Search found 1129 matches

by anonenigma
Sat Jun 17, 2023 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)
Replies: 94
Views: 6150

Re: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)

Rob5TCP wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:41 pm NY Times digital -- $50 per year
WSJ and Barrons digital - $72 per year
National Review Magazine - about $50 this year
Consumer Reports - $29
ProPublica -- donation fordigital
Wirecutter - on the fence about paying for it
Wirecutter and The Athletic are both included in the NYT digital subscription.
by anonenigma
Mon Jun 12, 2023 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords
Replies: 13
Views: 2017

Re: Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords

muffins14 wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 8:12 am You might be logging out or using different browsers?

I do not have to log in multiple times, it just stays logged in

NYT doesn’t really benefit more from you using the app, aside from perhaps it being easier to maintain for them, and maybe giving them better analytics to help optimize the experience. Any ad-tracking and ad measurement is likely the roughly the same on the app as it would be on safari.

Personally, I use chrome mostly, and sometimes use the app
I may have to switch to the NYT and WaPo apps if this doesn't improve. I looked around and don't think it's a browser settings issue.
by anonenigma
Mon Jun 12, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords
Replies: 13
Views: 2017

Re: Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords

I seem to have pretty good luck most of mine. The passwords are saved by Apple and work on both IPhone and IPad and are also saved on my Windows computer. I get what you’re saying though. Sometimes I have to put in the password and am not sure why. I used to have constant issues with my St. Louis Post Dispatch login but it seems to be working now most of the time. One unrelated tip for the WSJ. I subscribed a couple of years ago for a low rate. It had gotten to $20 a month which is probably more than the value I receive from the subscription but I’d let it go on. Then it doubled to $39 and I just decided to cancel. I called and they offered one year for $52 and were willing to credit back most of the current months $39 rate, so I took it. ...
by anonenigma
Sun Jun 11, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords
Replies: 13
Views: 2017

Newspapers Keep Asking for Passwords

I subscribe to the NYT, WaPo, LAT and WSJ - though the WSJ subscription is recent.

Until recently, I rarely had to log in to read articles on my iPhone - I'm not referring to links on Facebook. Now, logins are required multiple times every day. Is this a change by newspapers, or could it be an upgrade or setting on the iPhone?

I'm also frequently asked by the NYT to use their app, rather than my browser, to read. I try to avoid apps, but presumably this is because the NYT would benefit financially from tracking me - even though it's an iPhone? Is it Apple that's benefiting when I read the NYT on Safari?
by anonenigma
Thu Jun 08, 2023 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coffee bean suggestions?
Replies: 53
Views: 4108

Re: Coffee bean suggestions?

deikel wrote: Thu Jun 08, 2023 2:01 pm Peet's Coffee does it for us just fine - plenty to choose from to find your favorite
Peet's Major Dickason's beans are on sale at Costco for $11.99 for two pounds. I'll get there tomorrow - think the sale is through Sunday.
by anonenigma
Tue Jun 06, 2023 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?
Replies: 257
Views: 28765

Re: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?

Depends on the state and your situation. I'm sitting at 13.3% in California. We came from WA. So yeah, it's bad. People cite the 13.3% rate, but that's only on income above $1,000,000 (single) or $2,000,000 (married filing jointly). Here are the actual tax brackets so that people won't focus on what the tiniest fraction of taxpayers pay: California Tax Brackets for Single Taxpayers Taxable Income Rate $0 – $8,809 1.00% $8,809 – $20,883 2.00% $20,883 – $32,960 4.00% $32,960 – $45,753 6.00% $45,753 – $57,824 8.00% $57,824 – $295,373 9.30% $295,373 – $354,445 10.30% $354,445 – $590,742 11.30% $590,742 – $999,999 12.30% $1,000,000+ 13.30% California Tax Brackets for Married/Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) Filing Jointly Taxpayers (and Qualif...
by anonenigma
Mon Jun 05, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: amazon basic charger can't ship to CA?
Replies: 29
Views: 2447

Re: amazon basic charger can't ship to CA?

