Search found 198 matches

by HogsAndApples
Wed Feb 05, 2014 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confused by Cell Phone Plans
Replies: 19
Views: 2373

Re: Confused by Cell Phone Plans

With respect to DSInvestor's post and T-Mobile . . .

I just heard from T-Mobile (in-store*) that I can purchase for $35/mo. unlimted talk and text for my iPhone. If you are not on contract, this can be a less expensive route as there are so many places to connect through wifi. So there are some months I will spring for the higher level plan depending on my needs and some months where I pay less.

*note there can be some price models that are offered in-store versus online.
by HogsAndApples
Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone feed the birds?
Replies: 84
Views: 11256

Re: Anyone feed the birds?

I don't feed the birds or any wildlife - I tend to think it is more helpful to them not to.

That said, on near the coldest day this winter AND there have been some cold ones, 15-20 robins visited a single bush in my backyard - magical to see.
by HogsAndApples
Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have a bat house?
Replies: 31
Views: 3183

Re: Does anyone have a bat house?

What an interesting question! I don't have a bat house. I know bats are important ecologically. I would tend not to want a bat house near my house because, I believe, they can carry rabies. I'll be interested to read more.

Why do you want a bat house?
by HogsAndApples
Thu Dec 26, 2013 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2 Factor Authentication: Yea? Nea?
Replies: 15
Views: 1634

2 Factor Authentication: Yea? Nea?

I opened a gmail account. I started with a nice strong password to begin with ... and I received notification from google that someone had attempted to gain access to my account and they indicated the person had the password but had been denied access. They suggested I enter a new password and offered me the option of 2 factor authentication. I took them up on it. I created a new password - a very, very, very long password again with special characters, letters (upper and lower) and numbers. I then tried to use this with Mac Mail. No dice. Turns out the only way I can access my Mac Mail using two factor authentication ... well a really rather puny password ... all letters (lower case). Aren't I better off with the long, strong password I en...
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 24, 2013 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investment Policy Statement - the value of and a thank you
Replies: 1
Views: 368

Investment Policy Statement - the value of and a thank you

A while back I worked up an IPS - been a couple of years. Frankly, getting myself up to speed took about 6 mos or so. I am so glad I took the time and grateful the Bogleheads forum existed to help me learn. So if anyone is reading this post and perusing the Bogleheads forum to get advice and/or to begin a financial education - I'd say pick up a good financial book and take the plunge. The results: knowledge and self understanding ... that helps give peace of mind and means you have a better chance of exceeding your financial goals. Writing up the Investment Policy Statement was as important as the financial education ... they worked hand-in-hand together. It forces you to process the information you are reading about and believe me when you...
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 24, 2013 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Web based email vs. email client (Mac Mail, etc.)
Replies: 29
Views: 3008

Re: Web based email vs. email client (Mac Mail, etc.)

As usual, the wisdom and suggestions here is great! Thank you. Several have mentioned Google Apps for Business which is now product one must pay for.

Google itself allows me to do what I need to do ... in the moment ... reply to email from various domain addresses. How is google apps different from regular gmail with respect to email?
by HogsAndApples
Mon Dec 23, 2013 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Web based email vs. email client (Mac Mail, etc.)
Replies: 29
Views: 3008

Web based email vs. email client (Mac Mail, etc.)

I'm in the process of choosing an new email provider and asked for suggestions here:
http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 1&t=128055

I received lots of suggestions and I have just one more basic question about the pros and cons between web based and client based email (Thunderbird, Mac Mail, etc.).

In looking around, I'm thinking It will be more secure and I will have more access if I use web-based email. I will be getting my own domains (more portable email address) and using this for both personal and business correspondence.

