Search found 388 matches

by R2D2
Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?
Replies: 28
Views: 9962

Re: What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?

JoMoney wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:12 am
R2D2 wrote: Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:09 am Let me get this straight.... I have an executive membership but I use my Capital One 1.5% cash back card to check out. I then receive a total of 3.5% cash back (1.5% from Capital One and 2% from Costco)?
Yes, but you could have had 4% cash back if you had the Citi Costco Visa ... 2% from Costco Citi on Coscto Purchases + 2% for executive membership.
Aha, this is the part I was missing. So I'll just keep using my Costco Visa.

Now what's the optimal way to buy gas at Costco? Do I pay with mt Costco Visa and get 4% + 2% = 6% back?
by R2D2
Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?
Replies: 28
Views: 9962

Re: What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?

Let me get this straight.... I have an executive membership but I use my Capital One 1.5% cash back card to check out. I then receive a total of 3.5% cash back (1.5% from Capital One and 2% from Costco)?
by R2D2
Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?
Replies: 28
Views: 9962

What's the point of Costco Executive membership if you already have a 2% rewards credit card?

I used to think that if you spent $3000/yr at Costco that it was worth getting the executive membership, since it gives you 2% back on Costco purchases. (The executive membership costs an extra $60/yr, and 2% of $3000 is $60.)

But what if I have a 2% rewards Visa? Then I could just use that at Costco and not bother with the executive membership, right? Am I missing something?
by R2D2
Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap way to get national/world news on tv?
Replies: 40
Views: 3420

Re: Cheap way to get national/world news on tv?

OP here. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
by R2D2
Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap way to get national/world news on tv?
Replies: 40
Views: 3420

Cheap way to get national/world news on tv?

We have a few different streaming services, and what they all have in common is that they are cheap and have good content. Well, except for YouTube tv. It's super expensive ($73/month) and there's hardly anything on television I want to watch anyway.

Except... DW likes to watch ABC World News (or any world news) and a few CNN shows when I'm away from home.

Is there a cheap way to get news channels, or just a couple tv stations for cheap? What do you recommend?
by R2D2
Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Makes a Great Burger?
Replies: 79
Views: 5757

Re: What Makes a Great Burger?

A few people mentioned using kosher salt on the burger right before cooking it. Is there some reason to prefer that to regular fine salt for these purposes?
by R2D2
Wed Feb 22, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive
Replies: 77
Views: 8954

Re: Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive

H-Town wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 12:15 pm Almost everything in consumer market has this set-up.

- Store brand product is cheaper than brand name product. Their quality is hardly noticeable.
Clark Howard was claiming a few months ago that brand name foods had really run up in price, but store brand prices didn't go up much.

So if you like the store brand, it was even more of a bargain on a relative basis.
by R2D2
Wed Feb 22, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive
Replies: 77
Views: 8954

Re: Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive

THY4373 wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 11:48 am What I have noticed is with the exception of some models (often performance cars) is that upgrades often sell for pennies on the dollar in the used car market. My last few cars have been domestic sedans bought at 4-5 years of age with high depreciation. An example my current car had about $12k in options in it and I got it for less than $1.5k over what the cheapest base models were selling for. The HID headlight option on this car retailed for $2k alone when new.
Very cool! This alone is a compelling reason to buy used.
by R2D2
Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive
Replies: 77
Views: 8954

Cases where the "base model" is a steal, but the fancier models are quite expensive

I've recently noticed that there are certain businesses that sell a "base model" that is ridiculously cheap (i.e. I'm not even sure they make any money off it) and then they charge big premiums to upgrade. Some examples: 1. The base price for a cruise with an interior room is really low. If you stick with that room, don't buy the unlimited drink package or dining package, book your excursions through an outside company, and don't gamble, then you end up with a cheap but really nice vacation. You *really* pay up for certain things such as nice rooms, unlimited alcohol, and even internet. 2. I recently bought a sedan where the base model was low but each upgrade was very pricey. I ended up getting one level above the base (because i...
by R2D2
Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
Replies: 21
Views: 2853

Re: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?

ResearchMed wrote: Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:23 pm
Orthodoc1. wrote: Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:18 pm Check out Directline Cruise agency. As far as I know, they are not commissioned and their prices are usually better than Costco. I think they book many rooms as a group, then pass the savings to the customers. They also have a loyalty bonus point system to redeem credits and perk for future cruises. I have used them for years and still happy. Located in NY.

