Search found 369 matches

by JDot
Wed Feb 08, 2023 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?
Replies: 96
Views: 9020

Re: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?

bwalling wrote: Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:40 am
02nz wrote: Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:36 am Mazda CX5 - looks and drives great, higher trim levels are quite luxurious.
Mazda does luxury for a lower cost well. They also tend to have better driving dynamics.

If you want budget luxury, check them out. You'll get a nicer trim than Toyota/Honda, along with better handling and driving experience. And, they do well on reliability.
I'm a huge Toyota/Lexus fan. I 100% agree with your characterization. I have no clue where subarus get the reputation for being reliable btw.
by JDot
Sun May 23, 2021 11:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford a 200k RV ? 3.2mm Net Worth
Replies: 177
Views: 20776

Re: Can I afford a 200k RV ? 3.2mm Net Worth

All,

obvious Troll. I laughed 4 times so loud before finishing reading the OP that my wife is shushing me.
by JDot
Fri Apr 02, 2021 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what size grommet hole for monitor arm?
Replies: 7
Views: 2401

Re: what size grommet hole for monitor arm?

I'm not well versed in this area and I know this isn't what you asked for. But this has worked wonderfully for me for my ultrawide 34 inch monitor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015R ... UTF8&psc=1
by JDot
Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer monitor
Replies: 40
Views: 3855

Re: Computer monitor

So I'm not extremely techy and haven't researched monitors for a few years. I'm a casual gamer and communicate with quite a few of the same. I could not recommend more an ultra wide monitor. 3440 x 1440. Say 34 inches. Soooo many advantages. Everyone who has one absolutely loves them. First, due to it's high resolution, if you're using it for work it's equal to 2 or more monitors so lots of utility there. Gaming wise, more and more games support the resolution. It takes less of a GPU to drive a 3440 x 1440 than a 4k so there's performance advantages. I think if you're looking at a monitor of this size they will likely be curved. Mine is and I don't notice it. You can easily count on having your monitor longer than your pc so there's good re...
by JDot
Thu Dec 10, 2020 11:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you get your news?
Replies: 45
Views: 3353

Re: Where do you get your news?

NPR. You're welcome.
by JDot
Sat Dec 05, 2020 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone have a home sauna?
Replies: 8
Views: 1581

Re: Anyone have a home sauna?

I just want to say that I regularly follow some sources who are into the longevity subject. There's more and more research into the value of sauna and how it "activates heat shock proteins." I would love to have the ability to have my own sauna. Feel free to google something like: longevity, heat shock proteins, Dr. Rhonda Patrick

It might help justify your decision.
by JDot
Thu Dec 03, 2020 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a 1.3M house - worried about unexpected expenses
Replies: 100
Views: 10828

Re: Buying a 1.3M house - worried about unexpected expenses

Those telling you to walk away are trying to be helpful, but as I understand the Seattle market currently, no contingency offers are becoming fairly standard, and the alternative is that you probably won't be able to buy a house if you insist on an inspection - or at very least - will be unable to get a desirable house. While an inspection, or at least an experienced set of eyes looking things over is highly preferable, I will point out that $1.3M doesn't buy a mansion in Seattle - it buys a structure that would be no more than $300-400k in most of the rest of the country. If you can afford it at this price, it is unlikely there is much of anything that can be so wrong with it that you can't afford to fix it. You are mostly paying for the ...
by JDot
Wed Aug 28, 2019 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Sports Car
Replies: 77
Views: 7257

Re: Used Sports Car

sk2101 wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2019 2:17 pm
cashboy wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2019 1:13 pm corvette

most have low miles and are well taken care of.
+1 Corvettes are the most reliable sports cars.

(Reliability Score from Long Term Quality Index)
Image
Err how many Toyota Celicas have I seen with over 200,000 miles running well? Quite a few. I don't know that could be seen for most of those other cars. Thanks for sharing the data, but I'm skeptical.
by JDot
Wed May 22, 2019 2:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Relocate to Charleston SC?
Replies: 57
Views: 7315

Re: Relocate to Charleston SC?