Silk McCue wrote: Mon Jun 05, 2023 11:05 am Sounds about right. Over regulation adds lots of complexity and expense to our world.
As does under-regulation.
by anonenigma
Sat May 20, 2023 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b and 457b Estate Planning Options
Replies: 7
Views: 561

Re: 403b and 457b Estate Planning Options

is50xenough wrote: Sat May 20, 2023 11:17 am I would think these plans are “rare” in estates since most would have been converted to regular IRAs at retirement? I would treat them the same as you would if you had an IRA
I've kept my TIAA 403(b) in retirement because it has a 3% minimum guarantee. If I moved it into an IRA at TIAA, the guarantee would only be 1%.
by anonenigma
Fri May 19, 2023 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resort in Maui for older couple with pool and lazy river
Replies: 19
Views: 3497

Re: Resort in Maui for older couple with pool and lazy river

I don't recall which hotel we stayed at in Kaanaapali, but we booked via Costco Travel and got a better deal than we could have on our own. One of the highlights (not inexpensive) was a van tour to Hana. It took us by the southern route, which car rental agreements don't permit, then back by the beautiful, winding Road to/from Hana. It's better to look out the windows than drive oneself. We also liked the Hula Grill - only booking available was at 5 pm, so we got to watch the sunset.
by anonenigma
Sun May 07, 2023 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: prepaid debit cards for phone bills
Replies: 87
Views: 7392

Re: prepaid debit cards for phone bills

I have not heard directly from T-Mobile, but I did speak with them recently and they confirmed that the change would be going into effect. I gather that other providers, including Verizon, also do not permit credit cards for autopay. It took me less than two minutes to set up an additional checking account at Capital One. That account has enough funds to pay one month of my T-Mobile bill. T-Mobile confirmed that, once my bill posts, can pay it with my credit card, which provides cell phone insurance. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to keep my $15 autopay discount and the credit card insurance coverage. Can you explain again what you are doing? Are you paying it with autopay through your additional checking account or with your credit card? I...
by anonenigma
Sat May 06, 2023 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: prepaid debit cards for phone bills
Replies: 87
Views: 7392

Re: prepaid debit cards for phone bills

I have not heard directly from T-Mobile, but I did speak with them recently and they confirmed that the change would be going into effect. I gather that other providers, including Verizon, also do not permit credit cards for autopay.

It took me less than two minutes to set up an additional checking account at Capital One. That account has enough funds to pay one month of my T-Mobile bill. T-Mobile confirmed that, once my bill posts, can pay it with my credit card, which provides cell phone insurance. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to keep my $15 autopay discount and the credit card insurance coverage.
by anonenigma
Fri May 05, 2023 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Card Wormhole [Which credit card to acquire?]
Replies: 8
Views: 2278

Re: Credit Card Wormhole [Which credit card to acquire?]

Update: I've delved into the benefits with Wells Fargo, and both extended warranty and price protection remain benefits of my card. I was misinformed the first time I called. It also turns out that they've changed companies that provide the benefits, which is why I was unable to file a price protection claim.

Still thinking about the Amazon card with its 5% rebate on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
by anonenigma
Tue Apr 25, 2023 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Card Wormhole [Which credit card to acquire?]
Replies: 8
Views: 2278

Re: Credit Card Wormhole

Thanks for the guidance. I feel spoiled having had all those features for many years. I'll dive into this soon and cobble together a solution. I'll build around the Costco Citi card, though Costco could leave Citi just as it left American Express.
by anonenigma
Tue Apr 25, 2023 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Card Wormhole [Which credit card to acquire?]
Replies: 8
Views: 2278

Credit Card Wormhole [Which credit card to acquire?]

I've been happily using Costco Citi card and a now-discontinued (but still working) Wells Fargo card. A Synchrony AAA card (taken over from B of A) resides in the sock drawer, locked. I pay off the full balance on my credit card bills every month, so interest rates mean nothing to me - it's about cash back and benefits for me. I'm not looking for this to become a passion or a hobby, and the scheme for optimal utilization can't become too complicated or my spouse will rebel. In the past two years, both Costco Citi and Wells Fargo have eliminated extended warranty and price protection benefits, both of which I liked and used occasionally. I've begun to look at options. I want a card with no annual fee and a reasonable cash back program. I'm n...
by anonenigma
Sun Apr 16, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Microsoft Word] Questions:
Replies: 40
Views: 3015

Re: Microsoft Word Perfect Questions:

For our computers, I have purchased MS Office Home and Student 2021, which works great and includes Excel and PowerPoint.

