Search found 1099 matches

by jpelder
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Type of eclipse glasses?
Replies: 10
Views: 972

Re: Type of eclipse glasses?

imbogled wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:38 am https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters

American Astrological Society created this list of safe/approved eclipse viewers. A whole lot of choices discussed in the article.
This is where I found the American Paperwear ones I got for the annular eclipse in the fall. It's worth banding together to order from them, as their shipping rates are flat for a relatively large number of glasses.
by jpelder
Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Merit Semi-Finalist/Finalist - universities giving the most $
Replies: 50
Views: 3787

Re: National Merit Semi-Finalist/Finalist - universities giving the most $

TL;DR: This quickly turned into a sales pitch for Alabama. I can't speak for Tulsa. But a full ride at a good school is almost always the best option. I was a National Merit Scholar back in the day. The University of Alabama was an easy choice for me, since I was an in-state student already (not to mention that my parents went there and my brother was a student there two years ahead of me). The scholarship was not quite as generous when I attended as it is now (it included tuition and housing, but not the extra $3500 per year stipend). My parents had saved money for me, and that paid for food and other things not covered by the scholarship. There was enough left over to supplement my assistantship stipend in graduate school and start my car...
by jpelder
Thu Jan 18, 2024 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Provence and Riviera
Replies: 8
Views: 850

Re: Trip to Provence and Riviera

Thanks everyone for the responses so far!
by jpelder
Wed Jan 17, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Provence and Riviera
Replies: 8
Views: 850

Trip to Provence and Riviera

Hi Boglehead friends! My wife and I are traveling to the South of France this summer (tail end of June and beginning of July) to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We have about 2 weeks (IIRC, we have 17 total days, including the flying days on either end). We're flying into Nice and out of Marseilles. We want a good cultural experience with good food and wine. We also want to see historical things and have a little bit of outdoor activity. We don't care about gambling or people-watching (so we crossed off Monaco and most of the coastal Riviera). We'd like to travel mostly by train or bus, but we're ok with renting a car for part of the time if it makes travel to some more rural areas simpler (I can drive manual transmission). So far o...
by jpelder
Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best budgeting tool
Replies: 19
Views: 1780

Re: Best budgeting tool

I was a long-time Mint user, and I've switched to Monarch Money now. Price is comparable to YNAB ($100 per year). It's a single-entry system, not double-entry like EveryDollar and YNAB. They offer a free trial, so you can try it to see how you like it.
by jpelder
Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9920

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

I've been very happy with my LG WMV 3700 HWA machine (and the matching dryer). I think the 3900 series is the current version of them. Like all HE front-loaders, the long cycle times are the only downside. You do need to run a cleaning cycle and clear out the strainer in the sump every so often. The manual recommends monthly, but I typically go every other month in my 2-person household. The washer door has a little magnetic prop to hold the door a little open at the end of the cycle to aid drying. This, plus the regular cleaning, has prevented any musty smells. My machines spent the first two years of their lives stacked in a small apartment, but now live unstacked in my house. Reliability has been good. The only breakdown has been the dra...
by jpelder
Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?
Replies: 39
Views: 3350

Re: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?

Have A Visa and a MasterCard from different providers. Each with no foreign transaction fee. CapitalOne, Chase, and others have loads of cards that fit this description.

Last time I was in Europe, I used my Chase Amazon Prime and CapitalOne SavorOne cards. They worked well. My credit union charges international transaction fees, so I avoided getting cash as much as possible.
by jpelder
Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with previous jobs retirement savings
Replies: 11
Views: 1483

Re: What to do with previous jobs retirement savings

Transfer to TSP is probably the best move. It'll keep your future backdoor Roth IRA options open, and TSP has great, cheap investing options. Plus, one less account to worry about
by jpelder
Thu Nov 16, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 754
Views: 141111

Re: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?

This just in: If you're interested in trying Monarch Money as a Mint successor, they're running a month free trial and 50% off your first year. The code is Mint50 (not a personal referral link).

