Search found 469 matches

by tj218
Sat Nov 19, 2022 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?
Replies: 38
Views: 3445

Re: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?

I had a lot of success when my contract went up and a huge price increase was coming by reaching out to xfinity on Reddit. Ended up getting a better rate than new customers and a faster speed. Painless, took a few minutes of my time and some idle time waiting for them to respond.
by tj218
Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peacock premium????
Replies: 22
Views: 2682

Re: Peacock premium????

Peacock is great, definitely a must for soccer. As posters mentioned above if you have Comcast OR an Amex you can basically get it for free. If you aren't a fan of the big 6, you can probably get by most of the entire season just with Peacock. The Big 6 games are usually what is put on USA. Sling is the other option for the USA Network games, last spring a lot was on there (3-4 per week) but this weekend was not as bad.
by tj218
Sun Jul 24, 2022 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High Mileage Commute Car, when do you sell/replace?
Replies: 29
Views: 3104

Re: High Mileage Commute Car, when do you sell/replace?

Candor wrote: Sun Jul 24, 2022 2:47 pm Get back to us in 2028 and 270,000 miles and maybe we can have a conversation. :beer
Thanks all for keeping me grounded! I was worried about new car affordability down the road but this is reassuring it is something I can kick the can down the road a bit on.
by tj218
Sun Jul 24, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High Mileage Commute Car, when do you sell/replace?
Replies: 29
Views: 3104

High Mileage Commute Car, when do you sell/replace?

I currently have 135,000 on my Honda Accord (2016, bought new). I have had no issues with it other than routine maintenance and oil changes. It is fully paid off. KBB has the trade-in value between $8500-$10,300. With the prices of cars so high both new and used, I am struggling to figure out when is the right time to get a new car. I do not need a new car and I am/was hoping to get 200,000 out of it. Am I better off sticking with current car, or trading in and getting new, which will yield a new car at a lower price to capitalize on the insane used car market. I don't think new car prices will come back down to earth anytime soon, so waiting 2-3 years assuming maintenance free or so I fear I could "lose" when the car only yields ...
by tj218
Fri Apr 29, 2022 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dog breeds
Replies: 150
Views: 12427

Re: Dog breeds

We had to put our beloved border collie down a few months ago (15 1/2 years). Absolutely great dog, even in her last days. She was excellent for hiking and playing with the kids, well mannered and sweet as could be. They do have energy, especially as a pup, but as long as you don't mind a longer walk or two walks per day it is easily manageable. They are very easy and fun to train too.

She was so great, it is hard to see how another dog could compare.

Good luck OP!!
by tj218
Sun Apr 24, 2022 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London in June 2022 - advice please
Replies: 39
Views: 6612

Re: London in June 2022 - advice please

I would go sim cards route unless you need existing cell # for business. Sims are much cheaper outside of the airport than in it. They are easily found in a lot of stores and kiosk throughout the city. For the kids just disable data and roaming and make them use wifi in the hotel. It will keep them from being on screens and enjoy the trip. For the price, the Piccadilly line is the way to go, don't bother with the express it costs a lot more per person and doesn't save you that much time. I think the trip was easily 75+ more expensive going with car transportation. The trains are easy to navigate with luggage. But if you have multiple large suitcases car route may be the better option. The WB Studios trip in Watford is a great one for childr...
by tj218
Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spirit airlines
Replies: 49
Views: 5544

Re: Spirit airlines

Spirit offers a 3 hour non stop flight from NH to Florida .Any BH out there who have flown recently with spirit airlines? I would like to hear your experience and tips to save money flying with spirit airlines. Thank you Since you are flying out of Manchester, you also should factor in cost savings for parking (or uber) to the airport vs. Boston. The Spirit flights out of MHT are very cost friendly, plus the minimal hassle at MHT. It won't be the most comfortable flight, but they fly MHT to FL locations daily, so even in bad weather, you aren't going to be stranded for long. They also fly mostly new planes, I feel safer on those than older airframes. If you have kids traveling though, definitely pay to pick your seats, or if you have reaso...
by tj218
Tue Feb 01, 2022 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Expected Settlement may push above income for Roth IRA
Replies: 10
Views: 1184

