Search found 2672 matches

by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for College - Loans or Cash?
Replies: 42
Views: 4209

Re: Paying for College - Loans or Cash?

"Paying for College - Loans or Cash?"

Cash. Stay out of debt. Always.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P 500 historical 30 year periods
Replies: 7
Views: 1066

Re: S&P 500 historical 30 year periods

talltodd wrote: Thu Nov 11, 2021 2:00 pm Trying to determine if there’s be any 30 year period since the S&P 500 index was created where it’s gone down? Thanks.
No. Never.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advisor suggests 30/70. Is she wrong?
Replies: 65
Views: 7166

Re: Advisor suggests 30/70. Is she wrong?

"Advisor suggests 30/70. Is she wrong?"

Yes, 100% wrong.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What size water softener?
Replies: 15
Views: 1648

Re: What size water softener?

mjb49 wrote: Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:34 am I am trying to determine the size water softener we need for our home. Is there a standard formula? Is it advisable to go a little larger than the results of the formula recommends? Is there an optimal regeneration schedule?

Thank you in advance.
We bought a house with a water softener system already installed. We diligently maintained it for three months. Then we stopped using it for three months.

We assessed the difference and we determined that it was a waste of both time and money.

We never bothered with this issue again.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone bought and sold a house within 2-3 years? Share your story.
Replies: 29
Views: 3507

Re: Has anyone bought and sold a house within 2-3 years? Share your story.

"Has anyone bought and sold a house within 2-3 years?"

No I have not.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 5:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is there a proven stock market predictor?
Replies: 93
Views: 7026

Re: Is there a proven stock market predictor?

"Is there a proven stock market predictor?"

Yes there definitely is:

https://www.macrotrends.net/2324/sp-500 ... chart-data
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Has anyone had Vanguard change their "status" - without asking - in the past few years?
Replies: 40
Views: 5541

Re: Has anyone had Vanguard change their "status" - without asking - in the past few years?

"Has anyone had Vanguard change their "status" - without asking - in the past few years?"

Yes, we both have.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 11, 2021 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to make strong coffee equivalent to Starbucks for cheaper?
Replies: 149
Views: 20564

Re: How to make strong coffee equivalent to Starbucks for cheaper?

"How to make strong coffee equivalent to Starbucks for cheaper?"

The answer to your question is very simple.

You cannot.
by Trader Joe
Wed Nov 10, 2021 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I feel bad leaving a company after large account bonus?
Replies: 28
Views: 4658

Re: Should I feel bad leaving a company after large account bonus?

"Should I feel bad leaving a company after large account bonus?"

No, never.
by Trader Joe
Wed Nov 10, 2021 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I refinance my house?
Replies: 6
Views: 969

Re: Should I refinance my house?

My wife will be off for an extended time for birth of child and for other personal reasons. I am attempting to lower monthly bills so I can cover all the bills myself. I am paying off all debt (2 cars) and have 70k to put towards a mortgage of 170k with 25 years left to pay. The interest rate is 3.625. The payment is 850+300 escorw (this includes $70 for pmi). We are 36/34 (we make approx 140k a year and will be going down to 95k with just me working) retirement account approx $450k, have 6 month emergency fund, and will have an additional 35-40k left over after paying off cars and paying down mortgage for emergent costs with her not working. So the questions is what is the best option for us? Do i refi to a 15 year with lower percentage a...
by Trader Joe
Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: salt sensitivity as we age?
Replies: 13
Views: 2033

Re: salt sensitivity as we age?

gips wrote: Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:18 pm my wife and I have noticed that recipes we've made for a long time seem saltier, one was inedible. also, we've noticed restaurant dishes seem much saltier. Has anyone noticed this? if so, wondering if there's anything we can do except use less salt (which is generally a good thing) and not eat in restaurants (Which seems a shame).

best,
No, not at all. We require more salt.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4Glte mobile hotspot, are its days numbered?
Replies: 11
Views: 1218

Re: 4Glte mobile hotspot, are its days numbered?

