Search found 2995 matches

by nonnie
Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625596

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

WoostaGal wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:55 am
MrWasabi65 wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:25 am ...but found out recently I need to cut back on caffeine for health reasons.

I am not a fan of decaf. I may need to go to herbal teas if I can't come up with a substitute that hits my palate.

Tips appreciated. How is - "half/caf" ?
I mix 1/3 regular coffee with 2/3 decaf. I weigh out the beans on a digital kitchen scale before grinding and doing a pour-over. It tastes very similar to fully caffeinated to me, but with less of a caffeine buzz.
I used this ratio when I used to buy my beans at the coffee shop. Now I order them by mail and do 50/50. Don't notice the difference at all although I drink lattes.
by nonnie
Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Hedonic Treadmill, Spreadsheets and Jet Skis
Replies: 177
Views: 18987

Re: The Hedonic Treadmill, Spreadsheets and Jet Skis

cmdreset wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 6:37 pm
GreendaleCC wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 4:08 pm But I get so much happiness from my spreadsheet!!
I think you are joking, but I believe this is actually true for a lot of people (including me) Money in the bank is like a snuggly security blanket, even if I know at some level this is imaginary. I get more pleasure out of the fact that I *can* buy a waverunner, than actually owning a waverunner.
For a good deal of my life, my life/spreadsheet goal was crossing the $1 million mark. Was never able to cross the $2M line. We're totally
decumulation and just dipped below $1.1M. Surprised at how strongly I am dreading crossing $1M going the other way!
by nonnie
Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switching Medicare Prescription Pharmacies
Replies: 31
Views: 2655

Re: Switching Medicare Prescription Pharmacies

On the medicare.gov website, for my Part D (prescriptions) I have located the lowest total cost (premium + drug costs) plan for 2024. I have previously always used CVS, but when I compared prices on the website for 4 pharmacies located close to me (CVS, Giant Food, Safeway, and Walgreens), the lowest 2024 total drugs cost was Giant at $926.61 followed by CVS at $1,260.61 and the other two above $2,000.  My doctors write my prescriptions for 3 months with 3 refills, so for 2024 I want to switch my current prescriptions located at CVS to the Giant Food pharmacy. From your own experience, what is the best way to accomplish this. It's not clear to me whether you are switching plans or not. It appears that you are. If that is true, have you enr...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 23, 2023 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Op ed from die with zero author
Replies: 48
Views: 8060

Re: Op ed from die with zero author

Man threads like this discussing home healthcare being 15k a month in current dollars make me want to stop retirement savings. Cause I’ll never be able to afford that. Might as well enjoy it now when I know what’s going on. It’s worth saving and retiring. Just need a plan. I don’t understand the obsession with living a long time, especially if it’s in a substantially degraded state. I subscribe to Ezekiel Emmanuel’s philosophy of stopping medical treatment at 75. If it’s my time it’s my time. I would rather not end up in a 24 hour care facility. Like him, my only real fear is dementia, but in that case I’ll just have to have a way to end it early. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/10/why-i-hope-to-die-at-75/379329/ I wish i...
by nonnie
Wed Nov 22, 2023 1:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?
Replies: 66
Views: 7945

Re: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?

My ex-husband worked as a technician for a newspaper publishing company. When we met he had loads of credit card debt and didn't know the first thing about investing. I started sharing resources, including Bogleheads and he started reading everything he could. He discovered that the company's 401K plan had very poor options. The first thing he did was go to the business department to discuss this with the writers there. He was astounded the folks there didn't have a clue about investing or retirement plans. He couldn't get management interested in changing anything. He then went on a mission to talk to as many of his fellow employees as he could and finally had a petition that convinced management to change to Vanguard. At some point, after...
by nonnie
Tue Nov 21, 2023 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire
Replies: 648
Views: 62974

