Search found 106 matches
- Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Please Help With 401k Allocation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1010
Please Help With 401k Allocation
My 401k is ~40% of overall net worth, I left my old job and never got around to moving my 401k to new employer. Should I keep that money in old 401k plan? And if so do you think I should reallocate existing funds? Or should I move the money to my new 401k plan? What do you think of the investment choices in new plan? Any comments on which funds to choose? Other things I should consider? I'm 40yr old with 3 elementary aged kids. Wife and I both work and max out 401k each year. This is solely my 401k plan and have no intention to retire early (another 15 years minimum). Old 401k ~40% of NW SSgA Us Bond Index Fund - 26% SSGA S&P 500 Index Fund - 63% UBS Small Cap Growth Equity Fund - 11% Available Funds: * this also plan offers the standar...
- Mon Apr 04, 2022 10:53 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 878
Re: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
Why would the construction loan process drag this out "significantly", rather than just for the time you need to have the loan approved? And why does this mean the builder has to do a lot of his own financing, vs. if you were paying him without having a construction loan? Wouldn't he be paid in several steps as the work progresses, perhaps having someone check that the progress is as planned before releasing the "next check"? The way the official construction loan works means we are constantly waiting on the bank to release the funds, numerous stops/checks and what not. Yes the builder would get paid as the work progresses but can't get stuff for the following stages and move forward with the project. I've spoken with s...
- Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 878
Re: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
Thanks for the feedback, here are some details. if you need more specifics pls let me know
- early/mid 40's couple with 3 kids (10, 7, 5)
- retirement accounts are maxed out every year and wife is eligible for a pension
- 529s are in ok shape, taxable account should be higher but we took a bit of a bath when we had to sell our previous home just at the beg of the pandemic (long story)
- DW and I are fairly high earners, DW job is extremely stable mine less so but even then I should be able to find consulting work pretty quickly if needed
- DW has some remaining grad school debt but other than that everything is paid off
- We want to leave a buffer in our EF so thats why we are looking for other ways to finance
- early/mid 40's couple with 3 kids (10, 7, 5)
- retirement accounts are maxed out every year and wife is eligible for a pension
- 529s are in ok shape, taxable account should be higher but we took a bit of a bath when we had to sell our previous home just at the beg of the pandemic (long story)
- DW and I are fairly high earners, DW job is extremely stable mine less so but even then I should be able to find consulting work pretty quickly if needed
- DW has some remaining grad school debt but other than that everything is paid off
- We want to leave a buffer in our EF so thats why we are looking for other ways to finance
- Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 878
Re: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
I'm going with a builder who I know, but the construction loan process will draw out the length of the project significantly. Also if I go the construction loan process it really means that the builder has to do a lot of the financing on his own to keep the project moving.
Based upon the size of the lot, what other homes go for in the area and the build that we are going to do that the home will appraise post renovation
Based upon the size of the lot, what other homes go for in the area and the build that we are going to do that the home will appraise post renovation
- Mon Apr 04, 2022 7:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Financing a Home Build / Renovation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 878
Financing a Home Build / Renovation
I've purchased home before but currently in a rental - I've identified a lot but the home is a tear down so I'm trying to figure out the best way to pay for the build. Would welcome any thoughts on my approach - Buy the home with as little money down as possible and possibly an interest only loan to keep payments as low as possible while I'm carrying 2 places - I probably have enough cash on hand to do the renovation but I don't want to deplete my savings either. - I'm looking into some personal lines of credit, home depot credit cards to cover a good chunk of the costs - Then after the build is done, the home should appraise for 2x what we paid for, I'll refinance my home take out some of that equity to pay back any other lines of credit o...
- Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Advice on ~$1,500 "gaming laptop"
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1833
Re: Advice on ~$1,500 "gaming laptop"
Don't worry about the size of the hard drive - just make sure it's solid state and you'll be fine
- Mon Nov 22, 2021 7:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How Much Do Bogleheads Spend on Cell Phones?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 4959
How Much Do Bogleheads Spend on Cell Phones?
