Search found 812 matches

by fishmonger
Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks New Orleans in March
Replies: 25
Views: 2349

Re: Two Weeks New Orleans in March

Wife and I just went to NOLA in mid November. As many have said, 5 days is a LOT. We were there for 3 and that was plenty. I don't often say this because everyone's interests when it comes to travelling are different. But the WWII Museum is a must. We were told that, and were so glad that we went. The museum itself could easily take up 3-4 hours of your time. We are foodies and spent most of the time visiting the highest rated/most popular restaurants. But honestly, our best meal was at a place off the beaten path called Gabrielle's. Their gumbo was one of the best 5 dishes I've ever had, anywhere. I had gumbo a couple of other places and it was not even a comparison. Frenchmen Street for music is excellent. You could spend the better part ...
by fishmonger
Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on single vacation?
Replies: 108
Views: 26830

Re: How much to spend on single vacation?

I have a multi yr approach to my vacation budget. Spend a lot one year. Spend less the next. So that it evens out. Since you already have other vacations planned how about deferring this one until next year? oR I don’t know your financial situation, if vacations are important to you, just up the budget We do the same - alternate a "big trip" followed the next year by a staycation or a few long weekends of staying with family/friends. You don't give much information - NW, annual income, family size, etc. And as others stated, $1000 of eating out for a family over 5-6 weeks would pretty much limit you to the McD's of the world. That being said, we've spent $10K for a week long trip and haven't regretted it for a minute. Will be dif...
by fishmonger
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Percent - Private Credit Investing
Replies: 4
Views: 429

Percent - Private Credit Investing

So I'm a Boglehead through and through when it comes to saving and investing. But wondering if anyone has an account or uses Percent?

I'm considering signing up and allocating a (very) small percentage of our investment portfolio towards it - 2-3%
by fishmonger
Sat Nov 18, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painful spending cuts
Replies: 252
Views: 31629

Re: Painful spending cuts

Wife and I had one car for +/- 5 years when she was a stay at home Mom and the kids were little. So in some respects it was easier than if we had two fill-time jobs, etc. Definitely took a lot more planning when she went to grad school. We now can't imagine not having two vehicles but for that time in our lives we made it work.

We also bought a 2 family, lived on one floor and rented out the other. Again, where we are now can't imagine having "roommates" again but at the time it's what it took to get by
by fishmonger
Thu Nov 16, 2023 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?
Replies: 117
Views: 14767

Re: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?

I can't say for sure but ours has become a necessity due to our Yellow Lab that sheds like no one's business. Highly recommend, we're on about Year 4, running it 2-3x a week and it's still going strong.

I know DW got one of the middle of the road models, want to say it was $500-600 (at the time)
by fishmonger
Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home exercise / fitness app you recommend
Replies: 26
Views: 2489

Re: Home exercise / fitness app you recommend

Other than general fitness, buying a standing desk for the office made the biggest difference in improving my lower back issues. I now spend 90% of my work day upright. I bought it from Amazon for around $150 several years ago, and it's solid. For exercise, find something you enjoy. If you hate it, it won't be sustainable. I didn't discover my preferred choice of exercise until I was in my late 20s, and now I do it every chance I get because there's very little else I'd rather do with my free time. +1. I did the same thing when I was around your age (42 now). It made an immediate, significant difference. I also spend 90+% of my time standing. For workout apps, I love one called MTNTough. A ton of different workouts that vary based on what ...
by fishmonger
Wed Sep 13, 2023 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son and I are getting into golf...
Replies: 39
Views: 4184

Re: My son and I are getting into golf...

I've had great success buying used clubs off eBay. There are "professional" resellers that it is their livelihood, with thousands of reviews, so you can reasonably expect that the "grade" they give for condition is going to be accurate. I would suggest that you buy a higher quality set USED, rather than a cheap set new. I bought a set of used Taylor Made irons back in 2003-2004 and just replaced them this year. Search for pitch and putt courses (also called Executive Par 3s) in your area, those would be a great place to start for both you and your son. The holes are shorter, so when you both are struggling to get the ball off the ground, you (likely) won't get as frustrated. An added bonus is this part of the game is rea...
by fishmonger
Wed Aug 30, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Athletic Trainer vs Physiotherapist
Replies: 7
Views: 961

Re: Athletic Trainer vs Physiotherapist

No doubt PTs have more education, but I feel any type of injury like this, and subsequent recovery, is very individualized. I had a pinched nerve in my neck for months and did everything the traditional way - primary care, MRI/X-ray, then followed by 12 visits of PT. Only made it marginally better.