If you're going to act soon and are a Costco member, Costco includes a $25 Visa e-gift card (can be used anywhere, not just at Costco) for the $149 price. Be sure that you're comfortable downloading software and that you have your login for your Microsoft account handy (if you have one). Don't buy from third parties you don't know. Those downloads can come with malware.

https://www.costco.com/microsoft-office ... 93792.html
by anonenigma
Sat Apr 08, 2023 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance
Replies: 23
Views: 3586

Re: Car Insurance

With how little you use the car, why not sell the car and use a taxi or one of the taxi-like companies. Likely will save you a lot of money. If cost were more of a consideration, I'd consider that, but Los Angeles without a car would be very different. I don't have to drive far to accomplish most of life's tasks, but I have friends with serious health challenges that would be costly to visit via ride share - don't want to think about the cost of taking Uber on a 200 mile roundtrip to Santa Barbara (or shorter but still long 50+ mile roundtrips to Chatsworth, La Crescenta and Pacific Palisades). My mobility will undoubtedly become limited as I age - I'm not inclined to hasten the process when driving isn't a burden (even if I'm annoyed by t...
by anonenigma
Fri Apr 07, 2023 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance
Replies: 23
Views: 3586

Re: Car Insurance

TheGiantess wrote: Fri Apr 07, 2023 8:30 pm That does seem like A LOT! Is that for 6 months or 1 year?
One year. Here in Los Angeles. I'm 68 but no accidents or tickets.
by anonenigma
Fri Apr 07, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance
Replies: 23
Views: 3586

Car Insurance

I was spoiled by owning older cars that were no longer insured for collision or comprehensive. For decades I've had my car insurance with AAA of Southern California. The one time I had an accident (determined not to be my fault), they performed exactly as I would have wanted. When I worked, my round trip commute was three miles. In retirement, especially during the pandemic, I don't drive much - I live in an area where, except for occasional trips to Costco, almost all shopping needs/library/medical are within two miles. My Camry Hybrid is now two years old and possibly worth as much as I paid for it, maybe more. My insurance renewal recently arrived for a mileage allocation of 2,501-3,500. The liability coverage is $500,000/$1,000,000 for ...
by anonenigma
Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving retirement accounts to Vanguard from TIAA
Replies: 26
Views: 4628

Re: Moving retirement accounts to Vanguard from TIAA

I recently checked this issue for California, where 401(k) does have better protection than IRAs - so my wife won't be moving her low-cost Vanguard 401(k) when she transitions from her job soon. Your state laws may differ.

I'm also a huge believer in TIAA Traditional.
by anonenigma
Sun Apr 02, 2023 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco vs AAA car buying services
Replies: 23
Views: 8563

Re: Costco vs AAA car buying services

I bought my Camry Hybrid through Costco in March, 2021, just before it became almost impossible to buy cars in high demand (relative to supply) like mine. I got more than 14% off MSRP plus $2,500 in Toyota incentives, which I thought was an incredible deal. I bought it immediately.

I'd call Costco Auto Buying Service to see whether it's working in this time of low supply. I doubt they can facilitate buying cars that essentially don't exist. Likely the same with AAA.
by anonenigma
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College decisions - Computer Science, non-elite, West Coast
Replies: 326
Views: 37681

Re: College decisions - Computer Science, non-elite, West Coast

Unless I missed it, you don't mention the state in which you reside. That matters for public universities, which offer far lower in-state tuition to their states' residents. If you're a Californian, edge to UCs.
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Change in NYC Retiree Health Care Benefits.
Replies: 73
Views: 10598

Re: Change in NYC Retiree Health Care Benefits.

Just saw this thread. My former employer changed to a PPO Medicare Advantage with one of the largest insurers just before I hit Medicare age. I haven't had to pay a penny for doctors the past 3+ years, but the insurance company does insert itself and require all sorts of tests and procedures to be pre-approved - tests and procedures that don't require pre-approval with traditional Medicare. The wait time could have unfortunate consequences. I have also heard story of skilled nursing facilities and physical therapy facilities that either won't accept or limit the number of patients with our insurance because it's more difficult to deal with than Medicare.
by anonenigma
Tue Mar 28, 2023 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Zions Bancorporation
Replies: 20
Views: 2065

Re: Zions Bancorporation

Mel Lindauer wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 3:53 pm If you're married, you can double the FDIC coverage if you buy one and your wife buys one, with each of them being for $250k or less.
Would it be covered if it's a joint account under $500,000?
by anonenigma
Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon 55+ Plan
Replies: 29
Views: 4455

