Search found 44 matches

by mikepru
Thu Dec 12, 2019 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you giving (or asking) for Christmas?
Replies: 77
Views: 6900

Re: What are you giving (or asking) for Christmas?

We bought inexpensive snow sleds/slides for all the younger nieces and nephews in the family. It should be a big hit.

For our daughter-26 yrs old--a gift certificate to the Kennedy Center in DC where she and her fiancé live.

For our son--29 yrs old--a gift membership to the Aquarium in Chattanooga. He loves marine biology and the Aquarium is very good there.

For my wife--she has an extensive flower garden, but the manual labor is becoming way too much at her age. I found a young woman who has a gardening consult/maintenance/weeding/mulching /etc business, and will set up recurring visits by her staff---maybe every 10-14 days---to help with the garden.
by mikepru
Tue Dec 03, 2019 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Not choosing Vanguard for kid's Roths due to minimums?
Replies: 32
Views: 2445

Re: Not choosing Vanguard for kid's Roths due to minimums?

Forgot to mention--both children converted from minor to adult Roth--no problems at all.
by mikepru
Tue Dec 03, 2019 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Not choosing Vanguard for kid's Roths due to minimums?
Replies: 32
Views: 2445

Re: Not choosing Vanguard for kid's Roths due to minimums?

I opened Roths for my children back when-----I just called Vanguard and asked if they could open accounts without the minimum, which they did. One account now has over $100K and he's only 29.
by mikepru
Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 401-k / Roth conversion
Replies: 2
Views: 357

401-k / Roth conversion

I am retiring next year and plan on doing Roth conversions from my 401-k to a Roth IRA. My question is: is it more profitable to move stock funds or bond funds to the Roth? Or is there no difference?
Thanks in advance.
by mikepru
Wed Jul 31, 2019 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Southern California Family Vacation Recommendations
Replies: 11
Views: 1190

Re: Southern California Family Vacation Recommendations

We used to stay in Carpenteria with our children. It's advertised as the world's safest beach. It's 10 min south of SB. Nice small town atmosphere.
We rented a condo just off the beach next to the bird sanctuary. Solimar Sands.
by mikepru
Mon Nov 19, 2018 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good audio book for a family?
Replies: 33
Views: 2875

Re: Good audio book for a family?

Timeline by Michael Crichton. The movie is good but the audiobook is great.
by mikepru
Thu Jul 19, 2018 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sail boat budget
Replies: 13
Views: 2515

Re: Sail boat budget

How big of a sailboat are you thinking? Where will you be sailing--ocean, gulf, great lakes, etc? What kind of sailing--overnights, multi-day excursions, daysails, etc? Also, local markets are important--some areas have lots of options re: sales, marinas, etc,: other area less.
by mikepru
Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard e-delivery
Replies: 34
Views: 5060

Re: Vanguard e-delivery

I must admit I prefer paper. Lots of reasons--habit, worries about e-statements with multiple accts including Schwab, TR Price, Artisan, and a local muni bond dealer. To me, paper is easier to organize and file with multiple accts.
by mikepru
Wed Jan 10, 2018 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with what to do with drafty fireplace
Replies: 26
Views: 2611

Re: Help with what to do with drafty fireplace

We have an 85 yr old house with an added open family/kitchen room that had a wood fireplace. We converted to a natural gas insert after much discussion. MUCH improved!! Both rooms are very nice in cold weather. We both agree we should have done it sooner.
by mikepru
Sat Nov 25, 2017 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any BLACK FRIDAY deals for Bogleheads?
Replies: 51
Views: 9014

Re: Any BLACK FRIDAY deals for Bogleheads?

I just bought one a few months ago but Bose is having a sale on Wave music systems. $349 from $499.
by mikepru
Thu Oct 19, 2017 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pant Recommendations (Business Casual)
Replies: 42
Views: 4630

Re: Pant Recommendations (Business Casual)

I would say look at Lands End and LL Bean. Both have multiple styles and fits, as well as lots of 37 waist.
by mikepru
Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare patients pay FAR MORE at 1300 rural Critical Access Hospitals
Replies: 55
Views: 5406

Re: Medicare patients pay FAR MORE at 1300 rural Critical Access Hospitals

I could be wrong---it is Medicare after all. I think the amount the patients sees is no different. The payments to the rural hospitals are increased to allow them to stay open. However they must not go over a certain number of cases.
by mikepru
Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: point and shoot digital cameras
Replies: 35
Views: 3819

Re: point and shoot digital cameras

I've always liked the Canon products. The Elph, etc. Very nice pix and usually easy to work right out of the box. The Nikon and others always seem to have too much red in the pix. Also, I've used an Olympus underwater camera which takes excellent pix and video.
by mikepru
Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miles Davis: Kind of Blue - Question for Jazz experts
Replies: 49
Views: 5440

Re: Miles Davis: Kind of Blue - Question for Jazz experts

Try Ballads by John Coltrane. It's with McCoy Tyner and that quartet. Excellent!

