Search found 211 matches

by rcjchicity
Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience/thoughts on Apple Fitness?
Replies: 12
Views: 1343

Re: Experience/thoughts on Apple Fitness?

I was just about to jump off Bogleheads to do a Fitness+ workout when I saw this thread!

I’ve been using it for about a year. It’s good to have around when I need to get a workout in, but can’t leave the house. So, not much use over the summer, but I appreciate it today when it’s 2 degrees outside. (My preferred workouts are jogging or walking outside)

I primarily do the HIIT , dance, yoga, Pilates and core workouts - the ones where you don’t need any equipment.

I like the variety if I’m not feeling one particular style. So, today, I’ll probably do 20 minutes of HIIT, 10 minutes of Pilates and 10 minutes of yoga.

I only use my iPad (propped up on a stand) to watch the workouts.

Worth the $10/ month for my purposes.
by rcjchicity
Thu Dec 30, 2021 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any experience going from two incomes to one for childcare?
Replies: 72
Views: 5462

Re: Any experience going from two incomes to one for childcare?

DH and I both worked full time when our first was born, and we utilized a nanny for the first year, then on-site daycare from my employer. Work-life balance seemed good. Then we had a second child, and both of us working full time away from home “broke” us emotionally, physically…. But not financially: that was our highest-earning year. Now, we both work part time: I’m 3 days a week, with 1-2 days WFH; DH works 0.8. A good balance for us. The income drop was hardly felt since our stress level dropped by more. Some observations for OP: 1) You can definitely afford for your wife to be a SAHM. For those that LBYM, you know how to make the adjustments with reduced income. 2) If your wife really wants to stop paid work, she is probably aware of ...
by rcjchicity
Wed Apr 14, 2021 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia
Replies: 18
Views: 2857

Re: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia

OP here. An update with information uncovered while researching the nitty-gritty of irrevocable trusts. 1) Unlike with a revocable trust, most mortgage lenders will NOT let you transfer a property to an irrevocable trust if there’s a mortgage on it. 2) There is no capital gains exclusion for a property in an irrevocable trust. If it is sold while the trust grantors/beneficiaries are still alive, capital gains taxes on trusts are 15% for amounts above $2,700, 20% for amounts over $13,250 (for 2021). There is no step up in basis when the property is transferred to the trust. Because my parents do not want to pay off their mortgage early (there’s about 2.5 years left on it), there is no reason to go with an irrevocable trust, as their home is ...
by rcjchicity
Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia
Replies: 18
Views: 2857

Re: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia

JoeRetire wrote: Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:07 pm A paid off home will not be counted toward Medicaid's asset limit.
I found out they have a $50,000 mortgage left, at 4%. Paying that off with “counted” assets to both convert them to an “uncounted” asset and eliminate their biggest current expense seems like a win-win.
by rcjchicity
Fri Mar 26, 2021 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia
Replies: 18
Views: 2857

Re: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia

Whether a Trust will meaningfully help preserve assets depends on the costs in your area, your dad’s dementia progression, your mom’s future ability as a caregiver, and the level of support your parents will need over the next 5 years and beyond. My experience with my parents (n=1) is that an irrevocable Medicaid trust, if set-up at the onset of Parent 1’s Alzheimers diagnosis 6 years ago, would not have meaningfully preserved assets for Parent 2 today. They too are in an area where Medicaid-only facilities are not that desirable so 1-2 years of private pay will be needed before a better facility will accept Medicaid assignment. Parent 2 will continue to live separately and need paid support. There was zero intent to preserve assets using ...
by rcjchicity
Fri Mar 26, 2021 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia
Replies: 18
Views: 2857

Re: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia

OP here. Thanks for the great information so far, everyone! Are your parents good with this idea? Do they understand the finality of the "irrevocable" part? Are any siblings good with this idea? Are any other heirs (if there are any) good with this idea? Do your parents still have a mortgage? Have funeral/burial expenses been pre-paid? My parents said they would like to go this way, but I’m not sure if they understand the mechanics 100%. On the call with the lawyer where this idea was introduced, I quipped that it would be like a reverse allowance. My mom later stated she didn’t realize that she would need to ask me to give them money out of the trust. So, more conversations are needed. I have one sibling (the only other heir) and...
by rcjchicity
Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia
Replies: 18
Views: 2857