For me, for both this issue and minor recurring back pain, nothing compares to a skilled massage therapist
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best mosquito repellents
Replies: 61
Views: 4950

Re: Best mosquito repellents

Gubshu wrote: Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:47 pm I started using Sawyer 20% Picaridin spray this year. I really like it. It doesn’t feel icky on my skin, it doesn’t smell bad, and it seems to work.
+1. I get bitten constantly and I've been putting this on before golf for the last 2+ years. Works great, doesn't smell and doesn't leave a sticky film either. 10/10
by fishmonger
Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Savings on Construction Projects
Replies: 16
Views: 1430

Re: Savings on Construction Projects

Watty wrote: Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:19 pm
Bunty wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2023 2:44 pmEven though I will be hiring a general contractor, who will be responsible for all the fixtures that we are responsible to buy.
.....
Any other thoughts?
I am sure that they can get higher end stuff too but a lot of things at Home Depot and Lowes are lower end consumer grade which might not be appropriate for a high end remodel and you may not know enough to pick out higher end supplies which would be appropriate for this remodel.
Took the words out of my mouth. If you are going to spend $300K, I would not be buying my higher end finishes at Home Depot
by fishmonger
Wed Aug 23, 2023 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Not a 401k Loan?
Replies: 50
Views: 3744

Re: Why Not a 401k Loan?

As many have pointed out, a 401k loan is good tool to use, and this may be a good circumstance where it can be used. As Firemenot points out, the 401k loan distribution is tax free. Isn't that the great benefit of a 401k loan? How else can you completely avoid taxation on your income. (rhetorical question, we are focusing on one small part of the 401k loan transaction, right?) When Comparing the 401k loan to a HELOC, would you expect the market to return more than 8.25%? It might, but it might also go down as we've seen in current markets. Would you take HELOC funds to invest in the stock market? If not, then a 401k loan makes more sense than a HELOC. The other option, which I recommend, is to use emergency funds. If you deplete emergency ...
by fishmonger
Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Not a 401k Loan?
Replies: 50
Views: 3744

Re: Why Not a 401k Loan?

This post has gone completely off the rails. I appreciate the responses pertinent to the question at hand
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 22, 2023 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Not a 401k Loan?
Replies: 50
Views: 3744

Why Not a 401k Loan?

So I've never considered taking a loan from my 401k (or even an early withdrawal for that matter). However, it is available under my employer's plan, and I think there are some unique circumstances here that it makes sense. We have a bathroom that really needs to be remodeled. We've had some small leaks in a downstairs ceiling. I opened up the ceiling a couple of weeks ago hoping that it would just be a loose drain, but it looks like the subfloor below the shower is soft. This is a project DW has been on me for a few years to do, it being the "last project" we need to do (insert joke here). We are looking to spend somewhere between $20-30K A few of the facts: - I have job security - virtually no chance I will leave/get let go prio...
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Easy Meal?
Replies: 127
Views: 14497

Re: Favorite Easy Meal?

It took me a while to come around, but it's hard to beat an Air Fryer for quick meals. We have one with two trays - throw marinated chicken thighs in one and veggies in the other. Quick, cheap, and minimal cleanup

Tacos as well, our family never seems to get sick of them. Cook up a couple pounds of ground beef/turkey/chicken/pork, microwave a can of black beans, chop up some lettuce and the rest of the fixin's come right out of the fridge. The leftovers are versatile too - can be put into quesadillas, salads, rice bowls, etc.
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 15, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans
Replies: 43
Views: 3492

Re: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans

I've recently visited for the first time and really enjoyed the Jackson Square area. The St. Louis Cathedral in not to be missed; very beautiful, especially the inside! We took an evening guided tour that met at the Cathedral. It was a walking tour (approx. $20-25 per person). Learned about and saw a lot of interesting historical houses (achitecture going back to the 1700's, if I recall)/hotels/bars, some that were haunted. One that really stood out was the LaLaurie House. We had an awesome tour guide; found it on TripAdvisor. We also enjoyed taking the street car to City Park, a very nice place to take a walk and relax. Oh, we also found it fairly interesting to see the old cemeteries as we walked around town. Be forewarned, you smell mar...
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 15, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans
Replies: 43
Views: 3492

Re: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans

OnceARunner wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:54 pm
fishmonger wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2023 11:10 am
breweries,
It is a 2 hour drive outside of New Orleans so not worth actually going, but just in case you are outside of their distribution area, try some Parish Brewing beers while you are in New Orleans. The Ghost in the Machine is particularly great.
Good to know, thanks!
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health Club Members: what do you pay? Is it “worth” it?
Replies: 112
Views: 9993

Re: Health Club Members: what do you pay? Is it “worth” it?