Expected Settlement may push above income for Roth IRA

Long story short, sometime later this year I am expecting a settlement (low 5 figures) from a lawsuit that may push my wife and I over the income contribution limits for our Roth IRAs. My wife's income fluctuates year/year, last year was a higher earning year for her and if she duplicates that it will likely push us over income contribution limits. Since it is early in the year and I have time to plan for this, should I: 1. Preemptively stop funding the Roth IRA and switch to a traditional IRA with our regular contributions? I could either leave that in the IRA or if wanted, next year roll the IRA (this year's funds) over to a Roth? 2. Or just keep plugging away in the Roth and withdraw those funds if the settlement pushes us over the limit...
by tj218
Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Covid restrictions to enter Germany/ anyone been recently?
Replies: 57
Views: 4998

Re: Covid restrictions to enter Germany/ anyone been recently?

Reading this thread has me wondering, what happens if you end up testing positive in the 72 hour window? Do you lose your ticket or get refunded/vouchers?
by tj218
Sun Jul 11, 2021 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good (and affordable) Running Shoes for Concrete?
Replies: 38
Views: 4243

Re: Good (and affordable) Running Shoes for Concrete?

runner3081 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:34 pm Go to a local running store, have your foot strike analyzed and have them fit you into a shoe.

Running shoes are not an area you want to cut costs. You will seriously regret it (well, at least knees, ankles, hips, back, etc), down the road if you ever become any kind of a runner.

I have gone through a number of shoes while running for over 20 years. Have stuck with my Mizuno Wave Riders (and swear by them) for the last 7 years, just keep buying the previous year model for a discount.
Another Mizuno Waverider Fan. I too buy a year behind, but they are usually good for 500-700miles on asphalt. Love the shoes and the brand.
by tj218
Fri Jul 09, 2021 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone for kid
Replies: 26
Views: 2723

Re: Cell phone for kid

Xfinity Mobile if you have Comcast for Internet already. We moved from Verizon and there is no drop-off in quality, features or priority. A lot of MVNOs (Tracfone related companies, Republic, Ting, basically any of the non big providers) de-prioritize these numbers so in crowded places they do not work well or at all.
by tj218
Thu Jul 08, 2021 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Teachers: what are your best personal finance tips?
Replies: 180
Views: 36110

Re: Teachers: what are your best personal finance tips?

1. Don't assume your pension will be enough. It won't be. 2. AVOID any union pitched retirement/annuities/ etc. Ditto for any salesman that come in to talk at staff meetings. 3. If possible save any extra money (extracurricular, summer school, etc.) and put it all into a retirement. I recommend maxing IRA/Roth IRA before going the 403b route due to 403b fees and poor choices in a lot of districts. 4. Try to allocate a portion/most/all of annual raises, step increases etc. into savings. 5. If possible depending on district, take course work to get to salary increases, but only do course work if you will be reimbursed, especially if in later career. The ROI on paying for a grad class is much lower if you are mid/end career. 6. Make sure you u...
by tj218
Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid life career question (IT)
Replies: 56
Views: 6631

Re: Mid life career question (IT)

samsoes wrote: Wed Jul 07, 2021 5:10 pm What is WLB?

West Long Branch?
Wing Lung Bank?
:confused
Work/life balance
by tj218
Sun Jun 27, 2021 4:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to watch live European Soccer matches without spending too much?
Replies: 21
Views: 2499

Re: How to watch live European Soccer matches without spending too much?

It all depends on what league you want to watch (specific team/league, etc.) and how much you have cut the cord. Euro 2020 - The competition that is going on now between national teams, is only available on ESPN, so Vidgo or Sling are your best best. The do have alternate feeds on ESPN+ but without commentary. If you want this specific tournament I would trial hop or look for the best deal for a single month of any of the services (Vidgo has a $10 first month trial). The tournament will be over mid-July. Next season (most domestic leagues start in August/Sept). Premier League - Most games are on NBC owned stations or apps (Peacock), NBC is shutting down NBC Sports Network, when the new season starts up it is widely expected games will be on...
by tj218
Fri May 28, 2021 8:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you putting in your Roth IRA?
Replies: 138
Views: 27500

Re: What are you putting in your Roth IRA?

