Search found 398 matches

by PlayingLife
Sat Sep 23, 2023 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Consolidate Financial Platforms?
Replies: 11
Views: 1064

Re: Consolidate Financial Platforms?

Based on your comments I would recommend you spend a lot more time researching and understanding how portfolios operate. There is a ton of information on this site that you can absorb over time and the community is beyond helpful. When you hear the phrase "diversified", in short, it's not referring to the amount of platforms you're using. It is referring to the specific investments you are making within the platform. This site will educate you on index funds, which is a specific type of investment found within many platforms. An index fund guarantees you automatically have wide diversification. Also, all investments you make within your given platform(s) come at a cost. The cost of index funds is notoriously cheap. Currently I hav...
by PlayingLife
Sat Apr 01, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LTIP Specialists in New Jersey?
Replies: 0
Views: 216

LTIP Specialists in New Jersey?

Hi all - I need a specialist to review an LTIP in New Jersey, including analysis and comprehension of the plan, along with associated tax consequences. Do I need a certain type of lawyer, financial advisor, or perhaps both?
by PlayingLife
Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Irrevocable Trust - Using home sale for med expenses
Replies: 1
Views: 316

Irrevocable Trust - Using home sale for med expenses

Spouse 1 = Him/He Spouse 2 = Her/She Spouse 1 signed deed over to Spouse 2. Spouse 2 placed home in irrevocable trust with children as trustees. Spouse 1 since declined and is in LTC. Assets are drying up and Spouse 2 wants to use sale of home to further fund LTC for Spouse 1. Trustees are onboard to sell the house for this reason. Question 1: What process needs to be followed to extract cash from the sale of this home to pay for LTC medical expenses for Spouse 1? Let's assume Spouse 1 is not listed as grantor or trustee, however, they are listed as beneficiary to Spouse 2 Question 2: Theoretically speaking, let's say Spouse 2 eventually needs LTC. If the home is sold will any remaining assets remain shielded within the trust....or if some ...
by PlayingLife
Sat Mar 11, 2023 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Tax Software and Deducting Mortgage Interest [New Jersey]
Replies: 2
Views: 282

Re: H&R Tax Software and Deducting Mortgage Interest [New Jersey]

Thanks! I did read that and despite it coming from the site, I was remaining hopeful lol. Thank you.
by PlayingLife
Sat Mar 11, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Tax Software and Deducting Mortgage Interest [New Jersey]
Replies: 2
Views: 282

H&R Tax Software and Deducting Mortgage Interest [New Jersey]

Hi all,

I'm under the impression we can deduct our New Jersey mortgage interest paid in 2022. When using the H&R block software we went with standard deduction under the federal return. I just went through the motions to file our state return and claimed the deduction for taxes paid. However, I don't see anywhere within the state return section referring to mortgage interest paid in 2022.

Does anyone have any ideas?
by PlayingLife
Fri Mar 10, 2023 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help rebalance this portfolio
Replies: 6
Views: 656

Re: Help rebalance this portfolio

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Sun Mar 05, 2023 12:54 pm If doing an exchange of equity funds, look at lot basis. You can do this over time and sell some with losses and match to some with gains.

On timing, why? If you need to change percentages, change percentages.
"Look at lot basis" --> Could you please explain this some more?

"On timing, why?" ---> Yes I guess I should just re-balance if I wanted to. If you've got a 90% stock to 10% bond portfolio and your preference is to get to 80% stock and 20% bond, do BH's following a 3 fund portfolio typically just make the switch regardless to what's happening in the market? They simply reset the allocation and that's the end of it?
by PlayingLife
Sun Mar 05, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help rebalance this portfolio
Replies: 6
Views: 656

Help rebalance this portfolio

Hi all. It's been a long time since I've re-balanced..I'm considering doing so simply as our amount of open accounts is piling up. I'm 40 and DW is 36. I've always generally followed a 90/10 stock/bond split. Given it's been a long time and I don't want to screw anything up, I would appreciate some general guidance on the following questions: 1. What general things do I need to watch out for when consolidating these accounts? Any general guidance is appreciated 2. If I am considering to consolidate my equity funds which will include swapping one fund for another, is there any benefit gained by waiting until the US stock market someday comes back to the Nov/Dec 2021 highs so that I avoid selling any of it at a loss? 3. If I am considering to...
by PlayingLife
Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for a vacuum today - recommendations?
Replies: 16
Views: 1166

Looking for a vacuum today - recommendations?