I pay zero - spent a couple of years building out a quality home gym for about $3000 total.

Admittedly I haven't lived in a HCOL area for about 10 years now, but $500/month seems absurd to me. Even if one of you is using it everyday, there have to be other options - a local YMCA for example? Do you need a gym with a juice bar, super high end machines/classes or other amenities that you may only use sparingly?

When I worked in downtown Boston, I was informed of a high end hotel that had a "secret" gym membership program. Since the gym got so little use by guests, I want to say I paid $75/month for a pretty nice, albeit small facility
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 15, 2023 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans
Replies: 43
Views: 3492

3 Day Trip - New Orleans

DW and I are going to New Orleans for 3 full days in early November. We fly in 8AM Thurs and fly out noon on Sunday. We are staying at a hotel on Baronne St that looks to be right in between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.

We love great food, breweries, history, and general sightseeing. We have a number of restaurant recommendations, but rather than just Uber from this one to that one, would love for some ideas in terms of areas we could explore on foot (say the NOLA Museum of Art, Frenchmen St) and mix in some food, music, culture, etc. along the way.

We're both adventurous eaters and travelers, so any recommendations would be appreciated!
by fishmonger
Tue Aug 08, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost for new bathroom
Replies: 34
Views: 4492

Re: Cost for new bathroom

Honestly way too many variables. If you have a rough idea of what you want, get at least two quotes, ideally three. Anything else here is just guessing
by fishmonger
Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift
Replies: 44
Views: 2672

Re: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift

Gecko10x wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:43 am Get something custom made. Got my wife one from Weige Knives for her birthday; super nice. Unfortunately it was about an 8-month lead time, so that might not work for you. Edit: Oh, forgot he has several pre-made ready for sale, so that might work. I'm sure you could also find another maker; I'd take a look on Etsy.
These are works of art, thanks for passing along
by fishmonger
Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift
Replies: 44
Views: 2672

Re: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift

MidwestSoutheast wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:37 am I’m a big fan of Lamson cutlery. Made in Massachusetts, it’s high quality, not too pricey, and is stylish.
Great tip, thanks.

Ironically, my ancestors immigrated to this country from Poland in the early 1900s and worked at a cutlery factory in Turners Falls, MA - only about 15 miles east of Lamson. Both are/were based on the major rivers in Western Mass, the Connecticut and Deerfield
by fishmonger
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift
Replies: 44
Views: 2672

Quality Chef's Knife as Wedding Gift

So my friend is getting married in October and I'm the best man. Him and his fiance love to cook, and we'd like to get them a nice, high quality chef's knife as a gift.

DW and I were given a Henckels set 15 years ago that we still use daily. I'd like to get something a little higher quality, with a little more "style" to it. So maybe not the most Boglehead knife, but something reasonable that they will use for years. I know there are diminishing returns after a certain price point, but we could spend $200-300.

I've been looking at various Santoku knives but the options are endless. Any help would be appreciated!
by fishmonger
Fri Jun 16, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sturdy Rucksack, suitable weights
Replies: 20
Views: 2470

Re: Sturdy Rucksack, suitable weights

I have a Rogue weighted vest and love it. If 90+% of the time you're doing it as a workout, the vest distributes the weight much better as well
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 958

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

SubPar wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 2:11 pm If your OpEx is correct, there's no reason not to. This looks almost too good to be true. Why the owner would let this go for $400K is...confounding.

Carry chunky reserve for maintenance if it's in a college town.
It's not far removed from what comps in the area are. Owner lives an hour away and is easing into retirement.

This is also with no realtor on either side so she's not giving away 5-6% of the purchase price
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 958

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

Nebraska_Drought wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 2:07 pm
mtn biker wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 1:59 pm I assume summer months the rooms are empty? Need to factor that in if true.
If they are signing a lease for the full year, there is no real need to look at or worry about summer months as the lease covers it. It would be good to know if you you would allow sub-leasing?
Each lease year is June 1 - May 15th, but tenants pay for 12 full months of rent. Again, this is common practice in this area for off campus housing
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 958

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

WhyNotUs wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 1:51 pm Might want to check your formula for cap rate, I think you have included P & I
I get about 10% cap rate, almost 20% cash on cash. Looks good at 10 years as well.
Jimbo Moneybags wrote: Thu May 18, 2023 1:32 pm With those numbers, the cap rate is barely over 5%. For that type of residential rental property and the risks associated with it, I'd want to see a cap rate of 7% or higher for the investment to make financial sense.
The 5% rate also includes nothing for appreciation (while likely minimal, I'm leaving it out for analysis purposes).