This post won't be that useful. But, I love Charleston, SC. The food is like the NYC of the south. Better than Seattle and California imo. Folly Beach is fantastic. The humidity is something that most west coast people won't believe, but I think you get used to it. Charleston, SC isn't the "south". Charleston is Charleston. That's how they view themselves. But I should add, I agree with some others: I'm not sure it makes sense to move from a HCOL area to a "somewhat" cheaper HCOL area just because of price. If you visit Charleston, SC and find that you really like it, then maybe move. But I'm not sure it's worth moving to a completely different location/culture just to save money when I think you could find something els...
by JDot
Tue Nov 27, 2018 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual Monitor Set up
Replies: 52
Views: 4817

Re: Dual Monitor Set up

Whatever setup you choose, I recommend trying some blue-blocking monitor glasses. I currently use the Gamma Ray brand with no magnification (I have LASIK corrected vision): https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Computer-Readers-Glasses-Shatterproof/dp/B00BQ7KBV4 It's amazing how the glare and blue wavelengths fatigue your eyes when staring at screens all day long. When I take the glasses off after wearing them for a while, my monitors are almost blindingly harsh, and I have brightness turned way down. As an added benefit, the glasses (if you don't wear any) also block some of the moving air that would otherwise dry out your eyeballs. I use an app on my chrome book, "Blue Light Filter" I believe. You can adjust the intensity and it re...
by JDot
Tue Nov 27, 2018 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual Monitor Set up
Replies: 52
Views: 4817

Re: Dual Monitor Set up

Matching 24-27” IPS monitors would work the best if you really want dual monitors. With that much screen real estate, your viewing angle is not going to be straight on, so it’s worth it to spend money on a better quality monitor. At my last company they gave us the choice between dual 27”, or a single 34” curved ultra wide monitor with 3440x1440 resolution. Within a couple of months, nearly everyone who had originally chosen the dual monitors had switched to the 34. After I left the company, I missed the 34” monitor enough that I bought one when it went on sale a few months later. Still love that monitor. This one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PXYRMPE/ I agree. I needed two monitors for work (at home) but also wanted something for gaming. S...
by JDot
Wed Apr 11, 2018 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need vacuum recomendations
Replies: 41
Views: 6773

Re: Need vacuum recomendations

Shark

My credentials? We own a golden retriever and a toddler and have about 50/50 carpet and hardwood/tile. Nuff said? :)

Got it from Lowe's I believe like 4 years ago and it's going strong. It has two easily removable/washable filters which we have never needed to replace. I think it was around $120-$150. My recollection is that the reviews at the time said that you get 95% of the performance for a fraction of the price.

I think it's a "navigator" model.
by JDot
Mon Mar 26, 2018 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Savannah or Charleston?
Replies: 49
Views: 7234

Re: Savannah or Charleston?

We did honeymoon in both cities. If you have to choose one, definitely Charleston, SC.
by JDot
Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I be paying $1300/yr. for under/uninsured motorist protection?
Replies: 99
Views: 11501

Re: Should I be paying $1300/yr. for under/uninsured motorist protection?

UM and UIM are important. As someone already said, this covers more than just medicals. ("med-pay" covers medicals and is optional; I don't carry this because I have health insurance) It's going to differ from state to state so I'm not necessarily advising you to do anything. I'd shop around but would strongly suggest you consider keeping both UIM and UM. UIM and UM in my experience is pretty cheap. Although when checking motorcycle insurance recently, I found that Geico's under insured coverage was very expensive. Their uninsured coverage was cheap though.
by JDot
Fri Mar 23, 2018 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What car should I get
Replies: 35
Views: 3819

Re: What car should I get

CVTs have come a LONG way even in the last 5 or 10 years. I've driven a CVT in a Honda Insight from 2010 and it was bad. (although reliability is known to be fine) I drove a forester, 2015 model and 95% of drivers would not know the difference. Finally, and this is totally a guess, but I bet you most of the cars on your list have a CVT now. I think it's the future.
by JDot
Tue Mar 20, 2018 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

When I said "base" I may have misspoke. I just meant in general the non premium models. For instance, when I had a 2009 legacy GT (turbo), a bearing came loose in the engine at around 4,000 miles. Engine replaced under warranty. They apparently switched suppliers of their bearings that year and had a ton of early failures. Imagine my shock, a new car with a blown engine. Completely wasted. Then the premium stereo system pooped out around 15k. The driver seat stopped working properly around 20k. These were all expensive issues to fix and all had to do with the upgraded premium options. That is, the non-turbo engines didn't have these issues, etc. Thank you for the clarification. I take it, then that you mean the 2.5i xxx = non-pre...
by JDot
Tue Mar 20, 2018 12:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I Retire at 38?
Replies: 118
Views: 17100

Re: Can I Retire at 38?

