Search found 943 matches

by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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)?
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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
by GmanJeff
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 ...
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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
by GmanJeff
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/
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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/
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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?
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
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.
by GmanJeff
Mon Sep 05, 2022 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recommend me a robo-advisor
Replies: 11
Views: 2359

Re: Recommend me a robo-advisor

The information contained in this publication may be of interest:

https://www.theroboreport.com/
by GmanJeff
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 ...
by GmanJeff
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...
by GmanJeff
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...