Search found 5376 matches

by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 259
Views: 18629

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

About 6 years ago I completed a lifelong goal and built a permanent telescope observatory, which I can run completely remotely to do my astrophotos. You can’t post something like this without including at least some pictures… Sure. Here are a few from my observatory. https://imgur.com/a/UyaPbNF Nice photos. I’d like to see a picture of the observatory too. I added a short video of the roof opening remotely, and a picture of the imaging assembly partway through the build to the link above. The physical structure of the observatory isn't anything particularly impressive. Some build theirs with a lot of comforts of life so they can spend the night in it, but since I do almost exclusively remote imaging I built mine to look like an inconspicuo...
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10506

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

dodecahedron wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:47 am
beyou wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:49 am One of the advantages to being vegetarian, easier to ignore the free steak dinner offers.
Not exactly a vegetarian (I do eat seafood a couple times a week but otherwise plant-based) but definitely agree in spirit. No good seafood places around here (though I might be tempted if we lived near the ocean!) and while there are a few excellent vegan places I like, these types of events never seem to be hosted at them!
I occasionally receive invitations to a presentation at a local catfish house. I literally laughed out loud when I got the first one. After a couple more arrived it dawned on me that they were apparently having success using that for bait.
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our State Farm agent retiring
Replies: 32
Views: 2202

Re: Our State Farm agent retiring

After 30 years with him, my SF agent sadly died of Covid. The office sent me to a young guy trying to establish his clientele based on friendly personal service, and I'm very pleased with him. But as stated, there isn't a lot of need to visit the office. You pay your bills online, and when you have a claim the agent isn't really involved. Sure, they like to have a sit-down and try to upsell you once in a while, but I am a very resistant fellow! I thought we might have the same agent until your successor agent turned out to be a guy. My original SF agent was a golfing buddy who lived two counties away from me. During the time he was my agent I never went to his office. I kept my policies with the woman who took over his office and have not ...
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate
Replies: 35
Views: 3907

Re: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate

I didn't see it mentioned if your sister has children, but it doesn't sound as if she does. But if she does, could you gift to them rather than directily to your sister if she (or your other siblings) would be offended by your giving to her?
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 143
Views: 10506

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

Retired in CA wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:12 pm This may be a naive question, but how do they know you're retired and a likely mark potential customer? I've been retired for a few years and have never been invited (for which I shall be eternally grateful.)
Did you retire early? My impression is that they mail by age of victim rather than employment status. Birthdate data is obviously easy to come by or estimate from other info. If you haven't been getting these yet, your prime years are still ahead of you! :beer
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen
Replies: 18
Views: 993

Re: Need information on clothes dryer lint screen

Thanks for the replies, everyone. The repairman said that no lint was collecting behind the screen. We do keep up regular maintenance. The problem is NOT with the hose, the outside vent, or anything other than the new dryer. This dryer is a dud, either a poor design or a unique poor construction. Edit: I am not capable of dismantling the dryer itself to clean behind the screen. In watching the repairman, he had special tools and a special vacuum to do this. I would really appreciate it if folks could recommend a brand and model of electric dryer which has a functional lint screen. I'm not sure if this will be much help, but I'm posting it as I bought a LG DLE7400WE as part of a W&D pair from Costco in September. The lint screen is a th...
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annuity for spendthrift brother on mom's death?
Replies: 52
Views: 4178

Re: Annuity for spendthrift brother on mom's death?

Apologies if I missed it, but how does Bob get money now (the person/entity not necessarily the ultimate source) and approximately how much per week/month? Just a trip to the ATM or from an individual?

I think you mentioned a bank account? How are overdrafts etc (I'm assuming there must be many) handled now?

What does he do now when he runs out of cash?
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annuity for spendthrift brother on mom's death?
Replies: 52
Views: 4178

Re: Annuity for spendthrift brother on mom's death?