Irrevocable trust proposed for parent with early dementia

My parents are both in their early 70’s, and my dad is in the early stages of dementia. They have been meeting with an eldercare attorney who, of course, proposed setting up an irrevocable trust to reduce Medicaid counted assets for the possibility of a future extended stay at a long term care (LTC) facility for him 5-10 years down the road. I have read through the numerous threads on this topic in the forum, and I didn’t see a similar situation spelled out. The goal would be to prevent the estate from being drained, leaving my mother without the necessary resources to provide for her future expenses and health care needs. Passing along an inheritance to my sibling and me is not a priority. Reducing the likelihood of being a financial burde...
by rcjchicity
Sun Dec 13, 2020 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
Replies: 71
Views: 10484

Re: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.

How about an Epic analyst? Epic is basically the “Google” of healthcare. https://www.epic.com/. At my wife’s workplace they actually just gave basic analytical tests to any employees interested in a potential Epic role. You didn’t even need a college degree or any IT experience. Really didn’t need any experience except for raw analytical mind. 6-figure to near-6-figure salaries. This type of position also came to my mind for the OP; however, to become Epic certified you have to work at a hospital/health system/consulting firm that sponsors you for certification. You can’t do it on your own. For background, I am a pharmacist who works in a health system’s IT department as an Epic Willow analyst (Epic’s pharmacy-related application for elect...
by rcjchicity
Mon Jun 08, 2020 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should we buy fixer upper
Replies: 28
Views: 2281

Re: Should we buy fixer upper

A part of your calculation should be the idea that you'll probably need to move into a short term rental during various parts of the renovation.

We lived in our house during a remodel where one kid's bedroom was turned into two. Since we had full access to the kitchen, all bathrooms, washer/dryer, etc., we didn't consider moving out. In retrospect, we should have moved out for the 2 months it took for demo through completion because living in a construction site is terrible.
by rcjchicity
Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guitar for a 45 year old beginner
Replies: 52
Views: 5570

Re: Guitar for a 45 year old beginner

I'm following this discussion with some interest, because I'm a 43 y/o who plays piano and wants to learn guitar :-)

I inherited a guitar from my mom whose arthritis is getting the better of her. But, I'm finding it difficult to learn on and should probably just head to the guitar shop down the street to find one that fits me better.

For now I'm teaching myself to play the ukelele. FWIW, my piano sensibilities appreciate that C maj/G7/F maj chords are really easy to play on a uke.
by rcjchicity
Thu Feb 20, 2020 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exploring new hobbies before retirement: how to find time?
Replies: 16
Views: 1535

Re: Exploring new hobbies before retirement: how to find time?

I have a 5 & 3 y/o, so I feel your pain. I work part time, but my days off are spent being chauffeur extraordinaire/event coordinator for my kids' activities, so not much personal time gained there. Are any of the hobbies you might be interested in things that you can do with your kids/with your kids around? I found the only way I could get back into the long bike rides I used to enjoy was to get the kids in bike trailers/trailer bikes and haul them along. Regular attendance at yoga classes is too difficult, so I do it at home and often my 5-year old joins me. (Who needs to pay for goat yoga when you have your own kids to climb all over you?) I'm teaching myself to play the ukelele, and nursery rhymes that I can sing and play for my kid...
by rcjchicity
Mon Jan 06, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parental Leave - 4 weeks or 16 weeks - thoughts/perspective?
Replies: 45
Views: 4581

Re: Parental Leave - 4 weeks or 16 weeks - thoughts/perspective?