Re: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire

I am just curious. how did your NW go from $1.55M in Aug 23 to $2.5M in November, unless you are counting the house value of $650k. Even then, it is a $300k jump. My portfolio is $1.55M My home is 600k (this fluctuates between 600 and 650 but trending down). My NW is $2.15M My goal was $2.2M My NW if I retire in a few years could be $2.5M. My NW goal is $3M. I don’t think I ever said my current NW is 2.5. If I did, sorry, it was a typo - unfortunately! I’m sure you know this, but I will clarify anyways. The value of your home is totally meaningless in your calculations until you are ready to sell. Your portfolio value is what matters most. Why should it matter what your home is worth if you plan on living in it long term? What would you fe...
by nonnie
Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pull pre-tax out up to medical expenses even if not needed this tax year?
Replies: 25
Views: 2143

Re: Pull pre-tax out up to medical expenses even if not needed this tax year?

Do note that entrance fees are among the items included in the definition of medical expenses. The assisted living facility should provide residents with information regarding what portion of fees can be attributed to medical costs. Many people, including tax preparers are not familiar with these guidelines.
For someone in AL, it's pretty common they cannot complete two or more ADLs. Post back with more details.
by nonnie
Mon Nov 20, 2023 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling Mom’s house without a realtor? (Ohio)
Replies: 31
Views: 3331

Re: Selling Mom’s house without a realtor? (Ohio)

I skimmed the responses. I didn't see anything that stated how you have-- or will-- establish the selling price. There have been lots of suggestions on how to go about that, suggestions on excluding the interested parties from commission, etc. Can you get a realtor sales contract that gives neighbors right to match/top any bids? Would the neighbors still be interested if you did list it? What if you did list with a realtor and the suggested sales price was $10K above what you had been negotiating with the neighbors?

Lots of moving pieces here and lots of ideas and scenarios. I come down on the side of professionals and negotiated or no commission if you bring the buyers.
by nonnie
Sun Nov 19, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painful spending cuts
Replies: 252
Views: 31629

Re: Painful spending cuts

I buy towels and wash cloths by the dozen from a commercial online company that sells to hotels, salons and spas. This forum never ceases to amaze me lol. I bought a set of 4 towels at Target in about 2008 and I don't expect to buy another one for the rest of my life. Sounds like you don't have much company. We do. Clean bath towels and bed linens are part of being a good host. I draw the line at putting a mint under their pillows, though. We have guests probably two out of four weekends, usually one or more grandchildren. It is nice to sleep in a fresh made bed every night. Sadly my CNAs do not put a mint under my pillow. They are clean freaks, but they get no complaints from me. Broken Man 1999 Glad you have great CNAs. I'm a bit of a pe...
by nonnie
Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire
Replies: 648
Views: 62974

Re: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire

"I’ve thought of myself as a very successful person, having a seven figure net worth in my mid 50s, and no debt, but you all help me realize that it’s really not true at all" This statement really jumped out at me. Can you elaborate a bit on what you mean by "you all help me realize that it’s really not true at all"? Are you speaking about all the posters who have tried to convince you that you are wrong in your asset allocation? I have been surprised at how many posters have hammered away at that and I guess it has followed on with them suggesting you could retire earlier. But, I don't understand what you are referring to when you speak of thinking of yourself as a successful person and posters helping you realize that'...
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transportation option when you can no longer drive
Replies: 20
Views: 2229

Re: Transportation option when you can no longer drive

Check local senior centers and public transportation for services. This is one reason I wish my parents would move into a CCRC, but I do understand how much joy Dad gets from his garden and woodworking shop. My CCRC has garden plots (oops, we need to call them parcels) which are raised beds we sign up for. Very popular and successful. We also have a room with a sign "woodworking shop" which apparently never got off the ground when they figured that senior citizens and power tools weren't a good idea. I highly recommend checking out local and other CCRCs, even if your parents won't, the right CCRC can solve a lot of problems as one ages. We've been at ours for 4 years and it was absolutely the right choice at the right time when w...
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painful spending cuts
Replies: 252
Views: 31629

Re: Painful spending cuts

In the last quarter of my life, I'm focusing on adding small pleasurable expenses. Britbox (is it considered pain if I deny myself Hulu or Apple TV?) renting a movie or two a month, buying a new ebook for $14.99 instead of waiting for the library, $20.00/bottle wine instead of $10. 00. Decent home espresso machine and trying hard to up my price point for coffee beans.
In Sept, to reach a shipping minimum, I bought myself two bottles of Courvoisier. I didn't want to be tempted and so I hid one of the bottles. I've been looking a couple weeks and still can't find it. Is that considered pain?

