Search found 175 matches

by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 16
Views: 1642

Re: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

I would power through to Ellicot City. Taxi/Uber or rent with plan to drop off at your return airport. Returning from an Ireland trip last summer, we went through US customs at the Dublin airport, thus landing at a regular gate at Dulles. Way, way easier. Not sure what other airports in the Eurozone have that feature but might be worth a look.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what point did you prioritize health over money?
Replies: 65
Views: 8594

Re: At what point did you prioritize health over money?

For me it was last year at age 55. Over the previous year I had begun to recognize how much my work was affecting my long term health and longevity with increasing loads of workplace stress and sleep disruption from shift work. The pay, while good in the grand scheme of the general population, had been cut and I constantly felt like I was providing way more value than I was getting paid for, so I quit. I’m now doing lower intensity work from home for much less money that will cover expenses for another couple of years until I can more confidently retire fully. I feel a slight bit of guilt for walking away from a good income and a job that I was very good at, but I felt more and more like I would be one of those guys that retires and has a d...
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost for tickets to Duke basketball game?
Replies: 7
Views: 1572

Re: Cost for tickets to Duke basketball game?

Just look on StubHub or similar site. It’s a small stadium so there aren’t really any bad seats. I was in Durham for work and went to one of the December games against a scrub team and the ticket was about $100. Tickets will be much cheaper when the students are gone for break. You can also get a ticket then to stand in the bleachers where the students usually are. The full Cameron experience though is a conference opponent in January or February. Just remember the final price on the resale sites will be 30% more than the quoted price when you check out.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: VA physicians [Transitioning to Dept. of Veterans Affairs]
Replies: 11
Views: 1725

Re: VA physicians [Transitioning to Dept. of Veterans Affairs]

I recently left emergency medicine after 15 years and currently do part time remote consulting work in a Coast Fire situation. I assume your annual spend isn’t extravagant based on the nest egg you’ve been able to accumulate, so based on that assumption and my experience, I wouldn’t worry about the pay cut. My peak earnings as a hospital employed 40% productivity base was $400k and I left the job for various reasons for a corporate group making about $250k. I ended up hating that job and leaving quickly but did have the advantage of learning that we could live just fine on that salary, including paying for kid #1 out of state tuition college out of pocket. I ended up commuting to a 2/3 full time job for more money, until they started cuttin...
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do your intra-company yearly raises keep with inflation?
Replies: 60
Views: 6336

Re: Do your intra-company yearly raises keep with inflation?

I am a ER physician, and until recently, hospital employed and have had pay steadily cut since 2019. Biggest was about 10% at the beginning of Covid. We would get new contracts (negotiate is too strong a word) every 3 years and prior to that the only pay raises involved working harder or adding efficiencies to see more patients (like paying scribes to write our charts) or getting some of the increases in wRVU rates.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sat Feb 17, 2024 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person
Replies: 102
Views: 9421

Re: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person

The “Rabbit” series by John Updike. Not necessarily a spiral but definitely middle class angst.

Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Feb 16, 2024 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exercise Is Overrated
Replies: 32
Views: 3426

Re: Exercise Is Overrated

I just rode my bike to the grocery store. Burn calories to get calories!
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 187
Views: 20545

Re: What is your favorite book?

CWhea1775 wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 2:04 pm Patrick O'Brian's nautical series starting with "Master and Commander"
Absolutely! I’ve read through the series at least 3 times and I’ll grab one off the shelf when nothing else is sparking my fancy. Entertaining stories, wonderful dialogue and narrative. I like sailor man writing but there is good character description and appreciation of nature as well.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a Suit - Recommendations?
Replies: 23
Views: 2112

Re: Need a Suit - Recommendations?

TheOscarGuy wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:01 pm
mtwhmemn wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:39 am There was a thread started about tuxedo purchase and it reminded me I need a suit for an event. I almost never need a suit but I'll need it at least twice in the coming months, but first event is in May so I have plenty of time for alterations, etc....

