Search found 208 matches

by Non7WoodUser
Tue Aug 30, 2016 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone going to the US Open tennis in NY?
Replies: 9
Views: 1362

Re: Anyone going to the US Open tennis in NY?

We would consider it if Jimmy Connors was still playing.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Aug 28, 2016 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who is ready for iphone 7?
Replies: 149
Views: 20249

Re: Who is ready for iphone 7?

The lack of a headphone jack, if true, may be a deal breaker for many folks.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Aug 27, 2016 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Restaurant Stop on Road Trips
Replies: 142
Views: 18164

Re: Favorite Restaurant Stop on Road Trips

Chick-Fil-A. We always offer words of support and encouragement to their workers/managers.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Aug 13, 2016 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice about a stop in Chicago
Replies: 52
Views: 7776

Re: Advice about a stop in Chicago

You'll need a lot of money for the tolls.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Aug 13, 2016 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a Pool
Replies: 64
Views: 10563

Re: Building a Pool

Pools are a major headache.
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone else noticing the economy improving?
Replies: 78
Views: 8622

Re: Anyone else noticing the economy improving?

The average family is experiencing job losses and/or negative salary growth. In addition, basic living costs such as food continue to soar. It's a mess.
by Non7WoodUser
Wed Aug 10, 2016 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712635

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Crisis of Character. Should be required reading prior to the election.
by Non7WoodUser
Wed Aug 10, 2016 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Washington, DC
Replies: 27
Views: 3617

Re: Visiting Washington, DC

It's worth the trip to DC to watch a Redskins game.
by Non7WoodUser
Wed Aug 10, 2016 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066426

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

13 Hours. Should be required viewing prior to the election.
by Non7WoodUser
Wed Aug 10, 2016 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Websites - CNBC & Fox Business
Replies: 13
Views: 2084

Re: Websites - CNBC & Fox Business

We only watch Fox News.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you have a handyman?
Replies: 32
Views: 6385

Re: Do you have a handyman?

A toolbox containing a hammer, screw driver, pliers, wd-40 and duct tape can fix most things.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How dangerous is Kids Gymnastics?
Replies: 38
Views: 8351

Re: How dangerous is Kids Gymnastics?

We only allowed our boys to participate in football, basketball and baseball.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Aug 08, 2016 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel for a Year with Family - Career Impact?
Replies: 35
Views: 5252

Re: Travel for a Year with Family - Career Impact?

Travel, other than to sporting events in the U.S., is not fun.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Aug 07, 2016 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family Europe Trip
Replies: 31
Views: 3563

Re: Family Europe Trip

We prefer state parks or taking the family to sporting events. These are much more fun, less stressful and affirdable. Plus, we don't have passports.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Aug 07, 2016 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is a modest retirement (definition)?
Replies: 66
Views: 10277

Re: What is a modest retirement (definition)?

Most people would be happy and content with $25k per year. This would be more than adequate to cover the cost of living. Greater than $30k per year is a lavish retirement.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Aug 02, 2016 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?
Replies: 98
Views: 20081

Re: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?

If Fox News is not included, then it's a no go.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Aug 01, 2016 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?
Replies: 98
Views: 20081

Re: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?

We considered it, but realized that we would not get fair and balanced news via FoxNews without cable.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 30, 2016 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another can we retire...
Replies: 51
Views: 9104

Re: Another can we retire...

You're rich. You should already be retired.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 30, 2016 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does a real estate oil bust look like
Replies: 26
Views: 5233

Re: What does a real estate oil bust look like

The real estate bubble is bursting due to the stagnant economy (negligible GDP growth). A reset in housing prices is very much needed. This will be good news for the average family who are experiencing job losses and/or negative salary growth.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 30, 2016 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I do ROTC?
Replies: 44
Views: 5736

Re: Should I do ROTC?

ROTC is a great idea. It will provide you with excellent leadership training and experience. Defense contractors are very happy to hire former officers.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a House as an Investment?
Replies: 33
Views: 4066

Re: Buying a House as an Investment?

Don't do it. It's a major headache. Houses are horrible investments.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What did/does/will your high schooler do during summer vacation?
Replies: 26
Views: 3678

Re: What did/does/will your high schooler do during summer vacation?

Ours worked construction or ROTC training until football practices started.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 26, 2016 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First house purchase advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1924

Re: First house purchase advice

Tennessee is a great state filled with family values oriented and patriotic people. Consider renting until the housing market crashes.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any retirees here who have been life-long renters?
Replies: 140
Views: 17901

Re: Any retirees here who have been life-long renters?

Don't be fooled by the homeowner zealots who conveniently ignore the massive hidden costs associated with home ownership. Houses are horrible investments for the average person. If you insist on home buying, do so if and only if the price per sq ft < $100 OR the purchase price < 30% of your net worth.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House value vs Net worth %?
Replies: 21
Views: 5197

Re: House value vs Net worth %?