What does it mean if they are "not commissioned"?
And if they pass group rates along to the customers, how do they get paid?

RM
I'm wondering the same thing.

Btw, thanks for pointing me to Directline Cruise agency. I had never heard of them before.
by R2D2
Thu Dec 01, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
Replies: 21
Views: 2853

Re: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?

random_walker_77 wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:34 pm ps, regarding the on-board credit for being a shareholder, google is your friend here. Just file the form w/ the cruiseline as per their directions
https://www.rclinvestor.com/contact-us/ ... r-benefit/
Thanks, the specific issue I was concerned with was that I couldn't use this discount if other discounts were already applied (which I think is nearly always the case.) However, I just perused cruisecritic.com (thanks to everyone who recommended this!) and someone wrote:
The stockholder's benefit is now combinable with all other offers. You are able to receive the benefit regardless of what other sales offers there are.
by R2D2
Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
Replies: 21
Views: 2853

Re: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?

DetroitAvant wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:21 pm We use Costco, they give a cash card and then membership rebate if you're a gold member. Their website isn't very good, I usually find the cruise I want somewhere else and then give them the discount code and have Costco book it for me. Biggest problem I've had lately is the wait time to call them (which I think is happening everywhere) and then they don't do a good job of relaying communications from the cruise line (upgrade offers, etc).
Aha, that seems like a big deal though. They probably don't have useful advice on which rooms are better etc, right?
by R2D2
Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?
Replies: 21
Views: 2853

Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise: Use Costco, travel agent, VacationsToGo.com, or...?

I've looked a lot at cruises through VacationsToGo.com. If I actually want to book a cruise, how should I do it? Some options: 1. Use a person at VacationsToGo.com. A friend of mine had a good experience with this. The rep was able to get some good discounts for him. 2. Use Costco travel. I've never done this, but it looks like you get to speak to an actual person, and get some good discounts in the form of Costco cards. 3. Use a travel agent who specializes in cruises. The big advantage here is that this person could probably advise me on what room to get, as well as advise me on pre-purchasing dining options, etc. But maybe I still get all this with options 1 & 2? I know that some aspects of booking & discounts can get complicated...
by R2D2
Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat
Replies: 16
Views: 1784

Re: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat

michaeljc70 wrote: Wed Nov 30, 2022 6:18 pm I've had the Meater+ for some time...
Thanks for the in-depth reply. I really appreciate it.
by R2D2
Tue Nov 29, 2022 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat
Replies: 16
Views: 1784

Re: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat

dukeblue219 wrote: Tue Nov 29, 2022 10:07 am Fortunately thin cuts of meat are generally faster to cook and easier to judge for completion. The MEATER really shines with a long cook, like a roast, a turkey or thick steaks.
Right, thin cuts of chicken will bake fast, but that's part of why I want to keep a close eye on the temperature. I want to take it out 5-10 degrees early, wrap it in foil, and let it warm up the rest of the way outside the oven. Extra oven time means more drying out.

Thanks for your feedback.
by R2D2
Tue Nov 29, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat
Replies: 16
Views: 1784

Opinions on "Meater"/remote wireless thermometer, esp how to handle thin cuts of meat

I noticed in another thread that a few people really like the Meater (e.g. this one comes with 4 thermometers: https://www.amzn.com/B07TJ95CBM).

I read up on a few different brands of remote wireless thermometers, and it seems that one advantage Meater has is that the sensor is near the tip of the "spike" that you stick into the meat. But here's another issue: What if I'm baking/grilling chicken that's been flattened with a mallet so that it's really skinny? Won't the spike be too thick for the meat?

