Search found 689 matches

by Gardener
Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: decsion on new job offer
Replies: 12
Views: 1126

Re: decsion on new job offer

If you can afford to pay medical insurance on your own, I think id stay at your current 1099 gig. Reason being is I would rather wfh. Your priorities, however might be different.

Do you enjoy what your are doing now as a 1099?
by Gardener
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fax setup - Not Electronic
Replies: 17
Views: 949

Re: Fax setup - Not Electronic

Thanks everyone for your responses.very appreciative.

The terms of my work is I can’t use something like e-fax or similar. Essentially, it needs to go through a fax machine. I believe the idea is that if I use e-fax for example, I had to have scanned and saved the doc on my pc first, which is considered a greater security risk.

So I’m currently using vintage hooked up to my fax machine with a phone line going from the modem/router.

However, after more troubleshooting, I altered a setting on the fax machine. I changed fax send speed from medium speed to slow speed. I have no idea what this means, but that fixed it!

Thanks again
by Gardener
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fax setup - Not Electronic
Replies: 17
Views: 949

Fax setup - Not Electronic

Good morning,

The work I do requires that I send faxes by phone, not through the internet. This is supposed to be because this way is considered more secure.

Would anyone know the best set up for this? I.E. provider, fax setup. I used Vonage before, but its been terribly inconsistent.

Thanks
by Gardener
Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 137
Views: 10183

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

You articulated that very well. Completely agree with all of your points. I’m not Jewish but I understand (someone correct me if I’m wrong) there is a law in the Torah that essentially says it’s wrong to waste a shop keeper (salesman’s time) when you know full well you won’t purchase the product. I personally don't understand the desire to attend these dinners if you are not interested in the pitch/product/information they are providing. Several reasons (hopefully no one takes this personally - I am not trying to offend anyone - just sharing my own philosophy): - I have no interest in wasting my time. A free meal isn't worth it to me. - Some of these salesmen make a living doing this and believe in their products. Let the folks that might b...
by Gardener
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4655

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

The airport knows how long a passenger needs for a connection. They establish a Minimum Connection Time that is enforced in the booking systems when airlines sell you tickets. What the airport can't (really) control is delays. There typically isn't weather related issues in DFW. But anyway, the responsibility is on the airline in case such things happen, and DFW is such a big airport there's always backup options. I didn’t know that- that’s interesting Do you happen to know if this is across all airlines at an airport? In other words if you take a southwest plane for one leg of the trip and delta on the second, will the system know that? Interestingly, they track the percentage of times an airline is delayed and the average delay time acro...
by Gardener
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 139
Views: 12981

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

I was extremely frugal in my 20s to the point that it hurt my marriage. I had a deep fear of being impoverished. Just one example is I cut out trash service and whenever I needed to to get gas, I would take trash in a small grocery bag and throw it in the gas station garbage. Pretty insane to think about now. Divorced in my mid 30s and did a lot of soul searching and more rational thinking. I realized that I have a strong work ethic, I’ve invested a lot, and have no desire to be needlessly frugal as some kind of crazy badge of frugality. I’m very unlikely to be poor given those factors. So I loosened up big time. More simple rules. I’ve always invested first before any of my expenses. Never go into debt . Cars and motorcycles for cash. As l...
by Gardener
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering dropping my FA but have a few questions
Replies: 13
Views: 1820

Re: Considering dropping my FA but have a few questions

Your advisor is unlikely to tell you to ditch the universal life even though it’s very likely in your best interest to do so (after you have already secured term insurance) He is continuing to making money off you as long as you hold on to it. The gravy train stops once you drop his universal product.
by Gardener
Thu Mar 07, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it
Replies: 80
Views: 5750

