Search found 62 matches

by highercall
Tue May 17, 2022 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!
Replies: 377
Views: 84203

Re: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!

Love pickleball for all the reasons already given. Exercise, social and fun. Transitioned from tennis about 5 years ago. I co-teach at our local y, beginners and intermediate classes. Also give some private clinic lessons and looking into getting a certified coaching instructor certificate. Playing my first tournament in July at 4.0+ class. Paddle of choice is an Engage Elite Pro Maverick. Outdoor ball Franklin 40 X, Indoor ball Gamma. Trying to get local township to build 4-6 additional courts. We have 6 dedicated new pickleball courts that every morning attract approx. 30-40 players. I try to play 3-4 times a week although recently pulled a rib muscle that will keep me out for several weeks. Great sport.
by highercall
Fri Nov 05, 2021 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hyundai Tucson vs. Acura RDX vs. Mazda CX-9 [Resolved]
Replies: 25
Views: 4044

Re: Hyundai Tucson vs. Acura RDX vs. Mazda CX-9

We have had a Tucson hybrid blue for three months now and love it. Averaging the estimated 38 mpg on each tank of gas.
by highercall
Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid recently?
Replies: 27
Views: 6337

Re: Anyone buy a Toyota Rav4 Hybrid recently?

I don't have a Rav4 but purchased a 2022 Tucson hybrid blue 2 months ago and really like it. Nice ride and average 37-40 mpg each tank full. Great warranty also.
by highercall
Wed Oct 20, 2021 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with large inheritence
Replies: 27
Views: 4717

Re: What to do with large inheritence

I thought I read that John Bogle invests in the balanced fund for his grandkids. Sounds like a good fund to me.
by highercall
Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water softener/conditioner question
Replies: 8
Views: 1039

Re: Water softener/conditioner question

After researching both type softeners, I just bought and installed my self a fleck 5800 30,000 grain water softener. My hardness was 9 and iron 1. You can read the difference between salt and no salt filters here. https://www.idahowatersolutions.com/water-softeners/the-truth-salt-vs-salt-free-water-softeners/ Bottom line...the no salt filters do not exchange the ions of removing the calcium and magnesium. It changes the composition of the water so the scaling will not adhere to the fixtures. However, the benefits of removing those minerals with a salt based softener are using less soap, cleaner looking dishes, clothes, showers and softer(slippery) feeling. Highercall, Would you mind sharing where you bought the system and the cost? I'm loo...
by highercall
Sun Jan 31, 2021 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water softener/conditioner question
Replies: 8
Views: 1039

Re: Water softener/conditioner question

After researching both type softeners, I just bought and installed my self a fleck 5800 30,000 grain water softener. My hardness was 9 and iron 1. You can read the difference between salt and no salt filters here. https://www.idahowatersolutions.com/wat ... softeners/
Bottom line...the no salt filters do not exchange the ions of removing the calcium and magnesium. It changes the composition of the water so the scaling will not adhere to the fixtures. However, the benefits of removing those minerals with a salt based softener are using less soap, cleaner looking dishes, clothes, showers and softer(slippery) feeling.
by highercall
Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Silliest Investment Mistakes?
Replies: 176
Views: 21053

Re: Silliest Investment Mistakes?

Anyone remember CMGI? Lost some money there. After I learned my lesson with CMGI I made sure I sold all my other individual stocks and moved to 100% mutual funds - I had some really silly companies at the turn of the century that I dumped: - This company called NetFlix (how long could a mail-order CD business continue?) - Another company called Amazon (how long would an online bookstore last? Just books - really?). - There was another one called Starbuck (who is going to pay $5 for a 50 cent cup of coffee? Build a business off this? really?) - And then there was another one I held called Apple (I bought because I loved the "Mac" but when they released the "Newton" I questioned how well they could bring new products to m...
by highercall
Fri Jul 24, 2020 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I start social security at 62 to invest it?
Replies: 74
Views: 9602

Re: Should I start social security at 62 to invest it?

