Search found 358 matches

by matti
Thu Jul 27, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?
Replies: 97
Views: 14402

Re: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?

The only subscription I have is Discovery+ streaming since they have a lot of the paranormal-themed shows I like.
by matti
Wed Jul 26, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I saw Insidious: The Red Door in the theatre last week. I'm a big horror movie fan and this one was pretty decent. Not fantastic, but better than most I've seen recently.
by matti
Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Divorce - can I afford to keep the house?
Replies: 38
Views: 5421

Re: Divorce - can I afford to keep the house?

I just want to wish you the best. I'm also going through a divorce and we've figured things out in regard to ownership of our home and cabin. It's a really tough time for you, I know. Not sure it's useful, but now that I'm about two months after the shock of the initial decision, I'm looking forward to living alone and starting over!
by matti
Mon Jun 26, 2023 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Summer Heat Escape US Destinations?
Replies: 48
Views: 4325

Re: Summer Heat Escape US Destinations?

Several have suggested the north shore of Lake Superior/Duluth, MN area. I live in Duluth and believe this area ticks a lot of your boxes. I also love the Copper Harbor, MI area.
by matti
Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

jjunk wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:23 pm
matti wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:14 pm
jjunk wrote: Sun Jun 11, 2023 6:25 pm Boogeyman. This was way better than I expected it to be. Based on a short story by Stephen King. Pretty short, lots of jump scares but has great pacing and is visually interesting/distyurbing.
I love horror movies and was very disappointed with The Boogeyman. I think it's hard to make a truly scary movie that sticks with you after you leave the theater!
Sorry to hear that. What didnt you like about it? I thought it was solid for a PG-13 movie.
I've seen lots of bad horror movies, many far worse than The Boogeyman! It's hard to pin it down, but it seemed so bland and unoriginal. There was nothing new or exciting, for the most part. I did get some nachos from the concession stand, which definitely made me feel better!
by matti
Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

jjunk wrote: Sun Jun 11, 2023 6:25 pm Boogeyman. This was way better than I expected it to be. Based on a short story by Stephen King. Pretty short, lots of jump scares but has great pacing and is visually interesting/distyurbing.
I love horror movies and was very disappointed with The Boogeyman. I think it's hard to make a truly scary movie that sticks with you after you leave the theater!
by matti
Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521142

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Yes, it's frustrating for sure. I'm soon-to-be-single and am shopping for a small, simple house in Minnesota (<1,000 SF). Almost every house that comes on the market is contingent within 2-3 days. I had my eye on an intriguing 800 SF house in a neighborhood I like and I drove by the house the day after it was listed and there were six people out front looking at it. My realtor said that house had 18 offers on it.
by matti
Tue Jun 13, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: This is Why You Stay the Course - Ben Carlson
Replies: 32
Views: 7015

Re: This is Why You Stay the Course - Ben Carlson

Thanks for the reminder.

I don't know a ton about investing; frankly, I probably don't understand half of the financial terms used on BH. That said, I have every single retirement dollar invested in a Vanguard Target Date fund. I'm sure it's not "perfect," but I'm quite sure that I don't have any more knowledge than this fund's managers.
by matti
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago
Replies: 60
Views: 5445

Re: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago

DPEMD wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:09 am I’m looking at stubhub. I’ve only used them once in the past. Trustworthy?
Stubhub is legit, but if you have to deal with customer service on the day of the event it can be a nightmare. Their customer service used to be pretty good, but it's gone downhill since they were acquired by Viagogo. Personally, if I had to buy on the secondary market, I'd buy from Vivid Seats or Seatgeek.
by matti
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago
Replies: 60
Views: 5445

Re: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago

rob wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 8:28 pm
Random Musings wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 8:22 pmTS will soldier on and play in heavy rain for your enjoyment.
Some people tried to sell jars of rain from the Boston concert (or maybe from the back yard tap). I mean... IF it's really from the concert - decent attempt to regain some of the cash outlay. 8-)
That's wild! I once sold an empty water bottle that Johnny Rzeznik (lead singer/co-founder of the Goo Goo Dolls) drank out of during a show. The buyer had no way to verify that the bottle was the "real deal," but they still bought it for ~$10. lol.
by matti
Wed May 31, 2023 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago
Replies: 60
Views: 5445

Re: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago

As others mentioned, keep an eye on TM in the days and hours leading up to the event as good seats are often released right up to the start of the event. I've purchased front row tickets a few hours before shows many times because these TM drops are pretty reliable. Of course, there is no guarantee.

