Search found 100 matches

by 2 bits
Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8263

Re: dishwasher recomendations

abner kravitz wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:03 am
student wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:21 am Many people like Bosch. (Everyone that I know who has it likes it.) But personally it is not something I will get. European models usually do not have a grinder but it has filter that you need to empty on a regular basis. So if you get a European model, make sure you are ok with doing it.
I believe they also dry dishes differently than American dishwashers - no separate heating element or something like that. Never got into the fine print.

It seems that rather than having a "heating element", the water is heated as it goes through the circulating pump. that was our issue.
and as mentioned above..., I think a grinder might be preferable to the filter that we have.
2 bits
by 2 bits
Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8263

Re: dishwasher recomendations

Some manufacturers tout the great number of place settings that can be accommodated. Don't fall for it unless you frequently host dinner parties of 17 guests. To fit so many place settings the tines have to be placed quite closely in rank and file. It make it difficult to place large bowls or pots. Adjustable racks might be helpful. Our Bosch model SHPM65N/01 Silence Plus 44dBA is about 2 1/2 years old. It has an "Auto Air" dry feature that pops open the door to allow moisture to escape at the end of the cycle. Run times can be quite long 2 - 3 :06 hours. The unit broke my "between me and youtube I can fix anything," streak. It was a bit exasperating to have a service tech change the part that I thought should be done bu...
by 2 bits
Mon Jul 25, 2022 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof age and installing solar
Replies: 23
Views: 2800

Re: Roof age and installing solar

You are where we were 5 years ago. We installed solar on a 16 year old asphalt shingle roof. Here in Florida one would be hard pressed to get 20 years on such a roof. The solar contractor offered an incentive to remove and reinstall the 20 panels for $1250. This April we contacted them about the work as we were replacing the roof. The solar folks quoted $3500 but we had documentation so they honored the original quote. The company had been sold and they hadn't readily located their copy of the guarantee but they honored the $1250 cheerfully. Amid the talk of better panels in the future; we found that the roof attachment hardware / method had also improved so it seems potential leak hazards are less likely. We never had any leaks. As a side ...
by 2 bits
Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real estate agent reluctant to show offers to the seller prior to decision
Replies: 99
Views: 11978

Re: Real estate agent reluctant to show offers to the seller prior to decision

I would ask the agent to sit down in person and review ALL offers with you. They are making a decent chunk of change off you and this is the least they can do while they are handling something this important. This will also give them the benefit of explaining any circumstances surrounding the offers. For example, some buyers may be completely flexible on dates and just put something on the offer because they cannot leave it blank while other buyers may have a strict timeline. Some may have unresponsive agents and prove difficult to close. Others may have outdated preapproval letters and are unable to get them updated. Some may have a home to sell but didn’t disclose that because if it doesn’t sell they can use the finance contingency to wa...
by 2 bits
Sat Jan 02, 2021 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anti-Boglehead Confessions
Replies: 102
Views: 13499

Re: Anti-Boglehead Confessions

tadamsmar wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:03 pm I time the market: Today I ate greens and black eyed peas to cause prosperity
+ 1 , well yesterday really, and today is still young!
by 2 bits
Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Deferred vs Taxable-Early Retirement Goal
Replies: 51
Views: 4386

Re: Tax Deferred vs Taxable-Early Retirement Goal

It maybe good to check for the availability of a 457 tax deferred plan. Similar to the 403b program but with earlier availability for the gap years. We, (2 teachers) also contributed to build up a taxable account fund to carry us in the possible case of resigning before retirement. As it turned out we did stay until retirement. The mix of 403 457 taxable and Roth allow us to mix and match money sources for needs / wants above retirement pay. Last year we tax gain harvested in the taxable account, this year tax loss harvested. These are options not available in the deferred accounts. As it turns out we may have shifted a bit too much toward the taxable account but it was nice to have those monies available to us to give us job options preret...
by 2 bits
Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young Investor Roth Or Rental Properties
Replies: 23
Views: 1624

Re: Young Investor Roth Or Rental Properties

Wow, looks like a consensus.
We have done both, Roth and rentals. Good job paying off your own house.

