Search found 457 matches

by fasteddie911
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying an Expensive Car
Replies: 81
Views: 6514

Re: Buying an Expensive Car

Go for it. Your finances seem in order and you're a car guy. Life is meant to be lived and money to be spent. Nice thing about cars is that when you're done with your "experience" you can sell it and get some money back, you're not just dumping $100k.
by fasteddie911
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone added a shade or solid lattice to sides of patio cover?
Replies: 2
Views: 499

Re: Has anyone added a shade or solid lattice to sides of patio cover?

There's plenty of examples of shades, especially roller shades, in patios. We have a few ourselves. A lattice could work, but HD or Lowes also sells rolls of shade material in the garden section that you could directly attach to the structure. Wind could be an issue as they can act like sails, but I guess it would depend on the setup, structure strength, etc.
by fasteddie911
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental upcharges?
Replies: 13
Views: 1409

Re: Dental upcharges?

Dental exam has always been a part of my 2x/yr cleaning. Not sure if they charge for it because insurance covers it anyway.
by fasteddie911
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Score: 805 - Should I close old Credit Cards?
Replies: 12
Views: 1931

Re: Credit Score: 805 - Should I close old Credit Cards?

Close them. I've closed multiple old, unused credit cards over the years and haven't noticed any difference.
by fasteddie911
Mon Feb 26, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with minor accident situation
Replies: 28
Views: 3086

Re: Dealing with minor accident situation

I've been in a similar situation. I can't see any benefit to filing a claim with your insurance and it may end up even hurting you. If you can ever find out the other drivers insurance (if they even have any), I wouldn't count on them being very helpful either. Small claims depends on how much time and effort you want to devote to this. I'd be inclined to just let it go, accept the imperfect humans and system we have, DIY repair the light and leave the paint damage, depending how bad it is and the condition of the rest of the car.
by fasteddie911
Sun Feb 25, 2024 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with minor accident situation
Replies: 28
Views: 3086

Re: Dealing with minor accident situation

I'd call and work it out, he could very well be uninsured, legal issues, etc. but willing to pay cash. If he flakes maybe call police though I'm not sure what they can do about it in your particular area. If you go through your insurance you'll be on the hook for deductible and potential premium increase. Maybe they'll be able to recoup that cost through subrogation but if he's uninsured then you're out of luck.
by fasteddie911
Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Vehicle with One Young Child
Replies: 25
Views: 1597

Re: Recommendations for Vehicle with One Young Child

Pretty much any modern 4 door compact car/suv. They will likely be larger and feel safer than your old civic. Even the new civic feels pretty big. Compact suv and hatchbacks have served our family of 4 just fine. We feel perfectly safe, the passenger space is fine and the cargo space serves our needs.
by fasteddie911
Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you eat?
Replies: 54
Views: 4918

Re: What do you eat?

Overnight oats for breakfast, preparing a large batch and picking at it over a few days. PBJ for lunch, again make a bunch at once and store in the fridge for next few days. Roasted salmon and veggies for dinner on a foil lined pan, season and toss in oven while cooking a large batch of rice. Easy clean up and potential for leftovers too.
by fasteddie911
Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small sedan + dog + baby in NYC
Replies: 18
Views: 1592

Re: Small sedan + dog + baby in NYC

When it comes to kids, wait and see. No reason to make plans or buy anything just yet. And even then, you can also learn to make whatever work. I don't find carseat install troublesome at all.
by fasteddie911
Tue Feb 13, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence
Replies: 63
Views: 4878

Re: Renting vs. Owning - still on the fence

You're comparing a house to an apartment, not exactly a fair comparison. It also seems unrealistic to truly expect nothing to change, for you or your landlord/situation, in the next 10-30yrs.
by fasteddie911
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?
Replies: 111
Views: 8485

Re: Have you ever replaced a perfectly fine car just because?

Yes, but I enjoy cars. Everyone is different and prioritizes differently. Not every choice has to be the financially best choice. LIfe is meant to be enjoyed too. You can afford it and fortunately you can sell it if you change your mind.
by fasteddie911
Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: college decision: UIUC or UF for ECE?
Replies: 339
Views: 31719

Re: college decision: $63k UIUC ECE or full-ride UF ECE?