If you tell me how long you and your spouse will live then I could give you a good answer. Seriously, I am struggling with the same dilemma. Wife turns 62 this year I turn 64. I know some who took at 62 and invested and are very satisfied but realize there are no guarantees how long one will live and what returns will be. I am strongly considering having wife take hers at 62. Have not fully decided about mine though.
by highercall
Wed Jul 15, 2020 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retirees: How you spend your time?
Replies: 63
Views: 9181

Re: Retirees: How you spend your time?

Ebiking, tennis, pickleball, biblestudy, home improvements, computer research, investing, reading, helping kids and spending time with grandchildren, church involvement. Rarely find time to be bored.
by highercall
Thu May 21, 2020 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in Note funds
Replies: 23
Views: 6493

Re: Investing in Note funds

My 3yr note fund with them is maturing next month. They have paid the monthly interest as stated. I also have a 3yr fund at 10% with them but letting the interest accrue. They also offer 6 month 6% and 1 yr at 8%. (min 25K) for those funds and 50K min for the three yr fund. And yes you have to be an accredited investor. So far my experience has been good. I did meet Dave (founder) at a seminar several months ago and seemed legit. You never know but that's with many investments.
by highercall
Tue May 05, 2020 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best [BBQ grill] for the money?
Replies: 94
Views: 9595

Re: Best BBQ for the money?

bob60014 wrote: Sun May 03, 2020 3:42 pm We have had a Weber E-310 for a couple years now and it works well for us. Its outdoors all year is low maintenance and always fires right up. The Weber it replaced was 20 years old and I expect to get the same mileage from this one.
+1
by highercall
Mon Apr 20, 2020 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Experience with Marcus Bank (no penalty CDs)?
Replies: 16
Views: 2310

Re: Experience with Marcus Bank (no penalty CDs)?

I too just opened a Marcus account since the pandemic. Opened a savings and 7 month no penalty CD. Went smoothly, did everything online with no human help. Set up linked account with Vanguard and local bank. Took a few days but everything went well.
by highercall
Sun Apr 05, 2020 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Amazon Prime (free) movies y'd recommend ?
Replies: 78
Views: 8294

Re: What Amazon (free) movies y'd recommend ?

Boglegirl81 wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2020 2:16 pm The Dawn Wall (Netflix)
Yes, watched it last night.
by highercall
Mon Sep 09, 2019 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bicycles
Replies: 116
Views: 12352

Re: Electric Bicycles

I purchased a Haibike Cross 4.0 last year. I also have a good road bike I have used for years but with some health issues (knees and bout with lyme disease) the ebike has been great. You can get as much workout as you want with the different settings.
by highercall
Sun Jul 07, 2019 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid Water Heater
Replies: 26
Views: 3094

Re: Hybrid Water Heater

brianH wrote: Thu Jul 04, 2019 7:40 pm I like the Rheem models of HPWHs (Home Depot) better than the AO Smiths sold at Lowes.

I bought and installed my own 50g in a basement. It's more involved than a most electric/gas heaters, because the inlet/outlet pipes are not on top. Additionally, they are freaking heavy. I think my unit was North of 200 pounds. I'm a big guy, and I almost killed myself getting it down the basement stairs with an appliance hand truck.

Other than that, I love it. I leave it in heat-pump-only mode, and it's saved me a good deal of money in electric. It also helps to dehumidify the basement during the summer. Recovery in the Winter can be a bit slow, but the 50g has been sufficient for 2 adults.
+1
by highercall
Fri May 24, 2019 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Shares - Need your opinion!?
Replies: 44
Views: 3853

Re: Health Shares - Need your opinion!?