I still can't get scrimping by drinking instant coffee. Reading about that several times is painful!
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 1:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8428

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Linked below is a pretty good article about medical underwriting and the questions described are pretty much what I recall USAA asked.

https://omahainsurancesolutions.com/med ... erwriting/
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with health insurance denials clearly in error
Replies: 26
Views: 3108

Re: Dealing with health insurance denials clearly in error

What are best practices for dealing with health insurance claim denials that are clearly in error? Especially when the health service provider then just bills you for the full amount of services. I'll give my recent example. Dates/details changed to protect the innocent...... October 10 Had a CT scan at a specialists office that had their own CT equipment and techs (but not radiologists). Scan was pre authorized and approved by insurance. Specialists office billed insurance for the scan (facility, techs, supplies) Date of Service October 10. Insurance paid promptly. Separate radiologist practice billed insurance for the radiologist read and report of the imaging on Oct 11. Date of service October 11. Insurance denied entire radiologist bil...
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best low cost investment platform and vehicle for brand new investor
Replies: 6
Views: 932

Re: Best low cost investment platform and vehicle for brand new investor

vg55 wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 3:54 pm
backpacker61 wrote: Fri Nov 17, 2023 3:47 pm I believe Fidelity mutual funds have no minimum. Perhaps a Roth IRA with Fidelity Total Market Index Fund (FSKAX)?
Thank you. i don't know why I was thinking that Fidelity would have a much higher minimum requirement. now looking at their account costs for low value accounts.
Make sure to take advantage of the Fidelity $100 bonus
https://www.fidelity.com/go/terms-conditions
by nonnie
Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Updating Financial Info for Your Credit Card Issuer
Replies: 12
Views: 1451

Re: Updating Financial Info for Your Credit Card Issuer

In response to the post that said the bank could lower your credit limit, I'd like to see them try. It's a co-branded card from Costco and Citicorp. I had an issue with citicard a few months ago, and complained to Costco about the quality of Citicard's customer service. I got a response from Citicorp in very short order asking how they could correcct the problem. In my experience, Citi is a card issuer very close to the bottom of the barrel from a customer service perspective. Besides, don't the three major credit reporting bureaus, Transunion, Experian, and Equifax, all track your earnings? Yes, it is unreasonable, and I may add, intrusive, when you have a credit score above 800, information they can easily obtain from the credit reportin...
by nonnie
Fri Nov 17, 2023 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8428

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Sorry, didn’t see your reference to underwriting. It’s more difficult to switch insurers if you have any hint of a medical problem. Some here think you can do that at will. The medical underwriting questions vary from company to company. But all of them I encountered had ones such as: "Have you been recommend by a medical professional in the last year to have a test or procedure you have not had?" "Have you changed medications within the last 2 years?" I mean, who hasn't gone to the doctor and not followed up on one thing or another? And, medication changes? Come on. I am 95% certain that USAA did not ask such broad-based questions as this. Contact the insurance company and ask what their underwriting questions are.
by nonnie
Fri Nov 17, 2023 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan
Replies: 68
Views: 11396

Re: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan

She is 80 and in very good health. Her bills are paid and she has money in the bank and equity in the home. I am not understanding why you Again, I get people's basic point that she is not in such bad shape. I sort of disagree with the idea that she is fine because she has 35k in the bank, though. There is no plan for home health care or assisted living, and the reality is she doesn't have any cushion, so she is fine until something happens. My family has been in the same situation. In a family meeting, my wife's parents would not discuss their financial or health situation. We backed off. Since they obviously were in declining health, we just waited for the call and then stepped in. They didn't want any help until there was no other choic...
by nonnie
Fri Nov 17, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

