Search found 406 matches

by Reubin
Sun Mar 20, 2022 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Corolla with idle issues, loss of power
Replies: 45
Views: 5044

Re: Corolla with idle issues, loss of power

A bottle of Chevron Techron cures all. Try it.
by Reubin
Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking About A Non-Revocable Trust
Replies: 4
Views: 546

Re: Thinking About A Non-Revocable Trust

I have worked with a good estate attorney. I need help with how to set up the investments for her.
by Reubin
Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking About A Non-Revocable Trust
Replies: 4
Views: 546

Thinking About A Non-Revocable Trust

Hi. I'm 65 years old with approximately $6.2 million in assets, spread across VTI, AKREX, and BRK-b. I also have a TSP fund,, a Roth IRA and a regular IRA. The portfolio is about 50% stocks, 15% cash, 15% G fund, 10% GLD and 10% long term government bonds. It's mostly with Vanguard.

My issue is that my health is rapidly failing due to cancer and my long term girlfriend is totally ignorant about anything financial or involving income taxes. I am leaving her everything and want her to enjoy the money without stress or worry. We live in New York City.

A friend of mine recommended a non-revocable trust for her but I'm not certain. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
by Reubin
Fri Nov 26, 2021 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car battery replacement interval advice
Replies: 271
Views: 28941

Re: Car battery replacement interval advice

I was reading this thread and then my battery went dead. Thanks, guys!
by Reubin
Sat Oct 30, 2021 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230194

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

The yellow bellied sap sucker is still my favorite.
by Reubin
Wed Oct 27, 2021 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy new car tomorrow!
Replies: 75
Views: 11701

Re: Need to buy new car tomorrow!

My spouse was involved in a crash - no injuries - but totalled her vehicle. We would like to buy a new one, or new to us one, tomorrow. I understand that prices are high, inventory is limited, etc. What is the best strategy for buying a new, or new to us, vehicle tomorrow? Thanks! I went through this with a 5 year old car in 2019: It was totaled due to someone rear-ending me on the interstate and not my fault. I knew I had to get a new car. BUT: my insurance paid for 30 days of a rental so I had some time to do some research and shop around. Are you sure you can't get a paid rental? Heck, I would even pay for a rental myself instead of rushing into buying a new car within 24 hours :shock: I'm not saying it was your fault but many rear end ...
by Reubin
Wed Oct 27, 2021 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did I get a good deal on tires?
Replies: 143
Views: 9955

Re: Did I get a good deal on tires?

azanon wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 3:33 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 3:08 pm
bob60014 wrote: Wed Oct 20, 2021 3:04 pm Never heard of Barum Bravuris.
Name brands like Michelin is more expensive. They achieve the same job.
Don't be disingenuous to yourself though by convincing yourself they're of the same quality and perform equally to a Michelin. Though there are certainly exceptions, generally speaking, the tire world is the same as most products - you get what you pay for. Only other tier 1 brands can sometimes achieve parity to them.

Personal opinion - I think it's the worst area of a car to try to save money because that's what connects you to the road.
I think that Michelins are overrated. My Yokohamas blow them away in every way possible.
by Reubin
Wed Oct 27, 2021 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Very low mileage, used 2021 Tesla Model Y
Replies: 10
Views: 1550

Re: Very low mileage, used 2021 Tesla Model Y

You would lose out on the massive tax rebate if you buy used, I believe.
by Reubin
Thu Sep 30, 2021 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you manage the trees on your property?
Replies: 36
Views: 3531

Re: How do you manage the trees on your property?

