Search found 178 matches
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Favorite Travel Experiences
- Replies: 178
- Views: 12678
Re: Favorite Travel Experiences
I’ve been thinking about my top experiences since this topic was posted. In no particular order: Skinny dipping at the Outer Banks Yellowstone NP - the geysers, mud pots, etc are amazing Snowmobiling in Yellowstone before guides were required Seeing the Milky Way at the Grand Canyon Watching a meteo...
- Wed Dec 16, 2020 6:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If you're already FI and still work . . .
- Replies: 149
- Views: 12602
Re: If you're already FI and still work . . .
I continue to work because: 1- My teenage kids need to see me working. 2- My kids are still in school so I need to be here for them (meaning - I can't travel right now). 3- A lot can happen in the next 40 years - I'm going to continue taking advantage of my employer's retirement plan and maxing the...
- Wed Dec 16, 2020 5:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If you're already FI and still work . . .
- Replies: 149
- Views: 12602
Re: If you're already FI and still work . . .
I continue to work because: 1- My teenage kids need to see me working. 2- My kids are still in school so I need to be here for them (meaning - I can't travel right now). 3- A lot can happen in the next 40 years - I'm going to continue taking advantage of my employer's retirement plan and maxing the ...
- Thu Nov 19, 2020 1:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work
- Replies: 78
- Views: 6614
Re: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work
Other than asking myself non-monetary questions that only I can answer (e.g., "I'm enjoying volunteering and fantastic freedom to pursue my own interests, but wouldn't I feel even more satisfied if I spent the next five years doing something with more purpose ?" (VS.) "Time is my mos...
- Wed Sep 02, 2020 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Where to buy disinfectant wipes?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2081
Re: Where to buy disinfectant wipes?
My kids needed these wipes for school so I stalked Walmart and Target. They usually had stock about 8 am but not so much later in the day.
- Mon Aug 24, 2020 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vacationing safely in the era of Covid - How did you do it?
- Replies: 124
- Views: 9906
Re: Vacationing safely in the era of Covid - How did you do it?
My family returned two weeks ago from a two week long trip to Montana and Wyoming. We did our normal vacation activities, wearing masks when required. We stayed in hotels but did bring our own pillows. We have been eating at restaurants since they opened in our area. My kids are 13 and 11 and our ot...
- Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1085
Re: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
Feels like it's a combination of different issues that are bothering me: 1) Constant unsolicited opinion and criticism on parenting...esp when they insist on something that is wrong...it's been over 50 years since they have raised kids...things have changed a lot and new culture from old country 2)...
- Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1085
Re: Pay for Child Care to Avoid Family Drama?
We had a similar situation. My kids are 11 & 13 now. I worked part/full time and DH worked part/full time - it was DH's parents who watched our kids. I think YOU need to get everything out in the open (not your wife). There were lots of things that my in-laws did that my husband and I did not ag...
- Tue May 26, 2020 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Thin, long lasting athletic socks?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1308
Re: Thin, long lasting athletic socks?
I like Fitsok. I will disclose that I live close to the manufacturer so only buy at their overstock sales, but they are great socks!
- Wed May 06, 2020 1:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2020 travel plans
- Replies: 95
- Views: 4729
Re: 2020 travel plans
One of the mentally frustrating aspects for me personally is the inability to make travel plans. That is much more annoying to me than putting on gloves and a face mask when going out once a week to buy groceries. {/quote] This describes me well. My kids are doing online school and we could (financ...
- Wed May 06, 2020 8:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2020 travel plans
- Replies: 95
- Views: 4729
2020 travel plans
What is everyone doing with their travel plans for the rest of the year? We have several trips planned (some paid for) and I'm not sure what to do about them. Niagara Falls/Pennsylvania in mid June - all reservations made and paid for Wedding in Wisconsin in July Orlando in November We live in NC an...
- Mon Mar 02, 2020 12:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Worth using a CPA for my taxes this year?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 2743
Re: Worth using a CPA for my taxes this year?
seawolf21 is right. CPA designation doesn't necessarily mean he/she is a tax expert/professional. Some are, some aren't. An Enrolled Agent (EA - the IRS designation) is the more accurate tax professional suited for your question. Check out https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrol...
- Tue Dec 24, 2019 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: AAA Batteries, retail vs. OEM difference?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2551
Re: AAA Batteries, retail vs. OEM difference?
The last few packs of AA Duracell batteries I have purchased have leaked. Therefore I usually just buy el cheapos at Harbor Freight.