Since we're now discussing solo cruises, question: what's the percentage/numbers of solo travelers on higher-end/smaller ships vs. mass-market ships (2000-6000 capacity)? There are usually at least dozens of solo travelers to interact with (of course not all of whom you might want to interact with) on larger ships, but I don't have experience on smaller ships. It wouldn't matter if someone just wanted to stay in the room by themselves but most people seem to prefer to interact with other travelers. I'd guess cost would be more prohibitive for solo travelers where you are paying 1.5-2x the already much higher cost (maybe 5x?) on a higher-end ship? I haven't met all that many single cruisers on Silversea and Seabourn. I know they exist, and ...
by nonnie
Fri Nov 17, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

DW and I have always been "road trip" land people and very active to explore, not the passive "sitting and sipping and chatting" types.... There is a lot of excellent information in this thread. A good, experienced travel agent who specializes in cruises should be a valuable resource. Regarding your purported dislike of passive “sitting and sipping and chatting” – I don’t believe that for a second, because you’re on here chatting all the time. Interacting with people with whom one has common interests is a basic human need. If you go on a cruise likely to have a high concentration of people who have interests and experience levels similar to yours, you are likely to be able to find many opportunities for interesting and...
by nonnie
Fri Nov 17, 2023 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect
Replies: 202
Views: 23698

Re: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect

Here's an ironic thing. According to the Actuaries Longevity Estimator, a 75-year old man in average health who is a non-smoker has a 3% chance of living to 100 but has a 31% chance of developing dementia (based on 1940 cohorts). Women have a 37% chance. So while we're busy trying to hedge a 3% chance of needing cash to age 100, perhaps we're missing the elephant in the room? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624986/ From the discussions, part of the cash needed as one ages to 100 would be to fund memory care. Quote below is from UK Alzheimer's Association. Very useful and informative website that goes into a lot of detail about dementia -risk, risk factors, "cognitive reserve" and many other topics. "For people ...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available
Replies: 123
Views: 18055

Re: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available

Here's what I do. Last year I had Wellcare-- not sure what I'm doing this year. I had one Tier 4 med that was super expensive and I found it cheaper at Mark Cuban Cost Plus I had another Tier 4 that required Prior Authorization and I decided to purchased i from Canada. Why??? I tend to stock up on meds and only needed this med as of 9/30/23. With a PA, my cost is $60 for 1 month. But here's the deal. 2023 deductible is $505, and my cost toward deductible so far this year was only $40. So, I would have to pay the entire cost-- $365 of the med so -- Canada. Haven't received it yet, cost was $78. I need 6 meds but 1 of them is Tier 4 and the other is not on the formulary this year (this med has a fairly new generic alternative but nobody is su...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases
Replies: 64
Views: 8428

Re: Mutual of Omaha Medigap G huge price increases

Is this an "Attained Age" policy? These go up with age, and often by age bands. So if he has moved into a new age band, his premium would automatically go up. If everyone is seeing a premium increase in 2024, those two increases -- age and general -- would be added together. But, yes, it does seem excessive. (I'm on a G-HD plan and recently turned 75. I expect a letter any day now announcing my premium will go from $45 to $53 for 2024. Maybe higher if there is also a non-age-related increase.) Mutual of Omaha uses attained ages with 1-year bands. It would not have caused that big of a jump in premiums. Since Mutual of Omaha is known to be a bad actor in the Medigap industry, it is more likely that the plan has been closed and is ...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New/used car decision and impact of a state car tax
Replies: 23
Views: 2099

Re: New/used car decision and impact of a state car tax

psteinx wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:57 pm
CletusCaddy wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:54 pm
Marathon Man wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 5:04 pm
sport wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 4:07 pm Come to Ohio. Except for sales tax when you buy the car, the only annual fee is the registration fee. That amounts to about $50 to $60 depending on the county.
Same in California with sales tax and registration. Except our registration could vary from very little to over $1,000 depending on many factors. Our annual registration runs $100-200 per vehicle for our 2004 truck and 2011 CRV.
California annual registration is based on vehicle value and so it is essentially the same thing as a property tax
What's the effective rate in California? i.e. How much tax on a 5 year old car with a KBB of around $20K?
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/wasapp/FeeCalcul ... cleForm.do
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the advantages for Medicare member to have Geriatric Physician?
Replies: 5
Views: 1073

Re: What are the advantages for Medicare member to have Geriatric Physician?