Also we plan to buy and hold long-term, so rates at some point will be back to 4-5%
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 958

Re: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

Since you’ve listed a per bedroom rate, I assume that means it’s targeted at students. Has the current owner been renting to a single group of renters? Or to 4 individuals with separate leases? Properties in my old college town went both ways. Finding/managing 8 separate renters would be more work. I would be really thoughtful about how much to plan for damages. We had some great college renters and some disasters. You’re also unlikely to have long term renters, so plan on annual work and expenses. Yes, would only be students. Each "group" would sign 1 lease and make 1 monthly payment - so either 2 groups of 4, or 1 group of 8 if they wanted the whole house. Students shop together, and this place (along with others in the area) a...
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?
Replies: 16
Views: 958

Rental Property Purchase - Why Not?

So I have the opportunity to purchase a 2 family in my hometown. Wife and I own a 3 family currently, and have owned/managed rental property before so it's not new to us. A few details: 2 Family, both 4 bedroom units (8 BR total) Purchase Price: $399K Mortgage: 20% down ($80K), 25 year mortgage at 6.00% Rental Figures: Leased thru May 2024 at $690/BR, which includes everything except electricity Rental Income: $66,240 Annual P&I: $24,700 Taxes and Insurance: $9,900 Heat, Water, Trash, Misc: $10,500 Net Cash Flow of $21K/Year Property is located in a college town (state university with enrollment of 3000+), in an area surrounded by college housing. Rent is at the going rate of $700/BR, owner is selling down their investments after 20+ ye...
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The issue of Contractor Change Orders
Replies: 13
Views: 1249

Re: The issue of Contractor Change Orders

Work for a large roofing contracting company here. Is this just a run of the mill shingle job? New construction or re-roofing? The job would be either a wood shake repair or an asphalt replacement roof. Repair issue . After a minor leak, I looked to get the wood shake roof fixed. With one exception, no one will fix it with a warranty. The roofer who would provide a 3-year warranty described his work as "opening up a 10 x 10 area and seeing how it looked". (Along with providing all materials except for the shakes, which he said he would re-use). The "seeing how it looked" was a red flag to me that if he found more damage than was expected he might jack up the price. Roof replacement. Virtually every contractor I've talke...
by fishmonger
Thu May 18, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The issue of Contractor Change Orders
Replies: 13
Views: 1249

Re: The issue of Contractor Change Orders

Work for a large roofing contracting company here. Is this just a run of the mill shingle job? New construction or re-roofing? Change orders can work both ways, as another poster mentioned they are negotiable and amended to the original contract. Change orders protect the contractor from doing additional work at their expense, mainly for things that could not have been reasonably expected while estimating the job - think of things like asbestos removal, or a shingled roof that has no underlayment. They can also function as a deduct if the contractor is expecting a problem, but it doesn't present itself. All that being said, if it's just a run of the mill replacement of a shingled roof, you should be able to get a firm NTE quote. Those syste...
by fishmonger
Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer
Replies: 84
Views: 7546

Re: What are some of the best grills under $750? | First time buyer

Weber Spirit. A lot of people get convinced they need a Genesis, but really how often are you gonna need to cook 30+ burgers at once? We've had a 3 burner Spirit for 10+ years and there's never been a time where I wish I had a larger grill.

I would apply the same logic to your thought about "needing" a side burner. I think that's the most under used feature on grills - will you really be using it regularly, or would it just be "nice to have?" I'd be willing to bet that side burners on average get used a couple of times a year at most
by fishmonger
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?
Replies: 16
Views: 1924

Re: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?

8000m wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:06 pm Effective temps for infrared sauna's do not need to be as high as conventional saunas. 140-150 tends to be the sweet spot for me. DW prefers ~130.

Random side note: If you care about EMF levels, be aware they can be quite high. There are heating panels in many of the current generation IR Saunas that claim to be low EMF, though I've been disappointed by their actual EMF performance as measured on an EMF meter. Low EFM panels do exist though, so source them accordingly if this is a concern.
The brand I've looked at (and again, I'm very early in the process) is SaunaRay, which is supposed to be extremely low in EMF
by fishmonger
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?
Replies: 16
Views: 1924

Re: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?

