Search found 79 matches

by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best dumb thermostat?
Replies: 35
Views: 2967

Re: Best dumb thermostat?

Another vote for LUX, especially one with a programmable temperature swing. You can trade a little bit of comfort for equipment life or humidity control by increasing swing.
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Nov 08, 2023 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage
Replies: 73
Views: 15683

Re: 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid mileage

Colorado14 wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:42 am
abc132 wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:38 am I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned ethanol content.

If your fuel has ethanol it will be cheaper per gallon but get less miles per gallon.
Great point! We experience this with our CR-V when we travel out-of-state and use gas with higher ethanol content.
E10 would likely reduce mileage by roughly 3-ish percent vs E0. How many miles are on the engine? If it's new, your mileage will also improve after the first few thousand miles once it breaks in.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best and Worst [automotive] Vehicle for Retirement
Replies: 67
Views: 5662

Re: Best and Worst Vehicle for Retirement

Test drive several and pick the one that you enjoy most driving 10 mph under the speed limit in the fast lane.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Aug 12, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fuel: is "top tier" really better, and who checks this stuff?
Replies: 139
Views: 15432

Re: Fuel: is "top tier" really better, and who checks this stuff?

Northern Flicker wrote: Sat Aug 12, 2023 3:13 pm Correction to my above posting(s):

Branding additives are added to commodity gasoline at a local distributor for the brand, not at the filling station:

https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-post/t ... etergents/

I would note that it is a sponsored posting, which I think may mean paid for by an advertiser.
Random factlet. I believe Costco actually still does mix in their additives at the station. Everybody else just does an additive package at the depot.
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows
Replies: 48
Views: 3442

Re: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows

Masters Of The Air, when it is finally released in 2028.
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue May 16, 2023 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Short time deal on Pixel 7a phone
Replies: 20
Views: 2309

Re: Short time deal on Pixel 7a phone

There will likely be better deals if you can wait (esp Black Friday). Note if you buy now from the Google Fi store you get $250 off (in 24 months worth of Fi bill credits).
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat May 13, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Problems with MVNO cell plan, what to do?
Replies: 20
Views: 2092

Re: Problems with MVNO cell plan, what to do?

Google Fi is a TMo MVNO and is not deprioritized. Four lines of 35 GB/mo is $20 each.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sun Apr 09, 2023 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I continue contributing into 457(b) plan?
Replies: 9
Views: 1191

Re: Should I continue contributing into 457(b) plan?

runner3081 wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 8:35 pm For me, the non-gov 457 is another set of handcuffs at my current employer. Not worried about insolvency at all, but if I leave to go somewhere else, I am stuck drawing the money before I need it and having it get taxed at our highest rate (on top of whatever income I would have in a new job).
Agreed. I currently contribute to a non gov 457b, but this should be my last employer. I plan to use 457b distributions for a portion of post early retirement expenses while my Roth IRA ladder marinates.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sun Mar 19, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 30K from ROTH?
Replies: 17
Views: 1382

Re: What to do with 30K from ROTH?

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2023 4:31 pm Roth is not an acronym.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is actually named after Hyman Roth from Godfather II. Also I am not lying -- my Fidelity account denotes my Roth IRA as "ROTH IRA." Time to start a thread on that scandalous behavior and move everything to Vanguard.
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Mar 07, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Cellphone carrier
Replies: 170
Views: 16568

Re: Boglehead Cellphone carrier

1) Verizon (sigh) 2) T mobile 3) AT&T 4) Google FI One of these things doesn't belong here... The first three are the actual network operators. Google FI is just another MVNO, apparently using the Verizon network, based on the post above about it indicating it is a rebrand of Ting. Google Fi (until last week) was a T-Mobile and US Cellular MVNO. Now it is TMO-only, but it has the same network priority as post-paid TMo customers. It's generally not a very good deal unless you are happy with TMo coverage and can either share among 4 or more people ($20/mo/per line) or you travel internationally frequently and value simplicity (their most expensive plan works seamlessly in most of the world). It's also a Google product so it could be shut...
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon Feb 20, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8262

Re: dishwasher recomendations

Can admins post a sticky note that Bogleheads are allowed to only drive Toyotas and use Bosch dishwashers and Speed Queen washing machines? Post traffic would drop by 25%.
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace Wife's 10 Year Old Hybrid - Seeking Unbiased Input
Replies: 61
Views: 7370

Re: Replace Wife's 10 Year Old Hybrid - Seeking Unbiased Input

FWIW, just added a 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid to our garage, adding to a 2017 CRV. After just six model years (and admittedly jumping to a higher trim from diff manufacturer) the convenience stuff is a nice improvement -- overhead parking camera, navigation-based cruise control, improved LKAS system, etc.