I have a ZTE mobile hotspot labeled 4Glte on the front. I bought it from Consumer Cellular a few years ago and it runs on their service (ATT or Tmobile) and I think is actually using Tmobile. CC insists the hotspot's days are numbered and it will stop working soon. ZTE says it will be fine for a long time. The web seemed to say it would be okay, but then I ran across a Verizon page that was saying 4Glte phones would stop working unless they also had some additional feature. Then again, this is not a phone. CC is not trying to sell me a new hotspot, they don't sell them any more. I asked them if this one becomes nonfunctional, how do I know which new one will work on their system and they said to check the IMEI number which of course is use...
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1241554

Re: Anybody buying I bonds with 7% rate - treasury direct newbie here

"Anybody buying I bonds with 7% rate - treasury direct newbie here"

No I am not.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for College - Loans or Cash?
Replies: 42
Views: 4209

Re: Paying for College - Loans or Cash?

My son is a HS junior who is likely going to be able to get into a top 15 university (1500+ SAT - perfect on math, 5's in a bunch of APs, 4.4GPA, etc.). I've done the online FAFSA estimators and my expected family contribution is...large. Most of the top, top schools won't offer merit aid, so I'm trying to get a head start on planning the financing. He is still a year out from applying, and could end up choosing a (free) state flagship or a more mid tier private that offers lots of merit aid. We are not discounting either of those options. However, I want to mentally and financially prepare for the most extreme case, which is $250k-$300k over four years. I have enough in taxable and cash to pay for this today. I could also cash flow about ...
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Borrowing against stock
Replies: 18
Views: 2073

Re: Borrowing against stock

zeekhb wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:17 pm Just curious if anyone here has borrowed against stock before and wanted to see how that works. As I've mentioned in another post, I have some stock in a privately held company and that stock is being held in a shareworks account. If I wanted to access to some money, I've been reading about borrowing against stock since the interest rate is super low, and since you're not actually selling the stock, you dont have to pay any capital gains. I could wait to sell when conditions are more favorable. As long as I expect my stock to continue to gain value it sounds like this is a good option, but I'm curious to hear from anyone that has done this or if I'm missing anything here.

thanks
No. I have purposely never done what you propose.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stopping all retirement contributions except for employer match, does it make sense for us?
Replies: 52
Views: 5235

Re: Stopping all retirement contributions except for employer match, does it make sense for us?

I know contributing to retirement accounts is optimal for maximizing lifetime wealth accumulation, but I'm not seeing see that as our goal. Our goal is to be financially independent, but not necessarily retired early, by 2025. In 2025 and beyond, we want the option to safely reduce or forego income for extended periods of time. Reducing retirement contributions goes against all the personal finance wisdom I've accumulated over time, but I wanted to sound off on this proposal and see if it makes sense. Our numbers: Age: 30 and 31 Combined income: ~$250k base, before bonuses+overtime Spending roughly $7k/month or $84k/year. Assets: ~$1.45M in investments, almost all index funds, consisting of: Combined Trad 401k's: ~$560k Combined Roth IRA's...
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much for Tooth Fairy?
Replies: 111
Views: 8426

Re: How much for Tooth Fairy?

I am trying to plan ahead for my toddler's permanent teeth, which should be in over the next 2 years or so. What is the Boglehead consensus on appropriate Tooth Fairy gift? When I was young, I received various "Silver" $1 Dollar US coins and thought they were a very nice, tangible present for me to hold onto, deposit into my bank account, or spend. Nowadays, it seems the US Large-format $1 coin (Eisenhower) has not been made since the 1970s. Sure, there are the Sacagawea and other smaller $1 gold-tone coins but for me, these do not seem to have the same tangible significance. Also, I'm sure $1 today does not go as far as it did in the 1970s. What are Boglehead parents and grandparents giving nowadays for Tooth Fairy presents? $5 ...
by Trader Joe
Sun Nov 07, 2021 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I buy this furniture? Should I?
Replies: 49
Views: 5064

Re: Can I buy this furniture? Should I?

