Search found 943 matches
- Fri Mar 22, 2024 7:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: PAS question re: New Advisor
- Replies: 7
- Views: 952
Re: PAS question re: New Advisor
As noted previously, protocols vary based on portfolio size, so you could also just ask what your expectations should be, either through a telcall you schedule with your PAS POC or through the secure messaging system.
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1458
Re: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise
On my last Alaska cruise I brought a DSLR with a 600 lens and was able to get some really good photos of bears fishing for salmon and other wildlife shots. Still, it's not exactly convenient to haul that kind of equipment and if I were to go again I'd probably just try using my iPhone 15 Pro Max, possibly with a small adjunct lens to further improve telephoto capability, e.g., https://www.sandmarc.com/products/telephoto-lens-edition-iphone-15-pro I wouldn't expect DSLR quality images, especially if you might want to enlarge prints, but suspect the tradeoff for convenience would be worth it. My second choice would be a bridge camera like the Sony RX10 IV, with a fixed but powerful telephoto zoom lens. Easier to carry than a DSLR body and sep...
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Alaska cruise recommendations
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2354
Re: Alaska cruise recommendations
I have cruised Alaska on Regent Seven Seas, which operates relatively smaller vessels which tend to attract few passengers accompanied by children. The vibe is resort casual, no formal nights, and pricing is largely all-inclusive. The demographic aboard tends to be older and well-travelled.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Moving in retirement.
- Replies: 29
- Views: 3614
Re: Moving in retirement.
When we moved, we considered consider both the type of home we'd move into and the wider environment where that home is located. We upsized very nearby our former home in a suburb of a major metropolitan area. The new home has a bigger lot, and the house is bigger; we outsource lawn care, handyman services, and housecleaning, which is easily done in our area but might not be so easy to arrange for in a more rural environment. The new home is better suited for aging in place, with features like a MBR shower enclosure big enough for a ramp if ever needed, extra garage spaces to allow for a ramp into the house while still having sufficient spaces left over for our vehicles, a laundry room upstairs on the same level as the MBR, room for live-in...
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
- Replies: 69
- Views: 6945
Re: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
I have been thinking about move to PAS a long time. I will most likely pass years before my wife who shows little interest in finances. The one big concern I have is the comment by someone at PAS that our portfolio will be liquidated over about 4 years to move to their recommended funds even though I have 7 figure unrealized capital gains. Is this standard practice at PAS? No, it is not standard practice to realize gains which are not going to be offset by losses. The transition to a recommended portfolio is tax-sensitive, and will balance tax implications against the fees and projected performance of your current investments as compared to the proposed portfolio. It may be suggested that your current investments are so costly and/or so li...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 2:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
- Replies: 69
- Views: 6945
Re: Sharing why we went with Vanguard PAS
I am still curious on what Vanguard PAS recommend for maintenance. Do they recommend you meet once a year or so to review? Do they just do nothing until you call them? My advisor reaches out quarterly to schedule a meeting, which is usually a video call using Teams. She proposes a day and time, but I can choose alternatives if more convenient for me. I have the option of scheduling 30 or 60-minute meetings, but have never had trouble scheduling more time if needed. She also protactively notifies me quarterly via website messaging that she has reviewed my asset allocation and whether it remains consistent with my plan in view of market movements since the last quarter, or whether adjustments are recommended. Beyond the quarterly check-in ca...
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 10:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Job title for PhD Economist Daughter
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4021
Re: Job title for PhD Economist Daughter
I agree with those who suggest leaving room for progressively more impressive titles over time, which would imply steady increases in competence and responsibilities. That's something valuable for future employment potential elsewhere. Apparent stagnation over many years is unhelpful in improving job prospects; someone who has seemingly been promoted every few years will be a potentially more attractive candidate to new employers.
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 6:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Motorized blind/shade recommendation needed
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1536
Re: Motorized blind/shade recommendation needed
I recommend Norman blinds and shades. https://normanusa.com/window-treatments/blinds/ They are more cost-effective than many alternatives and perform well. However, like all motorized blinds they require power. The most common power source is a rechargeable battery, which can last up to a year when operated a few times daily. That does require access to the motor/battery assembly at the top of the window, to connect a charging cable which plugs into a nearby AC outlet. If the window in the stairwell is very high, accessing the USB port to plug in the charging cable may be a challenge. The primary alternative is to hard-wire the motor, which will likely require an electrician. A 3rd possibility is solar power if the window orientation provid...
- Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:41 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tax Treatment Of Inherited Local Gov't Deferred Comp Account
- Replies: 2
- Views: 259
Tax Treatment Of Inherited Local Gov't Deferred Comp Account
I'd welcome insights into this with respect to an account with named individual non-spousal family member beneficiaries. That is, does the account get retitled into the names of the beneficiaries, who then take RMDs, perhaps over a maximum of 10 years? Or does the Plan Administrator distribute the accounts to the beneficiaries in full, issuing them 1099-MISC forms so that the distribution is all taxable in one year? Does it depend on Plan terms (which I have yet to be able to access)?
- Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4006
Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
I volunteer with my State Bar, and as a singer/guitarist at a local retirement community. If you join any civc, franternal. charitable, or public service organization, e.g., Freemasons, Rotary, Volunteer FD, animal shelter, etc. you'll have literally endless opportunities to support organizational activities in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes volunteers receive non-cash benefits in return for their time, as is the case with those who volunteer as Starters at my local area public golf courses - they get some amount (limited by taxation considerations) of free golf in return for their service.
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 3:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Irrigation systems (home, underground)
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1005
Re: Irrigation systems (home, underground)
They are undeniably convenient, do require seasonal maintenance, will likely result in a larger water bill, and may increase your home's value. Your lawn will probably look a lot better than those lawns around you which are not irrigated consistently. Since we watered our lawn anyway, installation of an in-ground system increased our effectiveness and improved our results while greatly reducing our level of effort, albeit at a financial cost.
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:06 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pure Insurance vs. Chubb, $1,000 Savings
- Replies: 15
- Views: 8075
Re: Pure Insurance vs. Chubb, $1,000 Savings
We went with Pure over Chubb because Pure was less expensive for essentially identical coverage. We aggregated auto, home, and umbrella coverages.
After we signed up, Pure sent a risk manager out to inspect our home to both verify size and construction details, and to offer suggestions for risk mitigation which, if implemented, might result in lower premiums, e.g. installation of an automated water leak prevention system, adding lightning protection, enhancing the alarm system with explosive gas detectors, and so on. These kinds of measures are a win-win for both homeonwer and for Pure - the homeowner gets lower premiums and Pure's risk exposure is reduced.
After we signed up, Pure sent a risk manager out to inspect our home to both verify size and construction details, and to offer suggestions for risk mitigation which, if implemented, might result in lower premiums, e.g. installation of an automated water leak prevention system, adding lightning protection, enhancing the alarm system with explosive gas detectors, and so on. These kinds of measures are a win-win for both homeonwer and for Pure - the homeowner gets lower premiums and Pure's risk exposure is reduced.
- Fri Dec 29, 2023 1:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: is finishing a garage floor recommended? sealing, epoxy, something else?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 6745
Re: is finishing a garage floor recommended? sealing, epoxy, something else?
I had my new garage floors professionally done and am pleased with the outcome. It has eliminated concrete dust which otherwise might be tracked into the house, and cleans up easily with a damp mop from time to time. Nothing has stained or damaged it yet, but I did place purpose-specific interlocking tiles down where I park my motorcycle, as deploying the centerstand would damage the epoxy, as hard as it is.
My research suggested that self-applied expoxy products were going to be much less durable and might require reapplication in as little as five years.
It looks great, and anyone seeing the garage for the first time inevitably will comment favorably about the floor's appearance.
My research suggested that self-applied expoxy products were going to be much less durable and might require reapplication in as little as five years.
It looks great, and anyone seeing the garage for the first time inevitably will comment favorably about the floor's appearance.
- Tue Nov 21, 2023 7:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Drip Coffee Machine recommendations - Simple, easy, "Super automated"
- Replies: 41
- Views: 5218
Re: Drip Coffee Machine recommendations - Simple, easy, "Super automated"
I use a Breville Smart Grinder Pro which grinds only as many beans as are needed for the number of cups you want to prepare. No need to measure out or calculate the bean quantity yourself. You just specify the number of cups of coffee you want to prepare. The grinder defaults to the last number of cups of coffee specified, so you often may not need to change any settings on it. Coupled with a Bonavita drip brewer, you'd be within your budget.
https://www.breville.com/us/en/products ... CG820BSSXL
https://bonavita.co/products/connoisseu ... fee-brewer
https://www.breville.com/us/en/products ... CG820BSSXL
https://bonavita.co/products/connoisseu ... fee-brewer
- Fri Nov 03, 2023 12:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lawyers who left the practice of law: what do you do, and how'd you get there?
