What's the stupidest thing you're lusting after right now?

[crocheted_stache]

Currently lusting over front door keypad locks.  (Yes, this is a continuation of the All Things House lust.)  I'm pretty sure this is one we will actually do.  While this is a somewhat technology-based item, I want the least technological version.  I don't think I need to be able to unlock the front door via app or reset the code remotely, or anything like that.  I just want to be able to punching a code to lock and unlock the front door, or give someone else a temporary code to do so. Ideally, it would still work with a key back up, since I'm reading horror stories about dead batteries causing people to be locked out, although it a backyard door is key-accessible, that solves the issue, too.

The front door has a separate handle and deadbolt, so I'll need one that works with that configuration.

I balked at the price of those for a long time and finally got one when I replaced my front door and they are AMAZING. 100% worth the money. Mine complains when the battery is low so I'm not worried about getting locked out. It's not app-based or anything. You just punch in the code to unlock the deadbolt. Entering or removing codes is done via a master code. That's a bit clunky, so not suited for changing codes all the time. More geared to your own house, rather than an Airbnb.

Every time I open the door I'm pleased with how nice the handle is, and every time I unlock it I'm pleased with the deadbolt.

This sounds like exactly what I want. I see very little need for additional codes, but I'd like the ability to have one, just in case, so it doesn't matter if it's a cumbersome process. 

Would you care to share the brand, model name/number if you have it, or any other details?

I believe Schlage.

This one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schlage-BE365-Cam-Keypad-Camelot-Satin-Nickel-Single-Cylinder-Deadbolt-1-Cylinder-Electronic-Deadbolt-Lighted-Keypad/1000002774

Expensive but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Dead easy installation - took all of 20 minutes. Just don't lose the master code.

Thanks.  That looks like a good option.

That looks the model that came with my house as well. It's been great. Good enough that I don't really mind not having the key for it. It will stick a little sometimes when it's really cold out.

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently. If you get one, change your door code now and then or make sure another family member has a code using 1, 5, and 6.

[zolotiyeruki]

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently. If you get one, change your door code now and then or make sure another family member has a code using 1, 5, and 6.

I remember staying at an AirBnB a couple years ago that used a touch-sensitive display and randomized the locations of the numbers each time, I'm guessing to avoid just that problem.

[GuitarStv]

I've definitely seen that problem on cars with keypad entry - three numbers will be super worn and the rest are fresh looking.

[Villanelle]

Currently lusting over front door keypad locks.  (Yes, this is a continuation of the All Things House lust.)  I'm pretty sure this is one we will actually do.  While this is a somewhat technology-based item, I want the least technological version.  I don't think I need to be able to unlock the front door via app or reset the code remotely, or anything like that.  I just want to be able to punching a code to lock and unlock the front door, or give someone else a temporary code to do so. Ideally, it would still work with a key back up, since I'm reading horror stories about dead batteries causing people to be locked out, although it a backyard door is key-accessible, that solves the issue, too.

The front door has a separate handle and deadbolt, so I'll need one that works with that configuration.

I balked at the price of those for a long time and finally got one when I replaced my front door and they are AMAZING. 100% worth the money. Mine complains when the battery is low so I'm not worried about getting locked out. It's not app-based or anything. You just punch in the code to unlock the deadbolt. Entering or removing codes is done via a master code. That's a bit clunky, so not suited for changing codes all the time. More geared to your own house, rather than an Airbnb.

Every time I open the door I'm pleased with how nice the handle is, and every time I unlock it I'm pleased with the deadbolt.

This sounds like exactly what I want. I see very little need for additional codes, but I'd like the ability to have one, just in case, so it doesn't matter if it's a cumbersome process. 

Would you care to share the brand, model name/number if you have it, or any other details?

I believe Schlage.

This one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schlage-BE365-Cam-Keypad-Camelot-Satin-Nickel-Single-Cylinder-Deadbolt-1-Cylinder-Electronic-Deadbolt-Lighted-Keypad/1000002774

Expensive but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Dead easy installation - took all of 20 minutes. Just don't lose the master code.

Thanks.  That looks like a good option.

That looks the model that came with my house as well. It's been great. Good enough that I don't really mind not having the key for it. It will stick a little sometimes when it's really cold out.

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently. If you get one, change your door code now and then or make sure another family member has a code using 1, 5, and 6.

This was one of DH's first comment when I told him I wanted one of these.  My plan is to remove the number paint from all the buttons, since that's what tends to wears off and be what gives away the frequently used button. I also like the idea of him and me having different codes so additional buttons wear.   

[Luke Warm]

Whopper with cheese.. and i bought it. Not good for me, but it called to me!

