Search found 627 matches
- Sat Feb 27, 2021 4:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car suggestion for 70+ year-old mom
- Replies: 147
- Views: 7291
Re: Car suggestion for 70+ year-old mom
A vote for Toyota RAV4. My wife got one about 18 months ago and loves it. It sits up much higher than a sedan, but a lot lower than a larger SUV. And it’s a Toyota! Excellent reliability. It sounds like the OP's mom is against foreign vehicles so a Toyota is probably not the most relevant suggestio...
- Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car suggestion for 70+ year-old mom
- Replies: 147
- Views: 7291
Re: Car suggestion for 70+ year-old mom
Based on your scenario, I would put the Ford Escape on your short list. The new Buick Envision looks really nice and Chevy Equinox might fit the bill.
https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/es ... r-suvs-vhp
https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/es ... r-suvs-vhp
- Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: which snow blower ?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 7524
Re: which snow blower ?
I currently own a Toro single stage snowblower I am happy with for my smaller driveway in MD. The advantage of single stage is they tend to clean the driveway better with their rubber impeller. I also owned a rebranded Ariens (John Deere green to match my tractor). It was the large 28 inch version w...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 7:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Growth in International Funds?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2322
Re: Growth in International Funds?
I’m looking to rebalance my 401k and wanted feedback on allocation. I currently have my 401k invested in 50% SPY and 50% VXF. I used to have 100% VTI but since I have a minimum of 20 years of work left, I wanted to increase my exposure to small-mid caps. I understand from reading a variety of artic...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4811
Re: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
I don’t need to convince anyone the Amex Platinum is worth it for me…it seems like other are trying to convince me otherwise. I won’t bother arguing every point. However, I will provide a few more examples: - All 3 of my family members have benefited from the reimbursed Global Entry fee (1 card) - I...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4811
Re: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
These are the main benefits I receive from the Amex Platinum card for travel. Status (free breakfast, upgrades, etc.) - Marriott - Hilton - National - Hertz - Avis Free Global Entry - $200 airline credit/ more recently travel credit that came off a cruise - Cruise line benefits - $200 Uber/Uber Eats...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4811
Re: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
The problem for Amex, of course, is the fact that a ton of their cardholders travel with their families or other companions, so limiting lounge access to just the cardholder would cause a lot of them to drop the card. Amex doesn't want them to do that, as they see their Platinum card as another way...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4811
Re: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
The problem for Amex, of course, is the fact that a ton of their cardholders travel with their families or other companions, so limiting lounge access to just the cardholder would cause a lot of them to drop the card. Amex doesn't want them to do that, as they see their Platinum card as another way...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 6:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4811
Re: Best Combination of Travel Cards?
The problem for Amex, of course, is the fact that a ton of their cardholders travel with their families or other companions, so limiting lounge access to just the cardholder would cause a lot of them to drop the card. Amex doesn't want them to do that, as they see their Platinum card as another way...
- Sun Feb 21, 2021 6:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Changes to LastPass free
- Replies: 178
- Views: 11630
Re: Changes to LastPass free
I’m in the same boat. I actually prefer to pay for apps (at a discount, and preferably one time fee) so I have an service level agreement. I originally paid $12 a year until they doubled their price and the free version was enhanced to include everything I needed. I’ve researched a few options and d...
- Sat Feb 20, 2021 12:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: New teen driver.
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1376
Re: New teen driver.
My insurance doubled when my daughter got added last year. I suspected it would. I'm suspecting it to go even higher now. In the last few months she's had the following incidents: (a) When swerving to miss a deer made contact with a brick encased mailbox causing about $8k of damage to the car (b) R...
- Sun Feb 07, 2021 5:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How do you protect your paid off house?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 4144
Re: How do you protect your paid off house?
Most people use insurance, including umbrella insurance of an appropriate amount. How do you know that most people use umbrella insurance? Have you done a survey? I believe you are reading this quote inaccurately. This answer is based on the original question. Most people concerned about liability ...
- Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a new car - what should I physically inspect on the car?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1494
Re: Buying a new car - what should I physically inspect on the car?
I will also say, Relax. if you find something wrong later, the dealer will fix it. I agree, the benefit of buying a new car is that it comes with a factory warranty. Even a 1,000 miles is not much in the scheme of things. I would just make sure there are no dents and make sure the deal is done as a...
- Wed Nov 25, 2020 8:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car will fit in garage with one inch to spare - thoughts?
- Replies: 111
- Views: 9119
Re: Car will fit in garage with one inch to spare - thoughts?
