Search found 525 matches

by Picasso
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SEP IRA and Backdoor Roth IRA?
Replies: 3
Views: 407

SEP IRA and Backdoor Roth IRA?

I have been contributing to a Roth IRA for a few years via the “backdoor” mechanism. I also have about $91k in Schedule C income and I’d like to lower my tax liability by contributing to a SEP IRA.

If I open a SEP IRA and contribute the 25% of Sched C income maximum, will it preclude me from contributing to the Roth IRA as I have been?

Thanks, team!
by Picasso
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted
Replies: 15
Views: 1209

Re: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted

On the insulin question, the brand name insulin is on formulary so just get a script for that instead.

The reason that one version of a product is on formulary while others are not can be complex, but boil down to negotiated pricing net or rebates and formulary inclusion across a manufacturers basket of drugs. It’s not uncommon, just normal GPO functions.
by Picasso
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 336
Views: 30454

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

It’s all personal choice, but I don’t mind spending a lot on high quality, organic food (mostly Whole Foods). We average $1200/mo for 2 adults and a 2 yr old eating fully-plant-based.

Interesting point: there was a 6-wk stretch where my toddler daughter ate appx. $100 worth of fresh, organic berries per week. And I was happy to buy her all she wanted!
by Picasso
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5419

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

I know this dilemma well - my goal was a quality slipper/house shoe that could hold up to months/years my my constant pacing while on the phone working from home. I found these and they have been excellent:

https://graflantz.com/collections/haus- ... 9997140077
by Picasso
Mon Feb 12, 2024 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ignore collections?
Replies: 72
Views: 5711

Re: Ignore collections?

Chardo wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:56 am
Mr. Rumples wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:49 am Though rarely enforced, about 30 states have filial responsibility laws making children responsible for their parents medical bills. In PA, one facility went after the children and won; in VA, one child used the statute to force a sibling to help pay.

Is there any responsibility on the part of the facility to have checked insurance after coverage changed? Did they know coverage was not going to be around? Were claims denied and they did not say anything?
She and her kids now live in Florida. Is that one of those states?
I am shocked that you don't have access to Google
by Picasso
Wed Feb 07, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Law School Debt: Is It Worth It?
Replies: 115
Views: 10662

Re: Law School Debt: Is It Worth It?

My 37 yo brother went to a T10 law school and now makes $3.5M per year as a big law partner in manhattan. It was certainly worth it for him.

My understanding is that those firm jobs are really only available to those graduating from a top school. Not necessarily the top of class at those schools, but from those schools.
by Picasso
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: BogleDocs Update & Kickoff
Replies: 2
Views: 4741

Re: BogleDocs Update & Kickoff

I though this was the development of a Bogleheads document repository.

This sounds cool too though!
by Picasso
Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancel my health insurance?
Replies: 102
Views: 13164

Re: Cancel my health insurance?

I get it, I really do. I hold a leadership position at a national health insurer and this is a terrible idea.

ER visit? $3-15k
MRI? $5k
Knee replacement? $22k
Humaira? $77k
Acthar? $700k

You get the idea.
by Picasso
Wed Jan 17, 2024 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with "one time" or "temporary" expenses when calculating X in 25X
Replies: 33
Views: 2867

Re: Dealing with "one time" or "temporary" expenses when calculating X in 25X

Curious as well. I always assumed some sort of conservative margin for these sorts of things.

If the lumpy expenses are consistently coming, that has a sort of predictability?
by Picasso
Sat Jan 13, 2024 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands
Replies: 33
Views: 4019

Re: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands

Strong hotel recommendation: The Pulitzer in Amsterdam. Don’t miss it.

Also, there is a wonderful Moroccan restaurant just across the street that we eat at a few times every visit. Really excellent and very casual (counter service).
by Picasso
Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on single vacation?
Replies: 108
Views: 26927

Re: How much to spend on single vacation?

I’ve spend that much on vacations that were shorter and don’t regret it one bit. Some of the best memories.
by Picasso
Sun Dec 24, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do we have any art connoisseurs here?
Replies: 20
Views: 2671

Re: Do we have any art connoisseurs here?

I don’t work directly in the art world, but have relatives who do and I’m very involved day-to-day.

Banksy is a sideshow with widely fluctuating values, but so is much of contemporary work. Unknown artists can be “discovered” and have work sell for >$1M, only to have values crash in a year or two.

Buy the work you like. When you don’t want a piece anymore, sell it. If you are looking for bargains, they are to be found but not typically in the price point or area of contemporary prints.

