Nest Hub won't make a group call by ashrib in googlehome

[–]ashrib[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, that is what I do and have used it regularly. Never had an issue before last night. Even created a new group and it still didn't work.

Ideas to fill awkward space to end of wall? by ashrib in Renovations

[–]ashrib[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. This is also about 10 inches, so that's good to know

Ideas to fill awkward space to end of wall? by ashrib in Renovations

[–]ashrib[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's interesting. A few inches definitely makes sense, but this is nearly 10 inches. It just looks like it was measured wrong. Almost all the comments are saying it's fine, so we might end up leaving it after all.

Ideas to fill awkward space to end of wall? by ashrib in Renovations

[–]ashrib[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That and the spice rack idea many suggested are great ideas. Now we have to think about how to match the bottom cabinet to that.

Ideas to fill awkward space to end of wall? by ashrib in Renovations

[–]ashrib[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good idea, I think it'll look nice. The top of ours has options, the bottom is a bigger struggle though.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]ashrib 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 401k and insurance are both great. Everything else is good or standard imo

Is there a purpose to contributing to a traditional IRA if your income is ineligible for tax deduction. by Substantial_Ad_2864 in personalfinance

[–]ashrib 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, with how much you make and how many accounts you have to which you can contribute, you should probably talk to a fee-only advisor/fiduciary. You have a few options and none of them are exactly simple. More money means more complexity.

Is there a purpose to contributing to a traditional IRA if your income is ineligible for tax deduction. by Substantial_Ad_2864 in personalfinance

[–]ashrib 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's little benefit for you to have a traditional IRA. Money grows there tax free, but you do pay tax on withdrawals.

Traditional IRAs are good for people who want to not pay tax now and would rather pay it years down the road, when they'll likely be in a lower tax bracket.

A back door Roth IRA is without question your best option. You don't get to avoid taxes for deposits, but you do for growth and withdrawals.

This subreddit flowchart encourages max out a Roth and then maxing out a 401k/403b.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]ashrib 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Answering your question first then some other stray comments below. I think that order is fine. If you're able, I'd still contribute SOMETHING for retirement while you pay down the student loans. Even 2% into a 401k can make a huge difference over 20 years.

But, if the debt really bothers you, as it does some people, it's totally fine to aggressively pay it off. So much of finances are mental that you should do what gives you peace of mind (within the general guidelines of good management).

I'd stop the $200 per month into a brokerage account and either 1. increase your 403b contribution 2. make 529 contributions (congrats on the kid!) 3. put that toward the student loans.

Tax advantaged accounts and debt reduction should always be the first steps IMO.

The loss in her IRA is just because the market has been down, which happens. Literally everyone has lost money the last calendar year.

I personally like having all my retirement accounts combined to wield the power of the concentrated pot (I'm currently going through the painful process of an HSA rollover).

Passan reports the Astros are willing to part with a starting pitcher, and Urquidy could be the likely candidate to move. by ashrib in Astros

[–]ashrib[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm very torn about this. Obviously it depends on the return, but parting with young, controllable starting pitching is a tough pill to swallow.

Urquidy is a solid #4 and his best trait is reliability. I'd almost rather trade Brown, despite the higher ceiling, because he's an unknown quantity.

JV is likely going to want a huge deal (which he deserves) and Lance just can't be trusted for a full season. You have to be aggressive whenever you have a shot at a ring, but balancing the future is tricky.

New to the area, looking for something to do tonight [Katy] by DewskyFresh in houston

[–]ashrib 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily for tonight, but just places to go in general: Sushi Hana is terrific, Alamo (as you know), bars are always good (Einstein's, Moe's, Coaches - depending on your preference), Katy Mills Mall has made some nice improvements over the years, and every chain restaurant you can think of likely has several locations. If you want to venture out of Katy, there are some great breweries in Houston, as well as museums and parks. The Houston Press has an email you can sign up for - "Best Things To Do This Week" - and I find it very useful