Web based email seems almost a no-brainer, but I wonder if there is something I might be missing ... your thoughts?
by HogsAndApples
Wed Dec 18, 2013 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New email service provider needed
Replies: 58
Views: 6896

Re: New email service provider needed

One last thing ... if anyone else is thinking of changing email addresses you might find the info here helpful:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-change-you ... 1481486947
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 17, 2013 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New email service provider needed
Replies: 58
Views: 6896

Re: New email service provider needed

This thread was full of some interesting information ... just what I was after. A couple of points ...
... assumptions about an OP based on a couple of questions can be grossly wrong ...
... I was amazed to read that 1/2 a billion people world wide use gmail
... contrary to what it looked like, if I counted correctly - there were more votes for gmail than for outlook

Too bad the post office didn't get into the email business ...

Seriously though - email deserves as much privacy as snail mail. Mail is mail electronic or otherwise.
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 10, 2013 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New email service provider needed
Replies: 58
Views: 6896

Re: New email service provider needed

Thank you everyone! Really interesting and this conversation has filled me in on some misunderstandings I have about how email works.

I've actually had several people suggest I get a domain and either buy email or forward it through gmail or another service. I didn't really understand why this was useful. I do now.

I appreciate all your advice!
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 10, 2013 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New email service provider needed
Replies: 58
Views: 6896

Re: New email service provider needed

Thanks! So Gmail is considered secure and private other than ads and the like.

I have a Mac, will I be able to actually get my email on Mac under Mail or will have to use the web based email service? My iMac cannot be upgraded - at this point - to use iCloud, though I hope to invest in a new computer later this year.

I have also heard of fastmail and have had some positve reports about their service.
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 10, 2013 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New email service provider needed
Replies: 58
Views: 6896

New email service provider needed

My new internet service provider does not provide email service. What email service would you suggest that is reliable, secure and cost effective? Also, I would -- if possible -- like to have the service able to be accessed on my computer and smartphone as well as web-based.

Any suggestions or thoughts?
by HogsAndApples
Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPods and Radio?
Replies: 10
Views: 1439

iPods and Radio?

I was thinking of getting an ipod for my partner. He loves music and, in particular, like to run and listen to sports live via the radio ... am and fm. Last time I checked into this it wasn't feasible. Will an iPod do the trick?

If not an iPod are there other devices that might work?
by HogsAndApples
Wed Nov 20, 2013 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water line, sewer line, in-house plumbing insurance
Replies: 11
Views: 2366

Re: Water line, sewer line, in-house plumbing insurance

We can insure ourselves for everything these days. Sometimes it makes sense to, other times not.

For me, an emergency fund makes much more sense than paying insurance. Yes, occasionally there might be a rather large bill. By the way the two homes I have owned have been older than 25 years.

If it was my first home and I didn't have an emergency fund ... maybe I would insure?
by HogsAndApples
Thu Nov 14, 2013 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401K and Security?
Replies: 3
Views: 625

Re: 401K and Security?

Thank you both. I will pass this information on to him - maybe this rang a red flag for him (and me) that is unnecessary. Obviously it is important to get the matching contribution from his employer!
by HogsAndApples
Wed Nov 13, 2013 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401K and Security?
Replies: 3
Views: 625

401K and Security?

My uncle started a new job a month or so ago and asked me the other day an interesting question. Apparently his employer works with a firm that handles their 401K's - Let's call it Firm X. Unbelievably Firm X allows the user to use an SS# AND they can create a user id with numbers, letters and special characters. The user id can be very long and the SS number can always be used to access the account. The password is ONLY numbers and only 6 to 8 numbers at that. He is very concerned about security at this firm and while he had invested a nominal amount as a new employee, he is thinking of not investing anymore until and if they upgrade their security. The company he is involved with is not a startup and has a national reputation. I would be ...
by HogsAndApples
Sun Oct 27, 2013 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iphone options?
Replies: 17
Views: 2301

Re: iphone options?

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions! I look forward to looking into them.
by HogsAndApples
Fri Oct 25, 2013 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iphone options?
Replies: 17
Views: 2301

iphone options?

I've decided to invest in my first iphone. I much prefer not to have a contract and to be able to use the phone overseas (though this will be occasional).

Is my only option to purchase an unlocked iPhone for full price and then choose a carrier. It seems terribly expensive.

Anyone have any suggestions for carriers and options?

What I want is an inexpensive, contract free iPhone that I can use oversea (occasionally). Second to that one for US only. Any thoughts?