I have been with Medi-share over 20 years. They have paid all of my numerous claims throughout that time. Like any medical coverage their premiums continue to go up and I will be raising my out of pocket to $5500 to keep premium about the same as last year. I too am thinking of checking for other coverage but I have been satisfied except with the increase costs. I have recommended them to others and would continue to do so.
by highercall
Tue Apr 16, 2019 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering an e bike or conversion kit
Replies: 20
Views: 1902

Re: Considering an e bike or conversion kit

I purchased a left over 2017 Haibike cross 4.0 last year and love it. I was an avid road and mountain biker(still have those bikes) but since getting lyme disease my joints and strength is not the same. I changed front chain ring to a 42" from the 38" since I was maxing out the gears. It flattens the hills and you can get a good work out by keep power level on eco. I have several friends who have same bike and one fellow has a full suspension all mountain Haibike ebike. I like the way the yamaha motor feels. Would highly recommend one.
by highercall
Thu Feb 14, 2019 10:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri on the Rational Reminder Podcast
Replies: 28
Views: 4186

Re: Rick Ferri on the Rational Reminder Podcast

Agree. itunes link didn't work for me either. thanks
by highercall
Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Healthcare sharing programs
Replies: 30
Views: 2762

Re: Healthcare sharing programs

I have been a member of medishare for 20 yrs. Never used it the first 15 yr. However in the past 5yrs I had several knee and shoulder surgeries and lyme disease. For the most part I have been very satisfied and appreciated their follow up and concern for my recovery. I have recommended medishare to several other people.
by highercall
Wed May 09, 2018 7:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Boglehead Documentary
Replies: 4
Views: 1246

Re: Boglehead Documentary

Would love to share that with my children and grandchildren.
by highercall
Wed Apr 25, 2018 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VWELX or VWINX? [Vanguard Wellington or Wellesley Income]
Replies: 7
Views: 5602

Re: VWELX or VWINX?

You didn't state why those two funds however if 50/50, why not use total stock market and total bond fund?
by highercall
Wed Mar 21, 2018 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor Blower
Replies: 24
Views: 2347

Re: Outdoor Blower

Another Ego buyer here. Love the blower, chain saw and hedge trimmer. Although hedge trimmer is currently at service center being fixed hopefully under warranty. Would I buy them again. Yes!
by highercall
Tue Mar 06, 2018 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pickleball versus Tennis
Replies: 27
Views: 3738

Re: Pickleball versus Tennis

I play both and enjoy both. As others have said, tennis is harder to learn and harder on your body. However if you have the space and money the tennis court has more options. (tennis, pickleball, badminton, volleyball, basketball, ect.)
by highercall
Sun Jan 21, 2018 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Color fringing in new Costco eyeglasses - what gives?
Replies: 10
Views: 8682

Re: Color fringing in new Costco eyeglasses - what gives?

My wife and I bought progressive glasses at costco. After about a year or so both glasses anti-reflective coating started wearing off. Went back to costco and they said glasses were past the one year warranty. Not sure if I will get another pair at costco or not. I had always heard of positive reports about buying at costco but we are disappointed with ours.
by highercall
Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What non fiction book will you be reading in 2019?
Replies: 198
Views: 23379

Re: What non fiction book will you be reading in 2018?

cheese_breath wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:20 pm The Bible.
1+
by highercall
Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $450 Rebate on $1079 hot water heater with heatpump
Replies: 6
Views: 1530

Re: $450 Rebate on $1079 hot water heater with heatpump

I replaced my 7 yr old electric h/w 6 months ago with a Rheems heatpump w/h purchased at Home Depot because that's what my friend had. I'm sure either one would be fine. They also give a 10% military discount if someone in your family is or has been in the service. I have plenty of hot water and it has lowered electric bill. Would encourage anyone to do it. I also did the install myself. You do need a drain or somehow to be able to discharge the water that the unit makes as a by product from the moisture in the air.
by highercall
Thu Oct 05, 2017 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Millionaire Next Door (Thank you Bogleheads)
Replies: 81
Views: 16512

Re: Millionaire Next Door (Thank you Bogleheads)

Congratulations to the club....thanks for sharing.
by highercall
Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:28 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)
Replies: 94
Views: 22885

Re: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog's Experience)

I too will chime in and say thank you for sharing your experience. It has been a great blessing to be a part of the Boglehead forum. Not only have I learned much but the encouragement of knowing the experiences of others has kept me from making some foolish financial mistakes. Such as thinking I can beat the market by trading rather then think through a plan and stick with it long term with index funds. It would be interesting to have a thread of others willing to share their financial experience in retirement. Thanks again Sheepdog for sharing. Blessings to you.
by highercall
Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My dad is taking Social Security at 62, why would anyone not? (If they already quit working)
Replies: 241
Views: 51152