Hi all,

We need to purchase a new vacuum for our home. We're looking for something which can manage hardwood floors, carpets, and area rugs. Home is around 3000 sq ft and we have two cats. I was looking at the dysons in the $280 - $380 range but there are a lot of scary reviews out there. We've had Dyson and Bissel previously and are not interested in chordless options. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

PL
by PlayingLife
Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best bank option for monthly bills?
Replies: 8
Views: 748

Re: Best bank option for monthly bills?

Living Free wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 10:12 am I suppose you could use any online or no fee account. Such as fidelity cash management account, schwab checking account, Ally bank, etc...as mentioned above if using for just a few transactions a month could even use a savings account

As an aside, why are you currently banking with Wells Fargo? Generally there are better options than the 4 giant monster mega banks (wells, citi, chase, bank of america).
This is what I figured, I just thought I would run it by the forum. Thank you.
by PlayingLife
Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best bank option for monthly bills?
Replies: 8
Views: 748

Re: Best bank option for monthly bills?

8foot7 wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 10:03 am I think the OP wants to fund the second account at a different bank with enough from direct deposits so that the money is assured to be there and also not easily transferred out to cover everyday shortfalls like it could be at the bank where their primary account is.
Perfect understanding!
by PlayingLife
Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best bank option for monthly bills?
Replies: 8
Views: 748

Best bank option for monthly bills?

We use a Wells Fargo account for day to day expenses, along with a second WF account where we regularly manually move money into, which eventually is used for the monthly mortgage and quarterly taxes. We're not disciplined enough to keep up with this (we don't put enough in for mortgage and taxes sometimes, causing us to dip into the emergency fund a couple hundred dollars here and there) and have decided to open a second bank account under a different bank. We would utilize direct deposit to spread our mortgage and tax needs into this account, and would use this account solely for mortgage and tax purposes. Retirement/529's/HSA's/etc. are all automated and functioning as planned - our need is simply to better manage the money we need for m...
by PlayingLife
Wed Feb 16, 2022 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Latest Bathroom Remodel Costs? NJ Area
Replies: 9
Views: 1237

Latest Bathroom Remodel Costs? NJ Area

Hi all,

We are looking to remodel our main floor full bathroom. It's relatively small, but this is a total gut job down to the studs, including redoing the stand-in shower (all new tile). We live in NJ and were quoted $12,600 which includes all the labor, sheet rock, new insulation, etc. We are responsible to supply all the hardware, tile, and accessories such as ceiling fan.

We quoted this job pre-Covid and the quotes were coming in closer to $8K. Have labor and basic material costs gone up this much, or should we shop around?
by PlayingLife
Mon Jan 31, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended site for corporate gift basket?
Replies: 8
Views: 1488

Recommended site for corporate gift basket?

I'd like to send a corporate gift basket including gourmet foods to someone and am wondering if anyone could recommend a site for gift baskets. Likely I will include wine, but alcohol is not mandatory.
by PlayingLife
Sat Jan 15, 2022 7:37 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?
Replies: 230
Views: 24949

Re: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?

