Search found 90 matches

by bzcat
Sun Feb 26, 2023 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance - how many claims?
Replies: 14
Views: 2905

Re: Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance - how many claims?

Found it pretty awful. It's via a third party, they make it really tedious and kafkaesque. Ate the loss and moved on.
by bzcat
Tue Oct 18, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medallion signature guarantee
Replies: 121
Views: 18273

Re: Medallion signature guarantee

Yikes, anyone else who was curious... eSignatureGuarantee.com charges $149 per stamp.

I'll keep getting my at my local credit union, thanks.
by bzcat
Tue Oct 04, 2022 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Desktop encryption software - help find
Replies: 53
Views: 3432

Re: Desktop encryption software - help find

I also use Veracrypt, and I don't recommend it.

It should be easier to just use an app to encrypt your data locally.
There are too few safety rails between the user having an `oops` and losing access to all their data.
There is no one to call if you have even a minor technical issue- you could have the right password, and the right file, but forget to check one of the boxes and remain locked out of the volume.
The end user shouldn't need to make decisions about which encryption algo they need to choose to be `strong enough`.
The workflow to resize to a larger volume is bad and scary every time I have to do it.
by bzcat
Mon Sep 19, 2022 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can’t get Chase Reserve Card Travel Insurance to honor my Claim
Replies: 28
Views: 4089

Re: Can’t get Chase Reserve Card Travel Insurance to honor my Claim

Had the same experience. The insurance is completely worthless. Its going to cost you more time to get the claim covered than its worth.
by bzcat
Sat Aug 27, 2022 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon Sim Swap protection
Replies: 47
Views: 4224

Re: Verizon Sim Swap protection

Be wary turning this on.

T-mobile made it easy to enable transfer lock via their online account portal. Disabling required multiple phone calls and a lot of hold time.
by bzcat
Mon Aug 15, 2022 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with a power disconnect/reconnect possibly spanning 24+ hours
Replies: 68
Views: 5067

Re: Dealing with a power disconnect/reconnect possibly spanning 24+ hours

Faced the same issue when upgrading our panel early this year.

We also made arrangements to run our fridge from a neighbor's house on extension cords. Not that big a deal.

And we also had to keep the trench open much longer than we liked... almost two weeks. We had it covered in case of rain, but a huge storm rolled in and had other plans. We were out bailing water at 5am.

Good luck
by bzcat
Fri Aug 12, 2022 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 214006

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

I received a welcome email this morning from Freedom Mortgage.

It addresses me by the wrong name, and includes the wrong mortgage account number.

I wish the consumer had any choice about the servicer for their loan.
by bzcat
Fri Aug 05, 2022 12:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 214006

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

If you want to try to sign up with the new servicer without waiting to check your mail, try going to https://netwkcap.servicingdivision.com/ and create an account using your old LenderFi loan number.
Not all my loans went to the same new servicer. YMMV
by bzcat
Thu Aug 04, 2022 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 214006

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

Its letters. I have 2 LenderFi loans. One loan received one letter from terminating party and one from the new party. The other loan only had a letter from the old party, but both "old party letters" had the new servicer's mortgage numbers. However, none of them are yet provisioned on the payment platforms.

Both of my August bill pay payments had already gone out before the round of letters arrived at the end of July, and neither of them have been cashed so far.
by bzcat
Sun Jul 17, 2022 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frustrated car buyer
Replies: 77
Views: 9214

Re: Frustrated car buyer

>Are there any manufacturers (besides Tesla) that somebody could pre-order a car all online?

WV ID.4. Still have to take final delivery at a dealer, but price was just MSRP. Not sure the current lead times, you might beat the end of the year.
by bzcat
Sat Jul 16, 2022 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Making your own Seltzer Water Like Lacroix or Polar?
Replies: 32
Views: 4561

Re: Making your own Seltzer Water Like Lacroix or Polar?

We've had a sodastream for 3.5 years. We used the tiny cylinders for 1-2 months (trial period) before buying a connection hose for use with standard CO2 tanks. We have just one tank that we have filled at a homebrew store. A 10lb co2 bottle fits under the counter in a cabinet, and needs filling about three times a year.
by bzcat
Mon Jun 13, 2022 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bunk Bed Advice
Replies: 30
Views: 2499

Re: Bunk Bed Advice

I had the This End Up bunk beds (solid pine), dresser and desk; portions of the set followed me around for 20 years and lots of moves. It didn't wear out.
by bzcat
Mon May 30, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you choose a family doctor?
Replies: 75
Views: 6300

Re: How do you choose a family doctor?