I was pleasantly surprised how much these incremental gains made a recent long highway trip more enjoyable and Im now feeling less bogle-guilty about the purchase.

Another small bonus with hybrids is the engine start-stop setup is much less noticeable than on pure ICE powertrains.
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Feb 09, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?
Replies: 96
Views: 8782

Re: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?

Toyota Venza. 44 or so mpg, AWD, Lexus quality interior wirh Toyota cost maintenance. A tad longer than a Rav4, not as “tall” and MICH quieter than the Rav4 due to lots of extra sound proofing. It’s a Lexus wearing a Toyota badge. This (in addition to the CX-5) is one I've recommended often, it will get better fuel economy because of the hybrid powertrain, but despite being a fair bit larger, most interior dimensions are smaller than the CX-5, which will also drive better. You're right that it's a Lexus wearing a Toyota badge - this vehicle is sold as the Harrier in Japan, earlier generations of which were sold here as the Lexus RX. I had a friend lookup the Vezna on Consumer Reports and it didn't rate well. I think a 50? Maybe he was look...
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Feb 08, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Non-Governmental 457(b) Experts?
Replies: 12
Views: 1270

Re: Any Non-Governmental 457(b) Experts?

Sounds like a poorly-run plan that doesnt factor in RMDs and allows for that interesting distribution setup. My non-gov 457(b)'s current SDP clearly states distributions must begin prior to 70.5, and equal distribution amounts will automatically match current RMD tables if they are too low. Is there a way to recast your decision with the employer's benefits team, since the initial one was done in error? In my experience non-gov 457(b) plans are simply deferred comp plans, so the money is available to you penalty-free as soon as you separate. You just pay income tax on any annual distributions at your marginal income tax rate for that year. Lastly, I'm no expert, but I would personally not leave non-gov 457(b) assets to a beneficiary in this...
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Feb 02, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of moving to Illinois
Replies: 14
Views: 1803

Re: Talk me out of moving to Illinois

I lived downstate for over a decade before moving for a career opportunity. The state was supposedly nearly insolvent when I left and appears to in the same place now. IMO, its an overblown fear at least in the short-term.

And if this is a large concern for you, as of Jan 1 Iowa is no longer taxing retirement income for those 55+. Decorah and Dubuque are very different vibes compared to the western suburbs, but they are close to Madison.
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Feb 02, 2023 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2022 IRA dividend and 2023 check - which year gets 1099?
Replies: 9
Views: 647

Re: 2022 IRA dividend and 2023 check - which year gets 1099?

Many thanks all! Makes perfect sense once explained. Who needs chatgpt when you have the wisdom of bogleheads? :happy
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2022 IRA dividend and 2023 check - which year gets 1099?
Replies: 9
Views: 647

2022 IRA dividend and 2023 check - which year gets 1099?

Ignorant tax question --- I got a small $100 distribution check from a closed rollover IRA at Fidelity . The dividend date was Dec 30, 2022, but the distribution check was dated Jan 3, 2023. I cashed the check and I'm fine paying tax and 10% penalty on this small amount.

I am confused if this distribution should be on my 2022 or 2023 1009-R. It is not on my 2022 1099-R - I called Fidelity, and the rep claimed this will be on the account's 2023 1099-R, since that is when the check was cut. Does that explanation make sense to others on this board? I just want to ensure I declare this in the correct tax year.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would you invest in this non-gov 457?
Replies: 14
Views: 1269

Re: Would you invest in this non-gov 457?

I currently max out a non-gov 457b in a situation close to yours (except I am assuming much lower tax rate at distribution time). I plan to retire early in 7-ish years and opt for 10-ish years of distributions immediately after I separate to spread out the tax hit. I plan for 457b distributions to only provide a portion of retirement income as well.

