Search found 19511 matches

by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Golf interest rekindled after decades - My son created a monster! Now what?
Replies: 31
Views: 3157

Re: Golf interest rekindled after decades - My son created a monster! Now what?

First: Even if returning after a long layoff. . . Take consistent lessons, 1-2x/week with a "PGA Pro".

Having a solid grooved swing and solid short game and course strategy fundamentals will vastly improve your enjoyment of the game.
(it's no fun spraying the balls over the course and hunting for balls)

Clubs are secondary for now.

Throughout my golf "hobby" since young, I've had a golf coach. At least monthly tuneups.
Lifetime golfer.
j :D
by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UPDATE to What to do with a 24" analog CRT TV?
Replies: 58
Views: 4888

Re: What to do with a 24" analog CRT TV?

livesoft wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 5:47 pm Put on curb with sign: Free!
+1
👍
by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?
Replies: 38
Views: 3840

Re: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?

+1 Good stuff from a pro!! 👍 I agree with the advice below. The only reason not to do this is if the old cabinets doors are made of hardwood & high quality. In that case, if there aren't too many nooks & crannys, I'd strip off whatever they're covered with and start over . You still may have to strip off whatever covers the cabinet faces. But, you also have to consider whether there is likely lead in the paint. I have cabinets in my kitchen & bathroom with stain & varnish - over the years, the varnish started pulling off on the tops of the doors & drawers - not too bad, but I noticed. Doors are a flat oak frame with a recessed panel of oak plywood. Well made. I removed the doors & drawer faces (left hinges on doors a...
by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 8:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best day of the month to invest?
Replies: 39
Views: 6622

Re: Best day of the month to invest?

Any day of the month is the best time to invest . . .

. . . as long as you are "buying the Dip".. . .

j :D
by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?
Replies: 38
Views: 3840

Re: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?

When did a bathroom I decided to just buy new unpainted doors which are not all that expensive when you buy them online. That saves a lot of the preparation work and you don't need to worry about getting all the nooks and crannies prepared right. I did not like the old design with scrolly arches any way so when I was done it looked a lot better with a simple square frame. A couple of things to look at on bid. 1) Does it include the cost of new hardware including hinges, handles and drawer sliders? The cost of these really add up fast but reusing the old ones will likely look bad. 2) Does it include painting the inside of the cabinets too? Getting up inside the cabinets to paint them can be a pain in the neck, literally. 3) Would it make se...
by Sandtrap
Sat Jun 01, 2019 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?
Replies: 38
Views: 3840

Re: Painting Cabinets - Is it that hard ?

The better the prep, the better the results and durability. This is One method amongst many many many that are used by many skilled DIY and professionals. Preparation. Remove doors and hinges (a must) 1 Clean: A must. 2 Degloss: remove oils, surface shine: TSP (wear gloves and eye protection as it's an acid), etc. 3 Physical Bond (Not Total Bond :shock: ): sand with very fine sandpaper. Do not miss anything. . . . . especially if there is a solid varnish, slick, smooth existing surface. 3b Patch and finish any defects. 4 Oil based (not latex) primer. (IE: Bullseye 123 or other Bullseye . . adequate ventilation a must + paint vapor mask) A tiny bit of additive will make the paint flow out better, especially to control dry time. Penetrol, etc...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What percent of your assets do you have in investment property (excluding your personal residence)?
Replies: 73
Views: 4858

Re: What percent of your assets do you have in investment property (excluding your personal residence)?

At one time for many many many decades, 100% . . R/E income property development, apartment buildings, and condos. 80-120. All self-managed. It was my company "business". We had a "knack" for it. Did okay.. . . . It was great fun. But lot's of work 24/7. Over the last 10 years moved to nearly 90+ % investment portfolio, 10% R/E income property. If R/E crashes again, I'd "maybe" be willing to increase holdings. Perhaps purchase 1-2 buildings. I've thought about REIT's but still reluctant vs the real thing. But, for now, enjoying retirement. :D j :D *Actionably: as often reiterated on the forum, R/E income property is a "business" and can be done well if one is inclined and highly motivated. Lacking tha...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 8:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