Re: My dad is taking Social Security at 62, why would anyone not? (If they already quit working)

I know a fellow who took social security at 62 and invested it in the total stock market. He lived off his investments, dividends, interests, ect. His reason was that historically the market returned 8%(same as delaying social security) although not guaranteed, but at least if he died before taking social security at 70 he would have some additional money for his heirs. And if it did return 8% he did not lose anything by taking it early.
by highercall
Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lithium ion yard equipment batteries
Replies: 19
Views: 5600

Re: Lithium ion yard equipment batteries

strafe wrote:EGO makes the best consumer-grade battery powered lawn equipment on the market right now. You get what you pay for.
Agreed! I have the ego blower, hedge trimmer and chain saw. Would not hesitate to buy again. I have a 2.5ah and 5.0ah battery.
by highercall
Tue May 16, 2017 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in Note funds
Replies: 23
Views: 6493

Re: Investing in Note funds

Good review wolf 359, I heard about them also from biggerpockets. I spoke to one of their investor rep. today and posed various concerns. Such as pyramid scheme, collateral ( which is backed by real estate, however you would have to go through foreclosure), ect. He did say that some start with the minimum of $10,000 to get comfortable with the company. They actual are paying $12% on their current fund that is open for new money. Fund closes when they raise $15 million. They have a Q&A call on May 17th at 8:00pm EST that I signed up for. I have search the internet and have not found anything negative about the company. Just considering a possibility of diversifying a small portion of my investments to create additional cash flow.
by highercall
Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real_Estate_Crowd_Funding
Replies: 13
Views: 2349

Re: Real_Estate_Crowd_Funding

This has been talked about before on this forum and everyone has a different risk tolerance. My experience, which is limited to around one year, is that so far the two platforms I have invested in has been satisfactory. However, out of the 30 some loans I have invested in 7 have been paid back and 2 or 3 are late. Average return has been around 10%. I use Patch of Land and Peerstreet.
by highercall
Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Peer-to-peer lending as an investment?
Replies: 67
Views: 10491

Re: Peer-to-peer lending as an investment?

Anyone using the real estate crowd funding platforms? I have invested some money with Peerstreet and Patch of Land. So far returns are averaging approx. 10%. I have only been invested since 2015 so not a lot of history but so far so good. The loans I invest in are generally for a 12 Month term. Several have paid back and I reinvest in others.
by highercall
Wed Mar 29, 2017 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Balanced Index Fund In Retirement?
Replies: 20
Views: 5706

Re: Vanguard Balanced Index Fund In Retirement?

Try back testing vwelx (wellington) and vwinx (wellesley), they both outperformed balanced fund with less fluctuation.
by highercall
Fri Mar 10, 2017 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in Note funds
Replies: 23
Views: 6493

Re: Investing in Note funds

What I understand from talking with this firm, they buy packaged or large volume of notes from lenders and other sources at discounted rates. They either keep or resell the performing notes and try to reestablish the nonperforming notes and do the same with them. I understand it is potentially higher risk, however, like someone else said all markets go through cycles and have the potential for large losses. Being that the stock and bond markets have been on the rise for many years, (I know the Bogelhead philosophy is to invest at all times) and ride the ups and downs. I ran across this investment and appreciate your thoughts. It appears that all who have replied would think this investment is at a much higher risk than keeping with an asset...
by highercall
Thu Mar 09, 2017 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in Note funds
Replies: 23
Views: 6493

Re: Investing in Note funds

aristotelian wrote:Never heard of it. Do you have a link?
pprnoteco.com
by highercall
Thu Mar 09, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in Note funds
Replies: 23
Views: 6493

Investing in Note funds

Anybody have any experience with investing in note funds? It's offering a 10% return with a 3 year term? Company invests in first, second and nonperforming notes. You must be an accredited investor. Interest is paid monthly.
by highercall
Fri Feb 03, 2017 9:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Books that changed your life]
Replies: 577
Views: 72726

Re:

White Coat Investor wrote:I've read a lot of books, but "changed my life?" I can only think of a few. Matthew....Mark....Luke...John to name some of them.
1+
by highercall
Wed Jan 25, 2017 4:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Special Vanguard Fund
Replies: 17
Views: 3539

Re: A Special Vanguard Fund

Happy Birthday Taylor. Trust you will have many more.