My situation is a little different. I have a small property and my neighbor's trees and bushes are growing wild over our fence and dropping leaves too. Can I compel them to take care of this situation? One of my neighbors is a renter. I live in a residential part of NYC.
by Reubin
Thu Sep 23, 2021 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flood insurance
Replies: 20
Views: 2094

Re: Flood insurance

Don't hesitate. Get the flood insurance and don't take a chance. I found out the hard way.
by Reubin
Sat Sep 18, 2021 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fedex failed to deliver a package
Replies: 51
Views: 6025

Re: Fedex failed to deliver a package

Fedex does this to me almost every week.
by Reubin
Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Western mini series/movies
Replies: 34
Views: 2717

Re: Western mini series/movies

The old Gunsmokes. From the '50s and early 60's. John Meston was a great writer back then.
by Reubin
Wed Jul 21, 2021 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2022 Ford Maverick Megathread...;-)
Replies: 179
Views: 25178

Re: 2022 Ford Maverick Megathread...;-)

Wait until you see the new Ford Mustang.
https://fordtrend.com/2022-ford-mustang/
by Reubin
Sun Jun 20, 2021 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire Selection Advice Requested
Replies: 35
Views: 2956

Re: Tire Selection Advice Requested

My Yokohamas are the best tires that I've ever had.
by Reubin
Fri May 21, 2021 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will Be Starting Medicare Next Year What To Do?
Replies: 21
Views: 2484

Re: Will Be Starting Medicare Next Year What To Do?

Update: I filed this week for Medicare Parts A and B and I will keep my BCBC Basic Option as my supplemental insurance. The only problem is that Social Security denied my enrollment request for Medicare the very next day, saying that I don't qualify because I don't have enough Social Security to be eligible for Medicare. I guess that they didn't read the part of my application where I clearly stated that I'm a retiree from the federal sector who receives a CSRS pension and does not receive Social Security. I've paid into Medicare for more than 30 years. Since the denial, I have called SSA twice and am now awaiting them to call me back on June 7th. I explained on the phone that I'm a Medicare Qualified Government Employee and even gave them ...
by Reubin
Mon Apr 12, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any MagicJack phone alternatives that are cheaper and better?
Replies: 16
Views: 2903

Re: Any MagicJack phone alternatives that are cheaper and better?

philpill wrote: Sat Apr 10, 2021 11:41 am OOMA for twelve years. wonderful!
Yup. Go with OOMA. I just pay the tax every month...less than $5.
by Reubin
Wed Jan 13, 2021 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!
Replies: 126
Views: 23328

Re: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!

Since I'm not with the NSA, I'll just call it a day. I tried my best.
by Reubin
Wed Jan 13, 2021 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!
Replies: 126
Views: 23328

Re: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!

I just used my 12 word phrase to get me into my blockchain wallet again. However, the .05 bitcoin that I have the address for and is mine is not in my blockchain wallet. My wallet shows that I have zero bitcoin. Any ideas would be appreciated.
by Reubin
Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!
Replies: 126
Views: 23328

Re: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!

tesuzuki2002 wrote: Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:07 pm
Reubin wrote: Sun Jan 10, 2021 4:06 pm I'm bumping this thread.

My .05 bitcoin is now worth approximately $1900 and I still can't access it due to not having saved the private key.
Has their been any progress in people recovering their lost bitcoins?
I'd suggest opening up a new wallet and buying 0.05 BTC so you can get that back in your hands.
Can you please further explain? Thanks.
by Reubin
Mon Jan 11, 2021 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!
Replies: 126
Views: 23328

Re: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!

ohboy! wrote: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:10 pm Interesting. Noticing a lot of these types of threads. For some reason I don't believe it. But as a Bitcoin holder I suppose more lost Bitcoin is good for me... I know a lot of people personally who have got their feet wet in crypto. Young, old, tech savy and not. Not one has lost any or had any issues with it. As for the comment about selling being high fees or difficult. I don't think so.
You should definitely believe it. When I received the .05 bitcoin back in 2013, it was a brand new shiny thing and there was no one there to tell you that you needed to save the private key, which was probably 30 characters long.
by Reubin
Sun Jan 10, 2021 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!
Replies: 126
Views: 23328

Re: Help Me [Recover] My Bitcoin!

I'm bumping this thread.

My .05 bitcoin is now worth approximately $1900 and I still can't access it due to not having saved the private key.
Has their been any progress in people recovering their lost bitcoins?
by Reubin
Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will Be Starting Medicare Next Year What To Do?
Replies: 21
Views: 2484

Will Be Starting Medicare Next Year What To Do?

I'll be turning 65 in August of 2021 and, if I'm still around, will need to switch over to Medicare, which is something that I know next to nothing about.

