Search found 1114 matches

by MDfan
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maintaining a new Global Entry membership (USA)
Replies: 20
Views: 1681

Re: Maintaining a new Global Entry membership (USA)

Not sure why you would need to update anything until renewal time. I retired last Fall but don't plan on updating anything with regard to Global Entry until it's time to renew in 4 years or so.
by MDfan
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I saw it I think 3 or 4 times in 1981. I think it played for four straight months at one of the movie theaters. … and that’s what makes horse races. I vividly remember being depressed watching that film, which to my mind had ONLY ONE redeeming moment (where Harrison Ford shrugged his shoulders and used his pistol). I thought at the time that it was the end of good films in theaters, and I’m not sure that I was mistaken. Films have pandered to 12 year old boys since. I tried watching an Indiana Jones film once. Not sure now which one. After the first ten or fifteen minutes I found the cartoonish violence repulsive. I turned it off and never went back. Wow. "Repulsive" is a pretty strong word for Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may be ...
by MDfan
Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

tenkuky wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:11 pm
TheTimeLord wrote: Thu Apr 20, 2023 10:16 pm "Bullet Train"
Free DVD from public library.
Absolutely loved it. :beer
Quick paced, jokes flying, carnage.
What's not to love?
Guy Ritchie-esque.
And who doesn't love Thomas the Tank Engine? :P
Bullet Train was a very pleasant surprise given the reviews when it came out. Really enjoyed it.
by MDfan
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) One of my favorite all time movies. Cannot believe it has been 43 years since its release. I recall seeing it at a theatre in the summer of 1981, the memory is still vivid. I saw it I think 3 or 4 times in 1981. I think it played for four straight months at one of the movie theaters. … and that’s what makes horse races. I vividly remember being depressed watching that film, which to my mind had ONLY ONE redeeming moment (where Harrison Ford shrugged his shoulders and used his pistol). I thought at the time that it was the end of good films in theaters, and I’m not sure that I was mistaken. Films have pandered to 12 year old boys since. I tried watching an Indiana Jones film once. Not sure now which one. Aft...
by MDfan
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
Replies: 54
Views: 4713

Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?

NYC is about as normal as possible. We've been up there 4-5 times in the past 3 years with no issues. We've done everything we've wanted to do. Personally, I haven't thought about Covid in at least a year or more. Until now.
by MDfan
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12273

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

DoubleComma wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:11 pm
MDfan wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:54 pm All of this is why I never feel bad attending the 90-minute presentations, saying no (repeatedly), and taking their gifts.
There isn’t a gift worth enough that I would give 90 min to a timeshare presentation. Did it once, 20 years ago, when I was much younger and much poorer. Wasn’t worth it then and not worth it now.

We are offered the $299-$499 5 nights/6 day in Hawaii, Palm Desert, Scottsdale, or Orlando every single month. Sure that is a cheap accommodations, but it could be free and I’m not going not giving 2min of my time to these disgusting industry.
We did it in Vegas and Sedona. Got a Ruth’s Chris dinner in Vegas and two free nights in a nice Hyatt resort in Sedona. Didn’t bother me at all to say no.
by MDfan
Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12273

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

All of this is why I never feel bad attending the 90-minute presentations, saying no (repeatedly), and taking their gifts.
by MDfan
Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16732

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

VanityPlate wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:22 pm $419. Redeemed and then cancelled the card. Trying to reduce/simplify and realized that we weren't spending that much on gas. I have amex Gold, which is great for restaurants and get 2% back at Costco with my Fidelity Visa.
We just direct deposited almost $1200. Easy to do on the Citi website. We use the card for all gas, restaurant and travel purchases.
by MDfan
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 187
Views: 20516

Re: What is your favorite book?

vnatale wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:53 pm
MoonOrb wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:08 pm
11/22/63 by Stephen King
You are the only other person I have "met" who has also read that excellent book.

Did you see the TV series, which was also quite good?