Does anyone have experience with this? Or do you recommend a different brand, or think the whole concept is a waste of money? :)
by R2D2
Tue Nov 08, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Constant Surveys Annoying
Replies: 35
Views: 2650

Re: Constant Surveys Annoying

vested1 wrote: Tue Nov 08, 2022 12:01 pm
livesoft wrote: Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:32 pm
Alan S. wrote: Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:28 pmI decided to just ignore the surveys unless the service provided was truly exceptional or shabby.
Same. I ignore all Vanguard surveys because if I don't then the "Submit" button doesn't work for me anyways and I have wasted my time.
Apparently I'm the only one who got that one. :beer
Care to explain the joke?
by R2D2
Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Zelle Question
Replies: 42
Views: 4506

Re: Zelle Question

As Zelle is already integrated with the bank, opening up a third account just means there are three accounts to choose from when initiating a Zelle transfer. There is no compartmentalizing here. You'd have to open an account at a separate institution to achieve what you propose. This is not true. Your Zelle account is associated with a specific account by routing number. All deposits and withdrawals go only to that account. Zelle does not have access to other accounts at the same bank. Clark Howard believes that using the same bank (i.e. not opening an account at a separate institution) still presents danger. I believe he was arguing that even though there's a specific routing number, the bank may somehow accommodate the payment request by...
by R2D2
Thu Sep 08, 2022 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New York City folks - taxi advice needed!
Replies: 17
Views: 1785

Re: New York City folks - taxi advice needed!

PeninsulaPerson wrote: Thu Sep 08, 2022 9:47 am
In this specific case, I am trying to figure the best way to get from Penn Station to about East 57th when coming in via Amtrak with luggage. My husband and I both love to walk - especially in NYC! - but that can be too much at the end of a sort-of-long travel day and possibly dealing with weather!
Right now, Google Maps says that from Penn Station to 57th & 3rd will take 25 minutes by car and 19 minutes by subway. So if you can carry your luggage, the subway will be cheaper and faster.

(In this case, it's recommending taking the E to Lex/53rd and then walking 0.3 miles.)
by R2D2
Thu Sep 08, 2022 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New York City folks - taxi advice needed!
Replies: 17
Views: 1785

Re: New York City folks - taxi advice needed!

Yeah, Uber & Lyft work fine, and I'm not sure that they cost more. When I used to take them, they were similar. Not sure if that's changed.

Pre-pandemic, Uber Pool -- now called Uber X Share -- worked great (and Lyft's equivalent was terrible). That should save something like 20%. (This is basically like Uber except they may pick up or drop off someone else along the way.)

You can also learn the subway system. Google Maps tells you how to get places using the subway, so it's much easier than it used to be. And it gives you time estimates.
by R2D2
Mon Aug 15, 2022 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I buy extended warranties, here's why.
Replies: 105
Views: 11739

Re: I buy extended warranties, here's why.

Walkure wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 4:25 pm Where it might make sense to buy the warranty is when the retail price of repairs is grossly inflated beyond the manufacturer's cost to fix.
This is a great point. What products do you think this applies to? I suspect it's most items that aren't cars!
by R2D2
Mon Aug 15, 2022 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I buy extended warranties, here's why.
Replies: 105
Views: 11739

Re: I buy extended warranties, here's why.

Some very condescending replies here. I think the OP has some interesting points to make, but since it conflicts with what a lot of BH's believe, he's being dismissed. For instance: The issuer sells extended warranties because they expect the claims made to be (much) less than the premiums that are paid for it. Nothing complicated about that - premiums are higher than claims, so the maker of the warranty makes money, and the buyer of warranty incurs a cost. Yes, this is true in a very literal sense, but as I pointed out above, it may be worth it (and have positive expectation) if you keep your receipts while the average Joe forgets about the warranty completely. In other words, the warranty might be "artificially" cheap since the ...
by R2D2
Mon Aug 15, 2022 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I buy extended warranties, here's why.
Replies: 105
Views: 11739

Re: I buy extended warranties, here's why.

Doctor Rhythm wrote: Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:53 pm Presumably warranties (like insurance policies) are offered because they are financially advantageous to the issuer rather than the average consumer, who buys it for peace-of-mind.
True, but why is it profitable to the issuer? I always assumed that the reason it's profitable to sell these is that the products don't really break that often. But maybe it's because most people don't save receipts and warranty information. By the time the product breaks, most people have forgotten about the warranty and don't have the paperwork anyway.