I would not recommend using a non-gov 457b unless you are close to retirement and comforting betting your employer is stable and willing to keep offering the perk until you drain the account.

One minor plus of a 457b is you can use it as an ad hoc unemployment fund.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Nov 19, 2022 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?
Replies: 38
Views: 3426

Re: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?

Have you tried using billfixers or a similar service? I don't have any Comcast experience, but they have successfully negotiated my Charter/Spectrum bill multiple times, both pre- and post-fiber competition. Billfixers take 50% of your savings but it's a potential option for the lazy/weak like me.

https://billfixers.com/
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:16 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Suggestions for the Wiki
Replies: 694
Views: 535310

Re: Suggestions for the Wiki

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/529_plan

Investment considerations/In state or out of state plan section

The current states that provide tax benefits for contributing to any state's 529 plan is out of date (e.g., add Minnesota)
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Nov 02, 2022 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pension lump sum - 2022 vs 2023
Replies: 3
Views: 611

Pension lump sum - 2022 vs 2023

I have a small, frozen, non-COLA pension at a former employer I was planning to deal with later, especially after assuming I missed the boat on taking the lump sum due to surging interest rates the last year. I checked last night, and was very surprised to see that my lump sum payout had not budged all year in spite of raising interest rates. However, as soon as I entered a payout date in January 2023, the payout was reduced by over 30%, compared to Dec 2022. I had been on the fence about rolling the lump sum over to an IRA, and this sealed the deal for me. I have very little experience with how pensions are run, so Im not sure how common this annual true-up practice is. If it is common, others with a frozen pension they have procrastinated...
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Oct 11, 2022 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Honda Odyssey EX-l
Replies: 38
Views: 3837

Re: 2023 Honda Odyssey EX-l

The Odyssey is a proven vehicle. You've got nothing to worry about but the wait. JT Read about all the issues Hondas have had with their variable cylinder management (vcm) system over the past 10-12 years….class action suit involved. I needed an engine rebuild at 70k miles due to vcm warping engine seals over time.I also love how Toyota is the only company that has not given into the turbo and direct fuel injection (as opposed to port injection) technology. All about longevity for Toyota and not about getting an extra 1-2 mpg with suspect technology. I agree that Toyota generally is conservative with new tech, but several Toyota engines use both port and direct injection. I haven't read anything to see if the added complexity is worth the ...
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Oct 05, 2022 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Will it make sense to buy i-bonds in 2023?
Replies: 48
Views: 10496

Re: Will it make sense to buy i-bonds in 2023?

Most people have been buying iBonds as more of a short-term investment, given the high inflation. Source? I think this is a guess based on reading the ibonds mega thread and the zillions of online articles about iBonds and their great current rates. I have never bought them before 2021 and will probably get rid of them if inflation goes way down. It’s hard to beat the 9.62 rate, but if they go to 1% in a couple years why keep them? Thanks for acknowledging your statement was just a guess. I’ll share my reasons to buy them and keep them, which I will venture to guess mirrors some others’ reasons for the same. They are a unique asset with a long term guaranteed real return and no interest rate risk. Yes, long term TIPS are yielding more now,...
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawsuit filed for Honda oil dilution issue
Replies: 64
Views: 5755

Re: Lawsuit filed for Honda oil dilution issue

Fremdon Ferndock wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:29 am BTW, regarding the image it's common for the oil to turn quite dark in just a short time after an oil change. I don't know why this happens, but suppose it has something to do with the fuel mixing with the oil and accelerating oxidation.
1000% incorrect. DI creates soot, which you are seeing suspended in the oil. Check out your tailpipes as well.
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Sep 29, 2022 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawsuit filed for Honda oil dilution issue
Replies: 64
Views: 5755

Re: Lawsuit filed for Honda oil dilution issue

Not a solution, but another potential culprit -- injector failures are relatively common, especially for the 2017-18 model years. One potential symptom of a bad injector is a rich fuel mixture. FWIW, this engine is in millions of cars (and growing) and has racked up billions of miles. If Honda isn't confident in this engine and truly hiding something, I'm thinking they have recently hired some really bad engineers or really good lawyers. Others on this thread have also pointed this out, but fuel dilution is common in many engines. Ill admit these engines appear more prone to it than others on the road, but an UOA with high fuel dilution and without excessive wear metals is not a cause for concern in my opinion. However, one potential intere...
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Sep 24, 2022 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Retired couple] Thinking about moving to Madison, WI or Minneapolis, MN
Replies: 93
Views: 10923