If you pursue the annuity for Bob, how do you protect him against himself or his "friends" calling one of these outfits that advertise on late-night TV that they will buy your annuity so that you can have your money right now?
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 12 months before retirement what do you wish you had done
Replies: 72
Views: 8826

Re: 12 months from retirement what do you wish you had done

Convinced DW to commit to a firm and complete retirement date for herself.

I left a huge vacation leave balance and a much larger sick leave balance when I retired. I knew the rules, but I was willing to accept that. Pfft! Small potatoes. Some things are more important than others.
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?
Replies: 47
Views: 3580

Re: How to avoid getting ripped off on urgent home repairs?

as a homeowner, I try to build a relationships with plumbers and HVAC folks, so when an emergency happens, I'm already an existing customer. Do you have any small jobs that need to be completed: faucet replacement, small drips, etc.? Sure, these can be DIY, but by hiring somebody, you can get a feel for their work ethic. That way when the hot water heater starts leaking, you made one call, and they came out same day. For HVAC, we started soliciting bids for replacements ('within the next year'). Met up with 8 firms, and when the compressor died a few months later, we knew who to call and what equipment we wanted. +1 This is the way. Start with word of mouth recommendations, if you can get any, and work your way down the list(s) until you f...
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 23, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 259
Views: 18629

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

I'm too serious about my things to consider them as toys. Adulting is hard :oops: j/k. Play away, folks! I finally thought of a few that I don't consider practically necessities: Beer refrigerator Electric golf cart for yard work/tasks EGO battery powered leaf blower and weed eater Other than the beer fridge, I consider them toys only because they make me giggle every time I think of how much time and effort they save me. I bought an EGO lawnmower last year with a 7.5 Ah battery and charger. I can almost cut my lawn on one charge. I usually have to break for an hour to recharge. That’s okay, gives me time to rest. I sold and gave away my old ICE mowers. They were 38 and 20 years old, respectively. It's on my wishlist! I only use my ICE pus...
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 259
Views: 18629

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

Doom&Gloom wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:48 pm I'm too serious about my things to consider them as toys.

Adulting is hard :oops:

j/k. Play away, folks!
I finally thought of a few that I don't consider practically necessities:
Beer refrigerator
Electric golf cart for yard work/tasks
EGO battery powered leaf blower and weed eater

Other than the beer fridge, I consider them toys only because they make me giggle every time I think of how much time and effort they save me.
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct - The Eternal Wait and No Way To Track Transfer
Replies: 82
Views: 14108

Re: Treasury Direct - The Eternal Wait and No Way To Track Transfer

I sometimes identify with the dog at the dog show who runs around the hoops rather than jumping through them as instructed. Just saying.
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 22, 2024 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 259
Views: 18629

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

I'm too serious about my things to consider them as toys.

Adulting is hard :oops:

j/k. Play away, folks!
by Doom&Gloom
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 48
Views: 4444

Re: funeral preparations

RickBoglehead wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 3:07 pm My in-laws bought 6 plots with their sister and brother in-law, nothing specified about who got what. They used 3 of the spots. Then a brother died and another spot was used, leaving 2.

Then my FIL found out that burials at national cemeteries are free, and went that route. We now have 2 useless plots that basically have little value.
The father of a friend of mine bought a plot with 10 sites. I think six are occupied now--with only one or two more likely to be filled. He likely would have been happy if only two of the ten spots were occupied. People's expectations and wishes can be very different; his son told me that his dad wanted a little elbow room. Not everyone is seeking maximum financial value.
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 210
Views: 23856

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

Yep. Long story, short:

DW's aunt who was supposedly well-prepared was suddenly ill-prepared after her dementia worsened and relatives siphoned off more than 500k. Her husband had a trust of some type and pre-deceased her so most of his assets went to his adult children but some went to DW's aunt as planned. DW's aunt ahd her husband had both been in previous marriages. Rather than having established a trust, DW's aunt apparently chose to rely upon trusted relatives who quickly proved untrustworthy. She will likely spend her last days in a Medicaid nursing home and die penniless.