I spent $500 on my current phone ~ 4 years ago, at the time it had the top specs on the market. It's an android phone and the battery is on its last legs.
I'm a heavy phone user - its my camera, planner, GPS, communication device etc and I'm looking for black friday deal but an equivalent phone is now ~$900. On one hand since I don't replace them too often and the amount I use it, I'm thinking to "splurge". Its basically a personal computer and the amount I spend isn't going to impact me one way or another. But on the other hand, I think thats a lot of money to spend on a cell phone.
What say you - how much do you spend on cell phones and how long do you keep them?
I'm a heavy phone user - its my camera, planner, GPS, communication device etc and I'm looking for black friday deal but an equivalent phone is now ~$900. On one hand since I don't replace them too often and the amount I use it, I'm thinking to "splurge". Its basically a personal computer and the amount I spend isn't going to impact me one way or another. But on the other hand, I think thats a lot of money to spend on a cell phone.
What say you - how much do you spend on cell phones and how long do you keep them?
- Mon Nov 15, 2021 11:30 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to tell recruiter that base salary is not in line with market
- Replies: 38
- Views: 5346
Re: How to tell recruiter that base salary is not in line with market
others here give good advice, recruiters need to know (and good ones should already know) what the market value is.
I've even told hiring managers / recruiters "you should be cautious of the candidate who would be willing to accept this role at that salary. they likely don't have the experience, skills, qualifications to be effective in this position"
I've even told hiring managers / recruiters "you should be cautious of the candidate who would be willing to accept this role at that salary. they likely don't have the experience, skills, qualifications to be effective in this position"
- Tue Nov 02, 2021 9:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Payoff Student Loan vs Fund Kids 529
- Replies: 6
- Views: 709
Payoff Student Loan vs Fund Kids 529
DW has ~$30k left in student loans at a pretty low rate of 1.65% We have 3 kids (9, 7, 4) each with about $40k saved in their 529s. We've maxed out our tax advantaged 529 contributions for 2021 so this is really a question for 2022.
If you had the $30k laying around in cash would you pay off the loans? Or give each kid $10k in their 529?
If you had the $30k laying around in cash would you pay off the loans? Or give each kid $10k in their 529?
- Tue Nov 02, 2021 9:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Time to switch jobs?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1312
Re: Time to switch jobs?
Its always a good time to switch jobs, think of yourself as a free agent.
My 2 cents, there are 3 things that matter in a job
- do you like what you do
- are you ok with the path/trajectory for career growth
- are you ok with the pay
My 2 cents, there are 3 things that matter in a job
- do you like what you do
- are you ok with the path/trajectory for career growth
- are you ok with the pay
- Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sleep Issues - Staying Asleep
- Replies: 5
- Views: 814
Sleep Issues - Staying Asleep
I fall asleep very easily, but can't always stay asleep - between the hours of 4 and 6am I find myself staring at the ceiling. Anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this?
I'm 39 years old and pretty healthy - exercise regularly and eat right. My bed/bedding isn't the issue nor is the temperature in the room. I've got reasonable sleep habits overall and don't stare at my phone while in bed (although sometimes after its been an hour or so I cave in). Yes life is hectic and there is a lot on my mind, but that's life.
Any tricks to staying asleep? Or get back to sleep quickly if you wake up?
I'm 39 years old and pretty healthy - exercise regularly and eat right. My bed/bedding isn't the issue nor is the temperature in the room. I've got reasonable sleep habits overall and don't stare at my phone while in bed (although sometimes after its been an hour or so I cave in). Yes life is hectic and there is a lot on my mind, but that's life.
Any tricks to staying asleep? Or get back to sleep quickly if you wake up?
- Wed Oct 06, 2021 2:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?
- Replies: 113
- Views: 12491
Re: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?
Yes you can afford it, but I would be very cautious. More than anything I think its advisable to rent for a bit.