We’ve had some good furniture threads on here recently and I wanted to gather opinions on my specific situation. My wife and I are moving from an apartment to a rental house and we would like to buy some nice furniture. I’d like to purchase from Thos Moser: 1. A kitchen table and 6 chairs 2. A bed, cabinet/dresser and nightstands 3. A sofa (maybe not moser, but still nice) All in, I suspect this will cost ~30k. We are mid-late 30s, have a HHI of 300k, invested assets of 950k and are expecting our first and only child soon. It’s very important to us that we buy quality things that will last, as we both feel strongly about the negative environmental effects of low-quality goods. I suppose my questions are: 1. Can we afford this, generally? 2...
by Trader Joe
Sat Nov 06, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: vanguard website changes now can't log in (is it just me?)
Replies: 27
Views: 2521

Re: vanguard website changes now can't log in (is it just me?)

I logged into Vanguard a few days ago to do my end of the month updating. Today, after they have changed the website even more (more white space), I can't log in with either my old windows laptop or my new android tablet. The login processes fail with buttons that don't respond. On the android and windows/chrome, the login button does nothing (neither does the show button on the password). On windows/firefox, when I try to select either option for remember this device nothing happens. ##@###^&&&** So I have no access to information about my account. I tried by automated phone but hit a road block when it asked for a "mutual fund number" for verification. I really want two brokerages just in case, but I guess I have to...
by Trader Joe
Sat Nov 06, 2021 5:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Elon Musk deciding to sell 10% of his TSLA stock through a poll
Replies: 67
Views: 9345

Re: Elon Musk deciding to sell 10% of his TSLA stock through a poll

So aparently Musk has decided to launch what's probably going to become the most voted poll on twitter so far: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1457066048944066565 So interesting to see this play in real time. Let's say that he actually abides to what that poll results (as he has stated bellow in the comments). Any thoughts of the ripple effects of him actually selling 10% of his stock?? Cheers Qualifier - I do not now and I will never use Twitter. So, I cannot and I will not vote. Having said that, let's see what happens. If he sells, there will be no real or significant effects on VTSAX/VFIAX investors. If he does not sell, he will continue to promote his brand and be in the news. Which is great for Tesla. Regardless, Elon Musk is a s...
by Trader Joe
Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: U.S. vs International Stock Allocation
Replies: 203
Views: 22417

Re: U.S. vs International Stock Allocation

john963red wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 6:18 pm Is there a rule of thumb for deciding on the stock allocation between U.S. and international for a three fund portfolio? I was reading the Bogleheads wiki, "Domestic/International," where it mentioned a 70/30 split being the most efficient. However, it's clear this may not have been updated in a long while, since the data used ends at 2007. Is this choice of allocation entirely up to the investor? For example, would a 75/25 split leave you terrible worse off when compared to a 70/30 US/international split?
I invest 100% in U.S. Equities (VFIAX/VTSAX) and I invest 0% in International (non-U.S.) Equities.

I am very, very happy with my investment results.

And I would never change one single thing.
by Trader Joe
Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spend $189 on an item on Ebay seller only gave me a refund of $66. Can someone walk me though how to get the rest of
Replies: 28
Views: 3410

Re: Spend $189 on an item on Ebay seller only gave me a refund of $66. Can someone walk me though how to get the rest o

iamblessed wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 6:09 pm the money back. Step by Step. I sent several messages to the seller but that did not work.
Unfortunately, your experience is not the least bit surprising to me. eBay sellers have now become total scammers in this day and age. They have turned eBay into a complete cesspool for many years now.

I myself now have to completely avoid all eBay sellers.

I highly recommend that you work directly with eBay and with your payment method (hopefully Paypal) to get your money back asap. Do not delay.

Also, avoid all eBay sellers moving forward.

It is just not worth the hassle, time or energy.
by Trader Joe
Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2139875

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

Superb:

Market Summary
>
S&P 500
INDEXSP: .INX
4,697.53 +17.47 (0.37%)today
Nov 5, 4:55 PM EDT • Disclaimer
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella liability - is it necessary?
Replies: 135
Views: 45525

Re: Umbrella liability - is it necessary?

"Umbrella liability - is it necessary?"

No, not at all.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Choices Help.
Replies: 6
Views: 764

Re: 401k Choices Help.