I consider it time "intelligently spent" online and I enjoy the contributions. If I'm not reading this or WSJ, I'm playing video games or am scrolling facebook hobby groups endlessly.
by PlayingLife
Thu Jan 06, 2022 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon's No Return Return Policy
Replies: 39
Views: 5820

Re: Amazon's No Return Return Policy

What's with the "no return" return? I recently tried to order an over the counter medical cream and ordered the wrong thing. It was $25, so I decided I'd return it...I rarely return anything and wasn't sure what to do. Anyway, I went through the steps, including telling Amazon that I ordered the wrong thing. And they said "keep it but we'll still refund your credit card". How does this business model work? I would assume Amazon flags people who do this often. But, still, even for those of us who do not do it often, this seems odd. Often in these cases it is not financially worth the seller going through the hassle of a return. Amazon charges high exorbitant fees to their vendors, including processing charges for returns...
by PlayingLife
Fri Dec 31, 2021 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney experience
Replies: 301
Views: 26029

Re: Disney experience

Back in October 2019, we brought our 10 month old and 3.5 yr old to Disney. We stayed at the Grove off-Disney property, which was brand new with an included water park at the time, and paid around $1300 for a 3-bedroom for x4 nights. My brother and his wife came along and we used uber to get around, and also had a grocery service drop off groceries at the Grove. I have to say...the trip was an absolute blast. I think the whole thing cost us around $3000 or $4000 and that included some excellent restaurants. We used the fast pass system regularly and only ran into +1 hr rides a few times as we hit the main attractions as the park opened. The only nightmarish situation was the crowd dispersing after the Magic Kingdom fireworks...we will never...
by PlayingLife
Fri Dec 31, 2021 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

Just to close the loop here - I was able to finagle some things around and contributed a large portion of my final 2020 check to fund the dependent care account, while also hitting my 401K match. Employer did give me a small spot bonus to make up for the loss and frustration, which I am extremely appreciative of. This was done mostly because I did indeed have several documents telling me the weekly contributions were being made. Anyway, I did learn my lesson to pay more attention to pay stubs in the future. Thanks all.
by PlayingLife
Fri Dec 31, 2021 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Very Basic Rebalancing Question
Replies: 3
Views: 347

Very Basic Rebalancing Question

Hi all, I haven't re-balanced in a long time and would just like to check something simple to make sure I don't screw it up. I'm looking to re-balance a 529 account. Currently it has 94% in growth stock mutual funds, and 6% in the bond market index portfolio. Funds won't be touched for >10 years. I'm looking to take the 94% to 90%, and the 6% to 10%. I'm given the simple choice to decide the new asset allocation. Question: By choosing the new asset allocation and submitting, the plan will simply sell the "4%" of growth stock index, and will purchase this value worth of the bond index fund. Since I have only realized growth since opening the 529, I am selling the growth stock fund at peak value. Since 4% is valued well above my con...
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

Thank you for the comments all. The company wants to make things whole for me so I'm simply going to ask them to send a one time payment which comes out to $4800 * 0.24 = $1152, after taxes. I'm sure they won't take issue with this and I appreciate the insights from everyone.
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

stats99 wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 7:10 pm FSA contributions are not pre-tax in New Jersey.
Ah I did not know this, thank you for pointing this out as it further minimizes the situation!
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

Not excusing the company, but at NO point during the year you didn’t realize your take home pay was higher than it should have been, like immediately after you made the election. My new employer pays weekly and there were a few inconsistencies in the beginning which they worked through, causing my first few checks to each have different totals. I also have a company allowance paid periodically which causes various pay checks to be various values. The $4800 spread throughout the year only impacts each check ~$150 too, so it is a fairly nominal amount for me to have noticed. You will see I did mention accepting a small portion of the blame for not identifying the missing line item in my pay stub, but again, I have documented confirmation it ...
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

Not excusing the company, but at NO point during the year you didn’t realize your take home pay was higher than it should have been, like immediately after you made the election. My new employer pays weekly and there were a few inconsistencies in the beginning which they worked through, causing my first few checks to each have different totals. I also have a company allowance paid periodically which causes various pay checks to be various values. The $4800 spread throughout the year only impacts each check ~$150 too, so it is a fairly nominal amount for me to have noticed. You will see I did mention accepting a small portion of the blame for not identifying the missing line item in my pay stub, but again, I have documented confirmation it ...
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Re: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

State tax is 6.37% at my income level. So my savings would have been approximately $1,440.00 when I consider $4800 * 0.3. If I ask for a $2000 one-time payment, I end up around $1400 after taxes (24% fed, 6% state). Does this sound like a fair proposal?
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 21, 2021 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?
Replies: 19
Views: 1191

Employer messed up dependent care account - best solution?