You don't have kids (yet) so why do you need $1.2m on a house in SC? Maybe sell the house in Austin, and put the money to cash. Then rent for 6months and make sure this is really the house/place/amount you want
You don't have kids (yet) so why do you need $1.2m on a house in SC? Maybe sell the house in Austin, and put the money to cash. Then rent for 6months and make sure this is really the house/place/amount you want
- Fri Sep 24, 2021 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thoughts on taking 2 Jobs Simultaneously.. implications for background check in the future?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 12624
Re: Thoughts on taking 2 Jobs Simultaneously.. implications for background check in the future?
Honestly no offense intended, but Foolhardy doesn’t even begin to describe this. Unless you get an OK in writing from both places. It’s in your own best interests to get some corporate ethics training ASAP. Barring that, read the book Why They Do It, about white collar criminals and how they end up in serious trouble by not thinking things through. Also: will you sign up for benefits at both places? I think getting two sets of medical is insurance fraud. what do you think your bank will do when two paychecks start entering your account? what do you think the IRS will do when it sees two sets of tax withholdings? if you take out a loan and misstate your income (up or down), pretty sure that’s fraud. Nothing could be worth the consequences o...
- Fri Sep 10, 2021 9:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Non-Financial Housing Considerations
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2544
Re: Non-Financial Housing Considerations
Lot is preference and your lifestyle but some things we've realized over the years
- good mudroom/drop zone for when you enter the house
- good storage throughout
- open kitchen/family room (not for everyone)
- Laundry upstairs (+1 I'd you have kids)
- def want a house that ventilates well, but also make sure it's insulated well. Good balance here is key
- non fancy finishes (don't need a soaking tub in the master br that I'll never use)
- usable outdoor space
- try to avoid busy (double yellow) roads
- good mudroom/drop zone for when you enter the house
- good storage throughout
- open kitchen/family room (not for everyone)
- Laundry upstairs (+1 I'd you have kids)
- def want a house that ventilates well, but also make sure it's insulated well. Good balance here is key
- non fancy finishes (don't need a soaking tub in the master br that I'll never use)
- usable outdoor space
- try to avoid busy (double yellow) roads
- Sat Sep 04, 2021 12:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Top 3 "Life" Barriers To Getting Wealthy - #3 Often Overlookeed
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1212
Top 3 "Life" Barriers To Getting Wealthy - #3 Often Overlookeed
I think we've covered on this site that the top obstacles to weath are #1-Divorce and #2-Kids. (And I mean major life events, not frugality/spending habit). Divorce is obviously a killer but in some respects it's part of life these days. And as much as I love my kids and wouldn't give them up for anything, I'd be a lot closer to retirement without them. But I'd like to add that moving is the #3 life obstacle to wealth. The actual cost of hiring movers, any real estate commissions and getting settled into a new house can be a drain. But then there is the 3 year leading up to a home purchase where you have an internal buy-vs rent debate so you continue to rent without building equity in a home. Finally buy a place (here come more closing cost...
- Tue Aug 17, 2021 11:48 am
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: ETFs for children's scholarship fund
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4566
Re: ETFs for children's scholarship fund
Why not a 529 plan? Great way to save/invest for your children's college plans.
Most 529s also have a range of investment options but maybe put $$ in the "vehicle" (aka 529 plan) and then let that help you choose the "gas type" (aka actual investment/mutual fund/wtf)
Most 529s also have a range of investment options but maybe put $$ in the "vehicle" (aka 529 plan) and then let that help you choose the "gas type" (aka actual investment/mutual fund/wtf)
- Tue Aug 17, 2021 6:56 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career crisis and advice
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8905
Re: Career crisis and advice
How are your technical skills? Can you learn to code? There are no shortage of medical systems that work on EMRs and if you have the understanding of how to practice medicine you could be an asset to these organizations that make EMRs
Do you want to make the hospital run better? Maybe you do get an MBA focus on healthcare and then work to be an administrator in a hospital that is more about taking care of patients. An MD with an MBA is also very attractive to numerous VC / PE and related firms.
