Search found 5603 matches

by Normchad
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody knows exactly what data cfiresim & ficalc are based on?
Replies: 4
Views: 801

Re: Anybody knows exactly what data cfiresim & ficalc are based on?

I don’t think those tools are simulations. I think they are just back testing over actual US historical data on 30 year periods. So real returns in the actual sequence of years in which they happened. There are many contentious threads about “hone country bias” in investing. Lots of folks believe US investors are guilty of this, and recommend a global cap weighed portfolio. VT is one fund that does it…. You might want to read up on the perceived pros and cons of doing something like that. From cFireSim. How do I know if my portfolio will last? At its most basic level, cFIREsim uses historical stock/bond/gold/inflation data from 1871 to present, and calculates how your portfolio would have fared throughout history. If you enter a 30 year sim...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?
Replies: 18
Views: 1238

Re: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?

I’m offering the buyers agent 2.5%, and my agent 1.5%. 4% total. This was actually the my agents suggestion. He said there were lots of things they used to do in the past to market homes, that they just don’t need to do now. Things have gotten much cheaper for them….. And we also got counseled that we can offer the buyers agent whatever we want, but that going too low may steer potential buyers to other equivalent properties. Doesn't the bolded quote suggest that % of sale price is flawed metric? And the buyer should be paying the buyers agent directly from their own pocket for services rendered? In current state, in theory , the seller should be able to list the house 0.5% cheaper if the buyers agent is getting paid 0.5% less. Or at a min...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?
Replies: 18
Views: 1238

Re: What percentage should I negotiate to sell my house?

I’m offering the buyers agent 2.5%, and my agent 1.5%. 4% total.

This was actually the my agents suggestion. He said there were lots of things they used to do in the past to market homes, that they just don’t need to do now. Things have gotten much cheaper for them…..

And we also got counseled that we can offer the buyers agent whatever we want, but that going too low may steer potential buyers to other equivalent properties.
by Normchad
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you do a house upgrade?
Replies: 49
Views: 3548

Re: Would you do a house upgrade?

I don't have many people I can discuss financial matters with in my real life so I wanted to get some feedback from the wise BH community. We are considering a major upgrade in housing. I am retired and wife is SAHM. 2 kids with about 5-7 years before they are off to college. Current house: about 1.3mm (paid off) nice community with swimming pool, houses all on smaller lots with homes 750k-1.4mm. Potential house: 3.8mm - (agent thinks house should be list around 4.2-4.3mm but they want quick sell as they already bought another place) - parade home that is stunningly beautiful in a gated, golf course community with homes 2-10+mm We have no debt and the purchase would be all cash. It would still be only about 20% of NW. I know we can afford ...
by Normchad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Urgent] New build | Closure in two days | Multiple issues - Suggestions
Replies: 17
Views: 1695

Re: [Urgent] New build | Closure in two days | Multiple issues - Suggestions

What does your realtor say? Here’s my take. They will tell you they’re going to fix it all. Then, after you close, they won’t fix anything. Whatever condition the house is in when you close, that’s pretty much what you’re going to have. Some of that stuff is typical, and minor. They can fix the drywall and caulk the bathrooms. That’s easy. Fixing chipped tiles or LVP, they either won’t do,it, or will make it worse….. So the real question is for you. How bad do you want this house? What is your option? Also, I’m not telling you to “settle” here. Just be aware that there are no perfect homes. If you close, you have no leverage. And it might be the case (if your market is hot and prices are rising), that the builder doesn’t care if go to closi...
by Normchad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: W2 Box 12: Cost of Employer Sponsored Health Coverage vs COBRA
Replies: 3
Views: 239

Re: W2 Box 12: Cost of Employer Sponsored Health Coverage vs COBRA

I think you would,pay that amount, plus 2%.

And of course, those are 2023 numbers. The 2024 numbers are probably higher.