Stubhub's customer service has been pretty bad since they were acquired by Viagogo. Personally, if I had to buy on the secondary market, I would buy from Vivid Seats or Seatgeek as their customer service tends to be more reliable. This is important if you have a problem with your tickets on the day of the event. (Of course, you can read horror stories about Vivid and Seatgeek, but they are less frequent than Stubhub for the most part.)
by matti
Mon May 22, 2023 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to find Vanguard account balances on a specific date in 2010?
Replies: 5
Views: 1056

How to find Vanguard account balances on a specific date in 2010?

Hello.

I'm (unfortunately) going through a divorce and need to know the balance of my Vanguard accounts on the date I got married (in 2010). On the Vanguard site, it only looks like I can get balance data that goes back about seven years. Perhaps I'm missing an easy way to get this info?

Thanks.
by matti
Wed May 10, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mint Mobile @ $15?
Replies: 24
Views: 2593

Re: Mint Mobile @ $15?

I switched about a year ago and I really like it. I'm a light data user and it's been very good. As others noted, Mint was recently sold to T-Mobile. Ryan Reynolds (!) said Mint rates will not go up but, frankly, I don't believe it.
by matti
Fri Apr 21, 2023 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I rewatched the original "Friday the 13th" last night. It had been a long since since I've seen it; I'm reminded how much I love it. Many may forget that Jason Vorhees was not the original killer: it was his mom!
by matti
Sun Apr 16, 2023 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of reading glasses: surgery? contacts? inlays?
Replies: 9
Views: 960

Re: Getting rid of reading glasses: surgery? contacts? inlays?

I had PRK several years ago and the doctor said that I would most certainly end up need reading glasses when I'm in my 40s, regardless of the surgery. I'm almost 44 and don't need reading glasses and my long-distance vision is incredible. Not sure if this is useful. Good luck with whatever you decide.
by matti
Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84179

Re: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]

The Goo Goo Dolls are my favorite band (I've seen them 21 times), so whenever possible, I try my best to get a front row center ticket to their shows. I suspect I've been front and center for about half of the shows I've attended. Also, for my birthday a few years ago, my wife bought me a VIP package, so I got to be on the stage for the concert....this was pretty darn neat. These are experiences that I certainly don't hesitate to spend a few bucks on.
by matti
Mon Apr 10, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car under 15k with high mpg
Replies: 70
Views: 7796

Re: Car under 15k with high mpg

I have a 2017 Yaris hatchback and get about 45 mpg in the summer (manual transmission). However, I don't do very much stop-and-go driving; so, I'm not sure how it would perform in true city driving. Good luck with whatever you decide.
by matti
Mon Mar 27, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
Replies: 33
Views: 4453

Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?

teCh0010 wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 2:29 pm I personally wouldn’t get one after the theta II series engine fiasco.

Pilot, MDX, Highlander, explorer, CX-9. There are a lot of options out there.
My parents just bought a Kia Seltos and they love it so far. I don't know a lot about cars, but a well-known master mechanic that I trust has made similar comments in that he would never buy a Kia. That may or may not be worth anything, however.
by matti
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I watched Bloody Summer Camp earlier this week and really enjoyed it. It pays homage to the classic 1980s summer camp slasher movies; it has some pretty funny moments (as well as a lot of gore).
by matti
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5832
Views: 591004

Re: What are you listening to now

I'm listening to a podcast about the ghost stories stemming from the horrific 1912 Villisca, IA axe murders.
by matti
Thu Mar 09, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sept / Oct Trip to UP / Northern Michigan
Replies: 28
Views: 2406

Re: Sept / Oct Trip to UP / Northern Michigan

The UP is beautiful and you'll really enjoy it.

My wife and I honeymooned in Copper Harbor and I fell in love with that area. As others noted, the mountain biking is supposed to be pretty good there. Pictured Rocks is also a good suggestion. Tahquemenon Falls didn't really do anything for me, but I know it's very popular. I really enjoyed visiting Copper Peak, which (I believe) is the only ski-flying hill in the western hemisphere. I'm not sure if it's open in October, but if it is, the view from the top on a clear day is pretty spectacular.

The Apostle Islands in WI are pretty nice, as many others noted. I'm about a 45-minute drive from them as we speak.
by matti
Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you go for walks?
Replies: 175
Views: 17512

Re: Do you go for walks?