X528 wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 6:57 pm
xxd091 wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 11:47 am PS Nsprius had a recent post with statistics that shewed no difference in outcome over the long term between 70% Equities /30% Bonds and vice versa-we do not need the volatility so we tone it down and stay the course!
What are the statistics for this comparison? Are they comparing 70/30 to 30/70 stock/bond allocations?
If you look at a chart of Vanguard Allocation Models, there's not as much difference between allocations as some might think.
VANGUARD PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION MODELS
https://personal.vanguard.com/us/insig ... locations

Do you have the link to "Nsprius's" post?

aloha
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 8:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

Broken Man 1999 wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 6:12 pm Well, after this week my portfolio is indeed more conservative, given the declining prices in equity ETFs.

But, I'm pulling out expenses from our bond funds. I was selling of individual stocks, but I don't sell with the prices down.

No worries, we shall carry on as usual.

Broken Man 1999
What declining prices in equities???? :shock:
I have not kept up.

Is there a "dip"?
I've had a couple chunks of CD's mature. Good time to rebalance, too.

Maybe good time to buy the "dip". A big one.. . . . :shock:
j :D
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does money/lack of money preoccupy you?
Replies: 100
Views: 12832

Re: Does money/lack of money preoccupy you?

Hi all, I realize this is not a consumer issue but since I began my financial life "makeover" in 2018, I've found myself preoccupied with MONEY, to the detriment of hobbies, family and fun. I'm turning into a real one-dimensional character. I long for the days when I didn't go online to check how "things are going" or reading and re-reading things, sometimes taking time from work when I should be...working. I'm moving towards "set and forget" choices in my accounts, and have my monthly budget cleaned up to the point where there aren't a lot of tweaks left, so there's really not that much more to do after the initial realization that I needed to overhaul my finances. I'm about 75 percent done with the process. ...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stone Flooring
Replies: 6
Views: 697

Re: Stone Flooring

I have a house in Scottsdale, AZ that has Travertine flooring in the hallways, bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. The other rooms have carpet. The travertine looks really nice and works well in AZ. Unfortunately the people who did the installation or the owner of the house at the time, didn't do it correctly. It was mostly (all?) put down on top of white ceramic tile so it "floats" and certain areas are prone to grout cracking. I'm guessing the only real fix to this would be to remove the travertine and the ceramic floor underneath it and redo the flooring? Or just put up with the cracking and do occasional repairs? I'm in the process of making it my primary home again (been rented out for a while) and prior to moving in, I'm tryin...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small Claims Court advice
Replies: 7
Views: 887

Re: Small Claims Court advice

I am in GA, FYI Question whether or not this is worth it and I will keep this short. Basically I have a Land Rover defender and it needed some paint and some rust removed from some parts, replaced. My brother took his car to this same guy and he did his car as well and did it in a reasonable time and it looked pretty good...(these are Not full restorations, just tidying it up). Anyway he agreed to take my car but would do it when he could get to it, I agreed...well 2.5 years later I finally just went over and got it...paid him what I agreed...but I walked away with a car not done, missing parts all over the place....now I know it was a long time at his place but I have 2 years worth of texts of me checking in, etc...I finally just got fed ...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Older retirees: Are your expenses lower now than in early retirement?
Replies: 49
Views: 7835

Re: Older retirees: Do you have lower expenses now than you did in early retirement?

In my 20 plus years in retirement (now age 85 and climbing.) I found that our "personal inflation" was less than the CPI, less because our expense categories do not follow the CPI categories. We live off of savings and SS only (no pension payments as I took that pension as a lump sum.). Here is our spending history since retiring in 1998. (yes, I have kept track using my Microsoft Money software): Last year employed, 1998, spending was about $84,000.(higher taxes that year. but considerably less afterwards.) Spending is shown in 5 year increments afterwards. 1999-2003 average $57,850 (1 auto purchased) 2004-2008 average $59,020 (1 auto purchased) 2009-2013 average $67,514 (2 autos purchased) 2014-2018 average $63,874 Lower mainly...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 7:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does one need a bank account anymore?
Replies: 139
Views: 15267

Re: Does one need a bank account anymore?