Now build the Roth. When you get to the point that you are filling your Roth space every year and building a taxable account it may be time to consider a rental.

In the meantime time you can improve your house and learn to evaluate reasonable pricing on rentals.

You have made good progress.
by 2 bits
Thu Feb 13, 2020 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling shares to buy a car? Yikes!
Replies: 47
Views: 5020

Re: Selling shares to buy a car? Yikes!

"Here's where I need help. As lifelong savers, it's almost impossible to imagine dipping into our retirement funds in exchange for a depreciating asset. But it seems silly to ignore our savings and put off the car purchase so I can save the extra 10K. After all, I'm not a teenager with a summer job - I'll be 62 soon! " Been there, done that. This past year it was time to replace one of our cars. We are retired and we have pension income but we saved for these days and this kind of thing. I like our newer car. We took money from our taxable account by selling shares. That being said we also made a tIRA withdrawal this past year, along with a fair amount of tax gain harvesting of LTCG. I like to see the accounts growing but living e...
by 2 bits
Sun Jan 19, 2020 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I leave this crappy old job and retire?
Replies: 32
Views: 3789

Re: Should I leave this crappy old job and retire?

Watty wrote: Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:02 am One downside of taking the pension option is that the pension income will limit your ability to do Roth conversions in a low tax bracket each year.

It will also limit your ability to take long term capital gains and pay the 0% LTCG tax rate up to a certain income.
Good points, these are factors that I didn’t consider in the lump vs pension decision.
But I won’t look back unless to suggest the details to others. Good point Watty.
by 2 bits
Sat Jan 11, 2020 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Deferred account: Are we top heavy?
Replies: 14
Views: 1788

Re: Tax Deferred account: Are we top heavy?

Yes, at first look it seems unbalanced. However, as you will have access to the 457 accounts after separating service while retiring before SS.
Taxable monies would have more favorable tax treatment than withdrawing from 457, because you will have already paid tax on your basis.
You will have to consider possible pension(s) as well as tax rates now and in the future.
by 2 bits
Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Estimated Year-End Distributions
Replies: 73
Views: 11050

Re: Vanguard Estimated Year-End Distributions

rkhusky wrote: Thu Dec 12, 2019 8:36 am
sperry8 wrote: Thu Dec 12, 2019 7:33 am
jebmke wrote: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:32 pm Thanks. Some of those active and sector funds have some ugly capital gain distributions.
But some of those with cap gains distributions have some lovely gains. Not unhappy to pay taxes when it comes along with market beating gains.
But nicer if they are in tax-advantaged.

Check out the difference between Mid Cap Growth and Mid Cap Growth Index.
Yes, those finally sunk in to me last year so I exchanged to Index in my taxable account. This year it will preserve a bit more space for conversions.
by 2 bits
Sun Dec 22, 2019 7:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is there ever a good time to sell and lock in ?
Replies: 84
Views: 6831

Re: Is there ever a good time to sell and lock in ?

It seems to me that I have seen on this site and likely in other places that the rebound we hope for is often sudden and dramatic. I am sure others can be more specific but history shows that some years the bulk of the years market rise happens on just a few specific days.
Dang, I would hate to miss those days waiting for my latest indicator of a rising market.
by 2 bits
Thu Dec 12, 2019 7:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Transferring 403b from fidelity to vanguard roth ira
Replies: 6
Views: 490

Re: Transferring 403b from fidelity to vanguard roth ira

I have done this from TIAA to Vanguard. It was likely the Vanguard rep that called it a “conversion on the fly.”
They had to think for a minute but were able to accomplish the conversion to Roth. Be very explicit that it is going to Roth although account numbers help with that.
Also tell the sending firm if you do or don’t want taxes withheld.
by 2 bits
Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free
Replies: 260
Views: 22877

