Search found 9106 matches

by SmileyFace
Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Watches for $1K
Replies: 48
Views: 6198

Re: Watches for $1K

Look at various Citzen Eco Drive watches. They recharge naturally AND they do have some watches with Sapphire Crystals (hard to scratch versus Quartz - for $1K avoid Quart crystals) last I looked for around $500
For decent swiss watches (like Tag Heur, etc) you are looking at $1600 and up.
I agree - $1K is a tough price point with mamy good watches being either under $500 or then jumping to $2K and above
by SmileyFace
Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exposed fiberglass insulation in basement ceiling - Cover?
Replies: 14
Views: 576

Re: Exposed fiberglass insulation in basement ceiling - Cover?

twh wrote: Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:07 am Trying to understand why the insulation exists there in the first place. If you have a basement that has 10' ceilings, then it is a living space. The only reason for the insulation could be sound control?
I don't think the OP said it was a living space. Insulation is probably there to insulate for heat/cooling.

OP: I covered mine with plastic. I did not want the dust in the air from any children running around on the floor above. If the basement is finished I would do drywall.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.

Well - companies can get in legal trouble if they lay someone off - the person starts collecting unemployment benefits as a result - and then they backfill the position within 6 months. I live in the US where these terms have serious legal distinction. As a manager I would rather fire the person than lay them off as it allows me to rehire a replacement (if it about the person). If I lay them off - I can't backfill them. That's easy enough to get around. Yeah, they terminate that position...then they create a "new" position...new position number, somewhat diff job description etc...and they're really looking for someone to fill that old job position. Again: it's a game. I've seen it. And I know people in HR who (after retirement o...
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.

? And how is that different from a firing? It is quite simple: laid-off = your role is eliminated. The company no longer needs your role and has no immediate plans to backfill it. You can get unemployment. You were not eliminated due to performance or cause. Fired=you are eliminated typically due to low performance or some other cause. Collecting unemployment is less certain. The company may backfill your role. From once working from the employer's position and fighting employee's unemployment claims we early on and were taught that they only reason for a fired worker NOT being able to collect unemployment was if the firing was due to "deliberate and willful misconduct." Being fired for not being able to competently do the job wa...
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.

? And how is that different from a firing? It is quite simple: laid-off = your role is eliminated. The company no longer needs your role and has no immediate plans to backfill it. You can get unemployment. You were not eliminated due to performance or cause. Fired=you are eliminated typically due to low performance or some other cause. Collecting unemployment is less certain. The company may backfill your role. That's how it works on paper. That is not reality. Reality is companies/managers for the most part no longer have the spine to fire someone so they are "laid off." Either way, they are out of a job. I've seen/heard "laid off" positions filled in fairly short order with someone else. But you're right: clearly we a...
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.

? And how is that different from a firing? It is quite simple: laid-off = your role is eliminated. The company no longer needs your role and has no immediate plans to backfill it. You can get unemployment. You were not eliminated due to performance or cause. Fired=you are eliminated typically due to low performance or some other cause. Collecting unemployment is less certain. The company may backfill your role. I noticed the OP changed the title and description though unfortunately. OP: don't despair - you do want to be more careful how you handle this if you were fired and not laid off. You may want to consider NOT putting this job on your resume but rather say you took time off for family. It's a tough one. Don't despair - happens to a l...
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got Laid off and I have question regarding resume.

gunny2 wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:00 pm
SmileyFace wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:47 pm Laid off is different than a firing
In this day and age, usually it is not. "Laid off" is code for "get out."
Not true in tech over the last couple of years - companies laying off 1000's at a time. Sometimes entire product teams are let go over night so if you assigned to a product/project that is killed off - you are gone no matter how good you are. This has happened at large companies like Cisco and countless other tech, cybersecurity, and even cloud companies the last year or so.
We must work in different worlds as your statement is foreign compared to all the folks I know that have been laid off recently.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired and I have question regarding resume.
Replies: 38
Views: 3561

Re: Got Laid off and I have question regarding resume.