K8ya wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 5:38 am The fidelity article on this topic made me think. If I have a cash management and brokerage account with them, what might I miss with those being my only accounts?
There are no inconveniences nor additional expense to having bank accounts at a physical location (ample locations across the nation helps, too).
Establish ACH transfer links to your brokerage to move funds back and forth with ease.
True, you don't "have to have" a bank account(s) with physical locations, but, there are times when it is greatly useful and you'll be glad you had it.
IE: cashier's check, checks, cash, large cash withdrawals (substantial), personal face to face service, etc.
YMMV.
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Women, How Much Do You Pay for Haircut
Replies: 94
Views: 8282

Re: Women, How Much Do You Pay for Haircut

DW trades styles/haircuts with her best friend who owns a high end salon in the East. Both had trained at Vidal Sassoon in England "back in the day". I get my haircuts for "free" from DW who styles/cuts it however she wants to. . . :D Sandtrap, you must have the snappiest haircut in town :D For 32 years I used a Vidal Sassoon trained hair stylist, and the Sassoon fine-scissor-cutting styles were simply fabulous. I went into deep depression when my stylist retired, until my friend Google lead me to another Sassoon-trained stylist nearby, so now all is well 8-) Such stylists are hard to find these days. No matter the skill of the stylist, there's only so much that can be done with silver hair for an old stubborn fart like...
by Sandtrap
Fri May 31, 2019 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Older retirees: Are your expenses lower now than in early retirement?
Replies: 49
Views: 7835

Re: Older retirees: Do you have lower expenses now than you did in early retirement?

Ben Mathew wrote: Fri May 31, 2019 1:18 am
Sandtrap wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 11:24 pm Option (E)
Laddering in Annuities (SPIA) incrementally (perhaps every 5 years) beginning at age ?

j :happy
Isn't this the same as Watty's option (d)? Or am I missing something?
Not the same.
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Best High Yield Savings Account
Replies: 67
Views: 11844

Re: The Best High Yield Savings Account

mhalley wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 12:44 pm As the yield on mm has increased, I think just putting it in vanguard prime mm is close enough as opposed to trying to chase a couple of bp. It’s up to 2.4% now.
+1
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 11:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Older retirees: Are your expenses lower now than in early retirement?
Replies: 49
Views: 7835

Re: Older retirees: Do you have lower expenses now than you did in early retirement?

Option (E)
Laddering in Annuities (SPIA) incrementally (perhaps every 5 years) beginning at age ?

j :happy
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Women, How Much Do You Pay for Haircut
Replies: 94
Views: 8282

Re: Women, How Much Do You Pay for Haircut

DW trades styles/haircuts with her best friend who owns a high end salon in the East. Both had trained at Vidal Sassoon in England "back in the day".
I get my haircuts for "free" from DW who styles/cuts it however she wants to. . . :D
j
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Splitting fence cost with neighbor
Replies: 53
Views: 8886

Re: Splitting fence cost with neighbor

Teague wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 8:05 pm Here's a thought:

Send an anonymous note to the HOA board, complaining that the fence between such-and-such lots is leaning and has become an eyesore. This, I think, will result in a letter from the HOA to both you and to your neighbor, stating that the fence must be fixed. You could then pow-wow and commiserate with the neighbor about how to solve this "surprise" mutual problem.
Very shrewd. . . .
Very shrewd. . indeed. . .

Thereby nobody is the initiator. . . .
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 6:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AA to Bonds
Replies: 20
Views: 1717

Re: AA to Bonds

The approach you posit can be workable and makes "sense" from a viewpoint that does not take into account all (and there are countless) of the other factors in a investment and financial strategy.

"Rules of the Thumbs" are basic guideline "starting points" that can be used "along with many other guidelines and Boglehead concepts" to ascertain one's AA. . . taking into consideration; age, risk tolerance, financial status, income, assets, pension status, and many many other variables that make for "each person's" unique long term personal investment portfolio strategy.
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I need AWD?
Replies: 14
Views: 1454

Re: Do I need AWD?