CasM wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 5:18 pm I am new to investing and this site and need some help making a decision regarding my 401k options. The only plausible options offered in my
401k are :

FID 500 Index,
Vang MIDCAP IDX ADM,
VANG SMCP GR IDX ADM
VANG TM SM CAP ADM

Everything else are non-index funds/non-ETFs that have a high expense ratio and Vanguard target-date funds. I already have a Roth IRA which is a target-date fund.

I am not sure whether I should just go with the vanguard target-date fund or choose from the above viable options. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
When I was new to investing I chose to invest 100% in the S&P 500 index.

Fast forward many, many years and I still invest the same way and I am a $$$ multi-millionaire.

Best of luck.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 04, 2021 5:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Greed vs. Fear: what drives you?
Replies: 77
Views: 6006

Re: Greed vs. Fear: what drives you?

tennisplyr wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 7:13 am The market has generally been very good in recent history, these days which do you find yourself driven by more…greed to make lots more or fear that’s it’s all going to come crashing down?
Long-term growth. For my heirs.

100% VFIAX/VTSAX.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 04, 2021 5:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone participating in the Backblaze IPO?
Replies: 9
Views: 1968

Re: Anyone participating in the Backblaze IPO?

Whakamole wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 12:35 pm Backblaze is a data backup company, and existing users are given the opportunity to participate in the IPO.

Anyone else doing this?
I'm sorely tempted. Looking at previous threads, you can almost always flip shares on the first day for a quick profit.
No. I am 100% not doing this.
by Trader Joe
Thu Nov 04, 2021 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Others beside Vanguard and Fidelity
Replies: 30
Views: 3270

Re: Others beside Vanguard and Fidelity

LuvinIt wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 1:22 pm I have about equal investments (mid-six figures each) with Vanguard (IRA) and Fidelity (Roth) balanced in a three index fund mix (Stock, International, and Bond). Very happy with the three index fund concept. I am now about to have another, about equal, amount in non-IRA/Roth assets to invest. Considering also the three fund mix - but would like to consider others beside Vanguard and Fidelity. Any thoughts on others that might be considered.
Your investment locations to date are simply perfect. I would not change one thing.

I always recommend avoiding having investments held at Charles Schwab or any other dubious brokerage.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 02, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm
Replies: 104
Views: 11966

Re: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm

I love Zillow and I use them very often, for many things.

I 100% support their decisions.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 02, 2021 6:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2139875

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

"U.S. stocks continue to soar!"

Of course.

No one should be surprise.
by Trader Joe
Tue Nov 02, 2021 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I Add My Wife to Home Title?
Replies: 62
Views: 6997

Re: Should I Add My Wife to Home Title?

"Should I Add My Wife to Home Title?"

No. Definitely not.
by Trader Joe
Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Jacksonville - Restaurant/Activities Ideas]
Replies: 3
Views: 508

Re: [Jacksonville - Restaurant/Activities Ideas]

Goblue97 wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 9:49 am Good morning. I am looking for recommendations on activities and restaurants in the Jacksonville area. This would include St. Augustine for a trip with friends. Thanks.
Yelp.com should be able to help you.
by Trader Joe
Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off loans or buy a home?
Replies: 20
Views: 2207

Re: Pay off loans or buy a home?

BigChubbyCakes wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 12:14 pm I have enough money to either buy a home now (SoCal) or pay off all my student loans. As you all know, the housing market is insane right now but I’m worried that I will be priced out forever. I’m trying to shut out the noise, but it’s hard to so when everyone is running around saying get in now or be permanent renters forever. Looking to get some level-headed advice here from people with years of experience! Thank you in advance.

Income: 260K
Student loans: 200K @ 2.85%
Cash: 295K
403b: 121K
Roth IRA: 25K
You are in debt up to your eyeballs.

Pay off your debt asap.
by Trader Joe
Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What percentage does Social Security cover of your expenses in retirement?
Replies: 114
Views: 12736

Re: What percentage does Social Security cover of your expenses in retirement?

"What percentage does Social Security cover of your expenses in retirement?"

My calculations project 0.00%.