Re: Tax Deferred : Taxable : Tax Free

47 : 37 : 16
60/57 3 1/2 years retired looking over my shoulder a bit for sequence of returns risk. Interested in doing some Roth conversations but maybe only because it’s a trick I have become acquainted with and want to use. However it’s touch and go, VPW indicates withdrawing from taxable may be better at this point.
I do some tax gain harvesting. This year I saved some room for Roth conversions. But looking towards next year with some lumpy expenses (it’s the go - go years)I may want to fill the 0% LTCG bracket with more tax gain harvesting.
I am glad I converted to Roth back in the day when that first became available.
I welcome critiques about this program but of course I know that MMMV.
by 2 bits
Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cashing out RE appreciation or keeping the rental cash flow?
Replies: 44
Views: 4193

Re: Cashing out RE appreciation or keeping the rental cash flow?

Catching up, missed the thread in October. Sounds like lots of reasons to sell. But then again, I am biased. Not necessarily in a Boglehead way but in a life style way. Fifteen or 20 years ago during the accumulation phase I was taken aback by a roofing contractor that seemed so pleased / relieved to have sold his 9 rentals. Now, at this point we are close behind having sold all but our last duplex. Maybe we could have done better by holding on to the other properties that were sold in the last 3-4 years. However the strong stock market and the improved life / time factor have made it nice to have sold and moved on to other projects. Up thread somebody suggested that you know your local market better than we do. That negates some / many of ...
by 2 bits
Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing in Multiple Streams of Income? (NOT get rich quick)
Replies: 129
Views: 15556

Re: Investing in Multiple Streams of Income? (NOT get rich quick)

There's no easy answer here so I'm glad you asked for other's experiences. In the past my wife and I were on the same hunt for multiple streams of income. Similar to you we were two teachers, but not in an area that pays or treats teachers particularly well. Our side hustle was residential rental income. Abe may think I am on the other side of the argument but Abe an we both looked at our worlds and decided real estate was a good avenue to pursue. While we did well, I sometimes have the nagging feeling that we might be financially further ahead had we kept all the money that we "leveraged" in index funds. Still in retrospect, nothing ventured, nothing gained and while I don't particularly feel like an entrepreneur it reassuring to...
by 2 bits
Thu Aug 22, 2019 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealer asking to re-sign
Replies: 45
Views: 5201

Re: Dealer asking to re-sign

It’s likely that you signed a document on the day that you bought the vehicle that you would cooperate to rectify any forms that had errors. This is probably a routine non issue .
Swing by at your convenience and sign it after reading carefully. If you have a notary at work or at a local bank you may convince the dealer to send the form to you.
by 2 bits
Wed Jul 24, 2019 7:32 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562493

Re: Happiness

Nice, you’ve been looking forward to this. Congrats
by 2 bits
Sun Jan 13, 2019 7:29 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2019!
Replies: 433
Views: 94332

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2019!

Congratulations to Tycoon and Inmydreams. And have a great week to David Jay and Cyclist.
by 2 bits
Tue Nov 13, 2018 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 457 vs 403b
Replies: 120
Views: 11037

Re: 457 vs 403b

this dodged me for...20+ years 2. Why does it feel 457 Plans are a huge secret? 3. Why would anyone choose to invest in a 403B ahead of a 457? They are essentially the same thing, but the 457 plan offers greater flexibility with tapping into the money - correct? As an educator for 20+ years, all I have heard about is 403B.......why?????? 457 Plans are better options (unless, I suppose a specific district 457 plan options are poor - compared to their 403b options). I suppose getting an individual’s 403b started was enough of a hurdle for many people to get started. I also suspect many districts didn’t provide 457 options until many years after the 403b s. I would really appreciate some guidance from those that are in tune with 457 plans and...
by 2 bits
Mon Nov 12, 2018 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you had, or did you have, your HP-12C calculator?
Replies: 72
Views: 4784

Re: How long have you had, or did you have, your HP-12C calculator?