Age- 39
70% VTSAX
30% VUSUX
by tj218
Fri Apr 30, 2021 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724023

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Just finished Malcolm Gladwell's new book The Bomber Mafia https://www.amazon.com/Bomber-Mafia-Tem ... 0316296619

It's a short read, but interesting background on the precision guided (Bomber Mafia) bomb group in WWII vs. the area effect school. Focuses quite a bit on the moral question through the lens of what the goal of the "Bomber Mafia" was trying to achieve vs. the pragmatic concerns (lack of accuracy, ineffectiveness, etc.) of waging such a campaign during that era. I enjoyed the background on the development of the Norden bombsight in particular. The Curtis LeMay led firebombing campaign is the focus of the final third of the book.
by tj218
Mon Mar 15, 2021 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1560

Re: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?

I recently went through the process of setting up a solo 401k and a Roth 401k. I already have a Roth IRA since early adulthood. I'll explain more about what the process looked like for me, what I've been told, and what I plan to do. I already contributed my 6k into my Roth IRA for 2020 this past month. I called Vanguard to look into setting up a 401K. They recommended I establish BOTH an individual 401k and a Roth 401k. Basically the limits are higher for 401k's ($19500 for the employee portion, either in the i401k or the Roth 401k or both but the total can't exceed $19500 if you're below age 50). They told me that because of the CARES act, I could still set it up for the year 2020 and make the employer contribution! A few things to note: ...
by tj218
Sun Mar 14, 2021 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1560

Re: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?

can she deduct the 401k as an employER and reduce overall taxable income as a single member LLC? Her employEE contributions to the 401k can be either Roth or Traditional. Her employER contributions to the 401k can only be Traditional. And yes, they are deductible and will reduce her taxable income. However, they will not reduce her self-employment tax. In other words, they are not a business expense and are not deducted from business income on Schedule C. They are deducted on Schedule 1, line 15, and then end up being subtracted from her income back on page 1 of 1040, line 10a. Aside: the employer contribution can be a max of 20% of net earnings from SE, which are defined as net profit minus 1/2 of SE tax (because you already get a deducti...
by tj218
Sat Mar 13, 2021 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1560

Re: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?

CFM300 wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 5:08 pm She does not need to make regular contributions, but she will need to designate the contributions are being employEE or employER.

Yes, she can deduct her contributions on her taxes. There are limits, of course.

This page will get you started. I recommend his books as well.

https://obliviousinvestor.com/sep-vs-si ... solo-401k/
Thanks for the link! It definitely helped. However, I am still a bit unclear, can she deduct the 401k as an employER and reduce overall taxable income as a single member LLC? It sounds too good to be true, (throw 20% of LLC income in the 401k claim it and reduce annual income taxes?) I'm very much of the school of "if it sounds too good to be true..."

Thanks again!
by tj218
Sat Mar 13, 2021 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?
Replies: 14
Views: 1560

Can my spouse do a solo 401k and a Roth IRA?

Last fall my spouse left her job in which she was eligible for a state pension, she was vested but for now we are leaving the sum in it and treating it as a small annuity when we retire. Throughout her time she was paying into her pension we were also maxing out her Roth IRA annually. She has since started her own business (single member LLC) and is doing well, with no desire to ever add employees. We have continued to make regular contributions to her Roth IRA but now are looking to "replace" the amount that was previously directed towards her pension. Can we also open a self-employed 401k in addition to the Roth? So she could still contribute the annual max to the Roth and then additional funds in the 401k (tax-deferred)? Exampl...
by tj218
Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus or Tesla?
Replies: 193
Views: 17208

Re: Lexus or Tesla?

