Search found 9816 matches

by bloom2708
Fri Mar 15, 2024 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 41
Views: 2651

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

I have a Sony soundbar for TV sound in the basement. A Bose Cinemate 2.1 system on the TV upstairs. Both good enough.

I do have a pair of Sonos Era 300 for music.

A Sonos package might be a good value Atmos with the Era 300 as the rears.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/ultima ... a-300-pair
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Applying for loans in retirement...
Replies: 21
Views: 2213

Re: Applying for loans in retirement...

Why fiddle with a small loan?

Maybe a 0% credit card if short term.

Your income is what you take from your portfolio + pension/SS. If you spend $60k per year, your income has to be $60k if you don't get loans.
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29222

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

3 at home. 1 at college. 1 launched.

~$100 per week. Mostly Aldi and some Walmart. Only kid 3 eats meat/cow dairy stuff.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth contribution - employer provided account vs personal
Replies: 2
Views: 250

Re: Roth contribution - employer provided account vs personal

Roth 401k does not count towared your Roth IRA contribution. Front or back door.

You could do your full $23,000 to Roth 401k and then continue with Post-Tax. For a high earner, that likely wouldn't make sense, but you could.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Underfund vs overfund decision for 529
Replies: 12
Views: 1075

Re: Underfund vs overfund decision for 529

We did 50% in 529 and 50% in taxable for each kid.

Used some taxable each semester and qualified for AOTC (American Opportunity Tax Credit). My wife went to part time which helped income be under the limits.

Kid 1 is launched. 2 will be a senior in college. 3 will be a junior in high school.

No loans for 1 or 2. Kid 2 looks like will have about $6k left. Kid 1 went to grad school and used all her college funds.

Launching without the burden of debt will help.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 82861

Re: Frugal heros - what is your one guilty consumer splurge?

Home audio equipment is my weakness. Speakers mostly. I'm currently in a "just don't buy it" blackout period. Willpower.

The newer "no reciever" setup gear is interesting. Check out the KEF LS60 bluetooth/streaming speakers. :wink:
by bloom2708
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental upcharges?
Replies: 13
Views: 1409

Re: Dental upcharges?

In my wife's recent 1-2 minute check by the dentist he "found" a cracked tooth that "requires" a crown.

The x-ray and assistant did not find anything. He didn't use a pick or mirror. Just looked in. Oh, $2500 there. Right there. :D

I always joked that our dentist found expensive stuff right before his trips to the Caribbean. Navigating is hard these days.
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where and How to Rollover
Replies: 8
Views: 1093

Re: Where and How to Rollover

If a Back Door Roth is in either of your futures, do not roll to a Traditional Rollover IRA. That brings Pro-Rata rule into play.

The best would be to move the funds into her current 403b. Check with the provider to see if funds can be rolled in. Most don't turn away qualified money.

The next best option is to leave the funds where they are. You can have as many 401k/403b/457 as you need. Unless there is a long term viability issue with the holder of the pre-tax funds.

We use Vanguard. No issues. But Fidelity is an equal good choice. I would probably not pick TDA.
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 08, 2024 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?
Replies: 65
Views: 5236

Re: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?

100% S&P until 40. Revisit. That should grow with you.
by bloom2708
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy this phone?
Replies: 24
Views: 1883

Re: Should I buy this phone?

My iPhone 12 is still working great. Feels snappy. Has 5G. I use Mint Mobile. The $15/month plan with 5gb of data.

I can think of no other device that I pretty much have with me all the time. I have my phone when I don't have my wallet some times.

If you keep it for 3-4 years, the cost isn't that much. Especially if you trade in your current iPhone.

I recommend buying new/unlocked (no carrier) direct from Apple. Trade in your old iPhone. That way you don't have to hassle with selling.

You make plenty of money to afford a new iPhone.
by bloom2708
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pulling Out Retirement Early - Thoughts
Replies: 15
Views: 3067

Re: Pulling Out Retirement Early - Thoughts

Very likely the answer is no. Paying your top marginal rate + a 10% penalty to use pre-tax dollars intended for retirement to pay off debt is not a good solution. It will be costly now and for retirement.

I would read "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey.

A mortgage, 2 car loans and a boiler loan is plenty of debt with 4 kids.

You have to determine what you can cut to pay off the non-mortgage debt and have your wife possibly not work.

4 kids is a big commitment. That means sacrifice elsewhere. What choices can you make on potentially one income?
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47
Replies: 90
Views: 7580

Re: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47

Doing the exercises every day all at the same high intensity for years is not a good strategy for any age.