About seven years back, I used the Zocdoc website to screen and find a family doctor for our household, and really liked the results. In terms of "choosing", I recommend leaning toward a small practice, because that can allow a lot more attention per patient & has a big impact on outcomes. Mystery health issues don't feel like a hopeless bureaucratic challenge where my followups and billing issues get lost in the noise. I email the doctor directly when I need an appointment or refill; there is no waiting room, no administrators, no receptionists. When I go in, the office is open for just me. If you can, disconnect the whole "being in-network" from choosing a doctor. Health is more important than some employer decisio...
by bzcat
Tue May 24, 2022 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ID4 - EV Home charger recommendations?
Replies: 28
Views: 2476

Re: ID4 - EV Home charger recommendations?

I have a Clipper Creek 40P (5 years) and a Chargepoint Flex (4 months). The clipper creek started having issues after 4 years where it fails to negotiate communication one-third of the time. I much prefer the Flex for the faster speed and the integrated place to return the plug after use.

My utility also offers a larger rebate for the Chargepoint than the Clipper Creek because of the Wifi connectivity. We have filed rebates both times for our level 2 installs.
by bzcat
Sat May 21, 2022 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Debating an electric zero turn mower
Replies: 126
Views: 10095

Re: Debating an electric zero turn mower

Here is a smaller youtube person that has used an electric zero turn, reviews the current options available, and wouldn't make the same purchase again. today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcJH7QqEn_Y
by bzcat
Wed May 18, 2022 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experiences with Incogni data removal service?
Replies: 4
Views: 782

Re: Experiences with Incogni data removal service?

No experience with Incogni, I used Optery (similar service) and I'll likely renew again.
by bzcat
Sun Apr 17, 2022 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Waiting lists for EV SUVs
Replies: 131
Views: 14911

Re: Waiting lists for EV SUVs

Another fairly happy ID.4 owner, one year on. Reserved in October 2020 for December delivery (Ha!), received and paid sticker in April 2021.

YMMV: This is our second full BEV, and helped us finally become a single vehicle household.

It is capable enough as an SUV: I have pulled trailers, hauled 5 adults, dogs, bicycles, lumber and used it to move.
by bzcat
Tue Apr 12, 2022 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recommendations for Texas Property Tax Appeal Company
Replies: 53
Views: 5344

Re: Recommendations for Texas Property Tax Appeal Company

I also use Five Stone, and have for 7-8 years. Good/easy enough that I'm not going to look further.
by bzcat
Wed Mar 02, 2022 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099-INT from Stairs App by Groundfloor
Replies: 10
Views: 1509

Re: 1099-INT from Stairs App by Groundfloor

Wow does that look risky. I think their marketing material tries to understate that risk by making direct comparisons to banking products, which they are not. Good luck OP. I don't think many people here would use it.
by bzcat
Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any ID.4 owners on Bogleheads?
Replies: 68
Views: 10152

Re: Any ID.4 owners on Bogleheads?

Can you share what you have done for charging? We had level 2 charger on the old EV, a clipper creek 40P(32 amps). Install was done in an afternoon. It was fine for years, but started misbehaving once we got our ID.4. We moved and had to use other chargers temporarily as well as go back to our old house to charge. DW got a local employer benefit for unlimited L2 charges for 6 months for $25. That is less than just the power would cost me to charge at home. That was ok, but we still had to top off on Level 3s a couple times, at around $11 per full charge. Our new Level 2 install should finally pass inspection next week. This install was much more complex, but we did a 200A service upgrade at the same time to an older home. Went with the Cha...
by bzcat
Sat Feb 19, 2022 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Changing Consolidated 1099 Availability Dates?
Replies: 11
Views: 1167

Re: Vanguard Changing Consolidated 1099 Availability Dates?

