients. Inevitably someone gets hacked and I am in their contact list. Keep getting spam from the most unlikely sources like those addressing feminine lifestyle and health solutions along with (sigh) aids to improve my manhood and func...
by S&L1940
Sat Feb 16, 2019 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: eBay Item NOt Received - but DELIVERED
Replies: 44
Views: 3684

Re: eBay Item NOt Received - but DELIVERED

A close friend worked in a post office in Westchester County (NY) both inside and delivery.
The stories he told of politics and backbiting and incompetence and ridiculous rules made me wonder how anything at all gets delivered.
UPS and FedEx send notices that deliveries with signature required are on the way. Without fail they simply leave the package on our enclosed porch. Sometimes they ring the bell but are in their truck and gone by the time we get to the door.
by S&L1940
Fri Feb 15, 2019 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Fraud?
Replies: 25
Views: 2502

Re: Medicare Fraud?

Unless we know who the caller ID belongs to we never answer the phone. 99% of the calls we receive from unknown callers never leave a message. We even have a pediatric practice continue to call us (but do not leave a message). Our youngest grandchild is 20 years old.
We get emails from Medicare, some may be legitimate, but we never click on the links in the email. We go to Google to filter our unknown email messages.
It is a jungle out there and we are the prey.
by S&L1940
Mon Feb 11, 2019 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best ways to provide STRUCTURE to retired life
Replies: 71
Views: 7184

Re: Best ways to provide STRUCTURE to retired life

When not playing tennis or pickle ball or golf, days are filled with whatever comes along - which does not include hunting and gathering at Walmart or Costco or Publix or Home Depot Nights can be social, poker with the guys, Mah Jongg for the gals or just hanging out. In between, structured time means reading, lots of reading, naps for him, list making for her and simply being social with the rest of the retired population in this part of the planet. Somewhere in there is time for walks and workouts and twilight trips to the beach and seeing the kids and grand kids and great grand-kid In other words, we do not plan or provide any stinking structure in our retired life, retired means there is no real need for structure except maybe to keep t...
by S&L1940
Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoreau Simplify
Replies: 65
Views: 9212

Re: Thoreau Simplify

fru-gal wrote: Sat Feb 09, 2019 7:10 am The major things I still have to do are organizing and labeling many shoeboxes of family photos.
In our home that is the major challenge, photos

Three, and to some extent four, generations of photos from both our families
Some beyond identifying as all involved or those in the know are gone
How do you toss the forever anonymous photos from your past?
by S&L1940
Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: To What Degree Does Money Buy Happiness?
Replies: 107
Views: 7156

Re: To What Degree Does Money Buy Happiness?

getting up in the morning and knowing the bills are and can be paid, that gets me in the mood to face the day's challenges in a happier frame of mind
In fact simply getting up in the morning also puts me in the mood to keep going
by S&L1940
Sun Jan 27, 2019 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where do you keep your emergency fund?
Replies: 99
Views: 15370

Re: Where do you keep your emergency fund?

Phineas J. Whoopee wrote: Sat Jan 26, 2019 2:30 pm It took some time to accumulate enough of them due to the annual purchase limits, but now mine is in Series I Savings Bonds. They are included in my overall portfolio allocation, despite frequent advice here to the contrary. I own the totality of what I own.
PJW
Usually I do not assign any asset as our emergency fund; yet, we are retired and can not replace anything we sell off so we are selective.
I Bonds are our go to 1st step. Several years ago in an up market we needed to meet heavy emergency expenses so we drew from International and Total Stock. Eventually growth more than replaced the stock value. Now if needed, Int Treasury and Total Bond will be our first line emergency defense.
by S&L1940
Sun Jan 20, 2019 8:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The NY Times calls us a cult but in a good way
Replies: 62
Views: 9757

Re: The NY Times calls us a cult but in a good way

Tycoon wrote: Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:23 am One could make a strong argument that readers of the NY Times are themselves a cult.
You know, you could be right. Have had the Times delivered to me for years in three different states, five different cities. They keep trying to drive me off with higher costs yet I hang in there. Personally, their online edition sucks if you are trying to keep up with the latest news; for me, the range of online essays and opinions are worth the effort.
by S&L1940
Sun Jan 20, 2019 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying thousands per ticket to attend the NFL Super Bowl?
Replies: 138
Views: 9955

Re: Paying thousands per ticket to attend the NFL Super Bowl?

samsdad wrote: Sun Jan 20, 2019 7:18 pm No. No longer interested in watching the NFL.
Usually the local paper has the results the next day, good enough for me.
by S&L1940
Sat Jan 19, 2019 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is a Boglehead funeral/burial?
Replies: 164
Views: 13517

Re: What is a Boglehead funeral/burial?

whodidntante wrote: Sat Jan 19, 2019 1:13 pm Is there a Ralph's around here?
Yeah, but, you gotta know which way the wind is blowing...

Dear wife and I have a family plot bought many years ago with in-laws. Otherwise we would have passed up the burial. Cremation will be less than $2k (each) including a room for a memorial service. Major outlay will be cost - ??? - of head and foot stones.
by S&L1940
Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The NY Times calls us a cult but in a good way
Replies: 62
Views: 9757

The NY Times calls us a cult but in a good way

The NY Times devoted another three pages to Jack Bogle on Friday. And they managed to give Bogleheads a nod but neglected to note our forum. Here is hoping the ones that can benefit from Bogleheads.org will search for us. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/17/your-money/jack-bogle-vanguard.html “He always cared more about that vision — how the industry should be run — than making friends in the industry. Of course, he was rewarded with a following that was cultlike in its devotion.” "The cultists call themselves the Bogleheads, a group of like-minded investors who consider Mr. Bogle the spiritual leader of their financial lives. Each year, the Bogleheads hold a conference. And Christine Benz, the director of personal finance at Morningsta...
by S&L1940
Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tributes to Jack Bogle
Replies: 266
Views: 42600

Re: Favorite quotes from Jack Bogle...an amazing man

FRANK2009 wrote: Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:41 am "In investing, you get what you don't pay for"
Thank you for all you've done for all the average investors out there. For making the world a better place.
Rest in Peace...
hard to pick out the definitive Jack Bogle quote, the above works well.

The NY Times did a nice piece on Mr. Bogle, check out the photo of Mr. B. at a younger age
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/16/obit ... -dead.html

Nice comparison between the assets of Mr. B. ~ $80 million as opposed to the owner of Fidelity who tops out over ~ $2 billion. Kind of shows the difference in the goals of Vanguard, for the individual investor, and Fidelity, enrichment of management.

Edited once by S&L
by S&L1940
Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying (paper) cash for daily transactions
Replies: 83
Views: 5188

Re: Paying (paper) cash for daily transactions

Most days I leave the house with no cash whatsoever.
The dear wife thinks I am tempting fate yet as far as I am concerned, credit cards rule.
Went to pick up a prescription and the charge turned out to be $0.31.
I apologized, yet the pharmacist did not bat an eye as I ran the card through the countertop reader.
by S&L1940
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First (consumer!) purchase of 2019 and purchase recordkeeping
Replies: 32
Views: 2763

Re: First (consumer!) purchase of 2019 and purchase recordkeeping

Nova1967 wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 11:11 am An monthly credit card statement and an excel spread sheet with various categories should simplify the process.
Yep, that is what I do. except I fall behind and not so suddenly have to dig up months of transactions
This thread motivates me to try, try again.
We write maybe a dozen paper checks a year and rarely pay cash, working with CC statements can present a fairly accurate ledger. All I need is perseverance!