...and have two small children... Children learn a lot from the example set by their parents. Things like how parents deal with work issues, work schedules, and how parents go to work day after day. If you're not working (even if you have assets high enough to be financially independent) they may very well expect that they too can do the same thing. Parents teach by example. An example of not working can sow the seeds of laziness in them. Teenagers don't really appreciate the past efforts parents may have made to become financially independent, they just see that mom and dad don't work so why should they. Err- seriously I think this would be a great lesson for him to teach his children. Start early and design a life where his children can ...
by JDot
Tue Mar 20, 2018 12:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 54248

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

Looking forward to reading through this. For the price, I've been drinking Bulliet. Wish I could find something a little cheaper.
by JDot
Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

When I said "base" I may have misspoke. I just meant in general the non premium models. For instance, when I had a 2009 legacy GT (turbo), a bearing came loose in the engine at around 4,000 miles. Engine replaced under warranty. They apparently switched suppliers of their bearings that year and had a ton of early failures. Imagine my shock, a new car with a blown engine. Completely wasted. Then the premium stereo system pooped out around 15k. The driver seat stopped working properly around 20k. These were all expensive issues to fix and all had to do with the upgraded premium options. That is, the non-turbo engines didn't have these issues, etc.
by JDot
Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

Yikes. I haven't heard of that issue from any manufacturer...
by JDot
Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4
Replies: 143
Views: 24336

Re: 2018 Forester vs CRV vs RAV4

Some of you probably know I'm a subaru fan. My take- if you *really* need AWD, the subaru is significantly better than most other AWD systems. Subaru's eyesight is excellent. Might be the best, including luxury vehicles. In my experience, Subaru does a lot better w/ reliability with their more base models. The turbo and higher end versions seem to have various failures. (this has been my personal experience after owning two new expensive subarus) Both had significant issues which would not have affected the more base models. Despite this, I still love Suby! Toyota- if reliability is your number one reason, I think I'd go w/ Toyota. Honda- I can't speak to this specific oil issue. However, I recently watched a video that explained why many n...
by JDot
Tue Mar 13, 2018 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?
Replies: 100
Views: 10021

Re: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?

Talk to some other people where you work about their experience and to get tips. Buying a bike at a shop is a good idea, but consider buying a used bike with a warranty provided by the shop. A new bike becomes a used bike very quickly, anyway. unwarranted hostility towards cyclists I'm sure that you are a respectful and law-abiding cyclist, but even if the hostility towards you in particular is not warranted by your behavior, at least acknowledge that a lot of the hostility towards cyclists in general IS warranted by poor behavior by some cyclists, starting with a selfish refusal to follow applicable laws accompanied by a failure to show any respect for pedestrians. Pedestrians should not have to worry about being clipped by a bicyclist wh...
by JDot
Tue Mar 13, 2018 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?
Replies: 100
Views: 10021

Re: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?

Deleting my original post. But in summary, hostility towards bicyclists is never warranted in my opinion. There are plenty of bicyclists who do not follow the rules. But I've seen too often where a driver believes it's okay to try to punish a bicyclist (sometimes the bicyclist is "in the wrong"). But regardless, if you're driving a vehicle, you're relatively well protected from their mistakes. It doesn't excuse the bicyclist. But it is absolutely immoral and unwarranted to try to punish a bicyclist for such behavior.

signed- dude who drives a car, rides a motorcycle, and rides a bicycle
by JDot
Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?
Replies: 100
Views: 10021

Re: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?