Hi all, So today upon trying to make a withdrawal, I realized my employer screwed up my dependent care FSA account. I have my benefits summary from May in which the account was activated since I changed jobs mid-year, and see I elected to contribute $4800 from May-December. Unfortunately the HR person never actually made the contribution adjustment and so I just found out today my balance is "$0". I've always "set it and forget it" in previous years and always go to make a total withdrawal at end of year. The HR person was devastated and apologized, admitting they made a mistake. I'm very furious about this as a few weeks ago I made a non-refundable, optional purchase valued at ~$4000. I wasn't planning on dipping into c...
by PlayingLife
Wed Oct 06, 2021 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dependent Care Limits & the Amer. Rescue Plan - Did I over-contribute?
Replies: 3
Views: 376

Re: Dependent Care Limits & the Amer. Rescue Plan - Did I over-contribute?

It is MFJ - this is fantastic news, thank you for the response.
by PlayingLife
Wed Oct 06, 2021 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dependent Care Limits & the Amer. Rescue Plan - Did I over-contribute?
Replies: 3
Views: 376

Dependent Care Limits & the Amer. Rescue Plan - Did I over-contribute?

Hi all, Well this is a possible blessing in disguise. I came on here to seek support as I accidentally signed up for max dependent care contribution of $5000 at both my wife's employer and my employer. A few days ago I was doing a financial health check and panicked, realizing I have us on autopilot to contribute $10,000 across both employers by the end of the year. I haven't done anything yet and came on here for support to see how I can fix this. As I'm writing this post, I googled the max contribution limit just to be sure, and now I see headlines that they increased the contribution in 2021 under the "American Rescue Plan". We have not taken any withdrawals yet and will have contribute $10,000 total across both employers by ou...
by PlayingLife
Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle
Replies: 23
Views: 2167

Re: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle

Depending on how good the new employer is at negotiating, be ready for this response, "We can't do that, but we can do this." And depending on how locked in to the new job you are and your negotiating skills, you might be in a "take this or leave it" situation. I'm thinking through this and you might be better stating outright the exact vehicle you want to drive and why. I think this would have greater impact than asking for an ambiguous allowance. You're looking for a step up in role, career, pay, and perk. Be forthright about it. But only if this vehicle upgrade is part of the role? I like this quote a lot. It actually makes a lot of sense- VP of Sales in an industry where everyone in sales has a vehicle, most large c...
by PlayingLife
Fri Jan 22, 2021 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle
Replies: 23
Views: 2167

Re: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle

Thanks for all of this great feedback. My company car now would cost ~$45K new. I was hoping I could negotiate a car allowance that would give me enough room to purchase the next model up without having to put out any cash outside of the allowance (~$54,000). I am calculating new car & annual charges as follows.... 1. $54,000 vehicle financed at 60 months (3.11%) = $973 per month 2. $3780 taxes due in year 1 @ 7% 3. $3060 fuel annually ($2.55/gal, 30K miles per year, 25 MPG) 4. $1800 car insurance (Super clean record, is this reasonable for NJ?) 5. Maintenance - $200/year for first 3 years, $1000 for year 4 and 5 So in year 1 this comes to roughly $20,516 or $1709 per month if I average out the total. In year 2 with no further taxes due...
by PlayingLife
Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle
Replies: 23
Views: 2167