It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 48
Views: 4444

Re: funeral preparations

Pre-planning does not require that every detail be planned in advance. I recently went through this for myself as I didn't want anyone else to have to agonize over every detail as well as scrounge up the money to pay for it. It was the easiest funeral I ever bought! Me: "I want this. I don't want that. I want this to be done here and I want that to be done in this manner." Funeral Home: "No problem. What about such and such?" Me: "Doesn't matter to me. Somebody else can decide and do it the way they want." FH: "OK. Well, what about whatchamacallit?" Me: "I don't care one way or the other. Somebody will figure that out when it comes up. Let 'em fight over it if they want to." FH: "All ri...
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska cruise recommendations
Replies: 27
Views: 2355

Re: Alaska cruise recommendations

We went on an Alaskan cruise on Holland about ten years ago and scarcely even saw our 15 y/o son after he found their kids' club with about a dozen other teens to hang out with. We told him to meet us for meals, excursions, and a couple of other times. Other than that, we never saw him. We rarely saw any other kids except on a couple of third-party excursions--certainly not enough to annoy us.

I would strongly suggest a balcony cabin for an Inner Passage cruise.
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Nervous about giving out information
Replies: 36
Views: 3517

Re: Nervous about giving out information

Give yourself permission to be deceitful about any detail of yourself/location/situation that won't alter the applicability of the responses you will receive.

Just for this site. It'll be ok. :beer
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4497

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

UpperNwGuy wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:59 pm It does not bother me in the least to have loose change in my settlement fund. The amount is nearly always less than $100, and that's an insignificant amount compared to my overall portfolio.

The fact that so many people seem bothered by loose change in their settlement funds actually worries me, because it tells me that many of the members of our forum have irrational obsessions.
We're all human.
:sharebeer
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 28
Views: 3296

Re: Is this a termite?

Theseus wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:32 pm
quattro73 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:00 pm I believe that is an ant.

Please see this link for a good comparison (pictures):

https://westernext.com/carpenter-ants-vs-termites/
Thank you. This looks like an ant. If it’s a carpenter ant should I worry ?
You can, but that won't kill them.

IME carpenter ants generally travel in large packs. You won't see just one. Also, IME carpenter ants are very black--but perhaps that one is at a different state of development or a different variety. I've used typical insecticides with good results with the ones I've encountered.
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4497

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

tetractys wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:26 pm
Doom&Gloom wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:39 pm I've had 4c in a Vanguard MM account for several years now.
I keep waiting to see how long it takes to grow to 5c.
So much for dry powder :oops:
¢ <—
So much work for such little gain :beer
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4497

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

I've had 4c in a Vanguard MM account for several years now.
I keep waiting to see how long it takes to grow to 5c.
So much for dry powder :oops:
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Identity theft or something to ignore?
Replies: 18
Views: 1215

Re: Identity theft or something to ignore?

If there is no account number in the email to use for them to search, I would forget about it.

I definitely would not give them my name or any identifying information lest some eager beaver employee attach it/them to the account they are trying to collect. This can definitely happen. Ask me how I know. I thought I would never get my issue untangled, but I did have the same name as their patient.
by Doom&Gloom
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Fwiw, political calls are exempt from the Do Not Call lists. Funny how that happened! ;) https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/do-not-call-registry#:~:text=Because%20of%20the%20limits%20to,calling%20on%20behalf%20of%20charities). It is a First Amendment issue because they aren't asking for money, they are asking for your vote. Another actionable suggestion is to call the campaign and demand to be taken off their list. https://www.texastribune.org/2018/07/27/texas-voters-text-message-email-spam-november-election/ Perhaps theoretically, but the ones I have been getting on my phone daily for the past several months are asking for cold hard cash. Thankfully, most of them are going directly to my spam folder and most are intended for someone e...
by Doom&Gloom
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 44
Views: 3367