Transit Connect passenger van? Minivans are awesome and those that suggest it isn't needed have never experienced the practicality and all around goodness. That being said, I also thought this might be a decent alternative. Essentially a "city van". https://www.ford.com/trucks/transit-con...
- Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What charity are you donating to this Christmas season?
- Replies: 145
- Views: 6233
Re: What charity are you donating to this Christmas season?
We give throughout the year to our church, Salvation Army, Samaritan's Purse, and our volunteer fire department.
- Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication
- Replies: 83
- Views: 9139
Re: Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication
Microsoft is addressing the wrong crowd. I do not decide what type of 2FA I use. That is setup by the bank or financial institution. I have to follow the authentication method they provide. This is not a user based decision. I will ignore the MS concerns. Not entirely true. I have utilized Google, ...
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 7:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: twitter 20% drop
- Replies: 55
- Views: 6150
Re: twitter 20% drop
I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the future belongs to technologies and COVID-19 most likely has accelerated the process. Good companies do not automatically make good stocks. The problem is not that technology is the future. The problem is that people overbid for those assets today. This le...
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 7:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: twitter 20% drop
- Replies: 55
- Views: 6150
Re: twitter 20% drop
I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the future belongs to technologies and COVID-19 most likely has accelerated the process. Good companies do not automatically make good stocks. The problem is not that technology is the future. The problem is that people overbid for those assets today. This le...
- Sat Oct 31, 2020 3:48 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4621
Re: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
That seems right. I don't like dividends being thrown into a money market account rather than being reinvested. I switched to ETF's begrudgingly, because Vanguard starting offering lower fees on the ETF equivalent. The change also messed up my single pane of glass view for my wife and I. First it w...
- Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:51 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4621
Re: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
That seems right. I don't like dividends being thrown into a money market account rather than being reinvested. I switched to ETF's begrudgingly, because Vanguard starting offering lower fees on the ETF equivalent. The change also messed up my single pane of glass view for my wife and I. First it w...
- Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are cheap all-in-one printers fine?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2110
Re: Are cheap all-in-one printers fine?
I've never been disappointed with the HP Pro printers you can get at Sam's club or Costco for around $200. Advantages: - low cost of operation (compared to cheaper versions) - duplex - Nice duplex capable scanners - Decent paper capacity - Faster I also buy the XL (large capacity cartridge) value pa...
- Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:07 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4621
Re: Vanguard Brokerage Account Misinformation Correction Thread
That seems right. I don't like dividends being thrown into a money market account rather than being reinvested. I switched to ETF's begrudgingly, because Vanguard starting offering lower fees on the ETF equivalent. The change also messed up my single pane of glass view for my wife and I. First it wa...
- Sat Oct 24, 2020 6:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Trail sneakers
- Replies: 59
- Views: 3842
Re: Trail sneakers
I also need wide toe box. So far, Ecco has worked well for me. Any other brands I should look at? I've tried a few brands including Merrill and New Balance, but my new favorite are these Salomon's. They specifically tout a wide toe box to help as your toes swell on longer hikes. I wasn't sure if I ...
- Fri Oct 23, 2020 6:09 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Going “all in” on paying mortgage
- Replies: 178
- Views: 14691
Re: Going “all in” on paying mortgage
In 2004 we put 50% down. Paid off the mortgage within 12 months by eschewing all other investing/saving and making the mortgage payoff the sole priority. The only regret is that if we knew the housing market would collapse a few years later we would have put down the least possible and defaulted on...
- Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:40 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Tesla becomes most valuable car company in the world
- Replies: 385
- Views: 35644
new competitors from other industries...
Interesting discussion, but here is another competitor from left field.
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/10/16/foxconn-ev-plans/
https://insideevs.com/news/449468/autom ... seriously/
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/10/16/foxconn-ev-plans/
https://insideevs.com/news/449468/autom ... seriously/
- Wed Oct 21, 2020 7:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Going “all in” on paying mortgage
- Replies: 178
- Views: 14691
Re: Going “all in” on paying mortgage
In 2004 we put 50% down. Paid off the mortgage within 12 months by eschewing all other investing/saving and making the mortgage payoff the sole priority. The only regret is that if we knew the housing market would collapse a few years later we would have put down the least possible and defaulted on...
- Sun Oct 18, 2020 8:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Shouldn’t have canceled YouTube premium
- Replies: 37
- Views: 5107
Re: Shouldn’t have canceled YouTube premium
That sounds like illegal activity like stealing? Do moderators approve of this activity? (Very yappy YouTube Premium customer on the family plan 14.99/month) IMHO what is ethical is giving special pricing or offers for only certain people. Students are generally kids of wealthy parents. These tech ...