There were three dates this year, "depending on the complexity of your holdings" (their vague wording).
They seemed to hit their dates for the second delivery group yesterday.
Do you hold REITs?
by bzcat
Fri Feb 18, 2022 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 1099s Available
Replies: 9
Views: 1785

Re: Vanguard 1099s Available

Same, got the email announcement this morning. I might change brokerages to get (correct) 1099s sooner.
by bzcat
Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TD Ameritrade removing support for Roth Solo 401k accounts
Replies: 4
Views: 730

Re: TD Ameritrade removing support for Roth Solo 401k accounts

Vanguard supports rollovers as of sometime last year. The institutional process was still choppy, but it got done.
by bzcat
Sun Nov 07, 2021 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New house & garage door knobs & deadbolts, re-keying
Replies: 45
Views: 3703

Re: New house & garage door knobs & deadbolts, re-keying

Its about on par to buy new hardware and install them yourself vs hiring a locksmith. There is almost zero skill required. A re-key by a locksmith might have been slightly cheaper but residential locks wear out, and you won't know the age of the set you bought that came with the house. I used an online outfit 6 years ago for 3 deadbolts, 3 knobs, all keyed alike for a small additional charge. The B60s is adequate, likely what I'll order again for a new house.
by bzcat
Mon Nov 01, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Ultimate Rewards - what are your experiences? (recs for other CC?)
Replies: 10
Views: 1506

Re: Chase Ultimate Rewards - what are your experiences? (recs for other CC?)

Buyer beware. They seem to only work sometimes.

I found I wasn't able to redeem my Chase Ultimate Rewards points for a car rental recently, for a booking 2 months out, airport to airport. I could make the same exact search through the vendor's (Expedia I think) non-Chase branded portal and find plenty of cars to book, multiple providers and models. I called Chase customer service and they continued to say no cars were available.

If you can't use the points when you finally want to travel, then there really wasn't any value in the first place.
by bzcat
Sun Oct 24, 2021 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher recommendations?
Replies: 73
Views: 8117

Re: Dishwasher recommendations?

We switched a few years ago to a Bosch with three racks and front control buttons. The panel is a bit retro looking with the red LED display, but we are very happy with it; clean dishes and super quiet. Once a year or so it will ask us to clean out the trap if we forget to empty it.
by bzcat
Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any ID.4 owners on Bogleheads?
Replies: 68
Views: 10152

Re: Any ID.4 owners on Bogleheads?

We have a first edition that finally arrived earlier this year. The ID.4 is our second electric car, after we sold our Nissan leaf after six years. I really enjoy driving and riding in the ID.4, and taking friends carpooling is a treat. So far zero issues with reliability. One of the big differentiators for us vs Tesla, besides the price, was turning circle. We have to turn around in our driveway to emerge nose first on a busy road, but also getting in and out of parking spaces and making u-turns is very easy in the ID.4. https://insideevs.com/news/498682/vw-id4-tesla-model-3-turning-circle-test/ I am not worried about repair costs. On the Nissan, we bought one set of tires and plenty of wiper fluid, and all our charging for the duration we...
by bzcat
Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard solo 401k to allow incoming rollovers?!
Replies: 57
Views: 10435

Re: Vanguard solo 401k to allow incoming rollovers?!

I did a restatement and IRA rollover about a month ago at Vanguard.

I did an ETF to Mutual Fund conversion after talking with a rep, before sending in my paper work, so I could do an in kind transfer. I'm really glad I did, I would have spent weeks out of the market.

Their back of the house process is really slow and error prone. I uploaded the completed forms directly using Message Center, and pages still got "lost" because someone at V printed them out and then rescanned them to submit to another department. :shock:

Good luck.
by bzcat
Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mini-split installation
Replies: 40
Views: 5559

Re: Mini-split installation

Sounds like they just don't want to do it, because they are a legacy AC company.

At the start of the pandemic, I paid an electrician for a 220v wiring run, and did the mini split install myself in about two days. Under $2k all in, including being mounted on the side of house, for 450 sq/ft. I never notice it vibrating despite it being mounted on the wall outside my office.