Re: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle

123 wrote: Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:33 pm I would approach the vehicle allowance basing everything on a leased vehicle. Figuring replacement every 12 to 36 months depending on your estimated mileage. Vehicle type could depend on whether you actually use it much for business versus if it is just a perk. You might want to check out the reserved executive parking spaces (assuming not WFH) to see what the standards are.
Never leased a vehicle in my life. I guess I'll have to research that independently but this could be a possible option....thanks1
by PlayingLife
Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle
Replies: 23
Views: 2167

Vehicle allowance vs Fleet Vehicle

I've had fleet vehicles my entire career and love the convenience. In these cases I always had personal gas cards and could expense practically unlimited personal gas miles (taxed at end of year on personal mileage only - maybe $1000 to $2000 in most years). All other expenses paid....maintenance, all gas, car washes, etc, etc. My current vehicle is worth ~$47K and I'm entitled to a new vehicle every 5 years. New job offer comes with a vehicle allowance that is up for negotiation - they don't do fleet vehicles. Comp package outside of the vehicle situation is a substantial gain but I am worried the vehicle allowance may eat away at total comp gains. What sort of monthly vehicle allowance is typically and what should I ask for in comparing &...
by PlayingLife
Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Advice & Comp Advice for VP Sales Position
Replies: 6
Views: 1131

Career Advice & Comp Advice for VP Sales Position

Hi all, Could use some career advice. I have a job offer for a VP of sales position that would give me a 25% jump in salary, landing me somewhere between $200 & $250K before bonuses. The bonus percentage and other perks are likely similar to my current gig. There's serious talk of a long term incentive plan but I'm not considering this for now as it won't be present at signing due to some restructuring happening with the company. It's a small company which is owned by a conglomerate - there are plans to fuse other small businesses into this company and build it up over time. I'm currently working as a sales manager at a large firm, I've been here 3 years and this is my first job as a manager. This company is well known and much more pre...
by PlayingLife
Tue Dec 08, 2020 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Post-death financial plan for Mom - Really need some advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2295

Re: Post-death financial plan for Mom - Really need some advice

Hi all - thank you for so many responses. I don't understand "step up" along with some of the tax items to consider and will re-review and research this advice later this evening. I don't think we're too far off from what everyone is proposing. Regarding the stocks, unfortunately they are heavy in oil (Exxon primarily) and dipped from $90K to $50K, now back to $60K. I do like the tip on selling the vacant lot too and it's something we're considering for 2021. Thank you again and I look forward to reviewing in full later on.
by PlayingLife
Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Post-death financial plan for Mom - Really need some advice
Replies: 18
Views: 2295

Post-death financial plan for Mom - Really need some advice

Unfortunately my father passed away last week and we're now at a point to put a financial plan together for the remainder of our mom's life. The pain point here is that their previous income stream (primary pension) ends with my father's death. This is a complex situation and I greatly appreciate general advice along with some specific feedback on select questions.. Total Assets: *$23,000 in savings account *$60,000 in individual stocks *$6,200 check arriving soon from last LTC insurance payment *$5,000 - one time pension payout *$200,000 - Life insurance policy, mom is recipient *$200,000 - Venerable Annuity, Non-Qualified | Golden Select Premium Plus with Max 7% Solution Quarterly Death Benefit *$85,000 - Venerable Annuity, Qualified Type...
by PlayingLife
Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ POLST versus Advance Directive
Replies: 12
Views: 882

Re: NJ POLST versus Advance Directive

chemocean wrote: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:05 pm I looked at this issue for my father in Delaware.
An advance directive is only activated once the patient is hospitalized and stabilized at the hospital.
A POLST requires a terminal illness and needs to be signed by a physician.
It is the job of EMTs to get the patient to the hospital alive and they ignore advance directive, but do recognize a POLST

The skilled nursing facility accepted a DNR order on their own form with the proper signatures and witnesses.
They did not call 911.
Thank you for your clarification and sorry for your loss regardless of the timing. Thanks again.
by PlayingLife
Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ POLST versus Advance Directive
Replies: 12
Views: 882