The reason I am choosing an iPhone is that it will be compatible with my Apple computer. I've also thought of purchasing an ipad mini to use as a phone, but I'm not sure that would be adequate size wise.
by HogsAndApples
Wed Oct 23, 2013 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice on choosing a plan.
Replies: 4
Views: 521

Re: Need advice on choosing a plan.

A couple of years ago, I decided I needed to be better informed, have a plan. It took about six - nine months to work it through and become comfortable with a plan. The above poster is correct, "The enemy of a good plan is the search for a perfect plan." However, give yourself some time to see what makes sense to you. You may need more or less time than I. Ask questions on the forum. This is a great place for questions - especially great because sometimes people disagree and then.... you have to come to a place where you make up your own mind. My beginning place was the book, "Bogleheads' Guide To Investing." http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%27_Guide_To_Investing Anyway, it IS okay to be confused, take your time...
by HogsAndApples
Sun Sep 15, 2013 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts
Replies: 14
Views: 2696

Re: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts

You've all been most helpful: I'd like to post an image, but it appears I can't. This issue is on the west side of the house. The north side (front side of house) faces the street. We've tried window well covers and they do little if anything. This issue occurs only rarely. Water fills the window wells and the water seeps into the basement - it is not the biggest issue, however we would like to do other work in the basement and need this issue fixed first. There is a 6' slope from the back of the property (South) to the front (North). On the Northwest side there is also a tree - an old one, in the front of the property, which has raised the land up slightly and this would trap the water if we put in a ditch/swale without attaching it to a n...
by HogsAndApples
Sun Sep 15, 2013 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractors, References & Angie's List
Replies: 19
Views: 3011

Re: Contractors, References & Angie's List

Thank you everyone! Your perspectives have been very helpful! There is a lot of great wisdom here!
by HogsAndApples
Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractors, References & Angie's List
Replies: 19
Views: 3011

Re: Contractors, References & Angie's List

Thank you everyone! Lots of great suggestions and advice and wageoghe, I hadn't thought about a foundation contractor! Certainly, it is true, that references given will probably be good. I have called references before and it is surprising sometimes the things I have found out.

Many thanks for all your thoughts and suggestions - helps give a bit of perspective.
by HogsAndApples
Wed Sep 11, 2013 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contractors, References & Angie's List
Replies: 19
Views: 3011

Contractors, References & Angie's List

So I've been working on having a plumbing or landscaping contractor come in and put in a new underground drain pipe with a french or yard drain. It's been difficult to find people. Out of the 4 firms I considered I narrowed it down to two. This firm - a plumbing firm - now tells me they don't provide references. They say they are on Angie's list and they've had no one ask them for any references in at least 8 years. Now this isn't a $80 job. They are not the only ones to balk at giving references. Often the contractors site privacy issues or share about how unlikely it is to for me to be given "bad" references ...

What's the problem here? Am I being too demanding? The total estimate is about $3250.

Any wise advice?
by HogsAndApples
Sat Sep 07, 2013 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking secure way of sending personal data email / fax?
Replies: 23
Views: 4245

Re: Seeking secure way of sending personal data email / fax?

All your responses were very helpful - thank you!

Balancing the practical with whatever "conventional wisdom" says as well as your own knowledge can be interesting. Several people mentioned that my daughter might be labeled "X" if she didn't simply comply to whatever was asked of her. Yes, this could happen, funny in a way and sad in a way.

On the other hand a person can be over cautious. That too has consequences both funny and sad.

Balance and understanding possible consequences can help and that is why I so appreciated all of your responses! Thank you all!
by HogsAndApples
Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking secure way of sending personal data email / fax?
Replies: 23
Views: 4245

Seeking secure way of sending personal data email / fax?

Hi! My daughter was offered and accepted a new job with a major corporation in the US. They have asked her to send them either a cc of a passport or Driver’s License and Social Security card or a valid passport - the kicker is that they want this info emailed or faxed. She is hesitant to do this and has asked me for advice.

