Search found 82 matches

by Every things free
Mon Feb 13, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Septic System Train Wreck
Replies: 229
Views: 19590

Re: Septic System Train Wreck

Former septic inspector here. I obtained 3 separate licences to do my work. 1. Soil testing 2. System design and installation 3. Inspection of systems In my area there are thousands of systems dating back years and years. In America there are over 30+ million systems....and growing. The industry is evolving and new techniques and systems are being developed. Soon there will be no need for a drainage or leach field. That part of the system will be condensed.That will change everything. I live in the city limits and am hooked up to our cities new $50 million treatment facility. It was designed to handle 35 thousand people. It's basically the same system you find in rural settings, just larger. [Off-topic comments have been removed - moderator...
by Every things free
Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: World Cruise 2023
Replies: 42
Views: 3632

Re: World Cruise 2023

Hello Jazztonight.
You are not alone.
I spend at least 1 month every year on a ship. In 2023 I'm scheduling 2 months. This Oct. I'm flying from my home in Durango,Co. to Denver to Vancouver and embark with Holland America for a 3 week cruise to Hawaii.

Ships have everything I need. I pack light. All I need are a few comfortable outfits, my swim suit and walking shoes. I'll bring good books I've been wanting to read and lots of chocolate bars to give to the crew.

I don't have a second home or an RV. My bungalow in Durango and ships are my homes.

I'm proud of you for traveling.
Kim
by Every things free
Sun Jun 12, 2022 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting India for tourism
Replies: 93
Views: 10961

Re: Visiting India for tourism

I've been fortunate to travel to many places in the world. When I'm asked of the two places one must visit I always say, "India and Antarctica".

As for India, after 2 weeks there I went into "sensory overload". It was so overwhelming I said, "it's time to go." I've read all the previous posts and all are true. But if you have a chance to go....go! You will remember it for the rest of your life.
Kim
by Every things free
Tue May 10, 2022 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking about getting a Hot Tub / Spa
Replies: 57
Views: 6444

Re: Thinking about getting a Hot Tub / Spa

Make sure you check out your local recreation center....if you have one.
Mine is 3 blocks away. They have a beautiful hot tub that can hold 25+ people. They also have a heated "lazy river". I'm a silver sneakers member so it's free. I'm in it 3-4 times/week.
Kim
by Every things free
Tue May 10, 2022 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: anyone else tax loss harvesting like crazy?
Replies: 154
Views: 21999

Re: anyone else tax loss harvesting like crazy?

I did a tax loss harvest yesterday.
Kim
by Every things free
Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your hobbies?
Replies: 561
Views: 16621

Re: Hobbies for Boglehead Types?

Fun hobbies for me.

1.Picture puzzles. I have a nice table to work on and a good light.
2.Motorcycles. I began riding at 12 yrs. old. I just purchased my 36th motorcycle. It's a Honda 125 Trail.
3.Ocean cruising. In 2 weeks I'll embark from San Diego with Holland America. My 32 boarding.
by Every things free
Sat Jan 01, 2022 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Purchases of 2021?
Replies: 203
Views: 19130

Re: Favorite Purchases of 2021?

$8.30 for a 3 month supply of a cholesterol lowering drug. It'll add years to my life.
by Every things free
Sun Aug 29, 2021 9:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you invest in Real Estate ? Why ?
Replies: 175
Views: 33574

Re: Do you invest in Real Estate ? Why ?

I've owned 35 different properties in my investing career. I began in my 20's.
Why real estate? Because I knew nothing about stocks/bonds.

I've had one renter for 20+ years. Another renter, in a commercial property, has been with me for 18+ years and his accumulated rents have exceeded $850k. I have a property manager.

Five years ago I sold 9 properties and focused on stocks/bonds. I no longer enjoyed dealing with tenets even with a property manager.

Kim
by Every things free
Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buying cars right now?
Replies: 261
Views: 32345

Re: Anyone buying cars right now?