Happy to chat more.
by Picasso
Sun Dec 10, 2023 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Exercises for physical balance]
Replies: 43
Views: 5954

Re: [Exercises for physical balance]

Do you use the Peloton platform?

Andy Speer's 10 min strength warm-ups are mostly balance and agility exercises. Highly recommend.
by Picasso
Thu Nov 30, 2023 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good Experiences With United Healthcare?
Replies: 16
Views: 2042

Re: Good Experiences With United Healthcare?

Surprise network billing legislation provides safety for emergency care when out of network.
by Picasso
Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hey Men, what are you wearing to the gym?
Replies: 123
Views: 17951

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

Full Lululemon - surge shorts and metal vent shirts; nike metcon turbos
by Picasso
Sat Nov 11, 2023 3:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor Hydroponic Gardens
Replies: 14
Views: 1867

Re: Indoor Hydroponic Gardens

This is all great advice - thank you! Your experience is valuable to me.

Our main goal is a fun hobby and exposing (teaching?) our 18 month old the value of putting a bit of effort into being healthy for the long term. The main consideration for me after this discussion is that this may be a time commitment, particularly in the setup, which a middle management role at a Fortune 5 company doesn’t always afford me (Q4 crunch!).

Will update if we go ahead and with what setup.
by Picasso
Fri Nov 10, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer Insurance - Stuck, help!
Replies: 15
Views: 1053

Re: Employer Insurance - Stuck, help!

bottlecap wrote: Fri Nov 10, 2023 10:16 am
rage_phish wrote: Fri Nov 10, 2023 9:58 am Having a supposed benefit of employer insurance that costs either $600 or $800 a month is wild. What a system
That's actually a good deal since 2015. It amazes me that many aren't aware of the costs imposed on most people.

JT
Ding ding. Our system insulates most from the actual costs, so they don’t actually have an understanding of what is being paid, why, or to whom.
by Picasso
Thu Nov 09, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor Hydroponic Gardens
Replies: 14
Views: 1867

Indoor Hydroponic Gardens

Friends: I am considering purchasing an indoor hydroponic garden for my family as a holiday gift. Looking at the Farmstead Nook from Lettuce Grow based on Wirecutter's recommendation. https://www.lettucegrow.com/farmstand-nook A few questions from those in the know: 1. How would I go about a financial analysis of whether this would pay for itself in the long term? Not looking to do a full CBA, but do they save money, break even, or are more expensive than fresh produce from Whole Foods (where we shop normally) 2. For the plants themselves, do you cut the veggies and then they grow back from the same "stems" or do you need to replant after each harvest? 3. Would you need to plant on a timetable so that greens and herbs are availabl...
by Picasso
Thu Nov 09, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Low ball offer: do I counter or walk away? [IM Physician]
Replies: 44
Views: 6633

Re: Low ball offer: do I counter or walk away? [IM Physician]

A note from someone who works with provider reimbursement rates: *where* in the Midwest matters.

The strip right in the middle of country, about from South Dakota that moves due south to central Texas is where the rate bloat is, particularly around Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma down through Dallas.

If you aren’t in that specific geography, your offers may skew a bit lower because the reimbursements are a bit lower.
by Picasso
Fri Oct 20, 2023 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality men's leather belt?
Replies: 44
Views: 3769

Re: Quality men's leather belt?

Drake’s braided leather belts are excellent - the best I’ve ever used. Most Bogleheads will not be comfortable with the price…

https://us.drakes.com/collections/belts
by Picasso
Fri Oct 20, 2023 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips
Replies: 66
Views: 9376

Re: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips

Advice from an industry insider: the specialty drugs you will need for this process will likely be far less expensive when not purchased on-benefit (and deducted from your lifetime max) but rather from the cash market (pay OOP). Save your 25k benefit max for the medical procedures and pay for the drugs yourself. Your net cost will be lower. Thank you. Company confirmed that $25k lifetime is for medical procedures only. Pharmacy is not included. In this case - it seems that $25k might be enough for two IVF cycles (?) and I / wife will pay for medications separately. If we pay separately for medications - are they usually governed based on deductible / out of pocket max? Also, generally speaking - is it more advisable to have HDP (with HSA) ...
by Picasso
Fri Oct 06, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips
Replies: 66
Views: 9376

Re: Planning to do IVF - Cost and Tips

Advice from an industry insider: the specialty drugs you will need for this process will likely be far less expensive when not purchased on-benefit (and deducted from your lifetime max) but rather from the cash market (pay OOP).