Re: NJ POLST versus Advance Directive

familythriftmd wrote: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:56 pm Isn't this non-consumer-related?
Where should I have this post redirected?
by PlayingLife
Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Continuing Education Recommendations
Replies: 2
Views: 541

Re: Continuing Education Recommendations

Bumping one time and one time only!
by PlayingLife
Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ POLST versus Advance Directive
Replies: 12
Views: 882

NJ POLST versus Advance Directive

Hi all, My father's Advance Directive established a couple of years ago clearly states various DNR orders and avoidance of artificial treatment. His New Jersey nursing home is stating they will ignore this and resuscitate him and use various artificial means to prolong life without having a signed NJ POLST form. I researched this and it seems they are legally correct to make these claims. Is that accurate? They are expecting me to fill the POLST form out, sign, and deliver. The first bullet on the form states "Must be completed by a physician, advance practice nurse or PA" so I will at least push back to make them draft language that mirrors the advance directive, and then I will sign. Resource for POLST form: https://www.goalsofc...
by PlayingLife
Sun Nov 08, 2020 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Continuing Education Recommendations
Replies: 2
Views: 541

Continuing Education Recommendations

Hi all. I'm currently managing a sales team of individual contributors and I'm considering options for continuing education. I haven't been a full manager for too long and feel I"m just now finding my stride - I went from being stressed and unsure of my capabilities to feeling in control and typically confident over the course of a few years. My greatest challenges these days are being stuck in the middle between my team and the layers above me while trying to advocate ongoing change and improvements. I could continue to work on being more assertive and strategic but I do feel I've improved my approach and effectiveness considerably. I'd like to keep managing sales teams and eventually could see myself sticking with my current large or...
by PlayingLife
Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ driver's license renewal by mail - good idea??
Replies: 16
Views: 2651

Re: NJ driver's license renewal by mail - good idea??

Had a car inspected in NJ a couple of months ago...no line getting there at 6:30AM for inspection but apparently the line to go inside started around 4AM. Put off renewing my license for this very reason and now it's expired a month! Good timing on this post and thank you. I will stop being lazy and will submit by mail tomorrow.
by PlayingLife
Mon Oct 12, 2020 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Elder Care - Lopes Annuity or Trust
Replies: 15
Views: 1385

Re: Elder Care - Lopes Annuity or Trust

Hi BWS, Let me share my experience and hopefully you pick up on something useful. My father who previously lived in NJ with my mother went through a collection of neurological diagnosis and it eventually came down to Parkison's. He entered a nursing home facility a bit over a year ago in NJ and that is where he is today. Here is what I learned so far.... 1. You'll see from my history I posted a lot of questions on everything from elder law attorneys to questions on trusts on this site. I love Bogleheads but these topics are so in-depth and the law is so extensive I really cannot suggest anything other than working directly with an elder law attorney. Some will do a free consultation and many will charge $300-$500 for an initial 30-60 minute...
by PlayingLife
Wed Oct 07, 2020 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lonely friend died; who steps in to start settling her affairs?
Replies: 45
Views: 7812

Re: Lonely friend died; who steps in to start settling her affairs?

livesoft wrote: Mon Oct 05, 2020 2:15 pm I remember this article about George Bell who died alone: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/nyre ... -city.html which does explain some things.

Apparently, a public administrator manages estates.
Thank you for sharing this
by PlayingLife
Thu May 28, 2020 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer approval for a side gig
Replies: 43
Views: 3130

Re: Employer approval for a side gig

I appreciate all the comments here and think I likely need to go with my gut feeling. I have never signed anything including a non-compete that would pose problems. But there is a "Code of Conduct" shared with employees post hire covering "Conflicts of Interest" which says I need to notify my employer of secondary employment or in taking an officer/board position. I've worked remote my whole life and my daily calendar is filled out in full a week in advance with all significant colleagues having access, so the truth is I have nowhere to hide during my 55-60 hours without the company immediately realizing it. Furthermore, 75%+ of my daily calls are with other colleagues anyway and I'm on the phone managing business/sales ...
by PlayingLife
Thu May 28, 2020 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer approval for a side gig
Replies: 43
Views: 3130