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

+1 to AVS Forums

I strongly recommend considering internet direct companies if you are looking for bang-for-the-buck speakers.
by Doom&Gloom
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Election spam texts
Replies: 41
Views: 2594

Re: Election spam texts

Phone provider with a more effective spam filter?
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15484

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Cash always seemed messy from a budgeting perspective because transactions are not being tracked for you automatically, it's up to you to document where the cash was spent and keep receipts. I'm too lazy to do that, I like that electronic payments will do that for me automatically. If I didn't track cash I spent, how would I know how much I should have at any given time vs how much I've spent? How would I know if cash was missing? Cash is also more expensive to use for buying anything, unless the cash discount exceeds my credit card reward. For people that store large amounts of cash at home, are you not worried about potentially losing it all in a fire or theft? I don't think home owners Insurance will cover cash losses, but I could be wr...
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15484

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

ralph124cf wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:49 pm It sounds like nobody here is serious about poker.
I've been in games with friends where the running joke was that IOUs written on pieces of paper napkins were better than US currency :moneybag

The problem is that exchange rate only applied to about a dozen people. Restaurants and gas stations were no-goes.
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15484

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Four figures in currency, but I'm on a mission to get my coins down to 0c as they have become little more than a nuisance.
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ “unsafe lane change” law
Replies: 14
Views: 1368

Re: NJ “unsafe lane change” law

I'm not saying that I've never done that, but I'd never be shocked if I were stopped and ticketed afterward.

It looks to me like that statute is written vaguely enough that you'll have an uphill battle if the cop shows up to testify in court.
Good luck!
by Doom&Gloom
Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4884

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

I'm not sure sea sickness would be an issue sailing the Inside Passage from Vancouver, so I would not rule it out completely without further investigation.

Having said that, cruising the Inside Passage is the only way I have seen Alaska. We planned a driving trip to Denali that bumped into COVID. I would still like to give that a go. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Perhaps consider doing both on this one trip since you seem to have adequate time.
by Doom&Gloom
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4336

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

Like most things, the time to switch is when better value can be found elsewhere.

I'm not sure there are any reliable rules of thumb for vehicles today. I used to switch as soon as the warranty expired--or even before. With my current vehicle I've been prepared for ten years to switch at the first opportunity. I'm still going to the dealership.

Perhaps the current independent shops in my area are atypical. YMMV of course.
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pinot Noir on the lower end?
Replies: 96
Views: 10446

Re: Pinot Noir on the lower end?

Thesaints wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:23 pm How many bottles do you people drink ?
Unless it is a large number, $40/50, or $15, makes no financial difference.
I go through ~3 bottles/week. Perhaps I should go cheaper :beer
by Doom&Gloom
Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent
Replies: 74
Views: 8524

Re: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent

bradinsky wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 6:08 am Where lived 25 years ago, the neighborhood was ringed by a treed area. Burglars would hide in there & throw a rock to break a window or a patio door’s glass. If no one appeared to see what happened, that house was burglarized. Very disconcerting!
If that happened in my area there would be a waiting list of volunteers to house sit and gladly wait in the dark for a rock to be followed by a thief or two. Just sayin'.
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Mar 01, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do
Replies: 58
Views: 11293

Re: Father died and I'm totally overwhelmed on what to do

OP, sorry for your loss. Re: death certificates--In my state there is a pretty steep fee for the first certified copy, then a much reduced rate for addtitional copies. I got a dozen due to all I had heard about needing several. Every place local that I walked into simply took the one I brought with me, copied it, and handed mine back to me. Many of the non-local places only wanted a fax or email of the certified copy. IIRC there were only two places that required me to mail a certified copy; one of those returned the certified copy to me. YMMV, of course. Social Security did not require a death certificate from me as they said they had other methods of verifying deaths that they often used. However, they did require a certified copy of a ma...
by Doom&Gloom
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Privacy and security aspects of death certificates
Replies: 12
Views: 2248