Save your 25k benefit max for the medical procedures and pay for the drugs yourself. Your net cost will be lower.
by Picasso
Wed Sep 27, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bacontarian Child [likes bacon]
Replies: 15
Views: 2318

Re: Bacontarian Child

I love this.

This child sounds very smart and, sans bacon, will live a very long time!
by Picasso
Tue Sep 12, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27760

Re: Just for fun, what stock do you think will explode like a Tesla or Amazon

I'll play. Just for fun, Palentir (PLTR) and within Roth IRA just in case it explodes. Why ? feel free to judge yourself - https://www.palantir.com/. My prediction is LLY. The reason is because of mounjaro. It’s helping people lose weight and celebrities are making it more popular to the point where the demand is greater than the supply. There are quite a few of these drugs on the market. They help with diabetes type 2. Weight loss is a side effect. That’s what’s so hilarious about this pick. Every drug maker has an equivalent compound already to market. Not to mention the ultimate availability of generics. For every “blockbuster” drug there are hundreds of compounds which fade in development. It takes 100s of millions of dollars to bring ...
by Picasso
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: More than 200,00 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
Replies: 24
Views: 4711

Re: More than 200,00 AmEx Membership Rewards Points

We book flights through the Amex travel portal with our points. Rarely pay for a flight with cash.
by Picasso
Mon Aug 28, 2023 8:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27760

Re: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth

Just for fun, if you had to bet your money on one stock to have huge returns over the next 5+ years what would it be and why? I’ll start it off with “LLY” mainly because mounjaro is making people lose weight and the demand for it. Five years? Nobody will be taking Mounjaro. The follow-up studies have come out and shown (a) people who stop taking it gain the weight back, and (b) in the real world people stop taking it. I don’t think this is true. Mounjaro is the only dual action drug on the market making it more effecting than Wegovy or Ozempic, which are single action mechanism. Lilly also as a new triple action formulation coming out. The research shows there are 3 groups of GLP-1 users: 1. Those who take the drugs and it doesn’t work for...
by Picasso
Mon Aug 28, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 500k in 529s with Kids in Elementary School
Replies: 15
Views: 2627

Re: 500k in 529s with Kids in Elementary School

What grades are the kids in elementary school?

As others have mentioned, you are doing great! If you plan to pay full freight for the best (and most expensive) schools, you aren’t overfunded and I’d pay for private school tuition some other way.

FWIW, I’m in the same boat: 150k in a 529 for a 16 month daughter. I’m still contributing for projected university expenses and will stop at 300k by the end of her 3rd year of life (I hope - *sweating*)
by Picasso
Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27760

Re: Just for fun, what stock do you think will explode like a Tesla or Amazon

Just for fun, if you had to bet your money on one stock to have huge returns over the next 5+ years what would it be and why? I'll play. Just for fun, Palentir (PLTR) and within Roth IRA just in case it explodes. Why ? feel free to judge yourself - https://www.palantir.com/. My prediction is LLY. The reason is because of mounjaro. It’s helping people lose weight and celebrities are making it more popular to the point where the demand is greater than the supply. Eli Lilly was also my pick. Their GLP-1 and Alzheimer's pipeline is ahead of everyone else's. Yes, their stock has risen as this is priced in, but as an industry insider I think the market is still underestimating just how big these therapies will be through 2030. Ever heard of Humi...
by Picasso
Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question
Replies: 34
Views: 2598

Re: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question

MH2 wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:20 pm
BobbleyBob wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:01 pm No, I don't think these will "form to fit" like your other denim. Selvedge denim is made of cotton which is slightly elastic.
Selvedge is nothing more than the finished or woven edge of a piece of fabric. It has nothing to do with the quality of the fabric itself.
My understanding was that this “self-finishing” style of looming does not cut the fabric strands after each pass of the loom, making the fabric inherently stronger, which is why it lasts longer.
by Picasso
Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question
Replies: 34
Views: 2598

Re: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses, including sharing your knowledge and opinions. I’ve returned the denim - too much outlay for something that doesn’t fit quite right. I did keep the red fleece vest and striped long-sleeve jersey polo! The responses that most surprised me were those indicating some sort of judgement based on the cost of the clothes. I happen to like nice clothes and Drake’s in particular delivers real value: the quality is remarkable and justifies the cost to me. Everyone has things they enjoy- camping equipment, cars, watches, furniture, premium housing finishes, etc. Sure you can buy lower quality clothes at Costco for less money, but then you have to wear lower quality clothes… it’s just a value judgement like a...
by Picasso
Fri Aug 18, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question
Replies: 34
Views: 2598