Toyota Sienna AWD.
Other AWD
Other 4wd

Everyone has a different snow hill to climb and different conditions that work for them. Some don't need AWD. Others do.

But, you seem to know by "real life experience" that an AWD works and a non AWD doesn't, for your unique personal circumstance.

Thus

Do you really want to risk getting the wrong car?
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to preserve $10M+ in wealth owned by unsophisticated people?
Replies: 82
Views: 17422

Re: How to preserve $10M+ in wealth owned by unsophisticated people?

Step by steps:

1. You can do little until you inherit the funds/assets. Or at least only in a limited way. Meet with all parties concerned, do you best to preserve what is there.

2. There might not be 10M at the time you inherit. Maybe nothing? Maybe other "things".

3. Estate dissolution and distributions may take many years, longer if anything is contested, much much longer if there is litigation.

4. Once you inherit what you inherit, then that's a time for estate planning.

One step at a time.
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: what to do with small settlement payment?
Replies: 11
Views: 888

Re: what to do with small settlement payment?

For now, high yield account.
Wait a bit till things settle.
If you lock it in you might need it.
For now.
..... how ‘bout posting a portfolio review??👍
J
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jim Cramer
Replies: 59
Views: 7674

Re: Jim Cramer

Dottie57 wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 8:00 am When watching Cramer, my head hurts. So I don’t watch.
+1
Similar to Saturday/Sunday morning (or all day) "financial advice from expert FA companies/Wealth Managers" on the radio.
I imagine, to the uninformed, financial experts really do sound very very wise on these programs.

Fortunately there are other stations. . . .

j
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jim Cramer
Replies: 59
Views: 7674

Re: Jim Cramer

aristotelian wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 8:48 am Cramer is great at expressing the emotional pulse of the market. The problem is, the emotional pulse of the market is reactive rather than predictive, and irrational, driven primarily by fear and greed.
+1
Per the "Wiki" "Behavioral Pitfalls", drama is fatal to staying the course.

But. . . OTOH.. . many folks thrive on drama. . thus Cramer's popularity.

j
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?
Replies: 4
Views: 618

Re: 1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?

k3vb0t wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 9:21 am
Sandtrap wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 9:16 am Aha!

Why did I not see that? :oops:

Thanks for the help.
j :D
More coffee needed? :beer
Senior brain fart!
No cure.. . .
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Check my termite quote
Replies: 4
Views: 746

Re: Check my termite quote

3 story, slab foundation Suggestions and thoughts: Inspect: areas of water intrusion, areas that stay damp (including secondary locations, roof, eaves, etc). Inspect: around slab, be sure great water drainage away from slab. Ensure ample distance between grade (ground) and lower wall sill height. Concrete sidewalk or hard surface around perimeter even better. Inspect slab for large cracks. Inspect: areas around plumbing and fixtures such that they are damp and/or provide intrusion of the little critters around openings/cracks. (sometimes a company will bore small holes around stem wall slab areas, etc, to treat the ground below with a barrier chemical depending on degree of infestation. Modern chemicals do not last as long as prior.) Inspe...
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?
Replies: 4
Views: 618

Re: 1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?

k3vb0t wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 8:54 am
Sandtrap wrote: Thu May 30, 2019 8:18 am Vanguard FIxed Rate Chart (summary page):
https://personal.vanguard.com/us/FixedIncomeHome
If you click on the 2.53% 1 year Treasury at Vanguard, you'll see there is an offering at the top that matures tomorrow.

The rest are 2.37% (and lower) due to the price being below par.
Aha!