I wouldn't hesistate and go for a Lexus. Tesla has very poor reliability https://www.marketwatch.com/story/tesla ... 1605816647
by tj218
Sat Feb 20, 2021 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring to Vermont/New Hampshire area
Replies: 91
Views: 10274

Re: Retiring to Vermont/New Hampshire area

Outside of the tourist/popular areas in VT, the state has a very strong poor Appalachia vibe. But the beer is so good. NH has some towns that would be great but are otherwise overrun with tourists 10 months a year (Wolfeboro, Meredith, Gilford, Alton, Lincoln, North Conway, Newbury/Sunapee). However plenty of great towns that are ignored by tourists and still have a lot of luxuries or some of the New England feel (Warner, Gilmanton, Campton, etc.) NH has property tax issues, but it really depends on the town. Some towns have very low rates and decent homes can be purchased there ($15-20 per 1,000), while others have very high rates near $30 on the thousand. Really depends on your budget and long-term plan, do you want a house to stay in the...
by tj218
Sat Feb 13, 2021 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Beer
Replies: 1071
Views: 204162

Re: Boglehead Beer

Psu4lif wrote: Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:02 am I'm a Pils and Lager guy. Here's a few.....

mass market:
Yuengling Light Lager
Miller Lite
Modelo Especial (especially when in Mexico),
Pilsner Urquell

Craft:
Jack's Abbey Post Shift
Victory Prima Pils (used to live two blocks from the brewery)
Post Shift is such a great beer. I like the house lager too, but the Post Shift is great. I wish they sold it in 15packs like they do the House Lager.
by tj218
Thu Jan 28, 2021 7:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]
Replies: 5086
Views: 400823

Re: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]

Serious question. As a boglehead, I made a lapse in judgement and have ~900 GME shares I purchased for $40/ea. I had market order set at 400 this morning but got greedy. Initial position was a small amount of net worth...but this escalated quickly. I honestly wasn't in it for a squeeze, I just liked Ryan Cohen. Now I can't sleep :-/ Anything above $40 is profit. Are you in it to "take down the system" or improve your financial future. At some point, whether it is tomorrow, Monday, or next month....it will be below $40. If you are concerned about FOMO, why not sell enough to break/even turn a small profit and then ride the rest a little bit and then the next day or half-day sell amount = to original and let the rest ride, rinse re...
by tj218
Thu Jan 28, 2021 7:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]
Replies: 5086
Views: 400823

Re: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]

Mongoose wrote: Thu Jan 28, 2021 7:17 pm What happened today was ridiculous.

Imagine going to Vegas. Putting $$$ money on a black jack hand. You have 21 and the dealer hits 22. The casino then steps in and says "Sorry, for this hand only- 22 beats 21." There is nothing you can do about it.

WSB gambles, they know that, that isn't what is up for argument. The casino changed the rules after the terms were set plain and simple.
WSB gambles, but not everyone on RH (15 millionish) gamble and this along with other platforms and their customers gave a peek behind the curtain.
by tj218
Thu Jan 28, 2021 7:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]
Replies: 5086
Views: 400823

Re: [GameStop GME trading mega-thread]

Like everyone here I am fascinated and am entertained by what is happening with $GME and WSB. Long-term however, is anyone else somewhat spooked at what this experience is going to do to a generation of investors (18-29) that relied on RH as their tool? Are they going to walk away from the market for good? "System is rigged" etc. That message bodes poorly for everyone, those in spending phase and if there are fewer buyers we have years of declines destroying the compounding factor?

It's probably a small risk, but it's not zero.
by tj218
Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724023

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

After seeing it talked about both good and bad and on numerous best book lists (Economist) I decided to read Abigail Shrier's "Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters "
https://www.amazon.com/Irreversible-Dam ... B07YL6XK55
by tj218
Sat Dec 19, 2020 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1277166

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

This thread is really long, I am sure my question is answered somewhere within it, but alas so far I haven't found it.

Looking to refinance into a 15year, but we have a HELOC (no balance, just the line of credit exists) in 2nd place. It doesn't appear LenderFi will work in this type of situation, does anyone have any thoughts or experiences with a company that will refinance the primary mortgage but also not force us to close the HELOC?

The refinance rates at the local bank where we have the HELOC are nowhere near as good as what LenderFi and others have but I am thinking that is the back-up in case we can't find someone to work with.

Thanks for any suggestions.
by tj218
Sun Dec 06, 2020 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 529
Views: 88343

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

MishkaWorries wrote: Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:58 am Red Dead Redemption.