Excellent companion to the book.


Really enjoyed the book. Thought the Hulu series was just ok.

The best fiction book I have ever read is a spy thriller by Allan Folsom - The Day After Tomorrow. Non-stop action from beginning to end and maybe the only book I have ever read that really was hard to put down.
by MDfan
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699623

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Just rewatched the whole season of Freaks and Geeks on Hulu. Still, by far, the best show ever made about high school.
by MDfan
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of buying a Nissan Armada!
Replies: 29
Views: 1987

Re: Talk me out of buying a Nissan Armada!

Seems like a really bad reason to buy a car.
by MDfan
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mark Zoril from PlanVision
Replies: 221
Views: 34399

Re: Mark Zoril from PlanVision

Hi all, I'm looking for a financial planner and have heard great things about Mark Zoril (from PlanVision) here, but have also heard from others that his meetings could be brief and doesn't provide in-depth analysis/recommendation. I'm looking for a planner who can provide guidance/advice on the below topics: - I have a mix of: cash, 401k from different companies, Roth IRA, taxable investments: bonds, individual company stocks, Vanguard mutual funds, etc) - How to best invest a sizable amount of cash (It has been just sitting in my checking account but I'm looking for advice on how to invest it smartly while still able to liquidate when I need it for down payment for a home purchase in the next couple years) - Review all my retirement acco...
by MDfan
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5432

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

$7k - $8k for hearing aids seems insane for the average person with mild-moderate hearing loss.
by MDfan
Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?
Replies: 44
Views: 3956

Re: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?

The only thing I use a debit card for is ATMs, but that is very rare because I use credit cards for 99% of my purchases and have little need for cash.
by MDfan
Tue Jan 30, 2024 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice with credit card debt while traveling.
Replies: 27
Views: 2337

Re: Advice with credit card debt while traveling.

I think I agree with the others. Don't go unless you have to, or unless someone else is footing part of the bill.
by MDfan
Tue Jan 30, 2024 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?
Replies: 100
Views: 10212

Re: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?

Just retired at 62. Play pickleball for 2 hours twice a week. Play golf and walk 18 holes at least twice a week when the weather cooperates. Walk 3-4 miles outside a few times a week when the weather is good. I also have a Hydrow rower that I use 3-4 times a week. And bought a Tonal digital weight machine last year that is the best purchase we have ever made. Use it for weight training 3 times a week and for flexibility and mobility workouts (some specifically geared to golf).
by MDfan
Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)
Replies: 40
Views: 4847

Re: how do you like living in Columbus, Ohio (and practicing as a hospitalist)

Visited Columbus last summer for a concert at Ohio Stadium and was very pleasantly surprised. Really nice downtown, some great neighborhoods like Short North and German Village, and very walkable. Ate at a few very good restaurants and it was just a great vibe with the college campus there. Headed back in a couple of weeks for a bball game.
by MDfan
Sun Jan 28, 2024 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...
Replies: 58
Views: 5519

Re: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...

Both parks are insanely crowded. The weather is pretty bad in the Smokies 9 or 10 months of the year. Go to Yosemite but just be prepared for the crowds. If you really want to go backpacking, go to one of the many dozen national forests and have a much better time. How is the weather "pretty bad" in the Smoky Mountains 9-10 months of the year? That is simply not true at all. There are one or two months of nice weather each in the spring and fall. The winter is very cold and the summer is hot and humid. 9 months or so of the year the weather is awful. I live very close by and have been dozens of times on multi-overnight backpacking trips. I guarantee I know far more about the park and weather patterns than you do. My point is that...
by MDfan
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house
Replies: 21
Views: 2178

Re: Anything Besides Facebook Marketplace? Sell Unwanted Stuff Around the house

We just give most stuff way on the free Facebook sites. It's just not worth it to me to to haggle with people for old items that might net me $20 or so. Even bigger pieces of furniture are worth next to nothing these days and I'd rather just give it to someone who might be able to use it.
by MDfan
Sat Jan 27, 2024 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699623