Another vote for taking 16 weeks. Since this is your 2nd child, 2 adults around to take care of 2 kids would be immensely helpful. Man-to-man defense is easier than zone :D
by rcjchicity
Wed Jan 01, 2020 11:34 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562406

Re: 1 Million Milestone

vipertom1970 wrote: Mon Dec 30, 2019 2:05 pm Congrats, the first 1M is the hardest and longest but the next million will be much easier. :sharebeer
Very true!

We just updated Quicken with our 2019 year-end numbers, and we passed the $2 Million net worth mark! It took 13 years to reach the first million, 4 years to reach the 2nd. The market has been extremely helpful in that regard.
by rcjchicity
Thu Nov 14, 2019 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fruit Fly Problem
Replies: 30
Views: 4681

Re: Fruit Fly Problem

As others have indicated, it's important to establish whether these are actually fruit flies, or some other type of small fly that can occur indoors. Fruit flies have prominent eyes and short, fat bodies. They are brownish in color. Many gnats are thin-bodied and black. Drain flies are fuzzy and bluish. They look like small moths. If they are indeed fruit flies, you can make this: https://www.squawkfox.com/diy-how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-with-a-homemade-trap/ It's reusable, and you can take it outside and let the flies go if you like. Once in the trap, they won't leave. Just bait it with some of the fruit they love. Don't leave trapped flies for too many days, or they will start reproducing. I have one on standby at work for when coworke...
by rcjchicity
Thu Nov 14, 2019 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Study ranks 4,500 colleges by net present value of 40 year ROI
Replies: 52
Views: 7793

Re: Can you guess what this ranked list of colleges is?

So its the 40 year NPV of education at those schools. The data is deceptive, though, as the top earning schools are Pharmacy schools. They are listed as 4 years schools, when in fact pharmacists require 3-4 years post graduate work to earn a DPh. A clarification, although I agree with the point you're making. Before pharmacy school, a student would have done 2 years of pre-pharmacy work (or longer, if they didn't start out as pre-pharmacy. This was my path as I got a B.A. in Chemistry first). Then, pharmacy school is 4 years, where they graduate with a Pharm.D. Some programs have an integrated pre-pharmacy/pharmacy path requiring only 5 years total out of high school. But, I agree regarding the deceptive data, as this college ranking compa...
by rcjchicity
Thu Aug 22, 2019 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: White collars- How much is your work downtime?
Replies: 204
Views: 22752

Re: White collars- How much is your work downtime?

I run all day/everyday. Never any downtime. Need a new career. Pharmacist. Or a new career within pharmacy. I used to work as a clinical hospital pharmacist in a large academic medical center. Most shifts would involved being on my feet for 9 hours, and required coordinating with the other pharmacists for us to take food or bathroom breaks. (DH is an emergency medicine physician, so I know that was still nothing compared to his shifts) Now I'm an IT Pharmacist (doing medication build within the Electronic Health Record). I know I work much more efficiently than my co-workers by my ticket clearance rate. Even with that, when I was full time, my downtime approached 50% if we weren't near a project deadline or go-live. I'm part time now, and ...
by rcjchicity
Mon Aug 19, 2019 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to define "HCOL" (high cost of living) areas?
Replies: 79
Views: 7808

Re: How to define "HCOL" (high cost of living) areas?

alex_686 wrote: Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:09 am
Watty wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:02 pm
mptfan wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 3:35 pm (I find it interesting that 8 out of the top 20 are in California)
It is also interesting that only Boulder Colorado and Anchorage Alaska are not on the coasts.
You consider Chicago a coastal city? I mean, I know it is a sea port and had a coast, but I always consider it more of a midwestern lake tiwn.
Great Lakes as the 3rd coast, maybe? :P
by rcjchicity
Thu Aug 01, 2019 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day care vs nanny for child care
Replies: 62
Views: 5608

Re: Day care vs nanny for childcare

Nanny Pros - flexibility, one-on-one time, can adapt schedule better to child, lower stress of strict pick-up/drop-off times, child less likely to be sick, ability for nanny to do some things around the house, cost relatively fixed for 2 or 3 kids. Cons - Sickness, vacation can be a challenge. If they leave or are a bad fit, it's stressful to find a replacement on short notice. Setting up payment including social security, taxes. Day care Pros - fixed schedule, possible to get long days (10+ hours), socialization, exposure to activities (art, music, group play) that may be harder with a nanny, opportunity for parents to meet/socialize with other parents. Cons - less personal attention, fixed schedule, germ factory, cost increases linearly ...
by rcjchicity
Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to sit at Wrigley?
Replies: 18
Views: 2201

Re: Where to sit at Wrigley?