- Replies: 53
- Views: 10396
Re: Lawyers who left the practice of law: what do you do, and how'd you get there?
I moved into federal law enforcement, where a legal background (I was a litigator) was a professional advantage. Early on, I did spend a few years in my agency's legal organization, but my legal background was generally incidental to most of my assignments. It likely did advantage me in connection with promotional opportunities, where competitors sometimes did not have the same credentials.
- Tue Oct 31, 2023 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Advisor Services [Portfolio help requested]
- Replies: 44
- Views: 6456
Re: Vanguard Advisor Services
It looks like a cookie cutter approach, certainly not tailored to me. ... Whenever I see the cookie-cutter comment, I always have to ask what you'd expect to be different about a plan for you vs. many other investors? Is there something unusual about your situation? As goes the quip in Monty Python's "The Life of Brian", we are all individuals - everyone in the crowd - except for that one cranky fellow, who was immediately told to shut up. With an eye towards the BH theme, one supposes that most "plans" wouldn't depart too much from a 3-fund or 4-fund index-based portfolio, with allocation percentage based on investor risk profile, retirement date and so on. However, as the level of wealth increases, it would be pleasin...
- Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?
- Replies: 117
- Views: 14773
Re: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best?
I have 3 Shark units, one for each floor, which perform well at a lower price point than their Roomba equivalents. The mapping feature allows you to exclude problematic surfaces which might trap the units, like the tracks for sliding glass doors, and the newer models return to their docks to empty themselves and to recharge as necessary before heading back out to complete their cleaning cycles. That is helpful if you have a large home with a lot of surface area needing to be covered.
- Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.
- Replies: 35
- Views: 3641
Re: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.
Check to be sure the lines aren't making contact with other conduits/pipes installed after the HVAC system by other trades.
- Mon Oct 02, 2023 1:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 5856
Re: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?
Visible cameras are a deterrent. Deterrence means just that, not an absolute preventative. If someone sees a camera, they may not care, but they also may choose a target without one, and it would be rational to assume that avoiding targets with known cameras, alarms, dogs, good lighting, and other security features is more likely than not. Cameras provide situational awareness of more mundane events occurring around your property, like amazon deliveries, the arrival of visitors, and so on. You may appreciate knowing that people are on the premises before they announce themselves at the door, if they do so at all. Eufy brand cameras provide local recording with no ongoing fees. They are powered by batteries which must be recharged periodical...
- Fri Sep 01, 2023 3:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2556
Re: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations
Consider building your trip around the various specially-designated scenic trains in Switzerland, e.g., the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Stay long enough in each village/town to have time to enjoy the atmosphere and the hiking you aim to do. One or two days in each of many stops may be less pleasant and relaxing than staying a little longer in each place, more fully exploring the many hiking routes typically available from any given alpine destination.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/ ... trips.html
https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/ ... trips.html
- Wed Aug 16, 2023 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks
- Replies: 48
- Views: 7030
Re: Electronic Door Locks / Smart Locks
Some, like Eufy, can operate within an ecosystem which can be helpful if you have other products from the same company, e.g., security cameras, smart doorbells. Most come in different form factors, operating just an existing deadbolt or replacing a lock in a lever mechanism. Other distinctions to consider include how the lock can be operated. Some use only a code entered on a touchpad, while others can use a physical key (typically meant as a back-up in case power to the lock is lost), a fingerprint, an iPhone or an Apple Watch in proximity. Many can be used with smart home integration, e.g., Alexa. Lockly offers "spy-resistant" keypads which scramble the buttons corresponding to a code so that the same button sequence isn't used ...
- Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisory Service - how does it work if you don't have 401K with Vanguard
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1187
Re: Vanguard Personal Advisory Service - how does it work if you don't have 401K with Vanguard
I enrolled a couple of days ago through my employer (vanguard via Edelman Financial Engines) without reading all of the details. Do I understand this correctly: THEY can and will manage my investments?! I don’t want that, was looking for advice only. I’m concerned that I have made a big mistake and think I should call and cancel immediately. Or, am I too paranoid in that they won’t actually make any changes until I start interacting with them directly via phone/chat etc.? Confused. Thanks! It's very unlikely anything will happen without your concurrence. You should have an initial discussion with your advisor to review your goals, objectives, timelines, risk tolerance, tax situation, and so on, and at that time you can ask for clarity arou...
- Sat Jul 01, 2023 10:56 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisory Service - how does it work if you don't have 401K with Vanguard
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1187
Re: Vanguard Personal Advisory Service - how does it work if you don't have 401K with Vanguard
PAS will consider all unmanaged accounts, taxable and non-taxable, at Vanguard or elsewhere, when constructing a managed portfolio and when providing investment advice, as long as those assets are disclosed to them.
There will be no pressure to move the 401(k), although PAS may suggest a different custodian and/or investments for the account if the present configuration involves higher fees and/or lower performance than that which may be expected at Vanguard or another company. That will be a suggestion at most, with no pressure to do anything.
There will be no pressure to move the 401(k), although PAS may suggest a different custodian and/or investments for the account if the present configuration involves higher fees and/or lower performance than that which may be expected at Vanguard or another company. That will be a suggestion at most, with no pressure to do anything.
- Sun Jun 18, 2023 8:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Professional dehumidifier vs amazon
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2724
Re: Professional dehumidifier vs amazon
A whole-house dehumidifier does just that - it addresses the whole house. A portable unit will not affect the whole interior environment as evenly/consistently. Your AC will likely run less often with a whole-house system and you won't need to set the thermostat as low to achieve the lower humidity you're after.
- Sat Jun 03, 2023 6:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 4886
Re: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids?
I'll echo what others have said about the importance of the particular school and instructor, which may be more important than the specific style of martial art. By definition, any martial art is meant to provide fighting skills. If acquired, those can reasonably be expected to improve physical fitness and self-confidence without regard to the specifics of the style or system. That said, perhaps look into Krav Maga, which has no sport or competition dimensions and is focused solely on effective self-defense techniques in conjunction with developing situational awareness, learning to avoid problematic situations to begin with, and street survival. In other words, Krav will teach "bully avoidance" at least as much as "defeating...
- Tue May 30, 2023 6:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cat Water Fountains
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1216
Re: Cat Water Fountains
My cats stopped using theirs, even after we tried a few different designs. We now feed them primarily wet food, and add a tablespoon or so of water to each can.
- Thu May 25, 2023 3:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Flo Smart water system-Automated water shutoff valves
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2229
Re: Flo Smart water system-Automated water shutoff valves
I don't have a system yet, but just received a quote for homeowner's insurance from Pure. An automated water shutoff system would result in a $300 annual savings in premiums for me.
- Wed May 10, 2023 4:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Reduce company stock holdings? Currently 20% of net worth, future rebuy not guaranteed
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3328
Re: Reduce company stock holdings? Currently 20% of net worth, future rebuy not guaranteed
FWIW, Vanguard recommends no more than 5% of a portfolio be in a single equity.
- Tue Apr 25, 2023 12:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Auto racing school
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1866
Re: Auto racing school
I have done this 3-day Formula Car school, with my then newly street licensed son. The students had varying motivations, with some seeking to genuinely learn to race and hoping to continue on doing so, while others (like us) doing it for fun and to to improve our skills on the street. The school was surprisingly tiring: the cars had neither power brakes nor power steering, the cockpit is not easy to wriggle in and out of, and you're obliged to focus intently on what you're doing when driving. It was a lot of fun, was educational, and was expensive. The cost of lodging and meals was extra. I also had the expense of sending my son to a separate driving school beforehand to learn to operate a manual transmission, since that's what was in the F...
- Wed Mar 29, 2023 12:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Trouble finding help for home repairs
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3853
Re: Trouble finding help for home repairs
High-volume real estate agents can usually provide recommendations for handyman services, which they refer their clients to in preparing homes for sale. A successful agent may be able to give you some referrals, especially if they consider that you may eventually become one of their clients when your house is eventually sold.