Re: Verizon 55+ Plan

Seems to be more expensive than the T-mobile version. https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/unlimited-55-senior-discount-plans Yes it is by quite a bit. OP should check into this. We just switched over to the T Mobile Magenta Max 55+ plan with 2 lines for $90 (all in). I figured we'd start with the high end plan and can always downgrade it later. Previously we were on separate Verizon and AT&T plans. I was under an old ex-employer's plan but it started going up in price. If Verizon had offered something to my wife I might have switched to them but instead they quoted one price to high and then back tracked and told her that wasn't right so she was annoyed and wanted to leave. We've been with T-Mobile for five years and recently swi...
by anonenigma
Mon Mar 27, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Planning for retirement with non-citizen spouse
Replies: 11
Views: 1071

Re: Planning for retirement with non-citizen spouse

By any chance, is your wife on DACA? One of my former students is, has married, and applied for "advance parole" so that he can travel abroad and return legally. When he enters legally, he would be able to apply for a green card as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
Replies: 76
Views: 8351

Re: Deciding on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

FYI, your medical eye care (ophthalmologist) is covered by Medicare, though not refraction, which costs perhaps $50. I've recently switched to buying my glasses at Costco, which is way less expensive than the Luxottica cartel.
by anonenigma
Wed Mar 22, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Question
Replies: 5
Views: 600

Re: IRS Refund Question

Thanks for the sage advice. I think I found the problem. I had applied all of my 2021 refund to my 2022 taxes, which reduced my first 2022 estimated payment, but because that check register wasn't handy, I made all four estimated tax payments the same. Oops.
by anonenigma
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Question
Replies: 5
Views: 600

IRS Refund Question

My 2022 refund has arrived in my bank account, but it's about $600 less than what TurboTax calculated. Will the IRS send me an explanation of the difference, or do I need to reach out to them? If the latter, what's the best way?
by anonenigma
Mon Mar 20, 2023 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.
Replies: 21
Views: 3189

Re: T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.

We had a T-Mobile 55+ $60 per month (all in, including taxes) plan for five years and just reorganized our telecom. The DSL we'd been on (a reseller of ATT) was not performing well enough, though it worked pretty well through the first 30 months of the pandemic (with my wife working from home on Zoom calls much of the day). Suddenly, T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet service was available at our address (it had not been days earlier). That led me to increase our cell plan to the $90 Magenta Max, which included a permanent $20 per month discount on the Home Internet service. It also included free Standard Netflix and Apple TV+ (street value of $22 between them) and higher speed overseas, so we jumped and were financially well ahead of the game. [I...
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Restricted access to retirement accounts
Replies: 30
Views: 3222

Re: Restricted access to retirement accounts

"Requests for Full Withdrawals Withdrawals from the Voya Fixed Plus Account III fund are allowed to pay benefits to participants at any time. However, if the plan, as the Contract Holder, requests a full withdrawal of all participant accounts held in the Voya Fixed Plus Account III, VRIAC will pay amounts in the Voya Fixed Plus Account III, with interest, in five annual payments " I think that you misunderstand. This language means that individuals can move their funds all at once, but if the plan decides to withdraw the funds of all plan participants in that investment option, it will be paid out over five years. When my former employer's plan switched from TIAA to Voya (TIAA didn't submit a renewal bid), the same thing happened ...
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 16, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Amex HYSA just moved from 3.5% to 3.75%
Replies: 1
Views: 348

Re: Amex HYSA just moved from 3.5% to 3.75%

Matches Marcus and just above TIAA Bank. Capital One is the laggard, at 3.4%.
by anonenigma
Sun Mar 12, 2023 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Increased FDIC insurance based on POD beneficiaries
Replies: 21
Views: 2049

Re: Increased FDIC insurance based on POD beneficiaries

I called Ally about this, and they said it will not increase the FDIC insurance. I also used the coverage tool on the FDIC website and got the same answer.
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 09, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best 403(b) Plans
Replies: 4
Views: 601

Re: Best 403(b) Plans

Check with Vanguard - they have a third party that serves as intermediary on small accounts.

Also check whether 403(b) or 401(k) has more advantages. My wife's 501(c)(3) has a 401(k) with Vanguard (through the intermediary).
by anonenigma
Sun Mar 05, 2023 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?
Replies: 125
Views: 9263

Re: Do you pay Turbotax $25 to e-file state?