Houses are horrible investments for the average person. If you insist on home ownership buy if and only if the price per sq ft < $100 OR purchase price < 30% of your net worth.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 24, 2016 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement, House, Kids - How to afford all three?
Replies: 61
Views: 8399

Re: Retirement, House, Kids - How to afford all three?

Kids are not very expensive:

Daycare costs = $0 (shouldn't have kids if you aren't going to take care of them)
Activity costs = $100 per child per activity (only allowed football, basketball or baseball participation)
K-12 education costs (lunch money) = $250 per child per year (no need for private schools)
Clothing/food costs = $1000 per child per year
College costs = $600 per child per year ($50/month gas money; they pay for everything else via scholarships or ROTC)
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?
Replies: 202
Views: 30839

Re: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?

Fortunately, our kids are extremely patriotic and family values oriented. If they were not, we would consider changing the plan.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rules of Thumb: Max House Value as % of Net Worth?
Replies: 114
Views: 46211

Re: Rules of Thumb: Max House Value as % of Net Worth?

Consider home ownership if and only if the price per sq ft < $100 OR the purchase price < 30% of your net worth.
by Non7WoodUser
Mon Jul 18, 2016 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to calculate Emergency fund
Replies: 44
Views: 6245

Re: How to calculate Emergency fund

~20% of net worth in cash is the typical amount.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 16, 2016 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you find a tenant for rental house?
Replies: 38
Views: 5004

Re: How do you find a tenant for rental house?

We sold ours - too many headaches to deal with.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 16, 2016 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell Condo to pay off Student Loans?
Replies: 117
Views: 9562

Re: Sell Condo to pay off Student Loans?

Sell. You want to get out of real estate while you still can.
by Non7WoodUser
Sat Jul 16, 2016 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traits of Happiest Retirees
Replies: 82
Views: 17488

Re: Traits of Happiest Retirees

Patriotic and family values oriented are the most common traits.
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Jul 15, 2016 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you spend your money on???
Replies: 149
Views: 26144

Re: What do you spend your money on???

Power bars
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Jul 15, 2016 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Relationship between interest rates and real estate prices?
Replies: 16
Views: 2891

Re: Relationship between interest rates and real estate prices?

Houses are bad investments (massive hidden costs) for the average person. If you insist on buying, do so if and only if the price per sq ft < $100 (yes, this is doable) OR the purchase price < 30% of your net worth.
by Non7WoodUser
Thu Jul 14, 2016 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time homebuyer - need guidance
Replies: 12
Views: 1839

Re: First time homebuyer - need guidance

Recommend buying if and only if the price per sq ft < $100 OR the purchase price < 30% of your net worth.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 12, 2016 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much cash to give when invited to a wedding?
Replies: 81
Views: 19349

Re: How much cash to give when invited to a wedding?

A gift card to Walmart is more than adequate.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Private vs State School?
Replies: 116
Views: 14413

Re: Private vs State School?

The only private school we allowed for consideration was Liberty University.
by Non7WoodUser
Tue Jul 12, 2016 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How are we doing?
Replies: 21
Views: 3500

Re: How are we doing?

Divide your expected social security payment by 2.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 10, 2016 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Work or stay at home mom or change careers
Replies: 64
Views: 8930

Re: Work or stay at home mom or change careers

Shouldn't have kids if you aren't going to take care of them.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 10, 2016 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Tires - Anyone ever frustrated?
Replies: 86
Views: 39004

Re: Costco Tires - Anyone ever frustrated?

Had a similar experience at Costco. We stormed out when they stopped stocking the popcorn we like.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 10, 2016 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I sell my rental and pay down primary mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 2485

Re: Should I sell my rental and pay down primary mortgage

Yes. You want to get out of real estate while you still can.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 10, 2016 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three Days in Colorado Springs (August)
Replies: 28
Views: 3671

Re: Three Days in Colorado Springs (August)

An abundance of things to do in Colorado Springs. It's a great place filled with patriotic and family values oriented people.
by Non7WoodUser
Sun Jul 10, 2016 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066426

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

No Escape. It's an accurate reminder of the realities of foreign travel. It confirmed that our decision to not renew our passports was the correct one.
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Jul 08, 2016 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Oregon
Replies: 43
Views: 5571

Re: Trip to Oregon

Did you tour Nike?
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Jul 08, 2016 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about adding new wife to my credit cards
Replies: 16
Views: 2407

Re: Question about adding new wife to my credit cards

Do you have an ironclad prenup? If so, proceed with caution.
by Non7WoodUser
Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A nice wrist watch under $1500
Replies: 42
Views: 10418

Re: A nice wrist watch under $1500

Wouldn't even consider paying > $150 for a watch.