I was already in a monthlong free trial, and the promo code worked for me.
by jpelder
Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?
Replies: 117
Views: 14468

Re: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best?

Sandtrap wrote: Fri Oct 20, 2023 2:41 pm
jpelder wrote: Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:40 pm I have a Shark RV100AE that I bought refurbished two years ago (bought from Amazon). If you're leery of the price for new one, a refurbished model might be a good pick.

I run it every day because it manages to shut itself in the hall bathroom about twice per week. I have a long-haired cat, so there's always plenty of fur to pick up.

I do advise putting some felt tape strips on the "rub points" of the vacuum so that it doesn't scuff your wood furniture.
great idea!

Is that the felt strips with the adhesive backing, used for the bottom of furniture, etc?

j :D
Yeah, it's the self-adhesive stuff. This is the exact item I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YY29H63?ps ... ct_details
by jpelder
Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?
Replies: 117
Views: 14468

Re: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best?

I have a Shark RV100AE that I bought refurbished two years ago (bought from Amazon). If you're leery of the price for new one, a refurbished model might be a good pick.

I run it every day because it manages to shut itself in the hall bathroom about twice per week. I have a long-haired cat, so there's always plenty of fur to pick up. I do advise putting some felt tape strips on the "rub points" of the vacuum so that it doesn't scuff your wood furniture.
by jpelder
Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Teva Sandals - quality and durability gone downhill? Alternatives?
Replies: 25
Views: 4068

Re: Teva Sandals - quality and durability gone downhill? Alternatives?

Shackleton wrote: Mon Sep 11, 2023 2:38 pm I have many friends that prefer Chaco sandals to Teva. No idea about the longevity. I have issues where I can’t really wear sandals so don’t have any first-hand opinion or advice.
I have a pair of Chacos purchased in 2010. Just last summer, the outsole came delaminated. I sent them in to be re-soled, and Chaco replaced the sole under warranty. The straps are still in excellent shape, and the tread blocks hadn't worn down too much. My wife's Chacos, purchased in 2017 and worn frequently, are still going strong.
by jpelder
Tue Aug 22, 2023 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cincinnati to Charlotte
Replies: 28
Views: 2480

Re: Cincinnati to Charlotte

A few considerations... If you don't have an EZ-Pass Transponder in your car, take the Tennessee route. The WV Turnpike only accepts EZ-Pass and cash, and it slows you down a bit to have to stop, pay ($4.25 each booth), and get change 3 times. With EZ Pass, you just coast through the tollbooth at 5 mph in any lane. That said, I40 through the Smokies isn't for the faint of heart (especially at night), and traffic on I85 through Gastonia tends to be awful. In both cases, you have some bottlenecks that can easily add an hour or two to your trip if you have bad luck. We spent a bunch of time in traffic heading North on 77 in WV back in July. I would favor the Tennessee route if I was heading for West or South Charlotte, and the West Virginia Ro...
by jpelder
Tue May 30, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Public School Teachers (Investment/Retirement) Strategy
Replies: 22
Views: 2306

Re: Public School Teachers (Investment/Retirement) Strategy

Hi! North Carolina Teacher here. In a very similar situation to you (wife and I are both teachers in out early 30s) Do Georgia teachers pay onto Social Security? We do here, so most of our planning is for how to bridge the gap between 55 (for me) and 60 (for her) and age 70 where we can draw the maximum Social Security benefit. We're also not planning on getting full Social Security, given the program's shaky financial footing. Our state pension is in great financial shape, so we are counting on it being there. It'll pay about 55% of our highest 4 years. What we do is save 15-20% (this year it was 17.5%) of our gross salaries for retirement. We include the 6% employee contribution to the pension in this number. The rest (11.5%) we have been...
by jpelder
Fri May 26, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Landscaping plants/trees
Replies: 44
Views: 5510

Re: Landscaping plants/trees

I was going to recommend Purdue Extension. I know that NC State has extensive recommendations for native trees and shrubs for any space and soil type we have here in North Carolina.