The bleachers are great for a bachelor/ette party weekend in a big beer garden that happens to have a baseball game going on in it.

For kids to actually be able to see the game, the section recommendations above are good. We occasionally get to sit in company seats in section 122, and it’s amazing how much more if the game I can see vs sitting in other parts of the park.
by rcjchicity
Wed May 22, 2019 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College/life prep for young kids
Replies: 79
Views: 7965

Re: College/life prep for young kids

My book recommendations in order of importance to me as a parent of teenagers: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv How to Raise an Adult by Julia Lythcott Haims The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt i-Gen by Jean Twenge I just finished reading "How to Raise an Adult". It echos a lot of comments in this thread about the need for kids to develop independence, resiliency and grit. It delves into how helicopter/snowplow parenting prevents this type of normal development, resulting in college kids who are incapable of figuring out anything without their parents' input. As the author is a Palo Alto resident and former Stanford administrator, there's a lot of focus on the obsession in some communitie...
by rcjchicity
Thu Apr 04, 2019 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Having a Baby - Stay Home Cost analysis
Replies: 33
Views: 3057

Re: Help! Having a Baby - Stay Home Cost analysis

I've read through the original post a couple of times to try to decipher the numbers. OP, am I understanding this correctly - If you took off, you would presumably be off from Feb - June 2020, and then return to work Sept 2020? With both spouses working full time, your approx gross income is $200,000. If OP took off from Feb - June 2020, it would be ~$49,000 gross income decrease? So, from some financial considerations if OP were to take time off: - not knowing the extent of your tax deductions, it's likely you would go from the MFJ 24% tax bracket to the 22% tax bracket. Not a huge drop, but helpful. - Items you'll get whether or not you take time off: You would also have the $2000 child tax credit. And, as you mention, the $5,000 dependen...
by rcjchicity
Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peanut Butter recommendations
Replies: 84
Views: 9543

Re: Peanut Butter recommendations

I’ve been eating Kirkland’s Organic Creamy PB for several years and think it’s one of the better ones. It’s basically just the peanuts with a little sea salt. This is it -- Costco / Kirkland 2 pack of peanut butter. I stir both as soon as I get home, and put both in the refrigerator. I used to only open one, and by the time I opened the 2nd jar, all the solids settled out and it was much harder to stir adequately. We turn ours upside down until time to open. My kids eat a ton of pb&j's (and so does my husband since he has to bring his lunch to work and has no place to store it except his backpack), so I appreciate the huge amount you get in the 2-pack. Plus, I appreciate the lack of sugar in this peanut butter, since sugar makes my kid...
by rcjchicity
Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pharmacist - Need advice
Replies: 27
Views: 3463

Re: Pharmacist - Need advice

Another thought that might be a closer transition from retail than to inpatient hospital, there are ambulatory care pharmacists, helping patients manage medications such as coumadin, anti-hypertensives, cholesterol meds, anti-diabetic meds, etc. In addition to lots of patient counseling, knowledge of navigating prescription insurance/Medicaid formularies would be a useful skill that would translate from retail.