If I could find a geriatric physician with great qualifications and reviews, I would absolutely hire them. Unfortunately, in most areas there is a scarcity and with the aging population in the US it will continue. These days, for those over 50 or of Medicare age it is becoming increasingly difficult to find IM or FCP with open practices. That said, I generally have preferred IM over FCP as they are more specialized but my last PCP was FCP (is that enough acronyms?) We recently hired a concierge physician, with further training in geriatrics, as our PCP. We did this because of increasing difficulty with getting physician and specialist appointments. "Geriatricians are primary care doctors who have additional specialized training in trea...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Coast FI jobs
Replies: 66
Views: 10003

Re: Coast FI jobs

Thanks this has became a nice long thread with so many good feedbacks. For software engineering in particular are there any places to look for these kind of jobs ? A search on linkedin is typically filled with big corporate craps. Any niche site that has these jobs ? Hopefully some BHs will have experience and can direct you. I'm a Google addict for some of the questions folks ask here. Here's a first link that came up, not precisely what you want but a start https://scionstaffing.com/search-jobs/ If you are at all interested in volunteering, there are also good websites for that and your skills are in high demand, as others have mentioned. EDIT- https://techjobsforgood.com/ What about a job like this? https://tinyurl.com/yzdzzk66 -it appe...
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to split rent?
Replies: 42
Views: 3997

Re: How to split rent?

Sandtrap wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 9:53 am
salt_drummer wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:09 pm My +1 and I are moving to a $3000/mo apartment in a VHCOL area. I make $149k + 10% bonus. Not sure how much my SO makes, probably 2-2.5x more than me. How should we split the rent? Can we even afford $3k a month? Thanks!
to op:
question:

are both of you on the rental lease agreement?

j :D
As a young landlord with my first rental, I was very surprised I had to explain to one of my young tenants that when his roommate moved out, he had to pay the entire rent and couldn't just pay "his" half. I suggest the OP and his +1 have some written agreements in place to cover not only rent but utilities, groceries, etc.
by nonnie
Thu Nov 16, 2023 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan
Replies: 68
Views: 11396

Re: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan

Older adults are HALF the nation's homeless population. https://leadingage.org/older-adults-are-half-of-nations-homeless-population/#:~:text=Single%20adults%20over%2050%20now,no%20access%20to%20affordable%20housing. Seniors are the fastest growing homeless population in California. Services mentioned do exist but these days it's a problem for agencies to even answer the phone let alone put folks on two and three year long waiting lists. California accounts for about a third of the nation’s homeless people, and among this population, seniors are estimated to be the fastest-growing group. One key indicator is the state’s tally of people accessing homelessness services. From 2017 to 2021, California’s overall senior population grew by 7% but t...
by nonnie
Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect
Replies: 202
Views: 23698

Re: Estimating Life Expectancy Accurately - Defying the Lake Wobegon Effect

It’s one thing to think you’re going to refuse treatment 30 years from now, but no person on earth who currently has good quality of life and isn’t already on hospice, is going to refuse antibiotics for an infection. No matter what their age is. It might be a different story if someone is alone and in poor health, but a normal, reasonably healthy, not depressed 75 or 85 or 95 year old, who has friends and family, is never gonna do that. "currently has good quality of life " I'm 81. I have a gazillion failing body parts but they have been actively failing for more than 35 years since I retired on disability when I was 47. I never thought my skeleton would last past 80 I live in Independent Living with 100 other seniors from 65 to ...
by nonnie
Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan
Replies: 68
Views: 11396

Re: My mom has basically no cash - need a plan

London wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:01 pm
sailaway wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:35 pm
chicagoan23 wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:02 pm
sailaway wrote: Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:44 am
This assumes that OP is willing and able to make up any shortfall in the future.
Why would OP have to make up a shortfall that was incurred by his mother?