Once or twice a year I get a craving for a Big Mac.  About halfway through the Big Mac, I wonder why I did that, but fast forward 6 to 12 months, and I get the craving again.  Also, whenever I travel internationally I often get one McD’s meal just to prove that the Big Mac tastes the same there, too.  It always does.  And I always wonder why I did that.

one thing about McDs, it never fails to disappoint me.

[nereo]

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently. If you get one, change your door code now and then or make sure another family member has a code using 1, 5, and 6.

I remember staying at an AirBnB a couple years ago that used a touch-sensitive display and randomized the locations of the numbers each time, I'm guessing to avoid just that problem.

I wouldn’t be overly concerned. Assuming a 5 digit pin, that’s still 3^5 = 243 possible combinations. Which is a snap for a computer but would take a while to punch in all the different combos.  Mine will “freeze” for 30 seconds after the wrong code has been entered 3 times in a row, so it would likely take about an hour to punch in enough combos to hit the right one. Can’t imagine a thief doing that -  ore likely just to kick in the door

…but yeah, select a combo that uses 4 different numbers and the number of combos goes up dramatically (1,024). 

[Glenstache]

Currently lusting over front door keypad locks.  (Yes, this is a continuation of the All Things House lust.)  I'm pretty sure this is one we will actually do.  While this is a somewhat technology-based item, I want the least technological version.  I don't think I need to be able to unlock the front door via app or reset the code remotely, or anything like that.  I just want to be able to punching a code to lock and unlock the front door, or give someone else a temporary code to do so. Ideally, it would still work with a key back up, since I'm reading horror stories about dead batteries causing people to be locked out, although it a backyard door is key-accessible, that solves the issue, too.

The front door has a separate handle and deadbolt, so I'll need one that works with that configuration.

I balked at the price of those for a long time and finally got one when I replaced my front door and they are AMAZING. 100% worth the money. Mine complains when the battery is low so I'm not worried about getting locked out. It's not app-based or anything. You just punch in the code to unlock the deadbolt. Entering or removing codes is done via a master code. That's a bit clunky, so not suited for changing codes all the time. More geared to your own house, rather than an Airbnb.

Every time I open the door I'm pleased with how nice the handle is, and every time I unlock it I'm pleased with the deadbolt.

This sounds like exactly what I want. I see very little need for additional codes, but I'd like the ability to have one, just in case, so it doesn't matter if it's a cumbersome process. 

Would you care to share the brand, model name/number if you have it, or any other details?

I believe Schlage.

This one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schlage-BE365-Cam-Keypad-Camelot-Satin-Nickel-Single-Cylinder-Deadbolt-1-Cylinder-Electronic-Deadbolt-Lighted-Keypad/1000002774

Expensive but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Dead easy installation - took all of 20 minutes. Just don't lose the master code.

Some of the schlages have the master code on a yellow sticker inside the 9v battery compartment. You could also make your own sticker. A person has to be inside and unscrew the interior cover to get to it, so not a huge security concern.

[shuffler]

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently.

I remember staying at an AirBnB a couple years ago that used a touch-sensitive display and randomized the locations of the numbers each time, I'm guessing to avoid just that problem.

I wouldn’t be overly concerned. Assuming a 5 digit pin, that’s still 3^5 = 243 possible combinations.

Just because math and security are fun ...  I believe it's 150 combinations, because the code must contain all 3 of the digits that were observed to be worn.

It'd be:
     All the ways you can make 5-character sequences from 3 characters, less all the ways of making 5-character sequences from any combination of 2 out of the 3 characters.

In this case:
     3^5 - (C(3,2) * 2^5) + (C(3,1) * 1^5) = 150

Mine will “freeze” for 30 seconds after the wrong code has been entered 3 times in a row, so it would likely take about an hour to punch in enough combos to hit the right one.

On average you'd expect to hit it after 75 attempts, which would cost 24 * 30s of delay, or 12 minutes.  So maybe 15 minutes on average if you count some key-punching time.

Can’t imagine a thief doing that -  more likely just to kick in the door.

Quite right.

…but yeah, select a combo that uses 4 different numbers and the number of combos goes up dramatically (1,024).

4 worn digits implies 240 5-digit combinations that span those 4 digits.  An average of 120 attempts means 20 minutes of delays, key-punching time would still leave it under 30 minutes to crack on average.  Not that much better, really.  This makes sense when you realize that knowing 4 out of 5 digits of the combination is pretty constraining.  The thief is only missing one digit (for which there is only 4 choices), and the ordering.