My first thought was sending the passport by fax might be the most secure thing to do. What do you think and do you have any other suggestions?

The corporation she will be working for has offices in the state she lives in, however, she will be working from home. The home office resides in another state.
by HogsAndApples
Thu Aug 22, 2013 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts
Replies: 14
Views: 2696

Re: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts

Yes, the window wells fill up with water and then the water seeps through into the basement through the windows. We do not have a humidity problem in the basement. On the east side of the house the ground does slope away slightly from the attached garage. Ideally the house should sit higher on the property - the siding is in contact with the grass for 2/3'd of the back yard but we haven't had issues from behind the house (no window wells) and the water sits back a bit. We'd like to get the water away from the back of the house but it isn't nearly as bad a problem. We do have a patio (slate on the ground) and if it rains a huge amount we will get water on the patio up to the house and below the underground drainage pipe that is connected to ...
by HogsAndApples
Thu Aug 22, 2013 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts
Replies: 14
Views: 2696

Re: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts

Thank you for your questions Mingus. The front of the house faces north. There is a neighboring property and there is about 15 feet between from the foundation of the side of the house to the neighboring property. There is a question if the underground drainage line is somewhat clogged - HOWEVER - even if it were open the issue still exists with the window wells filling up. We've had several companies come out and tell us they cannot grade away properly from the house due to the distance from the neighboring property. The gutters are clean. The north side gutter drain currently does have an extender. The South side gutter (back of house) which previously wasn't an issue is now clogged (not completely). All other drains are fine. There is a ...
by HogsAndApples
Thu Aug 22, 2013 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts
Replies: 14
Views: 2696

Drainage issue - Requesting Your Thoughts

I live in NYS and have ... when it rains just hard enough (and this happens infrequently) some water in the basement. It appears to fill 2 window wells on the west side of the house and then seep in to the basement. There are two gutters which attach to the underground drains on that side of the house (one in front and one in back). The house sits low to the ground and there is no space to grade properly. This area is on the side of the house and the back yard slopes down to the street. There are underground drains on the property. The house faces North, the issue is on the west. The back yard to the street is a slope of about 6 feet. The distance between the gutters is about 20 - 25 feet. I have received two suggestions to fix this issue: ...
by HogsAndApples
Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iphone or ipad
Replies: 12
Views: 1534

Re: iphone or ipad

Good points. LOL. However, I was thinking of the ipad mini. ;)
by HogsAndApples
Sat Jul 27, 2013 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iphone or ipad
Replies: 12
Views: 1534

Re: iphone or ipad

So other than size there is no trade off if I choose to use an ipad as my smart phone?
by HogsAndApples
Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iphone or ipad
Replies: 12
Views: 1534

iphone or ipad

Hi!

I'm in the market for a smart phone. I will purchase an iphone or and ipad. I'm like "simple" and prefer to carry around as little as possible. Can an ipad or ipad mini be used as a phone. Any pros or cons I should be aware of?

Love to hear your thoughts on this.
by HogsAndApples
Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nutrition Bars
Replies: 41
Views: 6608

Re: Nutrition Bars

May I suggest bananas or a baked potato. The latter keep great and are good hot or cold.
by HogsAndApples
Sat May 18, 2013 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 4876

Re: When to get an oil change?

Great responses! Thank you!

This is exactly why I wrote because the DEALER maintenance schedule said to have the oil changed every 3750 miles. Frankly, when I got the car I never differentiated between the DEALER maintenance schedule and the MANUFACTURER maintenance schedule -- I had no idea they could be different. Obviously, not getting an oil change at the dealer recommended level hasn't been an issue at all with the type of driving I do. I'll keep on with the 6 months oil changes or 7500 miles whichever is sooner. It's interesting to note that I might actually be able to go longer, but the car has been happy with what I've been doing - so I'll keep on, keepn' on.

Thank you all.
by HogsAndApples
Thu May 16, 2013 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 4876

Re: When to get an oil change?