Why did I not see that? :oops:

Thanks for the help.
j :D
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 8:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

Hi, I hesitated in contributing to this one as I get nervous every time someone says "you have to take more risk" and you are going to "lose out", but anyway here goes: 25% Cash equivalent (cash + ultra short term + short term + CD's) 25% Bond assortment (= 10 years needs) 25% Equity assortment 25% Real estate I regard the risk part as 50/50 and overall this gives me 30 years for my needs + equity growth risk. Its really a 25/75 + RE as a longer term safety net. DJN Please don't hesitate to contribute. :D :D :D FWIW: Input ranges from "comments", to "suggestions with assumptions", to "thoughtful responses based on detailed data such as a portfolio review by some of the forum "heavyweights&q...
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?
Replies: 4
Views: 618

1 Year Treasuries different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . . Why?

When comparing "fixed rates" at the Fidelity and Vanguard websites,
1 Year Treasuries are different at Fidelity (2.32) vs Vanguard (2.53) . . .

Question:
Why? Aren't they providing the same product?
Please explain. . . . :shock:

Fidelity Fixed Rate Chart (summary page):
https://fixedincome.fidelity.com/ftgw/fi/FILanding

Vanguard FIxed Rate Chart (summary page):
https://personal.vanguard.com/us/FixedIncomeHome

Thanks everyone for your help.
Aloha
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Thu May 30, 2019 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cordless Drill: Bosch PS32-02 vs Makita FD07R1?
Replies: 31
Views: 3082

Re: Cordless Drill: Bosch PS32-02 vs Makita FD07R1?

20V system.
You won't regret it.
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 11:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why?

Allocation 40/60 Why? Desire reduced volatility when it matters most to me, just before retirement. Wade Pfau's book recommended by several on this board (How much can I spend in retirement) influenced me and especially chapter 3 Spending from Volatile Investments and Sequence of Returns Risk. Our IPS goal is 50/50 while accumulating, but my wife and I talked and agreed 40/60 is right for us now. Age? 57 not retired. I have a goal on when I want to retire, but life happens and who really knows if I will retire on my own terms. Sounds Great! I also was influenced by Wade Pfau's thoughts on "Sequence of Returns Risk. However, I'm not so sure about the use of a "Reverse Mortgage" as a buffer to selling portfolio assets at a wro...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 11:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

Sandtrap, Our portfolio appears to mirror yours in a pretty consistent way. We're 60 and have scaled back considerably to 1/2 to 2/3 time at work. We'd like to continue this just because we both like our jobs. We have an LMP "per Dr. Bernstein" which will encompass years 65-85, roughly (TIPS ladder). But the LMP makes up about 1/3 of the entire portfolio, probably less. The "risk portfolio" is now at 50-50 (stocks-bonds). If you believe that money is fungible, and I do admit to some mental accounting with the LMP, the overall portfolio is about 33% equities. Our asset allocation was 60-40 going into the Great Recession and we stayed with it for several years. However, as the bull market exceeded all of expectations, we ...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 11:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

FRT15 wrote: Wed May 29, 2019 8:51 pm I'm mid 30s and roughly 25/75. The main reason is because I had some bad experiences as a young guy investing in the late 90's ,2000's, 08. I look at anything I get in return as gravy because a simple life style and high savings rate will give me the freedom I'm looking for
That's outstanding!
Congratulations on a solid plan that works for you.

Have you considered posting a portfolio review (unless you have already in the past)????

Aloha
j :happy
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford this 2.3 million dollar home?
Replies: 273
Views: 34770

Re: Can I afford this 2.3 million dollar home?

willthrill81 wrote: Wed May 29, 2019 6:34 pm I like the rule-of-thumb created by Dr. Thomas Stanley, author of "The Millionaire Next Door": if you could not pay your mortgage if your income were cut in half, then you cannot easily afford your home.
+1

In Hawaii's UHCOL areas, this type of home purchase is very "normal" for far less income.

j :happy
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 9:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WSJ Article: Think Before You Fish for Bargains in Chinese Stocks
Replies: 58
Views: 6394

Re: WSJ Article: Think Before You Fish for Bargains in Chinese Stocks

After reading the following books, and more, I learned about :
SOE = China's "State Owned Enterprises".

Just finished reading:
China's Great Wall of Debt by McMahon
The Third Revolution by E Economy
End of an Era by Minzner

and several others.

The larger context of China's history and evolution, culturally, politically, economically, is . . . . interesting.
And, its "dynastic mindset" . . . . . daunting indeed.

j :happy
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?
Replies: 19
Views: 3047

Re: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?