... and now I'll show myself out.  ;^)

[crocheted_stache]

Besides the combination math, there's also knowing how humans operate. The number of passwords that are "password" (if it's not forbidden to use that) is huge, and people don't pick number codes at random, either. Given the task of achieving unauthorized access, pick out those worn digits, and then think, what's going to be easiest for someone to remember? Favor stuff like 1515, 4321, 1955 over 3287 or 1598. To narrow it down even more, figure out how far away you can stand or sit and still see at least a little, make a pretense of being occupied with your phone, and watch how many presses, whether they're in the top row, and so on.

[nereo]

[
Just because math and security are fun ...  I believe it's 150 combinations, because the code must contain all 3 of the digits that were observed to be worn.

It'd be:
     All the ways you can make 5-character sequences from 3 characters, less all the ways of making 5-character sequences from any combination of 2 out of the 3 characters.

In this case:
     3^5 - (C(3,2) * 2^5) + (C(3,1) * 1^5) = 150

Mine will “freeze” for 30 seconds after the wrong code has been entered 3 times in a row, so it would likely take about an hour to punch in enough combos to hit the right one.

On average you'd expect to hit it after 75 attempts, which would cost 24 * 30s of delay, or 12 minutes.  So maybe 15 minutes on average if you count some key-punching time.

Can’t imagine a thief doing that -  more likely just to kick in the door.

Quite right.

…but yeah, select a combo that uses 4 different numbers and the number of combos goes up dramatically (1,024).

4 worn digits implies 240 5-digit combinations that span those 4 digits.  An average of 120 attempts means 20 minutes of delays, key-punching time would still leave it under 30 minutes to crack on average.  Not that much better, really.  This makes sense when you realize that knowing 4 out of 5 digits of the combination is pretty constraining.  The thief is only missing one digit (for which there is only 4 choices), and the ordering.

... and now I'll show myself out.  ;^)
[

Yeah, realized I made the math mistake after I posted because it needed all 3 digits.

Best practice would be to just have at least four unique digits, and/or do what we do (two unique pass codes that use 8 of the possible 10 digits). We also change the codes a couple times per year so all the numbers get used over time.

For us it’s the convenience factor coupled with “good enough” security for our comfort level and where we live. I don’t think a traditional deadbolt with 3+ keys floating around (including the “hide-a-key”) offers better security with how we operate. My parents have the same door key for 40 years, and I can’t even begin to wonder how many pet sitters, baby sitters, friends, etc have had access at one time or another and could have copied it

[couponvan]

This is why I change my code and also clean the door pads weekly if not more. I’m weird. Guests get their own code too.

[Just Joe]

Currently lusting over front door keypad locks.  (Yes, this is a continuation of the All Things House lust.)  I'm pretty sure this is one we will actually do.  While this is a somewhat technology-based item, I want the least technological version.  I don't think I need to be able to unlock the front door via app or reset the code remotely, or anything like that.  I just want to be able to punching a code to lock and unlock the front door, or give someone else a temporary code to do so. Ideally, it would still work with a key back up, since I'm reading horror stories about dead batteries causing people to be locked out, although it a backyard door is key-accessible, that solves the issue, too.

The front door has a separate handle and deadbolt, so I'll need one that works with that configuration.

We have this on a side door. Schlage brand. Has been HUGELY useful. When our keypad wore out I called them asking to buy a new pad part. They sent me the whole lock assembly for free!

We were out of town longer than expected recently. Our intentions were to be home at the normal workday time so poor pooch could get out to potty. Called friend, explained we were looking at a later night than expected. Friend went over, used the code to get in and help out poor pooch.

[kanga1622]

Currently lusting over front door keypad locks.  (Yes, this is a continuation of the All Things House lust.)  I'm pretty sure this is one we will actually do.  While this is a somewhat technology-based item, I want the least technological version.  I don't think I need to be able to unlock the front door via app or reset the code remotely, or anything like that.  I just want to be able to punching a code to lock and unlock the front door, or give someone else a temporary code to do so. Ideally, it would still work with a key back up, since I'm reading horror stories about dead batteries causing people to be locked out, although it a backyard door is key-accessible, that solves the issue, too.

The front door has a separate handle and deadbolt, so I'll need one that works with that configuration.

I balked at the price of those for a long time and finally got one when I replaced my front door and they are AMAZING. 100% worth the money. Mine complains when the battery is low so I'm not worried about getting locked out. It's not app-based or anything. You just punch in the code to unlock the deadbolt. Entering or removing codes is done via a master code. That's a bit clunky, so not suited for changing codes all the time. More geared to your own house, rather than an Airbnb.

Every time I open the door I'm pleased with how nice the handle is, and every time I unlock it I'm pleased with the deadbolt.

This sounds like exactly what I want. I see very little need for additional codes, but I'd like the ability to have one, just in case, so it doesn't matter if it's a cumbersome process. 

Would you care to share the brand, model name/number if you have it, or any other details?

I believe Schlage.