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

We figured out how to watch "The Bear". Watched Season 1 in one sitting and the next night 2:1-5. Really well done. Love the shots of Chicago, used to spend several days a week there and ate at a number of Beef/Hot Dog stands. Nothing quite like the sight of a beef being wrapped up on sandwich paper. Ed I have to say that I'm a little disappointed in The Bear. The acting is excellent, but I'm not loving the writing or the storyline. We just finished Season 1 and will watch Season 2 to see how it progresses. I thought season 2 was much better than season 1. I did, too. But both seasons were fantastic television. I think Emmy voters agreed. Also really enjoying the new season of Fargo. Kind of getting back to its roots after a coup...
by MDfan
Sat Jan 27, 2024 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is paying off a 2.99% mortgage always a bad idea?
Replies: 332
Views: 24979

Re: Is paying off a 2.99% mortgage always a bad idea?

I know the general consensus, around here at least, is not to do it, but please review my situation and let me know your thoughts. Sorry for some rambling at the end, if you make it that far. Wife and I are both 38 Total $1,397k portfolio excluding $49k in a 529 account. 80/20 3-fund portfolio $573k in tax-deferred (traditional) retirement accounts $233k in tax-free (Roth) retirement accounts $572k in taxable investments and/or savings $19k in HSA $1,397k total portfolio Household gross income is $216k. I make $178k and my wife makes $38k (part-time) One child, age 6. No more coming. $49k in a 529 account. Mortgage is $283k remaining on a 30-year fixed at 2.99% Home value approximately $450k With our portfolio at an all-time high and marke...
by MDfan
Fri Jan 26, 2024 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...
Replies: 58
Views: 5519

Re: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...

Wow. That's amazing. And something I could never in a million years consider doing.
by MDfan
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
Replies: 52
Views: 5642

Re: Verizon Wireless price increase

With all the low cost options available, I think a good rule of thumb is that if you are paying more than $15/month for cell service, your doing it wrong. We like Verizon and had really poor luck/service when we tried TMobile. Don't mind paying for things I like. And it's way more than $15/month. We also keep our adult kids on our plan (they pay but it's cheaper for them this way). T-Mobile doesn't have great coverage in 100% of areas. Same is true for Verizon and AT&T but probably better overall coverage than T-Mobile. Red Pocket uses Verizon(or any carrier of your choice). $15/month. No reason to pay more. If you are interested in paying a lot less for the same thing, you can buy the plan from Red Pocket's E-bay store cheaper(than th...
by MDfan
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
Replies: 52
Views: 5642

Re: Verizon Wireless price increase

TravellingTechOnFire wrote: Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:53 am With all the low cost options available, I think a good rule of thumb is that if you are paying more than $15/month for cell service, your doing it wrong.
We like Verizon and had really poor luck/service when we tried TMobile. Don't mind paying for things I like. And it's way more than $15/month. We also keep our adult kids on our plan (they pay but it's cheaper for them this way).
by MDfan
Thu Jan 25, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...
Replies: 58
Views: 5519

Re: Yosemite vs Smokies vs ...

88Mike wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:57 pm Both parks are insanely crowded. The weather is pretty bad in the Smokies 9 or 10 months of the year. Go to Yosemite but just be prepared for the crowds. If you really want to go backpacking, go to one of the many dozen national forests and have a much better time.
How is the weather "pretty bad" in the Smoky Mountains 9-10 months of the year? That is simply not true at all.
by MDfan
Wed Jan 24, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 13135

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

We basically withdraw what we need to pay our bills each month and then extra when we want to take bigger vacations (or have a bigger expense like a car). No strategy other than take out what we need. All those calculations were done before retirement so I know we have enough to do it this way.
by MDfan
Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lancaster PA trip
Replies: 68
Views: 7903

Re: Lancaster PA trip

shunkman wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:43 am
White Oak wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 10:53 pm
shunkman wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:54 pm
White Oak wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:16 pm A few ideas:

Sight and Sound Theater

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Hershey Park isn't too far

Shopping at the Rockvale outlets
The Rockvale outlets are in a severe decline.
Okay, it has been a while since I've been there. Are the Tanger Outlets also in decline?
No, the Tanger Outlets seem to be doing much better.