33 years +/-.
I also inherited one during that time which was likely older. It seems that was the one whose display failed.
Still use it occasionally.
Think I will change the batteries this week.
by 2 bits
Tue Oct 30, 2018 6:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rollover - Time out of market
Replies: 28
Views: 3254

Re: Rollover - Time out of market

Thank you Earl.
by 2 bits
Mon Oct 29, 2018 8:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rollover - Time out of market
Replies: 28
Views: 3254

Re: Rollover - Time out of market

Moving a partial amount from my 401K to the IRA is easy and I can initiate that from my 401K web site. For the IRA to Roth conversion, I have to complete a form and mail it to the broker. From my contact there, I understand they want some one to talk to the customer first and make sure the customer understands there are tax implications. (This is with one of the major discount brokers.) You didn't need to do a conversion. You should have done a rollover into the Roth IRA. Then there is no form 8606 or pro-rata to worry about. So can the 401 to Roth rollover still be done even if there are deductible and non deductible tIRAs in the portfolio as well? I had it in my mind that the ITAs would have to be completely converted first. But, I don’t...
by 2 bits
Wed Oct 24, 2018 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is TLH in 12% bracket less worthwhile?
Replies: 22
Views: 2368

Re: Is TLH in 12% bracket less worthwhile?

bsteiner wrote: Wed Oct 24, 2018 8:27 am If you're in a low bracket now, but expect to be in a higher bracket in future years, you might want to consider doing some Roth conversions to the extent you can do so in a low bracket.
So would doing some TLH now allow for an additional $3K of conversions?
I know that the best answer is for me to put pencil to the forms and test with some tax filing software... but the conversation is right here this morning. So a quick answer will be appreciated but I will still also do my homework.

This year we have done some tax gain harvesting and I have been considering additional tgh or Roth conversions. I am considering which will be more advantageous through the next ten years when RMDs begin.
by 2 bits
Mon Oct 15, 2018 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to stop putting money into an older vehicle
Replies: 90
Views: 11713

Re: When to stop putting money into an older vehicle

Interesting topic, especially since we will be replacing our older vehicle soon.
In the past I have been as guilty as the next guy about driving with leaky seals and just topping up the fluids.

But can we not be so cavalier about dropping auto fluids on the road? Those fluids land on the road until a rainy day when the petrochemicals go to the storm drains then flow to the lakes. I figure if I don’t want to swim in it I should be careful where it goes.
Understandably it is a complicated issue.
Safe driving.
by 2 bits
Thu Aug 23, 2018 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Circuit breaker stays tripped
Replies: 29
Views: 3246

Re: Circuit breaker stays tripped

Looking forward to hearing the resolution. Please be sure to post.
by 2 bits
Sat Jul 28, 2018 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FRS (Florida Retirement System) question
Replies: 13
Views: 2748

Re: FRS (Florida Retirement System) question

Patric made some good points. The links to myfrs.com should be helpful as well.
I also found that (in my county) there were excellent seminars put on to help with these topics and decisions. Both of you can attend.
Typically the providers (different for each county) are a poor lot to choose from when signing up for 403 or 457 plans. Most limit offerings to annuities with high or indecipherable fee schedules. And yet contributing to one or both of the 403 / 457 is likely better than not contributing.
See also the recently revived thread “ 403b or 457.”
It is correct that she must choose between the pension or the investment plan and likely must make that choice soon. 403 / 457 are on top of that.
Additional questions or PM are welcome.
by 2 bits
Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?
Replies: 61
Views: 5420

Re: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?