This one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schlage-BE365-Cam-Keypad-Camelot-Satin-Nickel-Single-Cylinder-Deadbolt-1-Cylinder-Electronic-Deadbolt-Lighted-Keypad/1000002774

Expensive but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Dead easy installation - took all of 20 minutes. Just don't lose the master code.

Thanks.  That looks like a good option.

That looks the model that came with my house as well. It's been great. Good enough that I don't really mind not having the key for it. It will stick a little sometimes when it's really cold out.

A security-conscious friend of mine has one of these. I visited his house one time and upon entering said, "So your door code has 2, 3, and 4 in it?" He kind of freaked out. All I did was notice which buttons had worn differently. If you get one, change your door code now and then or make sure another family member has a code using 1, 5, and 6.

This was one of DH's first comment when I told him I wanted one of these.  My plan is to remove the number paint from all the buttons, since that's what tends to wears off and be what gives away the frequently used button. I also like the idea of him and me having different codes so additional buttons wear.

We have had these Schlage keypad locks for several years now. LOVE them. We have 4 people living here and we all have different codes using different numbers. MIL also has a code so she can drop things by when she's driving through. So all our numbers get used fairly equally.

[Metalcat]

A second laptop monitor.

Wanting a second laptop monitor isn't stupid, it's actually critical to my ability to work and I can claim it as a business expense. It's stupid because I already have a second laptop monitor that I bought not long ago because it's crucial to my work...I just want a different one now.

I'll probably upgrade next year when I have a lot more taxable income to claim it against, this year I've mostly worked unpaid and have tuition credits up the ying yang. So waiting until next year, at least, would make more sense.

But that doesn't stop me from wanting one now. One that clips to the laptop monitor instead of sitting off on the side.

[Villanelle]

Furniture.

We closed on our new house and will arrive there in about a week.  We sold or gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved out and some of it needs to be replaced.

We've lived for 20 years with the specter of awful military moves looming over us.  Knowing that our furniture was likely to be destroyed or damaged and, despite policy saying we are supposed to get full current replacement value, we'd likely get pennies on the dollar, or nothing, has guided us to a lot of fast furniture, free or very cheap stuff we didn't really like but could use, etc.

I'm someone for whom a house/home is very important.  I need it to look and feel how I want it to, or I find it depressing and even anxiety-provoking.  So I'n so, so ready to have it Just So.  And to have furniture I love.

I'm trying to buy real wood items.  I'll look on marketplace, etc., for used stuff, and I'm in no real hurry, with the possible exception of wanting either a dining room table or a breakfast nook table fairly soon so we have a place to eat that isn't a folding card table.  I know quality pieces that will last for decades cost more to make than Ikea stuff, but the prices of new stuff still make me choke.  I get why people go for particle board and laminate!   BVut I'm lusting for sturdy, quality pieces with a little bit of style and I hope that over time, I can find them second hand mostly. 

[Just Joe]

Furniture.

We closed on our new house and will arrive there in about a week.  We sold or gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved out and some of it needs to be replaced.

We've lived for 20 years with the specter of awful military moves looming over us.  Knowing that our furniture was likely to be destroyed or damaged and, despite policy saying we are supposed to get full current replacement value, we'd likely get pennies on the dollar, or nothing, has guided us to a lot of fast furniture, free or very cheap stuff we didn't really like but could use, etc.

I'm someone for whom a house/home is very important.  I need it to look and feel how I want it to, or I find it depressing and even anxiety-provoking.  So I'n so, so ready to have it Just So.  And to have furniture I love.

I'm trying to buy real wood items.  I'll look on marketplace, etc., for used stuff, and I'm in no real hurry, with the possible exception of wanting either a dining room table or a breakfast nook table fairly soon so we have a place to eat that isn't a folding card table.  I know quality pieces that will last for decades cost more to make than Ikea stuff, but the prices of new stuff still make me choke.  I get why people go for particle board and laminate!   BVut I'm lusting for sturdy, quality pieces with a little bit of style and I hope that over time, I can find them second hand mostly.

We're eager to give all of our current furniture to our offspring as they move out in the coming years. Good to help them get started and finally - we can have nicer furniture. Used quality is great!

[twinstudy]

McLaren 720S

Vacheron Constantin overseas moonphase

[ROF Expat]

Furniture.

We closed on our new house and will arrive there in about a week.  We sold or gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved out and some of it needs to be replaced.

We've lived for 20 years with the specter of awful military moves looming over us.  Knowing that our furniture was likely to be destroyed or damaged and, despite policy saying we are supposed to get full current replacement value, we'd likely get pennies on the dollar, or nothing, has guided us to a lot of fast furniture, free or very cheap stuff we didn't really like but could use, etc.

