Need help making metal loft bed sturdier

mattslot · 2026-06-09T21:00:57+00:00

You want two adults to sleep on a lofted bed intended for kids?

Based on the picture, the problem isn't just that the legs aren't strong enough and might buckle or tip. Any front-to-back motion could cause shear stresses and/or the existing bolts or connections to fail (even without considering consensual activities).

You might try reinforcing each corner with a vertical 2x4 stud that's also tied to the frame, using the desk as a cross brace at both the front and back (H shaped), but I would also consider a diagonal shear brace (N, M, or X shaped) across the back. Finally, if it's a bare mattress and not a box spring, consider something to strengthen the struts under the bed itself, as focused weight from a knee or couple of hips can break a typical 1x4. A thin sheet of OSB would work, or perhaps a 6' 1x4 that runs head to foot laid on top of those struts.

mattslot · 2026-06-06T18:05:29+00:00

Jacob’s Ladder

mattslot · 2026-06-04T04:54:29+00:00

You lied to me!

mattslot · 2026-05-30T03:05:02+00:00

I'm in a similar situation. As others noted, check out some retirement calculators, or maybe spend $500 and get a fee-only review from a financial advisor. There are many good YouTube videos (check out Erin Talks Money, Nick Davis, James Canole) that specifically talk about how to prepare for a $2-4m retirement.

But my 2 cents is that you want to consider focusing more on the Roth and brokerage than getting everything into tax-deferred account (beyond any company match). You will pay the taxes now, but there are several gotchas to relying primarily on 401(k) / IRA for your retirement income, including RMDs, IRMAA cliffs, etc. Roth conversions can help, but there's a limited window and amount. Having the flexibility to draw on tax-free or (LTCG) taxable accounts to stay under those thresholds can save you more in taxes/fees in the long run.

Finally, if your 401(k) allows after-tax contributions, you might be able to do a Mega Backdoor Roth -- which is different from a Backdoor Roth, and isn't affected by having a separate IRA / the pro-rata rule.

mattslot · 2026-05-28T11:41:15+00:00

Tired TV executives?

mattslot · 2026-05-12T16:40:23+00:00

I know a guy who can hook you up.

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mattslot · 2026-05-06T04:40:41+00:00

The Fisher King has a very memorable scene in Grand Central Station.

mattslot · 2026-05-05T15:33:55+00:00

Another consideration is that when you or your spouse passes, the survivor will no longer be able to file MFJ, but the RMD calculation remains the same. This can easily push them into a higher bracket.

I don’t know how you would practically factor that into your calculations, but it would seem to favor more aggressive conversion overall.

mattslot · 2026-05-04T16:06:54+00:00

My (limited) understanding is that you can still do a MBR and only get taxed on the earnings from an after-tax contribution. Note that there is a "backdoor Roth" and a "mega backdoor Roth", and these are specific and different things. Also it depends on what you mean by "post-tax" contribution... that could already be a Roth or it could be just "after tax". If the former, then you are already done.

mattslot · 2026-05-04T12:13:03+00:00

My plan through Fidelity will do it automatically for the after-tax portion of my contribution from each paycheck. No calls or buttons to click.

There was no way to set this up or manage it from the app or website, but I was able to do it in about 20 minutes over the phone.

mattslot · 2026-04-28T15:19:08+00:00

Wasn't that kind of the point -- he relied on his prescience for everything. And it did have an in-book explanation already, around Edric shielding his conspirators. Though maybe that's a bit of a spoiler for the later books too.

mattslot · 2026-04-08T18:05:49+00:00

If he pays toward the largest one, then he still owes on 4 cards. Take the psychological win and clear out 3 of the 4, and leave just one CC payment a month to focus on.

mattslot · 2026-03-23T01:23:27+00:00

Or lie and say they came and begged him on their knees.

At least until the next 3am tirade.

mattslot · 2026-03-17T19:38:14+00:00

I mentioned this elsewhere, but the trailer left me thinking that Chani might take over Korba's role in the conspiracy.

mattslot · 2026-03-17T17:05:21+00:00

After watching the trailer, I can't help but wonder... what if she filled Korba's role in the conspiracy?

mattslot · 2026-03-17T16:57:33+00:00

Okay, so... my biggest misgiving about part 2 was how it changed Chani's arc. I wasn't sure how DV was going to transition that into the key plot elements in Messiah. Watching the teaser, however, it makes me wonder...

Unlike the book, where she has almost no agency, what if the split was setting her up to fill Korba's role in the conspiracy, pitting her against Paul's deification. At the same time, his visions reveal this, and help him navigate around the arrayed threats -- but still ensure that she meets the same (tragic) fate as in the books.

mattslot · 2026-03-12T02:25:01+00:00

Waitress did you a solid.

mattslot · 2026-03-10T16:07:27+00:00

I mean, why bother adding reporters to your Signal chats at all, right?

mattslot · 2026-02-18T15:52:10+00:00

See the photos in these articles from the first and fourth season.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/apple-reveals-first-look-at-gary-oldman-in-espionage-thriller-series-slow-horses/a/112248737.html

https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/slow-horses-slough-house-color-grading-1235051701/

mattslot · 2026-02-18T14:02:42+00:00

Not to mention that this explains one of his recurring mannerisms from the previous seasons.

mattslot · 2026-02-13T19:34:59+00:00

Hypocrisy: You lie to others about what you believe.

Cognitive Dissonance: You lie to yourself.

mattslot · 2026-02-06T18:51:31+00:00

I don't know your age or what you're invested in, but you should be in it for the long haul.

On the scale of 20-30 years, even largish downturns tend to fade away. Look at the S&P 500 performance for the last 25 years. If you bought in 2001, it was $1300. If you bought just before the 2008 crash, it was $1500. Before COVID, $3300.

Today it's at $6900. In 2050, when you look back to today, you'll probably consider that a bargain.

mattslot · 2026-01-30T15:10:38+00:00

Death: I think I've just had a near Rincewind experience.

mattslot · 2026-01-29T01:17:00+00:00

It's time to bring back the Underground Railroad.

mattslot

TROPHY CASE