Again, depending on the area, competitiveness in these positions may necessitate an ambulatory care residency, but it's something else for her to look in to if she's still interested in staying in pharmacy.
by rcjchicity
Wed Mar 06, 2019 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pharmacist - Need advice
Replies: 27
Views: 3463

Re: Pharmacist - Need advice

Props to your DW for making it in retail pharmacy for > 20 years. I spent 1 & 1/2 years at an Osco during pharmacy school and hated every second of it. For my background: I started as a hospital pharmacist for 5 years after a pharmacy practice residency, but moved into Informatics Pharmacy about 10 years ago, and currently work for the I.T. department of a hospital system doing medication-related EHR build. As far as switching to hospital pharmacy - the transition from retail to hospital is not a smooth one, since you're dealing with very different approaches to patients (and a lot of IV compounding). Depending on the size of hospitals, and the pharmacist saturation of the markets, she may be looking at starting positions as an overnigh...
by rcjchicity
Sat Jan 19, 2019 4:05 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562406

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

After 15 years of contributions, this year's Roth (technically backdoor) contribution finally pushed me over the $100k mark for that account for the first time. (Overall retirement funds are nearer to $600k).

Wish we could contribute more to Roth accounts!
by rcjchicity
Mon Jan 07, 2019 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: B&M bank in Chicago to complement Ally?
Replies: 21
Views: 1603

Re: B&M bank in Chicago to complement Ally?

I've used Chase (previously Bank One) for over 15 years in Chicago. ATMs everywhere. Works fine for what you need a B&M bank to be.
by rcjchicity
Wed Jan 02, 2019 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage and playroom storage / organization
Replies: 3
Views: 502

Re: Garage and playroom storage / organization

For kid's playroom, we have two of these storage cubbies:

https://www.wayfair.com/baby-kids/pdp/v ... e1165.html

I like them better than storage cube shelves, because the angle out at the bottom keeps small things in (like legos, magnatiles, cars, balls, etc), rather than needing to insert bins, where the kids can't see what's in there.
by rcjchicity
Mon Nov 19, 2018 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Millennial behind - but still have time to [catch up]
Replies: 20
Views: 2779

Re: Millennial behind - but still have time to ketchup

I read another article this morning - they all tend to say the same thing 'when comparing millennial ~25-35 to the baby boomers, they are doing much worse (income, assets) after adjusting for inflation. The articles point to a number of reasons the author things this is the case (great recession, college debts, stagnant min wage, etc.) but they always add at the end 'despite these headwinds, millennials have plenty of time on their side to make up for the difference!' If asset accumulation was a race or sport, I don't know how comforting it would be to say 'the had a terrible first quarter but there is still a lot of game left to play". It does make me wonder what policy changes might be in the future as their vote becomes more powerf...
by rcjchicity
Mon Oct 15, 2018 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA
Replies: 8
Views: 667

Re: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA

dm200 wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 3:08 pm
Not what I meant. Let me try again.

There is probably a pert-time thresshold where the employer provides health insurance benefits. Suppose that thresshold is 20 hours per week. Might the employer only allow you to work less than the 20?

At < 24 hours/week, I would be considered a casual employee, and would not be eligible for benefits at all.

To sum up
>/= 35 hours/week is considered full-time, and employees' health insurance premiums are the lowest
24-34 hours/week is considered part-time, and employees' health insurance premiums have a "part time surcharge"
< 24 hours/week are casual employees, and are not eligible for benefits.

My base salary is set off of 24 hours/week.
by rcjchicity
Mon Oct 15, 2018 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA
Replies: 8
Views: 667

Re: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA

dm200 wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 2:53 pm
Maybe your part-time hours are at or above the thresshold where the employer provides such benefits.
Nope, for benefits, my employer considers full time to be 35 hours/week. I work 24 hours/week.
by rcjchicity
Mon Oct 15, 2018 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA
Replies: 8
Views: 667

Re: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA

Thanks!

It's only been a couple of weeks, but I my stress level is much lower. I can feel that in my interactions with the kids - I'm more patient with their temper tantrums, for one thing.

We haven't fully felt the financial impact yet. But a quick calculation shows that although I'm taking a $60,000 gross pay cut, it's a $30,000 net pay cut. I'm still maxing out my 401k and HSA, and the family health/vision/dental insurance come out of my paycheck, so only a small chunk of my pay is taxable.
by rcjchicity
Mon Oct 15, 2018 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA
Replies: 8
Views: 667

Went part time - health ins premiums staying same for 2018 due to ACA

I recently went part time, and was expecting my health insurance premiums to increase because my employer does not subsidize them as much for part-timers as full-timers (a "part-time surcharge").

