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I realize that blogging about my sheltered life is tone deaf in light of the unfathomable suffering in Ukraine right now. But tradition (5.5 years strong) demands that I write something. So here we go…   Another month, another update. A few random comments. Good Reads/Listens/Watches Harvard economist Greg Mankiw on Ukraine: Mankiw discussing his … Read more

We’ve had Xfinity mobile for about two years now. I figured I was overdue for an update since my initial writeup.   Here’s Xfinity’s pricing info: https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/learn/plan/details   Here’s our setup We get access to Comcast through my parents. I know; it’s weird. If I had Comcast in my area I would simply have my … Read more

Here’s the third installment in my state-of-the-blog posts: My 2020 edition is here. My 2019 edition is here.   2021 Blog Stats: 382 WordPress / email subscribers 38% growth from last year (298) 317 Feedly subscribers: 10% growth from last year (288) 92,017 pageviews this year (33% less than 2020). 2020 pageviews: 137,594. 2019 pageviews: … Read more

I got an email from a reader today: First off, I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years now and greatly enjoy your monthly ramblings of all things ‘useful’. Maybe an odd ask, Do you mind sharing a copy of your net worth worksheet (10-Q?…10-“M”?) you share every month? A blank/bare bones version is … Read more

FreeTaxUSA I’ve been using FreeTaxUSA for a few years now. Despite having the scammiest-sounding name in the world, their software has been great to me. Their business model is pretty straight forward. 100% free federal, $15 for state. Because I’m notoriously stingy, I use FreeTaxUSA for my federal return and use my state’s free self-serve … Read more

In my late twenties, I had a quarter life crisis in which I: Quit my engineering job twice after only 4 years (I earned ~$90k/year when I left) Went to grad school for 7 years, earning no more than $30k/year as an intern, TA, or RA Changed careers entirely When I look at my current … Read more