What is it that YOU want to do? And don't worry many of us are still trying to figure it out
Do you want to make the hospital run better? Maybe you do get an MBA focus on healthcare and then work to be an administrator in a hospital that is more about taking care of patients. An MD with an MBA is also very attractive to numerous VC / PE and related firms.
What is it that YOU want to do? And don't worry many of us are still trying to figure it out
- Fri Aug 13, 2021 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2175
Re: MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
Can't you apply internally for a higher level position ? I can see how all lateral moves might be "across the board" salary-wise, but you should be able to apply for and get selected for higher level openings. No ? Yes I could apply internally for a higher level position, but my current title would come with me. I understand that it seems odd, but its the way it is What are your long term goals? A bit torn on this - like I said I like what I do and can manage it. The covid/work-from-home stuff helps and is enabling me to be around more for my family (and even after covid ends I'm staying remote). So from a work life balance its great and I do enjoy that. I want to get promoted/raises (even if that seems shallow) but again I know ...
- Fri Aug 13, 2021 2:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2175
Re: MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
Yes I could apply internally for a higher level position, but my current title would come with me. I understand that it seems odd, but its the way it isBernardShakey wrote: ↑Fri Aug 13, 2021 1:59 pm Can't you apply internally for a higher level position ? I can see how all lateral moves might be "across the board" salary-wise, but you should be able to apply for and get selected for higher level openings. No ?
- Fri Aug 13, 2021 12:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2175
MegaCorp - Internal Mobility - Does it ever make sense?
Here's the deal - I like what I do, just not sure I like my job. I manage a global team, have great reviews across the board and everyone knows we add value to the organization. But I'm pretty confident that I've maxed out where I can go on the org chart. I don't really see a path upwards in the next ~2 years or even longer (I've been in my role for about 4). And my company loves to re-org all the time so who even knows what the future holds. The company loves to promote internal mobility - but they are pretty strict that there can be no change in compensation or title change as part of the move. So that means another 2 years at least of proving myself before I can even be in the discussion for promotion, and who knows what the internal pol...
- Tue Aug 10, 2021 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Burned out and need reality check financially
- Replies: 80
- Views: 13864
Re: Burned out and need reality check financially
From a retirement standpoint I think you'll be fine, but healthcare costs might be a bit unknown.
But from a burned out standpoint .... could you "step back" a bit? Is there any way you can ease of the gas? For the past year I was definitely getting burned out at work 12-14 hour days and really 'trying'. It was frustrating and then my wife finally convinced me that I was killing myself, taking on work from others just to help people out etc etc etc.
So now I treat this more of a job, a means to the end. I actually like what I do but not sure I love the job - so this approach has helped with my mental state
But from a burned out standpoint .... could you "step back" a bit? Is there any way you can ease of the gas? For the past year I was definitely getting burned out at work 12-14 hour days and really 'trying'. It was frustrating and then my wife finally convinced me that I was killing myself, taking on work from others just to help people out etc etc etc.
So now I treat this more of a job, a means to the end. I actually like what I do but not sure I love the job - so this approach has helped with my mental state
- Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Income Generating Ideas
- Replies: 59
- Views: 6019
Re: Income Generating Ideas
work life balance + pension are very nice perks that shouldn't be discounted. Don't get too down on your salary because you definitely need to factor in in those 2. Also if you start a side gig it will likely cut into the work life "compensation" of gig #1.
That being said I'm in a similar boat to you and will be following this thread closely....
That being said I'm in a similar boat to you and will be following this thread closely....
- Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Carseats for Baby
- Replies: 52
- Views: 3600
Re: Carseats for Baby
Honestly you can't go wrong - just make sure you get one with a stroller adapter that can fit into your stroller of choice.
Also, I'm convinced there is no bigger scam than the baby product market. You stand there browsing the car seat aisle at Buy Buy Baby / Target and you think to yourself "wow if I don't get the most expensive car seat then I don't care about the safety of my child". Or at least that was me with my first and second child. But honestly these car seats are so rigorously tested in the US that I really don't think you can go wrong with any brand (Chicco, Graco, Britax ....) just look for one that is not too bulky and fits your needs.