However, my HR benefit adjustment letter stated that I will still be charged the lower full-time health insurance premium for the rest of 2018 due to an ACA stipulation. It will go up to the regular part-time rate for 2019.

Anyone familiar with specifically what the applicable ACA requirement is?

In comparison, my dental insurance premium did go up to the part-time rate for 2018.
by rcjchicity
Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies
Replies: 45
Views: 6675

Re: UPDATE: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies

most daycares it is only marginally cheaper for PT vs FT, because they have to maintain ratio's for profitability. My sons daycare and others I have seen, the PT is only about 10-20% cheaper, for 40% less care, vs you have to take half your pay, to offset the 10-20% cheaper, so it isn't worth it financially. I assume you would save no more than $200 a month times two kids, so $400 a month, I would assume you taking a 50% pay cut is more than a $400 a month loss, so then it isn't about the money, it is about something else... Yes, I've done the calculation, and 3 days/week daycare is 80 % the cost of 5 days/week. With 2 kids in daycare, the cost reduction is about $7500/year. I carry the family's health insurance, and part-timers aren't sub...
by rcjchicity
Fri Sep 14, 2018 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Single Family Homes in Chicago?
Replies: 33
Views: 4771

Re: Single Family Homes in Chicago?

We live in Roscoe Village in a SFH, and you're right, inventory for < $1M houses is slim pickings. We had causally looked at open houses for about 6 or 7 months before finding our house, which the sellers had put on the market a week before Christmas due to a sudden job relocation. I also recommend renting at first so you can get a feel for the neighborhoods - and more importantly - how long it takes to get anywhere, whether by public transportation, walking or driving. I have relatives in Denver, and getting from point A to point B is a whole different ballgame in Chicago. My recommendations would be to rent at first in Roscoe Village, North Center, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood or Andersonville, as they are family friendly. Old Irving Park d...
by rcjchicity
Fri Sep 14, 2018 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: UPDATE: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies
Replies: 45
Views: 6675

Re: UPDATE: Requesting to go part time - negotiating strategies

OP here: So, after many months of looking for other opportunities which would allow me to work part time but stay local to the Chicago area (which I found don't really exist), my director offered up the idea of me joining a project team at at 0.6 FTE (Monday/Wed/Thurs, 24 hours/week). My new schedule starts in 2 weeks. Lots of trepidation still, as there's always the concern that I could only get paid for 3 days/24 hours/week but have to put in a lot more hours on my days "off", after the kids go to bed, etc. Also, the project site is about 50 miles away, and I'll have to drive there about once a week (but our work day will take into consideration commute time, so meetings are supposed to occur between 10 am - 2 or 3 pm) And, of c...
by rcjchicity
Mon Sep 10, 2018 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Singing/Voice Classes
Replies: 20
Views: 1781

Re: Singing/Voice Classes

Join a church choir. It's free. :D +1 I took voice lessons from 7th grade through my mid-20's, and have sung semi-professionally in college choirs, symphony choruses, civic groups, and, of course, church choirs. I have no idea how much cash my parents dropped for lessons when I was a kid. Once out of college, I studied with vocal major grad students. I don't remember the exact amounts (it was > 15 years ago), but it was definitely a few hundred for a 6 or 8 week session. I would say without a specific goal for why you want the lessons other than just wanting to sing, they'd probably be a waste of money. A church or civic choir meant for people who are enthusiastic singers, but not necessarily trained or even able to read music is the way t...
by rcjchicity
Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nanny online payment services - why are they so expensive?
Replies: 30
Views: 12026

Re: Nanny online payment services - why are they so expensive?