Just dusted off my old Xbox360. So far know kinda boring. Not sure if it's the game or I'm just not into video games anymore.
It's open world games. Unless I just focus on a main quest I am okay, but if I wander off and explore I get bored very quick in any game. Fallout, Red Dead, Skyrim, etc.
by tj218
Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 529
Views: 88343

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

In 2018 I switched to PS4 from being a long-time PC gamer. I do miss Europa Universals on my PC, but other than that I am mostly loving gaming on the PS4. Laying back on the couch instead of hunching over a mouse and keyboard has been really nice. I've found that time has slipped past me and I am not quick enough on most FPS (or even RTS on the PC). I mostly play single player. Currently on rotation: 1. Last of Us II (feels like I am playing a movie, and the different approaches to the game instead of just run & gun are very appealing, I loved the The Witcher III on the PC, which is similar, a bit more combat focused but great story and game play). 2. FIFA 20 - Haven't bothered to buy 21 since I don't play the card pack games on there a...
by tj218
Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movie recommendation for Kids (9/10 yrs) ?
Replies: 12
Views: 847

Re: Movie recommendation for Kids (9/10 yrs) ?

My daughters (8 & 11) were awestruck by the SpaceX launch last week and then that night I put on Apollo 13. It's rated PG, but there is some swearing (the S word and da*n ), but my kids loved it. My youngest was very tense at the end and then cheered, it was really cool to see her get that tied to it. I did a very brief history leading up to the Apollo program before watching it and had to pause it once or twice to explain a few things but overall I was amazed that they were so engrossed by it.
by tj218
Thu Apr 23, 2020 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Covid19 resistant job
Replies: 155
Views: 12744

Re: Best Covid19 resistant job

Teacher here. I feel secure, for now but if it really drags out 18 months I could see a scenairo where districts consolidate.

My wife is a county gov employee in the human services field, her entire program may get axed. We thought both of our positions were secure. It is becoming evident that not all .gov jobs are equal. Police, firefighter you are probably all set though.
by tj218
Sat Apr 11, 2020 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Government stimulus payments]
Replies: 361
Views: 36755

Re: just got my $1200 stimulus payment

Just remember the stimulus is just a forward credit and will be taken out of your standard deduction next year. Regardless of your means to spend, save, donate, I would set aside some of it to pay a potentially higher tax bill next year or less of a refund than you typically expect.
by tj218
Sun Apr 05, 2020 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Beer
Replies: 1071
Views: 204162

Re: Boglehead Beer

Founders 15packs (All-Day, Centennial, etc.) are pretty much as Boglehead as you can get when it comes to craft brew. Not the sexy/trendy thing in beer but always quality and pretty inexpensive.
by tj218
Thu Mar 26, 2020 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parents with kids in Spring sports that are on hiatus/cancelled
Replies: 8
Views: 979

Re: Parents with kids in Spring sports that are on hiatus/cancelled

Fellow parents of kids who participate in spring sports, How is everyone dealing with their respective clubs/organizations regarding money? Our daughter plays club soccer for which we have already paid but they have not practiced in 2 weeks. We received noticed yesterday that they are letting go of almost all their coaching staff. But they plan on sending us instructional materials at home for the kids to continue to work on, assuming it's to justify keeping the player registration money. I understand why they can't practice, but getting rid of the coaching staff, many of whom are on visas, doesn't sit well with me as a human. On top of that it looks like she will have to learn a whole new coach and their system if this continues more than...
by tj218
Thu Mar 26, 2020 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parents with kids in Spring sports that are on hiatus/cancelled
Replies: 8
Views: 979

Parents with kids in Spring sports that are on hiatus/cancelled

Fellow parents of kids who participate in spring sports, How is everyone dealing with their respective clubs/organizations regarding money? Our daughter plays club soccer for which we have already paid but they have not practiced in 2 weeks. We received noticed yesterday that they are letting go of almost all their coaching staff. But they plan on sending us instructional materials at home for the kids to continue to work on, assuming it's to justify keeping the player registration money. I understand why they can't practice, but getting rid of the coaching staff, many of whom are on visas, doesn't sit well with me as a human. On top of that it looks like she will have to learn a whole new coach and their system if this continues more than ...
by tj218
Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
Replies: 396
Views: 26208

Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20

technovelist wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:29 pm
tj218 wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:14 pm So I am spooked with the rate move.