Vanguard Total Stock Market Fund. :)
by highercall
Mon Jan 09, 2017 2:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wells Fargo corp bond
Replies: 8
Views: 972

Re: Wells Fargo corp bond

viscx has a yield of 3.45% and duration of 6.5 years. Any reason not to use that?
by highercall
Mon Dec 05, 2016 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is best health ministry for health insurance?
Replies: 25
Views: 4078

Re: What is best health ministry for health insurance?

I have had Medishare for 17 years and am very pleased with them. I had been very healthy most of my life playing tennis and biking weekly. Four years ago I got very sick and after many tests was diagnosed with lyme disease. I went through extensive treatment and thankfully am much better. However I accumulated a lot of medical bills during the past four years . Medishare was very good with payment and even called me from time to time to check how I was doing. I have recommended them to several people. They do have certain requirements as being a christian based health sharing company. Their premise is that since at least 75% of all health problems are self induced by unhealthly lifestyles, they promote healthly diet, exercise and living to ...
by highercall
Tue Nov 08, 2016 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing as an Accredited Investor: Is it worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 5150

Re: Investing as an Accredited Investor: Is it worth it?

I have invested some in Peerstreet and Patch of Land. So far (about 6 months) I have been pleased with both. Some loans have been paid off and I reinvested in other loans. POL tends to offer more loans at higher rates than Peerstreet. My average interest rate across the loans in Pol is aprox. 10.5% and Peerstreet is approx. 9.25% although the current available loans are lower. Loans are paid into my account monthly. I am somewhat cautious as it is a relatively new investment platform for investors and I have read about some loans going bad.
by highercall
Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (June 2016)
Replies: 14
Views: 2437

Re: madsinger monthly report (June 2016)

Thanks again for posting. This sounds like a broken record but once again, wellington and wellesley are hard to beat.
by highercall
Sat Apr 09, 2016 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement Portfolios
Replies: 24
Views: 5515

Re: Retirement Portfolios

What about Vanguard's Balanced Fund...can't get much simpler than that.
by highercall
Sat Mar 19, 2016 9:02 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!
Replies: 275
Views: 82858

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!

I hope to be retiring no later than May 1, 2016. I wanted to retire before I turn 60 which is in August so I just made it. Much thanks to this forum, keep up the good work.
by highercall
Thu Jul 30, 2015 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on two houses
Replies: 11
Views: 2547

Re: Advice on two houses

Agree with dognose and I'm a realtor.
by highercall
Wed Jul 01, 2015 4:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Capital one bonus offer
Replies: 4
Views: 1690

Re: Capital one bonus offer

thanks for the reply, I wanted to hear from some to make sure the offer was legit.
by highercall
Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Capital one bonus offer
Replies: 4
Views: 1690

Capital one bonus offer

Anyone investing in the Capital One bonus offer of up to $500 for new accounts?
https://home.capitalone360.com/referafriend?save
by highercall
Thu May 28, 2015 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: All cash now ($1M) - need advice on entering this lofty market
Replies: 96
Views: 15111

Re: All cash now ($1M) - need advice on entering this lofty market

I'm in the same boat as you but aren't you trying to time the market getting in. How much does it have to drop to make you feel comfortable to get back in. No matter how much it falls the "noise" says it's going lower and I listened to the "noise" and watched it go back up to the level today.
by highercall
Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "3 Ways to Cut Your Investment Tax Bill"
Replies: 7
Views: 1750

Re: "3 Ways to Cut Your Investment Tax Bill"

A good reminder, thanks for posting Taylor.

Happy Easter to all!