I'm someone for whom a house/home is very important.  I need it to look and feel how I want it to, or I find it depressing and even anxiety-provoking.  So I'n so, so ready to have it Just So.  And to have furniture I love.

I'm trying to buy real wood items.  I'll look on marketplace, etc., for used stuff, and I'm in no real hurry, with the possible exception of wanting either a dining room table or a breakfast nook table fairly soon so we have a place to eat that isn't a folding card table.  I know quality pieces that will last for decades cost more to make than Ikea stuff, but the prices of new stuff still make me choke.  I get why people go for particle board and laminate!   BVut I'm lusting for sturdy, quality pieces with a little bit of style and I hope that over time, I can find them second hand mostly.

Estate sales can be your friend, especially if you aren't in a hurry.  We are looking forward to refurnishing our house for the last time when we get back to the US

[Villanelle]

Furniture.

We closed on our new house and will arrive there in about a week.  We sold or gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved out and some of it needs to be replaced.

We've lived for 20 years with the specter of awful military moves looming over us.  Knowing that our furniture was likely to be destroyed or damaged and, despite policy saying we are supposed to get full current replacement value, we'd likely get pennies on the dollar, or nothing, has guided us to a lot of fast furniture, free or very cheap stuff we didn't really like but could use, etc.

I'm someone for whom a house/home is very important.  I need it to look and feel how I want it to, or I find it depressing and even anxiety-provoking.  So I'n so, so ready to have it Just So.  And to have furniture I love.

I'm trying to buy real wood items.  I'll look on marketplace, etc., for used stuff, and I'm in no real hurry, with the possible exception of wanting either a dining room table or a breakfast nook table fairly soon so we have a place to eat that isn't a folding card table.  I know quality pieces that will last for decades cost more to make than Ikea stuff, but the prices of new stuff still make me choke.  I get why people go for particle board and laminate!   BVut I'm lusting for sturdy, quality pieces with a little bit of style and I hope that over time, I can find them second hand mostly.

Estate sales can be your friend, especially if you aren't in a hurry.  We are looking forward to refurnishing our house for the last time when we get back to the US

We've been staying with my parents in a 55+ community and there are great estate sales sprinkled around the community every weekend.  Our new home is near one of these types of neighborhoods and while it's smaller, I'm hoping I can find where they run the ads for the estate sales.  I fell madly in love with a burl wood chest of drawers in nearly perfect shape, that was $40.  I've have happily paid probably 5x that for it.  But sadly, no way to get it home with me.  But I've learned that these sales, usually held either when someone dies or moves to assisted living, are fantastic resources for just about anything.  My dad buys half bags of fertilizer, cleaning products, etc, usually for a dollar or less. So he never has to actually purchase these items retail.   

[Catbert]

^^^If these are estate sales run by companies (vs. family) they often will have a recommendation for a furniture moving company that does small jobs.  You might ask at a company run estate sale or nice consignment store for their mover recommendation.  Contact the movers directly and chat so you know who to use and general cost ahead of need.

[RetiredAt63]

Furniture.

We closed on our new house and will arrive there in about a week.  We sold or gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved out and some of it needs to be replaced.

We've lived for 20 years with the specter of awful military moves looming over us.  Knowing that our furniture was likely to be destroyed or damaged and, despite policy saying we are supposed to get full current replacement value, we'd likely get pennies on the dollar, or nothing, has guided us to a lot of fast furniture, free or very cheap stuff we didn't really like but could use, etc.

I'm someone for whom a house/home is very important.  I need it to look and feel how I want it to, or I find it depressing and even anxiety-provoking.  So I'n so, so ready to have it Just So.  And to have furniture I love.

I'm trying to buy real wood items.  I'll look on marketplace, etc., for used stuff, and I'm in no real hurry, with the possible exception of wanting either a dining room table or a breakfast nook table fairly soon so we have a place to eat that isn't a folding card table.  I know quality pieces that will last for decades cost more to make than Ikea stuff, but the prices of new stuff still make me choke.  I get why people go for particle board and laminate!   BVut I'm lusting for sturdy, quality pieces with a little bit of style and I hope that over time, I can find them second hand mostly.

Estate sales can be your friend, especially if you aren't in a hurry.  We are looking forward to refurnishing our house for the last time when we get back to the US

And Habitat for Humanity Restores if you have space for larger pieces.

[Arbitrage]

Not lusting after it, but certainly stupid: a car.  We've been a one-car family (of four) for the better part of 6 years, which has worked just swimmingly while I e-bike around town.  Our kids have been aging relentlessly and are nearing driving age.  We have no plans to just buy them a car when they get a license.  I'm an anti-car dependence advocate and have been hammering it into their brains for years that alternate modes of transportation should be sought whenever possible.  Nevertheless, a second family car has been in the planning as we reach three and then four drivers in the household.