Re: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it

Thanks everyone for the responses. I just wanted to have a clear response to the 'market is rigged, so don't invest. Also, To clarify and to add a little information. My BIL seems to be pretty sensible overall. He wasn't saying sports gambling was any way to invest long term to building wealth. Just saying that he doesn't have complete faith in all of the players in the stock market. It just seemed like he sympathized with the argument that the stock market is rigged and therefore less enthusiastic about investing. That being said, I believe he invests in the market, but probably a bit more in a few single stocks and not as heavily as he could. He and my sister have aggressively paid down their house so I think that's awesome. You can't go ...
by Gardener
Thu Mar 07, 2024 5:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it
Replies: 80
Views: 5750

Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it

My brother in law and I got to talking about Las Vegas and sports gambling. And then it transitioned off to the stock market. He said he was listening to a famous sports gambler (I cannot recall his name) who essentially said that sports gambling is heavily regulated and actually safer, has more integrity than stock markets. I believe he was referring to some people using insider information, or companies inflating their numbers to get an unfair advantage. Anyway, my counter to that was that, there’s always been bad apples in any market, and the U.S stock market is not exempt. But, the few bad apples in the stock market don’t spoil the entirety of the relentless gains of all of the stocks in a diverse mutual fund loosely representing the en...
by Gardener
Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products/Services with Automatic renewal
Replies: 22
Views: 1006

Re: Products/Services with Automatic renewal

Thanks everyone.

I think I do probably spend too much tbh!

I went into my cards and accounts and set up text notifications for every purchase. I had the option of just receiving texts for automatic renewals, but think receiving notifications for each transaction will allow me to keep a better pulse on my money.
by Gardener
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products/Services with Automatic renewal
Replies: 22
Views: 1006

Re: Products/Services with Automatic renewal

stan1 wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:45 am I have my credit cards configured to send me a text message any time there is a charge.
So if something is on auto subscription I'm notified about it every month.
Ah, I like this! Not sure if getting notifications for every purchase will get annoying or not, but it would certainly help with my present issue.
by Gardener
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products/Services with Automatic renewal
Replies: 22
Views: 1006

Re: Products/Services with Automatic renewal

gotoparks wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:14 am Look at your credit card statement and you will see the charges.
Yes, I need to start looking at my statement. Probably the crux of the issue. I'm going to set something on my calendar where I review my statements monthly.
by Gardener
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products/Services with Automatic renewal
Replies: 22
Views: 1006

Products/Services with Automatic renewal

Embarrassed to say that I am very bad at managing products/services that have automatic renewal.

I have no one to blame but myself, but it is very irritating that all of the companies engage in this practice of automatically setting up the default method as auto pay for many items/services. I believe you should have to opt in, not opt out.

One example, I used Quicken several years ago, it wasnt a good fit for me, and so decided would not use it again. Fast forward four years and yesterday realized I had been charged for Quicken each year since. Had no idea it was auto renewal.

That rant aside, I wanted to ask if folks had any tips/tricks to be more aware/catch some of these automatic unwanted renewal services?
by Gardener
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
Replies: 56
Views: 5977

Re: Complain About Bad Boss?

It might sound a bit out in left field, but try adopting a Stoic philosophy. I started maybe 10 years ago and it changed my life.

Main authors are

Marcus Aurelius (Meditations)
Epictetus (enchiridion)
Seneca (letters to Lucius)
by Gardener
Sat Feb 17, 2024 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

Update

So my boss promoted me to GS13. I got very lucky and fortunate things worked out.

Thanks for all of your comments.
by Gardener
Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10292

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

Receiving compensation for not providing a service? That’s generous of you to even mention that.

It’s antithetical to my belief that you only get money, when you do the work, to earn it.

If I were in the women’s shoe, I’d feel awfully funny about taking pay for not doing anything.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?
Replies: 67
Views: 8359

Re: Bought the wrong house - Sell now or later?

Op, no need to beat yourself up anymore for it.

I made a mistake purchase myself where I actually purchased in a location that I absolutely hated. The house itself was actually okay. I went too cheap although at the time, I thought I made a wise decision.