- Sun Oct 18, 2020 8:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: At what age did you start moving into bonds?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 4617
Re: At what age did you start moving into bonds?
I've always had some bonds. I tried following the advice age in bonds but always tilted more aggressive. I just turned 50 and have about 20% in bonds. For the last 10 years or so...I do my best to mimic Vanguard's glide path for target funds. For me, it helps "keep me on track" and I readj...
- Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: "Nice" furniture recommendations
- Replies: 114
- Views: 10974
Re: "Nice" furniture recommendations
I've been relatively pleased with our furniture from Ethan Allen & Lazy Boy, we also bought a Stressless loveseat. Some of our other furniture makers have since went out of business. My suggestion is to not necessarily skip Lazy Boy. An American owned company that leans more towards the "va...
- Mon Sep 28, 2020 4:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does anyone recommend this $350 laptop?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 3930
Re: Does anyone recommend this $350 laptop?
My understanding Acer now owns the Gateway brand and is marketing it exclusively through Walmart. Although I personally, would lean towards 8GB RAM and 256GB HD, for the average casual user, this should work fine for web browsing. Here is a place to give you alternative ideas: https://slickdeals.net...
- Sun Sep 27, 2020 5:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oil change disaster
- Replies: 127
- Views: 14014
Re: Oil change disaster
Ironically, this happened to me earlier this year. I thought it would be nice to teach my 15 year old daughter how to check the oil, and had her add about 1/3 of a quart. A day later I saw smoke, oil leaking, and oil splattered all over the engine. She put the cap back on, but didn't screw it tight....
- Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:29 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Is it really passive index if S&P actively excludes Tesla?
- Replies: 160
- Views: 12246
Re: Is it really passive index if S&P actively excludes Tesla?
OK, I'll throw in a few comments: - S&P 500 not 100% passive...interesting, I am not seeing the intentional exclusion of particular companies. I would be more concerned if they decided to exclude certain companies for political correctness, or some non-financial criteria. Seems like Tesla may be...
- Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Am I being overcharged for life insurance? (Don't worry guys, I'm talking about term life.)
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3076
Re: Am I being overcharged for life insurance? (Don't worry guys, I'm talking about term life.)
I am not totally against insurance, but am against paying too much. What are you insuring against? - 20 year max IMHO, I chose 15 year when my daughter was born under the assumption my 401K would be larger by then (I was right). I was the only breadwinner. - Seems like an awful lot to insure for tha...
- Thu Aug 20, 2020 6:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Approach to "News" Consumption
- Replies: 82
- Views: 4831
Re: Approach to "News" Consumption
I'll just add that once you accept the fact that all news is entertainment...a business that gets paid through viewership and ads, you at least understand why it is so polarizing. Not sure how to fix it...my wish list: - News would be independent of ad revenue - Increased pushback from misleading ar...
- Wed Aug 19, 2020 6:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone noticed La-Z-Boy quality has declined?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 4137
Re: Anyone noticed La-Z-Boy quality has declined?
It seems like some people are chiming in who have no understanding about La-Z-Boy offerings. I own 3 recliners (2 La-Z-Boy & Ethan Allen) and from my perspective the quality is similar and neither look like traditional recliners. I like that La-Z-Boy is an American owned furniture company with d...
- Wed Aug 19, 2020 6:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Approach to "News" Consumption
- Replies: 82
- Views: 4831
Re: Approach to "News" Consumption
I primarily use: - Wall Street Journal - Fox News - Rush Limbaugh - NPR Most news sources have declined and are aggregated from AP and Reuters with the increasing goal of using headlines for "click bait" to improve ad revenue. A year ago, I would have bragged about WSJ. Today, it seems the...
- Tue Aug 18, 2020 4:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
- Replies: 10050
- Views: 710179
Re: Refinance Mega Thread
Hello everyone. First post from a long time novice lurking and sucking up all the wisdom from everyone(thank you). I couldn’t help but finally create an account because I’m just failing at making progress on this one. I’m surprised at how everyone is able to get such low interest rates. I’m not abl...
- Sun Aug 16, 2020 6:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Employee Over Paid by Six Digits
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4160
Re: Employee Over Paid by Six Digits
As a business owner I’m on board with advice from Stinky’s post. Assuming you are correct in your assessment of your partner and it was a mistake, absolutely don’t go back for reparation. The 2 of you need to focus on running and continuously improving the business. Spending time assessing value of...