I just got my COBRA paperwork. Just for situational awareness, for me plus spouse, in the mid Atlantic area, it would be $1511 per month just for medical. Vision and dental are extra on top,of that.
by Normchad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering new job: comparing the new offer to my current job (mainly how to compare medical insurace)
Replies: 5
Views: 550

Re: Considering new job: comparing the new offer to my current job (mainly how to compare medical insurace)

I think you’re on the titanic. I wouldn’t worry about which seat you get in the life boat, just get in.
by Normchad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Searching for Lost Contributors
Replies: 544
Views: 140504

Re: Searching for Lost Contributors

bradinsky wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 12:38 pm Hi Jim, I know I always look for & forward to seeing your posts. They’re always informative & much appreciated. I’m sure that most here feel the same way! Please take care of yourself & get better soon.

Brad (an average IQ Boglehead)
I feel the exact same way. Sandtrap (Jim) is a real gem. I really appreciate him.
by Normchad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1081864

Re: Share your net worth progression

Dottie57 wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:43 am Fyi,

I never kept track of yearly networth.

But today my retirement accounts hit a new high after 6 years of retirement. Not a big portfolio by standards of this group.

1.5m

When I was first employed as a programmer in 1982, I never imagined having this figure.
That’s awesome! Congratulations, and thank you for all your contributions in this forum over the years.
by Normchad
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6928

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

delamer wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:02 pm
H-Town wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:53 pm
lessismore22 wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:37 pm Curious to hear thoughts on leaving cash for the hotel staff when you check out of a room. If you leave a tip, how do you determine how much? If not, why not?
No.

Do you know who you leave the tip to? Is it the person who cleaned your room before you check-in? Or the person who will clean the room for the next person checking in?
Either way, it goes to someone who needs it a lot more than I do. And some places pool tips (at least in theory).
I like the way you think. Good on you!
by Normchad
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What did you do today to increase your income? [Financial]
Replies: 64
Views: 4235

Re: What did you do today to increase your income?

Like livesoft, I am also retired. So I didn’t do that today. Here is a very common scenario that I’ve seen people fall into at multiple companies. They get too comfortable. They become masters of the tools and policies and procedures that are specific to that single employer. Then when there is upheaval after 15 years, they suddenly find themselves looking for a job, but don’t have any experience or skills that anybody else cares about. I saw this at IBM in the 90s where we had people that were geniuses at APL or book master, or whatever. And it’s always employees that have been there long enough that they are really in the worst possible position. Too old to start over. Too young to retire. Age discrimation is a thing. It’s very odd to ha...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Constant Percentage; Variable Percentage; Constant Dollar; Spend Only Dividends, Etc, Etc, Etc....
Replies: 14
Views: 1601

Re: Constant Percentage; Variable Percentage; Constant Dollar; Spend Only Dividends, Etc, Etc, Etc....

I probably won’t use one as an actual “withdrawl plan” or annual budget.

But I have studied a bunch of them for years now, to learn “what is reasonable” to expect from my portfolio in retirement. And most importantly, to learn about the sensitivity and importance of the various approaches and parameters. I.e., one of will likely live 40 years or more in retirement, so what are the implications of that?

So if I withdraw 5% one year, I’ll think “that’s probably okay, but better not do that too often”, or if I only withdraw 3% for several years in a row, I might just loosen up and get those first class plane tickets for next years trip, etc.

So guidelines, more than rules.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What did you do today to increase your income? [Financial]
Replies: 64
Views: 4235

Re: What did you do today to increase your income?

Like livesoft, I am also retired. So I didn’t do that today. Here is a very common scenario that I’ve seen people fall into at multiple companies. They get too comfortable. They become masters of the tools and policies and procedures that are specific to that single employer. Then when there is upheaval after 15 years, they suddenly find themselves looking for a job, but don’t have any experience or skills that anybody else cares about. I saw this at IBM in the 90s where we had people that were geniuses at APL or book master, or whatever. And it’s always employees that have been there long enough that they are really in the worst possible position. Too old to start over. Too young to retire. Age discrimation is a thing. So I’d recommend to ...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3787

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

happyisland wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:10 pm OP, have you considered an EV from a manufacturer with a longer record of making cars? That Ioniq 6 looks nice, for example, and I doubt it would have the quality control issues of a Tesla...
Good suggestion. The Hyundai/Kia EVs seem quite good. My friends that have them, have no complaints.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?
Replies: 48
Views: 3787

Re: Used Tesla shoppers: Quality?