I purchased a new Subaru Outback Wilderness yesterday.
What's money to a woman like me.
Kim
by Every things free
Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you in replacement mode?
Replies: 55
Views: 6326

Re: Are you in replacement mode?

Simplify.
Less is more.
I only collect two things....memories and money.

Kim
by Every things free
Sat Jul 31, 2021 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you have a "man garage" away from your home?
Replies: 84
Views: 10391

Re: Do you have a "man garage" away from your home?

I have a beautiful 4 car "man garage" away from my house. It has it's own 200 amp electric service. It's metal. Factory built in Kentucky. Engineered for our snow load in the Rocky Mountains.

Everyone who walks in it remarks....I really love your garage. I wish I had it. I'd be out there all the time.

Kim
by Every things free
Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Haier Appliances- Your Thoughts?
Replies: 14
Views: 2069

Re: Haier Appliances- Your Thoughts?

A month ago I purchased a Haier refrigerator model #HRQ16n3bags from Home Depot. It was on sale for about $1049. So far so good. It's super quiet.

Kim
by Every things free
Fri Jul 09, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?
Replies: 224
Views: 18861

Re: How did you arrive at your probable age of death?

I will die when I'm dead.....and I ain't dead yet.

Kim
by Every things free
Sun Jun 13, 2021 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?
Replies: 350
Views: 36370

Re: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?

June 2021. Silverton, Colorado. Yesterday we did the Alpine Loop in our Honda side x side. We do it every year. Look it up. It's a trip of a life time. If you don't own one you can rent one in Silverton.

September 2021. Holland America to Alaska.
March 2021. Holland America west coast of America.

Kim
by Every things free
Mon May 10, 2021 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What prompted you to pull the plug and retire?
Replies: 249
Views: 45662

Re: What prompted you to pull the plug and retire?

I plug the plug when I'm having the most fun at a job. I learned that as an elementary school teacher. Stop the game at the funnest point and the children will always want to come back to play. I left public school teaching after 3 years. I realized I couldn't make any money. So I became a business person and off I went. I've always evolved from one business to another. At age 52 I sold my Maytag Home Appliance Center after 7 yrs. of fun.I had a customer base of +10000 families...retired. Financially set. But kept working and will keep working doing different fun things as long as I'm upright and healthy. I worked at Natural Grocers Health Store for one year. I learned about nutrition and products. It improved my health. It wasn't fun so I ...
by Every things free
Sat Jan 23, 2021 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who or what has helped the most in your financial journey?
Replies: 121
Views: 9991

Re: Who or what has helped the most in your financial journey?

The heavy winter snow in Minot, North Dakota got me started.
When I was in the 4th grade I got a shovel and started beating on doors. I learned about hard work, how to talk to people, how to sell and negotiate prices. When the snow melted I got a paper route with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I took my snow skills and moved on. I've reinvented my self countless times since.
All from shoveling snow.

Kim

P.S. I love the Bogleheads....kiss kiss.
by Every things free
Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How did you choose a location to retire?
Replies: 113
Views: 12256

Re: How did you choose a location to retire?

I looked for and found a place with 4 seasons, clean air and sunshine.

Everything else, good medical care, recreation, new friends, cost of living, housing, airport etc. was a bonus.

Kim
by Every things free
Fri Dec 25, 2020 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Travel Experiences
Replies: 178
Views: 17849

Re: Favorite Travel Experiences

Lemaire Channel, Antarctica.
It was so......spiritual, it humbled me. I remember I cried.
by Every things free
Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy Holidays to all: Best Holiday Gift you have ever had or given and afforded or not afforded $$$.
Replies: 44
Views: 4364

Re: MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy Holidays to all: Best Holiday Gift you have ever had or given and afforded or not afforded $

Reading these great stories brought tears to my eyes.