Everyone, First, thank you all for your responses. JT, I wondered when CR ran the report you refer to ... looks like it was in 1996: http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960629&slug=2336807 Thanks for the information, I found it helpful. Interestingly, though I haven't read CR's report, they don't speak of months when considering intervals - rather they speak of miles (in the article above). I'm going to stick with my 6 month (or soon if mileage requires it) maintenance schedule as I can't really argue with the success I've had. Over the last few years though I have found the DEALER's maintenance schedules odd. I would prefer to get the manufacturers maintenance schedule for the vehicle in a clear succinct format.
by HogsAndApples
Thu May 16, 2013 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 4876

When to get an oil change?

I have a 97 Honda Accord. It's in great shape and I follow the maintenance. It has about 150,000 miles on it. I noticed today as I was preparing to schedule an oil change and service appointment that the book says to change the oil every 3,750 miles or 3 months. In the last few years I have not put as many miles on this car and so I'm changing the oil every 6 mos rather than every 3 (I believe I thought this way based on the schedule of another car that I own). Prior to this though I always followed the # of miles versus the # of months when it came to changing the oil. Looking back I can see that I have been changing the oil about every 6 mos though when I was following the mileage only method sometimes I was changing it after 3 mos and so...
by HogsAndApples
Wed May 08, 2013 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 109
Views: 12156

Re: general (financial) advice about musical instruments/les

I've been wanting to try the cello recently, but I've been thinking it might be too costly to try at the moment. Any ideas about finding an inexpensive cello?
by HogsAndApples
Wed May 08, 2013 11:10 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. JOHN BOGLE
Replies: 32
Views: 3872

Re: Happy Birthday Mr. John Bogle

Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day and that you are blessed with whatever delights you. And, a big thank you for your work!
by HogsAndApples
Sat May 04, 2013 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalancing Question
Replies: 5
Views: 518

Re: Rebalancing Question

Thank you both for your answers - your perspectives are quite helpful.

Livesoft, you said you don't do buckets - may I ask why? Are there pros / cons with respect to buckets versus no-buckets.
by HogsAndApples
Sat May 04, 2013 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalancing Question
Replies: 5
Views: 518

Rebalancing Question

First, a big thank you to everyone on this list as I have benefited from your collective wisdom over the past couple of years. My first yearly rebalancing moment arrived recently and I have a few questions to ask: In 2012 I made an IPS. At that time I decided to rebalance yearly. My band is 5%. My plan says that if I am near the band to wait 6 months and relook before deciding if rebalancing is necessary. If I am over the band, then go ahead and rebalance. All my funds are in tax deferred accounts or Roth IRAs. I'm glad my plan said to wait 6 months because if it said to rebalance now, I had an issue with a few things: 1) It felt so much like market timing to rebalance NOW :) and I had a deer in the headlights look about the whole thing. I ...
by HogsAndApples
Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]
Replies: 11
Views: 1726

Re: Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]

Thank you all for your thoughts and questions! A few more glitches surfaced since I wrote this and I pretty much decided that working for this org under this contract might not be a good thing.
by HogsAndApples
Thu Apr 18, 2013 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]
Replies: 11
Views: 1726

Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]

So an opportunity has come my way. Let me say I have been a part of this organization for just under six years. All the work is contract work for clients of theirs. I've also done some professional development work for some of their clients as well. All 1099 work (short-term work) . Earlier this year, I was asked to be a consultant on a project they were working on. My contract was for about 6 months (long term work) or so. I was very upfront about the project with the manager and we had a clear understanding that I was willing to do the contract work, but it might not be something I would want to continue with at the end of the contract. He was fine with this. The job including training for a new program that was coming down the pike and/o...
by HogsAndApples
Mon Apr 08, 2013 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

Yes, I agree that the mower is important. It appears Toro uses a B&S motor only on a few of their models now:

20199 over a $1000 along with their electric start model 20200
20316 at $359 - an electric lawn mower

There are 2 lower level lawnmowers with a Kohler motor
The rest have a Toro Motor
and on Honda Motor.

An electric mower wouldn't be wise for our lawn, I'm considering one with Toro motor or the Honda Motor.

