I may be in the market for a commuter this year. Three pedals and some cargo space top the list, along with price. Something mid-00's, Mazda 3 or similar hatchback, Volvo wagon, Ranger.. On to the list of Craig..

Feels like the new Ranger is the Colorado? Both are larger than they should be, and I’m not really sure why either exists, considering their base model larger brother.. I would like a Ranger, but I’m shooting for a ~2005 model. I don’t need creature comforts from a secondary vehicle, and I’m wondering what this thing…

Looking over Mobil’s site, they do offer a warranty on the oil, though there are caveats. None of them appear to be out of line, but could easily be out of knowledge (existing mechanically deficient equipment, OEM vs. Mobile standards, extreme conditions). Change is scary, but I’ll probably give this a go, but maybe…

It certainly has its strengths, but at what costs? Tech today is usually a balance of taking convenience while giving personal data, and depending on the individual, that balance may not be working out in the user’s favor anymore. While less convenient, there are better methods elsewhere if you’re willing to use…

I agree with the preconception that things will go wrong. That is my largest worry.. But I also think that, if we have the opportunity, we should be self-substantiating.. Those are difficult weights to balance. Regardless of political stance, I’ll be weighing pros and cons in the future (though this admin has proven…

I’m of the same thought. And I’d even tie DACA and CHIP together, win or lose. I feel it’s really important for Dems to put flags in the ground and stand by them, win or lose. A lot of their voters have done the same on the street this year. I understand the timing this month, but it’ll be difficult to convince me…

I should also add that everyone should absolutely contact their congressperson and demand a pro-DACA and CHIP vote in January, and no further extensions. Without that, I’m ready for a shutdown. And I should say that delaying this, while questionable, may allow all the rightfully negative press surrounding the donor…

Pelosi seems incapable of giving a public statement that isn’t horrible, and Schumer’s jokes are shit. But these two aren’t idiots, and I do believe DACA and CHIP are important to both parties, even if only for votes. The CHIP funding was extended, and DACA doesn’t run out until March. I know it isn’t condolence for…

Bah, this child was obviously doing something wrong. Walking down the street? Playing with his brother?? No, it’s too soon to talk about gun control laws. If the father had better tax returns, he would have had a gun safe, obviously..

A financial advisor is a perfectly good idea, but I would recommend reading up on Financial Independence first. 401k fees, index funds, and lots of unfamiliar terms. Research them, form an opinion, then feel free to evaluate those thoughts with an FA. There’s so much good info out there you can find for free in your…

Looks remarkable similar to something my brother and I did one time, resulting in a chipped tooth. Though I think we were 15 & 12 at the time.

I don’t disagree with this on a high level. Anyone reading this likely relies on lithium day-to-day, and that reliance only looks to increase as electric vehicles become better and cheaper. But it needs to be done responsibly, and in that concern, I have poor expectations of this administration..

Haha, I’d believe that. It’s a fun time to observe performance, but limited viewing would definitely be a good idea. Focusing on spending and % saved is far more immediately important.

Ah. Mostly with the pie charts, the budgets, etc. Finding ways to lower and maintain a budget for things, like cable, phone, groceries, gas, etc. Trying to make that student loan payment an ever larger piece of the pie. Watching that budget bar fill up tells me I should probably pass on going out tonight.

Mint is great in a few ways.

I couldn’t agree more..

I would recommend focusing on your spending as opposed to your income. Your spending will determine how much you need per year, and your retirement savings could determine when you’d be able to comfortable retire, to drastically simplify things.

I’m a big fan of the FIRE approach to determining these numbers. Using index funds to hold your retirement earnings, you would be able to withdraw 4% of your savings without decreasing that amount, which leads to endless financial security (on paper).

Clearly overstepping lines could lead to net neutrality being reenacted, so quiet moves would be recommended. But there are no lines, per se, just limits to politicians’ willingness to defend the policy. Those limits don’t seem to be very constricting at the moment.....

As a Mustang owner, I’m in a similar search. I have winter tires (which are great), but potentially taking on a new job, I’d like a beater to alleviate the miles and risks associate with a long commute. I’ve noticed a bunch of Mini Coopers in the $5k range, Civics and Mazda 3s for even less, and the occasional Subaru.…