If I was 80 years old, I would not worry about potential debts at all.
I always worry about becoming homeless. Seems like it would be even harder at 80.
This is a largely unfounded fear. There are practically no homeless 80 year olds. There are too many services for that.
Sorry, you are wrong. I know at least three--in Northern California. There may be services but waiting lists are two and three and four years long.
by nonnie
Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available
Replies: 123
Views: 18055

Re: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available

I don't know if this is across the board but for Well-care value script, the plan I have now, mail order is almost double local preferred pharmacies. I hate the hassle of switching but I may have to.
by nonnie
Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% interest CC- carry balance and invest the difference- unintended consequences
Replies: 46
Views: 4098

Re: 0% interest CC- carry balance and invest the difference- unintended consequences

buckeye7983 wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2023 6:26 am
user85613 wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 9:17 pm The temporary drop in credit score could possibly be a problem when it comes to auto/home/umbrella/etc insurance renewals.
Thank you user85613. This is the main risk I vaguely remember hearing before.

Has anyone had their insurance premiums adversely affected by this strategy?

Can anyone point me to an online reference to this risk?
Here you go.

https://www.valuepenguin.com/how-does-y ... %20savings.
by nonnie
Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625596

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

WhitePuma wrote: Tue Nov 14, 2023 7:24 pm
sailingdave74 wrote: Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:49 pm I prepped meals for the week ahead on Sunday afternoon. It's now Wednesday and I've been able to grab a meal and go each day, knowing I'll be having something healthy for lunch and won't need to spend any money on food!
Do you have a time machine? Your post is dated Tuesday afternoon, but you said it’s Wednesday.
I almost always find that I save money when I just skipped Tuesdays.
by nonnie
Tue Nov 14, 2023 1:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

As is so often the case, my views diverge from many others here. In the last year we have done a trans-Atlantic on Seabourn, and Alaska on Oceania round trip out of Seattle. Mrs O is mobility limited, though not in a chair. She managed very well on these smaller ships. There were also several cruisers on mobility scooters, and all found they preferred the smaller ships, less crowded venues, and somewhat more personalized service. I can’t imagine fighting through 3-5000 passengers to get my breakfast buffet. Interestingly, at the one-time superdooper buffet, both lines assigned a crew member to accompany those with mobility issues, hold their plates, and get them to their seats. Well appreciated. Off-ship activity in Alaska is a different m...
by nonnie
Mon Nov 13, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

For me, the simplest things can be challenging and leave me in pain or evoke a "flareup" that's going to need extended rest and recovery. IE: going from car to airport terminal to plane boarding to unboarding to terminal to luggage pickup to car. Like that. Huge thanks for the tips. I'm not sure about sitting in a train for an extended period of time, or things like that. j :D One thing that makes travel logistics and comfort a or easier is pre-hiring a driver to transport between home-airport-hotel-ship-and back. Carey and Blacklane are two services with wide coverage. Hotels can be used to pre-arrange. Also, cruise lines. It is a great feeling to get off of a plane and see my name on a sign held by a driver, knowing that there ...
by nonnie
Mon Nov 13, 2023 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

I highly recommend you take a look at Regent. Our first two cruises were with them to Alaska. Smallish ships, under 1000 sq ft, great state rooms, take a look at Penthouse suite or above, no fancy dress code-sport coats totally optional, only 738 passengers (Explorer) which we found to be the perfect size. Room service 24 hours a day, no need for kitchen. Lots of activities and excursions but also perfectly comfortable to stay on board, great balconies. https://www.rssc.com/ships/seven_seas_explorer https://www.rssc.com/destinations/alaska You may find better handicap accessibility on larger ships. I I'm not familiar with travel agents that specialize in handicap accessible cruises but I certainly would recommend inquiring with one or two....
by nonnie
Mon Nov 13, 2023 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