- Tue Dec 24, 2019 8:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Self-employed with $100k income - Should I contribute to solo 401k to get medicaid
- Replies: 8
- Views: 926
Re: Self-employed with $100k income - Should I contribute to solo 401k to get medicaid
To qualify for Medicaid in NC you have to meet "resource" limits. Have you looked into that??
- Wed Oct 02, 2019 7:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Deciding how to pay for private K-12
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1027
Re: Deciding how to pay for private K-12
We are in NC so no deduction for the 529 deposits. We initially deposited $40,000 into the 529. The high school they would attend was in jeopardy of losing its accreditation - that’s how bad it is. Our county has a program for high school juniors and seniors to attend the local community college and...
- Wed Oct 02, 2019 4:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Deciding how to pay for private K-12
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1027
Deciding how to pay for private K-12
When my dad died, I set aside money for our kids' education. The kids are in 5th & 7th grade and go to a private K-12 school because our public schools are sub par. Cost is approximately $7,000 per year per child. At this point I have the following (for each child): $56,000 529 plan $20,000 Cove...
- Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Disney plus streaming deal
- Replies: 56
- Views: 7716
Re: Disney plus streaming deal
Thanks for posting this! My Star Wars obsessed son will love this new "channel"!!
- Mon Jul 29, 2019 11:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone have or previously had MediShare health insurance? [Health Care Sharing Ministry]
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2396
Re: Anyone have or previously had MediShare health insurance? [Health Care Sharing Ministry]
My family of 4 has had MediShare for five years now. I have high cholesterol and I was put on preexisting conditions for three years. My husband had shoulder surgery and it paid everything after our "deductible". Our biggest complaint is not with MediShare but with the providers who are n...
- Mon Jul 29, 2019 8:07 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone have or previously had MediShare health insurance? [Health Care Sharing Ministry]
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2396
Re: Anyone have or previously had MediShare health insurance? [Health Care Sharing Ministry]
My family of 4 has had MediShare for five years now. I have high cholesterol and I was put on preexisting conditions for three years. My husband had shoulder surgery and it paid everything after our "deductible". Our biggest complaint is not with MediShare but with the providers who are no...
- Tue Apr 09, 2019 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Robot vacuum cleaner - need recommendation
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1267
Re: Robot vacuum cleaner - need recommendation
I have had this one for six months and love it!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ILIFE-V5s-Pr ... /336086005
My sister in law has had this brand for years - they even have dogs and it is still working!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ILIFE-V5s-Pr ... /336086005
My sister in law has had this brand for years - they even have dogs and it is still working!
- Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: can I afford second home purchase with retirement funds
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2550
Re: can I afford second home purchase with retirement funds
I am also thinking, If it does work we could eventually sell our current house and live there full time, but if it dosnt workout in a couple of years, we can sell, and be no worse off than today, as it is a desirable area and probably wont loose value. I am not sure of the area that you are referri...
- Mon Mar 04, 2019 11:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Who/What kind of tax planning advice/help do we need?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 441
Re: Who/What kind of tax planning advice/help do we need?
Foreign inheritance/bank account I'm wondering if it may make sense to find someone and ask them to review our last few years of taxes as well. Thoughts on that? This area is where you need to concentrate your search -the other items are more general questions but this is a specialty item. I imagin...
- Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: List of questions to ask before opening a brick-and-mortar bank account?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 1631
Re: List of questions to ask before opening a brick-and-mortar bank account?
I am going to have to open a business checking account so I am adding an additional question so I can reference back to this thread.
How much is access to Quicken? I had an account that charged $12 to directly download my bank activity to Quickbooks. I found this completely unacceptable.
How much is access to Quicken? I had an account that charged $12 to directly download my bank activity to Quickbooks. I found this completely unacceptable.
- Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card any good?
- Replies: 61
- Views: 4823
Re: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card any good?
The biggest reason I keep the Sapphire preferred is the primary rental car insurance. We typically rent for more than 2 weeks so that alone saves us more than the annual fee.
- Fri Feb 08, 2019 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sell the house or keep it for rent?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2002
Re: Sell the house or keep it for rent?
First, does property #2 qualify for the 2/5 year personal residence exemption? Who manages property #2? You don't mention what the mortgage balance on any of them are. Based on your facts, sell #3 and get the gain exclusion. If you could use the proceeds from the sale of #3 to pay off the mortgage a...