- Wed Mar 22, 2023 8:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Personal Security / Driver
- Replies: 35
- Views: 4053
Re: Personal Security / Driver
Security of all types, including executive/personal protection, should be based on a threat assessment. The nature of the threat should drive the countermeasure(s) selected, along with cost and other considerations, e.g., convenience and practicality. Bodyguards, armed or unarmed, are a particular type of countermeasure which may or may not be the most appropriate under given circumstances, and would likely be just one element of a multi-layered protection strategy. A security driver trained in countersurveillance and evasive driving might use an armored vehicle, for example, and might be supplemented by additional protection staff who do not have driving responsibilities but who accompany the protectee outside the vehicle. Personal protect...
- Mon Feb 13, 2023 6:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Exotic cars
- Replies: 164
- Views: 10532
Re: Exotic cars
You might want to consider a Bentley Continental. Many variants are offered, and it is more suitable for daily use than more hard-core exotics like those from Ferrari and Lamborghini.
- Thu Jan 12, 2023 3:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which air fryer would you recommend
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1852
Re: Which air frier would you recommend
i have been happy with a relatively inexpensive, but decent capacity, unit from Costco: 8/23/22 https://www.costco.com/gourmia-7-quart- ... 85783.html
it goes on sale from time to time.
it goes on sale from time to time.
- Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bmw X3
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4132
Re: Bmw X3
I have a X3M and have been very satisfied with it, although I would have preferred that it come with high performance all-season tires instead of summer-only tires. The ride is relatively firm, but appropriate for a sporty vehicle - it has the performance of a sports car with the cargo capacity and ride height of a mid-size SUV. Acceleration is most satisfying, as is cornering capability. It is higher performing and better equipped at a lower price point than equivalent models from Porsche, MB, and Alfa-Romeo.
- Sun Nov 27, 2022 11:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Finally Making the Video Doorbell Plunge - Ring or Blink
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4871
Re: Finally Making the Video Doorbell Plunge - Ring or Blink
Another vote for the subscription-free Eufy! They now offer a version with dual cameras, meant to expand the device's field of view to make it easier to see if packages have been left by your door: https://us.eufy.com/pages/video-doorbell-dual
- Sat Nov 19, 2022 6:49 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Best-performing Robo advisors, if any!
- Replies: 42
- Views: 5794
Re: Best-performing Robo advisors, if any!
This is what you're looking for: https://www.theroboreport.com/
- Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying Home w/ Partner
- Replies: 89
- Views: 9136
Re: Buying Home w/ Partner
Buy the house individually and have your girlfriend pay you rent. if you marry and thereafter comingle your assets, the rent money will effectively be returned to her as a joint asset and the property can be retitled in both of your names. Meanwhile, the rent has helped pay the mortgage. If you split up, she has no ownership interest in the property, but has had a place to live.
Just be sure you can manage the mortgage on your own if you split up and lose the rental income.
Just be sure you can manage the mortgage on your own if you split up and lose the rental income.
- Sat Oct 15, 2022 5:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Window privacy film advice requested
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3543
Re: Window privacy film advice requested
A consideration with window films may be that their application usually voids any window warranty which may otherwise apply.
- Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heated Jackets
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2601
Re: Heated Jackets
Thanks everyone, actually I just saw a review on the youtube channel project farm and they recommended ororowear. I was just curious to know if they actually work or is just a gimmick. This is to be use indoor and not for extreme weather. Plugging in heating pads are apparently not allowed. At my old workplace, someone actually caused a fire by using a cermic heater. She was sitting in the floor below me. My officemate heard crackling but thought it was because he was doing too much overtime but eventually smoke filled the office. The product works well. They also now have a smaller, lighter battery available with a somewhat shorter runtime, and also offer some of their products at a deeper discount on their open-box "outlet" page.
- Wed Oct 12, 2022 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heated Jackets
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2601
Re: Heated Jackets
I got my wife a vest from this company last year, which she likes very much: https://www.ororowear.com/
- Tue Oct 11, 2022 3:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how do I gain dual citizenship in Czech Republic
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1585
Re: how do I gain dual citizenship in Czech Republic
Dual citizenship may have security clearance implications. It's not necessarily a bar, but depending on the country and other specifics, may be disqualifying.
- Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Forced into this awful car market
- Replies: 34
- Views: 6835
Re: Forced into this awful car market
You may have a better chance of a financially satisfying outcome if you 1) expand your geographic search radius substantially and 2) become open to considering alternative vehicles which may be more plentiful and/or less in demand at the moment.
- Thu Sep 22, 2022 7:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dining Room Table Top Material Pros/Cons
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1127
Dining Room Table Top Material Pros/Cons
Can anyone discuss their experience with ceramic (e.g. from Calligaris) or wood dining room table top materials? Ceramic is said to be heat, moisture, stain, and chip resistant, while wood would seem to require either a glass top or diligent use of a tablecloth and/or trivets to protect against surface damage from normal use. The newer ceramic styles seem to be fashionable now, and do provide a cleaner look suitable for a modern/contemporary style, but I wonder how they hold up, and whether owners are happy with them?
- Sun Sep 18, 2022 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wireless Earbuds
- Replies: 79
- Views: 9142
Re: Wireless Earbuds
Perhaps one of these products would be useful:
https://www.decibullz.com/decibullz-cus ... ear-hooks/
https://snugs.com/product/snugspro-airp ... -fit-tips/
An audiologist might also be able to fit you with custom earmolds for your preferred earbuds.
https://www.decibullz.com/decibullz-cus ... ear-hooks/
https://snugs.com/product/snugspro-airp ... -fit-tips/
An audiologist might also be able to fit you with custom earmolds for your preferred earbuds.
- Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Speaker Question for "semi" Home Theater
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4122
Re: Speaker Question for "semi" Home Theater
You do not have to connect every possible speaker. Just connect those you have. You may find you can install rear speakers in the ceiling, too, if you'd like their effect but don't want or cannot place individual rear satellite speakers behind you.
- Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Smart Switch recommendations
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1564
Re: Smart Switch recommendations
Or, avoid wiring by using the Philips Hue smart bulb system. https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us
The no bridge/hub, bluetooth only approach is possible but limiting; if you're willing to use a bridge the system becomes much more versatile and can control many more bulbs.
The no bridge/hub, bluetooth only approach is possible but limiting; if you're willing to use a bridge the system becomes much more versatile and can control many more bulbs.
- Mon Sep 05, 2022 11:55 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Recommend me a robo-advisor
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2359
- Sat Sep 03, 2022 6:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Home Security System
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1656
Re: Home Security System
Most security installation companies contract out their monitoring to one of several nationwide providers, so shop around for system installation and monitoring based on all-in price. Chances are that the same national monitoring company will service your contract no matter which local alarm company you work with. As noted above, many installers will install a fairly basic system, e.g., one control panel, a motion detector, a siren, connectivity to a central monitoring station, and some wireless magnetic window contacts switches or glass-break detectors, for "free". The catch is that you are required to contract for monitoring for a period of time, often three years, which is effectively the equivalent of buying the equipment and ...
- Fri Sep 02, 2022 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do we need a living trust or a different attorney?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1044
Re: Do we need a living trust or a different attorney?
Some people do revocable trusts in Virginia to avoid the need for executors to file accountings: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/chapter13/section64.2-1304/. That wouldn't be a factor in your case since your only probate assets are your small bank accounts. At one time, trustees of trusts created under a Will had to file accountings. That was more of a nuisance since trusts are ongoing whereas estates tend to wind up within a few years after death. So there was more of a reason for a revocable trust in Virginia. However, that was changed in 1993. Now, if the Will waives having to file accountings (which it generally would), trustees of trusts under a Will no longer have to file accountings: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode...
- Wed Aug 31, 2022 3:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Empty nesters who don't downsize - why?
- Replies: 78
- Views: 6152
Re: Empty nesters who don't downsize - why?
Moreover, some people upsize instead instead of staying put or affirmatively downsizing. Downsizing is often motivated by the prospect of reducing expenses. For those who have no need to do that, moving represents an opportunity to improve their quality of life from their perspective. They may be able to enjoy more garage spaces, more room for hobbies, more distance from neighbors, more room to store extra food and water and just avoid the walls closing in during the next pandemic, and more room for visitors. A new and larger home may provide home feature which were not previously present, e.g. a residential elevator, covered outdoor spaces, a laundry room on the same floor as the primary bedroom, etc. Downsizing is not a grail for everyone...