Buckeyes, maples, and oaks are great suggestions for large canopy-size trees in that part of the country. It's too bad the ash borers are bad up there, as ash trees are fabulous canopy-growers, too.
by jpelder
Wed May 24, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4391

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

I agree with everyone who suggested getting a fit from a local bike shop. Good fit is the most important thing for making your ride enjoyable. I have a Trek FX (circa 2009), and the wife has a Liv (Giant) Alight (bought last month). Both are "hybrid" bikes, with flat handlebars, no suspension, and moderately skinny tires. Both cost in the range of $700 new. Something like that from one of the big brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, etc.) is likely a good place to start for shopping purposes. Aluminum frame, rim brakes, 20ish gears, upright posture, lots of accessories available. They're good on pavement and ok on packed fine gravel. I'm partial to mechanical rim brakes for casual riders, as they are easier to maintain an...
by jpelder
Mon May 15, 2023 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subaru Solterra or ID.4?
Replies: 19
Views: 2869

Re: Subaru Solterra or ID.4?

yatesd wrote: Sun May 14, 2023 5:11 am I personally wonder how Subaru is going to survive the electric transition when most of their "value" is related to all wheel drive and boxer engines. This lack of ability to differentiate will become a problem in the next few years.
I'm a Subaru driver, and that's what I wonder, too. My bet is that they will get eaten completely by Toyota and survive as an "outdoorsy-focused" sub-brand.

I could be wrong, though.

The ID4 seems much more "fully-baked" than the Solterra/BZ4X
by jpelder
Wed May 10, 2023 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AC unit issue
Replies: 31
Views: 3332

Re: AC unit issue

Sho wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 6:25 pm Thank you all

I have no knowledge of the wires, fuse ,capacitor etc
Got appointment for the tech to come in.
Will see the quote
If it is more than few hundred dollars, will likely just get it replaced

Does anyone know about Rheem brand . Is that a reliable brand ?
Rheem is a mid-level brand. In HVAC systems, installer skill is at least as important as brand reliability, because each system is as much built on site as it is in the factory. Trane and American Standard are generally seen as the best brands, but a well-installed Rheem or Goodman will outperform a poorly-installed Trane.
by jpelder
Wed May 10, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Questions
Replies: 71
Views: 9075

Re: Bicycle Questions

Looked at it closer, looks pretty good except some rust on chain and rear gears (sprockets? I dunno what you call the things the chain goes around). D rode it some, seems fine. Took some (not all) of the rust off with steel wool + WD-40/lime juice. Worth taking it to a bike shop for general check up, or will they just charge us $40 to do not-very-much? Other than adding air to the tires, is much maintenance required on a bike like this, if it otherwise seems to be riding OK? Buy bike helmet at bike store or Wal-Mart or general sporting goods store? I'd get the rust off the gears, and then go to a bike shop, REI, or a similar place and get some chain/gear cleaner and lubricant. Keeping grease on the moving metal parts will prevent the rust ...
by jpelder
Tue May 09, 2023 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: affordable hiking shoe pair brand
Replies: 47
Views: 3461

Re: affordable hiking shoe pair brand

MrWasabi65 wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 8:44 am are there any particular type of socks or first aid products that you recommend to prevent blisters while hiking?
As punkinhead said, well-fitted shoes are the most important thing. No squeezing, no sliding.

Keeping the feet dry with good socks is the second most-important. Generally, this means synthetic or wool, definitely not cotton. Most outdoorsy/sporting goods stores will have good socks for this. Smartwool, Darn Tough, or REI brand are my usual picks.
by jpelder
Mon May 08, 2023 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing Car Tires
Replies: 33
Views: 2792

Re: Choosing Car Tires

I'm always ready to recommend Michelin Defenders for anyone who doesn't need snow traction. They're great in wet and dry, and they last forever.