I have stage 4 pancreatic cancer and am currently undergoing chemotherapy at a top notch NYC hospital. So far, I'm doing well with my treatments. My Blue Cross/Blue Shield federal medical plan has been covering almost all of my huge medical bills, since I was diagnosed in July of 2020.

Any suggestions on what I should do when I switch over would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving!
by Reubin
Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Battery issues - SHORT Drive due to COVID (Work From Home)
Replies: 86
Views: 7855

Re: Car Battery issues - SHORT Drive due to COVID (Work From Home)

I bought a solar panel that sits on the dashboard and have two cables from it that connect to the battery cables. It seems like the perfect solution to a discharging battery. Do I need to remove it every time it might rain? You need a charge controller between the solar panel and the battery to regulate the charge. You didn't mention that, so I guess that you just hot wired it directly to the battery. This will almost certainly result in the battery overcharging, off gassing, and needing frequent replenishment of distilled water. No, you don't have to remove the solar panel when it rains. The solar panel just won't charge, which is no different than what it's cloudy or night time. The one I bought was a solar trickle charger. It said you d...
by Reubin
Mon Oct 05, 2020 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Battery issues - SHORT Drive due to COVID (Work From Home)
Replies: 86
Views: 7855

Re: Car Battery issues - SHORT Drive due to COVID (Work From Home)

I bought a solar panel that sits on the dashboard and have two cables from it that connect to the battery cables.

It seems like the perfect solution to a discharging battery.

Do I need to remove it every time it might rain?
by Reubin
Fri May 08, 2020 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: COVID-19 has revealed the stark deficiencies in long-term care facilities regardless of ratings.
Replies: 80
Views: 6616

Re: COVID-19 has revealed the stark deficiencies in long-term care facilities regardless of ratings.

I am planning to stay in my home to my last day. If someone tries to alter my plan I will hire a lawyer to protect my rights.
by Reubin
Mon Mar 30, 2020 3:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Historical data for precious metals miners
Replies: 23
Views: 2030

Re: Historical data for precious metals miners

MachineGhost wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:14 am I looked into this situation years ago. Barron's Gold Mining Index that went back to the 1930's had only about 7 components. So I vote for ASA + FSAGX. Tracking error is always a huge problem with active management natural resource funds, so maybe you'd want to switch to the GDX ETF when it became available. Representative also has to be investable point-in-time otherwise its just a fantasy.
I believe that with all of this money printing we will see the miners as well as the underlying commodity skyrocket soon. You ain't seen nothin yet.
by Reubin
Wed Dec 04, 2019 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 151227

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

I've had 3 consecutive Toyotas with more than 300K miles on each of them. The last one was a Toyota Avalon and it would be over 400K by now if it didn't get washed away in hurricane.
by Reubin
Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a minivan worth it?
Replies: 102
Views: 10786

Re: Is a minivan worth it?

We have a 2001 Honda Odyssey that we beat the hell out of. It's indestructible. Look to purchase a used one if it saves you money.
by Reubin
Fri May 10, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Window shopping advice
Replies: 20
Views: 2686

Re: Replacement Window shopping advice

I bought expensive Pella windows and they leak like a sieve. I wouldn't recommend them.
by Reubin
Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair or Sell 2002 Avalon
Replies: 32
Views: 3619

Re: Repair or Sell 2002 Avalon

I had a 2000 Avalon and put 330K miles on it. Had to rebuild the transmission at about 250K. I would definitely keep this car. Would recommend that you do a drain and fill on the transmission fluid, but don't replace the fluid all at once.
by Reubin
Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High Mileage Car
Replies: 24
Views: 3281

Re: High Mileage Car

I've had 3 Toyotas that each went over 300K miles. I'd fix it and stay away from the dealerships.
by Reubin
Mon Jan 28, 2019 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tax Season Tax Options
Replies: 39
Views: 4818

Re: Tax Season Tax Options

SquawkIdent wrote: Sat Jan 26, 2019 6:28 pm
Triple digit golfer wrote: Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:45 pm I am using freetaxusa at the recommendation of Bogleheads. So far I like it a lot.
+1

I used it for the first time this year and was pleasantly surprised. I found it easy to use and straight forward. I had no issues with a fairly easy return.