Herbie Hancock--Maiden Voyage.

Getz/Gilberto

Dave Brubeck Time Out

Coltrane My Favorite Things

Paul Desmond--PD Quartet Live and PD with Gerry Mulligan--Two of a Kind. Paul played sax on Brubeck Time Out.
by mikepru
Mon Jun 26, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Iowa/Nebraska
Replies: 73
Views: 7617

Re: Things to do in Iowa/Nebraska

The night to go to the Iowa Cubs game is Friday --- fireworks after the game. Very nice park with a great view of the Capitol. Music in Des Moines--Noce for jazz, and Gaslamp for rock and blues. Both are located near downtown. 801 Grand is a great place to eat , but pricey. Latin King on the east side is a very good Italian restaurant. If you're in DSM on the weekend, there is always an event downtown; also, the farmers market Sat AM is very cool -- food, music, coffee, people, etc etc. There are also lots of cool new places near downtown--Bar Taureau, Hello Marjorie, AC hotel bar. Great bike trails, Waterworks park, Gray's Lake park, Sculpture park. Clear Lake is lots of fun--always busy on the weekends. Only problem is not really anywhere...
by mikepru
Fri Mar 31, 2017 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: August Vacation With Kids
Replies: 33
Views: 4702

Re: August Vacation With Kids

We often took our young family to Carpenteria, just south of Santa Barbara. VERY safe beach, condos with pools on the water and just off the water. Dolphins would swim by every day. We used Solamar Sands, altho there are plenty of other options. Santa Barbara is just 5 minutes away--nice zoo, lots to do. Good places to eat--perfect location for a young family.
by mikepru
Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adults trip in May to Zion and Bryce National Parks
Replies: 21
Views: 3330

Re: Adults trip in May to Zion and Bryce National Parks

Definitely get the boots and walking stick. They work very well.
by mikepru
Wed Mar 22, 2017 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adults trip in May to Zion and Bryce National Parks
Replies: 21
Views: 3330

Re: Adults trip in May to Zion and Bryce National Parks

Only been to Zion. The Narrows is spectacular, and not too difficult if the water level is down. It might be very challenging if water is high. Originally we planned to stay in the park, but the lodging just outside the park is very nice. Good restaurants as well on that main road in Springdale. The ride from the east entrance into the park is also spectacular. Great trip with excellent hikes.
by mikepru
Tue Sep 06, 2016 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do with my CD collection
Replies: 35
Views: 4852

Re: What to do with my CD collection

What kind of music are the CDs?
by mikepru
Sun Dec 13, 2015 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dress Shirts
Replies: 15
Views: 3011

Re: Dress Shirts

Is there an online link for BB sale--2 shirts for $90 sounds great. I can only find 3 for $229.
by mikepru
Tue Nov 24, 2015 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you view family photos?
Replies: 22
Views: 2705

Re: How do you view family photos?

We use a Pixstar digital photo frame. It's located at the busy crossroads of family room and kitchen, and the pictures do remind us of great times. The nice thing about Pixstar is that you can email pix to your frame's email address and they show up. Pretty cool!
by mikepru
Tue Aug 04, 2015 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aloha Shirt: Yes or No
Replies: 80
Views: 12852

Re: Aloha Shirt: Yes or No

I wear a dark blue hibiscus Aloha shirt often. Personally I prefer 100% cotton--not rayon. And I tuck them in--I know I know--dorky, but it works sometimes. But NEVER tucked in on Maui. I'm looking for an Aloha polo shirt--anyone have a lead?
by mikepru
Thu Jun 25, 2015 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vehicle suggestions for Tall?
Replies: 50
Views: 10060

Re: Vehicle suggestions for Tall?

I'm 6-4 also--I've had a CRV in the past--not bad at all. I drive an Acura MDX now--love it!
by mikepru
Sat May 02, 2015 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on trip to Vienna
Replies: 21
Views: 3950

Re: Advice on trip to Vienna

Melk----I remember that.
by mikepru
Fri May 01, 2015 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Karate for kids—Thoughts?
Replies: 47
Views: 6579

Re: Karate for kids—Thoughts?

