Search found 496 matches

by lws6772
Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency DEC 2023 UPDATE 13% reduced electric usage for full year
Replies: 61
Views: 9247

Re: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency AUG 2023 UPDATE 30% reduced electric usage

tortoise84 wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 7:39 pm
lws6772 wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 7:30 pm Got my 608 universal last year. Did you buy your R-410a locally or online?
Online here: https://www.jjacsupply.com/product-page/r410a
Thanks, think I'll buy some before the price goes to the stratosphere like R 22 did :moneybag :moneybag :moneybag
by lws6772
Wed Aug 30, 2023 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency DEC 2023 UPDATE 13% reduced electric usage for full year
Replies: 61
Views: 9247

Re: Using window air conditioners to improve HVAC efficiency AUG 2023 UPDATE 30% reduced electric usage

I updated my electric usage numbers in the post above for the peak of Summer in August and they were down 30% compared to 2022, so these U shaped window ACs were definitely much more efficient than my central AC. I also got an EPA 608 Universal certificate for free from SkillCat so now I can DIY work on my central AC. I got some R-410a and gauges and when I hooked them up, I found my system was extremely low on refrigerant. 75 psi on the low side which equates to a saturation temp of 18F and the suction line temp was 82F so superheat was way too high at 64F. High side: 250 psi = Sat Temp 84F, liquid line temp 84F, subcooling 0F (it has a TXV). The air coming out of the vents was only around 74F. So I added some R-410a and brought the syste...
by lws6772
Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soaker pipe with timer for foundation in Texas
Replies: 11
Views: 1336

Re: Soaker pipe with timer for foundation in Texas

JimmyJoeMeeker wrote: Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:29 pm Go to Ewing Irrigation (professional store for irrigation). Many locations in TX. Explain to manager what you want to do. He will walk you through options. Soaker hoses plug over time. Better to use in-line drip tubing.
Thanks for that source, was not familiar with them. We bought our tubing supplies at drip depot.
by lws6772
Mon Feb 20, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare vs. Spouse's employer health insurance
Replies: 10
Views: 1158

Re: Medicare vs. Spouse's employer health insurance

My wife will turn 65 next year and so I am starting to think about the typical issues for someone turning 65 (SS, Medicare, etc.). I am a few years younger and plan to be employed for at least 5 more years. Thanks to Open Social Security I think I have her SS figured out, but I'm not sure how to analyze here medical options. Specifically, do I have her sign up for Medicare next year or keep her on my employer plan as long as possible? There is a separate premium for employee vs. employee + spouse, so I could potentially save money there, but of course I have to balance that out against here costs on medicare - which could just be Parts A and B, Parts A / B / D, Parts A / B / D and Medigap, or one of the multitude of Medicare Advantage plan...
by lws6772
Fri Oct 14, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Replies: 481
Views: 43875

Re: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

One must do much research before one selects a Medicare plan. Failure to do so may bring grief. Joined my MA when I became eligible. The MA plan has a contract with my former employer. It is one of many plans. It is renegotiated annually. I review all changes before re-enrolling each year. Travel within and without the USA is covered. Hospitals and medical clinics are everywhere in my area. I was leaning toward original Medicare and just recently found out I am eligible for a MA plan with my former employer(also a pension) that has most of the same points in your list. Seems like a simpler way to go, at least as far as MA plans go. I will be delaying it until my spouse retires and I no longer have her coverage. I noticed you are also an &q...
by lws6772
Wed Oct 12, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ERS(Texas) Retirees Health Select Medical Advantage
Replies: 0
Views: 265

ERS(Texas) Retirees Health Select Medical Advantage

I got the title wrong. It should be ERS, not TRS. I am eligible for (ERS Texas) Health Select Medicare Advantage Plan (United Health Care). Would like to hear from anyone who has this plan as in, do you like it, etc. Thanks very much for any help.
by lws6772
Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any early retirement stories you can share?
Replies: 128
Views: 23692

Re: Any early retirement stories you can share?