- Sun Aug 16, 2020 5:52 am
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: new controversial issue
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2232
Re: new controversial issue
I believe the safest, and most prudent action would require not changing anything in regards to moderation of the forum.
- Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Real estate agent - breach of fiduciary duty
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3184
Re: Real estate agent - breach of fiduciary duty
Not 100% sure, but my initial thoughts:
- Ask agent's broker to reassign someone else
- Send formal complaint to broker (if not successful, part of larger agency?, escalate)
- If necessary, send formal complaint to any relevant government oversight
- Ask agent's broker to reassign someone else
- Send formal complaint to broker (if not successful, part of larger agency?, escalate)
- If necessary, send formal complaint to any relevant government oversight
- Sat Aug 08, 2020 2:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Got myself in a jam at credit card
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2076
Re: Got myself in a jam at credit card
Could you give us some additional background? Is this a legitimate vendor, third party vendor, US based, etc. Very hard to follow.
Not sure there is anything wrong with sharing the vendor or platform name...
Not sure there is anything wrong with sharing the vendor or platform name...
- Tue Aug 04, 2020 9:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
- Replies: 1751
- Views: 162802
Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well
For those refinancing with Lendersfi. Which company is the loan transferred to? I see that it shows on my docs that Lendersfi will transfer the loan. Is it one of the big banks, like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc? BSI Financial Services does the loan servicing. Is this the same company.....
- Wed Jul 29, 2020 4:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
- Replies: 10050
- Views: 710179
Re: Refinance Mega Thread
I've been lurking on the thread but didn't contribute. I'm refinancing approximately $500K for a 20 year fixed. Originally went with Better.com on a 2.875 rate but had trouble getting hold of a real person during the refi and the rates had also fallen. I thought I would cross check Lender Fi and was...
- Sun Jul 26, 2020 2:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinancing Debate - 15yr (pay mortgage quicker) or 30yr (increase cashflow)
- Replies: 32
- Views: 1997
Re: Refinancing Debate - 15yr (pay mortgage quicker) or 30yr (increase cashflow)
I'd find a 20 year mortgage, and split the difference: less interest paid, shorten the term, AND increase cash flow. This is what I did. In an ideal situation, I would go with the 15. But at 50 years old, being mortgage free before retirement is also important. I live in a HCOL area. 20 year split ...
- Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: SUV, 2 row, 40k USD
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3146
Re: SUV, 2 row, 40k USD
A Lincoln might also work. The last few years they seem to have stepped up their game. Lincoln Corsair https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-crossovers/corsair/ BMW X3 https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-models/x3/sports-activity-vehicle/overview.html Infiniti QX50 https://www.infinitiusa.com/vehicles/crosso...
- Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: SUV, 2 row, 40k USD
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3146
Re: SUV, 2 row, 40k USD
I would at least look at a new or certified used Audi Q5. Drove one when these first came out and was very impressed.
https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5
https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5
- Sun Jun 07, 2020 8:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
- Replies: 499
- Views: 31925
Re: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
Depends on what you really want...I would be tempted by the new Corvette, 911, Ferrari, and the Audi. That said, I'll throw you a curve ball...I could also see myself enjoying a Bentley Continental. I would certainly enjoy it for picking up bagels! https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a28186665/2020...
- Sun May 03, 2020 4:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Aeropress coffee machine stuck in shipping
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2586
Re: Aeropress coffee machine stuck in shipping
I am a big fan of buying whole bean, fresh grind, and using a french press. Very easy, and the cheapest way to get great quality. $100 for decent grinder, and $20 for French Press. Most of the time, I use my $4k setup with an espresso machine and commercial grinder, but it is overkill for most peopl...
- Thu Apr 30, 2020 8:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: State Farm Safe Driving App
- Replies: 45
- Views: 3485
Re: State Farm Safe Driving App
I hate the concept. A ridiculous invasion of privacy, supposed benefits that will eventually cost shift to people concerned about privacy. Here is the thing...accelerating fast, braking fast, and speeding don't cost the insurance company any money. Driving like an idiot, not using turn signals, and ...
- Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Laptop buying advice
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3252
Re: Laptop buying advice
I think a few things to consider: - Choose high quality brand (Mac, Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc.) - Choose higher quality line within brand (ex: XPS or commercial for Dell) - I consider myself a power user but don't really run VM's. For me 8gb RAM and 256gb HD is sufficient - Compare apples to ...