Pirelli Scorpion AS and Continental CrossContact LX are also pretty good. TireRack has a recommendation feature to let you put in your car for fit and then prioritize features you want in a tire.
by jpelder
Thu May 04, 2023 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto insurance, full coverage vs liability?
Replies: 23
Views: 2460

Re: Auto insurance, full coverage vs liability?

I've kept full coverage on an old car because it's been very cheap (just a few hundred dollars per year). The one time DW or I have been in a wreck (DW got rear-ended), the other driver had awful insurance (it was one of the companies that insures "high risk" drivers). It was nice to deal with State Farm instead of the discount outlet.
by jpelder
Mon May 01, 2023 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password managers [LastPass alternatives]
Replies: 180
Views: 17940

Re: Password managers

I've been using 1Password for the past two years. The migration process was pretty easy. I had previously not used a password manager, so getting all of my memory passwords changed to machine-generated took a little while. It works pretty seamlessly on Android and Windows. Haven't used it on Mac or iOS, so can't compare there.
by jpelder
Fri Apr 28, 2023 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Trumpet Players?
Replies: 40
Views: 2202

Re: Any Trumpet Players?

I'm a trumpet player. I started playing on a horn borrowed from a family member, then bought an "intermediate" level horn after a few years. I agree with many of the other posters to try to rent, borrow, or buy used the "beginner" model of a reputable brand like Conn-Selmer or Yamaha. Some local shops offer "rent-to-own" plans, and others have a robust used selection. Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are also good places to look. Make sure the valves and slides aren't stuck. Worn felts and spit valve corks can be replaced, but stuck valves/slides can be anything from a minor inconvenience to rendering the horn unplayable. If the horn looks dirty, trumpets (besides the valves!) can easily be washed in a bathtub of ...
by jpelder
Tue Apr 25, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blown Gasket - Time for a new car? EV?
Replies: 41
Views: 3256

Re: Blown Gasket - Time for a new car? EV?

With those subsidies, an EV starts to look really good, even with your very high electrical rates. You could get a Mustang Mach E for the price of a Corolla. It's hard to argue with that kind of up-front discount.

Since it seems like you should be able to do most of your charging with a L1 charger, the occasional trips to a public charger may not be so bad.

I'd also ask the HOA about the L2 charger ASAP. The president may have a good sense of whether it's likely to get approved. May also be worth asking several neighbors to ask together, in order to put more pressure on the board or whoever to say yes.
by jpelder
Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell Realized Gains Or Realized Losses?
Replies: 6
Views: 657

Re: Sell Realized Gains Or Realized Losses?

Maybe some of both. You can offset your gains with your losses and keep yourself tax-free, or close to it.

I assume you're not in the bracket with 0% capital gains tax
by jpelder
Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Campervan, campershell/truck, camper trailers, etc
Replies: 97
Views: 9495

Re: Campervan, campershell/truck, camper trailers, etc

Check out https://www.tnttt.com/, the Bogleheads of small campers.

Some ideas
Scamp: fiberglass egg campers, can sleep 4 in the right configuration, relatively light
Casita: similar to Scamp, but a little bigger, heavier, and more expensive
Various teardrop campers: usually need a separate tent to sleep 4, but they are an upgrade over a tent. They're pricey these days.
by jpelder
Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Utah National parks in August
Replies: 12
Views: 1115

Re: Visiting Utah National parks in August

I went to a bunch of parks in the four corners region in mid July about 6 years ago. My experience... July is monsoon season, especially further South. We got substantial rain at Petrified Forest, Page, the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. It'll still be going in August, although less than peak. Expect rain most afternoons/evenings at Zion and Bryce Canyon. Same if you hit any parks in Arizona or New Mexico. As someone from the East/Gulf Coast, the low humidity made the high heat more bearable. I opted for full-coverage with light, loose-fitting clothing. Zion was nice. Cool at night, warm-hot during the day. Bryce Canyon was actually cold, especially at night (lows in the 40s). It's at 10,000+ feet, so that's why. Capital Reef, Arches, and C...
by jpelder
Fri Mar 10, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cash Back Credit Card for Online Shopping
Replies: 13
Views: 1341

Re: Cash Back Credit Card for Online Shopping

I don't imagine that it will classify Lowe's and Home Depot as "online shopping", even if you order online. It'll probably classify them as "Home Improvement" or similar, regardless of whether the charge is online or in-person.