Laid off is different than a firing and now a days lots of companies are laying off lots of good people and most hiring companies understand this.
Just list the end month on your resume and when asked just say there was a restructure and your role was eliminated (or some similar statement) and focus on your achievements.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 529 plan
Replies: 6
Views: 479

Re: Help with 529 plan

billfromct wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 2:37 pm For a $100 per year in Mass state tax savings (probably enough to go out to dinner to a cheap restaurant in Boston), is that worth having at least 2 brokerage accounts.

I would open the 529 at Vanguard to keep things simple & have a single brokerage provider.

I had my kids in the NH Fidelity 529 plan because Vanguard didn’t have a 529 college savings plan when the oldest was born.

bill
Or, better yet, move the IRA or brokerage to Fidelity if a single provider is important to you.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with 529 plan
Replies: 6
Views: 479

Re: Help with 529 plan

The MA plan isn't bad. There are index funds with reasonable expense ratios and Target Date based INDEX funds (be careful - there are managed Target Funds with similar names). The Total Market Index Fund Expense Ratio is only 0.10%.
And the best thing is you get to deal with Fidelity instead of Vanguard - better UI and better customer support. When the time comes you can set up Bill Pay with colleges to make payments directly which always worked well for me.
You get the 2000 State Tax deduction every year along with the other 529 benefits (Tax Free Growth - both Federal and State - of your investments provided they are used for a qualified expenses).
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Checking account: why?
Replies: 21
Views: 1300

Re: Checking account: why?

"mostly" is the key word in your sentence.
I write a check once or twice a year for one reason or another. I don't like it - but once in a while it is the only option.
Otherwise - there is little difference between my "checking" account and many savings accounts. I use this checking account as my key hub to float money around between stuff.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $90K 48 mos loan at 3% OR outright purchase
Replies: 44
Views: 2166

Re: $90K 48 mos loan at 3% OR outright purchase

If it was an even 3% over the life of the loan I would take the loan without thinking twice and then pay it off if/when my MM rate drops below the cost of the loan. BUT that weird structure with 6% interest in the first year would give me pause to do so as it's hard to say what will happen next year and you may not come out ahead at all. I would probably pay cash.
Sometimes if, after all this negotiation, you say you will pay with cash they come up with an additional discount on the purchase to get you to take the loan (happened to me a couple of times - the dealerships get kickbacks on the loans and are willing to share that with you as an incentive to get you to take the loan) which might make the loan more favorable.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which bank for checking account
Replies: 14
Views: 1054

Re: Which bank for checking account

Neither - I would look at local Credit Unions and Regional Banks. In my experience they don't zap you with fees nor require large minimum holdings to avoid fees the way the big banks do. Keep extra cash in a MM or linked online HYSA.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First Taxable Account Investment - VTI or VTSAX?
Replies: 8
Views: 552

Re: First Taxable Account Investment - VTI or VTSAX?

I use VTI because all my taxable is now at Fidelity. Ask yourself why you are using Vanguard before you open the account - there are choices - you can buy their ETFs anywhere (and some of us have gotten better customer support, UI experience, tools, etc. elsewhere).
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kindle Users--Please help
Replies: 24
Views: 1413

Re: Kindle Users--Please help

Bcdkgf wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:24 am My Kindle is in airplane mode all the time, I never get ads and it saves battery. I download the books from Amazon and transfer via USB/Calibre.
I take it out of airplane mode when I need to download a new book and then reengage airplane mode. Yes - saves battery (and ads).
My spouse gets library books delivered to her kindle and the only way seems to be over the air but she too puts it in airplane mode after download. She says it also allows her to finish reading if the 2-week timeframe has expired (e.g. they can't pull the book back without connectivity).

OP: best thing to do - have the Kindle in airplane mode all the time. Only take it out for 5 minutes to do downloads.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Understanding advantages of ESPP qualifying disposition status, when is waiting to sell worth the risk
Replies: 8
Views: 471

Re: Understanding advantages of ESPP qualifying disposition status, when is waiting to sell worth the risk

Note a 15% discount is NOT a 15% return - it is a 17.64% return (you are buying at 1/.85 = 17.64) - if you do this twice a year its a ~35% annualized return. Since you aren't out the money over the entire period the return is actually even higher.