I regret staying in the house as long as we did, as I could not convince my wife to sell even though she was not crazy about the location either.

Not to be dramatic, but I believe this played one part of others in leading to our unfortunate divorce.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

bltn wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:26 am
Gardener wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:08 am
StevieG72 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:47 am Seems like money should not be the primary motivator, you are making more income with your freelance work.

I would stay put, and let my current boss know I turned down the position because I really like working for him.

If I did not have the freelance income, I would likely take the promotion.
You articulated well how I feel about the situation.
I agree with StevieG72. I would use my additional energy to grow my side business. The pay raise for the promotion is not enough to take a risk with my job satisfaction.
Yes, what you concisely wrote (particularly in bold) is ultimately why I am now choosing to stay put. Thank you
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

Itzapi wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:57 am Maybe try digging more into the new position, chat with your buddy if possible, see if it's a chill vibe like your current spot.
I talked to my buddy this morning and advises he likes the position he is in, that he has a good boss, but that his boss (the one I'd be moving over to if accepted) in the way he described is not as lenient or laid back as my current one.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

gclancer wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:54 am For the record, you’d start as a GS-13, Step 3 which is closer to $126k (when moving Grades you move up two Steps to GS-12, Step 8 and then down to the next highest step on the GS-13 scale).
Thank you sir.

I thought (likely incorrectly) that GS-12 Step 6, goes to the next lowest grade and step that still allows for a pay increase? This is why I thought it would be 13/1. Thank you for the clarification.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

LiveSimple wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:41 am Keep the current job, what if the new job allows less time to your side gig ongoing
Yes, this is/was one of my biggest concerns.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

ROIGuy wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:25 am Do not underestimate the value of a great boss. My DW had a boss who she really liked. He made sure she was taken care of and she made sure he was too. Mutual respect, someone you enjoy going to work for every day.
Her current bosses though not bad, not nearly the same work environment and I can see the stress this causes her and others in the department.
Yes, this is my thought as well. Great bosses are not a dime a dozen.

I have a very good boss that has my favorite quality (qualities) in a manager, in that he hires people he trusts and then gives them a great deal of freedom and autonomy to do the work.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

EdNorton wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:10 am Why are you even thinking of changing jobs? You have $250k+ low stress income, why change that to an unknown? Put as much money as you can in tax deferred accounts. Congratulations on all your success.
:sharebeer
Thanks for the kind words. Good question- I gave the promotion consideration due to the fact that by staying at a lower GS level, it would lower my pension a bit at retirement. After writing this post and responding to helpful clarifying questions like this one, I am deciding to stay in my current role.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

hand wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:23 am What if any pension implications are there for your choices?

$15K / yr difference may be magnified if it also meaningfully increases your pension.
Good consideration.

My pension is tied to the highest 3 paying years of my working career in the Federal government with a multiple of how many years of Federal service. And one of the stronger reasons why I consider even moving to another position, as the higher you get in grade, the richer your benefits become.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

Great problem to have. You don’t mention your age. If you are 30 the answer would be Maybe but do your homework. I stayed in a slightly harder job to be around great coworkers and supervisor. It allowed me to work an extra couple of years. Great you developed a lucrative side hustle. It would have to be a super income to give up your government benefits and insurance. Nothing beats going to work where people like you and share common beliefs. I would love to know what second job you developed. You are right. Age is a big factor. I am 40 years old. I need to be a little tight lipped about the side business as it is very specific and may easily identify me! I was in the Air Force before and the work in the Air Force helped prepare me for the...
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

StevieG72 wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:47 am Seems like money should not be the primary motivator, you are making more income with your freelance work.

I would stay put, and let my current boss know I turned down the position because I really like working for him.

If I did not have the freelance income, I would likely take the promotion.
You articulated well how I feel about the situation.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

onourway wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:05 am I would be wary of a move for a tiny pay bump if the new job may interfere with your time and energy for the side job that earns you more money.