We're still a couple of years out, but I have started poking around, with an interest in a used EV to capture the $4k tax credit.  We just sneaked under the MAGI cutoff last year.  Not sure if we will this year.  Might end up with the same car (Tesla Model 3) I was actually lusting after years ago before I flipped the switch and went all in on e-biking. 

[Greystache]

Same here. I have a stupid desire for a new(er) car. My wife and I currently have two older reliable cars (2003 and 2005) that provide very low cost transportation. We pay the minimum registration fees and only insure for liability. Besides costing thousands of dollars out of pocket, a new car would result in increased registration and insurance costs. We thought about getting new cars before we retired 10 years ago, but decided to keep our current cars until they died. Still waiting for them to die.

[TimCFJ40]

Not lusting after it, but certainly stupid: a car.  We've been a one-car family (of four) for the better part of 6 years, which has worked just swimmingly while I e-bike around town.  Our kids have been aging relentlessly and are nearing driving age.  We have no plans to just buy them a car when they get a license.  I'm an anti-car dependence advocate and have been hammering it into their brains for years that alternate modes of transportation should be sought whenever possible.  Nevertheless, a second family car has been in the planning as we reach three and then four drivers in the household.

We're still a couple of years out, but I have started poking around, with an interest in a used EV to capture the $4k tax credit.  We just sneaked under the MAGI cutoff last year.  Not sure if we will this year.  Might end up with the same car (Tesla Model 3) I was actually lusting after years ago before I flipped the switch and went all in on e-biking.

One of the teens in our neighborhood was recently given an early Nissan Leaf.   Honestly, I am fairly convinced this might be the perfect kid car.  Cheap, not fast, fairly safe, fairly reliable, and limited range.  There's nothing my kids will need to do that involves driving more than 50 miles alone (at least not while they are in high school). 

Can you get the $4k EV tax credit on a used Leaf?  if so you might end up getting an almost free car...

[Sugaree]

I caved and ordered a new front door keypad lock.  It's on sale for what camelcamelcamel tells me is one of the lower historical prices, so there's that. 

[zolotiyeruki]

Not lusting after it, but certainly stupid: a car.  We've been a one-car family (of four) for the better part of 6 years, which has worked just swimmingly while I e-bike around town.  Our kids have been aging relentlessly and are nearing driving age.  We have no plans to just buy them a car when they get a license.  I'm an anti-car dependence advocate and have been hammering it into their brains for years that alternate modes of transportation should be sought whenever possible.  Nevertheless, a second family car has been in the planning as we reach three and then four drivers in the household.

We're still a couple of years out, but I have started poking around, with an interest in a used EV to capture the $4k tax credit.  We just sneaked under the MAGI cutoff last year.  Not sure if we will this year.  Might end up with the same car (Tesla Model 3) I was actually lusting after years ago before I flipped the switch and went all in on e-biking.

One of the teens in our neighborhood was recently given an early Nissan Leaf.   Honestly, I am fairly convinced this might be the perfect kid car.  Cheap, not fast, fairly safe, fairly reliable, and limited range.  There's nothing my kids will need to do that involves driving more than 50 miles alone (at least not while they are in high school). 

Can you get the $4k EV tax credit on a used Leaf?  if so you might end up getting an almost free car...

I believe the credit is limited to 30% of the purchase price, or $4k, whichever is less

[Arbitrage]

Not lusting after it, but certainly stupid: a car.  We've been a one-car family (of four) for the better part of 6 years, which has worked just swimmingly while I e-bike around town.  Our kids have been aging relentlessly and are nearing driving age.  We have no plans to just buy them a car when they get a license.  I'm an anti-car dependence advocate and have been hammering it into their brains for years that alternate modes of transportation should be sought whenever possible.  Nevertheless, a second family car has been in the planning as we reach three and then four drivers in the household.

We're still a couple of years out, but I have started poking around, with an interest in a used EV to capture the $4k tax credit.  We just sneaked under the MAGI cutoff last year.  Not sure if we will this year.  Might end up with the same car (Tesla Model 3) I was actually lusting after years ago before I flipped the switch and went all in on e-biking.

One of the teens in our neighborhood was recently given an early Nissan Leaf.   Honestly, I am fairly convinced this might be the perfect kid car.  Cheap, not fast, fairly safe, fairly reliable, and limited range.  There's nothing my kids will need to do that involves driving more than 50 miles alone (at least not while they are in high school). 

Can you get the $4k EV tax credit on a used Leaf?  if so you might end up getting an almost free car...