I'm confused. Are we talking a sauna (where temps often are up to iirc 194F) or a spa/hot tub where going above 140F is considered unsafe? Sauna, nothing to do with a hot tub In that case, 140F is not close to hot enough, unless there's something special about Infrared. I just now took a sauna at 180F (old fashioned non Infrared) and it was fine for almost half an hour. 140F would not have been satisfying. Being in my 70s, I can't take the heat as long as I once did. The reason I asked about the hot tub is that ours is not, in Massachusetts, allowed to be set higher than 140F. I would prefer it a few degrees hotter, but our pool guys say he can't legally do so. Exactly, that's why I was curious. With a conventional sauna, I'm usually aroun...
by fishmonger
Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?
Replies: 16
Views: 1924

Re: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?

TomatoTomahto wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 10:04 am I'm confused. Are we talking a sauna (where temps often are up to iirc 194F) or a spa/hot tub where going above 140F is considered unsafe?
Sauna, nothing to do with a hot tub
by fishmonger
Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?
Replies: 16
Views: 1924

Infrared Sauna - Hot Enough?

So I've looked through a number of the sauna threads here, but haven't really come across an answer to this. I'm considering putting in an infrared sauna in my basement. Most of what I've found is that they max out around 140 degrees.

As much as I'd like to think that I would prep an outdoor sauna and use it regularly, for lifestyle reasons infrared would be way more practical. Has anyone gotten an infrared sauna and been disappointed that it isn't hot enough for regular use?
by fishmonger
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads powerlifters - What equipment are you using for a home gym?
Replies: 51
Views: 4177

Re: Bogleheads powerlifters - What equipment are you using for a home gym?

I spent about 3 years building out my equipment. Started with an old bench with olympic weights that I've had for about 20 years. Added a 5-50 dumbbell set, then a Rogue power rack, then a Concept2 rower last year. Total cost was around $2500. A full service gym by me runs about $90/month, so the payback period is a little over 2 years and there's no doubt I'm more consistent when all I have to do is throw on clothes and walk downstairs.

Do miss the sauna though....
by fishmonger
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads powerlifters - What equipment are you using for a home gym?
Replies: 51
Views: 4177

Re: Bogleheads powerlifters - What equipment are you using for a home gym?

simplesimon wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:48 am I'm in New England and one critical piece of "equipment" that I have in my garage gym is a propane torpedo heater which I turn on for about 10-15 minutes before my workout during the winter months just to take the edge off. I also bring my barbell inside the day before. Lifting with an ice cold barbell is doable but not pleasant...
Agree with this. I live in NH and my workout space is an unheated garage. I used to "get off" on the extra mental toughness it took to get out there on a January morning on a below zero day, or July with oppressive humidity. Turned 41 two months ago and think I might invest in one of those for next winter!!
by fishmonger
Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Cigar?
Replies: 8
Views: 994

Boglehead Cigar?

So after years of being an occasional golfer - a handful of times a year, couple of tournaments, etc, I finally got a membership and joined a club last year. Coincidentally (or not) I found myself enjoying a cigar while I play, or afterwards. I smoked the occasional stogie at bachelor parties, weddings, and such over the years but was never a regular or weekly smoker. Most other vices - beer, whiskey, others that shall not be named I have a "go to", but not for cigars yet. I don't fully know what I like yet, but I do enjoy a mild to medium smoke, and I'm willing to spend a bit more for something decent. Basil Hayden's is my go to bourbon as a comparison - not cheap, but a good bang for the buck. Wondering what you all like out the...
by fishmonger
Mon Jan 23, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small Pickup - Ford Maverick perhaps
Replies: 43
Views: 3893

Re: Small Pickup - Ford Maverick perhaps

What do you want a truck for? If you want a truck to do truck things (haul, tow, etc), while still being easy to maneuver and reasonable on gas, don't overthink it and get a Tacoma
by fishmonger
Fri Jan 20, 2023 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

cmr79 wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 7:01 pm As a subspecialist MD who works closely with NPs, I do not agree with the comments above.
Could you elaborate?
by fishmonger
Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