I am 53 now. I run less. Not as fast. Working more on flexibility, core strength and endurance. Strength, yoga, pilates, stretching. More walking. Biking. Some running.

Going for overall health instead of being able to run fast. Or bench press X amount.

If I focused, could I still run at a higher level? Probably, but I'm adjusting based on my goals.

Mix it up more. Have some down or rest days. Vary the intensity. Don't do strength and running every day. Lots of options out there.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lemon used car - Texas
Replies: 3
Views: 497

Re: Lemon used car - Texas

The joys of used cars and really used cars. 150k miles is too used for me for any price. Any money spent now is throwing good money after bad. I'd eat the $7k + taxes. Maybe you can get $500 for scrap. I would not fix all those issues. Our 3 kids are all launching and I've officially purchased our last "used" car. Any cars purchased will be new and driven until not reliable. At least we will have put all the miles on the cars. I've had pretty good luck with used cars over the years for our 3 kids. A few bad apples. Like a 2015 Chevy Trax. Paid $7k. Total lemon. Sold for $2k after about 1 year. That was after fixing several things. $7k loss. Stinks but it was my fault for buying the pile of junk. On the other hand, kid 2 has a 2005...
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania
Replies: 16
Views: 1067

Re: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania

1. I'd just charge with a cord. The camera bump on an iPhone is strange on many levels. Unfortunate design. I'm not a fan of wireless charging. I think it is hard on the battery life/health.

2. Can you flip to speaker if you are going to be on a long call?

Wireless Apple Car Play is pretty new, so I assume they fix bugs all the time.

Kid 1 has an iPhone 15. Not sure her Crosstrek has the wireless charging. But she does use Apple Car Play a lot. I will see if she has the same experience.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
Replies: 90
Views: 8262

Re: Giving (unequal) money to adult children

This is the flip side of asset allocation.

Do whatever you think that helps you to sleep well at night. SWAN.

I'd trie to keep things fairly even, but this is the personal in personal finance.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania
Replies: 16
Views: 1067

Re: Lemon Law Question in Pennsylvania

I'm sure many are curious what the tech issues are on a 2 week old 2024 Subaru.

Is it something a different car can fix or some incompatibility with your devices that changing cars won't fix?

Kid 1 has a 2 month old 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. 11.8" infotainment package on the new 2023-24 Crosstreks. No issues so far.
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much car can I afford?
Replies: 114
Views: 9020

Re: How much car can I afford?

The OP doesn't list any cash/taxable.

I'd cap it at whatever you would pay cash for. They are not at 59.5 yet.

If it requires a loan, I'd say denied on principle or principal. :dollar
by bloom2708
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay cash or take out a mortgage?
Replies: 12
Views: 1334

Re: Pay cash or take out a mortgage?

I'd pay cash at 6.5%. A $1.1 million house is no small decision. I would not go into retirement with a mortgage, but some would. Would this house be where you intend to start your retirement? Or would a move be part of the change?

The $34k tax on the gain will be due (at some point anyway) or more as the gains grow.

You can clearly afford the mortgage, so more of a lifestyle question. I would not do the hassle of the mortage and fiddle with future refinances.

If it delays your retirement by 1-2 years, well that is a decision point.
by bloom2708
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Replies: 48
Views: 3794

Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college

I would take out kid 1s 529 money, pay the tax on the gain and help them set up a brokerage account at Vanguard or Fidelity and put the funds in there for them.

I'm keeping things equal and not thinking about grand kids before our own kids are fully launched.

If kid 2 doesn't have enough in their 529, that is another problem to deal with.

We have 3 kids. 1 out of grad school, 1 finishing undergrad and 1 in high school who will go to college. Grad school and undergrad cost about the same as kid 1 went to a state school and kid 2 went out of state. They understood that this would result in slightly different outcomes. Both will fully use their college funds in slightly different ways.
by bloom2708
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting new car
Replies: 53
Views: 6240

Re: Getting new car

tibbitts wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:42 pm
bloom2708 wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:49 pm Keep driving the beater until you establish a living baseline.

Your insurance will go up by leaving your parents policy. It will go up again with a new/newer car.

Some parts of Denver are very expensive. Understand what your commute will look like and rent range. Save up some money for the car.