I believe the credit is limited to 30% of the purchase price, or $4k, whichever is less

This is true, plus some other stipulations.  The car won't really be just a kid car, either.  Also for hauling kayaks, and hopefully for converting most our family's (my wife's) daily driving away from ICE.  Don't currently envision handing the kids a car just for getting to/from school.  We have a perfectly fine bus system, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters to hopefully leverage for that. 

Also will consider plug-in hybrids, though I'd prefer that style as the eventual replacement for the ICE Subaru rather than having two ICE motors in the household to maintain/repair. 

[Just Joe]

We have a daily driver EV and an ICEV for longer trips out of state and second car uses.

The ICEV might someday be replaced with an EV as well b/c we really enjoy driving our EV. However it remains parked alot in the garage. I would not like to pay for an expensive EV (battery) that degrades just waiting to be used.

It is the same reason I don't have a selection of nice cordless tools. Instead I have a cheaper, older 12V DeWalt NiCD for which the batteries are replaced every ~5 years for $25 a pair. All my other tools are powered by compressed air or 120V.

[couponvan]

End tables for the queen guest bedroom bed we just exchanged for a full bed (circa 1924 with a 2014 mattress) we moved upstairs to DD’s empty room. We got the queen frame on auction for $75 and the mattress new from Ollie’s for $199 less 20% one item coupon. Our net worth is $3.6MM. Why do I play these penny games with myself? It will probably take me months to buy end tables. I want them, I just don’t want to BUY them.

[Taran Wanderer]

Do you call tables that go beside the bed “end tables”. We call those “bedside tables”. End tables go in the living (or family) room at the end of the chair or couch (or sofa or divan or davenport or love seat).  Not saying one or the other is better, just that the English language is funny.

[Sandi_k]

I am lusting for a new sofa set (ours has had DH's BFF break the sofa frame) and it's got hills and valleys in it now.

Also - a new mattress. We've both had spinal surgery, and DH's back flares more than mine these days. He's got some plywood wedged between the mattress and the slats, but it's TOO hard now. I'm having a hard time figuring out a mattress, since the last time we found a factory that would create a "split Queen" for us - firmer on his side (back sleeper) and softer on mine (side sleeper).

We both loved an Aireloom mattress a few years back - but the ones with Latex instead of foam (which we prefer) are running over $7k (!!!!) for a queen.

Gah. Why is everything so much money?!

[BuffaloStache]

I'm also lusting after a new mattress- the one I sleep on is many years old, so I actually think it is time to replace it. I probably should've been looking over the recent sales...

[rivendale]

An espresso machine. I really enjoy a good cappuccino. We owned a cheapo espresso machine early in our marriage, but it sucked and didn't get utilized very much. I have access to a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System about once a week and it hits the spot for a quick latte, with minimal effort, but at that price i think I would want a separate steam wand. I'm thinking of trying a Moka pot with a milk frother as a substitute.

[JLee]

I still want a new garage x.x

I had a new contractor come by to give me an opinion, he's loosely ballparking it at 150k which I'm guessing means probably closer to 200k.  I already have one of the more expensive houses in the neighborhood and don't want to price myself out of reasonable resale, but if I'm here for long enough it'd be worth it anyway.

[Raenia]

An espresso machine. I really enjoy a good cappuccino. We owned a cheapo espresso machine early in our marriage, but it sucked and didn't get utilized very much. I have access to a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System about once a week and it hits the spot for a quick latte, with minimal effort, but at that price i think I would want a separate steam wand. I'm thinking of trying a Moka pot with a milk frother as a substitute.

I'm not a coffee drinker myself, but my DH loves his Moka pot.

[Sandi_k]

An espresso machine. I really enjoy a good cappuccino. We owned a cheapo espresso machine early in our marriage, but it sucked and didn't get utilized very much. I have access to a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System about once a week and it hits the spot for a quick latte, with minimal effort, but at that price i think I would want a separate steam wand. I'm thinking of trying a Moka pot with a milk frother as a substitute.

I'm not a coffee drinker myself, but my DH loves his Moka pot.

I just use a Cuisinart coffee pot, but I do love my $10 milk frother. ;)

[zolotiyeruki]

I'm lusting after a Bose A30 aviation headset. I've been taking flying lessons*, and recently spent a few days at the world's biggest air show, where I got to try them on. They're super comfortable, the sound quality is great, and the noise cancelling is top notch.

They also cost $1300 new. Oof.

A resolution to this lust: on the recommendation of my CFI, I bought a Rugged Air RA200 headset for ~$100.  It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it's comfortable enough, it's rugged enough, the sound quality is good enough, and the sound isolation is good enough.  And it has a 7-year warranty (!).

I figure, if this becomes a serious, all-the-time kind of thing, I can upgrade later.