A couple of other points that came to mind based on some of the other comments... I'd be a little hesitant to recommend the smaller Oceania ships or the Azamara ships for you (sometimes known as "R-class" ships). While I like them for their size and service, they are older ships and more prone to have awkward thresholds and heavy doors. Manageable, but less of a smooth experience. The larger Oceania ships (which don't go to Alaska) work very well for access, with automatic doors and such. A few of the "luxury" lines are still into dressing up for dinner. That's been ebbing away over the years, but you can still run into situations where "formal", or "semi-formal" is required for the dining rooms on c...
by nonnie
Sun Nov 12, 2023 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9708

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

I’ll just add there may be good reasons to purchase travel insurance, but I’ve never bothered. Instead I self insure and minimize risks by arriving to the departing city a few days before the cruise. 5 days in Venice, 2 days in Puerto Rico, 1 day in NYC, and 1 day in Barcelona, etc. Arriving early and staying an extra day afterwards just makes the whole trip more enjoyable. With many pre-existing conditions, we always purchase travel insurance. We've never used it except... We had a cruise scheduled for mid-December, $12k. A couple weeks ago DH fell and broke a vertebrae in his spine. Our cancellation refund is only 25%. I'm about to file a claim for the 75% of costs we won't get back. CFAR Insurance is pretty expensive, look into it but f...
by nonnie
Sun Nov 12, 2023 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% interest CC- carry balance and invest the difference- unintended consequences
Replies: 46
Views: 4098

Re: 0% interest CC- carry balance and invest the difference- unintended consequences

It appears most folks are talking about making the monthly minimum payment. Doesn't that then generate interest on the cumulative balance?
by nonnie
Sun Nov 12, 2023 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire
Replies: 648
Views: 62974

Re: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire

I LOVE No Net Worth November. Sounds like a great idea for you. We are 100% fixed, decumulation. October and November appear to be OOP medical expense months (not quite as catchy as NNWN) hearing and $10k dental, not really enjoyable. I use monthly net worth to track where we are. We moved into expensive IL 4 years ago with $1.2M NW. We are now bumping up against $1.1M and I am starting to visualize it almost as a dike holding back water as I struggle not to break $1M (yes this is stupid). I love reading how assorted BHs handle their finances, the mental accounting, the buckets, the actuarial tables, budgeting to 95 or 100. My thanks to Larry Swedroe -"Life is too short not to enjoy it. If you can't sleep at night, you are taking too m...
by nonnie
Sat Nov 11, 2023 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accident with uninsured driver
Replies: 100
Views: 11151

Re: Accident with uninsured driver

As others have said, take care of your health. Consult with your own physicians and make sure to also be thoroughly checked out by specialists. Back and other injuries can show up months later. Orthopedic injuries can take a long time to heal. Utilize physical therapy to recovery and rehab, don't bypass this step as not properly rehabbing from an injury when you are young and come back to bite you when you are old-er. There is no hurry to sign documents, make claims or statements to insurance companies. Take care of your health first. Do not make any statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Since you are not looking for a settlement at this time and can afford to front your medical expenses, there is no hurry. You may want to...
by nonnie
Fri Nov 10, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would like to do my own taxes for 2023, free tax software to practice 2022 and compare with my accountant's?
Replies: 23
Views: 2386

Re: Would like to do my own taxes for 2023, free tax software to practice 2022 and compare with my accountant's?

Can one still complete TurboTax online for free? I know this was possible several years ago. One could start and then complete the forms and payment was only required at the end to enable filing the return.
by nonnie
Thu Nov 09, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare participation?
Replies: 17
Views: 2455

Re: Medicare participation?