A new/newer car will be readily available when the time is right.
OP says the beater isn't up to the trip.
Yes. I guess if it uses 1 quart of oil per 100 miles he may have an issue. The definition of "beater" has a wide range of possibilities today.
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 04, 2024 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with low risk cash for nursing care
Replies: 2
Views: 321

Re: Help with low risk cash for nursing care

The Vanguard Federal Money Market is currently paying 5.28%. This is one option for the Settlement fund in a brokerage account. Auction is direct. Secondary market is buying from a previous owner. To buy select "Transact". Trade Bonds or CDs. Select the account. The Treasuries. Then Auction. When the market is open, you can then see what Bills and Notes are being sold that day. I've been doing a short term ladder with 6 rungs. Once established I just buy another 17 week treasury at auction. Or whatever the next rung is. 1 to 17 week will get you in that 5.4% range currently. No idea if it will last even through this year. The nice thing about buying a short Treasury is you get what you paid back when it matures. No gain or loss of...
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting new car
Replies: 53
Views: 6240

Re: Getting new car

Keep driving the beater until you establish a living baseline.

Your insurance will go up by leaving your parents policy. It will go up again with a new/newer car.

Some parts of Denver are very expensive. Understand what your commute will look like and rent range. Save up some money for the car.

A new/newer car will be readily available when the time is right.
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?
Replies: 51
Views: 4427

Re: sauna or hot tub, which to get and why?

Research which one is more available for sale on your local Facebook Marketplace and buy the other. :shock:

An indoor sauna would likely have more usability. The infrared ones typically don't get hot enough.

Hot tubs fall out of favor in the blink of a cold winters day. The idea is better than them in practice.
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What good is tax deferred?
Replies: 122
Views: 15322

Re: What good is tax deferred?

The good kind of good.

Most will defer at the top rate and pay as they fill the lower brackets. Years and years of growth.

RMDs are now back to 73.
by bloom2708
Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Talk me out of switching from Vanguard to Betterment
Replies: 16
Views: 1988

Re: Talk me out of switching from Vanguard to Betterment

Don't just do something. Stand there.

Or go for a walk or bike ride or do some yoga. It will pass.
by bloom2708
Sun Mar 03, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting to get a little queasy with my AA
Replies: 31
Views: 4515

Re: Starting to get a little queasy with my AA

Move to 60/40.

The Fed MM is 5.28 right now.

If you can reach your goals with less risk, then do it.

.5 money market was a different animal.
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric mower for mulching
Replies: 30
Views: 2350

Re: Electric mower for mulching

You don't really need self propel as the mower is lighter than a gas mower. Battery life is good with 7.5 amp hour battery. I think this is relative, isn't it? I have a half acre that can take an hour to mow (all my neighbors have riders, I enjoy the extra walking). I would assume I would want to get one with a 10amp battery and even budget for a second. I do have several 5amp and 2.5 amp batteries for my other stuff (Leaf blower, trimmer, hedge trimmer) but assume these wouldn't last long at all on the mower. It takes me 1 hour to mow. I usually have 2/5 battery bars left. I get about 1 hour and 15 minutes on my 7.5 ah battery. I can mow for 2 hours with one of my 12 ah batteries. Since I don't use the self-propel, I probably get longer b...
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric mower for mulching
Replies: 30
Views: 2350

Re: Electric mower for mulching

eGo has the best overall ecosystem I think. I only mulch with mine. I do bag in the fall when the leaves are falling. Plenty of power to mulch. The blade speed is faster than a gas mower most of the time.

https://egopowerplus.com/power-mowers/

Lowes and Ace Hardware.

You don't really need self propel as the mower is lighter than a gas mower. Battery life is good with 7.5 amp hour battery.
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subaru Aficionados - what is too old and too many miles?
Replies: 16
Views: 2007

Re: Subaru Aficionados - what is too old and too many miles?

If you are going to spend $20k on an Outback with 100k miles, then buy a new Base Crosstrek for $26k. A better size for a teen driver.

I guess it depends on the kid. They are either a $10k driver (crash ready to happen) or a reliable driver and $6-7k isn't worth buying used.

Our oldest kid is graduating from Grad school. We helped her buy a 2024 Crosstrek. We went up to the Premium for $29k because of features. Eyesight is now standard. The 2024 has the 11.8" screen except for the Base which gets the 8".