I would say add a grand to pay someone else for installation. Call someone else.
by bzcat
Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mysterious Safari issue with new MacBook Air
Replies: 21
Views: 1977

Re: Mysterious Safari issue with new MacBook Air

I had similar issues with a MPB and Safari specifically under Big Sur 11.5. Resetting NVRAM fixed it. Its easier to try than reinstalling.
by bzcat
Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am poorer due to T. Rowe Price, do I have any recourse?
Replies: 40
Views: 9906

Re: I am poorer due to T. Rowe Price, do I have any recourse?

02nz wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:04 pm
infotrader wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 8:34 pm If you are so concerned about market fluctuation, why not transfer them in-kind?
AFAIK in-kind transfers are not generally possible between employer plans and IRAs, even if the custodian is the same, and even if the funds from the sending account are offered in the receiving account.
I just did an in kind transfer from traditional IRA to Solo 401k (employer plan) at Vanguard. It took a few weeks, but I didn't spend any time out of market.

I held ETFs, but exchanged back to Mutual Funds before the transfer specifically to prevent the issue OP had.
by bzcat
Tue Aug 10, 2021 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell my lease
Replies: 12
Views: 1163

Re: Sell my lease

Several of my local dealers have a standing "We beat Carmax/Carvana by $500/$750" where they pay a flat premium with no haggling for a signed purchase order. I would sell, just don't take the first offer.
by bzcat
Sat Aug 07, 2021 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top Loader Washing Machines
Replies: 85
Views: 10395

Re: Top Loader Washing Machines

I've had my speed queens for ten years now, no issues.
by bzcat
Wed Aug 04, 2021 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $10k Land Purchase - What is the True Total Downside?
Replies: 47
Views: 4965

Re: $10k Land Purchase - What is the True Total Downside?

The HOA fees are 24% of the purchase price annually, and you plan to spend "years" figuring out the plan. Sounds like true cost here is $20k (~4 years).
Would you still buy if the lot was $20k?
by bzcat
Tue Aug 03, 2021 11:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2022 Nissan LEAF - low price?
Replies: 29
Views: 4635

Re: 2022 Nissan LEAF - low price?

I found the practical range of the Leaf lacking. It doesn't have active battery temperature management, so on hot days or cold days the range shrank substantially and sometimes suddenly. There were several times the range just `wilted` away. I hated it for the last two years we owned it.

I still drive electric and love it. Just not the Leaf. It had upgrades, but its still an ancient design, in a category that had major advancements in the last 12 years. Thats the catch.
by bzcat
Tue Jun 22, 2021 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike Cameras
Replies: 62
Views: 5629

Re: Bike Cameras

I use a drift ghost X and an adapter for my helmet. It works well enough once set up, and I think that part was the most fiddly. It records immediately after power on, and beeps so that I know its started recording. It has a phone app to download clips over adhoc wifi, which I never do unless there was some sort of incident.
by bzcat
Sat Jun 19, 2021 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Charlotte Area vs Dallas Area (C vs D)
Replies: 125
Views: 15083

Re: Charlotte Area vs Dallas Area (C vs D)

Not to dump on Texas, but Galveston is not comparable to the Outer Banks of NC. Those are some of the nicest beaches in the country and draw people from all over. You don't go to Galveston unless you live nearby. The outer banks are pretty meh/overrated, and I wouldn't drive from Charlotte if I can cut the trip time in half to go to Myrtle or Carolina Beach. It is fair to say Charlotte has drivable beach access, and Dallas doesn't. Charlotte and Dallas are pretty much a wash, go enjoy either. Texas has no income tax, NC does, but NC has lower property taxes. I came out way better (as a boglehead) in Texas with a "big" job and a "small" house. Economic opportunity is about the same. Both have great lake recreation areas....
by bzcat
Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airport lounges
Replies: 24
Views: 4034

Re: Airport lounges

I had some exceptional partner lounge experiences with the Chase Reserve/Priority pass in Asia, but the North America partner locations (Air Alaska) were often 'full' for Priority Pass guests, or the lounge was mediocre (mini-suites in Atlanta).

Still worth it to us for the occasional international use. I wouldn't keep it for domestic.
by bzcat
Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Worth it to get a CPA? What's the average cost for those that use one for taxes?
Replies: 25
Views: 3819

Re: Worth it to get a CPA? What's the average cost for those that use one for taxes?