Personally I never think trying to save on taxes is worth the risk - I think of it as bonus income and sell right away.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:18 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Blocking Member Posts
Replies: 17
Views: 1697

Re: Blocking Member Posts

I use a large icon to make it easier for you to scroll past my posts without having to read them.
by SmileyFace
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon "eligible for return" cost
Replies: 30
Views: 1983

Re: Amazon "eligible for return" cost

If there is a problem with the order they will pay for return shipping - no problem. The number of people that order lots of excessive items then decide to keep a few and return everything else because they simply changed their mind has been costing them a lot of money. Not saying this is you - but I can understand why they are changing policy - the excessive returners have ruined it for the occasional returners. Unfortunately people go overboard and take advantage of these policies. LL Bean used to have a lifetime return policy - some people would bring 20 year old worn items back and want a whole new warddrobe (or a new hammock or whatever) and ll bean would adhere to their policy. Eventually they were losing too much money and had to cha...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Guaranteed Investments
Replies: 4
Views: 541

Re: Guaranteed Investments

All but the first can decrease in value due to inflation. TIPS would be another that won't decrease.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 105
Views: 4629

Re: How many credit cards do you have

I have 2 I use regularly (Fidelity 2% back for most things, amazon 5% back at Whole Foods and Amazon) but have 5 or maybe 6 others in a desk drawer. I had the others forever and they serve as backups (each came one at a time as it provided something better than the prior). When I travel in Europe I bring 2 extras along in case of my primary being lost or locked due to fraud or something. I was once on a trip and 2 cards were locked at the same time (even though I alerted them to the international travel) - it was a nightmare so now I over prepare. Some of my oldest ones have large credit limits ($60K) which keeps utilization really low (not that credit score matters much to me any more). Around Christmas time I pull them out of the drawer a...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: conversion to etf-any of these possible?
Replies: 11
Views: 435

Re: conversion to etf-any of these possible?

advicenow wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:04 pm I own the dollowing Vanguard funds as mutual funds (in a taxable acocunt) and wondering if it's possible to convert these into ETFs.... and is there any reason not to?
I literally googled "dollowing" because I thought it was a word I didn't know. :oops: Assume you mean "following" and forgot the list maybe
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

I think the only worry the OP has is that placing a market order outside market hours could result in a failed trade due to insufficient funds if the price has risen This is incorrect. The OP's exact words where: I'm worried I'll end up buying shares at much higher price than I intended. indicating he is indeed worried NOT about a failed trade, but about a trade that succeeds but at a price he didn't want. We can ask the OP for clarification, but I think your interpretation is wrong based on this follow-on comment from the OP. I can log into Fidelity and place an order right now for an ETF and specific it for "Market Open" tomorrow. Does Schwab not allow this? No Schwab does not. And that would not solve my problem --see subseque...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 28
Views: 3302

Re: Is this a termite?

livesoft wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:58 pm
SmileyFace wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:46 pm When you say you see them all the time do you mean in your home?
I live in the woods. I do not see them in my home. There are plenty of better wooden materials for them to play with outside my home.
I am pretty sure the OPs picture is inside their house (but maybe I badly assumed it). Maybe even their kitchen counter. If they can find wooden materials to nest in near some nice food sources they are very happy.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

bonesly wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 1:04 pm I think the only worry the OP has is that placing a market order outside market hours could result in a failed trade due to insufficient funds if the price has risen
This is incorrect. The OP's exact words where:
I'm worried I'll end up buying shares at much higher price than I intended.
indicating he is indeed worried NOT about a failed trade, but about a trade that succeeds but at a price he didn't want.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 28
Views: 3302

Re: Is this a termite?

livesoft wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:34 pm I see these ants all the time. They are a part of the natural world. I don't worry about them.