8x10 is asking a lot for a limited resolution cell phone picture. Even the first iPhone had enough resolution to print at 8x10 without obvious issues from normal viewing distances. However, it is possible a mistake is being made to send downsized images to the printer. I would have to leave it to the OP to clarify what specifically disappoints them about the quality of prints they have received in the past. Other than that, I will note that I've had inconsistent results printing from discount photo labs and drug stores. While I haven't used done a proper monitor calibration, I did spend a fair amount of time setting the contrast, brightness, gamma, and color balance of my monitor, and get a fairly good visual match between what I see on sc...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 3:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why?

Sandtrap: Please don't keep us in suspense any longer... ...Why did you start this polling-style thread? And what will you do differently as a result of reading all of our answers? Time for us to learn from you. :happy That is an excellent question. There are tons of threads, perhaps disproportionate, on allocations more aggressive than 50/50. And, much of that by those in the accumulation phase. Then, there are the discussions about allocation in the "transition" to retirement phase. IE: Kitces "Retirement Red Zone". However, a much quieter group of unknown quantity have allocations at 50/50 or more conservative than that. The assumption is that that group would be retirees, or those that have "made it", &quo...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home buying
Replies: 50
Views: 3263

Re: Home buying

Hi all, We put an offer down on our first home and it was negotiated and accepted. Its at the top of our budget. It’s an old home (1969) and we just had an inspection done. Being a first time home buyer, I didn’t know what to expect but the inspection was 6 hours long (I was there for all of it) and pretty overwhelming. Major issues are: HVAC unit is 16 years old and one of the AC units is not working at all. Water heater is 15 years old. Inspector found 2 active leaks in the crawl space and old cast iron piping which he recommends need to be scoped. Crawl space has opening to the outside and the inside. Deck is poorly structured and needs reinforcements. Lastly, there is presence of mold in the crawl space and basement) and asbestos tape....
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie advice
Replies: 10
Views: 821

Re: Newbie advice

Hi All I’m almost 30 and finally got my finances in order. Paid off all my cc debt and student loans, made it a salary where I can I actually save 20-30% on average per month. (terrific) My employer does NOT have 401k however I would like to start investing and open an IRA or Roth IRA( have some consulting income as well) What is your recommendation where to start? Is this is worth putting 100% into index funds? Follow s&p500? GETTING STARTED https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started Asking Portfolio Questions https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6212 Bogle Philosophy https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads®_investment_philosophy Here are links to the wiki's "Getting Started" and "Investing S...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home buying
Replies: 50
Views: 3263

Re: Home buying

Hi all, We put an offer down on our first home and it was negotiated and accepted. Its at the top of our budget. It’s an old home (1969) and we just had an inspection done. Being a first time home buyer, I didn’t know what to expect but the inspection was 6 hours long (I was there for all of it) and pretty overwhelming. Major issues are: HVAC unit is 16 years old and one of the AC units is not working at all. Water heater is 15 years old. Inspector found 2 active leaks in the crawl space and old cast iron piping which he recommends need to be scoped. Crawl space has opening to the outside and the inside. Deck is poorly structured and needs reinforcements. Lastly, there is presence of mold in the crawl space and basement) and asbestos tape....
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I being too timid?
Replies: 23
Views: 3745

Re: Am I being too timid?

Suggestions: 1. Consolidate (take out overlap and redundancy). 2. Substitute (as per #1 ideally with lower expense ratios) 3. Lower your expense ratios 5. Simplify, simplify. It would help everyone if you list your funds, names and tickers (both), and expense ratios. (you can edit your original post with the pencil icon, here's the format) Asking Portfolio Questions https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6212 Do that and others will input more to help you do the above #1-5. What is your overall asset allocation "now"? Use these tools to figure it out. ONLINE FINANCIAL TOOLS PORFOLIO VISUALIZERS https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com What allocation would give you a good "sleep factor"? Read and do the belo...
by Sandtrap
Wed May 29, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?
Replies: 19
Views: 3047

Re: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?

