Greetings!
What a quick couple of weeks. 2️⃣🅾️2️⃣🅾️ is more than halfway over 🤯.
Proven Winners
Disclaimer: I am not an expert. Financial decisions based on my newsletter are your responsibility. I write this letter for educational purposes. Formulate a plan that works for you.
The position size won’t equal 100%. I have small positions that I like to watch/track and build to. Once a company’s position size is greater than $VTI/VOO, I will add it to the table.
Journal
My philosophy is the same as Howard’s. Now, I need to add $VGT to my portfolio. $VGT is Vanguard’s version of $QQQ.
Transferred my TD Ameritrade to Etrade. There was a $75 fee when transferring all assets over. It worked out that my fractional shares covered this amount with spare change remaining. Fractional shares are sold during a transfer. Now, I wait to see what Etrade will credit me for making the move.
Selling activity since last post:
$SNBR - tough competition and tax harvesting.
Sleep upgrades
💤🛌
Mattress shopping is exhausting.
I started my search at Amazon and Costco. For some reason after seeing their prices for discount mattresses, I thought I’d keep it under $1K. It’s funny how attracted we are to common numbers.
Mattresses are an investment. Thinking this way made me realize the budget I originally planned limited the quality I could buy. A king bed could be one of those things that seems unnecessary, but returns great satisfaction. 1/3 of your life is spent in bed.
For consumers, it is common for mattress companies to offer generous return policies. I've seen up to 365 day returns, so as long as you are willing to put in the effort of returning and shopping around there is no excuse to sleep uncomfortably.
My search cooled off a bit until I saw an adjustable base in person. This want may as well been a need. Here are some Reddit insights that helped confirm my decision.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/cs9v20/repost_from_rlpt_what_to_keep_in_mind_when_buying/
100% invest in an adjustable base. It may seem like "oh if I want it flat but the other doesn't" I promise you that'll change. I speak from multiple angles of experience here. Just don't pay more $1000 if you can help it. You subtract the $150-$250 box and $100/"free" frame too
More insights from Reddit.
spend more than $500 MSRP. difference between $1k-$5k mattress is minimal.
Tempurpedic and Kingsdown are the least returned and highest reviewed in the industry across the board.
If you're concerned about your height, I'd absolutely suggest a California King.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/81tcuf/can_we_please_stop_already/
Tempur-Pedic - bar none best quality in the home, 18 years of sales to make that statement. Count on two hands the # of warranties we’ve processed in that time frame.
Be ready to lie down on the sleep surfaces for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Better yet, announce it as soon as you enter the store so the salesman/saleswoman assigned to you is mentally prepared and won’t guilt you with his/her exasperated sighs. Many companies also allow customers to take a short nap (we encourage you to never let go of such chances!). And for the record, we are not making this time up — sleep experts advice the customers to spend at least half an hour while testing a bed.
I went to a Tempur Pedic store and received a quote. Sat on that for a few days and fortunately found this website which saved me a couple grand and made me a more confident buyer.
https://www.sleeplikethedead.com/index.html
I decided on an AirPedic 850. I bought during a holiday deal. Always ask for better price or add-ons. It doesn’t hurt to ask. I was really impressed with the AirPedic sales team. No pressure and genuine people.
Another tip if you’re a military family: ask for military discount. Mattress companies seem to support the military emphatically.
Amex offers
Shoutout American Express customer service. I’m impressed.
Calm app (1 year free membership) - I’m loving this app. It knocks me out 😴 and relaxes my mind when I’m ready for bed.
Pops and I really enjoyed this meal from Sun Basket. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
Bespoke Post - is a subscription gift box company for men. Mainly consisting of things you wouldn’t think to buy. I figure it is a fun decent gift to myself and others with a discount.
Thanks for reading!
✌️ Luke