Also termite swarms were just leaving their nests on the full moon yesterday. It was great seeing them all flying away. Pest control folks know this happens, so they advertise a lot more at this time.
When you say you see them all the time do you mean in your home?
I have had problems in the past - they have a tendency to multiply if left unchecked (in my experience) and can cause damage. They aren't paying rent either - I am fine if they stay outside where they belong.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 28
Views: 3302

Re: Is this a termite?

Have you only seen a single one? (Ant that is) (EDIT ADD) In your house??? (I initially assumed this was in your house but ...). I wouldn't worry until you see more than one in your house. One might be a fluke that got lost or is scouting. I wouldn't worry if they are outside With more than one I would take action. They might have a found some dry wood in a wall and are starting to nest in it. I would: - Spray your entire foundation down with insecticide made for the purpose. Any ant that crosses the spray picks up the poison. I do this every year as a precaution. You could also hire a exterminator to do this (for a lot more money - but he might also have access to better stuff than you can buy). - Buy some sugar-insecticide for them to fee...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 30
Views: 1931

Re: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?

anagram wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:57 am
Mopar440 wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:51 amReally
Indeed! I thought the lawn mower thread was the last straw but "How to open a milk carton" beats it. :sharebeer
I thought Mopar was saying "really" to the last post whereby someone prefered the glued-shut opening that must be used.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 209
Views: 9724

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

Well I am missing something too. What is the point of this thread ? Everyone here had already made up their mind before this thread. It me it was for people who use a dedicated machine to discuss the topic. This topic occasionally comes up but is fairly hard to search on the form. So how many people are using a dedicated financial computer as their only means of online access to their accounts? Any tips or tricks you think are worth sharing? Seems there were several "tips" although I don't follow any of them 8-) - use a separate computer if you are worried - chromebook can be cheap option. - VMs or dual-boot can be an option with a bit of know-how - if you are worried you should have a separte network too - maybe one just for thi...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 30
Views: 1931

Re: how to open milk carton "cleanly"?

Childhood nightmare - I was the kid in 1st grade that stopped buying school milk because I couldn't open it cleanly. I would avoid those cartons at any cost. Gosh, that really sounds potentially traumatic. I'm sorry to hear that! :beer Funny the types of memories some of these discussions spark :) I remember trying to open one side - and having it a complete torn up mess that I couldn't drink from then trying to open the other side and having an equal mess. I remember trying to drink from some weird corner of a box shape so as not to spill it. I never thought to bring a straw to school. Back when I grew up getting milk with lunch was kind a weird thing. It was 5 cents and our teacher would collect everyone's nickel first thing in the morni...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6053
Views: 1037386

Re: Should I move it all to Fidelity?

retired@50 wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:21 am
Stan Dup wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:25 am ... Less fees on my IRAs.
This ^^^ is certainly a reason to move an IRA away from a bank or credit union.

Regards,
In the case of the OP I think it is moving "retirement accounts" from Vanguard.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Totaled - Insurance Options
Replies: 22
Views: 1457

Re: Car Totaled - Insurance Options

Thanks for the responses so far. I suppose there is another option: 4) Take the $2250, keep the car, don't repair it and buy a new (used) car. I'd have a car that could be used solely as an airport car, leaving it in that lot, while at the same time, when I'm home, or when my son is driving, we have something more reliable and safer. Insurance would be minimal on the extra car since it would only have liability. Essentially you would be keeping the car for $700 - right? (difference between options). Then when it has a $500 repair bill - then what? The car is 20 years old with nearly 200,000 miles - I would take the most money and move on. You said it "runs like brand new". It really doesn't - a brand new car will run better and h...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
Replies: 194
Views: 11881

Re: When brand names matter and when they don't

blaugranamd wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:54 pm Stop using toilet paper and get a bidet already you cavemen
Wait - cavemen used toilet paper?
I thought they squatted over a running stream bidet-like.

:sharebeer
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6053
Views: 1037386

Re: Should I move it all to Fidelity?