Re: [Retired couple] Thinking about moving to Madison, WI or Minneapolis, MN

Id recommend at least a day trip to check out Winona, La Crosse and the rest of the driftless region when youre in the region. A definite step down in size and farther away from Northern Minnesota lakes, but it is a pretty cool area. Also it will usually be at least one or two degrees warmer than the twin cities :happy
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Sep 17, 2022 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)
Replies: 25
Views: 3010

Re: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)

Buy this and use it in your rental next time. https://www.cfxway.com/uni/ There's no need to change plate number to match your rental either. Actually, it does say you have to change the plate number to match the rental in the rules: "How can I use Uni with a rental car? You can move Uni to a rental car if you inform the rental car agency that you’re using Uni in the rental vehicle. The rental vehicle and the vehicle from which you’re transferring the E-PASS must be the same class (for example, two axles). You also must update your E-PASS account information with the rental vehicle’s license plate number. " (You must also remember to remove the rental vehicle information from your account after you turn your vehicle back in or yo...
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Sep 17, 2022 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)
Replies: 25
Views: 3010

Re: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)

Buy this and use it in your rental next time.

https://www.cfxway.com/uni/

There's no need to change plate number to match your rental either.
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Aug 17, 2022 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering Internships
Replies: 14
Views: 1539

Re: Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering Internships

I used to interview engineering interns and new hires for my group on-campus. It's been almost 10 years, so my thoughts may be outdated. I recommend your nephew discuss this with his university's department of engineering's career services group. They will have info on which companies recruit and when, career fair info, interviewing information, etc. Most of our internships and coops were offered to juniors and above - it's possible to land one as a sophomore, but one has to stand out (excellent interview, novel experience, etc) or the hiring company had bad luck interviewing older students. The auto shop job wouldn't matter one way or the other to me if I were screening his resume; however, it might give him good stories for the behavioral...
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon Aug 08, 2022 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles
Replies: 848
Views: 51867

Re: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles

Californiastate wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 2:17 pm

What? Where are 90% of new vehicle sales electric?
Norway
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Jul 30, 2022 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unleaded 88 (E-15) in 2010s Japanese Cars
Replies: 18
Views: 1907

Re: Unleaded 88 (E-15) in 2010s Japanese Cars

I believe E15 wasn't available anywhere until 2011 so it's not surprising to me that manuals for older cars don't mention it. In my uniformed opinion most cars made in the last 15 years can handle it. I think it is relatively low risk to try a half tank and see how your car runs using it. I have been using it a lot recently in my 2017 Honda since it's been so cheap with zero issues thus far.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Jul 30, 2022 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using toll roads without transponder?
Replies: 38
Views: 6536

Re: Using toll roads without transponder?

Another vote for Uni. Has worked great in both Florida rental cars and Illinois in our own vehicle when passing through.
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Jul 27, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Choosing 529 Provider (UT, NH, IL, etc.)
Replies: 24
Views: 2086

Re: Help Choosing 529 Provider (UT, NH, IL, etc.)

Former Illinois resident here who kept their Bright Start account active. Kids are on the moderate index age-based portfolio, so two years per step -- https://www.brightstart.com/investment- ... age-based/

IIRC, exchanges are made on or very near child's every-other birthday. Account has always worked fine and I have zero complaints. Also on auto-pilot.
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Jul 26, 2022 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?
Replies: 59
Views: 6234

Re: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?

michaeljc70 wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 6:14 pm I agree..but the Pixel 6 came out in Oct 2021 so it is around 10 months old and there are still issues.
Sorry should have been clearer. Software issues are generally cleaned up by 6 ish months. Some models with hardware issues (eg the 6's cheap fingerprint reader and modem, the 3s display flickers) might be beyond redemption. I have ultimate faith that the 7 will be rock solid at launch, however. /s
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?
Replies: 59
Views: 6234

Re: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?