What are the long-term prospects for the side job? Is this something that you expect to sustain for the long-term, or is it a short-term thing? I would let that inform my decision. If I intended to make the side job my main thing long-term, I would hold station in my Federal job. If the side job is more short-to-medium term, and the Federal job is the long-term career, I'd do whatever it takes to advance my position and pay there.
Side business is very important to me and I hope to do it for the next 20+years.
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Re: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

jebmke wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:57 am What are your priorities?

It really came to three for me.

One, life balance outside work.
Two, non-financial aspects of job (e.g. challenge …..)
Three, money

Three was always three. I made trade-offs between one and two from time to time.
Great question-

1. Autonomy/Freedom
2. Low Stress/Good Boss
3. Enjoyable work
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?
Replies: 32
Views: 2855

Working Cushy job now, offered promotion to another dept. Stay put or make the jump over?

Good morning, Cliff notes version: I have a cushy job now. And I also have a side business. I am being offered a promotion in another dept that would raise pay by about $15k over time (although the initial raise would not be significant). Do I leave where I am happy to raise a grade in federal level in a new (albeit in the same field) position where it may or may not be as cushy? More Detailed Version: I am a Federal employee at the GS-12 Step 6 level, which equates to approximately $115k. Another manager in a different department, is offering me a GS-13 position, which would put me at GS13 Step 1, which equates to starting at approximately $118k, but grows over time each year. The difference in pay between my current position and the new o...
by Gardener
Mon Feb 05, 2024 5:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so
Replies: 17
Views: 3187

Re: Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so

Good morning,

Thank you again.

I am extremely grateful for the responses. Forgive me for not responding to each one.

The reason that I asked the question is that in some of my accounts, I am only offered what I consider to be the most attractive option (an S and P 500 Index fund)

That being said, I have the majority of my portfolio in VTSAX.
by Gardener
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so
Replies: 17
Views: 3187

Re: Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so

Thank you both.

I guess you only don’t do as well if you invest in the s and p 500 index, pay the popularity premium and then its popularity like bd7 said wanes over time.
by Gardener
Sat Feb 03, 2024 11:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so
Replies: 17
Views: 3187

Price premium for S&P500 index? Stocks for the Long Run author believes so

Good evening, I wanted to get the collective wisdom of the board on a quote that I wanted to be able to challenge or refute but could not at the moment. Flying back on a long international flight this morning I delved into the classic investing book “Stocks for the Long Run”. The author Jeremy Siegel says “….some indexes such as S&P500 stock index have become so popular that entry to the index carried with it a price premium that may reduce future returns.” He wrote this in the 2002 edition, so obviously his position may have changed. So my amateur questions are- is this true that we are in fact paying a price premium for that index (and all other popular indexes) (is the word indices when plural?)for that matter? If it is true, does th...
by Gardener
Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I don't need renters insurance, do I?
Replies: 72
Views: 6535

Re: I don't need renters insurance, do I?

One data point.

I rent in a higher end multi unit apartment building. My renters insurance is only $95 per year. And my landlord requires it.

If you are looking to save money, this is not where you should do it.
by Gardener
Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?
Replies: 122
Views: 14455

Re: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?

Before you get a new lawyer, how about simply ask your current lawyer what his or her plan is to clear the lien on your property. I.e., make it clear you know that was what you hired him or her to do and that is what is going to happen, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Unless and until you get an unsatisfactory answer to that question/demand, there is no reason to spend extra money and possibly make a bad situation even more combustible. And that is coming from a lawyer. Mistakes happen and it is human nature for people to stick their head in the sand when they do. But you don’t always need a lawyer to unstick it, and shouldn’t need to when already dealing with a lawyer that knows what the deal is. Exactly, I think people jump to hire...
by Gardener
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?
Replies: 122
Views: 14455

Re: Wire Fraud in Real Estate Transaction - What Next?