Which is okay.
by Trader Joe
Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?
Replies: 166
Views: 16887

Re: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?

"Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?"

No, never.
by Trader Joe
Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AD&D Insurance for a Single in 30s
Replies: 19
Views: 1339

Re: AD&D Insurance for a Single in 30s

I'm reevaluating my insurance selections with my employer, and debating whether I should keep, increase, or remove my AD&D insurance. I honestly don't know how to begin thinking about this. While it covers death by specific causes (e.g. accidents), I already have life insurance, and I have no dependents, therefore the death portion is already covered. The area that makes me think about increasing/keeping it is that it covers dismemberment--something that may prevent me from doing my job effectively (my job requires communication with others, eyesight, and working on the computer). 1x of pay costs < $1 per month for the insurance, and increasing it to 2x, 3x, etc. seems to cost ~$0.50 per increase. Should I increase my coverage? What do...
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I add bonds? And if so, how much and which of these funds?
Replies: 86
Views: 6622

Re: Should I add bonds? And if so, how much and which of these funds?

"Should I add bonds? And if so, how much and which of these funds?"

No you should not. You are way, way too young for bonds.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906936

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

24.60% YTD.

This is easy.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Can I buy Vanguard mutual funds at Fidelity?]
Replies: 8
Views: 708

Re: Quick question [Can I buy Vanguard mutual funds at Fidelity?]

timefour wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 5:51 am Is it possible to buy into vanguard mutual funds, such as the total stock market fund with an account at fidelity.
Yes it is.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recommended bank/credit union in Texas? EIN?
Replies: 10
Views: 957

Re: Recommended bank/credit union in Texas? EIN?

I'm the executor of the estate of a deceased family member who lived and has a house in Texas. I live in a different state, but was advised to get a bank account in TX; for one reason, in case there's estate income, TX doesn't have state income tax. Anyone have experiences with a bank or credit union that they like a lot in Texas? Extra points if it's near Dallas or McKinney, but anywhere in the state is fine. And not BOA, a bank which I've had several bad experiences with. Also: does anyone know if banks require supplying an EIN # for estate accounts? My accountant said not to apply for one, IIRC because the size of the estate is well under the minimum amount for estate tax to kick in. Bank of America in McKinney, Texas was always great t...
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a long-lasting furniture in 2021 (dogs + young kids)
Replies: 13
Views: 1585

Re: Recommend a long-lasting furniture in 2021 (dogs + young kids)

B4Xt3r wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:12 am Hi Guys,

I'm looking to quote out some leather furniture (definitely couch, maybe chair/sectional/loveseat). Here are my hopes:
  • Hope to make this a single purchase for many decades, so I think I want thick full-grain leather?
  • Have large dogs + kids so I think I want very heavy understructure?
  • Neutral styles & colors which aren't fashionable but hopefully that also means that they won't go out of fashion soon either
  • Function and durability over form/style

Any recommendations as to brands?
Yes, IKEA.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How does passive investing impact stock market returns as a whole?
Replies: 41
Views: 3527

Re: How does passive investing impact stock market returns as a whole?

"How does passive investing impact stock market returns as a whole?"

Zero to negligible impact.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to scan digitize old photos?
Replies: 35
Views: 4303

Re: Best way to scan digitize old photos?

alex123711 wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 5:44 am I have quite a large collection of photographs to digitise, would the best option be a photo scanner/ printer? If so any recommendations on one?
The best way to scan old photos is to use a scanner.

I use a 4 in 1 from HP. Very simple.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: recommendation for a nice robotic vacuum?
Replies: 11
Views: 1249

Re: recommendation on a nice robotic vacuum?

hmw wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:38 pm We have had a basic model of Eufy for a few years. It broke.

My 10-year old is bugging me about buying a new nicer one. He is fasinated by the technology. :happy

Our house is a 2 storey house. 3800 sq ft, of mostly tiles and carpets. We have a cleaner who comes to clean every 2 weeks. No pets.

I am thinknig about a Roomba j7 + which inlcudes an automatic dirt disposal.

Any BH's recommendation? I am willing to spend up to $1000.