We use road bicyclists as examples to our children of how not to take risks in life. I tell them that I fully support them risking their life in search of an adrenaline fix and to challenge themselves. If they want to take up rock climbing, SCUBA diving or any other risky endeavor I will happily pay for lessons and might join them. However, if they are going to risk their life it should be by taking responsibility themselves for the risk. If you make a mistake you suffer the consequences. With road bicyclists if someone else makes a mistake they suffer the consequences. Road bicyclists risk their life every minute they are on the road and they have no control over whether they live or die. They have abdicated that decision to the drunks an...
by JDot
Thu Mar 01, 2018 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walking shoes for plantar faciatis?
Replies: 61
Views: 11956

Re: Walking shoes for plantar faciatis?

Burntout, if you're a woman and need shoes that are work-appropriate, try the Naot Kirei. I never found the "ideal" walking shoe, but I tried a ton of inserts including Superfeet. Orthoheel was the clear winner. The best solution to plantar fasciitis, though, turned out to be bodyweight fitness and kettlebell training. Having failed repeatedly to keep up with gym memberships and finally realizing that traditional cardio exercises are basically worthless, I started doing home exercises based on the Reddit routine and videos from Fitness Blender. To my surprise, the plantar fasciitis resolved within a few weeks of starting this - after having plagued me for years. So did a lot of other nagging aches and pains. The key is to focus o...
by JDot
Thu Mar 01, 2018 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walking shoes for plantar faciatis?
Replies: 61
Views: 11956

Re: Walking shoes for plantar faciatis?

I don't know your history, and I wont' be there to monitor you. But I suggest you at least consider doing some reading about people who have gotten better by going barefoot. The traditional response to PF treatment used to be to put people in special shoes which support the arch so that the PF is never stretched. Today, if I were treating someone I'd use the shoes as a tool. But I would want someone to go barefooted for periods of a time throughout the day as they could tolerate in order to stretch the fascia. Also, I'd do some reading about what things in your daily life which might be leading your body to having an increased inflammatory response. (such as certain foods) I suggest you see a physical therapist who can evaluate the whole pi...
by JDot
Mon Feb 26, 2018 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: used Prius (or Chevy Volt?)
Replies: 58
Views: 8939

Re: used Prius (or Chevy Volt?)

What kind of price range are you looking in? Trying for under $12,000. Realize I may not be able to make it. I just did a search in my (not so populated) area and used 500 miles on autotrader. I found 5 pages of volts under $14k. Many with only 40kish miles or less and many were certified pre-owned. There were multiple ones for $12k and even under $12k. Depending on where you live, you may have to make a weekend trip out of it, but I there seems to be good options to choose from. I'm not sure the link to my search will work but here it is: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/Used+Cars/cars+between+10000+and+14000/Chevrolet/Volt/Charleston+WV-25304?zip=25304&startYear=2012&maxMileage=75000&numRecords=25&endYear=2019&...
by JDot
Thu Feb 22, 2018 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need $100,000 in 20 years. Help!
Replies: 52
Views: 7513

Re: Need $100,000 in 20 years. Help!

And this is exactly why we will have a shortage of PTs for years to come. The salary won't substantially increase because reimbursement rates are what they are. Yet the push to a DPT has resulted in this kind of debt. I graduated from PT school with a Masters in 2005 and the program was what I'd consider grueling. 1/3 dropped out or had to repeat a year. You're the third person I've heard of graduating with a DPT w/ approximately $200k in debt. Anyways, have you considered living "radically" for 5 years? Doing traveling PT where you can make $100,000 a year and the jobs can often come with other perks that could lower your cost of living? Are you familiar with Mr. Money Mustache? He and his family live on $25k a year. (granted tha...
by JDot
Thu Feb 22, 2018 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a way to send text messages on my computer?
Replies: 30
Views: 10566

Re: Is there a way to send text messages on my computer?

Just wanted to say two things. First, check this link out for options. https://www.greenbot.com/article/210255 ... sktop.html

Second, I've heard rumors that google is close to releasing something similar to iMessage on Chrome. I'm interesting in that.
by JDot
Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: used Prius (or Chevy Volt?)
Replies: 58
Views: 8939

Re: used Prius

I purchased a 2013 used one with certified pre-owned warranty about 6 months ago. 40k miles for around $16k. Plug in. Note that the used plug in ones cost about the same as a regular similarly equipped prius. Several reasons for this but I could not find a significant drawback.