Before you get a new lawyer, how about simply ask your current lawyer what his or her plan is to clear the lien on your property. I.e., make it clear you know that was what you hired him or her to do and that is what is going to happen, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Unless and until you get an unsatisfactory answer to that question/demand, there is no reason to spend extra money and possibly make a bad situation even more combustible. And that is coming from a lawyer. Mistakes happen and it is human nature for people to stick their head in the sand when they do. But you don’t always need a lawyer to unstick it, and shouldn’t need to when already dealing with a lawyer that knows what the deal is. Exactly, I think people jump to hire...
by Gardener
Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Feedback on "Millionaire Fastlane"
Replies: 69
Views: 7416

Re: Feedback on "Millionaire Fastlane"

Highly recommend reading the now popular book die with zero.

How much in assets would you need to support the lifestyle you desire? This will give you a better specific number to set as a goal.
by Gardener
Thu Feb 01, 2024 1:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement [Return To Office]
Replies: 128
Views: 9923

Re: Love my job, told re-lo for RTO or no advancement

Op, I would look out long term to make decisions like these easier.

Where do you want to be and what do you want to be doing 3,5, 10 and even 20 years in the future?

I realize things change very quickly in your field, but the above thought exercise is still a very good one.
by Gardener
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planes, trains, automobiles, boats- $$$ for hobbies
Replies: 51
Views: 5524

Re: Planes, trains, automobiles, boats- $$$ for hobbies

A bit taboo to say but I often think people on this site are far too frugal with their money. Especially with the incomes and net worths I see on this forum.

Frugality is the cornerstone of wealth building is a quote I remember in “Millionaire next door”. While that along with income is invariably true, once you progress on the wealth building journey, and have a strong foundation, I think one should loosen up on the reigns a bit.
by Gardener
Sat Jan 27, 2024 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planes, trains, automobiles, boats- $$$ for hobbies
Replies: 51
Views: 5524

Re: Planes, trains, automobiles, boats- $$$ for hobbies

I've enjoyed an expensive hobby for a couple of years. After a major life event am kind of questioning priorities and expenses ( but we do not need to save the money). How the heck does everyone justify an extra vehicle, a boat, a plane, or other such things when you consider storage fees, insurance, fuel, and similar? My fixed costs are at least $600 per month! What are your hobbies, how much do they cost, and how do you justify the expense? If you are trying to justify your spending, then that is a very personal thing imho. IF you can afford it, and it's not bothering anyone, then it's your money and you shouldn't feel bad about spending it on hobbies if it brings you happiness. Those are questions only you can answer though. Some hobbie...
by Gardener
Sun Jan 21, 2024 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are car washes necessary?
Replies: 116
Views: 12800

Re: Are car washes necessary?

If this forum has taught me anything, it's that I do not want a used car owned by a Boglehead. Aint that the truth. I wash and vacuum both of my cars at least once a month (both cars spend much of their parked time under cover.) Paint is detailed 2x/year. Its about pride of ownership, just the same as I view the cleanliness of my home. Hand washing a car costs maybe $3-5, with some sunk cost investment up front. -1. In my opinion, it's more like vanity. Like: hey, look at my shiny possession. Don't get me wrong. I keep the interior of my car clean and spotless, like the day I bought it. The inside of my car is where I spend my time in. The outside of the car, in my view, is for other people. I don't care about showing the world it looks li...
by Gardener
Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what to put in a time capsule that will be valuable in 50 or 100 years?
Replies: 65
Views: 6406

Re: what to put in a time capsule that will be valuable in 50 or 100 years?

Interesting topic.

Curious, are people today finding these time capsules today that people buried 50 and 100 years ago?
by Gardener
Mon Jan 15, 2024 6:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where does the loyalty to Vanguard come from?
Replies: 72
Views: 6648

Re: Where does the loyalty to Vanguard come from?

One data point.

I have VG and Fidelity.