Re: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question

JBTX wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 7:34 pm I’m thinking Bogleheads may not be the optimal source of fashion advice. I wear the same thing, a T shirt and dockers shorts, probably about 330 days a year.
But I rely on Bogleheads for everything!
by Picasso
Fri Aug 18, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question
Replies: 34
Views: 2598

Drake’s Selvedge Denim Question

I just received a pair of white selvedge denim jeans from my favorite brand but I don’t feel like the fit is perfect for me (or worth the price) - just a bit larger in the hips and thighs than I’d prefer. For those of you familiar with selvedge denim or Drake’s denim, do you think these will “form to fit” like other selvedge denim I have? Most of my jeans are from Left Field in Brooklyn.

For reference, these are the jeans: https://us.drakes.com/collections/denim ... cket-jeans

I’d love your thoughts if you have experience with these or something similar. Cheers!
by Picasso
Thu Aug 03, 2023 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

sambb wrote: Sat Jul 29, 2023 7:27 am Phone - iPhone, and AirPods pro 2, Apple Watch ultra.
Others are contraceptives, plane tickets to see family, a few nice dinner bills, and nike sneakers (prefer air max or air Jordan). Tickets to Taylor swift or other epic concerts would fall in here also. Maybe would add professional licenses. iPhone might be best purchase at any price point from a value : impact ratio
Contraceptives and Apple Watch Ultra are on my list too. Appreciate this one.
by Picasso
Mon Jul 31, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625910

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

stoptothink wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2023 6:47 am
Tamahome wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:41 pm I laughed when I saw this threat. I wore a suit that I have owned for almost two decades. Somehow, my movement caused a small, one-inch slit on a seam that opened up. Perhaps I am being punished for my frugality? If this suit only lasts another 9 mos, it will be 20 years old!
I wore my Rainbow sandals yesterday (and do almost every day). I bought them when I was 17...I'm 42 now. My wife keeps saying I should email the company the story with pictures of my wearing them over the last quarter century (which I have).
If you visit the Rainbow factory, they line the walls and ceiling with customers’ worn through pairs. You are in good company!
by Picasso
Mon Jul 31, 2023 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Making a one-time investment at birth (sort of) to cover college at age 18
Replies: 72
Views: 7458

Re: Making a one-time investment at birth (sort of) to cover college at age 18

Reading through this thread I see many posts about the new benefit of being able to roll over the unused portions of a 529 (up to $35k) to a Roth - to me this isn’t a great benefit due to the tiny number.

Situation: We are currently saving is a 529 for my 15 month old daughter’s eventual education: currently have $145k saved with a target of $800k in 2039 dollars. Given historical trend, this is the projected cost of the Ivy League school my wife and I attended.

Thought: given that large amount projected, the ability of rolling over $35k is a very small benefit in the face of a much larger target, and this small consolation to over saving. What am I missing here?
by Picasso
Tue Jul 25, 2023 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worthwhile to go to grad Ivy schools these days?
Replies: 100
Views: 10536

Re: Is it worthwhile to go to grad Ivy schools these days?

Ivy League schools are only worth it if you want to make more money than most non-Ivy grads and have more opportunities.

Those who say that it doesn’t make much of a difference are making a value judgement, not a statistical one.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/202 ... sions.html
by Picasso
Sun Jul 09, 2023 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Amsterdam
Replies: 53
Views: 4464

Re: Trip to Amsterdam

My family goes to Amsterdam every year for my wife’s trip to the TEFAF fair in Maastricht. The very best hotel is the Pulitzer and it’s worth it.

https://www.pulitzeramsterdam.com/
by Picasso
Thu Jun 29, 2023 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal CFO services? (paying bills, managing cash flow, etc.)
Replies: 23
Views: 2872

Re: Personal CFO services? (paying bills, managing cash flow, etc.)

There are bill pay/bookkeeping services that you can contract with. I’m not sure what any of them are but I think they would
Save you some time.
by Picasso
Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)
Replies: 94
Views: 6159

Re: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)

happyisland wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:52 pm the NY Times, the Economist, and the New Yorker. They're all totally worth it.
Hey this is my mix too! What has value is worth paying for.
by Picasso
Fri Jun 09, 2023 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best East coast beach town to live in
Replies: 93
Views: 12238

Re: Best East coast beach town to live in

Edgartown, MA. Full stop.
by Picasso
Sun May 14, 2023 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nanny vs daycare for a 3 month baby
Replies: 24
Views: 3149

Re: Nanny vs daycare for a 3 month baby

We have had our same nanny for the past 10 months (daughter age 13 months) and pay her $17/hr. In the true Midwest.