Anyways- in general they're pretty bullet-proof. I tried my best to find horror stories and didn't find them despite the large volume of sales.

The only thing I'd add is that if you want more extended all electric range, a used chevy volt, while a very different car, is similarly priced. I also could not find horror stories on them.

Good luck! btw priuschat.com is the to go forum for prius as far as I know.
by JDot
Wed Feb 14, 2018 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?
Replies: 35
Views: 7114

Re: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?

I have no idea what is financially optimal, but I'd be inclined to try to find one that is deeply discounted because the battery is at the end of its life, and plan to replace the battery right after purchase. Not to pick on this post (I mean it's logical) but it's not practical. I could not find a single Volt which needed a battery replacement. When I was looking, some sources said GM quoted $10k for a battery. But it's a non-issue. Nobody could find an example of a volt needing a battery replacement. This isn't like a regular prius where the battery may die at 200,000 miles and you replace it for 1,500-3k. One person had I believe 400,000 miles with no issues other than a little battery degradation. It was some GM employee w/ an insane c...
by JDot
Wed Feb 14, 2018 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?
Replies: 35
Views: 7114

Re: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?

I was close to buying one. I literally couldn't find any significant concerns against. If memory serves, I was looking at 2012-2013 ones with 30-50k miles on them for like $15k. I ended up going with a plug in prius which was similarly priced only because I trusted Toyota more. But I literally couldn't find any "horror" stories. For the record, for various reasons, plug-in-prius (prii) can be had for about the same price as a used regular prius.

Good luck!
by JDot
Mon Jan 22, 2018 10:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: jlcollinsnh - Stock Series
Replies: 26
Views: 6575

Re: jlcollinsnh - Stock Series

So I originally started learning about financial stuffs and investing here at this forum. I am forever grateful that this place exists. From this platform I found "early retirement" and "frugal life" type forums/bloggers.

JL Collins is referenced a lot in the early retirement community. I find his stuff to be largely consistent with what I learned here at bogleheads.org. I'm interested to hear what others say.

For entertainment purposes, I recently discovered this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eikbQPldhPY
by JDot
Mon Dec 25, 2017 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: car thread- too much money?
Replies: 85
Views: 9252

Re: car thread- too much money?

My stomach turns from all of the bad advice here. With that said, 1) with your income you could be fine withing doing it and 2) I've purchased some plus $30K vehicles in the recent past. Those were bad decisions on my part. Americans spend most of their money on housing, transportation, and food. So whenever we are speaking of these three items I think it's worth taking a closer look. I suggest you read this and run some numbers of your own for fun. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=214509 For the record, my wife and I (combined) make more than you. She drives a 2010 Mazda that's probably worth $10k or less and I drive a 2013 prius that I purchased used for about $15k. (w/ that said, I've purchased two cars over $30k in the l...
by JDot
Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for an ultra-simple note taking app (Android)?
Replies: 12
Views: 1306

Re: Looking for an ultra-simple note taking app (Android)?

I suggest Google Keep. It syncs on all your devices. Very small footprint.
by JDot
Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Building Gaming PC - Good Builds/Price Points?
Replies: 34
Views: 4102

Re: Considering Building Gaming PC - Good Builds/Price Points?

I always recommend "Digital Storm" because I've been so pleased with them. Specifically their Vanquish line. http://www.digitalstorm.com/vanquish-7.asp

I probably would NOT do this, but it's cool. And I trust the company enough to get it right. (computer and ultrawide monitor in 1)

http://www.digitalstorm.com/aura.asp


BTW- I work (when I can from home) and game on a curved 34 inch display with 3440x1440 display. Don't do it unless you want to be spoiled for life.
by JDot
Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui Jim Sunglasses (or similar quality)
Replies: 14
Views: 4382

Re: Maui Jim Sunglasses (or similar quality)

heartwood wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2017 9:05 am
LuigiLikesPizza wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2017 8:50 am Where do you find the best prices on these? Thanks
Actually Costco carries the non-prescription MJs at about $80 a pair. A few styles are sometimes at the eyeglass counter, but we've also seen setups in the store with many styles and lens colors.