The previous ride down hasn't phased me too much, this has. What's the "safest" option in the Vanguard family to move my stuff to for a little bit? Treasuries or Money Market?
Treasurys.
Just executed a switch to long-term treasuries, thanks. I am mid 30s, experienced 08 and saw it as a buying opportunity. I am timing the market for the first time but if I miss out on some gains I can recover with my timeline. If I take another 25% drop, I can still recover over a long-term, but I can recover quicker if I let the market hit near-bottom and going back in. I plan on DCAing my portfolio back over starting in a few weeks.
by tj218
Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20
Replies: 396
Views: 26208

Re: Fed Slashes Rates to Fight Coronavirus Slowdown WSJ 3/15/20

So I am spooked with the rate move.

The previous ride down hasn't phased me too much, this has. What's the "safest" option in the Vanguard family to move my stuff to for a little bit? Treasuries or Money Market?
by tj218
Sat Feb 29, 2020 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone usage in Europe
Replies: 43
Views: 3704

Re: Cell phone usage in Europe

Any solution on getting texts (SMS) on an Android (Samsung) phone forwarded to either Google or a new European Sim Card #?
by tj218
Tue Feb 25, 2020 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Postponed travel due to Corona Virus. Am I am overreacting ?
Replies: 232
Views: 28140

Re: Postponed travel due to Corona Virus. Am I am overreacting ?

People need to stop letting the raw numbers scare you. 80,000 infected. 3,000ish dead seems scary. The flu infects more and kills WAY more (albiet at a lower rate) but we don't stop life over it. I found these numbers reassuring: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/coronavirus-age-sex-demographics/ Some tidbits: "Patients who reported no pre-existing ("comorbid") medical conditions had a case fatality rate of 0.9%." Anyone under the age of 50 including children regardless of medical conditions have a death rate below 0.5% These stats come from the places with less than US quality medical care as well. If were above the age of 60, had a medical condition and were travelling to "hotspot" I would probably co...
by tj218
Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?
Replies: 1800
Views: 180238

Re: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?

EFF_fan81 wrote: Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:30 pm So you are more concerned about the less lethal and less contagious virus than the more lethal and more contagious one?

Okay.
You mean the virus that is killing people in our own state including children? Yes, that worries a lot more than a virus half a world away, if you are a worry-wort that virus killing your neighbor is more of a threat than Ebola, Ebola just makes headlines.

(edited for typos)
by tj218
Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?
Replies: 1800
Views: 180238

Re: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?

Man, I really feel like this is overhyped. I hope I am right too. We have a family trip planned to Europe this summer and already parents are begging us not to go. Of course they watch TV news A LOT. Am I stupid here, but while COV-19 is a new strain, the coronovirus is what we typically have called the common cold? It's not Ebola. 2-3% Mortality is high for this type of virus, but that is also in non-Western medical systems. So that seems to be the ceiling. I imagine even if it spreads to the developed countries that the mortality rate will drop a bit. To answer OP, I'm not doing anything, not changing IRA contributions, store purchases , etc. Not buying masks or stockpiling food either. I will reconsider if we see massive infection and le...
by tj218
Sun Dec 29, 2019 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home selling advice: Agent vs. FSBO vs. redfin
Replies: 94
Views: 6134

Re: Home selling advice: Agent vs. FSBO vs. redfin

S4C5 wrote: Sun Dec 29, 2019 4:36 pm
S4C5 wrote: Sun Dec 29, 2019 3:37 pm
I sent her three options:
1. Give me a termination agreement now.
2. List it for 469 until the agreement expires understanding that I won't offer more than a 1% concession to the buyer
3. Lower the commission to 5% and list it for 464.

Wanna take bets on what she chooses?
She chose option 1.

Probably for the best.

Now the question is do I find another realtor, go with redfin, or FSBO.

How much of a problem is it going to be FSBO if I am only in town on (some) weekends?
Can't I just get a lockbox and arrange with buyer's agents to show it?
How do I get it on the MLS without an agent?
A buyers agent is still going to want their 2-3% cut of a sale. Without that in the FSBO contact, I doubt any realtor will show it.
by tj218
Mon Nov 25, 2019 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Found hidden safe, should we crack?
Replies: 353
Views: 108530

Re: Found hidden safe, should we crack?