Here's some info on Medicare and tests covered:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/is-yo ... ce-covered

In the link below you can enter your test to see if it is covered by Medicare:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/diagn ... tory-tests

Preventive screenings:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preve ... g-services

As has been noted, if there is a good reason for the test or service and your physician documents and codes correctly (it can be an art form) especially in the case of "preventive care" it will be covered under Medigap. Medicare Advantage is totally different, as also noted previously.
by nonnie
Thu Nov 09, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: applying at any time on ex-spouses social security record?
Replies: 23
Views: 4562

Re: applying at any time on ex-spouses social security record?

PVW wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 9:22 pm
gips wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 6:57 pm so, i learned this weekend my sil’s benefit is $2800, the highest benefit is $4400 and she’d receive 1/2 of that, so no reason to apply on her ex’s record.

thanks all for your thoughtful replies!
If her ex dies before she does, she can claim the survivor benefit - which is his current benefit. So she still should inform the SSA that she was previously married.
Are you suggesting that she should notify SSA that she was previously married so they will contact her if her ex-spouse dies? AFAIK, this is not ever done and it's one of the criticisms of SSA-- in many cases ex-spouses aren't in contact nor aware of this law.
by nonnie
Wed Nov 08, 2023 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: applying at any time on ex-spouses social security record?
Replies: 23
Views: 4562

Re: applying at any time on ex-spouses social security record?

How long has she been collecting? If less than a year, perhaps" withdrawal of benefits" might be of interest but it is available only in the first 12 months after becoming eligible for Social Security benefits.
by nonnie
Wed Nov 08, 2023 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with reply to home inspections- sellers perspective
Replies: 103
Views: 9390

Re: Help with reply to home inspections- sellers perspective

Thanks all again for your time Misleading me is the biggest frustration Will try to keep emotions out ,but I am human ! I'm sorry this has happened to you. It's fairly common as others have said for a buyer to exhibit this kind of behavior stalling/waiting until the last minute while waiting for another home deal. There is "nothing major" they are requesting. Yes, they are asking for everything the report turned up and some of the asks are overreach--new range--but again, it is a negotiation. Do read the post about possible buyer concerns about the issues that were called out and questions about maintenance. I'm not sure how long you would be considering renting, others have raised issues for you to be pay attention, but there ca...
by nonnie
Wed Nov 08, 2023 12:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it ever a good idea to pay an AUM fee to a wealth manager
Replies: 37
Views: 4121

Re: Is it ever a good idea to pay an AUM fee to a wealth manager

Plan Vision is often recommended. Is this something that might work for you?

https://planvisionmn.com/
by nonnie
Tue Nov 07, 2023 11:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switched Medigap insurance companies
Replies: 2
Views: 713

Re: Switched Medigap insurance companies

I recently switched from Mutual of Omaha to AARP UHC (Plan G) Medigap insurance company. I checked Medicare.gov and it still show the Mutual of Omaha Medigap plan. Does anyone know how long it takes for this change to take place? I understand it is done by a file called crossover . Thanks What method did you use to switch? I've done it through an agent and via the Medicare website. It is supposed to be automatic to enroll and disenroll at the same time and I never have disenrolled with the first company. Recently I have been told that there are glitches and it's a good idea to disenroll. Is your effective date prior to January 1, 2024? I'm going to assume you've gotten your paperwork, plan number and card from AARP. That's what's important...
by nonnie
Tue Nov 07, 2023 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare participation?
Replies: 17
Views: 2455

Re: Medicare participation?

Thanks for replies. It has been an educational day (so far). I have talked to insurance and benefits advisors and DW has talked to Medicare and the provider of the treatment. The treatment is medical and is prescribed by a physician. It appears it is covered by "B" with a 20% copay, which we believe will be covered by Supplement G. Benefits advisor to our employer plan suggested signing her up for the medical benefit, "just in case" Medicare coverage doesnt occur. Then once the Medicare coverage is provided (letter) then drop the company benefit for her by calling in on January 2nd. She indicated there have been rare occasions in which the Medicare didnt kick in and the window closed for employee benefit. All very educa...