Sure, withdrawing from the 457 is allowed when one has “separated from service” retire quit, change jobs to a different city county state university. There is no age restriction. That is essentially the only difference I could find comparing 403b vs. 457. Only some of the providers offered 457 plans. Before I figured that out we were splitting savings between 403 and taxable so as to have money available penalty free if we left our jobs before 59 1/2. But there are also 72 t (?) SEPP available as well to access retirement accounts before typical retirement age. Thank you for the input "@2 bits" and for helping me with more information about withdrawing funds from 457 Not sure what exactly these are "there are also 72 t (?) S...
by 2 bits
Mon Jul 23, 2018 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying home, how to head off a bidding war.
Replies: 29
Views: 4488

Re: Buying home, how to head off a bidding war.

pennylane wrote: Sun Jul 22, 2018 8:32 am
2 bits wrote: Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:44 pm
Jack FFR1846 wrote: Sat Jul 21, 2018 5:26 pm Make whatever bid you're comfortable with. Submit it with a 4 hour expiration. Make it clear that this will be your only offer and if rejected, you will not submit a higher offer.
Have you (or anybody out there) done this, successfully?
Although it occurs to me walking away may be considered a success.
Thank you Pennylane, I guess four hours is the new 24 hours.

I’m a part time agent and when I want to make sure the other side isn’t playing games, I advise my clients to do this.
by 2 bits
Mon Jul 23, 2018 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need to simplify? Real Estate? - Portfolio and Asset Allocation Question
Replies: 5
Views: 763

Re: Need to simplify? Real Estate? - Portfolio and Asset Allocation Question

Not a guru by any means, but....
On the real estate topic, that always consumes more time and money than you can anticipate. That’s likely true if you have management help and certainly if you intend to do it all yourself. In addition, if you may be leaving the country or even the county managing from a distance presents a whole new set of problems.
I would question if the time required for your work and also family would make the real estate activities mostly an annoyance. You can manage REITs on your own schedule.
YMMV
by 2 bits
Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying home, how to head off a bidding war.
Replies: 29
Views: 4488

Re: Buying home, how to head off a bidding war.

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Sat Jul 21, 2018 5:26 pm Make whatever bid you're comfortable with. Submit it with a 4 hour expiration. Make it clear that this will be your only offer and if rejected, you will not submit a higher offer.
Have you (or anybody out there) done this, successfully?
Although it occurs to me walking away may be considered a success.
by 2 bits
Sun Jul 15, 2018 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Be Careful Using Mailboxes
Replies: 62
Views: 11220

Re: Be Careful Using Mailboxes

student wrote: Sun Jul 15, 2018 5:06 am
AAA wrote: Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:56 pm It's recommended to use a gel pen when writing checks.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will implement this recommendation.
Perfect timing, I just noticed that our local grocery store is selling gel pens BOGO this week. Must be a “back to school “ special.
by 2 bits
Fri Jun 15, 2018 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?
Replies: 61
Views: 5420

Re: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?

I have both through my employer. Check the rules for withdrawal that apply to both, as they're slightly different -- the 457(b) allows you penalty-free access to the contributions when you separate from your employer, and the 403(b), IIRC, doesn't have that provision Thank you for adding to the discussion. so, withdrawing from 457 is allowed penalty-free? Sure, withdrawing from the 457 is allowed when one has “separated from service” retire quit, change jobs to a different city county state university. There is no age restriction. That is essentially the only difference I could find comparing 403b vs. 457. Only some of the providers offered 457 plans. Before I figured that out we were splitting savings between 403 and taxable so as to have...
by 2 bits
Thu Jun 14, 2018 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?
Replies: 61
Views: 5420

Re: Contribute to both 403(b) and 457(b)?

I have both through my employer. Check the rules for withdrawal that apply to both, as they're slightly different -- the 457(b) allows you penalty-free access to the contributions when you separate from your employer, and the 403(b), IIRC, doesn't have that provision. The only reason not to max both is that's an awful lot of money, percentage-wise. You can contribute $18,500 to *each* of the plans. If you have four plans between you, that's what, 72% of your income? Would you be comfortable living on the remainder? What other goals do you have? It might be wiser to determine the percentage of your income that you want to save for retirement and contribute that to your 457(b )/IRAs, rather than thinking of maxing them out. Case in point, we...
by 2 bits
Mon May 21, 2018 10:39 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: How did you fall in love with investing?
Replies: 49
Views: 5435

Re: How did you fall in love with investing?