I saw this yesterday and I am glad I returned the phone: https://www.androidauthority.com/im-ditching-pixel-6-pro-3188012/ Of course, you can hope the issue doesn't affect you, but that is like buying a car known for low reliability and just hoping it is reliable for you. It is hard to get an estimate as to what % of Pixel 6s are affected. It sure seems it isn't just a handful. It is shame because I have had several Google phones going back to the Nexus line. I recommend never buying a Google phone at launch. Im trying and failing to think of the last phone Google made that was solid out of the gate. Theyre always buggy -- Ive found best bet is to wait six months to a year and confirm the phone youre looking for has been patched enough to ...
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?
Replies: 59
Views: 6234

Re: Google Pixel 6. Opinions?

It sounds like Google cheaped out on the Pixel 6 family's modem and connectivity could be hit or miss if you frequent areas with mediocre cell reception. I have a 3a XL and likely wont use it as a trade-in for a 6a this week, even with a $150 net cost (AND free pixel buds A). Also, the 5a has been a very solid phone IME.
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Jul 13, 2022 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 457b money?
Replies: 17
Views: 1808

Re: What to do with 457b money?

Sounds like OP already separated, so this decision likely needs to be made now. Your situation is why IMO a non-gov 457b is best with one's last employer prior to retirement. In your situation, Id either start distributions immediately but over the longest allowed period of time to peanut butter spread the tax pain, or swag a start date when you will retire or significantly reduce your marginal tax rate and start distributions then. Former path is locking in some tax hit, and the latter is locking in (hopefully slight) risk of employer not being able pay the annuity in x years. Also, I could be wrong, but I believe most non-gov 457b immediately annuitize with a fixed payment schedule when you start drawing down. I dont know how that works i...
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Jun 23, 2022 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda CRV vibration/oil issues all resolved by 2022?
Replies: 10
Views: 2074

Re: Honda CRV vibration/oil issues all resolved by 2022?

prd1982 wrote: Thu Jun 23, 2022 5:08 pm I think the oil dilution problem is solved, although I know some folks will disagree. I have a 2017 and no problems (55k miles). Don’t know anything about an engine vibration problem. There are surely a lot of 2017-2022 CRVs with this engine on the road. There are lawyers looking for clients in a class action suit, but I discount that.
50k miles on a 2017 CR-V in upper midwest and also zero oil dilution issues. FYI I believe the vibration issue was on the previous gen CR-V.
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon May 30, 2022 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sedona Vacation Recommendations
Replies: 26
Views: 2272

Re: Sedona Vacation Recommendations

I recommend Indian gardens cafe for lunch on the way out of Sedona on 89A.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sun Apr 24, 2022 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Best way to go between Iowa State Univ, Ames and DSM / LGA / MSP airports]
Replies: 50
Views: 4366

Re: Best way to go from Univ of Iowa, Ames to MSP airport

You could investigate exactly where the stop is in Burnsville, MN since it may be faster and more pleasant to connect to a local bus from Burnsville to MSP vs. riding Greyhound to downtown Minneapolis station and transferring to the Blue Line light rail. Both Greyhound and Jefferson look to have service directly between Ames and MSP, dropping at Terminal 1. Jefferson lines ride from Ames to Twin Cities is almost 5 hrs w 7 stops lol. I can make that drive in under 3 hrs, 3.25 hrs if I stop at bebops first. To sum up this thread - some malevolent force has decreed OP fly LGA-DSM and MSP-LGA and then figure out the middle. OP please listen to those who have recommended changing the itinerary or at least a one way car rental to MSP. They likel...
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Apr 23, 2022 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Best way to go between Iowa State Univ, Ames and DSM / LGA / MSP airports]
Replies: 50
Views: 4366

Re: Best way to go to Univ of Iowa, Ames form DSM & LGA

So LGA-DSM, couple days in Ames and then MSP-LGA? Sounds a little baroque and it's a 3 hr drove up I 35 from Ames to Twin Cities. You're likely either going to need to ride a bus to MSP or do a one-way rental with that itinerary. Note Central Iowa is not exactly a hotbed of mass transit. I'd recommend flying into and out of a single airport - MSP, DSM, OMA, Quad cities, whatever and rent a car. Parking on ISU campus is generally a no-go without a pass but there's plenty of street parking west of campus. Eat at west st deli after finding a spot :happy
by rmdashrfsplat
Fri Jan 21, 2022 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aerospace Engineering as a college major
Replies: 82
Views: 7757

Re: Aerospace Engineering as a college major

AerE graduate here. What does your nephew want to focus on? Propulsion, controls, rocketry, structures, CFD, etc?