I just sold my 4 year old model 3 to carvana. It was the best car I’ve ever owned. It was honestly in great shape, with the following 2 exceptions. It had a couple minor scratches in the paint, not the cars fault. The front control arms creaked/groaned in cold weather. (That is the cars fault). All those other things mentioned in the OP, none existed in my car. Paint quality was fine. Fit and finish were fine from the start. Seat integrity (and white interior) held up extremely well. Battery capacity was still at 90% of new, which is par for the course, etc. As for the hertz teslas, one thing to know is that a lot of “professional Uber” drivers, rented those cars and used them as Ubers. So they got a lot of use….. I’ve been in at least 3 Ub...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:29 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?
Replies: 68
Views: 6419

Re: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?

lazynovice wrote: Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:05 pm
veggivet wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:42 pm In a courtroom, the reply is 'asked and answered'. Posters are not as terse here. It is considered common courtesy to perform a site search before posting a new topic on any forum.
I'm referring to a reply like this actual one-

"We have no lack of SS claiming threads. There is nothing new under the sun to be said on this topic that is unique or insightful."
Yeah, that one is rude and not at all helpful. I’m thankful replies like those are so rare around here.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?
Replies: 68
Views: 6419

Re: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?

Rather than pointing out that a question has been answered I tend to try to link to topic(s) or wiki entries that I feel answer the question. As for the "This topic isn't actionable" responses, I think that's a reference to the forum policy against non-actionable topics Thanks for doing that. I’ve seen others do that too, and I think it’s great. So it’s more like “there is already a long discussion about this, and here it is….” I think that is very useful; clearly helpful and well intentioned. I don’t think I’ve actually seen much rudeness, or simple “use the search box” type replies. But if it’s fair to say members should just ignore topics they don’t like, then members can certain,y also ignore trite responses they don’t like. ...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Replies: 11
Views: 1004

Re: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?

Millions of us have the same problem. Most people get them painted.

I haven’t painted mine. They’re actually orange now. Matchrs the orange oak flooring….

I don’t like the style of my door fronts. So if I was going to do anything, I’d go online and order new shaker style doors in the color I want. They have sites that let you specify everything, size, hinge layout, full overlay or inlay etc. so I’d just need to refinish/paint the frames of the boxes, then install new doors.

I have to say though; my neighbors who paint their awful ugly cabinets plain white, it looks good when they’re done. Really incredible what a coat of white paint can do.
by Normchad
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 29
Views: 3612

Re: Moving in retirement.

I just retired and will be moving in a month or two. I really don’t see it as major upheaval at all. It’s work sure, but it isn’t I definite. And you can hire out packing, moving, etc etc.

For me, a house is just a house. I don’t get attached to them. And I try not to get attached to *things*….

I’d say, figure out what the best location is for you. And be there. And if you’re already there, look for ways to keep everything manageable.

For us, wanted to be closer to family, so we are moving closer to them. And I’m sure at some point in the future, we will move again……
by Normchad
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521035

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Normchad wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 5:35 pm I’m getting ready to sell my home in northern Virginia. Things here are getting mighty expensive. This should be interesting, as there is very little inventory right now, and we are heading into spring.

I would have thought current mortgage rates would bring prices down a bit, but it doesn’t seem to have happened.

Will probably list somewhere around 800-850.
Still not on the market yet. Will be in 2.5 weeks. Realtor will be listing at 900, and says it will likely sell higher than that.

Nothing special about this house or location. I’m stunned there is a ready supply of willing buyers at this price.
by Normchad
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25581

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

whodidntante wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:49 pm What really changed the game for me is when my income doubled 3 or 4 times.
Absolutely. People don’t spend enough time working on this. If you do this, every other problem becomes a lot less stressful.

Telling people to stop drinking Starbucks really is terrible advice, in that it falsely leads people to believe they can become wealthy by just cutting back on frivolities.

They should work just as hard at cranking up the income.
by Normchad
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help with a project [Calculating growth from an investment]
Replies: 11
Views: 755

Re: Help with a project

Ajcorpus wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:01 pm Is that website accurate though? When I use ticker symbol of spy with an initial balance of 580 k with no further contributions starting from 1995 to current, final balance shows 10.8 million which does not seem accurate to me.
Why doesn’t it seem accurate to you? What answer did you expect?