I typically run 70-90 mpw, sometimes more. I also walk my dog about 20 minutes every evening after work (my wife walks her in the morning).
by matti
Mon Feb 27, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where do you bank and why? 2023 Edition
Replies: 306
Views: 39650

Re: Where do you bank and why? 2023 Edition

I bank at my local credit union, which is about three blocks from my house.
by matti
Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8435

Re: dishwasher recomendations

We have a Bosch that's at close to 20 years old. We've never had any problems; we just pile stuff into it and it continues to clean like a boss.
by matti
Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625888

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

doobiedoo wrote: Sun Feb 19, 2023 9:22 pm
matti wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 1:53 pm I gave myself a haircut. (Usually done about four times per year.)
I don't get it. I mean, I've given myself a haircut. Many times. Especially during Covid.
But it doesn't look good!
Yes, I understand. However, I give myself a buzzcut and it's pretty hard to screw up.
by matti
Thu Feb 09, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Pushing Back Against Financial News Negativity
Replies: 44
Views: 4948

Re: Pushing Back Against Financial News Negativity

Tycoon wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:08 am Turn off the news. Stop watching, listening, reading, and fretting. I personally haven't watched, or listened to the "news" in four years. I tune out and walk away when people try to share their "news" storys. Life is too short to waste on useless time wasting, non-value added noise.

One must be very selective about what one reads on this site too!!!

Sans Television for four years and counting.
I agree with you about turning off the news. I stopped about two years ago and it's amazing how my perspective on day-to-day things has changed. And I'm happier.
by matti
Thu Feb 02, 2023 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)
Replies: 185
Views: 26284

Re: What Age & How Much Money? (Your Plan)

How old are you today? 43
Portfolio Value Today ~$600k
What is your portfolio target size for retirement in PV dollars? ~$1.25MM
What age are you targeting full retirement? 55 or so
by matti
Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone noticing price reductions?
Replies: 55
Views: 5837

Re: Anyone noticing price reductions?

In my area, food prices appear to still be high and gas prices are going back up.
by matti
Thu Jan 12, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625888

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I gave myself a haircut. (Usually done about four times per year.)
by matti
Mon Jan 09, 2023 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Alaska this summer. Any "not miss" things/places we should check out?
Replies: 19
Views: 2649

Re: Visiting Alaska this summer. Any "not miss" things/places we should check out?

Thanks everyone.

Before posting, I did a search on Alaska vacations but nothing came up. Perhaps I missed a filter or something. Regardless, I'll check out the previous threads.
by matti
Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Alaska this summer. Any "not miss" things/places we should check out?
Replies: 19
Views: 2649

Visiting Alaska this summer. Any "not miss" things/places we should check out?

My wife and I will be visiting Alaska this summer for 7-10 days (probably sometimes June-August). (AK is the only state she hasn't been to, so we'll get to check that off the list.) Other than visiting Denali NP and possibly taking a day/afternoon coat tour from Anchorage, we're wide open to opportunities. We like outdoor stuff, so hiking is of interest. I also love old mining history, so if there's any opportunity to tour an old gold mine or similar, that would knock my socks off.

Any tips are suggested. Thanks.
by matti
Wed Jan 04, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are you guys still maxing Roth IRA in January?
Replies: 139
Views: 18973

Re: Are you guys still maxing Roth IRA in January?

Absolutely. I put the order in on January 1.
by matti
Wed Jan 04, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625888

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

My deodorant is almost completely used up, but there is a tiny bit left on the plastic holder that is screwed into the container. So, I pulled the plastic holder out and apply the deodorant with that; this should get me another few days worth.
by matti
Mon Jan 02, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you put in your sack lunch? And question about meal prep.
Replies: 41
Views: 4023

Re: What do you put in your sack lunch? And question about meal prep.

I usually have a bowl of lentils or a salad (lettuce, cottage cheese, a bit of seasoning), a can of tuna, and 3-4 apples.
by matti
Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your go-to websites?
Replies: 62
Views: 8692

Re: What websites besides BH to you browse regularly

ticketnews.com
vitalvegas.com
onemileatatime.com
viewfromthewing.com
by matti
Tue Dec 27, 2022 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 82934

Re: What have you baked recently?

I just baked two frozen pizzas and crushed them both in about 30 minutes!
by matti
Mon Dec 26, 2022 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars for tall people
Replies: 37
Views: 5539

Re: Cars for tall people

My parents just bought a 2023 Kia Seltos and, when driving it around the block last week, I commented on how much headroom there was (I'm 6'4" as well).
by matti
Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Replies: 120
Views: 13777

Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?

I live in Minnesota. The North Shore never gets old. Split Rock and Tettegouche in particular for hiking. The Indiana Dunes are also a favorite. I used to go for a couple of weekends each year when I lived a little closer. Go to the state park (or Kemil Beach in the national park) and hike trail #9 for the best lake views. My favorite time of year is April-May when the lake water is still cold and the park is empty. Summer weekends can be very crowded near the parking areas but the crowds thin out once you've walked down the beach a mile or two. Yes, the North Shore is pretty cool. My wife and I got married along the shore at Gooseberry Falls State Park! Matti like the Finnish introvert comic series, Finnishnightmares, which portrays every...
by matti
Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Replies: 120
Views: 13777

Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?