I get the impression that the OP is very organized when it comes to this stuff!
by R2D2
Mon Aug 15, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 160474

Re: That Frugal Thing You Do

Contrary to popular advice, I do buy extended warranties on many items, but only if I can reasonably predict they will break in the future. Electric lawnmower from Lowes? Cashed the warranty in 2 years later for a full refund when it wouldn't charge anymore. They didn't even want the mower back to inspect or try a repair. Sent me a gift card in the mail for the full amount I paid and asked that I recycle the battery, check. Unfortunately some purchases are throw-aways in 2-3 years so buying the extended warranty is just a long term rental policy. What I do to be frugal is to manage all my warranties in a folder with calendar alerts a few weeks before the warranty expires to keep track of everything. It's worked well so far. Oh, and on new ...
by R2D2
Mon Jun 06, 2022 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What exactly does it mean to buy a car for MSRP? Is that the total price, or should I expect extra charges?
Replies: 43
Views: 4670

What exactly does it mean to buy a car for MSRP? Is that the total price, or should I expect extra charges?

I found a car dealer who claims he can get me a car at MSRP (when it seems that most people are paying well over MSRP).

Let's say the MSRP of a car is $25,000. Should I expect to have to pay just 25k for the car, or should I expect to pay 25k + destination charge + some other fee?

My question comes down to this: If someone says they bought a car at MSRP, does that mean they literally paid MSRP all-in, or MSRP plus some "standard fees"? And if it's the latter, how do I figure out what that final number is?
by R2D2
Thu May 05, 2022 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frustrated with my used car buying experience. What am I doing wrong?
Replies: 63
Views: 7394

Re: Frustrated with my used car buying experience. What am I doing wrong?

lthenderson wrote: Thu May 05, 2022 12:24 pm
kurious wrote: Thu May 05, 2022 11:28 am What I don't like about ZipCar:
- Have had to cut trips short on occasion because I was unable to extend the trip due to another booking
I'm confused. Are you booking your vacation for longer than your initial ZipCar rental or did you go on vacation knowing your rental wasn't long enough to cover it and hoping for an extension? Either way, it sounds like a problem on your end and not that of ZipCar.
I don't think the OP is blaming ZipCar. This is just a serious downside of using them. (I know from experience. Next time you need to drive somewhere, try nailing down to the nearest 15 minutes or half hour how long it's going to take. And now try doing that a day or two in advance.)
by R2D2
Wed Apr 20, 2022 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Consumer Reports: The Mazda 3 is suddenly only 3/5 for reliability? Is this possible?
Replies: 61
Views: 8554

Re: Consumer Reports: The Mazda 3 is suddenly only 3/5 for reliability? Is this possible?

ponyboy wrote: Wed Apr 20, 2022 9:39 am We just purchased a 2022 cx-5. My guess is consumer reports says it will break down within the 1st year.
Nope. They actually recommend that car and give it a 4/5 in reliability.
by R2D2
Wed Apr 20, 2022 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Consumer Reports: The Mazda 3 is suddenly only 3/5 for reliability? Is this possible?
Replies: 61
Views: 8554

Consumer Reports: The Mazda 3 is suddenly only 3/5 for reliability? Is this possible?

I was thinking of buying a Mazda 3. Mazda had been at or near the top of the heap when it comes to reliability, and the Mazda 3 in particular earned 5/5 from Consumer Reports for reliability in 2021.

Here's the odd thing: This year's model (2022) has a "predicted reliability" of only 3/5. Did the car change that much? Or are they thinking that there's enough new technology in the 2022 that a bunch of things might go wrong?

And now that I look at it, I see that the 2019 Mazda 3 only got 1/5 for reliability! What's going on?
by R2D2
Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17311

Re: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

TechieTechie wrote: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:26 pm -Cookware: Buy a basic 5 piece set (4 qt saucepan, 8 qt stock, frypan), then expand. All Clad? Since they outsourced production, IMHO it's overrated (too lightweight). Look into Demeyere 5 ply, Falk SS and Mauviel SS. Buy induction ready, just in case the world change (or your stove does). I've had my Mauviel for 20 years....worth every penny
Thanks for posting all this. What if I already know I'm getting an induction stove? What brand/variety would you recommend then? For instance, I know that some people say you should buy cookware that's specifically made for induction, not just cookware that's induction compatible.

Also, any brand recommendation on cast iron skillets?
by R2D2
Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two days in Moab, UT in the second week of May
Replies: 13
Views: 1062

Re: Two days in Moab, UT in the second week of May

mhc wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 2:12 pm I would recommend 1 day at Arches and 1 day at Island in the Sky Canyonlands.

Get into Arches as early as possible and go do Delicate Arch first. Take your food and water into the park with you.

When you go to Canyonlands, stop by Deadhorse. The view is worth it.