As long as you are past 2016, you should be fine. 2010 to 2015 I would stay away from. But every used car has its history and quirks.
by bloom2708
Fri Mar 01, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Minnesota
Replies: 43
Views: 3179

Re: Things to do in Minnesota

Fly into Fargo. Rent car. Itasca State Park. Headwaters of the Mississippi. Many lakes to see. Continue the drive to Duluth and the north shore. June 15 to Aug 15 is peak summer. Finish in Minneapolis. Twins game. That might be too much driving but pretty easy drives. Honestly, as a Minnesotan, this is a pretty good way to see most of the state while also minimizing at least 5 hours of driving. Night 1 - Fargo is a nice city to spend a night in, if your flight arrives later in the day. The downtown has nice restaurants, is very walkable, and picturesque. Day 2 - Head over to Itasca State Park for the Mississippi Headwaters, stop at Zorbaz for pizza and beer near Park Rapids, drive to Walker (Leech Lake) and stay at Chase on the Lake for th...
by bloom2708
Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Minnesota
Replies: 43
Views: 3179

Re: Things to do in Minnesota

Fly into Fargo. Rent car.

Itasca State Park. Headwaters of the Mississippi. Many lakes to see.

Continue the drive to Duluth and the north shore.

June 15 to Aug 15 is peak summer.

Finish in Minneapolis. Twins game.

That might be too much driving but pretty easy drives.
by bloom2708
Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which banks have the best app, website, and digital experience?
Replies: 2
Views: 464

Re: Which banks have the best app, website, and digital experience?

SoFi has a great app and experience.

4.6% savings. You need direct deposit to get the top rate.

I keep our local bank but SoFi has moved to primary.
by bloom2708
Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation after signing up for a house purchase and looming layoffs
Replies: 5
Views: 1063

Re: Asset Allocation after signing up for a house purchase and looming layoffs

One way to think about the gains on $900k+ is that the gains will (hopefully) only get bigger if you don't sell some to pay down your house. Can you split the gains across 2024 and 2025 or do you need the full 900k in 2024? You could sell half, pay the tax. Get a mortgage for $450k. The rate will be bad, but it is what it is. Then sell the other half in 2025. Pay the tax. Maybe you have to cash out more than you want. You could also leave yourself with a $250k-$300k mortgage and then just pay it off with the regular payments. Knowing you could always pay it off. Keep the payments on the low side. You are now 40+, so maybe 100% stocks (or 110%) isn't the right path? Maybe you can meet your goals with 70-30? With a paid off house, that seems ...
by bloom2708
Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing fear
Replies: 30
Views: 2833

Re: Investing fear

Parking it in the Fed Money Market (5.27%) for a few months would be just fine.

Markets at record highs can set many new record highs or retreat 50-60%. Nobody knows.

I do know that getting 5.27% for inaction is better than .5% not that long ago.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to deal with/spend too much money?
Replies: 91
Views: 8895

Re: How to deal with/spend too much money?

Revisit this thread after the next 20, 30, 40, 50, 60% drop. Sometimes it is fine to have more than enough.

If you have :"way more than enough", I'd go to about 20-25% stocks. Safety over more and more.

My parents in late 70s still save from their monthly SS and pension. They are fine with it. They just never learned to spend. It's fine.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Conversion or not?
Replies: 13
Views: 1067

Re: Roth Conversion or not?

Some successful kids are also in the 35% tax bracket. They still end up with a 65% windfall (not counting state taxes if any).

I would not convert at that rate. Some might just to take the hit themselves.

The nice thing is if my kids are dealing with inheritance and paying additional tax, I'll be dead and probably won't have much say in it.

A lot can change as tax brackets expand with inflation.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I make this retirement work?
Replies: 32
Views: 6872

Re: Can I make this retirement work?

Nope. Not with a $4k mortgage and associated costs.

Keep w*rking or sell the house.
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online Savings Account Recommendation Needed
Replies: 7
Views: 1251

Re: Online Savings Account Recommendation Needed

1. Vanguard Fed MM 5.27% currently
2. SoFi - 4.6% (direct deposit required)
3. Apple Savings - 4.5% (good if in the Apple ecosystem with Apple Card)

I'm sure there are many other with slightly higher rates, but these are the core I use.
by bloom2708
Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8119

Re: How do you live healthy?

Routine. Stubborn. Dedicated. Want. Need. 1. Sleep 7-8 hours 2. Exercise every morning (A mix of strength, pilates, yoga, stretching, core, elliptical, running, walking) 3. Walk 12k steps per day. Averaging 14.7k steps for the last year 4. Eat whole food, plant based (avoid meat, fish, cow dairy of all kinds, oils, ultra processed foods) - Just passed 5 years doing this. 5. Get to and stay at goal weight. BMI of 20, 21 or 22 have the least added risk factors. 6. Take supplements to assist (NMN/Resveratrol, B12, D, Creatine, Taurine, Magnesium) - Rotation to take each 3 times a week 7. Read a lot. Avoid stress. Get outside when the weather permits 8. Avoid alcohol (If social required, 1 drink maximum) Nothing magic. Food is probably the most...
by bloom2708
Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling To Change Balance Sheet
Replies: 5
Views: 748

Re: Selling To Change Balance Sheet

I would make the sales. High value single family houses are very difficult to make money from.