I guess I'm paying more than most, about $2000 annually, just for tax prep. I still do the bookkeeping.
As life got more complex, I did everything in turbotax a couple years than I should have, and the first year paying someone I still did them to compare. I don't remember the numbers being similar.

Edit: pulled the invoice, this is for preparing approximately 20 forms and schedules (from ~20 1099 & w2s, two quickbooks files, in a year where we sold a rental property).
by bzcat
Sat Jan 23, 2021 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cost for mailing tax statements
Replies: 30
Views: 2144

Re: Cost for mailing tax statements

TravelGeek wrote: Sat Jan 23, 2021 10:32 am I personally don’t need paper copies, but I can imagine that some people need them to give them to their tax preparer?
My tax preparer accepts everything via upload through a portal. I haven't been in to the office in a few tax seasons.

They provide a guide on how to organize everything for submission.

Anything that comes in the mail is the exception now, since I have to scan it with my phone to submit.
by bzcat
Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to view Austin-suburb housing market?
Replies: 96
Views: 9929

Re: How to view Austin-suburb housing market?

Austin is crazy right now. There is no inventory, houses that are under 350K get 90 offers in 3 days, people waiting in lines to tour them.

A house next door (with no central AC) sold for 415K in Dec 2019. Its up for sale at 615K today.

Meanwhile, rents in Austin fell 10%.

Rent until 2022.
by bzcat
Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LenderFi: Who did they sell your mortgage to?
Replies: 62
Views: 8117

Re: LenderFi: Who did they sell your mortgage to?

1st: WellsFargo
2nd: FreddyMac, LenderFi serviced
by bzcat
Sun Nov 01, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy to get Tesla Model Y?
Replies: 50
Views: 5655

Re: Am I crazy to get Tesla Model Y?

Is getting an electric car a specific criteria?

When researching, I rate shopped the Tesla insurance vs a brand version of our current electric car. The rate hike for the Tesla was an untenable hidden cost.

Do you live in one of the ten states that can buy the Kona Electric, the 12 states that can buy the Niro Ev, or can you wait until March for the VW ID.4? All of these are cheaper and similar.
by bzcat
Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cashing Paper EE Bonds in DFW
Replies: 19
Views: 2016

Re: Cashing Paper EE Bonds in DFW

dcabler wrote: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:55 am
Ran into the same thing in Austin and after a few attempts, it just wasn't worth it anymore - So we converted them on Treasury Direct. It's not that hard.

Cheers
We dumped ours in Austin at a UFCU, back in February 2020. It took about an hour for the one person that was trained to be available.
by bzcat
Sun Aug 30, 2020 11:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Replies: 70
Views: 9274

Re: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

I rented it on Xbox Game Pass for PC. $1 for the first month trial during the beta period (its still available). The system requirements to run the sim are steep, but I enjoyed it and so did 6-7 co-workers.
by bzcat
Wed Feb 26, 2020 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage Refinance Advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1002

Re: Mortgage Refinance Advice

3.65 isn't competitive right now. Should be about 3.25 with far less cash to close than $4200
by bzcat
Thu Jul 04, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 30 y/o financial check up. How am I doing? Can I buy a model 3 performance?
Replies: 61
Views: 5982

Re: 30 y/o financial check up. How am I doing? Can I buy a model 3 performance?

My coworker pre-ordered the Model 3. I asked him what his biggest annoyance/regret with it was, and he said getting the performance package. He said it was fun for a while, but of very limited use after that.
by bzcat
Sun Jun 24, 2018 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front load washer gross moldy gasket
Replies: 38
Views: 7559

Re: Front load washer gross moldy gasket

rgs92 wrote: Sun Jun 24, 2018 11:46 am I prefer top-loader Speed Queens.
This is the permanent fix. :D
by bzcat
Sat Jun 23, 2018 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Don’t like employers HSA
Replies: 3
Views: 572

Re: Don’t like employers HSA

>P.S. does my employers contribution count towards my maximum annual HSA contribution limit if $6,900?

Yes
by bzcat
Mon Mar 26, 2018 6:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Alternative to Google Finance? [Portfolios feature deprecated]
Replies: 97
Views: 29359

Re: Alternative to Google Finance? [Portfolios feature deprecated]

I am seeing similar behavior. vteb, biv, vmmxx, voo are all returning #N/A in my google sheets.