Two days is pretty short, but it is better than nothing. Enjoy!
Mhc: Judging from your avatar, I'm not surprised you had an opinion about this!

Anyway, I think this is great advice. Canyonlands is simply spectacular.

Yes, Delicate Arch is tour-isty, but it's justified. Definitely worth the hike. I'd be tempted to visit Delicate Arch and then spend the rest of the time at Canyonlands. It's super-underrated.
by R2D2
Tue Mar 29, 2022 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17311

Re: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

In my opinion, bogleheads is about investing, and only about investing. I hate it when forum members seek to extend the concept to housing, automobiles, cooking, vacations, and other lifestyle choices. And here I was, dreaming up the total market passively indexed approach to grocery shopping. Grab an Aldi catalog and buy one of every food item listed, throw it all into a large soup pot. Cover with water*. Put on the lid & apply medium heat, wait for it to simmer, dial down the temperature. Rebalance water level annually or earlier if fluid levels start to run dry. Best enjoyed by guests who aren't hungry yet, with a longer term time horizon until dinner is served (10 years or more). * this improves liquidity Ok, that's really funny! (...
by R2D2
Mon Mar 28, 2022 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17311

Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

I've noticed that there's a wide price range when it comes to food ingredients, appliances, cookware, etc. Some of these things might make a big difference in the quality of the food you make and some may not be worth it. When it comes to cooking, where is it worth paying up?

For example, maybe it makes a huge difference where you buy your steak, but it doesn't matter if you buy cheap spices. Or maybe getting really top notch pots and pans makes a big difference. Or buying really fresh produce matters for making salads but makes no difference if you're going to be grilling vegetables.

What trade-offs do Bogleheads see, and where is our money best spent?
by R2D2
Fri Dec 17, 2021 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?
Replies: 12
Views: 2594

Re: I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?

Wow, very helpful. Thanks.
by R2D2
Fri Dec 17, 2021 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?
Replies: 12
Views: 2594

Re: I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?

Thank you so much.

It sounds like POD is a reasonable option in this case. But is the main reason to do any of this just to avoid probate? Or is there some other advantage?
by R2D2
Fri Dec 17, 2021 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?
Replies: 12
Views: 2594

I-bonds: POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner?

I've read a bunch of threads on I-bonds and I still can't figure out this one issue.

My friend wants to buy I-bonds and have one of her adult children as the POD/beneficiary/secondary. She'll then repeat this with each of her children while staying below the 10k limit.

What are the pros & cons of naming a child as POD vs beneficiary vs secondary owner? (I'm not even sure if the 2nd and 3rd things are different.)
by R2D2
Fri Oct 01, 2021 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving free scheduled maintenance on Mazda from one dealership to another
Replies: 7
Views: 805

Re: Moving free scheduled maintenance on Mazda from one dealership to another

Afty wrote: Fri Oct 01, 2021 12:24 pm Is the maintenance contract with the dealer or with Mazda? Often these things are with the dealer, in which case you're out of luck.
This was part of the deal (they sell all their new cars this way), and when I look at the voucher, it's clearly from the dealer. So there's prob no way to transfer it.
by R2D2
Fri Oct 01, 2021 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving free scheduled maintenance on Mazda from one dealership to another
Replies: 7
Views: 805

Moving free scheduled maintenance on Mazda from one dealership to another

I bought a Mazda in a town 40 minutes from where I live. It came with free maintenance every six months / 5000 miles for some period. The problem is that it's a pain to bring in the car and wait around a *long* time for them to change the oil / rotate the tires. Meanwhile, there's a Mazda dealership within walking distance but they're owned by different people. I inquired about using my free maintenance vouchers at the close-by dealership and they said I could not. (I didn't even bother asking at the place 40 minutes away -- I doubt they want to lose the business.) Has anyone figured out a way to do this? I've got to figure that Mazda itself would be fine with tranferring the contract over; perhaps the dealerships jst don't know how to make...
by R2D2
Wed Feb 17, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?
Replies: 24
Views: 2908

Re: Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?

Thanks for all the replies. I'll have her go to nfcc and possibly speak to a lawyer after that.
by R2D2
Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?
Replies: 24
Views: 2908

Re: Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?

michaeljc70 wrote: Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:47 am I am not an expert, but I believe if your debts are deemed not too high compared to your income you may have to declare chapter 13 instead of 7. That happened to my friend. She owed a ton but made pretty good money so she essentially went on a payment plan and nothing was discharged (maybe some interest).
Yep, this is one thing I was concerned about.