[/quote]

Yes, I learned a lot from Money magazine in early 1980s myself.
[/quote]

Money mag for me as well. I became a bit disenchanted when it occurred to that in a large part the magazine was essentially an advertisement for high fee mutual funds.
But, I still considered my subscription to be a monthly reminder to save.
by 2 bits
Mon Mar 05, 2018 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Capital Gains Question
Replies: 10
Views: 1554

Re: Capital Gains Question

Well you were right; but those are last year’s rate. Due to the tax law changes it is now folks in the 12 % rate that will enjoy the 0% capital gains rate.
You may also want to do a search on this site for tax gain harvesting. Bear in mind an older post may still refer to the previous 15 % bracket.

FiveK’s reply above is more complete and precise. So, “what he said.”
by 2 bits
Tue Feb 27, 2018 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying pension credit: Should I use pre or post tax dollars?
Replies: 20
Views: 2234

Re: Buying pension credit: Should I use pre or post tax dollars?

ralph124cf wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2018 1:05 pm An argument against using post tax money is that the tax exempt portion is small each year, and a pain to keep track of at tax time. Yes, it shows on the 1099-P, but it causes a couple of extra steps that I wish I could avoid. DW gets eight 1099-Ps from TIAA, and six of them show small amounts as tax free.

Ralph
This
by 2 bits
Fri Jan 26, 2018 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Properties and Capital Gains
Replies: 10
Views: 1913

Re: Rental Properties and Capital Gains

In our case we sold one rental in 2016 and delayed selling a second until 2017. Our numbers were a bit different but we were trying to split the capital gains into different years and take advantage of what we knew would be lower w2 earnings in ‘17.
YMMV
by 2 bits
Fri Jan 26, 2018 5:48 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562493

Re: Can I be a member of the two comma club?

Yes, sure you can be a member. Different folks define net worth differently. As of now you are including home equity but as you indicate you have your eye on the next level.
Keep up the good work!
by 2 bits
Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gap Year, Sabbatical, Leave of Absence - Questioning My Sanity
Replies: 52
Views: 11070

Re: Gap Year, Sabbatical, Leave of Absence - Questioning My Sanity

Been there and glad we did that. My wife and I took leaves and moved to Asia for a year. It was relatively easy to get time off approval and then, another year extension. We were a bit older but had less of a financial cushion.
We are certainly glad we went. Met so many people and learned so many different perspectives. You may not look at things the same way again.
The thing about culture shock is that you will notice people do things differently in other parts of the world. It's not wrong, it's just different. Things that make you go hmmm.

It's a big world, you have to go see it.
by 2 bits
Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two commas, I'm calling it
Replies: 20
Views: 5694

Two commas, I'm calling it

Two Commas, I’m calling it Having seen several of the inspirational two comma announcements on the forum we are happy to join the club. Not wanting to pick sides in the different versions of the net worth formulae please bear with me if I clarify that the benchmark I have been chasing is 1 mm of liquid assets. Realistically, including real estate equity, we hit the total NW mark before this month, probably for the first time in 2006. In addition to the mutual fund accounts we have had several rental houses along the way. So what got us over the mark along with the strong market run up was selling a rental house and investing the proceeds. DW and I were two low level government employees, retiring last year at 57 and 54. We have started coll...
by 2 bits
Wed Dec 06, 2017 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why should I donate to my alma mater?
Replies: 133
Views: 15402

Re: Why should I donate to my alma mater?

I don’t donate to my undergrad school as I am disgruntled about some of the directions they have taken in the last couple of decades. And I tell them that when they call.
We do however donate to a different small school with a bigger need, a different mission, and not nearly the endowment of my alma mater.

On another note, I got an engineering degree at a school known for its liberal arts programs as well as engineering.
I treasure the few liberal arts experiences that I was able to fit into my curriculum. I like to think they made me a better, more well rounded individual.
There are other missions that get more of our donations.
by 2 bits
Mon Nov 13, 2017 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Consumer Cellular - financial issues?
Replies: 4
Views: 859

Re: Consumer Cellular - financial issues?