Also, I'm convinced there is no bigger scam than the baby product market. You stand there browsing the car seat aisle at Buy Buy Baby / Target and you think to yourself "wow if I don't get the most expensive car seat then I don't care about the safety of my child". Or at least that was me with my first and second child. But honestly these car seats are so rigorously tested in the US that I really don't think you can go wrong with any brand (Chicco, Graco, Britax ....) just look for one that is not too bulky and fits your needs.
- Mon Jul 19, 2021 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying a Home With an Easement - Any Concerns?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3532
Re: Buying a Home With an Easement - Any Concerns?
Is there actually a drainage swale, concrete channel, underground stormwater pipe, etc. within this drainage easement? Or was the easement just dedicated on the original subdivision plat but never used? So it turns out there are actually 2 easements. - One is a high pressured gas line that was built in the 1950's (before the house was built), the gas company also has a right of way - The 'drainage easement' is actually because there is a creek nearby that may have ran through this lot. Also about 50 years ago they diverted this part of the creek through an underground pipe that runs through the property. The easement spans 15 total feet (7.5ft into this property and 7.5ft into the adjacent property). In the 30 years that the current seller...
- Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying a Home With an Easement - Any Concerns?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3532
Buying a Home With an Easement - Any Concerns?
Finally found a house / lot that we like, but it turns out there is a drainage easement on the side of the property. House isn't in a flood zone or anything of the sorts. A bit concerned but not sure if I should be or if there are other questions I should ask.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
- Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Adjustable Desk (Sit/stand desk)
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1720
Re: Adjustable Desk (Sit/stand desk)
Yes we have 2 here. I would recommend buying the frame and table top separately, its significantly cheaper this way.
I purchased these and I'd buy even more because they are great. A bit more than some alternatives, but I do recommend the dual motor.
https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Ergonomic-A ... B08GNRS8BJ
Then you can choose your own top, you can even go to home depot and get something very cheap but I got this top
https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture- ... B0049FSDA6
For <$350 you can get a quality product with this approach (Steelcase or other high-end desks can easily cost close to $1k)
I purchased these and I'd buy even more because they are great. A bit more than some alternatives, but I do recommend the dual motor.
https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Ergonomic-A ... B08GNRS8BJ
Then you can choose your own top, you can even go to home depot and get something very cheap but I got this top
https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture- ... B0049FSDA6
For <$350 you can get a quality product with this approach (Steelcase or other high-end desks can easily cost close to $1k)
- Fri Jul 02, 2021 6:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2373
Re: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
Agreed it's not a mini and it's bigger than I would have liked, but other than that it seems like a pretty solid PC
- Fri Jul 02, 2021 3:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2373
Re: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
Thanks all I ended up with this one for $299. There is a 15 day return policy so I can return it. But to be honest I'm pretty happy so far, it's very fast, they've removed all the HP bloatware and its silent. Reasonable deal no?
https://www.microcenter.com/product/625 ... furbished)
https://www.microcenter.com/product/625 ... furbished)
- Intel Core i5 6500 3.2GHz Processor
- 16GB DDR4-2133 RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Intel HD Graphics 530
- Windows 10 Pro
- Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2373
Re: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
i have monitors/docking station already
look at the specs here, any reason not to buy this computer? not gaming, maybe watch netflix but this should give me more than I need no?
https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkCent ... BtfSection
look at the specs here, any reason not to buy this computer? not gaming, maybe watch netflix but this should give me more than I need no?
https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkCent ... BtfSection
- Wed Jun 30, 2021 8:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2373
Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
My 2014 Lenovo Laptop died last night and efforts to revive it are going slower than I would like. So I think I'm in the market for a new PC since I work from home and this was my primary way to connect to my work. I inherited a 2018 macbook that works fine but I'm really slow at doing my job on this computer - I've been working for 20 years on a PC and I can just navigate excel and other applications quicker on a PC. I'm looking for a new PC and I think I can get a pretty good deal on a refurbished mini-PC. Since the laptop always stays on my desk and I have monitors I thought I'd just buy a desktop and I still have the macbook if I need a laptop in a pinch. refurbished mini pc comes loaded with pretty much everything (~$300) and has a 90 ...