No idea where you'd try for prescription MJs at a discount.
I googled and this appears to be correct. We don't have a costco near me, but maybe I can find someone who does! Do you know whether they have them pretty much all of the time? The posts I found from quick google search confirms what you said but the posts appeared to be from a few years ago.
by JDot
Wed Nov 15, 2017 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui Jim Sunglasses (or similar quality)
Replies: 14
Views: 4382

Re: Maui Jim Sunglasses (or similar quality)

I think Maui Jim sunglasses are in a league of their own. I called them once and was immediately connected to a real person.

A great number of sunglasses companies are owned by the same company, Luxottica. While you can luck up and find sales and discounts, etc. on glasses made by Luxottica, I have never seen significant discounts on Maui Jims. I've owned one pair and absolutely loved them. (father-in-law sat on them) I had them for almost 8 years.

FWIW- my eye doctor is a huge fan of them. She agreed with me that you typically don't find them on sale for more than 15% off at best.

If anyone has a better answer, I'd love to replace mine!
by JDot
Thu Nov 09, 2017 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comments on Kia Soul?
Replies: 36
Views: 4232

Re: Comments on Kia Soul?

I've never considered myself a fan of Kia. I still wouldn't buy one over a Toyota or Honda if the price was the same. However, we recently did a 10 day road trip in California and rented a car. They gave us a Kia Soul. Two adults and our toddler with a car seat. We were pleasantly surprised by the utility. I think it's because it's a box. If I were looking for this type of car and the Soul was able to undercut the others, I'd consider it.

I'd probably look at the used market for a Toyota/sion xb (whatever it's called). They are supposedly some of the most reliable cars ever made. I believe they stopped making them recently. I'm not sure if something similar replaced it from Toyota.
by JDot
Thu Nov 02, 2017 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lease New Car?
Replies: 38
Views: 6525

Re: Lease New Car?

leasing is okay depending on your circumstances. I just finished a lease. One expense many people may miss is that you will likely need to replace the tires at 30 to 40k miles and your lease will be up at 45k. So that's $600 to $1,000 most likely that you will not see much benefit from imo.
by JDot
Sun Oct 29, 2017 11:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storage Recommendations for pictures
Replies: 22
Views: 2086

Re: Storage Recommendations for pictures

If you're not a professional photographer and/or shooting in RAW, google photos is all you need. Trust me, you will thank me. It will do so much with your photos and videos you will be amazed.
by JDot
Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Converting to Safety Razors
Replies: 120
Views: 17631

Re: Converting to Safety Razors

+1, safety razors are a huge money saver and much better shave than proprietary cartridges. Simple and classic. Very much a Boglehead approach to shaving, IMO. You do need a light touch, though. The better shave I can believe, but since somebody upthread said they buy a $25 pack of safety blades about once a year, and I bought a $25 pack of cartridges roughly a year ago that I've only gone through 1/4 of, it doesn't seem like the money savings are so clear. I get 100 pk of Personna dual edge blades for $11 from Amazon. That lasts me two years easily. You can stretch cartridges out for a month or two at a time, but I can't believe you're getting a good shave that way. Most of that cost is for Gilette's proprietary cartridge, not the blade i...
by JDot
Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!
Replies: 30
Views: 3265

Re: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!

Also, if you're not going to build your own, I suggest Digital Storm. They are a smaller company in CA. Sure, you can find better deals spec wise. But from what I've read (and my experience), Digital Storm will NOT skimp on parts or the labor. For instance, they don't just throw in a "reference" GPU. My GPU ended up being an EVGA and was overclocked. They use brand name power supplies, etc. Check out the vanquish and choose which level you think suits you. http://www.digitalstorm.com/ Man, those builds are nice but super pricey. $1800+ for a build with 'only' a GTX1060 is crazy when you can build a similar spec for <$1200 on your own. I'm not sure which one you clicked on. (maybe you clicked on one that was smaller form or liquid...
by JDot
Wed Oct 18, 2017 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!
Replies: 30
Views: 3265

Re: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!