I left a warm weather, inexpensive State school for a cold weather, expensive school across the country. It's not just the weather, but the daylight hours, distance, isolation, culture change, etc. It can be tough on kids. Is you daughter up for all that for a seemingly marginally, if at all, better school and $60k price tag? Will she get FOMO with all her friends going UF? I'm sure she'll grow tight with ECE classmates wherever she goes. However, I can also see her being somewhat of an outsider at UIUC where many of the other students are from the region. Moreover, if she wants to eventually end up back in Florida I have a hard time imagining UIUC offering any advantage. In my area at least, there's little advantage of going to even the mo...
by fasteddie911
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rome - Florence - Venice
Replies: 49
Views: 3795

Re: Rome - Florence - Venice

We flew into Venice and out of rome. We did 1 night in venice, 1 in florence and 3 in rome and felt it was enough. Depends how you like to travel. Venice and florence are pretty small. We packed light, took early trains out and just walked the cities. We "splurged" on first class train tickets, which were still inexpensive. Stayed within reasonable walking distance from train stations.
by fasteddie911
Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands
Replies: 33
Views: 3914

Re: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands

I wouldn't skip Florence, it's a great city to explore on it's own and you can explore Tuscany region as well. 3 days in venice might be too much, it's rather small. I'd consider cutting a day from Rome and Venice, and adding time for Florence/Tuscany or elsewhere.
by fasteddie911
Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV
Replies: 71
Views: 7650

Re: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV

You haven't mentioned what you need storage space for. There's 4 of us and a dog, a 2 row suv served our needs just fine.
by fasteddie911
Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors….again
Replies: 110
Views: 20843

Re: Calling all doctors….again

If she has a strong enough application and score, she should go straight through. People who take time off are building up their resume, working on their test score, undecided, late decision, etc.
by fasteddie911
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potentially selling a great house
Replies: 101
Views: 11752

Re: Potentially selling a great house

The grass may not be greener, it may be browner. We live in a similar situation. We go to the playground, have playdates, etc. and it seems to work just fine. The new neighborhood kids or neighbors may not be what you expected. All it takes is one bad neighbor. I speak from experience.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Squat / Bench Rack equipment for tight space
Replies: 59
Views: 13871

Re: Squat / Bench Rack equipment for tight space

I have squat stands(2 separate pieces), olympic barbell and flat bench in our garage. The footprint when not in use is roughly equal to the barbell width and squat stand depth. I tuck the bench parallel underneath the barbell when not in use. The setup is in front of one of our cars and can be used with a car there, it's tight by do-able. However, I often workout when the car isn't there. Also have pullup bar mounted to our 8ft ceiling.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do we need a new car?
Replies: 70
Views: 8650

Re: Do we need a new car?

Get a new car. I like Mazda.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utah National Parks trip in May
Replies: 12
Views: 1339

Re: Utah National Parks trip in May

I agree on the 5 mentioned. Technically could see all 5 in that time frame, but depends how much driving and hiking you want to do and how you like to travel.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where Should We Travel & Vacation To?
Replies: 47
Views: 9662

Re: Where Should We Travel & Vacation To?

Road trips throughout the Western US have been my favorite. Though it doesn't cover your beach interests.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you move midlife because a community doesn’t click
Replies: 63
Views: 14493

Re: Would you move midlife because a community doesn’t click

We lived in multiple places like you describe and everything only clicked when we finally moved back to our hometown near family, friends, community, etc. We're much happier for it, though we did it early in our kids lives. Kids will make new friends, you can find activities, try new things, or make a new home. We could've probably had a better house elsewhere for cheaper or had more activities elsewhere as well, but we just make do with what we have and really don't think anything of it as that stuff isn't that important to us. Of course being our hometown we also knew what to expect. Overall it's still a large net positive in the end.
by fasteddie911
Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car buyer: Toyota RAV-4 XLE vs Mazda CX-5 Carbon
Replies: 44
Views: 5624