Employer approval for a side gig

Looking for some basic advice here and thoughts on what sort of outcome I should expect. I work as a manager in a relatively large organization. Typical work weeks are 55-60 hours and to the best of my knowledge I am considered a value added employee and my work ethic is respected and has never been challenged. I'm lucky to be known as a professional and as an employee in good standing. I'm considering establishing an LLC with a trusted business partner to start selling goods as a side gig. Most of the day to day will be managed by my partner and I authentically am planning to sign on at this point as an investor and advisor/consultant. I would have an ownership stake in the venture. Per my employer's code of conduct, I must notify them of ...
by PlayingLife
Tue May 12, 2020 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you back up your important data?
Replies: 104
Views: 7817

Re: Where do you back up your important data?

candb wrote: Mon May 04, 2020 3:12 pm I've been thinking about how best to back up our important documents. Right now I'm using an external hard drive and USB stick to back up photos, music, tax returns, bank statements, wills, spreadsheets and word documents.
That's working fine, but I'm thinking it might be a good idea to have at least some of this data off premises, i.e., the cloud. There's Google Drive and Amazon Drive, but I have some concerns around privacy. There are many other cloud storage services out there. One good, privacy focused one I came across was Sync.com. Apparently Proton is coming up with their own product also. Lots to choose from. Curious about what others are doing?
External drive in a fireproof safe
by PlayingLife
Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?
Replies: 4
Views: 433

Re: Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?

stan1 wrote: Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:48 am What do you think his/her strengths and weaknesses are? What does he/she think they are?

Talk it over with your employee and let him/her find a good fit within your company policies.

Personally I'm not a fan of broad "so you want to be a manager" classes. I always try to work with the employee to find something specific they want to work on.
Very good point here.
by PlayingLife
Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?
Replies: 4
Views: 433

Re: Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?

timboktoo wrote: Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:25 pm I have a podcast to recommend, if you're open to that. It's called The Look & Sound of Leadership. It's excellent.

- Tim
Many thanks for this! I've been an avid listener of Manager Tools podcast and have recommended it to others. I will add this to my list.
by PlayingLife
Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?
Replies: 4
Views: 433

Online courses/programs for aspiring managers?

Anyone have suggestions for either "on demand" or upcoming online programs/courses for aspiring managers? I have an employee I'm looking to enroll while we're stuck working from home for now...might as well make the best of the situation. This sales person already has an MBA from an accredited University so I want to avoid anything too "fluffy". A course covering management, leadership, and coaching is most applicable. A course also including how to transition from individual contributor to manager would also be of interest. Thanks!
by PlayingLife
Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Office chair recommendation for carpeted home office
Replies: 29
Views: 3295

Office chair recommendation for carpeted home office

This 8 year old wooden $75 Target chair is killing me! Any suggestions for a great at home office chair for carpeted surfaces? Preferably under $500
by PlayingLife
Wed Mar 18, 2020 11:58 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
Replies: 505
Views: 68888

Re: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?

Dottie57 wrote: Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:59 pm
WoodSpinner wrote: Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:47 pm
1130Super wrote: Tue Mar 17, 2020 5:43 pm Mandatory 12-16 hour shifts 7 days a week. I work for a grocery supplier we have 4x normal volume
Many, Many thanks! Thanks to the hoarders some simple things are in short supply.

WoodSpinner
+1000. Appreciate the workers who supply grocery stores whole heartedly.
+1000 too, thank you for all your hard work
by PlayingLife
Wed Jan 01, 2020 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What financial podcasts do you listen to?
Replies: 52
Views: 9045

Re: What financial podcasts do you listen to?

Pete the Planner, Jill on Money