Anyone had a good experience online? I don't want to spend a lot but I want to look good. Thanks.
I used suitsupply a few years back. Was pretty happy with their fitting. No idea how the quality is now. They do have retail stores now -- there's one in Boston newbury street.
My son just got a nice one from the Century City store in LA. Not sure if they do online sales though.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling All Bicycle Tourists
Replies: 21
Views: 2149

Re: Calling All Bicycle Tourists

Friend of mine did a wonderful tour from Limerick, across Ireland to Cork, ferry to France (Brest I think), across France and then along the Moselle to finish in Frankfurt. I’d love to do something similar one day. His trip involved a lot of camping but I’m sure the route could be adapted for credit card touring.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vint ... urope.html
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Feb 07, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which college?
Replies: 54
Views: 5967

Re: Which college?

I am writing from the experience of a Navy (surface warfare) officer commissioned via ROTC, with some friends and many colleagues NA grads. I went to what was then, 30 years ago, and still is considered an elite college and if I had a certain amount of money for everyone who told me “A degree from that school and a navy officer, you can write your own ticket”, I wouldn’t have had to actually ever get a job. With those high expectations, I almost flunked out of school, almost kicked off the scholarship, but managed to recover and turned into (IMHO ha ha) a very good naval officer. I later went to medical school and served again as a Navy medical officer. Point being, every step of the way involved a lot of hard work, any doors that were open...
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Feb 01, 2024 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities
Replies: 74
Views: 7088

Re: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities

Charlottesville, VA checks a lot of your boxes and the only sure fire way I would leave is if we decide we can take on the expense of coastal California. Schools are good and we’ve been happy with them, but maybe not great by a lot of people standards. Several good private school options if you want that. We live at the foot of the Blue Ridge and the ocean is a 3 ish hour drive away. 2 hours to DC. We just had our first snow in 2 years but had a 70 degree day a week and half later. Sunny and 35 this AM. Summer, like most places are brutal hot but you can run up to the mountains to cool off a little if needed. California and the places that get hellish cold in winter are the only places to beat the summer heat now.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to value a company using balance sheet + income statement?
Replies: 23
Views: 1915

Re: How to value a company using balance sheet + income statement?

Benjamin Graham’s book , “The Intelligent Investor” provided a foundation for me to look at a company’s financials to judge a stock.

https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Inve ... 0060555661

I also bought a book to learn how to read a balance sheet and income statement to help. I also learned an important lesson from the section on bonds - just buy bond etfs and mutual funds!
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lowest cost mortgage lender to use for VA Loans? (Better doesn't offer VAs)
Replies: 5
Views: 1012

Re: Lowest cost mortgage lender to use for VA Loans? (Better doesn't offer VAs)

I refinanced VA in 2021 using Rocket Mortgage. I got a rate discount through Schwab and luckily hit rates near the bottom. i was really impressed with the efficiency and smoothness of the whole process compared to previous loans via NFCU and USAA.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best bluetooth speakers for septuagenarian with hearing loss
Replies: 26
Views: 1604

Re: Best bluetooth speakers for septuagenarian with hearing loss

Long time Sonos user with speakers all over my house and I can mix and match which speakers I want music out of, including different music in different rooms at the same time. I use Apple Music now, but used to use my own library. You just have to tell the Sonos app where to find it to use it.

That being said, if you want music just for you AirPodsPro are amazing. My family hates the music I listen to while cooking, so I’ve taken to just using the AirPods. Makes it easier to hear over stove and cooking noises anyway.
by SpaghettiLegs
Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 42508

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

Good olive oil
Good baguette on a regular basis

Not going to big box stores. I ride my bike to the local hardware store and if I need some random piece of stuff that I can only find at a big box store, then I order it from Amazon. The whole experience of going to one of those places is just soul sucking.
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Baltimore,Virginia and Delaware
Replies: 37
Views: 3248