MrNarwhal wrote: Thu Dec 22, 2022 7:01 am I live in Minnesota. The North Shore never gets old. Split Rock and Tettegouche in particular for hiking.

The Indiana Dunes are also a favorite. I used to go for a couple of weekends each year when I lived a little closer. Go to the state park (or Kemil Beach in the national park) and hike trail #9 for the best lake views. My favorite time of year is April-May when the lake water is still cold and the park is empty. Summer weekends can be very crowded near the parking areas but the crowds thin out once you've walked down the beach a mile or two.
Yes, the North Shore is pretty cool. My wife and I got married along the shore at Gooseberry Falls State Park!
by matti
Wed Dec 21, 2022 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Running shoes: how important is "heel-to-toe drop"?
Replies: 20
Views: 2982

Re: Running shoes: how important is "heel-to-toe drop"?

IMO, everyone responds differently, so I would recommend using what feels best. Many people that transition from a higher drop shoe to a low-drop shoe often report calf and/or achilles soreness for a few weeks or so. However, I went from high drop to 0mm drop Altras many years ago and, maybe luckily, never had a problem with the transition. Now, I wear running shoes with 4mm drop. If I get above about 6mm drop, I feel like I'm "falling forward" while running and I don't like that feeling.
by matti
Wed Dec 21, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43742

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

safari wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 12:24 pm To each their own. Personally, I love Vegas and will ge going there for the second time this year next week. Nice hotels (nowhere else you can find 5 star hotels for $150 a night), great restaurants, shopping, and I also enjoy playing table Black Jack. Speaking of my least favorite places to visit, that would be any type of camping. I only went camping once over 20 years ago at the Sequoia National Forest with a group of friends, just for one night, and it was the most miserable experience I ever had.
Same here on both!
by matti
Tue Dec 20, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43742

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

I don't like the Los Angeles area at all. However, my wife and I plan to go back in 2028 solely for the Summer Olympics.
by matti
Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you keep in checking?
Replies: 309
Views: 30358

Re: How much do you keep in checking (2022)?

I try to keep about $25-$30k; this includes my emergency fund.
by matti
Thu Dec 15, 2022 10:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogleheads Mostly Employees?
Replies: 79
Views: 7271

Re: Bogleheads Mostly Employees?

I run a research program at a large public research university. Also have a side gig.
by matti
Mon Dec 12, 2022 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085981

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

My wife and I visited my sister and her family yesterday to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, as we do every December. We all pretty much have that movie memorized.
by matti
Mon Dec 12, 2022 8:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Simplicity
Replies: 42
Views: 8844

Re: Simplicity

I enjoyed reading the posts in this thread.

I have every single retirement dollar invested in a Vanguard TDF, so I don't have to think about anything other than making my contributions. The TDF may not be perfect, but I think it's pretty good (or at least good enough!).
by matti
Thu Dec 08, 2022 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hiking - Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Altra Lone Peak 6
Replies: 28
Views: 3834

Re: Hiking - Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Altra Lone Peak 6

I'm a trail runner with a lot of ultramarathon experience and was bummed when my beloved Brooks Caldera 4 was changed to something that didn't work for me. For the last 6 months (at least), I've been working to find a good shoe that works for me. As of now, I've settled on the Speedgoat 5 since it really fits my foot well. I've heard bad things about their durability but time will tell. (I ran in Altras for several years but abandoned them due to quality control and durability issues; perhaps those have since been fixed?)

Ultimately, as others have already said, shoe fit is so incredibly personal. So, you just gotta put some on and give them a go. Good luck!
by matti
Thu Dec 01, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel agent for travel abroad?
Replies: 11
Views: 1153

Re: Travel agent for travel abroad?

My wife and I went to Australia a few years ago (the first time we've ever been in that part of the world) and we worked with a travel agent. They arranged hotels and shuttles, booked flights, and booked us for a few guided tours we wanted to do. It really made things very easy for us and helped take the stress out of trip planning.

I don't remember what we paid the agent, but it was worth every dollar. This was the only time we've used a travel agent, but if we ever go on a trip like this again, we'll work with the same travel agent. Not sure if this helps.
by matti
Wed Nov 30, 2022 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Residential water testing?
Replies: 15
Views: 946

Re: Residential water testing?

Last month, we wanted to have our city water tested and I reached out to a local analytical/environmental consulting firm, and they pointed us to:
https://mytapscore.com/

We had a test done and results came quick.