And am actually happy with both and neither has disappointed in any way for me. I’ve had accounts in both for the last 16 years without issue.
by Gardener
Sun Dec 31, 2023 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 5% Speculation Artificial Intelligence Play - Most effective way to Add AI to Portfolio
Replies: 23
Views: 2693

5% Speculation Artificial Intelligence Play - Most effective way to Add AI to Portfolio

If I wanted to capture a larger piece of AI, what would be the most effective and sensible way to do that? I'm not talking a major position, but just a larger position than whatever VTSAX is currently giving me. This is maybe 5% of portfolio. Admittedly, this is speculative and I should assume a good chance of losing a lot or all of it. Obviously, I think there is still a lot of upside to AI, otherwise I wouldn't be asking:). Ive stayed the course since 2012, so am not one to make rash decisions. Thanks all. Quick cliff notes bio: 40 years old, Single (have a child half time) Debt free, Maybe forever renter(!) NW: Just shy of $1M (will have approximately $45k pension as well) Portfolio AA: ~90% VTSAX (or an index approximating VTSAX)/10% bo...
by Gardener
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ethical dilemma - restaurant gift card
Replies: 52
Views: 9233

Re: Ethical dilemma - restaurant gift card

Bobby206 wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:42 am It's nice that there are so many ethical people here!

Happy holidays to all!
I think there are a lot of ethical people on this board, but playing devils advocate, maybe mostly only ethically minded people are the ones most likely to comment on this thread:)
by Gardener
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ethical dilemma - restaurant gift card
Replies: 52
Views: 9233

Re: Ethical dilemma - restaurant gift card

Once I got on or about $120, I would cut the card up.

Anything else would just be taking advantage of a glitch in their system that they seemed to do their best to work out a fair workaround.
by Gardener
Fri Dec 08, 2023 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Christmas present = forced retirement
Replies: 128
Views: 20514

Re: Christmas present = forced retirement

Also wanted to add you can retire, just depends on what lifestyle you choose/or forced into.
by Gardener
Fri Dec 08, 2023 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Christmas present = forced retirement
Replies: 128
Views: 20514

Re: Christmas present = forced retirement

I wouldn’t retire that young but am self employed and love working.

With the numbers you provide, I’d be a little uneasy with needing to pay for kids student loans and also healthcare.

Big questions I have would be how much do you anticipate paying for student loans? And how much do you expect to pay for healthcare? What would you be doing while not working, ie how much will your future lifestyle cost you? Could you instead find a consult type job where you work 2 or 3 days a week? Could you clear your head for the next 6 months or year and then retool and go back to work with hopefully renewed energy?
by Gardener
Fri Dec 08, 2023 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ordering Citrus Fruit Online
Replies: 10
Views: 1219

Re: Ordering Citrus Fruit Online

I feel a bit silly now. Forget what I said about credibility.
jucor wrote: Fri Dec 08, 2023 12:40 pm
Gardener wrote: Fri Dec 08, 2023 12:07 pm My user name should lend me an air of credibility:)

I use fastgrowingtrees.com

Pleased overall.

Of course you realize, citrus trees are difficult to grow outside of its native area. I live in the northeast and even with a greenhouse have not had success with growing anything citrus.

Best of luck.
I think the OP is looking for fruit ready to eat, not fruit in potentia -- aka trees... ;)
by Gardener
Fri Dec 08, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ordering Citrus Fruit Online
Replies: 10
Views: 1219

Re: Ordering Citrus Fruit Online

My user name should lend me an air of credibility:)

I use fastgrowingtrees.com

Pleased overall.

Of course you realize, citrus trees are difficult to grow outside of its native area. I live in the northeast and even with a greenhouse have not had success with growing anything citrus.

Best of luck.
by Gardener
Sun Nov 26, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a House with Foundation Issues
Replies: 26
Views: 3281

Re: Buying a House with Foundation Issues

Also consider resale of the home. I think a foundation issue, even if only minor, would still spook a lot of buyers. We often think we are going to live in a home forever, but I believe the statistics say we will only live in a home about 7 years on average.