Re: New Car buyer: Toyota RAV-4 XLE vs Mazda CX-5 Carbon

We're on our 3rd (modern) mazda and we've been very pleased with the cars and brand overall. We had an older cx5 that was solid for us. Modern day mazda is nothing like mazda of yesteryear. Our older mazda had the touchscreen and knob, our newer one only has the knob, it's subjective and debatable but I'm indifferent personally. Test both out, compare features, prices, etc., you can't go wrong with either.
by fasteddie911
Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Minor Collision Damage Claim
Replies: 17
Views: 1078

Re: Minor Collision Damage Claim

A scratch on a 13yo car I would've (and have) just let it go. But now that you have a check in hand, cash it and move on. How much is the time and effort, including repair downtime, worth to you? The other insurance company has little incentive to do much if anything for you. I'm not sure you can even file with your insurance at this point but I'd be concerned about your rates being affected if you did. Even if you had filed you'd still have to pay up the deductible while insurance dukes it out after the fact and there's no telling how that's going to work out or if you'd even get your deductible back.
by fasteddie911
Sun Dec 17, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
Replies: 41
Views: 6425

Re: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise

We've visited those cities for similar amounts of time. We just walked a ton and saw the sights. Get good shoes.
by fasteddie911
Sat Dec 09, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parents of recent college applicants: How did it play out?
Replies: 115
Views: 20260

Re: Parents of recent college applicants: How did it play out?

Things typically work out from what I've seen. I also tend to think a lot of this is just stressed about too much. It's just 4yrs. Most people don't get into their dream school, they get over it soon enough. Some don't particularly fit or love their college of choice, they either transfer or suck it up for 4yrs. That was me and many others I know. We went to class, studied, got our degree and moved on with life just fine. Your kids will likely come out just fine.
by fasteddie911
Sat Dec 02, 2023 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: T5 engineering school or in-state T35 with full-ride?
Replies: 285
Views: 40138

Re: T5 engineering school or in-state T35 with full-ride?

I find this post, and the direction it took, kinda confusing. OP's child is thinking EE/AE and NASA, not sure how this relates to CE and FAANG. I would find it difficult to stretch myself for $90k tuition or even pay $50k when a free option exists and there hasn't been good evidence to suggest it's necessary with the child's goals in mind. And then what if the child's goals change. I don't see how UF would hold your chlld back. It seems like UCF could be a solid option as well for AE.
by fasteddie911
Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]
Replies: 81
Views: 8606

Re: Seattle area residents, how should I think about your housing market? [Potential move for job]

That's just how it is in a HCOL area, more of your NW will be tied up in housing. Of course that comes back to you if/when you sell. Fortunately in my HCOL area housing has also pretty steadily gone up above the rate of inflation and isn't hit so hard by crisis or shocks. Interest rates are what they are, it sucks but can't do much about it and just gotta do the math and see if it's worth it. But if it's a good career move, you actually want to live there and it's a net-zero change, it doesn't seem to be an unreasonable move.
by fasteddie911
Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports car for a hobby with son?
Replies: 43
Views: 4067

Re: Sports car for a hobby with son?

If this is a hobby for you to share equally, I would choose something where you son can be more involved. My dad was a gearhead before I was born and he got me into cars. But riding shotgun or helping him wrench wasn't particularly fun, at least compared to the dirt bikes or rc cars I played with at that time.
by fasteddie911
Sun Aug 20, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Easy Meal?
Replies: 127
Views: 14350

Re: Favorite Easy Meal?

Roasted salmon and veggies on a foil-lined pan and starch of your choice. Takes a few minutes to prep and ready to eat in <30min.
by fasteddie911
Thu Aug 10, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui Visit - Planning Considerations
Replies: 120
Views: 18119

Re: Maui Visit - Planning Considerations

I say wait as long as you can to see how things play out, and maybe your backup should be another island. You're right, the island is heavily dependent on tourism and if tourists stay away from the entire island too long a lot more people are going to start hurting.
by fasteddie911
Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of my wallet?
Replies: 101
Views: 10639

Re: Getting rid of my wallet?