My son and I took TKD for 2-3 yrs, and liked it a lot. Great exercise, and good self-defense skills. We took it at an suburban Parks and Rec---which was vastly cheaper than the private TKD school. Very reasonably priced, great instruction, and much less time-intensive.
by mikepru
Fri May 01, 2015 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on trip to Vienna
Replies: 21
Views: 3950

Re: Advice on trip to Vienna

It has been 30 yrs since I was in Vienna, but there probably still is a boat trip down the Danube. It seems like we took a train to some town and boated back down the Danube to Vienna. Beautiful--well worth the trip, especially on a sunny day.
by mikepru
Wed Apr 29, 2015 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Casual shirts/tops for tall skinny men
Replies: 21
Views: 8239

Re: Casual shirts/tops for tall skinny men

I'm 6-4, 200lbs. I think Lands End and LLBean are your best bets--I order frequently from both, and I think both are very good. The problem with LE is that the quality varies somewhat from item to item. Most items are very well made, but sometimes the quality isn't very good. Read the reviews--they are usually on the money. For example, I have several sport coats 10-15 yrs old from LE--terrific. Most reviews of sport coats now on LE website are iffy.
by mikepru
Sat Oct 29, 2011 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase
Replies: 42
Views: 3684

Re: Justifying 2007 Acura MDX purchase

I drive a 2006 Acura MDX. The best car/SUV I have ever owned.
by mikepru
Sun Oct 23, 2011 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SUV recommendations
Replies: 13
Views: 1723

Re: SUV recommendations

Acura MDX
by mikepru
Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago - Anniversary Night
Replies: 16
Views: 1932

How old are you and your wife? What to do at night can be somewhat age-dependant. Mid-20s versus late 40s versus whatever.
by mikepru
Fri May 27, 2011 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Long Do You Want Your Money To Last?
Replies: 33
Views: 4102

Taylor

I forgot to ask: how is the Harbor 20? I hear it's a great boat.

Mike
by mikepru
Fri May 27, 2011 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Long Do You Want Your Money To Last?
Replies: 33
Views: 4102

Taylor

Congrats on the win! Especially over a world champion! I'm very impressed. I have raced Capri-25s in the past. Now racing a Hobie 17. Great fun. Again , congratulations on a great win.

Mike
by mikepru
Fri May 06, 2011 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is worth spending more money on?
Replies: 98
Views: 11603

I am not a business traveller. I'm on maybe 6-8 flights a year. Rarely is there an infant who ruined a flight. I'm sure it's happened. 30 years times 6-8 trips a year--often 2 flights there and 2 back.....maybe 300-400 flights. Pretty rare IMHO.
by mikepru
Fri May 06, 2011 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is worth spending more money on?
Replies: 98
Views: 11603

I agree that it's perfectly OK to travel with kids. We did all the time with 2 kids. You'd be surprised how quickly they get used to flying. California, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, NYC, DC, Georgia coast, Texas, N.Carolina, etc. Lots of great memories. Usually took them out of school, too. Both are in college, doing well.
by mikepru
Fri May 06, 2011 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you store your kids' bikes?
Replies: 18
Views: 3304

The bike stand was kinda like the old-fashioned ones at schools and parks. Only it held only 4 bikes. The kind you pushed the front tire into the metal and it held upright. Usually we left it under the porch overhang, so it wasn't rained on. Google bike stand and look around a little. You'll see what I mean.

Mike
by mikepru
Fri May 06, 2011 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you store your kids' bikes?
Replies: 18
Views: 3304

At our lake cottage I got a bike stand for 4 bikes. It held them upright, didn't take up much space. Not too pricey.
by mikepru
Fri May 06, 2011 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you store your kids' bikes?
Replies: 18
Views: 3304

I use the overhead bike holders on a pulley system with a rope and a camcleat. Works pretty easily. All the bike stores have them. Target etc probably also have them.

Mike
by mikepru
Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OK...should we go to Maui??
Replies: 34
Views: 3983

You will love Maui.

Mike
by mikepru
Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sailing -- cost?
Replies: 36
Views: 10920

You should be able to get a good used sailboat for ~$1000-1500. 18 foot Buccaneer, Hobie Wave, Laser, ODay Daysailor, etc. Lots of good sailboats out there. Look on sailing texas dot com. They have a TON of used boats. You can tow it, or dry dock it for $150 or so, depends a lot on the area. Also , get a sailboat appropriate for the lake or whatever you will be sailing on. Definitely, take a lesson or 2. The owner might be willing to give you a free lesson or 2. Also, in general, buy a slightly better boat than a more beat-up boat--you'll spend $$ and time repairing and replacing; cost more in the short and long term. Just looked on sailing texas; has a hobie bravo, compac 16, precision 165, and buccaneer for sale; all good beginner boats. ...
by mikepru
Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best light weight goose down jackets
Replies: 32
Views: 22984

I don't use down jackets, but all of the outerwear(fleece/ski) I've gotten from LLBean is far superior to Columbia, North Face, E Bauer, and at least as good as Marmot--probably better, definitely less expensive. Material is better, pockets are better, fit is better. Also, LLBean has tall sizes, thank the lord, unlike TNF.
by mikepru
Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite TV Police/Crime Dramas...
Replies: 91
Views: 14396

NCIS

NCIS
by mikepru
Sun Feb 22, 2009 4:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Foreclosure fix: Who won't get help
Replies: 20
Views: 2752

You're kidding. This guy is considered responsible?
by mikepru
Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to buy health insurance on your own?
Replies: 50
Views: 13498

Join Farm Bureau? Is it available in your state?