- Thu Jun 17, 2021 5:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
- Replies: 19
- Views: 4209
Re: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
Alright clearly I have some homework to do before I post again. Helpful still. Thanks
- Thu Jun 17, 2021 3:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
- Replies: 19
- Views: 4209
Re: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
Combined Income: $400k
Savings Per Year: Its not a number I've calculated (sadly). We both max out pre-tax contributions, save as much in the EF/Downpayment fund and try to put what we can to the 529s
Where do I want to be: Again something I've never thought about. My parents retired around 68 and are loving the retired life. They worked hard, were pretty frugal too but ideally I'd like to retire a few years earlier than they did
- Thu Jun 17, 2021 3:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
- Replies: 19
- Views: 4209
How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
Approaching #40 and a bit anxious that I'm not far enough along. We made a decision to move pre-pandemic and then had to sell our home in less than ideal conditions. Took a bath, had to liquidate some stuff and currently renting while we save cash for the next home. Live in VHCOL, have 3 kids (9, 7, 4) who go to public school. Wife's job is very stable, mine less so but its not too bad (yet). My wife probably thinks we spend too much, our friends probably consider us frugal and I think we have a good balance. His 401k: $505k Her 403B: $620k 529: $90k (~30k/each) Her Pension: ~$45k/year (still a few more years until she is eligible) Cash/EF/Downpayment: $420K Real Estate: $50k in a syndicated housing situation Debt: $800/month few years of s...
- Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: pricing our house?
- Replies: 155
- Views: 22971
gips - any luck
wife and I are looking for a large house in bergen county - feel free to email me if you have any specifics you feel comfortable sharing imthatguybbi@gmail
- Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anybody use a percussion massage device?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3330
- Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anybody use a percussion massage device?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3330
Percussive Massage Gun
[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek]
Getting old sucks - I stretch a good amount but have been thinking about getting one of these massage guns. Does anyone have one? And which brand? Theragun is $400 but that seems pretty steep when there are tons on Amazon for around $100.
Thoughts?
Getting old sucks - I stretch a good amount but have been thinking about getting one of these massage guns. Does anyone have one? And which brand? Theragun is $400 but that seems pretty steep when there are tons on Amazon for around $100.
Thoughts?
- Fri Nov 20, 2020 6:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: WIFI mesh - Orbi or Google
- Replies: 47
- Views: 4176
Re: WIFI mesh - Orbi or Google
Been using Google WiFi for about 4 years and it's been great. Super easy setup
- Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Favorite Non-Traditional Exercise Equipment
- Replies: 1
- Views: 471
Favorite Non-Traditional Exercise Equipment
Looking to see all the non-traditional exercise equipment that everyone uses and what they recommend.
I use one of these Gyro Spinners and its perfect while I'm on calls and what not. I also have a weight vest that I use somewhat frequently. I think I want a balance board for my standing desk - any recommendations?
What's your favorite piece of non-traditional exercise equipment?
I use one of these Gyro Spinners and its perfect while I'm on calls and what not. I also have a weight vest that I use somewhat frequently. I think I want a balance board for my standing desk - any recommendations?
What's your favorite piece of non-traditional exercise equipment?
- Thu Oct 08, 2020 6:30 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Would you rather be the richest or poorest person in town?
- Replies: 109
- Views: 10111
Would you rather be the richest or poorest person in town?