Unfortunately I have no answers to this but I share similar concerns.
I am not amused to hear claims of a #1 customer service ranking for an entire 30 minute hold time. :annoyed
by 2 bits
Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deck replacement- Composite material recommendations
Replies: 22
Views: 5968

Re: Deck replacement- Composite material recommendations

You may want to do a search on familyhandyman.com . That's the kind of topic they cover well.
But, it is good to reference the above recommendations as nobody here is also collecting advertising dollars.
by 2 bits
Fri May 12, 2017 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My old fashioned wristwatch - update
Replies: 27
Views: 3835

Re: My old fashioned wristwatch - update

I've been pleased with my Citizen Eco-Drive watch (https://tinyurl.com/l3rjocl) which is sun/light powered and never needs a battery. There are many styles available and all will keep running for many months, even if not worn regularly and stored in the dark. Mine has held up well and not missed a beat in the six or seven years I've owned it. Keep your fingers crossed. Although I must say I enjoyed the watch, until I let it sit for a couple years. YMMV It may be that the replacement cost of the battery is not prohibitive. I transitioned to a Seiko Kinetic which worked fine as well. But, now that my schedule has changed to "every day is Saturday," I seldom wear it and it has wound down. Both are nice watches and not too expensive.
by 2 bits
Thu May 11, 2017 7:44 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The next generation of Boglehead authors
Replies: 41
Views: 7529

Re: The next generation of Boglehead authors

timmy wrote:My old time favorite was Humberto Cruz.
+1
by 2 bits
Mon May 08, 2017 8:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why save so much for when you're old?
Replies: 163
Views: 28067

Re: Why save so much for when you're old?

It strikes me that the young you is likely jealous of the money you are collecting now, and the older you might be envious of the money that was spent in your youth. That's another thing I learned here on Bogleheads, the difference between jealousy and envy. I am just sorry I can't site my source. and yet, Often times I find myself sacrificing fun on trips because I find a particular outing to have a ridiculous cost for what it is. It's also why I never book resort style vacations and opt to get a standard hotel. At the end of the day though, I feel more comfort knowing I'm financially safe. I still lament not buying the big tickets for a for a jazz trumpet concert in a basement hall in Tokyo, or going to a local baseball game there. I'm no...
by 2 bits
Tue May 02, 2017 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Favorite Financial Indulgences
Replies: 78
Views: 10908

Re: Favorite Financial Indulgences

123 wrote:I put extra coins in the parking meter and then take my time.
I put extra coins in someone else's meter. And while I do agree with your signature block , 123, it is fun to be the helping hand at the end of a random arm. :D

And definitely the tipping thing.
by 2 bits
Mon Mar 13, 2017 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: gratuitous homeownership items
Replies: 218
Views: 26836

Re: gratuitous homeownership items

This has been an interesting thread.
I've discussed it with my wife and come to the Google losing that I really should retro fit the house with the central vacuum cleaner.
We would both like to have a pool. However we may want to rent a home for the 2 to 3 years that it would take before we got tired of it.
A nice view would be great. We will try not to be like someone we know that lives on the lake and keeps the blinds closed so the sunlight doesn't fade the fabrics. :oops:
We love our back deck. But I wish that I had replaced of the boards with Tree instead of pressure-treated wood.
This may all be a moot point as far as homeshopping goes. We have been here 25 years and there's no telling when we may move again.
by 2 bits
Wed Aug 31, 2016 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugality regret: What thing do you regret not spending on?
Replies: 208
Views: 51967

Re: Frugality regret: What thing do you regret not spending on?

Afty wrote:I also regret not traveling more when we were in our 20s. We were both in grad school, and money was tight. Now we have 2 young kids and don't get to take the same kinds of trips we could before.
I have heard it said that with one child you can go around the world, but with two children you can't get out the door. Perhaps you are confirming that for me. Enjoy the kids, they can be a lot of fun too. :D