Sorry if I'm duplicating anyone's response - couldn't face reading 70 messages. Last year, TurboTax e-file of my CA return cost $20. I owed the state a bit of tax, so I filed in February but didn't pay the tax bill or estimated taxes for this year until closer to when they were due. This year, the state will owe me a small refund. I will owe estimated tax, but due to rain delays, those will be due in October rather than April/June. I will pay the $20 because of what I've read about frauds in which criminals file returns in someone else's name in either to grab a refund or otherwise steal an identity. If I were victimized in this way, I might get an early warning if I attempted to e-file and was informed that a return had already been submit...
by anonenigma
Thu Mar 02, 2023 1:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?
Replies: 38
Views: 4205

Re: Iphone 8 - upgrade to 12pro or 14pro?

We just went from 8 pluses to the base model 14, and the 14 is terrific. We got five good years out of the 8 pluses.

Our new phones each cost $799 less a $200 trade-in incentive from our carrier. Do you need the extra capabilities of the pro?
by anonenigma
Sat Feb 18, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simplifying - any reason to keep Marcus?
Replies: 24
Views: 3359

Re: Simplifying - any reason to keep Marcus?

Over the holidays, I saw that Marcus offers an extra 0.1% on its HYSA for two years for AARP members. I also found an offer to join AARP for $10 a year for five years. A no-brainer. I joined AARP and called Marcus to activate the bonus.

While Capital One and Ally are currently paying 3.4% on their HYSAs, Marcus just increased to 3.75% - 3.85% for me because of the AARP deal.
by anonenigma
Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments and Refunds
Replies: 7
Views: 1474

Re: IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments and Refunds

Honestly this guidance is confusing me more than it's helping for me in Massachusetts. The IRS guidance sounds like it's treating the payments as just like a state income tax refund, but the " Essential Employee Premium Pay Program " payment that I got sure doesn't sound like a tax refund. Like, what tax year would it be for (that I have to look to see if I got a tax benefit from deducting), if it was based on either my 2020 or 2021 income? The letter that came with the check said that I'd get a 1099-G for it, though the current web page says that since it was under $600 that I won't. Still very unclear to me how this payment is to be treated for tax purposes. Per the NYT article I posted: "The situation is a little trickier...
by anonenigma
Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments and Refunds
Replies: 7
Views: 1474

IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments and Refunds

[Title was "IRS Won't Tax CA Middle Class Tax Refund" --admin LadyGeek]

Applies to other states with similar refunds:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/10/your ... =share-url
by anonenigma
Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?
Replies: 31
Views: 3728

Re: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?

I’m in the same tax bracket as when I was working. The decrease in income to a 75% pension is less dramatic than to Social Security.

The other aspect of deferral, which is underappreciated, is that the deferral allows tax payment in dollars that will buy less, given normal inflation, than the dollars were worth had taxes been paid when the income was originally earned.
by anonenigma
Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?
Replies: 31
Views: 3728

Re: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?

I’m in the same tax bracket as when I was working. The decrease in income to a 75% pension is less dramatic than to Social Security.

The other aspect of deferral, which is underappreciated, is that the deferral allows tax payment in dollars that will buy less, given normal inflation, than the dollars were worth had taxes been paid when the income was originally earned.
by anonenigma
Thu Feb 09, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?
Replies: 31
Views: 3728

Re: What if you're going to be in the SAME tax bracket in retirement?

I’m in the same tax bracket as when I was working. The decrease in income to a 75% pension is less dramatic than to Social Security.

The other aspect of deferral, which is underappreciated, is that the deferral allows tax payment in dollars that will buy less, given normal inflation, than the dollars were worth had taxes been paid when the income was originally earned.
by anonenigma
Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cellphone plans for international roaming
Replies: 35
Views: 3163

Re: Cellphone plans for international roaming

You already pointed out the free t-mobile international data plan. With my plan, although mostly low speed, it served its purpose when I traveled before as I mostly texted. Even google map worked. The Magenta plans seem to cost more than my average of $48 I pay. But then they also include other benefits (Netflix, inflight WiFi?) that I would need to factor in. Yes. It includes Netflix. Mine is slightly cheaper because I am on the old geezer plan. I just switched from my DSL to T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. I had previously had a 55+ plan with two lines unlimited for $60, taxes included, but logic demanded that I upgrade to the $90 55+ Magenta Max Plus, which gives a permanent $20 monthly discount on the 5G Home Internet plus free Netflix and ...
by anonenigma
Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mediocre performance review - what next
Replies: 69
Views: 5664