Looks to me like it roughly doubled 4 times in roughly 28 years. That is about what I expect.

In a nutshell, that is why I invest. Be sure I do expect it to “explode” in value over long enough periods of time. If I didn’t expect that, I’d be buying BMWs and bigger houses just like everybody else.
by Normchad
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 27
Views: 3183

Re: Is this a termite?

I don’t think so. But I’m not an expert.

My understanding is that ants have a “pinched” waist. And termites do not. Whatever this is, it has the pinched waist.
by Normchad
Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help with a project [Calculating growth from an investment]
Replies: 11
Views: 755

Re: Help with a project

Portfoliovisualizer.com

Go to “back test portfolio”
by Normchad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Letter to heir - what would you include?
Replies: 90
Views: 7798

Re: Letter to heir - what would you include?

I’d eliminate #1. I never tell people what to do with their money….

#3. You don’t have to wait til you’re dead to tell them this…….

In addition to the other good points you have, I’d just tell them that I love them and wish them a life filled with joy and kindness.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio
Replies: 26
Views: 2667

Re: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio

I guess maybe I do t have a platform. I have accounts at Vanguard and Fidelity. I just use their websites/apps to manage everything.

I buy very low cost index funds in both….. so I pay very little in fees…..

I manage 2 Roth IRAs, an FSA, a 401k, a. Brokerage account, and 2 roll over IRAs.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15473

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

LilyFleur wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 6:17 pm I keep $200 or less in my purse in small bills for tips. I don't trust that the server or manicurist will receive the tip if I tip on my credit card bill. They don't earn much, and I want them to receive my tip.
I suspect you’re right. I also tip my Ubers in cash…..

And more restaurants now are adding a credit card surcharge, so i pay them in cash. AND a bonus of doing that, is they never swivel the screen around asking for a tip when I pay with cash.

I keep less than $1000 in the house.
by Normchad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34
Replies: 80
Views: 8322

Re: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34

You need a new financial advisor. Better yet, you should learn to be your own "financial advisor". With help, as needed, from the good folks on this Forum. :D +1. You’ve already done a great job, amassing that net worth at your age. You’re just absolutely crushing it. More education always helps, and there is no better way than to read these forums consistently. Nobody here has a profit motive. Nobody here can benefit from misleading you, or selling you something…… It’s hard and rare to find a *good financial advisor*. They do exist. The majority of them though are well intentioned salespeople. Nice people. People from your church, your parents friends, guys on the softball team, etc. they can be very persuasive. And the real val...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Embracing Principles [during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?]
Replies: 43
Views: 4195

Re: Embracing Principles Amidst Bitcoin and Nvidia's Surge?

jyun wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:36 pm I always look to Bogleheads' advice for help with my investments. I've been investing in VOO for 5 years, and this investment has worked well for me. However, observing the recent surges in Bitcoin and Nvidia, it seems like there's a lot of FOMO among investors. For those who have been following the Bogleheads' investing principles for decades, how did you stick to your investing principles during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?
Sometimes you just have to put your hand on a hot stove……

A lot of us learned the lesson the hard way……
by Normchad
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
Replies: 22
Views: 2662

Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?

We had something similar. When we listed my mother-in-law’s house, the broker had a buyer almost immediately. The broker knew who might be interested in a house like that one. Yep. And this is why it pays to have a really good real estate agent. Good agents *know* just about ever everybody and every family. They know who isn’t selling now, but might be tempted. They know which families are sending their last kids off to college and will be ready to down size in October. Etc. etc. etc. and these same agents are the ones who originally sold them the home 20 years ago….. their kids grew up with the sellers kids. They go to the same gym, etc etc. It is hyper local. If you have your heart set on a particular neighborhood or area, find the agent...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
Replies: 22
Views: 2662

Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?

A friend of mine just sold his home. Before it was listed, it was “coming soon”. Not sure who all can see that. But he had several,offers before it went up for sale. From people that had never stepped foot inside……

As a seller though, I’m not sure I should be happy about that. If it sells that fast, maybe it was underpriced? Or at least, if you waited a week to allow more offers to come in, might have gotten an even higher offer.
by Normchad
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
Replies: 34
Views: 3463

Re: Feeling stuck with the mortgage

Most of your unhappiness doesn’t look related to the house you bought. A lot of those things would be true no matter which house you bought.