- Fri Feb 08, 2019 10:44 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Need property insurance help
- Replies: 3
- Views: 198
Need property insurance help
Some background: my nephew and I own approximately 90 acres of raw land that our families are in the process of clearing. At this point, we are unsure of the final use of this property - if it will be used for strictly personal use or if we will subdivide it and sale. Each of our families have const...
- Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: List of questions to ask before opening a brick-and-mortar bank account?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 1631
Re: List of questions to ask before opening a brick-and-mortar bank account?
One thing I've ran into at my credit union is how much cash can I withdraw without notice. I wanted to pay a contractor with cash to get a better price and had to make multiple trips to different locations to get the amount I needed within a few days. My credit union balks at anything over about $4,...
- Mon Feb 04, 2019 4:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to give notice to unresponsive landlord without his address?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 3168
Re: How to give notice to unresponsive landlord without his address?
In NC, you can usually check the county office register of deeds and sometimes there is an address for the property owner. Also, do you know if he is operating as a LLC or other organization where you can search state secretary of state records? In NC you can search by a person's name. The next tact...
- Thu Jan 24, 2019 2:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Negotiating a part-time schedule for a career that is typically full-time?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1011
Re: Negotiating a part-time schedule for a career that is typically full-time?
I think a lot depends on your field and your company's business. I am a CPA in public practice, so my circumstances are a win-win for my employer and me. I work full time during tax season and then work part time the rest of the year. We have an understanding that unless I am out of town, I am avail...
- Thu Jan 24, 2019 9:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What lifestyle creep made you happier?
- Replies: 626
- Views: 85228
Re: What lifestyle creep made you happier?
I was remembering the other day how I used to HAVE to watch EVERY PENNY I spent. Now, I can pretty much buy anything I want within reason. Things I am very thankful for: New(er) car with backup camera and other bells and whistles House cleaner once a month More frequent and longer vacations Working ...
- Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Travel now & work a bit longer, OR the other way around?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3143
Re: Travel now & work a bit longer, OR the other way around?
Another vote for travel now. Our kids are 10 & 11 and we are taking every opportunity to travel with them. One of the best gifts my parents gave me was taking me places - and not Disney World every year!!!
I would feel better working until the second kid starts college before retiring.
I would feel better working until the second kid starts college before retiring.
- Wed Oct 17, 2018 9:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Zion Nat'l Park & mosquitos in October?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1668
Re: Zion Nat'l Park & mosquitos in October?
We were there a few weeks ago. Two things I usually pack but didn't for that trip - bug repellent and ponchos. We didn't need either!!
- Tue Aug 07, 2018 8:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: "Dollar Tree Store" favorites
- Replies: 84
- Views: 7507
Re: "Dollar Tree Store" favorites
Foil pans & sheets Straws :D Plastic silverware Hand soap refills for the office Small packs of Clorox wipes (ideal for travel) Gum Headphones for kids to use at school Night light bulbs Artificial flowers Flossers Comet Kitchen cleaner Travel size kleenex Before we go on a trip I go there and g...
- Sun Jun 17, 2018 7:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Using deceased mother’s jewelry to create new wedding ring
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2021
Re: Using deceased mother’s jewelry to create new wedding ring
Raybo that’s very interesting!
- Sun Jun 17, 2018 6:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cosmetic Question about teeth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1510
Re: Cosmetic Question about teeth
Since I already wear a mouthpiece at night for grinding it was no big deal to use the gel from the dentist. However it makes my teeth sensitive so I only use about 10% of the recommended amount. After a few uses my teeth are white enough. There are those people whose teeth are blinding white which l...
- Sun Jun 17, 2018 6:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Using deceased mother’s jewelry to create new wedding ring
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2021
Using deceased mother’s jewelry to create new wedding ring
A few weeks ago I fell down the stairs and had to have my wedding and engagement ring cut off. Since then, I am considering using the stones from my mom’s wedding/engagement ring and another ring of hers to create a new wedding ring for myself. Obviously I can’t wear all the rings at once. I usually...
- Thu Jun 07, 2018 1:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much to budget for a week long vacation for 2?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 7928
Re: How much to budget for a week long vacation for 2?
I’m not retired but I set aside $7500 per year for vacations. This year I won’t spend it all because next year I have several trips planned. I imagine when I retire I will keep the amount the same because we won’t be bringing the kids along.
- Wed May 02, 2018 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thoughts on Healthcare Sharing?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 5995
Re: Thoughts on Healthcare Sharing?
My wife and I joined a healthcare sharing ministry at the beginning of this year. I did a lot of research in advance, including calling all of our commonly used medical centers. Only one person gave me pushback. Everyone else was quick to tell me how it would work for them. Most said we would be au...