Two different people said to speak to an attorney and that the initial consultation may be free. That sounds like good advice. (And even if it's not free, I've got to figure that these attorneys know their clients can't afford a lot!)
by R2D2
Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?
Replies: 24
Views: 2908

Free counseling on whether to declare personal bankruptcy?

I have a friend who is considering personal bankruptcy but doesn't know how to weigh the pros & cons. (She's in Nevada if that makes a difference.) She's has a few instances of credit card debt that got charged off by the credit card company (and I assume at some point they'll come after her) and she's been unemployed for quite a while. I understand a bit of the law but I don't want to risk giving bad advice. Is there any free financial counseling service that could help her with the decision?

I found ConsumerCredit.com (which is American Consumer Credit Counseling or ACCC) but I have no idea if they're any good.
by R2D2
Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you defer taxes on EE savings bonds an extra year after maturity?
Replies: 19
Views: 1696

Re: Can you defer taxes on EE savings bonds an extra year after maturity?

Nate79 wrote: Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:22 pm Here is what TD says:
https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/re ... nsider.htm

When must I report the interest on my tax form?
You have a choice. You can

- report the interest every year
- put off (defer) reporting the interest until you file a federal income tax return for the year in which the first of these events occurs:
  • - you cash the bond and receive what the bond is worth, including the interest, or
    - you give up ownership of the bond and the bond is reissued, or
    - the bonds stops earning interest because it has reached final maturity
Ok, so this is sounding like it's impossible.
Thanks to everyone who replied!
by R2D2
Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you defer taxes on EE savings bonds an extra year after maturity?
Replies: 19
Views: 1696

Can you defer taxes on EE savings bonds an extra year after maturity?

Let's say I have *paper* EE bonds that hit their 30 yr mark this year..

What happens if I don't cash them in this year and wait until next year instead? In which year do they get taxed then?
by R2D2
Fri Jan 01, 2021 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?
Replies: 16
Views: 3526

Re: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?

Thanks for all the replies. Does anyone know if EZ-Pass will soon be usable in SE on the turnpike (like wikipedia was claiming)?
by R2D2
Fri Jan 01, 2021 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?
Replies: 16
Views: 3526

Re: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?

RudyS wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 12:49 pm
R2D2 wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 11:57 am
RudyS wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:45 am Just buy an EZ Pass. No monthly charges, just put in a deposit, then just pay for what you use.
Right, but it won't work on the Florida Turnpike AFAICT.
Right, but I was thinking you'd have/get a SunPass too.
Aha got it. Thanks.
by R2D2
Fri Jan 01, 2021 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?
Replies: 16
Views: 3526

Re: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?

RudyS wrote: Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:45 am Just buy an EZ Pass. No monthly charges, just put in a deposit, then just pay for what you use.
Right, but it won't work on the Florida Turnpike AFAICT.
by R2D2
Wed Dec 30, 2020 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)
Replies: 139
Views: 11350

Re: Vehicle quality (the real data, not anecdotes)

I just want to chime in and say that I have no problem with "which car is best" threads. Not all of us are religious about this issue. I always thought Toyotas were superior in terms of reliability, but it seems that in recent years (according to CR), Mazda pulled way ahead. This converted me from a Toyota guy to a Mazda guy, and I'm very happy with my Mazda CX-5.
by R2D2
Wed Dec 30, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?
Replies: 16
Views: 3526

Florida driving: Sunpass vs E-ZPass... will they become compatible soon?

I'm in SE Florida. I've done a lot of googling on this and I'm still confused. So far I've gathered: It's easy to get a Sunpass transponder that's movable from car to car. This allows me to drive on the FL Turnpike and other toll roads. If I'm going to be driving in NJ/NY area instead, the Sunpass won't work. I'd need an E-ZPass. According to Wikipedia: "In July 2020, E-ZPass announced that SunPass will be compatible with E-ZPass by the end of the year..." I can't find any other information about this alleged impending compatibility. It looks like the "Uni" transponder (https://www.cfxway.com/uni/) will perform the functions of both a Sunpass and an E-ZPass. Someone on this forum pointed out that you won't qualify for ce...