Maybe home ownership just isn’t for you.

I think when I bought my first house, the realtor said the average first time buyer only stays in that home for seven years. At the time, it sounded crazy to me. Sure enough, seven years later, I was moving out. The idea of a “forever home” makes no sense to me. Don’t get wrapped up in that notion…..
by Normchad
Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:40 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!
Replies: 142
Views: 44197

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2024!

I’m done March 8th, 2024. I’m 55. Very pleased to be in the same class as Longinvest. I’ll also be using the VPW methodology, and the truly wonderful spreadsheet that Longinvest maintains and explains so patiently. A real boglehead gem! All the best to everybody! Welcome to the Retirement Roll Call, Normchad! And yes - you're in the same retirement class with Longinvest - how cool is that! :D After your first weekend out loose in the real world, please let us know how retirement feels without stress and deadlines. We hope you find all good times and experiences in this new phase of life. Best wishes for a long, happy and very healthy retirement. Please keep us posted on what you're doing and how your spreadsheets work out :beer Thank you M...
by Normchad
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing Forums
Replies: 3
Views: 642

Re: Investing Forums

There are a lot of,bots on Reddit, but I don’t know how to quantify that. Reddit is a very *addictive* platform, and I probably spend more time there, than I do here. Although I ignore those finance forums in Reddit. And who knows what those numbers really represent. I’m not subscribed to any of the Reddit forums at all. But the algorithms do show me posts from lots of forums, including those. So maybe I get counted in those numbers. I’m not suggesting anything nefarious, but Reddit has filed to go IPO. And so big numbers are a good thing for them. There is a profit motive there. The posts I usually see, are screen grabs of portfolio graphs. Invariably somebody has turned $300 into $100,000 over night. Or they’ve turned 100,000 into 300 ove...
by Normchad
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
Replies: 14
Views: 1724

Re: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

I would just be concerned when selling my house and a prospective purchaser asked who did the kitchen. Like it or not, "Ikea" is not a desirable answer. I used IKEA cabinets when I redid the kitchen in my first home. Had no problem selling the house and many people complimented the kitchen. I once again used IKEA cabinets when I redid the kitchen in my current house. I doubt the vast majority of buyers would consider this when buying a house. Some on this board, sure, but not enough people for an IKEA kitchen to be a deal breaker. Yeah. Really, the builders grade cabinets in the other houses you’re competing against, aren’t some great desireable thing. Nobody will be like “man, I really wish they had those Merrilat cabinets from ...
by Normchad
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
Replies: 13
Views: 1659

Re: Retired and escaping the grandkids?

retiredjg wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:13 am My suggestion: You will find the most support from people who have already been there. Find an al-anon group and attend at least 5 meetings in order to understand your role in this problem and what steps to take to regain control of your life.

If you do not find a home in one group, find another.
This is wonderfully good advice. +1.
by Normchad
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retired and escaping the grandkids?
Replies: 13
Views: 1659

Re: Retired and escaping the grandkids?

As my southwest pilot says “put your own mask on before helping others”.

This really is a relationship issue though.

In your shoes, I’d say, it sounds harsh. Get some backbone. Makes the plans you want for you and your wife, and just do them. Help out the kids in between doing those other things. Don’t cancel your plans for them. They can be a complete disaster without your help.

Ive seen this same story before. Often time s it is you, or your spouse, that is anchoring themselves to the kids, more so than the kids.
by Normchad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who has rebalanced?
Replies: 28
Views: 3713

Re: Who has rebalanced?

bugleheadd wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:41 pm stocks have gone up nicely this year...

who has rebalanced?
I haven’t. But this is a good reminder that I should probably look and see if it needs to be done.
by Normchad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Replies: 60
Views: 5034

Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?

Pitching in to say, this is the most polite and constructive IPhone vs. android thread I have ever read, anywhere.
by Normchad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
Replies: 14
Views: 1724

Re: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

I’ve had them in various homes for 30 years. They are long lasting and easy to install.

I’m actually amazed at how well they hold up. When you’re assembling them, they don’t feel like they’re going to last.