Re: Privacy and security aspects of death certificates

Given the number of nom-traditional families out there, along with women who do not change their name, and kids who share their mother's surname, mother's maiden name is no longer a reliable security data point. In my experience most places have stopped using it or asking for it. The reason I asked the question is because I myself was asked my mother's maiden name by an institution. (And yes, they were asking for the real MMN.) My mind went blank for a second and I stumbled around trying to think of it. I too had thought institutions had stopped using it, which is why I hadn't bothered to think about it for awhile. If I had failed to come up with the name, it could have had bad consequences. Social Security Administration recently asked me...
by Doom&Gloom
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24663

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

stargazerlily03 wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:34 pm I have always wanted a lovely white colored home/furniture. Never was able to do it due to children with exception of white walls. Well, now they're young adults but still living at home. YAY! I bought 6 WHITE dining room chairs. I LOVE THEM. Eyeing a white colored sofa for months now. We do have a doggy who we have spoiled. He loves the sofa. Now what.
Room (and decor) permitting, a non-white loveseat in the same room that the pooch is allowed on rather than the sofa.

Most amazing detail of your story is that your young adult children haven't ruined the white furniture. I know mine would have! *sigh*
by Doom&Gloom
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Minnesota
Replies: 43
Views: 3300

Re: Things to do in Minnesota

One time visitor to MN here, so I'll defer to others' expertise and opinions. But what we did, and thoroughly enjoyed, several years ago:

Spent one night in Bayview WI and went on a boat tour of the Apostle Islands.

Drove to Duluth and spent one night. Fun place.

Drove up the North Shore and spent two (IIRC) nights near Grand Marais. Lots of time driving around the area and the Gunflint Trail.

Drove back roads to Lake Itasca and the headwaters of the Mississippi.

Drove from there to Fargo ND. Only spent one night there but we probably would have enjoyed one more.

IIRC we drove up the North Shore at the end of a holiday weekend. The traffic was maddening, but at least we were going against most of it.
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spousal Inherited 401k Advice
Replies: 3
Views: 882

Re: Spousal Inherited 401k Advice

Wow! What a lot to be going through for all of you. I've recently been through similar, and I'm going to share some of what I learned through the process about what to do and what not to do. First off, I'm not going to be able to help with your 401k questions. I learned just enough about Spousal Inherited tIRAs for my circumstances to be dangerous in trying to extrapolate that to a 401k for your situation. First of all, don't get so tied up with trying to figure out all the financial angles that you neglect your personal relationship. That is time that you'll never be able to get back. I would suggest that you educate yourself generally as to the framework of everything and not get bogged down in the weeds of the details until you have to a...
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5434

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

No one has mentioned the personal issue with vanity. For me, on the brink of presbycusis, it’s a thing. Now a friend with a hearing issue has a novel approach. He currently uses one aid. He told me by using just the one it’s easy to explain to friends. “I recently had ear damage (virus, trauma, what not) I just need the one.” First, thx for teaching me a new word--had to look up meaning of "presbycusis"! Hearing aids have gotten so small, virtually NO ONE even notices that I have hearing aids. Additionally, ear buds are nearly ubiquitous (especially among the younger generation), so even if they notice, seeing an electronic device in a person's ears these days doesn't garner the reaction it once did. Regardless, I have learned th...
by Doom&Gloom
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5434

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

I could write a long essay in reply to your question OP, as last year I went to 4 different audiologist in an effort to find an audiologist patient enough to work w/ elderly father w/ dementia; one suggested I get my hearing tested as well...turnes out I had 80% hearing loss in my left ear & had no idea! Costco's trial period was 3x longer than trial offered from local hearing aid places, and their warranty was (I think) 3x as long as well. As I have profound loss in one ear I needed very strong high end aids regardless of the manufacturer. Prices from hearing aid places ranged from $5K-$7K, I ended up buying top of the line model from Costco for $1,800. Lost one aid when traveling (left in hotel?) and they replaced for free. My advice...
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Feb 25, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In the event of an untimely death, what is the best way for family members to have immediate access to funds?
Replies: 53
Views: 5268

Re: In the event of an untimely death, what is the best way for family members to have immediate access to funds?