My alma mater's focus was on application vs theory and I came out of school with a heavy numerical methods and structural analysis focus. I had offers from classic aerospace firms and other non-aerospace Fortune 50 firms and chose the non-aerospace route due to less employment volatility. I happened to enjoy and focus on areas with broader appeal and was able to move into an engineering SW dev role from structural analysis with my AerE education as well.
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Jan 19, 2022 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: prioritizing 457(b)
Replies: 16
Views: 1676

Re: prioritizing 457(b)

I also have access to a non-gov 457b at a stable employer that offers equal payments up to 15 yrs. I plan to retire early and use the 457b distributions over first years of retirement as a Roth ladder marinates. I am currently maxing my 457b and 403b. If I need to taper one due to increased expenses in the future, it will probably be the 403b. I've mainly pushed all my taxable investing into the 457b at this point. I prefer the 457b since it's more flexible than 403b withdrawal-wise, is a de facto unemployment fund and has no tax drag like taxable. I have enough taxable now that I can tap it for emergency savings as well Risks I'm comfortable with are assuming this will be my final employer and that the 457b will remain solvent and steady a...
by rmdashrfsplat
Thu Nov 11, 2021 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transitioning to Vanguard Brokerage
Replies: 17
Views: 2677

Re: Transitioning to Vanguard Brokerage

I'm still lazily on old platform. Are there any benefit to transitioning at a certain time (e.g., early in Q1 to avoid multiple 1099s)? Or conversely any times to potentially avoid?
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon Sep 27, 2021 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When is it time to upgrade your house?
Replies: 69
Views: 8533

Re: Money +desire

Bogle7 wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 11:12 am
ncbill wrote: Mon Sep 27, 2021 11:08 amWall-hung toilet = leak city unless bolted to steel or masonry.
Uh, no.
Image
"With a wide range of applications and tool-free maintenance, the Geberit Duofix not only provides a neat, modern finish for your bathroom development, but also an easy installation when installed. Every cistern is also tested for water tightness, while our frames are tested to withstand 400kg of weight, and with a 25-year spare parts availability guarantee, our frames really are manufactured to last."
That looks...robust. Do you live in an Arbys?
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon Aug 30, 2021 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you been to Steven Udvar-Hazy Center Air & Space Museum?
Replies: 43
Views: 3475

Re: Have you been to Steven Udvar-Hazy Center Air & Space Museum?

Curious on opinions comparing this place to Wright-Patt's museum - if you had to pick one, which would you go to?
by rmdashrfsplat
Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Start-Stop system - new cars
Replies: 106
Views: 8915

Re: Start-Stop system - new cars

FWIW, a friend of mine just bought a new Silverado. The chip shortage led Chevrolet to remove start-stop from some autos, including his new truck. He was given $100 for his troubles as well (and he preferred to not have the feature anyway). I have not heard of any other manufacturers also doing this, but others needing or willing to overpay for a new car now might also luck into a similar situation.
by rmdashrfsplat
Sat Aug 28, 2021 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Menards for bathroom fixtures/supplies
Replies: 26
Views: 2642

Re: Menards for bathroom fixtures/supplies

An overly simplistic analogy is Menards is Walmart and Lowes/HD are Target. All three carry cheap stuff but you usually have more higher end choices at Lowes/HD. Also agree to go with delta or Moen when possible from Menards. Could you source stuff you want (eg Kohler toilets) and just have contractor install? Or perhaps your contractor is counting on Menards unending 11% rebate in his bid (which BTW HD often matches)?
by rmdashrfsplat
Tue Aug 17, 2021 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone with loud call volume
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Cell phone with loud call volume

Not sure if either will appeal to you, but have you also looked into the Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier apps?
by rmdashrfsplat
Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best ticket brokers -- sporting events
Replies: 15
Views: 2186

Re: Best ticket brokers -- sporting events

I've bought tickets through Tick Pick several times with no issues. Generally cheaper than other options but less selection available.