I remember getting a small red transistor radio when I was little.
I had to sleep alone in the basement with a big old furnace that I thought was a monster.
The radio became my friend.
by Every things free
Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If your net worth is over $3 million, how did you do it?
Replies: 913
Views: 238990

Re: If your net worth is over $3 million, how did you do it?

Health. For me it's about being healthy and staying healthy.
Because I'm healthy I can work with my body and think clearly.

Prosperity is a combination of wealth and contentment.

Kim
by Every things free
Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: septic tanks replacement
Replies: 48
Views: 9346

Re: septic tanks replacement

I live in southern Colorado. Our local health agency manages 4 counties. As of 2018 a property with a septic system can't be sold and close until the septic system is inspected and functioning properly. Begin with your local county or city health agency. They will provide you with the requirements and standards required for a septic system to pass inspection. They should also have a current list of licensed contractors who are knowledgeable and can help you. I work with someone who has 3 licenses. One for inspection, another for soil testing and another for design, repair and installations of septic systems. Everything done is to the regulations and standards our local health agency. The regulations are constantly changing and improving. Na...
by Every things free
Sun Aug 23, 2020 12:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Book recommendations for young adults/new investors
Replies: 21
Views: 1916

Re: Book recommendations for young adults/new investors

If you want to invest in your health read, Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.

Kim
by Every things free
Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Car Maintenance Do You Do?
Replies: 165
Views: 11902

Re: What Car Maintenance Do You Do?

I do nothing.
I haven't done anything for 20+ years.
When the warranty expires I trade in.
My dealer loves my low mileage, smoke free trade in.
I usually get something new with all the upgrades for $3K-$4k.
It's a luxury I afford myself.
I live in Colorado and drive a new Subaru.

Kim
by Every things free
Wed Jul 29, 2020 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Books that changed your life]
Replies: 577
Views: 72732

Re: Books that changed your life

I'm always reading.
Whatever I'm currently reading is the best.

Of course the best of the best will always be the Bible.
It's beyond a book....it's alive.

Kim
by Every things free
Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's tested for Radon? Who's mitigated?
Replies: 29
Views: 2644

Re: Who's tested for Radon? Who's mitigated?

I mitigated this year. Before mitigation the radon levels were high. After mitigation the are levels are low.
I gave me piece of mind and increased the value of my house.
It was both a financial and heath improvement.

Kim
by Every things free
Wed Jun 17, 2020 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy this tractor for new home on 15 acres, (approx 1 acre of grass and almost 1 acre potential garden)
Replies: 39
Views: 3373

Re: Should I buy this tractor for new home on 15 acres, (approx 1 acre of grass and almost 1 acre potential garden)

No, I would not buy it.
When you buy and old tractor you get and old tractor.
Spend your money on something newer and better suited for your needs.
"Sandtrap" had a lot of good suggestions. He's a smart guy!

Kim
by Every things free
Fri May 08, 2020 9:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Moshe Milevsky Morningstar Podcast
Replies: 2
Views: 433

Re: Moshe Milevsky Morningstar Podcast

I listen to all Morningstar podcasts.The Moshe Milevsky interview was excellent.

Kim
by Every things free
Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who uses the 3 fund portfolio ?
Replies: 139
Views: 36249

Re: Who uses the 3 fund portfolio ?

Pure 3 fund portfolio here.

Kim

Thank you Taylor
by Every things free
Mon Apr 06, 2020 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much in Your Emergency Fund And Is It Used?
Replies: 263
Views: 45612

Re: How Much in Your Emergency Fund And Is It Used?

I'm in the "cash reserves" camp not "emergency fund" camp. It's 5 figures. I don't allow to to get too fat and I don't allow it to get to lazy. I'll use it for whatever appears, maybe an emergency or maybe an opportunity. It also gives me exercise. I'll use it and then replenish it. It's home is Vanguards MM account.
Hetty Green, 1834-1916, taught me about it. It's one of my favorite accounts.