Re: Trip to Baltimore,Virginia and Delaware

Fly into Norfolk, couple days there (Williamsburg, Yorktown, etc), I-64 west and spend a day in Richmond. I don’t get the above comment about “nightmarish” traffic around downtown Richmond. Yeah it’s bad around rush hour but small potatoes compared to other big cities and easily avoided if you’re actually going to Richmond. Spend a day there (Jefferson Hotel - very nice), view the Capitol, Maymont/Byrd Park and the Fan/Carytown. Continue west on I-64 to Charlottesville (my hometown) for a day or two and visit Monticello, University of Virginia, a winery or two with a Blue Ridge views and dinner at one of the nice restaurants downtown on our pedestrian Mall. Take US 29 north with the beautiful Blue Ridge on your left the whole way up to DC a...
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?
Replies: 31
Views: 3754

Re: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?

mc2 wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2024 5:22 pm We like Meiomi Pinot Noir-recommended by my co-worker foodie.
I like that one too. I haven’t had one in a while but Noble Vines 667 has always pleased me for the price.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel in LA
Replies: 29
Views: 3135

Re: Travel in LA

Not local but my kid lives in LA. If you won’t have much down time for exploration then no doubt I would Uber. Otherwise with free time to explore I’d want a car.
by SpaghettiLegs
Tue Jan 16, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Jefferson Scholarship at UVA
Replies: 4
Views: 812

Re: Jefferson Scholarship at UVA

https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/schol ... /selection

Doesn’t provide exact numbers but gives a better idea of the process. Good luck!
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Jan 15, 2024 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling Ocean Engineers: What is happening to my cruise ship?
Replies: 86
Views: 11961

Re: Calling Ocean Engineers: What is happening to my cruise ship?

25 foot seas are huge! I’d expect all kinds of noises and shuddering in those kinds of seas. Just a guess but “we’ll get some welders to fix the loose bits when we get back in port” is a stock answer given to the landsmen.

I spent a fair amount of time in heavy seas but my ships were painted gray and sleep quality wasn’t high on anyone’s list except my own.
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago Vacation
Replies: 56
Views: 4749

Re: Chicago Vacation

I’m not a local but my wife is from a north shore suburb and have many visits to the city over 30 years. Limited uses of the El and Metra without any issues at all. At this past Christmas we used the Blue line to get from O’Hare to downtown and it was very smooth. Based on the ages of your kids, I assume you’re not in the Sat Night Live Belushi generation with the “Cheeburger, cheeburger!” skit based on the Billy Goat Tavern. I went there many many years ago and went back last month for old times sake and it is Worst. Cheeseburger. Ever. and not even a good tourist experience. Anyway, I’d suggest striking that from your list if it’s on there. Shedd Aquarium and Museum Science and Industry were always big hits with my kids and I’d suggest if...
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: JNJ spin off KVUE [Johnson and Johnson spinoff - Kenvue]
Replies: 91
Views: 18452

Re: JNJ spin off KVUE [Johnson and Johnson spinoff - Kenvue]

I had 50 shares JNJ in an inherited IRA and 80 in a taxable brokerage account. I exchanged the IRA shares for KVUE and sold off within a few days, netting around $1000 profit. I reinvested elsewhere and pretty happy with the deal.
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Jan 12, 2024 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors….again
Replies: 110
Views: 21275

Re: Calling all doctors….again

I am 20 years out from med school but FWIW did serve on my school’s admission committee as a 4th year student. I wouldn’t recommend planning on taking a year to study for MCAT. Summer study should be fine for that. The one I took anyway, the prep was, once you learned the basic material, mostly about just doing practice tests and questions. I took the MCAT twice, first time I tried it without having taken organic chemistry and did OK (got an 8 on whatever section that was) but did better after I actually learned the subject. There may be an advantage to the her application though by working in the hospital and getting medical experience. Once you move past the grades, MCAT scores, you start looking at medical interest and experience and vol...
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?
Replies: 98
Views: 16826

Re: 10 year old wants to sit with me when I do taxes . Should I let him?

It of course depends on the child but my default answer would be yes. Helping with the taxes, the kid will see how much you make but not necessarily how much you have. Those income numbers would of course look huge to a child but it would be a nice opportunity to explain where the money goes. My oldest around age 12 expressed interest in investing so I spent time with him walking through balance sheets and annual statements, gave him a list of securities and let him pick his favorites (I know Boglehead anathema). He’s an investment analyst now and 1/3 of the way to CFA. I’d find a way OP to support that interest in whatever way you can even if you have to compromise in some way.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Jan 03, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?
Replies: 60
Views: 8828

Re: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?