I would think the last thing you'd want to do with kids that age is shop.
by MDfan
Mon Jan 15, 2024 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Random Poster wrote: Sun Jan 14, 2024 3:18 pm
LadyGeek wrote: Sun Jan 14, 2024 10:31 am Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV, rated R, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, 2023, crime / drama / history, 3 h 26 m long. When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

A very good drama, well acted. This movie won a ton of awards. I liked it - but the movie could have been shorter.
Saw it last night.

3.5 hours of watching Leonardo DiCaprio being dumb is about 3 hours too long.

The movie is good, but it could have been excellent if it were about an hour shorter.

Excellent movie.
by MDfan
Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands
Replies: 33
Views: 4011

Re: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands

Five days in Rome may be too long. Unless you are visiting relatives in Amsterdam that choice makes little sense. A few years ago we did a similar trip but after Venice we took a nice train ride through the alps to Munich but we spent about five days in Germany then flew back from there. Be aware that the Olympics are in Paris this summer so avoid flight connections there is you can. That's what I was thinking. We spent 3 days in Rome and felt that it was more than enough to see everything. Also think a day or two in Venice is more than enough. Personally, I'd spend les time in Rome and Venice and do a few days in Florence. Florence was easily our favorite of the 3. Our kids were little older when we went the fits time. But there are day t...
by MDfan
Sat Jan 13, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV
Replies: 71
Views: 8118

Re: Family of 4 debating 3 row SUV

Family of 4 here with both kids in car seats. We recently purchased a Toyota Grand Highlander - it comes in a Gas or Hybrid drivetrain. We are very happy with the car so far and value the flexibility to have additional seating OR storage. Also, 2nd row could be captain chairs or bench. We opted for the bench seating with the armrest divider. I would definitely look at the Grand Highlander or maybe the Hyundai Palisade. The Grand Highlander is basically the lower end version of the Lexus TX with most of the same features. And about $10k less. We are choosing between those two now although we don’t have small kids. Just like the extra room. The Palisade gives you a ton of features that you have to pay extra for in other cars. And comes with ...
by MDfan
Fri Jan 12, 2024 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?
Replies: 94
Views: 15630

Re: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?

rkhusky wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 12:39 pm
MDfan wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:48 am
soretired wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 11:59 pm I've had NO issues with the Schwab website.
Same. Certainly never felt "horrified" by it. Very strange use of words.
Same language others use to describe Vanguard’s and Fidelity’s websites. And many other mundane things in life (eg horrified that someone would wear white after Labor Day or horrified that someone would put ketchup on steak)
"Horrified" seems quite strong for those things.
by MDfan
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?
Replies: 94
Views: 15630

Re: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?

soretired wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 11:59 pm I've had NO issues with the Schwab website.
Same. Certainly never felt "horrified" by it. Very strange use of words.
by MDfan
Sat Dec 30, 2023 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:29 am DW & I went to the movie theater and saw "The Men in the Boat." We both thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's "The Boys in the Boat." And I agree it was very good. Also, I have heard nothing but great things about The Iron Claw and am looking forward to seeing it next week.
by MDfan
Sat Dec 30, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085724

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

jjunk wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 12:24 pm
vnatale wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 3:38 pm
Dan999 wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:39 am Watched Barbie.
Turned it off after 15 minutes.
Am I the only one who both watched it in entirety and was entertained by it from start to finish? I knew no details of it prior to watching it. That is the way I prefer it whenever I watch anything. Knowing nothing about what I am about to see. Only the bare minimum to intrigue me to watch it.
You arent alone. I saw it in the theater and loved it. Watched it again with my wife on rental and loved it again. I thought it was hilarious.
Just saw Barbie on HBO and liked it a lot. Also really enjoyed Boys in the Boat.
by MDfan
Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP - recent experiences and request for help
Replies: 17
Views: 2034

Re: TSP - recent experiences and request for help

delamer wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:45 am
MDfan wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:38 am I just retired and am having trouble seeing any good reason not to rollover all of my TSP balance to a Schwab IRA.
A lot depends on how much you need to interface with it online or via contacting customer service.