Kim
by Every things free
Mon Apr 06, 2020 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seasoned Bogleheads; What 3 Things Have You Done Financially Related to the Economy Recently
Replies: 112
Views: 12980

Re: Seasoned Bogleheads; What 3 Things Have You Done Financially Related to the Economy Recently

1. Tax loss harvested on my International Stock Fund.
2. Accumulating all extra money for U.S. stock market purchase.
3. Staying home and being frugal.

Kim
by Every things free
Mon Mar 09, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Good day to buy?!
Replies: 31
Views: 3961

Re: Good day to buy?!

Today was a good day for me to purchase VTSAX -Total U.S. Stock market.

Someday read the book, The Witch of Wall Street. It's about a woman, Hetty Green.
She taught me. Always have some extra money available for opportunities.
Today was an opportunity.
I'm thankful I had some extra money.

Today was a Hetty Green day.
Kim
by Every things free
Sun Mar 01, 2020 4:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33431

Re: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

A correction is both normal and healthy.
Don't panic.
Stay the course.
Patience brings blessings.

Kim
by Every things free
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:04 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday Taylor! 96 years young!
Replies: 139
Views: 8361

Re: Happy Birthday Taylor! 96 years young!

Thank you Taylor for everything. Best wishes on your birthday.
by Every things free
Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe says "Goodbye."
Replies: 445
Views: 79741

Re: Larry Swedroe says "Goodbye."

Thank you Larry for helping us.
by Every things free
Thu Jan 23, 2020 7:47 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed
Replies: 352
Views: 37266

Re: Sad news: LadyGeek's husband has passed

Thank you for sharing.
by Every things free
Thu Dec 26, 2019 3:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the rationale for cash in your portfolio?
Replies: 130
Views: 11750

Re: What is the rationale for cash in your portfolio?

Sometime ago a Boglehead recommended a book. It was, The Witch of Wall Street. It was about a woman, Hetty Green. Get it, read it. She taught me why to have cash/cash equivalents available.
Kim
by Every things free
Mon Dec 09, 2019 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tree roots growing into sewer lines
Replies: 62
Views: 20894

Re: Tree roots growing into sewer lines

Sewer lines are failing every where....and will continue.
Band aids don't solve problems.
Replace the sewer line with schedule 40 pipe. Compact the dirt under the pipe to minimize future pipe sag. Install a clean out within 5' of your house.
You've corrected the problem for the next 3 generations of users.
What's money to a man like you?

Kim
by Every things free
Thu Oct 03, 2019 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: high toilet
Replies: 33
Views: 4331

Re: high toilet

The high toilet won't be a problem with your wastewater (septic) system. Just get one with a low gal./flush usage.
Kim
by Every things free
Tue Sep 17, 2019 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seasoned retirees...
Replies: 52
Views: 5930

Re: Seasoned retirees...

I'm with Dan Mahowny,
Find two hobbies: One to make you money.
One to keep you in shape.
by Every things free
Mon Aug 12, 2019 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Western CO Folks Here (Durango?)? - Would you Rec?
Replies: 41
Views: 5024

Re: Any Western CO Folks Here (Durango?)? - Would you Rec?

I live in the city limits of Durango. What can I say?
Someone mentioned a problem with our airport. I've been all over the world. It all began at our airport.
Write me if you want the skinny on this place.

Kind regards,
Kim
by Every things free
Tue Jul 02, 2019 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you a serious DIYer?
Replies: 84
Views: 8012

Re: Are you a serious DIYer?

I stay away from 2 things, concrete and roofing. Everything else I'm up to.