Any thoughts on a choice between motors ... the honda motor is another $50.
by HogsAndApples
Sun Apr 07, 2013 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

So I took a trip over to the local Toro dealer. I looked at several model. I really like the Personal Pace feature - I used to wantto walk faster than my old mower could go. The low end model I was considering #20371 has a Kohler motor versus practically all the rest which have Toro Motors (one has a Honda motor). Several here have recommended stepping up to the aluminum deck models with the 5 year warranty as it as a heavier duty motor. I rather buy the idea of a stepped up motor and so am now considering the 20372, 22", (which has the better motor and the personal pace) or the 20381 which has the aluminum deck, 21" but in all other ways is the same as the 20372. The salesman said that with a smaller gas can and not letting the g...
by HogsAndApples
Wed Apr 03, 2013 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

The mower has been taken apart and both gears are stripped so I would need 2 gears at $62 a pop even if I did the work myself ... so I'm thinking a new or used mower is in the offing.

I am seriously about the higher grade end - but boy those are expensive, $650 ... maybe it is worth it. I'm also looking at
Honda and Troy Built as well as Toro ...
by HogsAndApples
Tue Apr 02, 2013 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

Thank you for all the advice and suggestions.

Turns out the mower needs two gears (they are stripped) and they ea. cost $62 a piece.

I intended to buy new, but I can see that a refurbished or used mower might fill the bill as well. I find reviews to be mixed somewhat - though Consumers Report recommended all three of the mowers that I was looking at. I'm not really sure how helpful general reviews are -- they can have you second guessing the CR recommendation - sometimes though you pick up a tip or two.

Thanks again!
by HogsAndApples
Sun Mar 31, 2013 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Lawn Mower Fix or New

I have a 26 year old Toro 22" gas powered lawn mower. The front wheels are not driving and I am told that this may well mean a new transmission. $25 to take a look and $125 to $150 to fix if this is the issue. The company who is estimating the job has been reliable in the past. I'm not a 100% sure they can actually get the parts to fix it - if the transmission is the issue. I looked Consumer Reports May 2013 issue and was thinking possibly of purchasing: - Toro 20370 $280 - 22" - Toro Recycler 20332 - $350 - 22" - Toro Recycler 20333 (20334) - $400 - 22" What I want is a lawn mower that will work - easy maintenance / easy to fix - that will last. My old mower is pretty darn sturdy (metal / not plastic) ... I'm leaning to...
by HogsAndApples
Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Health Saving Account
Replies: 4
Views: 917

Re: Health Saving Account

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, directions to the wiki and advice.

Now I have some work to do! ;)
by HogsAndApples
Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Health Saving Account
Replies: 4
Views: 917

Health Saving Account

I am interested to learn more which Health Savings Accounts might be a "best" investment and I have a few questions

1. Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to house an individual HSA?

2. Is my understanding correct that I do not need to have one prior to the beginning of the calendar year?

3. Also, I did do a search on Health Savings Accounts and I found a reference to the wiki, but when I did a subsequent search of the wiki I could find no reference to HSA or Health Savings Accounts. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be grateful.
by HogsAndApples
Tue Dec 04, 2012 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gutter replacement: .032 or .027 gauge
Replies: 9
Views: 19205

Re: Gutter replacement: .032 or .027 gauge

Thanks everyone - .032 gauge it is!
by HogsAndApples
Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gutter replacement: .032 or .027 gauge
Replies: 9
Views: 19205

Re: Gutter replacement: .032 or .027 gauge

I am replacing one 26' span of gutter and an elbow. I have no idea how old the gutters are - the house was built in 1955 or so. They are at least 24 years old. I do not know if the gutters are .027 or .032 currently. My sense was that they are .032 - they are very sturdy and have been hit by tree branches before. I found this which, if true, suggests that .032 might be the better deal as ladders etc., are often leaned against them. http://www.usraingutter.com/gutter-thickness-gauge-material.html This particular section sits alone and does not connect with any other part of the gutter system, other than a downspout. I had several estimates completed. Both contractors have solid references and were thorough .... one contractor listed .027 gau...