123 wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:49 pm Make prepaid funeral/disposal arrangements. Most everything else can wait.
+1
If you have not done this, you may be severely underestimating the amount that you need to make available. That will depend upon your wishes for how you are to be handled, of course.
by Doom&Gloom
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4453

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

investingdad wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:48 am She already recognizes that reporting her could come back and bite her. But she’s brought it up several times to me because it really irritates her, which I completely understand. She’s having her eyes opened to the reality of lying and cheating for the purpose of self advancement, something I’m happy to say she has not learned or seen from my wife or I.
At this point in her life I would simply tell her to do what she believes to be the right thing--both regarding the cheating and her irritation about it.

It seems that you are confident in her ability to figure it out for herself but may be tempted to deny her that opportunity.
by Doom&Gloom
Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for birthday trip in fall to San Antonio/ possibly adding Austin
Replies: 7
Views: 866

Re: Advice for birthday trip in fall to San Antonio/ possibly adding Austin

Some good ideas above. My two cents: --to me, the must see in San Antonio is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Start at the Alamo and then head out to the four missions in the park. Pretty and fascinating. --to me, the must sees in Austin are Town Lake (or Lady Bird Lake) and Zilker Park. Lots of good trails and views by the lake. If you go to Austin, rent a car. I second the recommendations for the LBJ and Bullock Museums. If you're a museum person, the Blanton Museum, Ransom Center, and Mexic-Arte Museum may also be worth checking out. Sixth Street is inevitable; don't fight it, but don't let it define your trip either. --an alternative to Austin is the Hill Country, which would also require a rental car. LBJ's Ranch and...
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?
Replies: 111
Views: 8667

Re: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?

vnatale wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:53 pm
Doom&Gloom wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:38 pm
Braqum wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:52 pm Surprised bogleheads recommend spending 65k+ on a car that has almost the same functionality as another but for half the price
You really can not take it with you.
For certain.

But you can for certain pass it on to others who may not have our good fortune $$$-wise.
If you read enough threads here, it appears the consensus may well be that will only make the recipients shiftless and lazy. You'd be doing them a grand favor by buying one lousy car that you can easily afford and is nicer than required to get you from Point A to Point B. And the car does have some residual value; it won't depreciate to $0 faster than another car :moneybag
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1434

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

mhadden1 wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:55 pm
alpenglow wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:17 pm
livesoft wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:03 pm Reminds of a situation that I won't go into except to say that the account was divided in 2 and managed separately. So divide in two and each of you go at it even to the point of using different financial institutions. It should become apparent if one of you doesn't "keep up" with the other from the same starting point.
Very intriguing idea!
Worst case though: sister becomes a hero by making a few lucky rolls of the dice on crypto.
That's the worst case? For whom? A presumably aging family member? A beneficiary? Which one?

Roll the dice! Baby needs a new pair of shoes!
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?
Replies: 111
Views: 8667

Re: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?

Braqum wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:52 pm Surprised bogleheads recommend spending 65k+ on a car that has almost the same functionality as another but for half the price
You really can not take it with you.
by Doom&Gloom
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest
Replies: 17
Views: 1434

Re: Issues from Helping a Family Member Invest

I'm afraid I would tell the family member that this is a one person job.
The first runner-up may choose to fulfill Ms Fiduciary's duties if they are unable to complete their term of service.

Then: I'll be happy to serve. I will be equally happy to walk away and leave you two to it.