I've now found my second favorite thread on BH after "What Book Are you Currently Reading?" though at the rate these posts are going and how everyone's curiosity is piqued, it may surpass it in posts in a few weeks.

OP: Drag this out and crowdfund (Patreon) updates to the mystery safe. It may defray some of your costs. :D
by tj218
Sat Oct 19, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any experiences (good/bad) with EasyJet for EU travel?
Replies: 24
Views: 2391

Re: Any experiences (good/bad) with EasyJet for EU travel?

Make sure you factor in the cost of food (and time) and maybe hotel during your flight travel. If you stay over in London, there are extra things to pay. Or any city where your flights are not bunched in a manner in which you travel more or less seamlessly. No snes in saving that $400 if you have spend a night in London, one or both ways. Hotel, transport to hotel, food, time. All adds up. Good thought, I did that but it definitely deserves repeating for anyone searching threads in the future. We decided we wouldn't mind spending the first couple days of our vacation in London with the kids, part to get over the time difference but also to get the kids to see some sites in London. Hotel/AirBnBs are more expensive in London than Vienna for ...
by tj218
Sat Oct 19, 2019 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any experiences (good/bad) with EasyJet for EU travel?
Replies: 24
Views: 2391

Any experiences (good/bad) with EasyJet for EU travel?

I'm in the midst of planning a European vacation with my wife and kids for next summer. We want to go to Vienna but found flight prices were expensive for the 4 of us. I realized if you get to a European city it is much cheaper to then fly on (separate ticket) from that city to pretty much anywhere in Europe. We've already booked our round-trip flight to London where we plan to spend a few days before heading off to Vienna then ultimately heading back to London. It is less than half the cost by booking tickets this way vs. to Vienna on a single ticket. US to Vienna on a round trip ticket was $3800+ vs. US to London round trip $1300 London to Vienna round trip $400-1000 depending on airline) To minimize delay/cancellations impacting our flig...
by tj218
Thu Aug 15, 2019 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brown Bag Lunch Ideas
Replies: 70
Views: 6155

Re: Brown Bag Lunch Ideas

1. Rice and beans, you can make a big batch one day that lasts most of the week, throw in some sliced peppers and it is basically a burrito bowl without the carbs. Add cheese / salsa if desired.

2. Tabolue Salad in a pita pocket with chick peas. I find the chickpeas give it some depth that is otherwise lacking if you just did a Tabolue salad and pita bread.
by tj218
Mon Aug 12, 2019 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rate Reduction or Refinance
Replies: 14
Views: 972

Re: Rate Reduction or Refinance

Seems like I am going anti-Boglehead here but it just seems like there are enough signs out (slowing economy, global trade, stock market bull run seemingly slowing/ending) there that rates will drop more than this by the end of the year. I already have a decent rate (3.625%) but am looking to reduce it down from the original 20year to a 15 or 10 year. I can already get the 15year at my current monthly payment, but I am going to be greedy and wait another month or two.
by tj218
Sat Aug 03, 2019 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling home- Demanding Buyer (Repairs)
Replies: 495
Views: 72374

Re: Selling home- Demanding Buyer (Repairs)

Following this, just my two cents so take it FWIW: 1. I get rejecting the FHA loan attempt, dealing with FHA is a pain and the process can be drawn out. 2. I do think you were a bit too quick to reject the offers that were contingent on the sale of their homes. Few people are buying a first home at 450k+ and most other people will need to sell their own home first. Most people are reluctant to put their home up for sale and not know where they are moving to so they wait till an accepted offer on house they want is taken and then move to sell their home. If you get another offer like that I would consider accepting and adding a stipulation that the home sale contingency is void after 21 days if they are not under contract. That will light a ...
by tj218
Sat Aug 03, 2019 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Auto Refinance Rates?
Replies: 8
Views: 1269

Re: Best Auto Refinance Rates?

Doing the same thing as OP, here is what I have found: (60 month $20,000, currently at 6.25%) :

Bank of America (4.09%) ** discounts reduce this further if you are a BoA customer.
Lighstream: 4.69%

Capital One also offers it but you need to enter in personal details to get the rates. Checking with local credit unions as well. Good luck OP