I use a card holder stuck to the back of my phone to carry 3 cards: credit card, ID and costco card.
by fasteddie911
Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EV: Regular Outlet or Install 220v/50a?
Replies: 70
Views: 5286

Re: EV: Regular Outlet or Install 220v/50a?

We only have a regular outlet, no regrets. It's mostly a 25mi commuter car that gets recharged every few days. If there's a particularly heavy usage day it'll spend a few consecutive nights on the charger. If we found ourselves having random heavy usage days and were concerned about range anxiety, we'd probably charge it more frequently and keep the battery fuller.
by fasteddie911
Sat Jul 29, 2023 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much did you spend on your cars?
Replies: 96
Views: 9596

Re: How much did you spend on your cars?

New cars we've purchased in past 10yrs have all been under $30k, which is a comfortable amount to us no matter the income. $30k-40k is pushing it and over $40k feels too much, even though we can now easily afford it.
by fasteddie911
Tue Jul 25, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Potential move and looking for advice
Replies: 20
Views: 2003

Re: Potential move and looking for advice

No better time to explore, gain new experiences, expand your perspectives and even make yourself a little uncomfortable. I've lived all over the US for school and work, it wasn't always perfect, but no regrets. Now I'm back home a little wiser (maybe) but certainly more appreciative of my hometown, family and friends.
by fasteddie911
Sun Jul 23, 2023 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Creating new zones for sprinklers
Replies: 6
Views: 471

Re: Creating new zones for sprinklers

In addition to just turning down the sprinkler head, you could also create a drip system for the plants using the existing sprinkler head and use drippers and/or sprayers. Of course if they're in the same zone as the grass then they'll run for the same length of time so you'll have to plan accordingly.
by fasteddie911
Sun Jul 23, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home gym suggestions: cardio and weights?
Replies: 70
Views: 5784

Re: Home gym suggestions: cardio and weights?

I have a rack, barbell and ~300lbs in weight, it handles my needs just fine. Some racks come with pullup bars or dip attachments. Though my pullup bar is mounted to our ceiling. Try walking on the treadmill at an incline, I found it pretty tiring for not much time commitment.
by fasteddie911
Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Santoku knife?
Replies: 42
Views: 3723

Re: Santoku knife?

Our Global has been great and well worth the $100+ we paid for it 15yrs ago.
by fasteddie911
Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: West Coast Vacation- San Franciso or Seattle or ??
Replies: 52
Views: 3910

Re: West Coast Vacation- San Franciso or Seattle or ??

I don't know about redwoods but I vote Napa/Sonoma or Santa Barbara.
by fasteddie911
Sun Jun 18, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honeymoon Recs? 3+ weeks in Western Europe
Replies: 27
Views: 1985

Re: Honeymoon Recs? 3+ weeks in Western Europe

London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Munich, Prague, and many other cities. By train or plane. Pack light, do laundry and wear good shoes.
by fasteddie911
Wed Jun 14, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Solved] Physician spouse wants to do additional training - cash flow issues during the transition period??
Replies: 17
Views: 1710

Re: [Solved] Physician spouse wants to do additional training - cash flow issues during the transition period??

The breakeven point depends greatly on her eventual attending position, location and pay. Whether she's making $350k at an academic center in a desirable west coast city or $700k scoping in private practice in the midwest.
by fasteddie911
Sun Jun 11, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED
Replies: 147
Views: 18270

Re: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED

Well that escalated quickly, lol. Congrats. I like the way you frame it, it's $10k of enjoyment and an experience, which I think is a fair deal and an even greater deal if you end up selling it for little to no loss.
by fasteddie911
Sat Jun 10, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED
Replies: 147
Views: 18270

Re: Lost Interest in Dream Car?

snackdog wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2023 8:06 am A Miata is always the right answer. There is one for sale not far from me in Hunter Green with some mods. Adult driven. $10k. Doesn't have the styling of an older 911, but also won't get tail-happy and send me into a fir tree.
At that price I'm assuming it's older, plus the mods, all I can think about are potential repairs and maintenance. But it may end up being ok. I had a ND. New, reliable, comfortable (relatively speaking), maintenance free and under warranty. Just regular oil changes, add gas and go. Very much the hassle free car experience I was looking for.
by fasteddie911
Tue Jun 06, 2023 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED
Replies: 147
Views: 18270

Re: Lost Interest in Dream Car?