I second the recommendation for the Amazon Prime card from Chase. No limit 5% back at Amazon, and no annual fee (other than the Prime Membership)
by jpelder
Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jethro Mobile
Replies: 16
Views: 1403

Re: Jethro Mobile

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:45 am Try Jethro Tull Mobile instead. A variety of flute ringtones come standard.
The service is terrible, though. It only works if you're sitting on a park bench (or on a bungle in the jungle).
by jpelder
Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How secure is self storage?
Replies: 25
Views: 3221

Re: How secure is self storage?

biscuit5 wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 5:14 pm not sure if its just my area, but, they seem to be building self-storages all over the place here. Not sure why. Anyone having a similar experience?
There are lots going up near me. My brother-in-law (a real estate agent) said that they're extremely profitable if the land is cheap. Minimal building expense, minimal staffing requirements, minimal maintenance requirements for non-climate-controlled ones, and tenants tend to keep them for years.
by jpelder
Mon Feb 20, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?
Replies: 180
Views: 12202

Re: Is [car's] blind spot monitor worth while?

I like it. I don't rely solely on it: I always check mirrors and glance to the side, but I do use it as the first filter. If it's on, I don't bother looking to see if the lane is clear, I know that it isn't. Small stress saver, and it lets me keep my eyes ahead instead of on the mirror.

Rear cross-traffic alert, which came with it, is even better. I came from a car with no backup camera, and now, having a wide-angle backup camera and RCTA makes backing out of parking spots much less stressful.
by jpelder
Wed Feb 15, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: camera for Grand Canyon raft trip
Replies: 84
Views: 7087

Re: camera for Grand Canyon raft trip

I've had several iterations of the Fuji Finepix XP, and I've been satisfied with all of them. My dad (a retired home inspector) also used one for many years after he kept killing cheaper, non-waterproof digital cameras with dirt, mud, and dust in crawl spaces and attics.

The battery has a decent lifespan, although you will probably want to bring a powerbank or solar charger for it, as it won't last more than a day or two of heavy shooting. The powerbank is probably a better idea, as the charging port is located behind the battery/SD slot door. You'll also want some kind of lanyard to attach it to yourself/your PFD. It's waterproof, but it's not buoyant!
by jpelder
Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead minimalist watch suggestions
Replies: 41
Views: 4561

Re: Boglehead minimalist watch suggestions

My dressy daily driver is a Citizen Eco-Drive (can't remember the exact model, but it's similar to the Corso, Drive, and Classic models). 3 hands, date and day of the week. It has a charcoal gray face with dashes, not numbers; stainless steel case; and a stainless steel bracelet band. Not too big or too thick, and it's worked flawlessly for over 8 years now. They don't have any models that are quite as minimalist as what you posted, but they're close
by jpelder
Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from major brokerage to Vanguard brokerage
Replies: 14
Views: 1476

Re: Moving from major brokerage to Vanguard brokerage

nalor511 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:01 pm Vanguard is too hard to contact for customer service (phone only, 9-4 EST only).
That's not true. They're available 8-8 Eastern for regular investors: https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/ ... ct-us.html
by jpelder
Fri Feb 03, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 1Password experience and question
Replies: 27
Views: 2548

Re: 1Password experience and question

I've been using 1Password for a couple of years, and my setup experience was similar to yours. It required a lot of cleanup that first day. It's worked pretty well since then.

Regarding the app setup, my phone presents 1Password as an option on the keyboard when I log in to an app, and it asks if I want to associate the app with 1Password once I use it to log in. There are a couple of apps that it doesn't work smoothly for, and I end up having to copy-paste. I'm on a Pixel 6a and using the stock GBoard as my keyboard.
by jpelder
Fri Feb 03, 2023 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?
Replies: 88
Views: 5667

Re: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?