For fun,
this is a Iphone 7+
taking a picture of a Sony RX100V (with a custom filter setup) and a full frame Canon 5d setup.
Cell phones have come a long long way.

Interesting size and weight comparison.
Image

j :happy
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What has changed in new home construction over the years?
Replies: 49
Views: 7321

Re: What has changed in new home construction over the years?

I am a custom home builder, I started my company in 1974 at age 23 and I'm still going strong! I love building houses. I am in the upper price range (2-8 million$), but I started out in what today would be in the 800k range. I cannot think of anything that isn't better today, except maybe the quality of wood products. Old (or older) growth wood then vs new growth lumber now. HVAC light years better today, same for electrical wiring, insulation and energy efficiency, windows, appliances, technology like lighting control, Audio-Video, structured wiring, (non-existent when I started building). Designs are a lot better too. Building codes much tougher today. Roofing material is better, homes are structurally better built today with engineered ...
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?
Replies: 19
Views: 3047

Re: Printing quality pictures taken from phone?

8x10 is asking a lot for a limited resolution cell phone picture. VS piece of cake for something like the Sony RX100 MK4-5 compact camera even with a tiny sensor. Professional enhancement with Lightroom, Photoshop, and/or Capture One would make the best of the pictures you have. You can print them out on a quality Canon photo printer or equiv. But, as far as OOC, out of camera and not enhanced or "post processed", they will be a huge difference. Think "oh okay" vs "not bad at all". In general, there are specific cameras that do very well, cell phone pics can print decent to about 5x7 without noticeable loss of resolution and detail. Beyond that, the degradation and pixelation will become noticeable. But, all th...
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For Sale by Owner or RE Agent???
Replies: 40
Views: 3666

Re: For Sale by Owner or RE Agent???

A local broker that I'm personal friends with quoted 4%. That does seem to be a low price, but 4% of 250k, it's still a considerable piece of money. If she can broker a better price than I could simply because of the MLS exposure, I assume it would be worth hiring her. True. But you have nothing to lose by trying a flat rate listing service first. Once the listing is exposed on the MLS, then all of the brokerages and sales people will pile on to it. As you say it is a "hot market". To them, it's easy money. You can possibly negotiate with the "buyer's realtor to pay as low as 3% on that end. OTOH: You may pay 4% to "your realtor" for the listing but the "buyer's agent also has a percentage when they come with ...
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For Sale by Owner or RE Agent???
Replies: 40
Views: 3666

Re: For Sale by Owner or RE Agent???

You can get listing agents/services for a very small percentage or flat fee. The value here is getting your property into the MLS for all other R/E sales folks to see.
Try this first. You can always get an R/E agent at higher percentage/commision later if it doesn't work out.
Nothing to lose by trying.

Agree with others that 4% is pretty low.
Often it is 5-6%.

j :happy
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 7:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Nominal] Annuities are a bet on future inflation rates and should not be purchased by retirees
Replies: 183
Views: 16982

Re: Annuities are a bet on future inflation rates and should not be purchased by retirees

BigJohn wrote: Tue May 28, 2019 6:41 pm While I understand the theoretical argument, from a practical perspective is it possible to by an inflation indexed SPIA? From comments I’ve read on this forum I thought not but would be glad to be pointed in the right direction.
At "immediteannuities.com" there is a variable you can put in for COLA at any percentage for an SPIA. While it does not follow what might happen to inflation, it's a start.
j
by Sandtrap
Tue May 28, 2019 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Diagnosed with cancer, anything else I should be doing?
Replies: 24
Views: 4717

Re: Diagnosed with cancer, anything else I should be doing?

2cents2 wrote: Tue May 28, 2019 10:42 am You said your estate documents are up to date--just want to make sure that includes power of attorney for your spouse in case you are temporarily incapacitated or you just plain don't feel like dealing with financial stuff and your wife can pick up the slack (assuming she doesn't already).
Also, I know that banks, etc are supposed to accept the POA, but shockingly some will only accept their own forms. Best to get this ironed out before it is needed.

Wishing you the best possible outcome.
+1
j :D