My understanding is the FAFSA is to be much simpler starting this year. We were at the same income level as OP in 2018 when our eldest began college as an out of state student at a UC school. Filled out the FAFSA first year; I remember being asked what kind of car I drove. He just qualified for loans so didn’t bother for the next 3 years. We paid out of pocket and will roll his incompletely funded 529 into kid #2 to pay for college starting next year.
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Dec 29, 2023 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Bonus Question
Replies: 15
Views: 2049

Re: Job Bonus Question

If there is a tax advantaged retirement plan like 401k (probably not a 403b by the sound of it) and you’re not maximizing contributions then it would be a no brainer as you can increase pre tax contributions and would be a net increase on your books. Otherwise it’s roughly a wash in my eyes - you potentially get a little less money but you get more of it earlier.
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Dec 29, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]
Replies: 151
Views: 24177

Re: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives

meadowrue wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 7:02 am Do you shop at Whole Foods? Prime members get quite significant deals there. I probably save at least 10% every time I shop. You can get the Whole Foods app and link to your Prime account or just give them your phone number to prove you’re a Prime member.
That’s the only reason I’ve kept Prime.
by SpaghettiLegs
Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toilet /Bidet
Replies: 29
Views: 3797

Re: Toilet /Bidet

Great info and amazing timing as I was just contemplating this topic this morning!
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AirBNB - good or bad idea?
Replies: 26
Views: 2959

Re: AirBNB - good or bad idea?

One of the broad aspects of life that can make it challenging are requirements to participate in situations where you are required to interact with “challenging” people. It’s different for everyone but that can include jobs, grocery store lines, driving on the freeway, etc. One of the advantages of getting older and more financially flexible is one can pare down those situations. For me, owning an Air BnB would be one of those optional paring opportunities.

I have an acquaintance who owns a vacation house 2.5 hours from where he lives. He tells all kinds of stories about Air BnB renters but one that sticks out was one that messaged him after the stay and asked him to mail back his pistol that he left in the bedside drawer.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ideas for killing time near SEATAC airport with kids
Replies: 11
Views: 1500

Re: ideas for killing time near SEATAC airport with kids

I’m not local to Seattle but the airport isn’t terribly far away from Seattle proper, so if your student is able to call for pickup then I would hang around the city until then. Otherwise Museum of Flight is at the Boeing compound and might be a good option for you.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peter Attia Early Program
Replies: 8
Views: 1823

Re: Peter Attia Early Program

Just to be clear this is enrollment in the online program rather than enrollment in his clinic (which I think is Uber wealth type costly)? If so, the cost is much less than most concierge type primary care programs and also true, it is not a substitute for a good primary care physician. If you haven’t read his book Outlive, I would suggest that first to get a sense of what you’re getting into. The Early program is basically a guide for a self directed program of longevity health. Attia is very aggressive with his management of this, although maybe not the most aggressive. The program I believe also has the most value if you have a doctor willing to listen and support by checking less commonly used labs like ApoB, ordering more aggressive sc...
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Dec 06, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla - ARgh [Frustrated with tech support]
Replies: 60
Views: 10518

Re: Tesla - ARgh

[Comment in violation of Rule 5(b) removed by moderator ClaycordJCA] I’ve been a Tesla owner since 2013, reserved my first one, a Model S in Nov 2012. I drove that one until trading it in for Model Y in 9/2022. The customer service has maybe declined somewhat, really just becoming more impersonal. My Model S required a fair amount of minor repairs over its life but it was never a hassle as the service was top notch. At the time they would come pick my car up, leave me a loaner Tesla and bring it back 2-3 days later. I haven’t needed any service on the Model Y (I do inspections and tire rotations at a local shop) but the last service I had on my S was done at my house by a roving service guy. Part of the problem with body work on a Tesla is...
by SpaghettiLegs
Sat Dec 02, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
Replies: 141
Views: 26753

Re: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?