Stan Dup wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:25 am
UpperNwGuy wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:19 am I think you have a good arrangement now, so why change it? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Better rates on CDs and cash back on my credit card. Less fees on my IRAs.
And Fidelity has far better customer support - and it's available 24/7. Vanguard's hours are worse than banks - at least most banks are open Saturday morning.
I moved everything to Fidelity and love their 2% cashback card BUT I did keep my local bank account.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 209
Views: 9724

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

tibbitts wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 6:06 pm
MoneyIsTime wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:55 pm OK, thanks, I will re-double my efforts to look for those threads. Thanks!
I'm not sure how I'd search for them, but the theme is whether vendor diversification is worth it vs. the arguable loss of simplicity. And being a Vanguard forum, most of the posts are about whether it's safe to have all your funds at Vanguard.
This isn't a Vanguard forum.

Just search at the top of this page for "multiple brokerages" and several of those posts and discussions come up.
viewtopic.php?t=411425
viewtopic.php?t=323518
viewtopic.php?t=362058
viewtopic.php?t=402552
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to open paper milk carton "cleanly"?
Replies: 30
Views: 1931

Re: how to open milk carton "cleanly"?

Childhood nightmare - I was the kid in 1st grade that stopped buying school milk because I couldn't open it cleanly.
I would avoid those cartons at any cost.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

I just want to know what kind of life situation doesn’t allow for the one minute on one day that it takes to buy an ETF on your mobile phone during market hours? This is a good question. Even if one is constantly supervised - there is a moment alone during a bio-break. It sounds like the OPs main problem is "Worry" about buying at a higher price since he/she was given solutions to everything else mentioned. This was Bogle's original concern with ETFs - people would be watching prices throughout the day and try to optimize the price (versus a Mutual Fund where you don't have that option). So for those that have this "worry" - regular mutual funds are probably better. Me - I buy when it's convenient and don't worry about ...
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10510

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

Tdubs wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:03 am
z3r0c00l wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:56 am I wouldn't do it, there is a non-zero risk that you will get talked into something.
Yes, but there is a non-zero risk a loved one will get hornswoggled after you are gone, unless you educate them. I think that is far more likely than BHers getting talked into it.
So are you saying your strategy to educate a loved one is to take them to a seminar for every type of product that you don't want them to buy after your demise?
There might be more efficient and effective ways to do this.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10510

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

urban wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:04 am
SmileyFace wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:52 pmI am not comfortable going to one of these dinners just for a free meal. Sponsor has limited seating and I will leave the seats for those that want the information or might really be interested.
Would it make you feel better if there are some empty seats?
Nope - they are still needlessly buying me a meal.
Also, read the other reasons I mentioned.

Just to be clear I said: "I personally don't understand the desire to attend these dinners if you are not interested in the pitch/product/information they are providing." If I was interested in listening, I would have no problem going.
by SmileyFace
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

I can log into Fidelity and place an order right now for an ETF and specific it for "Market Open" tomorrow. Does Schwab not allow this? No Schwab does not. And that would not solve my problem--see subsequent comments by bonesly. Somewhere along the line I became convinced that ETFs were "better", in terms of income tax treatment, CGDs, and other features. Clearly they each have their pros and cons, but all in all, In retrospect, I wish I'd stuck with mutual funds. Sure, I don't know what share price I'll get after market close the following day, but I do know (1) that my order will execute, and (2) exactly how many dollars I'll be investing. I'd be happy to let the number of shares float, right down to several decimal p...
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10510

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

I personally don't understand the desire to attend these dinners if you are not interested in the pitch/product/information they are providing. Several reasons (hopefully no one takes this personally - I am not trying to offend anyone - just sharing my own philosophy): - I have no interest in wasting my time. A free meal isn't worth it to me. - Some of these salesmen make a living doing this and believe in their products. Let the folks that might buy take the seats. - If I need a free meal - I know my local senior center can provide me with free information regarding local charities and food banks that can help. - Someone said you lose boglehead points. Being a boglehead means living below your means and making wise investment choices. I d...
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10510