Choosing between 2 towns and trying to figure out where to live. Obviously the title is a bit of hyperbole because I don't think we'd be the richest or poorest. Maybe it's really a question of "does the town you grow up have an impact on you"? Married with 3 kids - wife and I do well (by our standards) but we just aren't sure where to live Town A - smaller/older homes and to be honest it's just a town that's not pretty to look at. Schools are very good, reasonable taxes and everyone that we meet is very laid back and good people. I can probably get a good sized (and newer) home for 800k but it will probably stick out a bit as most are in the 4-600k range. Town B - more affluent town also with very good schools and it's nicer to lo...
- Fri Aug 28, 2020 5:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What purchases are you planning now for the Fall/Winter to get ahead of demand?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8194
Re: What purchases are you planning now for the Fall/Winter to get ahead of demand?
Which outdoor space heater did you get?
- Wed Jun 24, 2020 7:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any Astronomy Buffs Out There?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 8180
Any Astronomy Buffs Out There?
We are very much rookies but wife and I have been looking to start stargazing with the kids. Everything I read says to get started with some good binoculars. So I'm leaning towards the Celestron - SkyMaster 25x70 and an Amazon basics tripod.
Good place to get to get started?
You all have any tips? Books? Any guidance along the way would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
Good place to get to get started?
You all have any tips? Books? Any guidance along the way would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
- Mon May 04, 2020 7:33 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How Long Should A Bed Last?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2933
How Long Should A Bed Last?
7 years ago we bought a serta memory foam (icomfort series), cost around $2k if I remember correctly. There is a big divot where I usually sleep and it's getting really uncomfortable. I think it came with a 10 or 20 year warranty so I'm going to call and see what I can do.
Just curious how long beds last for others? And if I'm in the market for a new bed what do you recommend?
Thanks
Just curious how long beds last for others? And if I'm in the market for a new bed what do you recommend?
Thanks
- Sat Apr 18, 2020 6:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bluetooth headphones with microphone recommendations?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 679
Re: Bluetooth headphones with microphone recommendations?
I'm a fan of the mpow cheetah - look them up on Amazon. Great workout headphones too that always stay in place.
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1022
Re: Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
Current home value may be less than we paid. Neighborhood home prices in general appear to be flat and/or trending downwards
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1022
Re: Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
Likely bothLittleGreenSoldiers wrote: ↑Mon Feb 24, 2020 9:51 pm Are you speaking of a loss from your purchase price or what you think the house should be worth after what you put it in?
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 9:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1022
Sell home for a loss / Or rent it out
Follow up to a previous thread about moving - what to do about our current townhome in Chicago. We've been here 3 years it's a good neighborhood with a good nearby school. We put some $ into the kitchen and other areas too. Even if we bought at the price we paid, we would take a hit and home prices don't seem to be trending upwards. Should we rent it out or just take the loss and be done with it? We would likely generate a positive overall cashflow, but if we want to buy another place we would need the cash from this place. Do we rent it out for a year or two while we try and find another place and become landlords? Should we just take the loss and be done with it? Is there a mathematical way to look at it - if we rent it out for 2 years an...
- Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 8276
Re: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
Yeah this was also a big factor into it. It would be nice to take vacations - as it is now our "vacations" seem rushed because we are running around to see as much family as possible
Looks like we are doing this. Thanks all for the advice
- Sun Feb 23, 2020 3:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 8276
- Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 8276
Re: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
Yea I hear ya, but right now I'm in Chicago. Schools, violence, tax situation etc - it ain't all rosy hear either
- Sun Feb 23, 2020 9:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 8276
Relocating back east / Fair Lawn, NJ / Are we crazy?
We have 3 kids (ages 8, 5 & 3) and moved out to the Midwest 7 years ago. We are somewhat settled but it has never quite felt like home, we are both east coasters and left all of our friends and family behind. And even when we moved here we always said that we could move back. The stars have aligned employment wise and now we have the opening so at least we'll both be employed and could make this work better than anytime in the past. We realize the cost involved (might take a bath on our house), traffic/congestion, lifestyle change and everything - but kinda feel like this would be the easiest logistical time to make this move. Someone give me a sign that this is the right move? Cousins will all be closer, family/friends closer, the only...