I was lead to it by the never ending games (mainly price) the services I had used in the past continue to play.

I will definitely be using FreeTaxUSA next year.
SquawkIdent....pilot or air traffic controller?
by Reubin
Mon Jan 28, 2019 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tax Season Tax Options
Replies: 39
Views: 4818

Re: Tax Season Tax Options

This is the first year under the new tax laws so I plan on waiting for fixes and updates before purchasing any tax software. I expect issues to arise and I'd rather wait a while for the kinks to be worked out before filing. Forgetting about price, which is better, TT, HRB, or Freetxusa? To me, the difference in price is secondary to the ease of use and the accuracy of the product. Don't know about Freetxusa, but both TT & HRB will check for updates automatically. For that reason, once you decide which you prefer there's no need to delay your purchase. Just delay your tax filing until you think all debugging has occurred. But OTOH how would you even know? Based on my experience, it's sometimes more likely you could receive a corrected b...
by Reubin
Mon Jan 28, 2019 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tax Season Tax Options
Replies: 39
Views: 4818

Re: Tax Season Tax Options

This is the first year under the new tax laws so I plan on waiting for fixes and updates before purchasing any tax software. I expect issues to arise and I'd rather wait a while for the kinks to be worked out before filing.

Forgetting about price, which is better, TT, HRB, or Freetxusa? To me, the difference in price is secondary to the ease of use and the accuracy of the product.
by Reubin
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary
Replies: 14
Views: 882

Re: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary

Grogs wrote: Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:49 am Since the Federal Reserve is mandated by current law, I believe the only correct answer is yes. :wink:

Hypotheticals that don't match current laws are not actionable and IMO outside the scope of acceptable topics for this forum.
I didn't ask any hypotheticals. I asked if the Fed was necessary.
by Reubin
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary
Replies: 14
Views: 882

Re: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary

The Federal reserve's job is not to make sure the stock market only goes up (which isn't really possible anyhow). Its job is to try and maintain stability of the financial system. If rates are too low and the economy hits a part spot, then it can't lower rates to help stimulate the economy. IMO the stock market's problem is that way too many stocks exceeded their value. Although it isn't the boglehead way, my view is to buy quality stocks when the market has a rough time, wait for things to recover and then sell when everyone else is saying the market won't ever go down again (not literally but I think you know what I mean). I've lived through enough of these ups/downs. Back before real estate crashed in many parts of the US in 2007/8 peop...
by Reubin
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary
Replies: 14
Views: 882

Re: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary

What if they didn't exist? Wouldn't interest rates have come down all by themselves in 2008? Didn't the Fed raise interest rates 17 times prior to the Great Recession of 2008?
by Reubin
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is The Federal Reserve Necessary
Replies: 14
Views: 882

Is The Federal Reserve Necessary

I've noticed that the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates recently and the stock market has been crashing as a result. Are they really necessary?
by Reubin
Sun Dec 02, 2018 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ‘01 Honda Odyssey: won’t start, needs $2700 repair. Junk it or fix?
Replies: 65
Views: 5753

Re: ‘01 Honda Odyssey: won’t start, needs $2700 repair. Junk it or fix?

Assuming no information other than the OP's postings and a vehicle in decent condition, I'd op to have it towed from the dealer to a competent indy mechanic for evaluation prior to the scrap or repair decision. Speak to a private mechanic about it and see what he says. If he sounds encouraging tow it over to him. Some of these dealers should probably be in jail. I've got an '01 Odyssey and we absolutely love it. It's got 170,000 miles on it and is going strong. thanks that's encouraging. any major repairs you've had to have done over the years? we had to replace the transmission about 4 years ago... No, none at all. I bought the vehicle with 115,000 miles on it. I heard about transmission issues with the vehicle so I did a few drain and fi...
by Reubin
Fri Nov 30, 2018 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ‘01 Honda Odyssey: won’t start, needs $2700 repair. Junk it or fix?
Replies: 65
Views: 5753