I would fly or take Amtrak. Looks like a good departure and arrival time each day (7:30ish AM-6ish PM if you're going Newark to Raleigh). Business class is about $300 round trip. The station in Raleigh is right in a nice area of downtown, too.
by jpelder
Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do in retirement
Replies: 202
Views: 24582

Re: What to do in retirement

My parents are both recently retired. So far, they've been going for

Spending more time in the garden
Going on more trips
Volunteering more with their church (I think they're doing Wheel-a-Meal about twice per week)
Volunteering more in general (My dad does a lot of things with the Boy Scouts, my mom does pastoral care at church)
Walking the dog 2-3 times per day, instead of just once
Joined a gym
Reading
by jpelder
Sat Jan 28, 2023 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP
Replies: 20
Views: 2839

Re: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP

Joe Public wrote: Fri Jan 27, 2023 4:58 pm
jpelder wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:37 amI do know that the past year has been awful for intermediate-term bonds. VBTLX (Vanguard Total Bond Market) returned -13.16% in 2022. The G Fund returned 0.13%.
The TSP website is showing that the F Fund returned -12.83% in 2022, and the G Fund returned +2.98% over that same period.

https://www.tsp.gov/fund-performance/
Oops! I must have looked at YTD 2023, not total for 2022 :oops:
by jpelder
Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP
Replies: 20
Views: 2839

Re: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP

The G fund is a better deal than nearly any other fixed-income option around. You get intermediate-term bond rates with no principal risk. I wouldn't bother with the F Fund. I read elsewhere that the G fund is so great, that it offers the ability to increase the portfolio equity percentage slightly while not having any more risk than a portfolio using an intermediate bond fund. Is this valid? If so, how much more of an equity percentage? 5% ? This passes the smell test for me, but I don't know what the magnitude of the reduced risk is (nor do I know a way to calculate it mathematically). I do know that the past year has been awful for intermediate-term bonds. VBTLX (Vanguard Total Bond Market) returned -13.16% in 2022. The G Fund returned ...
by jpelder
Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unreasonable to have 2+ years of emergency funds?
Replies: 35
Views: 3974

Re: Unreasonable to have 2+ years of emergency funds?

Not unreasonable, just cautious. It's likely worthwhile to squeeze as much no-risk return out of some of that money as you can. CD or bond ladders, more I-bonds, hunt down the best HYSA rates, that sort of thing. You don't want to have it languish in 1% account when it can earn more and be accessible. Several banks have 1 or 2-year CDs at over 4% these days.
by jpelder
Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP
Replies: 20
Views: 2839

Re: 2-Fund portfolio inside a TSP

The G fund is a better deal than nearly any other fixed-income option around. You get intermediate-term bond rates with no principal risk. I wouldn't bother with the F Fund.
by jpelder
Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need feedback on emergency fund
Replies: 5
Views: 557

Re: Need feedback on emergency fund

dukeblue219 wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:52 am Yes, you can and should meet the rewards tier by using Merrill Edge. You don't need to have money "parked" at BoA or Merrill Edge unless you really want 100k in a money market. A bunch of cheap VTI or VOO or whatever you are invested in will work as well.

Occasionally ME has transfer bonuses as well, so you can really clean up between that and the CC rewards from BoA.
This is a good idea. Might even be worth opening a Merrill Edge Roth IRA and transferring a big chunk of balance over. IIRC, they don't charge any fees to buy ETFs, so it'll be easy enough to buy some BND, VTI, and VXUS and brew a three-fund portfolio.
by jpelder
Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inputs needed: France in Summer 23
Replies: 19
Views: 2267