If all you are doing is rebalancing once a year and/or setting up a regular withdrawals schedule, then it seems workable.

If you are doing partial rollovers, rebalancing a lot, and/or doing irregular withdrawals, then it seems problematic.
Just thinking more of convenience of having all my $ in one place. All of our other accounts are with Schwab (wife's IRA, Inherited IRA, Roth IRAs, etc.). I have yet to hear one benefit of keeping $ in the TSP as opposed to rolling it over and having more options.
by MDfan
Sat Dec 30, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP - recent experiences and request for help
Replies: 17
Views: 2034

Re: TSP - recent experiences and request for help

I just retired and am having trouble seeing any good reason not to rollover all of my TSP balance to a Schwab IRA.
by MDfan
Sat Dec 30, 2023 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How often do you redeem your credit card cash rewards?
Replies: 102
Views: 12725

Re: How often do you redeem your credit card cash rewards?

avalpert wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:57 pm Monetize them as soon as I can (most allow automatic redemption or apply as a credit to the account) - they aren't found money, they are reduction in spending and should be put back into my accounts as quickly as possible.
This. I just don’t see any good reason not to take the statement credit each month.
by MDfan
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SUV recommendations for our 2nd car
Replies: 38
Views: 3974

Re: SUV recommendations for our 2nd car

Wannaretireearly wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 11:02 am Had the palisade for 4 years. Almost 40k miles. I would but it again.
If you get close to MSRP, go for it. Take a test ride.
Only minor gripe, I’ve had to keep an eye on oil burn. But seems to be less of an issue now as the engine is properly broken in now.
We're looking at a Palisade now. Had a Sonata which was a great car. Very low maintenance. The only thing our mechanic told us is to steer clear of Mazdas because he said, in his experience, they have by far the most issues. He's a very well-resspected local mechanic that we've used for our 30 years so I'm going to follow his advice. And the interior of the Mazdas just feels cheaper to me compared to the Hyundais. Not a fan of the Mazda infotainment system, either.
by MDfan
Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's travel pants recommendation.
Replies: 76
Views: 9286

Re: Men's travel pants recommendation.

muffins14 wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:14 pm Could you elaborate on what travel pants are? I’m not familiar with the concept or what would make good ones vs bad ones.

I usually just wear normal pants when I travel, like jeans or chinos. I don’t wear suit pants or sweatpants
Same here. Didn't even know there was such a thing as travel pants. I always wear jeans or shorts.
by MDfan
Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 296
Views: 62636

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

scorcher31 wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 4:25 pm I'm planning for expenses to be about 120k per year. Planning to hit 10 mil and retire by 55.
Same ballpark expenses. Retired with way less than that at 62. But I have a FERS pension, too.
by MDfan
Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Financial news scare] Big Crash?
Replies: 20
Views: 2864

Re: Big Crash?

You lost me at Fox Business.
by MDfan
Tue Dec 19, 2023 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My car was stolen Saturday night!
Replies: 62
Views: 9578

Re: My car was stolen Saturday night!