Some don’t like the look of them. For those folks, you can just buy the “boxes” from IKEA. Then buy designer doors and drawer fronts from many places in line that specialize in doing that.

A really nice thing about them, is that they are modular and you can buy individual parts and pieces. If you ever need to repair or replace one, you can do that.
by Normchad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?
Replies: 68
Views: 5913

Re: What would you have done differently if you could go back and restart your financial journey?

I would have saved less earlier on. I skipped or missed some things in my 20s because I was over saving. Older me would have gladly loaned younger me the money to do it…..

That’s all hind sight though.
by Normchad
Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?
Replies: 24
Views: 3075

Re: Promotion to the next level. How does it work?

Would appreciate your experiences and perspectives. I have been in my current role as a senior manager for 5 years. Approached my supervisor about a bump to next level( director). He spoke positively about the prospects and the value I add. In my time in the current the role, the company acquired 5 companies and that added to the work load. My supervisor discussed my case with the decision maker( head). Now, I am asked to write a justification letter why I qualify for a promotion. Is it common practice asking the employee to write his own justification for promotion? This feels like the upper mgmt thinks as if I am not ready yet? Thanks! I’ve had your bosses job before. Part of that job is dealing with really good employees, who just aren’...
by Normchad
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Replies: 37
Views: 3268

Re: Kitchen Cabinet Cost

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. My wife is making a push to flip the rooms. I'm starting to come around. I have found some extendable oval table that 54-68 inch long and 46 inches wide. They would extend to 74-108 inches wide. While that wouldnt fit in a 12x10 dining room, I think for the 2-3x we need more than 4 seats each year, we could position the table diagonally and, while it would be tight, could probably fit 8-10. We actually talked to design firm about flipping the rooms initially. That was his first suggestion and he thought the cost would be ~$200k. That was $50-75k more than I wanted to spend so we didnt pursue it further but I have an unfinished utility room underneath the kitchen and dining room. My HVAC, electrical panel and...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow
Replies: 148
Views: 22990

Re: FIRE-ing In, Quitting versus Getting FIRE-d - Talking to Boss Tomorrow

I DID IT! Had the follow-up conversation with my boss today, and it went wonderfully. I told her I’d done a lot of reflecting and - though the timing isn’t great for me personally as we’ve discussed - I would rather come to an agreement and take a career break at this point. She was disappointed and exclaimed that wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but said she understood. I said that I am not 100% sure what I want to do, but given the nudge I’m being faced with as a result of this coaching situation, and how long I’ve been deliberating, that I feel the timing is right professionally to take a step back and re-evaluate. We talked at length. She appreciated me being open about not being in it for the coaching and that actually it was better fo...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: close to retiring - what to do with company 401k
Replies: 13
Views: 1647

Re: close to retiring - what to do with company 401k

I’ll be rolling mine over.

First, I don’t want any ties back to any previous employers. Secondly, I like to minimize the number of accounts and brokerages I have. So combining all past 401Ks into a single rollover IRA is what I do.

Mine happen to be at vanguard. Fidelity would,be fine too. People say Schwab is great too.
by Normchad
Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Replies: 48
Views: 3862

Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college

Re: fair/even/the same, I get it. I think you could go crazy trying to keep everything perfectly fair/even. But also, I think "fair" doesn't always mean "even". It could mean that you're just trying your best to help all of your kids have the level of success & financial stability they're individually looking for. Of course, we also have to take into account what your kids are putting into it. They shouldn't be given an abundance of assistance when they're not making great choices. But at the same time, the ones that are putting everything they have into it are less likely to need assistance. There are a lot of variables, and it's not an exact science. I'm mostly looking to hear different philosophies (which I've be...
by Normchad
Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4821

Re: about Norway rats

I’d just leave the traps where they are and check on them once in a while. I keep mouse traps in my garage all the time, just in case. Mine aren’t the live traps though. I’d feel bad leaving a live trap out if I was y going to check it daily…..
by Normchad
Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any particular reason why healthcare funds are performing so bad?
Replies: 5
Views: 755

Re: Any particular reason why healthcare funds are performing so bad?

These are great businesses. But great businesses don’t always make for being great stocks to own….. that’s why I diversify…..