HighC wrote: Fri Aug 31, 2018 12:21 am Try SavvyNanny. It is a front end for Intuit at discount prices. Should cost about $400/yr. Well worth it.
+1. We used Savvy Nanny Payroll as well.
by rcjchicity
Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ladies: bra shopping question
Replies: 63
Views: 11870

Re: Ladies: bra shopping question

My first W2 job was at Victoria's Secret. While we were trained in how to measure clients during a fitting, it wasn't good technique. Plus, the size options are rather limited.

Many years ago due to Oprah recommending a bra fitting place (Rigby & Peller, formerly known as Intimacy), I was properly fit as a 32DDD when I had been wearing 34D.

The difference in the fit is no contest, as well as how much better you look. Yes, I now spend $75 or so on a bra, but it lasts for many years. The store would also do alterations on bras after a few years if/when the straps stretch out.

Soma is another place I've shopped that has extended sizes available. Got my nursing bras there.
by rcjchicity
Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?
Replies: 26
Views: 2005

Re: Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?

OP here - Thanks for all of the input. We just got a Burley bike trailer off of Craigslist but haven't put it to the test yet. I will definitely keep all of the safety suggestions in mind. We recently went for a family outing on one of the forest preserve bike trails (DH with one kid on his bike and me walking next to the other on the balance bike), and the guys zooming around blind corners on their $10,000 bikes was a little disconcerting. Made my one-way neighborhood side streets with stop signs and speed humps every block look tame by comparison. To wit, some internet searching resulted a "mellow bike map" of Chicago, identifying routes that take advantage of just those kinds of streets. I'll definitely be utilizing this: https...
by rcjchicity
Tue Aug 14, 2018 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?
Replies: 26
Views: 2005

Re: Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?

The trailer is good for short jaunts with both kids, but for longer travel they start to pester each other as the trailers are narrow. +1. Same experience with two kids the same age (twins). Within two minutes of strapping them both into a bike trailer, they were at each other's throats. So I would not recommend it. As a result, we didn't do solo parent bike rides until the kids were old enough to keep up on their own bikes. With two parents, one trailer and one Topeak seat worked best for us. We used the extra space in the trailer to haul our stuff (food/supplies for picnic, water, etc.). OP here - Yes, this is also a concern for me. My kids only play nicely together for about 30 seconds before one feels the need to torment the other.
by rcjchicity
Tue Aug 14, 2018 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?
Replies: 26
Views: 2005

Biking with 2 young children - what gear to get?

I've resolved to stop using my kids (ages 2 & 4) as excuses to not be more physically active :D Pre-kids, DH and I used to enjoy going on long bike rides (20 + miles) around Chicago, and I would occasionally bike to work. We have 2 good Trek bikes, and mine has a rack + pannier bag. In the past 5 years, though, I've probably only taken 3 rides on my bike, as it doesn't have any kid-hauling capacity with it. We have an infant seat that attaches to my husband's bike, so he used to take our oldest out when she was 1-2 y/o. Since having 2 kids to transport, we haven't used our bikes and they hang, unloved, in our storage shed. My husband often works weekends, so I'd like a set up that allows me to bike with both kids, as well as be flexible...
by rcjchicity
Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Air Conditioning? [How to finance?]
Replies: 76
Views: 6961

Re: Air Conditioning? [How to finance?]

Timely post - I just brought up to my husband the idea of installing central air on our 1st floor.

We live in a 3-story 1890's Victorian cottage that was a duplex until about 20 years ago. The 2nd & 3rd floors have central air & heat, but the 1st floor (which is technically the basement since it's a little below grade) only has a furnace.

In July & August, the temperature on that level doesn't get much above the mid-70's, but it's humid. Central AC would be nice, especially as the kids get older and they have lots of friends over (it's the family room & rec room down there, so with lots of kids playing, it gets muggy gross)

Looks like a fall project for one of these years...
by rcjchicity
Wed Aug 01, 2018 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storing Cord Blood For New Baby
Replies: 13
Views: 2037

Re: Storing Cord Blood For New Baby

Not common or mainstream.