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

I personally don't understand the desire to attend these dinners if you are not interested in the pitch/product/information they are providing. Several reasons (hopefully no one takes this personally - I am not trying to offend anyone - just sharing my own philosophy): - I have no interest in wasting my time. A free meal isn't worth it to me. - Some of these salesmen make a living doing this and believe in their products. Let the folks that might buy take the seats. - If I need a free meal - I know my local senior center can provide me with free information regarding local charities and food banks that can help. - Someone said you lose boglehead points. Being a boglehead means living below your means and making wise investment choices. I d...
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Incident letter
Replies: 3
Views: 589

Re: Security Incident letter

The most important thing to do is to freeze your credit if you haven't already done so in the past.
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

bonesly wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:08 pm Still I would never recommend a market order during market-close, only during market open (which you're too busy with work/other to execute).
I can log into Fidelity and place an order right now for an ETF and specific it for "Market Open" tomorrow. Does Schwab not allow this?
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: experience with tricycle e-bike
Replies: 7
Views: 584

Re: experience with tricycle e-bike

For those of us following along that can't help you (sorry) - can you post a link at what option(s) you are looking at?
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10510

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

I personally don't understand the desire to attend these dinners if you are not interested in the pitch/product/information they are providing. Several reasons (hopefully no one takes this personally - I am not trying to offend anyone - just sharing my own philosophy): - I have no interest in wasting my time. A free meal isn't worth it to me. - Some of these salesmen make a living doing this and believe in their products. Let the folks that might buy take the seats. - If I need a free meal - I know my local senior center can provide me with free information regarding local charities and food banks that can help. - Someone said you lose boglehead points. Being a boglehead means living below your means and making wise investment choices. I do...
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread
Replies: 209
Views: 9724

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer Master Thread

A couple of hypotheticals have been mentioned that haven't been disputed technically. I think they're worth nailing down: Daily driver computer gets ransomware; financial computer does not. Daily driver gets keylogger installed; financial computer does not. In these examples, having the finanacial computer shields one from harm, no? Is the financial computer on the same home network as the Daily Driver? Maybe the virus can move laterally to your other machine (similar to some saying the malware can break out of a VM)? Maybe they are on separate firewalled networks in your home - can you trust the firewall won't be compromised to allow the malware to move laterally? Maybe two separate ISPs so the packets never cross the same firewall/router...
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs
Replies: 64
Views: 4893

Re: buying mutual funds seems easier than buying ETFs

At Fidelity I can buy using dollars at market price the same way as mutual funds - experience is equivalent to buying regular mutual funds since you can buy fractional shares when you buy using round dollar values. I thought Schwab also allowed fractional ETF purchase (buy based upon dollar value versus whole share numbers) but I don't know how you do this there.
If you are afraid of place a buy market order for ETFs after hours but don't have time during day to place an order you may be able to schedule the order at Schwab - I am not sure about this though
by SmileyFace
Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?
Replies: 39
Views: 2539

Re: Reasonable sized smartphone: does such a thing exist in 2024?

If fitting in your front pocket is the main concern - look at the foldable phones from Samsung, etc if you haven't already.
by SmileyFace
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Liability risks when giving away household items?
Replies: 2
Views: 529

Re: Liability risks when giving away household items?

hoofaman wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:19 pm can they come after you later
Of course they can come after you. We live in a country where anyone can take anyone to court for any reason they want. The question is will they and can they win?

I wouldn't worry. You would have to be negligent (know the item was damaged and could be ignorant) in my unprofessional opinion.
by SmileyFace
Sun Mar 24, 2024 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What it means to be a US listed company?
Replies: 6
Views: 454

Re: What it means to be a US listed company?

Is it hard for a foreign company to be incorporated in the USA? Mainly asking for future companies, like if someone starts a speculative company today in another country, and once they start having success would it be easy for them to be incorporated in the US? I'm trying to understand the nature of what it actually means for a company to be under VTI vs VXUS, since so many companies are global anyways. Incorporated in the US may not be as hard/expensive as being listed as a publicly traded company in the US. Sabanes-Oaxly and other regulatory requirements that have been added throughout the years made it more expensive to do so. There was an interesting article I read not to long ago that talked about the trend of a lot of publicly traded...