I was in the same boat, but nowhere near late life lol. I grew up around cars, mostly mustangs, and got burnt out on a project car in my 20's. Lost all interest in cars for over a decade and was where you are now, just appreciating other people's cars. Eventually got the bug again and chose to avoid any project car and opted for something stock, reliable and just fun to drive. So I got a miata. It was plenty fun but too impractical even as a second car once kids came along. I still have the bug and trying to figure out where to go from here. My dad still has his old mustang sitting unused and the sound of a v8 certainly gets me going, but I'd probably pay someone to do the work this time. Give it time, maybe something will call to you. The ...
by fasteddie911
Sat May 20, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best cities with lots of outdoor/hiking activities and good year round weather
Replies: 248
Views: 25076

Re: Best cities with lots of outdoor/hiking activities and good year round weather

fitawrari wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 12:45 am Hawaii... how is the humidity??
Not always great, but certainly not like the South. Heat and humidity has gotten worse over the years as the once regular tradewinds have become less frequent. Probably the only solution is to live at elevation, so Maui or Big Island. Obviously COL is an issue, as are schools, healthcare especially on the outer islands, etc.
by fasteddie911
Sun Apr 30, 2023 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Private school..not sure about if we are thinking correctly
Replies: 134
Views: 12615

Re: Private school..not sure about if we are thinking correctly

I think your incorrect thought is not giving your 2nd child equal opportunity just so you can save costs. As a fellow parent in a similar situation, any future financial planning for private school includes the cost for both kids up until graduation. If I wasn't confident I could cover through graduation, either through job loss, inflation or whatever, I'd certainly reconsider. I would hate to have to pull my kids from school because I couldn't afford it anymore. Regarding other kids and parents, maybe you feel out of place but how do the kids feel? Personally as a kid, I couldn't tell a difference or even notice. I had no concept of money, careers, status, etc., a good kid is a good kid. Consider that many other parents may think the same ...
by fasteddie911
Sat Apr 29, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Helping kids buy a home
Replies: 182
Views: 15000

Re: Helping kids buy a home

Option 5, talk to them about it. They may decline it and you can put it away and have it grow for another day. They may want to split the difference or invest it in another way. How controlling are you going to be? What if they want to use it for something else or buy a house you don't approve of?
by fasteddie911
Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are there real benefits of attending an expensive college?
Replies: 245
Views: 18793

Re: Are there real benefits of attending an expensive college?

I spent time at multiple colleges across the country as an undergrad/grad student, Public, private, large, small, high ranked, low ranked. IMO, the quality of teaching wasn't drastically different, but the peer group and curve was. Of course the vibes are all different as well as the offerings, the benefit of that depends on the student I guess. I had large lectures and small classes at all of them. But the networking advantages seem to dissipate the further away you go from the school. In my area kids from our lowly local college have just as good a shot at area jobs as kids from some popular private college across the country.
by fasteddie911
Sun Apr 09, 2023 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College Decision: Health/Pre-Med Track In-state vs Out-of-State
Replies: 71
Views: 6354

Re: College Decision: Health/Pre-Med Track In-state vs Out-of-State

I know so many kids and parents that would've done anything for a UC admission AND in-state tuition. Save your money, put it towards grad school, downpayment, etc. I doubt their undergrad will make much of a difference in the end, whatever they decide to do. Having said that, UCSD and Scripps can provide ample health related resources.
by fasteddie911
Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 Plan only or do you also have a separate Investment account for child?
Replies: 20
Views: 1828

Re: 529 Plan only or do you also have a separate Investment account for child?

We max retirement accounts, followed by 529 funding to cover 100% of college, then any extra goes in taxable under our names but earmarked for kids (wedding, downpayment, grad school, etc.). Our retirement accounts should cover our needs but if not we'll dip into taxable and kids will just get less or none.