Donate it, if your hospital is set up to collect the donations (for our first child we could donate it, but by our second child the hospital had stopped doing it)
by rcjchicity
Tue Jul 10, 2018 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I take a $60k paycut to work 4days/week
Replies: 58
Views: 7147

Re: Should I take a $60k paycut to work 4days/week

Yes - do it! 1) As others have said, at your marginal tax rate, $60K gross isn't anywhere near $60K net. 2) Two kids is a whole different ballgame. One kid is a life-changer, but eventually they're your little sidekick. With two kids, they are constantly going in different directions, or both clamoring for your undivided attention at the exact same time (usually with lots of screaming and whining). It's much more exhausting IMHO, and one more day a week not trying to juggle both kids and work could be beneficial for everyone. DH and I make around what you do, and have a 2 & 4 year old. DH is the higher earner (physician). When he cut back on his # of locums shifts after our 2nd was born (which was about a $30-40K drop in income), we did...
by rcjchicity
Sat Jun 23, 2018 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you celebrate when you finally hit $1m?
Replies: 282
Views: 40135

Re: Did you celebrate when you finally hit $1m?

DanMahowny wrote: Fri Jun 22, 2018 7:12 am I clapped while sitting in my home office alone as I watched my Quicken net worth update to over $1m.

After informing my wife, she said, "cool"
My husband was at work when I updated Quicken and it was 7 figures. So I texted a picture of it with a "whoo hoo" caption and then went on with my day.
by rcjchicity
Mon Jun 18, 2018 1:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is individual Bonds better than Bond Fund?
Replies: 58
Views: 7668

Re: Is individual Bonds better than Bond Fund?

Suze does a disservice to her average viewer-/readership with this advice. While there can be merits to holding individual bonds, as expressed in this thread, the average person in the accumulation phase does not have the means or investing knowledge to create a sufficiently diversified bond ladder.

FWIW, Suze is where I started my financial knowledge journey. I actually was a caller into her show in 2010 when backdoor Roths became available, to verify that it was indeed an option (wasn't a Boglehead then).

I later submitted a question asking her to clarify how someone in the retirement accumulation phase could be able to build a diversified individual bond portfolio, rebalance, etc. Never heard back on that one...
by rcjchicity
Mon Jun 18, 2018 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best stroller+infant seat for gravel roads?
Replies: 18
Views: 2660

Re: Best stroller+infant seat for gravel roads?

Millennial wrote: Sun Jun 17, 2018 9:21 pm We used the Chicco Keyfit 35 and BOB Revolution, with car seat adapter.
+1 for BOB + Chicco Keyfit 35. While I live in a city and don't have to deal with gravel, I do have to deal with snowy, frozen over, poorly shoveled sidewalks. You can steer the BOB stroller using only one hand.
by rcjchicity
Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you celebrate (potty trained kid) milestone with your spouse?
Replies: 93
Views: 7535

Re: How do you celebrate (potty trained kid) milestone with your spouse?

PFInterest wrote: Mon Jun 11, 2018 12:34 pm wine.
a day without the toddler.
with wine.
+1,000

I never thought that dealing with another human's bodily functions would consume so much of my mental & physical energy. But, with a 4 & 2 year old, the poo emoji gets lots of text message utilization at our house.

Congrats!
by rcjchicity
Fri Jun 01, 2018 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replaced beater car, oh how ever to regain feelings of financial superiority?
Replies: 29
Views: 4440

Re: Replaced beater car, oh how ever to regain feelings of financial superiority?

carguyny wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 11:26 pm If you're patient and ok with loaners/demos you can lease a new A4 for $200/mth or less.
Lease?!?

*pearl clutch*
by rcjchicity
Fri Jun 01, 2018 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replaced beater car, oh how ever to regain feelings of financial superiority?
Replies: 29
Views: 4440

Re: Replaced beater car, oh how ever to regain feelings of financial superiority?

Watty wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 9:55 pm You might have to wait until you run into the situation where you have a paid off house and you end up in a group of people that are talking about mortgage rates.
Something to look forward to! I like it. :D