Thanks all. I don't need a list of hospitals in Boston, I'm familiar with almost all of them. If we were going that route, it would be the Joslin Diabetes Center Ironically, our current doc's bedside manner is excellent. I'm more concerned about her deep knowledge on the subject, anytime I ask what I think is a reasonable question, she seems to have a canned, generic answer. She is also just an APRN. I know this is the way healthcare is going - I actually have had much better patient experiences with APRN's or PA's as my primary care doc. But for my son, it still gives me a bit of pause compared to an MD. So he hasn’t been seeing an endocrinologist? I’d just start there… Not sure where you got that, he's been seeing an endo since Day 1, an...
by fishmonger
Thu Jan 19, 2023 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

Thanks all. I don't need a list of hospitals in Boston, I'm familiar with almost all of them. If we were going that route, it would be the Joslin Diabetes Center Ironically, our current doc's bedside manner is excellent. I'm more concerned about her deep knowledge on the subject, anytime I ask what I think is a reasonable question, she seems to have a canned, generic answer. She is also just an APRN. I know this is the way healthcare is going - I actually have had much better patient experiences with APRN's or PA's as my primary care doc. But for my son, it still gives me a bit of pause compared to an MD. So he hasn’t been seeing an endocrinologist? I’d just start there… Not sure where you got that, he's been seeing an endo since Day 1, an...
by fishmonger
Thu Jan 19, 2023 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

Thanks all. I don't need a list of hospitals in Boston, I'm familiar with almost all of them. If we were going that route, it would be the Joslin Diabetes Center

Ironically, our current doc's bedside manner is excellent. I'm more concerned about her deep knowledge on the subject, anytime I ask what I think is a reasonable question, she seems to have a canned, generic answer. She is also just an APRN. I know this is the way healthcare is going - I actually have had much better patient experiences with APRN's or PA's as my primary care doc. But for my son, it still gives me a bit of pause compared to an MD.
by fishmonger
Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

InMyDreams wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 3:31 pm I have a rare condition (now fixed) and joined a forum for that specific condition. They kept a list of the docs people had seen and how happy the experience was. Additionally, many of the "gurus" for the condition were specifically named in multiple threads, and some discussion about the fellows that were trained by the gurus.

The point being - if you can find a forum for the condition, you could ask there. You could also look for people working in the field (doctors or nurses?) and ask them. Network with friends to find those workers.
Thanks, I have done this as well
by fishmonger
Wed Jan 18, 2023 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

Re: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

climber2020 wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:59 pm
fishmonger wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:49 pm Does anyone know of a resource that rates or provides reviews of medical specialists?
Doesn't exist.

I'm a doctor, and I used word of mouth to find my own doctors. It's all a gamble.
That's kinda what I've found and it's baffling to me. If I need a carpenter or lawyer or CPA or cleaning person, etc I can find hundreds of places to at least start
by fishmonger
Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist
Replies: 52
Views: 4340

How to Find a (New) Medical Specialist

**Trying hard to keep this from being locked. I am NOT looking for specific medical advice**

My son has a relatively common condition that requires him to see an endocrinologist every 3 months. My wife and I are considering switching providers. Does anyone know of a resource that rates or provides reviews of medical specialists? We live in NH, so we are within driving distance of many world class hospitals.

Seems to me that there should be something out there, as opposed to going to each individual hospital's website and searching for the needle in the haystack....
by fishmonger
Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractor payment schedule and estimate inclusion items
Replies: 5
Views: 579

Re: Contractor payment schedule and estimate inclusion items

Some of this could depend on your market, or how available tradespeople are at the moment. But 50% down is nuts to me, usually 20% is more than adequate to cover some materials and get started. How long is the duration of the project?

If they are truly just demoing the old kitchen (and not trying to save any current fixtures, cabinets, etc) no way would I agree to this. I assume you've already vetted the contractor but someone could buy no materials, demo your kitchen, install nothing and walk away with 85% of the contract price?
by fishmonger
Fri Jan 06, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?
Replies: 68
Views: 7963

Re: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?

Equal Exchange is excellent and has a good variety
by fishmonger
Thu Jan 05, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: San Juan and Vieques in April
Replies: 5
Views: 516

Re: San Juan and Vieques in April

riverside1320 wrote: Thu Jan 05, 2023 1:25 pm Hi - just returned from OSJ and Vieques. Would recommend the following:

- OSJ: La Factoria (cocktail bar), Cafe Manolin (brunch), coffee stand on the corner of S. Francisco and San Jose
- Vieques: Restaurante Bili, Lazy Jack's, Lizzie's Lunchbox. El Blok is basic American food, wouldn't recommend.

Hope this helps and enjoy.
Excellent, will check them out! Bili is literally right next to where we are staying