Re: Inputs needed: France in Summer 23

It's been quite a while since I went to Paris, but a few thoughts... The Musee d'Orsay is more accessible than the Louvre. It's also laid out in a pretty linear fashion (take the elevators to the top, wind your way down through the galleries), so you can cruise through and spend as much or as little time as you want on any particular piece of art. I wouldn't try to do Belgium on this trip. You'd do much better to just focus on Paris and some surrounding areas on a 10-day trip. The school trip I took to France was 10 days, and it felt very rushed (we did a big loop in Northwest France: Paris-Chartres-Orleans-Tours-Saint Malo-Bayeux-Paris, with day stops in Mont Saint Michel and some other places along the way). And that was with a charter bu...
by jpelder
Tue Jan 24, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can you express your investing philosophy as a limerick?
Replies: 101
Views: 7797

Re: Can you express your investing philosophy as a limerick?

blueoval9942 wrote: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:22 pm There once was a man from Nantucket,
Who told his advisor to [Inappropriate phrase removed by admin LadyGeek],
To save himself trouble, he stashed away double,
And instead of worries, he slept.
10 bonus points for the "Man from Nantucket" opening
by jpelder
Fri Jan 20, 2023 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What’s Your 2023 Budget?
Replies: 201
Views: 26109

Re: What’s Your 2023 Budget?

These are monthly amounts, roughly categorized and estimated. We have more detailed categories in our tracking spreadsheet and on Mint Married couple, no kids Total take-home income: $6000-$7000 per month Life Insurance, Various Subscriptions, Home Internet, Cell Phones, Car Maintenance Sinking Fund, and other Fixed Bills: $450 Mortgage and escrowed property tax and homeowner's insurance: $850 Food (Groceries, restaurants, and general home cleaning goods): $1000 Utilities: $225 Pharmacy (if not covered by FSA) and personal care: $100 Gifts (Christmas, birthdays, anniversary, random things): $100 Home Maintenance and Improvement: $240 Charity and School Supplies (we're both teachers): $200 Entertainment: $100 His and her clothing, fun, and w...
by jpelder
Fri Jan 06, 2023 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password management for the elderly
Replies: 38
Views: 2952

Re: Password management for the elderly

I agree with the Keychain recommendation. Free and simple. She can use the recommended keyboard mash ones for most things.

1Password is a relatively user-friendly option, too. Has iPhone and Mac options that work with Safari. I've only used it on Windows and Android, and it works well on there. It's not free, but it's not terribly expensive.
by jpelder
Fri Jan 06, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing HOA funds
Replies: 13
Views: 1104

Re: Investing HOA funds

Never been on an HOA board, but I have been on a church vestry (lay governing committee). We kept all money in checking, savings, and money market accounts, or CDs. We typically had several hundred thousand dollars in the money market and CDs as an emergency reserve. It was there for emergency repairs and to cover lean years in the budget. I wouldn't dream of suggesting anything that could lose principal for a non-profit org's operating funds.

The endowment funds were very conservatively invested in a mix of stocks and bonds (50-50, IIRC), but the principal of the endowment funds were not meant to be spent, only half or so of the growth.
by jpelder
Fri Jan 06, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?
Replies: 68
Views: 7848

Re: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?

I really like Trader Joe's Wake Up Blend. It's not the best stuff in the business, but at circa $16 for two pounds, it's a good brew for the buck.
by jpelder
Tue Jan 03, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you put in your sack lunch? And question about meal prep.
Replies: 41
Views: 3980

Re: What do you put in your sack lunch? And question about meal prep.

Hi, fellow teacher! I have a couple of "lunch formats" that I use. I do have access to a refrigerator and a microwave, so some of mine won't work for you currently. My most common one is a "mayo salad" (chicken salad, egg salad, pimento cheese, or similar) sandwich on whole wheat bread, a baggie of bite-size vegetables (usually baby carrots or carrot sticks, but sometimes cucumber or celery), a small serving of Wheat Thins (I keep a box in my desk), and a piece of fruit. I assemble all this in the morning after I eat breakfast, and bring it in an insulated lunchbox with a cold pack. I usually buy the sandwich salad pre-made, but I occasionally make my own on the weekend. Alternates: Lean Cuisine or similar with a piece o...