Re: ‘01 Honda Odyssey: won’t start, needs $2700 repair. Junk it or fix?

neilpilot wrote: Fri Nov 30, 2018 11:18 am Assuming no information other than the OP's postings and a vehicle in decent condition, I'd op to have it towed from the dealer to a competent indy mechanic for evaluation prior to the scrap or repair decision.
Speak to a private mechanic about it and see what he says. If he sounds encouraging tow it over to him.
Some of these dealers should probably be in jail.
I've got an '01 Odyssey and we absolutely love it. It's got 170,000 miles on it and is going strong.
by Reubin
Fri Nov 16, 2018 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Venice Italy Transportation System
Replies: 19
Views: 1943

Re: Navigating Venice Italy Transportation System

There are pickpockets in Venice so be careful. Some are well dressed women. Just be prudent and protect your assets mostly in crowded areas like you would do anywhere else in Europe. I've been there many times and have never had a problem.
by Reubin
Sun Nov 11, 2018 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Buy A New Front Door
Replies: 16
Views: 1869

Re: Help Me Buy A New Front Door

My front entry door is old and very drafty so we decided to purchase to a new door. We never realized what an ordeal this would be. If the only concern is it being drafty, I strongly recommend weather stripping. There is no guarantee the new doir won't be drafty either. Also, putting glass in the door make the interior air next to it lose heat. This air will sink creating internal drafts of air. I live in SoCal and I wish I didn't have the tempered, frosted glass panel in the door. The draft is coming in under the door and from all edges. Even through the locks. One of the stores explained to me that the new steel doors are a much tighter fit. As far as $1500 for a door, the door at HD was about that same price, the sidelight another $1000...
by Reubin
Sun Nov 11, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Buy A New Front Door
Replies: 16
Views: 1869

Re: Help Me Buy A New Front Door

Mike Scott wrote: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:07 am A direct door replacemnt is a very easy DIY job.
Easy for you. Difficult for me.
by Reubin
Sun Nov 11, 2018 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Buy A New Front Door
Replies: 16
Views: 1869

Help Me Buy A New Front Door

My front entry door is old and very drafty so we decided to purchase to a new door. We never realized what an ordeal this would be. First we went to a store in New York that sells doors and found one that we liked. We are looking for a fairly nice looking door, half glass, with one sidelight in a standard size. We live near the ocean so worry about a steel door but we were assured that they will not rust. We explained that we didn't know of an installer so he gave us a name and phone number for one but the installer never called us back. We next went to Home Depot and found a fiberglass door that we really liked and the price was much less than anything that we've seen. Home Depot got me to pay $35 so that they could send an installer to me...
by Reubin
Mon Nov 05, 2018 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are Bond Funds Really a Good Investment Now?
Replies: 44
Views: 7640

Re: Are Bond Funds Really a Good Investment Now?

I do not believe that I have a constant ability to time the markets but there are times that I've been correct about where it's going. I believe that bond yields are headed higher now so why would I want to buy bonds at this time? There's no way that I can suspend my strong belief in this to purchase what I consider a losing asset right now. So if someone says, "I don't have a constant ability to choose red or black at roulette, but there are times I've been correct" would you suggest that they use that as an investment strategy? You can't really believe that market sentiment and direction is totally unknowable. Can you? I don't believe that common investors have any idea. That's in fact a core principle of my investing policy. A...
by Reubin
Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are Bond Funds Really a Good Investment Now?
Replies: 44
Views: 7640

Re: Are Bond Funds Really a Good Investment Now?

I do not believe that I have a constant ability to time the markets but there are times that I've been correct about where it's going. I believe that bond yields are headed higher now so why would I want to buy bonds at this time? There's no way that I can suspend my strong belief in this to purchase what I consider a losing asset right now. So if someone says, "I don't have a constant ability to choose red or black at roulette, but there are times I've been correct" would you suggest that they use that as an investment strategy? You can't really believe that market sentiment and direction is totally unknowable. Can you? It may be unknowable for much of the time but can be very clear every now and then. For instance, and I'm not ...