This year I got a contractors license so I can design,install and repair wastewater systems(septic). I also got licensed to test soil for those systems. Those were new things I had no knowledge of.
by Every things free
Tue May 28, 2019 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House not selling
Replies: 138
Views: 14214

Re: House not selling

Many good posts for you and others to consider. In the last 18 months I have sold 9 properties. They were single family houses I had as rentals for years. Once listed all had contracts from 1 day to 2 weeks. All closed in a timely manner. There were 2 key components to the transfer of ownership. 1. Price. Our realtor priced the properties based on their appraised values. Not what I wanted or the buyer hoped they were worth. I never once questioned our realtors. I let her and her husband do their job. I chose professionals and treated them as such. 2.Condition. Before listing they told me what I needed to do to make the property desirable. They showed me 10 other properties in the same price range. Why would someone chose mine over the other...
by Every things free
Mon May 06, 2019 9:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Diversifying beyond stock and bonds
Replies: 19
Views: 3233

Re: Diversifying beyond stock and bonds

My diversity strategy involves investing in myself. I am my greatest asset.

Recently I've taken classes to be licensed and certified in a new field for me. It's also a needed field for our community and statewide area.

I will continue to work, serve and make money.
I'm not a dinosaur. I'm a tree.
I continue to grow.

Kim
by Every things free
Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EXTREMELY frugal things from our parents and grandparents
Replies: 110
Views: 12105

Re: EXTREMELY frugal things from our parents and grandparents

I grew up in the cold of North Dakota. Lots of ketchup sandwiches. Simply white bread with ketchup.
Kim
by Every things free
Mon Apr 15, 2019 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: $1.1 million rental portfolio, but tired of being a landlord
Replies: 87
Views: 13286

Re: $1.1 million rental portfolio, but tired of being a landlord

Somewhat similar situation here.
I've sold 9 single family rental houses in the last 24 months.
Why? To reduce stress and maintain personal health. I'm striving for simplicity in all my affairs. When I was younger it didn't matter.
It does now.

Kim
by Every things free
Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone here with net worths north of $1 mil use financial advisors?
Replies: 454
Views: 86819

Re: Does anyone here with net worths north of $1 mil use financial advisors?

I have a board of directors I get advice from. None have charged me a fee.
Each has taught me a valuable lesson.

My financial advisers are:
J.D Rockefeller
J.P.Morgan
Andrew Carnegie
Hetty Green
Jack Bogle
Warren Buffet
Daniel Lapin
Elon Musk
Charlie Munger
Jeff Bezos
Richard Branson
Bill Gates
and the list continues to grow.

Kim
by Every things free
Sun Mar 24, 2019 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What would be your perfect personal bond allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 1505

Re: What would be your perfect personal bond allocation

Lots of solid advice from others. What's fun about investing is you get to pick.

I like bonds. Bonds like me. I like getting paid monthly. My bonds provide a moat for my stocks.
My bond allocation is always at 40%-50% of my total portfolio.

I'm focusing on 2 funds.
VWIUX- Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax Exempt Fund.
BNDW- Vanguard Total World Bond Fund.

On my desk I have this written,
Stocks create it.
Bonds maintain it.
Real estate houses it.

Kim
by Every things free
Thu Mar 21, 2019 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy a mattress
Replies: 62
Views: 9440

Re: How to buy a mattress

I recently purchased a mattress and frame. I considered it one of the most complicated purchases ever. So many opinions, choices and prices as you've noticed reading the Bogleheads. I got my new mattress and frame and noticed after several nights sleep my back,neck and spine popped,cracked and realigned itself. It wasn't because of my exercise and yoga, which I due daily. It was my mattress and frame. My body has never felt better,thanks to my new bed. I worked with Amazon online for both. I chose a mattress from Cotton Cloud Natural Beds. It's a small company in Portland. The frame is imported from China called Ziyoo. It's solid and allows the mattress to breathe. If you need softer simply add a latex topper. Cost for a single. Mattress $4...
by Every things free
Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can i rely on rental property?
Replies: 64
Views: 7312

Re: Can i rely on rental property?

I have. For 35 years mine have paid for all my bills, 30+ ocean cruises and a healthy portfolio of stocks and bonds. My brother has 4 rentals and seldom has a vacancy.
Kim