[RWD]

Do you call tables that go beside the bed “end tables”. We call those “bedside tables”. End tables go in the living (or family) room at the end of the chair or couch (or sofa or divan or davenport or love seat).  Not saying one or the other is better, just that the English language is funny.

I've always heard them called "nightstands"

[VanillaGorilla]

An espresso machine. I really enjoy a good cappuccino. We owned a cheapo espresso machine early in our marriage, but it sucked and didn't get utilized very much. I have access to a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System about once a week and it hits the spot for a quick latte, with minimal effort, but at that price i think I would want a separate steam wand. I'm thinking of trying a Moka pot with a milk frother as a substitute.

If you can find a Breville Bambino for sale it's an excellent home machine. A bit underpowered for making several drinks at once, but for one or two people it's fantastic.

Moka pots are fun, as are aeropresses and the like, but they're not really espresso.

[couponvan]

Do you call tables that go beside the bed “end tables”. We call those “bedside tables”. End tables go in the living (or family) room at the end of the chair or couch (or sofa or divan or davenport or love seat).  Not saying one or the other is better, just that the English language is funny.

I've always heard them called "nightstands"

Or side tables! Whatever way, I want some. LOL.

[Taran Wanderer]

Man, this is all hitting close to home for me today!

• Espresso machine - yes, please!
• New mattress - yes, please!
• New garage/shop - yes, please! (and in progress!)

And yes, nightstands works, too!

[Taran Wanderer]

Please, just face-punch me…

[Sugaree]

Do you call tables that go beside the bed “end tables”. We call those “bedside tables”. End tables go in the living (or family) room at the end of the chair or couch (or sofa or divan or davenport or love seat).  Not saying one or the other is better, just that the English language is funny.

I've always heard them called "nightstands"

I call them nightstands too.  I looked at one at an antique shop the other day.  It matches my bedroom set and is actually being sold separately from the dresser that's also there (that I already have).  It's actually not too terribly expensive.  Under $100 for real wood furniture, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.  My biggest thing is that I don't know if I really like it.  I have a vintage table that I'm using as a nightstand already, so I may just let it go.

[rivendale]

Well I just went off an a rabbit hole looking up used Bambinos....

An espresso machine. I really enjoy a good cappuccino. We owned a cheapo espresso machine early in our marriage, but it sucked and didn't get utilized very much. I have access to a De'Longhi Magnifica Evo with LatteCrema System about once a week and it hits the spot for a quick latte, with minimal effort, but at that price i think I would want a separate steam wand. I'm thinking of trying a Moka pot with a milk frother as a substitute.

If you can find a Breville Bambino for sale it's an excellent home machine. A bit underpowered for making several drinks at once, but for one or two people it's fantastic.

Moka pots are fun, as are aeropresses and the like, but they're not really espresso.

[GuitarStv]

Well I just went off an a rabbit hole looking up used Bambinos....

I believe the politically correct term is 'adopted children'.

[NoVa]

A Japanese katana. An actual antique, with NBTHK papers.

[ca-rn]

I am lusting for a new sofa set (ours has had DH's BFF break the sofa frame) and it's got hills and valleys in it now.

Also - a new mattress. We've both had spinal surgery, and DH's back flares more than mine these days. He's got some plywood wedged between the mattress and the slats, but it's TOO hard now. I'm having a hard time figuring out a mattress, since the last time we found a factory that would create a "split Queen" for us - firmer on his side (back sleeper) and softer on mine (side sleeper).

We both loved an Aireloom mattress a few years back - but the ones with Latex instead of foam (which we prefer) are running over $7k (!!!!) for a queen.

Gah. Why is everything so much money?!

I had a diy latex mattress for years before transitioning to floor sleeping. 

I bought several layers of latex mattress toppers and zipped them all up in a mattress cover.  Can also use firm foam base layer for more cost savings.  Either way- the diy route made is much more cost effective and easier to move around (piece by piece). 

Perhaps removing the plywood between slats on your side work?  I'd buy different density (soft/hard) layers for each side and cut to fit in a queen sized mattress cover.

[GuitarStv]

I had a diy latex mattress for years before transitioning to floor sleeping.

[Villanelle]

^^^If these are estate sales run by companies (vs. family) they often will have a recommendation for a furniture moving company that does small jobs.  You might ask at a company run estate sale or nice consignment store for their mover recommendation.  Contact the movers directly and chat so you know who to use and general cost ahead of need.

The issue was that I was a a couple thousand miles away from my new home. Across town, I’d have bought it for sure.

[Villanelle]

Do you call tables that go beside the bed “end tables”. We call those “bedside tables”. End tables go in the living (or family) room at the end of the chair or couch (or sofa or divan or davenport or love seat).  Not saying one or the other is better, just that the English language is funny.

Interesting. I call the small tables next a a bed “night stands”.