The in-home care is an incredible convenience and now that I have it I wouldn’t go any other way. Worth what we pay and more for the flexibility and individualized attention my daughter gets.

FWIW, our nanny previously worked in daycares and she was so burnt out. Caring for 6-8 children at once she said was exhausting and that she was constantly letting the children cry or sit in dirty diapers/clothes as she tended to others in the group. This setup is better for all.
by Picasso
Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84180

Re: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]

I collect antiques/ephemera dealing with a very specific type of history (that I'm also writing a book about) and that costs quite a bit. I pretty much don't splurge on anything else. If I didn't move into my husband's place after we got married, I would never have bought a bed, or a TV. I've never owned a new phone. All the clothes I own fit into two tote boxes. DH jokes that I'm basically a monk who lives in a museum. I try very hard not to buy things that museums will not want, and I am friendly with two curators who know what will be going to their institution if/when I pass. So once you subtract the museum-donation things, there won't be much of mine to toss into the bonfire, by intentional design. But the collectibles stuff costs a f...
by Picasso
Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84180

Re: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]

hmw wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 2:09 pm My child is going to a different private school next year. Tuition will double.
That’s an investment in the truest sense :sharebeer
by Picasso
Sun Mar 12, 2023 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Earners - What's Your Profession?
Replies: 1217
Views: 224010

Re: High Earners - What's Your Profession?

Archimedes wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 3:32 am I used to be a doctor making around $300k-500k.

My side gig became a business and I quit my previous job to build the business. I now have hundreds of employees and my income this year will be the highest of my lifetime, in the range of $6M.

Growing a highly successful business is likely one of the best ways to have a very high income.
Is it the Archimedes pharmacy business? Just a guess bc they have been growing by leaps and bounds.
by Picasso
Fri Mar 10, 2023 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotels and transportation in Amsterdam, Holland
Replies: 14
Views: 1455

Re: Hotels and transportation in Amsterdam, Holland

Good timing! I am in Amsterdam now for a 2 weeks family holiday. Highly recommend the Pulitzer Hotel, but it’s maybe a tad above your range - it’s worth it though.

Be sure to visit the Mauritshuis in The Hague if you enjoy art and hopefully you have tickets to the Vermeer exhibition at the Rijks.

I have more restaurant recommendations for spending some time here if you like, most of which are in/around Jordaan.
by Picasso
Mon Feb 27, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Photography Gear - Feedback Needed
Replies: 161
Views: 10406

Re: Photography Gear - Feedback Needed

pomomojo wrote: Sun Feb 26, 2023 5:57 pm Btw, I realize that this thread is a year old, but I wonder if the original poster @Picasso ever bought a camera?
Thanks for inquiring - I did! Bought the Sony A7rIV and a general use zoom lens 24-105. It takes the most beautiful photos.

As an aside, we are leaving for our first international trip on Wed and so I’ll get some real world experience carrying it around and shooting “in the wild”
by Picasso
Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good mail order pharmacy
Replies: 24
Views: 2009

Re: Good mail order pharmacy

quantAndHold wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:45 am I don’t have OptumRX, so I don’t know anything about them, but you tried Optum’s online service?

We switched all of my wife’s prescriptions to Costco. We have to pick it up, but at least they get it right.
This is the answer - as you Pharmacy Benefit Manager, Optum will deliver this script right to your door.

As for “cheapest” option - your costs are determined by your plan design and so you will pay the same amount at any in-network pharmacy (there may be some exceptions if your plan has mechanisms to invent you to get med one way over another).
by Picasso
Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income but house poor in Bay Area, can we afford spouse's switch to her dream career?
Replies: 159
Views: 19717

Re: High income but house poor in Bay Area, can we afford spouse's switch to her dream career?

8301 wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:07 pm I assume college-level academia. It is perfect when kids are young. College professors work LONG hours, but may make schedule flexible.
I had a professor in grad school once say “academia is incredibly flexible - you get to work any 70 hrs/wk that you want!”
by Picasso
Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is a $2M condo way too much, or easy for us? [Updated]
Replies: 45
Views: 8629

Re: Is a $2M condo way too much, or easy for us? [Updated]

My brother just bought a $2.4M condo in battery park on a $3M salary.

I think you should try for a bit less than income and buy your freedom! What are the HOA and land lease fees?