Thanks
I would go onto Amazon.com, look for your specific requirements and then assess the user reviews.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feel guilty about luxury apartment
Replies: 50
Views: 6259

Re: Feel guilty about luxury apartment

Hi all, Last year my fiancee and I (devout bogleheads) decided to treat ourselves to finally living in a luxury apartment. Our 12-month lease ends in early 2022 and we've been questioning staying in the luxury place. We are both 29, no kids, and have a combined income of $200k ($100k each). We live in a HCOL area and are paying $2.5k/month for our 1 bedroom apartment. We max out all retirement accounts and are able to keep our total expenses to around $4k/month. We also have a combined $60k in series I bonds for a home downpayment and some wedding expenses. When all is said and done, we have ~$5k/month left over which is invested in our taxable accounts in accordance with our AA. We have no interest in buying a home in this area. We plan o...
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay raises for 2022
Replies: 421
Views: 63551

Re: Pay raises for 2022

stocknoob4111 wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 1:17 pm What are your expectations of pay raises in 2022 due to rising inflation? I was thinking the usual 2-3% isn't going to cut it this time around with the CPI coming in at close to 6% for the last few months but I am wondering if employers are still going to try their luck with the usual raises. Are you going to push for a higher adjustment? If so, are you going to argue about the inflation numbers or make your argument in other ways?
2.5%
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to lay out a repayment schedule for a loan to the kids?
Replies: 86
Views: 5673

Re: How to lay out a repayment schedule for a loan to the kids?

OP, I am a bit confused. A) Are you asking one kid to pay back 60K and the other to pay back 30K? Or, B) Are you asking one kid to pay back 60K X 4 = 240K and the other 30K x 4 = 120K? What is the actual number? KlangFool @KlangFool nice to hear from you.. Deal was they would only have to pay back the 4th year tuition expense.....so $60-65K for one and $30-35K for the other... This sounds like a terrible idea that will breed resentment. These are significant amounts of money, amounts you willingly admit you don’t need but that could make a meaningful difference in the life stage your children are in. Further you’re not treating them equally. No offense, OP, this is one of those ideas that sounds good on paper but when rubber meets road you...
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refurbished iMac - Apple or "Certified Refurbishers"
Replies: 10
Views: 987

Re: Refurbished iMac - Apple or "Certified Refurbishers"

Myopic squirrel wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 6:32 pm Looking to update my 12 year old iMac desktop (doesn't sync with my iPhone & iPad, nor does it support TurboTax tax software ). Seeing "certified refurbished" desktops with a 12 month warranty typically at least a couple of hundred $s less - depending on i5 or i7 Intel - than the Apple refurbished. Only use it for very basic stuff - e-mails, messaging, occasional facetime and online articles. Appreciate any experienced BHers feedback who have chosen this type. Thank you in advance!
I always buy new - and it works for me.

100% of the time.
by Trader Joe
Sun Oct 31, 2021 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swapping Airline Seats ?
Replies: 48
Views: 4820

Re: Swapping Airline Seats ?

If I purchase early, select my preferred seat (window, as far forward as possible) and am happily ensconced, what obligation do I have when approached by others requesting a switch ? I was approached today by a couple with a baby who wanted to sit together but had been assigned aisle seats one row apart (rows 1 and 2). I was in 1A and they wanted to know if I would switch to an aisle seat in row 2. I asked if they would check with the person in 2E to see if he wanted to move forward instead of me moving back. A lot of fussing ensued and finally another lady gave them her seat and sat next to me in something of a huff. I felt awkward, but hey I was in my assigned seat. I planned ahead and purchased ahead. They did not. Any suggestions for t...
by Trader Joe
Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Goodyear tires from Walmart - good idea?
Replies: 49
Views: 6269

Re: Goodyear tires from Walmart - good idea?

teelainen wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 3:11 pm Does anyone know if the Goodyear tires from Walmart are any good? They are made in Mexico.

What about the quality of the installation at Walmart? Are their technicians any good?

For a name brand like Goodyear, it seems like Walmart is cheaper than Discount Tire, Costco, Sam's, etc.
I highly recommend that you avoid.