Re: Mediocre performance review - what next

blackcat allie wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:37 am This review there's a more "Modest Proposal" in the works.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Modest_Proposal
by anonenigma
Tue Jan 24, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b Transfer
Replies: 5
Views: 717

Re: 403b Transfer

And, since I already have a 403b account with Vanguard, would I be able to transfer additional contributions from Lincoln over to Vanguard once they hit my account? I know many folks do this with their HSAs - monthly, quarterly, or even annually move HSA money to Fidelity from whichever subpar provider their employer uses. Seems like this isn't going to be an option for me, but I'm pretty frustrated about the .83% fee at Lincoln. No, you can't move money from the Lincoln Financial 403b to your Vanguard 403b unless you change employers (districts). For most of your colleagues who are in the usual high-fee 403b vendors with total fees between about 1.5% and 2% plus, the district's move is an improvement. But not for you and other users of Va...
by anonenigma
Tue Jan 10, 2023 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon giving up on its own delivery?
Replies: 45
Views: 9113

Re: Amazon giving up on its own delivery?

starboi wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 9:15 pm I've had a lot of packages disappear. Then I have to call their call center about 4 times each occasion go get a resolution. Amazon should get out of the delivery business and let competent companies like FedEx, UPS or even USPS do the job.
I guess you don't use Amazon much. Their delivery service has been extraordinary 95% of the time, though I've very occasionally gotten those apology e-mails. After all, trucks break down, are stolen, have accidents. My biggest delivery problems have been with FedEx.
by anonenigma
Fri Jan 06, 2023 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What would you do in my place [Starting Over in Los Angeles]?
Replies: 36
Views: 4582

Re: What would you do in my place [Starting Over in Los Angeles]?

Well, it's bi-weekly pay so I can less than a regular monthly or bi-monthly pay, and then the 2 extra checks every 6 months. Hate it, but it is what it is. So after spending about 3500 on everything, I have another 3500 or so left. I try to put that away, but obviously there are unexpected expenses. Just got new tires, dog needed some vet stuff, Holiday presents, etc. I am not telling anyone how to live or criticizing American culture, but I am not American even though I grew up here. I am European and in my mind I don't live to work. What that means is that I am not going to be so frugal and cheap and thrifty that I am living like some monk in a monastery. Tomorrow may not come and I've had a rough enough ride over the last 5 years that I...
by anonenigma
Fri Jan 06, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to handle greedy dealer
Replies: 53
Views: 6302

Re: How to handle greedy dealer

I'm shocked by the prices asked for used books in the past few years. I have a large, high quality collection, and if I asked those prices, I wouldn't have to spend a lot of time fulfilling orders. There was a book I wanted a few months ago after reading a copy from the public library. The least expensive copy was on Amazon - listed in "good" condition (which means it's not a beautiful copy) for about $133 (includes tax and shipping). I thought that was outrageous. A few weeks later, prowling abebooks, a prominent marketplace, I bought a copy in mint condition for about $42 (including tax and shipping). I deemed this a fair price, though I've seen less expensive copies since.
by anonenigma
Fri Jan 06, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?
Replies: 68
Views: 7965

Re: Best coffee for ~$10 / lb?

We like the Major Dickason's blend from Peets, which might be too dark a roast for your taste? We buy the two pound bag of beans at Costco for $16.99 though only paid $11.99 when it was recently on sale. Nice coffee (though James Hoffman wasn't a fan - he's a light to medium roast drinker, I believe) at a great price.
by anonenigma
Mon Jan 02, 2023 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare service while traveling
Replies: 14
Views: 1565

Re: Medicare service while traveling

I had a talk with Kaiser Permanente Medical Advantage Plan * If you travel anywhere where there is a Kaiser facility available, a member can use the services there. However, there are no Kaiser in IL. * Kaiser has an agreement with Cigna. So you can use Kaiser in any Cigna facility. I believe there are Cigna in IL, but not in my area. * Kaiser has an agreement with CVS Urgent Care. There are a few in my area. They would take Kaiser cards. * If there are no Kasier, Cigna, or CVS urgent Care, you would need to go to either an urgent care or emergency room. They said that urgent care now has zero co-pay but emergency room has $150 co-pay. You have to pay and submit the bill for reinburstment. * If there is hospitialization, you have to call t...