You don't share the rents received or any ROI, but I'm guessing they aren't good or great.

I'd take your "new" balance sheet any day. People who do rental real estate would probably need more information.

I'd probably sell #3 as well. Just because I have enough to do with my day job. Cash in the Fed MM gets 5.27% right now. Maybe won't last but maybe it will.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 21, 2024 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why should I back door Roth?
Replies: 49
Views: 4805

Re: Why should I back door Roth?

Each year you bypass your Roth, you can't go back. That is why you Roth. Front or back door. If you use all your pre-tax space, then getting Roth dollars is better than Taxable. Tax free growth.

Do you have a Traditional IRA? It isn't clear from your mention of pro-rata.

If your income is over the front door phase out, then you contribute $6,500 to a non-deductible traditional IRA. Then you convert it to Roth.

Different from Roth Conversions. If you have a Traditional IRA, consider seeing if you can move it into your current 401k.

Roth Conversions (when early retired) often get mixed with Back Door Roth meaning.

If I'm not understanding, maybe someone else will chime in.
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8739

Re: Who is buying bonds?

I bought a 17 week Treasury at ~5.4 today. Top rung on my short ladder in Rollover IRA.
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: payroll company, employer or my fault?
Replies: 47
Views: 2490

Re: payroll company, employer or my fault?

The new W4 is different. You need to account for all your income on both his/her W4.

Please go through the example estimator:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-wit ... -estimator

You can withold extra per pay period if the rest is too confusing. Good luck.
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 20, 2024 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4593

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

We have a 3/4 sized newer refrigerator in our utility room in the basement.

We store, water, soda, extra soy and almond milk, extra fruits and veggies, extra frozen bread. Basically overflow for the main refridgerator.

For a smaller size, it is well designed and is quite efficient to operate. I plugged it into a Kil-O-Watt for 3 months and it looks like it will cost under $20 for the entire year. Not bad for a $350 item.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 14, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Dumb Phone
Replies: 20
Views: 2277

Re: Best Dumb Phone

https://www.thelightphone.com/

The Light Phone looks nice. Hard to give up some smart phone features. Can't do it.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 14, 2024 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?
Replies: 66
Views: 6943

Re: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?

.06% (.0006) x the account balance.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: car salvage question
Replies: 17
Views: 1631

Re: car salvage question

If fixed correctly a Salvage title only means the value is lower and you won't be able to trade it in.

If you drive your cars a long time and they aren't worth much at the end, then the stamp on the title is just a stamp.

Some salvage cars are fixed very cheaply. Roof damage would be the best type. No front end or rear damage. Alignment, air bags etc.

If you can buy the car back cheap enough, sometimes people get the payout and then buy/repair the old car.

I'd probably just take the pay out and let the old car go. At some point most graduate past messing with salvage title cars.
by bloom2708
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix subscription
Replies: 87
Views: 6109

Re: Netflix subscription

We have the ad driven Netflix subscription. We dropped down from the $24 top sub. You do only get 2 streams instead of 5. Which is fine unless the whole house is watching something unique. Our kids are launching and only 1 left in the house.

The ads are minimal. 2 or 3 per hour or content. I don't mind them at all to save $18 per month.

We also dropped to the ad driven Disney +/Hulu/ESPN bundle. Saved another $12 per month.

I am good with ads as long as not too long. Gives you a little break.
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 13, 2024 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?
Replies: 99
Views: 10672

Re: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?

Much better at 21 than 41 or 51. The fees are killers after 20, 30, 40 years. Wealth killers.

Here is a tool to run some scenarios through:

https://www.dinkytown.net/java/compare- ... -fees.html
by bloom2708
Tue Feb 13, 2024 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence
Replies: 63
Views: 4878

Re: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence

Those numbers scream "keep renting" to me.

But, that means you probably will buy. Cheap 7% 30 year mortgage. Most houses at all time highs. Houses never go down. :shock:

If only the mortgage, interest, insurance, property taxes was all you need to spend on a house. :annoyed