Also, if you're not going to build your own, I suggest Digital Storm. They are a smaller company in CA. Sure, you can find better deals spec wise. But from what I've read (and my experience), Digital Storm will NOT skimp on parts or the labor. For instance, they don't just throw in a "reference" GPU. My GPU ended up being an EVGA and was overclocked. They use brand name power supplies, etc.

Check out the vanquish and choose which level you think suits you.

http://www.digitalstorm.com/
by JDot
Wed Oct 18, 2017 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!
Replies: 30
Views: 3265

Re: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!

It's G-sync for Nvidia and free sync for AMD. It basically locks the frame rate of the monitor to the frame rate your GPU is able to put out so they talk nicely and therefore you don't get the screen tearing. It replaces V-sync if I understand it correctly. (I think v-sync is a software/setting in game that attempts to do the same thing with mixes success) I've read reviews where people absolutely rave about how great g-sync is. It probably depends on how picky you are at picking up subtle smoothness, etc. I'd by lying or just trying to justify my purchase if I told you that personally it made a big difference for me. For me, I just knew I wanted a great monitor and didn't want to have buyer's remorse or have an itch to upgrade in a few yea...
by JDot
Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!
Replies: 30
Views: 3265

Re: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!

I don't have time to do a detailed post. But you should REALLY consider ultra wide, specifically 3440x1440. I could write paragraphs trying to convince you, but I won't. Ultra wide is great if you're going to be using the pc to do work or just like having lots of real estate. It eliminates the need for two monitors almost completely. It is is also easier on a the GPU to push 3440x1440 than it is to push a 4k monitor. Most modern video games are being made to run 3440x1440 now. Destiny 2 will be when it releases for pc this month. (you obviously can still play games that do not support ultra wide you will just need to run it with bars on the side or you can try to mod the game, but I never go through the trouble of modding) Even kickstarter...
by JDot
Wed Oct 18, 2017 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!
Replies: 30
Views: 3265

Re: PC diehard gamers - sell me on 1080p, 2k, or 4k!

I don't have time to do a detailed post. But you should REALLY consider ultra wide, specifically 3440x1440. I could write paragraphs trying to convince you, but I won't. Ultra wide is great if you're going to be using the pc to do work or just like having lots of real estate. It eliminates the need for two monitors almost completely. It is is also easier on a the GPU to push 3440x1440 than it is to push a 4k monitor. Most modern video games are being made to run 3440x1440 now. Destiny 2 will be when it releases for pc this month. (you obviously can still play games that do not support ultra wide you will just need to run it with bars on the side or you can try to mod the game, but I never go through the trouble of modding) Even kickstarter-...
by JDot
Wed Sep 27, 2017 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Rolex and The Boglehead
Replies: 273
Views: 23378

Re: The Rolex and The Boglehead

Not sure if something similar has been mentioned. But there are other options to consider than rolex vs. timex/casio, etc.

For instance, I have a used Seiko Orange Monster I paid less than $200 for. Actually, i don't even remember. I need to adjust it by a minute or so every 2 or 3 days. Love it though. No battery. No service.
by JDot
Mon Aug 14, 2017 1:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a 2017 Mazda 3 new for $15k?
Replies: 25
Views: 5144

Re: Buying a 2017 Mazda 3 new for $15k?

So as a somewhat reformed "car guy", I've decided to buy a used prius in Oct. when my current lease is up. You've got me thinking though. Really... $15k for a new 2017 mazda 3 hatch? Maybe I should look at these.
by JDot
Wed Aug 02, 2017 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401k and IRA (including ROTH)- protection from lawsuit
Replies: 2
Views: 710

401k and IRA (including ROTH)- protection from lawsuit

I know this has been discussed here previously... but I was hoping someone could either succinctly answer the above question or link me to the same. I think the question is evident but basically: What protections, if any, does a 401k and an IRA have if one is sued and loses a lawsuit (personal injury if it makes a difference). I seem to recall that the protections afforded to the 401k were great or even absolute. Thanks in advance.