Interesting thread and I’ve enjoyed reading. Here is a timeline of mine, starting not quite 30 years ago. 1) Friend investment - a college and navy buddy, after getting out of the Navy, went to HBS and did a tech start up. Once established he gave shares to “every friend who loaned me a couch to sleep on” . We (wife and I) sold it in the tech bubble for $30k + and reinvested more conventionally. Friend went on to sell his business to Microsoft for many many millions. I went on eventually to medical school and until 3 months ago, worked many years of nights, weekends, holidays for much less money, proving to me that a Harvard Business School degree is a much better investment than a medical school degree. 2) House - mixed results here. First...
by SpaghettiLegs
Fri Dec 01, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA questions
Replies: 15
Views: 2073

Re: Inherited IRA questions

There has been confusion over required distributions from inherited IRAs past year or two, particularly as to the requirements for RMDs, related to expiration of (if I recall) the Secure 2.0 Act.

At any rate I am in the exact same situation as you with an inherited IRA. I have set 2033 as the end date. I took RMD this year to be on safe side and plan on more aggressively emptying it in the latter portion of the 10 years as I expect to be in a lower tax bracket then.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Nov 30, 2023 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP
Replies: 48
Views: 5053

Re: Question (non-medical) for physicians, e.g., PCP

Try email and if they want you come in they’ll say so. An efficient practice will have someone reviewing the messages and a nurse will generate an order for the doctor to sign.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a House with Foundation Issues
Replies: 26
Views: 3281

Re: Buying a House with Foundation Issues

As described it sounds like an otherwise good price for the house but since it is essentially slowly collapsing I would want the price to be at somewhere near steal levels.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Coastfire opinion.
Replies: 38
Views: 6729

Re: Coastfire opinion.

I am a coasting MD (EMED) now, just changed over this past summer. I think your annual expenses are a key to the equation. I went to 2/3 full time 4 years ago but that was mostly because of 1 hr commute to a new job. It was great for the 6 months before pandemic. Last year I realized that the job with its stress (clinical and corporate buffoonery) and sleep disruption was shortening my life span, so I tried prn for a couple of shifts per month only to find that wasn’t worth the money to me. I’m now doing some part time mostly WFH with a start up that so far is covering about 80% of expenses, the bulk of which is our mortgage. I’m much happier and healthier. FWIW I’m 55 with about $3m in retirement/investment funds. It was definitely a risky...
by SpaghettiLegs
Sat Nov 11, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera
Replies: 18
Views: 2610

Re: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera

I’ve had the Eufy one for about 2 years. I’ve been pretty happy with it. It has been finicky in getting the sensitivity dialed in right but I think part of that is because we have a lot of steps(like 15 from the street) leading up to a smallish front porch. The battery will last 3-4 months before needing recharging. No monthly fee, everything stays on a home base wireless connected hard drive. The doorbell chime rings through the home base hard drive device and connected phones, iPads, etc.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Oct 25, 2023 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How can I check if Uber is available in a small town?
Replies: 18
Views: 2477

Re: How can I check if Uber is available in a small town?

You can also schedule Uber pickups, so just schedule one in advance in small town (assuming going back to Atlanta) and odds are a driver would come from Atlanta or nearby to pick you up. When you schedule a pickup, you’ll ultimately get a driver name well in advance.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Oct 22, 2023 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Total monthly cost of Ooma Tello
Replies: 15
Views: 2335

Re: Total monthly cost of Ooma Tello

I have the Ooma Telo I bought in 2011, I think $150 or $200. I pay for the premium service, currently $17/month, it’s increased maybe $2 over the past 5-6 years, and it gets me the call blocking, blacklist, etc. It has been pretty effective as I use that number for every instance where I think someone is going to sell my contact info and I get maybe one spam call per week. I’ll keep paying for it until I decide to cut a land line completely.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Oct 19, 2023 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bad music in restaurants, stores
Replies: 13
Views: 1317