Had a nearly brand new car stolen in the late 80s from my apartment building in DC. Police came and took a report. Never heard a word after that so I'm assuming it's not coming back.
by MDfan
Wed Dec 06, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whose is Self Insuring for Long Term Care (LTC)? I'd Like To Hear Your Plan
Replies: 202
Views: 21585

Re: Whose is Self Insuring for Long Term Care (LTC)? I'd Like To Hear Your Plan

jebmke wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:22 am In my case, self-insurance is strictly a euphemism of no insurance. I don't carve out specific assets. Our total assets are sufficient to get us into the ground, water or air. We are fortunate in that regard. My main concern at this point is that "care," however defined simply won't be available cost notwithstanding. I think that is the most likely scenario.
Same. No real plan. If we need it, we'll just use the assets we have.
by MDfan
Tue Dec 05, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699623

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Blackberry, a 3-part series. It was on AMC last month and I had DVRed it so just watched it. It was apparently made as a movie but then re-cut into a series with additional footage. I think it's now on Amazon also. My friends and I all had flip phones until we got (mostly) iPhones, so I never used a Blackberry. I had forgotten that it was a Canadian company and there's some humorous references to its home. It's a Canadian production. This series was quite well acted and showed the behind-the-scenes goings-on from the start up of the company to its amazing tech breakthroughs to getting trounced by the iPhone, peppered with a little securities fraud. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Didn't realize this. Saw the movie in the theater and i...
by MDfan
Mon Nov 27, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hey Men, what are you wearing to the gym?
Replies: 123
Views: 17950

Re: Hey Men, what are you wearing to the gym?

I wear almost all Under Armor stuff. Shirts, shorts, polos for golf, golf shorts. Very comfortable. Everything today is 40% off at UA.com so it's a great time to stock up. We have a UA outlet nearby, too.
by MDfan
Sun Nov 26, 2023 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)
Replies: 42
Views: 5419

Re: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)

Got rid of our Peloton two years ago because it just wasn't being used much. It also gave me lower back pain. I have a Hydrow (which I love and use 4 times a week) and we just purchased a Tonal last year which has been a game-changer for us. Haven't been back to a gym since 2021 and it is so much nicer to get a good workout at home. It is well worth the monthly cost to us because we use them both.
by MDfan
Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 773
Views: 146564

Alternative to Mint to track spending

[merged into existing topic - moderator prudent]

I have used Mint to track my everyday spending (debit cards, credit cards, etc.) and to be able to track monthly/yearly expenses. Lately, I have run into multiple issues and would like to switch to another app/program. What is the best place for simply tracking everyday expenses and seeing where spending is going? I am not an Excel guy so I'm looking for something else (maybe Quicken?).
by MDfan
Tue Nov 14, 2023 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pair of pricey college football tickets?
Replies: 70
Views: 8819

Re: Pair of pricey college football tickets?

TarHeel2002 wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 7:13 pm So I did buy the pair of tickets ($1250)…and another one for my son because he loves Michigan football! So far no buyers remorse…we are all VERY excited! 🏈
It's an experience you all will remember so, if you can afford it, absolutely do it. I have spent probably tens of thousands of dollars traveling to Final 4s, NCAA tournament games, conference tournament games, college bball road games, the Masters, college football games, etc. I have not regretted one of those trips.
by MDfan
Thu Nov 09, 2023 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: waiting to pay CC bill to earn interest?
Replies: 71
Views: 6868

Re: waiting to pay CC bill to earn interest?

rbd789 wrote: Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:54 am This has been my habit for years. It just happens to pay better right now :D

As soon as a statement comes out, I schedule payment for that amount a couple of business days before the due date.
So do we. I actually thought that most people do this.
by MDfan
Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help
Replies: 275
Views: 34095

Re: Buying a 120k car... yes, I need your help

TropikThunder wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2023 10:40 pm My advice: don’t ask a car question on Bogleheads. The only approved vehicle choices are a used Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, preferably early 2000’s with over 100,000 miles.

Anything more extravagant and you’re doomed to homelessness and cat food.
:D That’s funny.

I agree, though. If you want the car, buy the car. You can afford it. Don’t overthink it. If we want to buy something, or take a trip that we think is too expensive, we usually just do it. It’s why we saved all this money in the first place.