- Wed May 02, 2018 8:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thoughts on Healthcare Sharing?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 5995
Re: Thoughts on Healthcare Sharing?
My family has had Medi-share for the past 3 years. So far, we are impressed with it. Two years ago, my DH needed shoulder surgery. Our "annual household portion" (like a deductible) is $7,500 and they paid all the bills that were over that amount. At the pre-op appointment, we asked how mu...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 11:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Planning a week in Yellowstone 2019
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1341
Re: Planning a week in Yellowstone 2019
There will be fewer crowds in September - it's a beautiful time of year!! Personally, I would not stay at Old Faithful for the entire week, although it is centrally located and you would only have to unpack once. Are you planning on visiting the Tetons? If so I would stay a few days in Jackson. We r...
- Sun Apr 15, 2018 9:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BH travel tips?
- Replies: 193
- Views: 25678
Re: BH travel tips?
Let’s share some BHish approaches to travel. I would love to hear some tips about traveling with shoes. We tend to pack at least two pairs of shoes - one pair of boots and another pair of everyday shoes, which makes it difficult to travel with only a carryon. I can usually get by with a single pair...
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 9:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BH travel tips?
- Replies: 193
- Views: 25678
Re: BH travel tips?
I would love to hear some tips about traveling with shoes. We tend to pack at least two pairs of shoes - one pair of boots and another pair of everyday shoes, which makes it difficult to travel with only a carryon. My travel packing revelation was that regardless of where I went, I could usually fin...
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Crazy to start 529 without kids??
- Replies: 49
- Views: 8116
Re: Crazy to start 529 without kids??
My advice, from someone who received a windfall.
Put the money in the bank (or separate banks for FDIC protection) and let it sit for a year. DO NOT DO ANYTHING FOR AT LEAST A YEAR!!!!!
TRUST ME!!!
Put the money in the bank (or separate banks for FDIC protection) and let it sit for a year. DO NOT DO ANYTHING FOR AT LEAST A YEAR!!!!!
TRUST ME!!!
- Thu Apr 12, 2018 7:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: realtor wants to show house to buyer, no listing agent for me
- Replies: 55
- Views: 6309
Re: realtor wants to show house to buyer, no listing agent for me
My dad always said EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE FOR A PRICE. So OP, what is your price?
- Sat Mar 31, 2018 10:04 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tired of gas grills rusting out...
- Replies: 120
- Views: 20428
Re: Tired of gas grills rusting out...
About 15-20 years ago, my friends made fun of us for spending the money for a Weber grill. They could not understand why we spend that much money on a grill. That grill is still on my porch and working perfectly well. Since then, I wonder how much my friends have spent on grills. 

- Fri Mar 30, 2018 4:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When did you know your kids would go to college?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 6295
Re: When did you know your kids would go to college?
OP here - I never said that my 11 year old was not capable or not college material. I said he was not motivated. I am far from giving up on him - I have already $68k saved between 529 plans and ESAs saved for him!!! My question was simply, when did you know your kids would go to college?? I apprecia...
- Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When did you know your kids would go to college?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 6295
Re: When did you know your kids would go to college?
klangFool, here's my reason for asking this question and where we stand viewtopic.php?f=1&t=245679.
We both have college degrees and the kids to go a private school where 90% of graduates go to four year college.
We both have college degrees and the kids to go a private school where 90% of graduates go to four year college.
- Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When did you know your kids would go to college?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 6295
When did you know your kids would go to college?
We have two kids that are very different. They are both smart and could do whatever they set their mind to. My son, age 11, seems to lack initiative. My daughter, age 9, is the opposite. I don't want to get into the parenting aspect of raising kids, but I am curious as to WHEN you knew or suspected ...
- Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Early Payment of Promisory note (to me)
- Replies: 3
- Views: 537
Early Payment of Promisory note (to me)
When my dad passed away, I inherited a minority interest in a partnership. I agreed to sell my interest to another partner with a 10 year promissory note, payable in yearly installments of $45,000. This was perfect for me - each I maxed mine & DH's IRAs, maxed ESAs for my two kids, invested $10k...
- Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: One month summer vacation with kids age 10 & 12
- Replies: 7
- Views: 754
One month summer vacation with kids age 10 & 12
I am envisioning a (Griswaldish) one month long summer trip with our kids. Our usual vacations are for two weeks, where we fly somewhere and then drive around staying at hotels or vacation homes. My nephew has a camper that we could use if we wanted although I'm not sure I really want to. Have you e...