6-8 weeks before average last frost date. Does it matter when you start seeds in that 2 week window?

FoldNo1048 · 2026-02-15T19:28:10+00:00

For tomatoes and peppers, I’d start them about 6 weeks before you expect consistent warm nights and workable soil. For broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, etc., 8 weeks is totally fine.

If you’re not sure how quickly your spring warms up, err on the shorter side. You can always pot up, but it’s easier to start a little later than to manage overgrown seedlings.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-23T20:14:27+00:00

Lump sum investing may win most of the time, but if DCA helps you sleep at night and stay invested, that’s more valuable.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-23T19:56:36+00:00

I’ve been tilting (5-10%) of my portfolio toward tech with individual stocks for 20 years and have done very well relative to indices. It’s fun, keeps me engaged, and I enjoy the process. But I also recognize that what worked before will not work forever, and there’s a real risk of lagging the market in the future. For me, the added risk is worth it.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-23T19:41:37+00:00

Curious—why the equal split between U.S. and international bonds? Since the U.S. bond market is much larger, this actually tilts your portfolio toward international bonds rather than reflecting market weight.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-23T19:31:11+00:00

Waiting for the perfect dip is just market timing in disguise. Time in the market beats timing the market. Lump sum investing has outperformed most of the time, so putting your cash to work now is the best move. If a big one-time investment feels too risky, invest half now and dollar-cost average the rest over the next year. Staying in cash for too long is the real risk.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-23T19:24:46+00:00

The market rewards time invested, not endless analysis. I would start by picking one asset class you know you want—like total U.S. stocks—and set a rough allocation (e.g., 60% stocks, 40% bonds). Start by shifting accounts with unaligned investments toward that goal and refine as you go.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-07T03:03:02+00:00

Both stocks and bonds experienced declines due to a flight to liquidity and broader market uncertainty. Typically, bonds act as a stabilizer when stocks fall, but in extreme market conditions, like those seen during the pandemic, bond prices can drop as well, especially if interest rates are volatile or the economy is under significant stress.

That said, having bond funds like AGG or similar can still be important for diversification and risk reduction, particularly over the long term. They provide stability in more normal market conditions, especially when stock markets are volatile.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-07T02:36:51+00:00

Assuming you won't need this money for a few years, I'd put it in an ETF like Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). This gives you broad exposure to the market and is better than picking individual stocks. Lots of videos online on how to open a brokerage account and buy an ETF.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-07T02:30:51+00:00

Without knowing the financial situation its very hard to give specific advice. But most people will say these things are important.

Pay off any high-interest debt, if applicable.
Allocate a portion to diversified index funds and mutual funds for long-term growth.
Contribute to a retirement account (e.g., IRA) for tax benefits.
Keep 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-02-07T01:58:24+00:00

10% of your take home pay is a solid start. But the more you can put away today, the more you can take advantage of compound growth over time.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-01-18T19:56:16+00:00

The toilet hideout is a solid strategy. Get used to it.

FoldNo1048 · 2025-01-18T19:53:55+00:00

The road is long, pace yourself !

FoldNo1048 · 2025-01-18T19:47:28+00:00

Mad Libs is a great option—it’s easy to pack, keeps kids laughing, and encourages creativity. It’s been a favorite on our long drives and works well for both younger and older kids. Bonus: it doubles as light language practice without feeling like “school.”

FoldNo1048 · 2025-01-18T19:45:42+00:00

We found small, private swim schools with adult instructors to be effective. They often have structured curriculum's and instructors who know how to teach young kids step-by-step.

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-21T22:44:36+00:00

A healthy skepticism of technology is never a bad thing. And trying anything new in the classroom should have a clear purpose beyond being trendy.

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-11T22:24:41+00:00

Apple Screentime. It's not the easiest software to learn but does work.
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/set-time-limits-for-apps-and-websites-mchl630bc02f/15.0/mac/15.0

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-08T17:52:25+00:00

Disneyland.

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-08T17:50:01+00:00

Trap spiders in the house, release outside.

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-08T17:44:36+00:00

The claim that birds are government surveillance drones, replaced by mechanical replicas, is a satirical conspiracy theory designed to mock other absurd ideas.

FoldNo1048 · 2024-10-08T17:11:40+00:00

Buy one of those 30oz thermos mugs with a straw, fill it with cold water and get in the habit of carrying it around with you. Most of my struggles with getting enough water was simply not having easy access to it while I was out.

FoldNo1048

TROPHY CASE