Re: Bad music in restaurants, stores

My local Kroger plays music, not too loud, and I often find myself whistling or humming along. It’s often pop music from my younger days, 70’s and 80’s and even if it’s something that doesn’t appeal to me, it’s not loud enough to bother while I’m picking out food. I’d be willing to bet money these type places have done focus groups, etc to figure out playlists that get people to spend more money. So for that type situation, no, most music doesn’t bother me but sitting down for a meal or some place where I’m completely captive, I would prefer no music or something that could only be heard if you actually listen for it. I was recently at a pretty fancy wedding at a Ritz ski resort hotel and the very nice outdoor lounge area had pretty loud, p...
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Oct 15, 2023 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Biketires, keep getting flat
Replies: 43
Views: 4006

Re: Biketires, keep getting flat

I agree, not an excessive amount of flats, especially for gravel riding. Pinch flats, as previously noted, often can mean your tire pressure is too low. Your tire should give you a range of pressures, so keep yours a little above the low end number if you feel like you want to run lower pressures. 38mm tire will prob be around 50 psi. I ride a little bit narrower tires on gravel but my favorites are Challenge Strada Bianca, Vittoria Tirreno, Challenge Getaway, Panaracer Gravel Kings. Check your current tires for cuts, excessive wear, especially in side walls. Just like cars, bike tires will be more prone to flatting when they get more worn and thin. I get the appeal of tubeless but haven’t done that with any of my bikes, just don’t want to ...
by SpaghettiLegs
Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?
Replies: 67
Views: 5858

Re: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?

I have several Eufy cameras and have generally been happy. I got them as they don’t require a subscription and all the data is stored on a hard drive in the house. Not too long ago there was a break in and theft of tools from a house nearby that was empty and being remodeled. Same night one of my cameras caught 2 people walking up my driveway, looking at my shed and quickly walking away, presumably when they saw the little recording light turn on. I don’t use the flood light option. Face of one person was pretty clearly seen and I gave it to the cops who were happy to have it.
by SpaghettiLegs
Mon Oct 02, 2023 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.
Replies: 35
Views: 3644

Re: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.

How are the bedroom windows? I have a noisy AC as well as a radon vent fan that runs by my master bedroom window. My windows are single pane. I got window inserts (in my case made by a company called Indow) that really cut down the out door noise. I don’t even notice the radon vent and don’t hear traffic on the street any more.
by SpaghettiLegs
Thu Sep 14, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4536
Views: 626001

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

pizzy wrote: Thu Sep 14, 2023 6:36 am
SpaghettiLegs wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 9:37 pm I rode my bike to the airport for my trip instead of the $40 ish for Uber or $50-60 to park a car.
Did your luggage ride it’s bike also?
I rode my commuter bike which has a nice bag made to attach to the front rack, so used that as a carry on bag.
stoptothink wrote: Thu Sep 14, 2023 6:33 am
Do you just chain the bike up at the airport and expect for it to be there when you get back?
Yup, I locked the bike to a rack outside the employee entrance.
by SpaghettiLegs
Wed Sep 13, 2023 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4536
Views: 626001

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I rode my bike to the airport for my trip instead of the $40 ish for Uber or $50-60 to park a car.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sun Sep 10, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Interview Follow up - Should I be proactive or wait?
Replies: 33
Views: 2490

Re: Interview Follow up - Should I be proactive or wait?

I’d leave out the action plan. You’re overdue for a thank you note so send that along with a statement like “look forward to next steps and please let me know if you need anything else from me”.
by SpaghettiLegs
Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving 529 balances among kids
Replies: 19
Views: 2334

Re: Moving 529 balances among kids

Virginia, I believe, is similar in that we get deduction per beneficiary and that is what I’ve been doing. I have 2 kids, oldest graduated 2022, youngest still in high school. I only used the 529 for one quarter of college, as I was making more money a couple years ago and could afford out of pocket. I’ve continued to contribute for both kids getting the deduction for each one. I think you can contribute until beneficiary age 26. If youngest gets scholarship or doesn’t need it then Kid #1 fund will be available for grad school or get rolled to an IRA.