ModifiedDuration wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 4:15 pm The one thing that surprised me the most was when it was time to switch to Medicare just how complicated Medicare is.

Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage, Part D, all those different Medicare Supplement plans…..and, depending on where you live, some of your decisions might result in you being unable to make changes that you later want to.

Ugh

Oh, and you have to watch your income the year you turn 63 because that will determine what you are going to pay for Medicare during the year you turn 65.
I think the next "Mission Impossible" movie should have Tom Cruise pick out a Medicare plan. :oops:
by lws6772
Mon Oct 03, 2022 3:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If things are so bad, how come the market is up 900 points today?
Replies: 141
Views: 15319

Re: If things are so bad, how come the market is up 900 points today?

Fremdon Ferndock wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 2:03 pm I don't understand why the market can take off when we have this backdrop of gloomy news, such as:
‘We are in deep trouble’: Billionaire investor Druckenmiller believes Fed’s monetary tightening will push the economy into recession in 2023"
Can anyone explain this craziness?
I know, right. The only thing I know for sure is - never bet against the Fed.
by lws6772
Fri Aug 12, 2022 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dallas, Texas 6th Floor Museum
Replies: 34
Views: 3691

Re: Dallas, Texas 6th Floor Museum

As for the neighborhood around the museum- the West End and downtown Dallas- sadly, I think the covid lockdowns had a major negative impact and I found the area to be very derelict with many aggressive homeless and street people. I did not feel very comfortable as evening approached, and I say this as one who has travelled widely in rough places around the world ie Cali, Bogota, Manila, etc. My advice is drive to the museum, there’s plenty of parking nearby, and then go someplace else to enjoy your time in DFW. I live in a suburb of Dallas. The West End/Dallas Alley was the place to go in the late 80's and into the 90's. Sadly most of the night clubs are gone. There are still some good restaurants in the area but I'm afraid the above descr...
by lws6772
Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible Relo to Irving TX
Replies: 19
Views: 2517

Re: Possible Relo to Irving TX

My wife and I have the “option” to relocate to Irving TX from the Chicago area. Her job is moving, mine is remote and can be done from anywhere. I say “option” because we don’t need to move (wife could find another job inside the company that is not relocating - preferred if not relocating, or find another job in the same field, or not work at all for that matter). We are looking to better inform our decision making process, and it sounds like we will have some time to sort thing out before committing one way or the other. The cost of the relo would be fully covered including the transactional costs of selling and buying. Would like to know from those that live in the Dallas area where would you target living if you were to work in Irving?...
by lws6772
Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Solar Panels Considering FIRE 3% Rule
Replies: 17
Views: 1795

Re: Solar Panels Considering FIRE 3% Rule

z3r0c00l wrote: Sun Jun 19, 2022 6:49 am Also factor in that it helps the environment and protects you against blackouts. The latter can be a huge issue in rural areas around here, we are talking a week or more of power loss in the event of a bad winter storm or hurricane.
Helping the environment and helping the grid(Texas) were our main considerations for installing solar panels.
by lws6772
Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help with HVAC quotes - switching from gas to heat pump
Replies: 17
Views: 1605

Re: Need help with HVAC quotes - switching from gas to heat pump

My neighbor has a 1200 sq ft house(North Texas, energy star house) and they recently put in a 2.5-ton Rheem heat pump. I think it is 14 seer, he said it was $10k. The plenum was also replaced and wire was ran for back up heat strips. Of course that price is for Rheem, not Mitsubishi or Daikin. Another consideration might be what refrigerant the systems have. R410A is being phased out pretty soon and I think Daikin is going with R32 as its replacement, not sure what Mitsubishi is using.
by lws6772
Sat Jun 11, 2022 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TX electricity rates
Replies: 88
Views: 9643

Re: TX electricity rates

I’m seeing ~53% increase in rates for my next contract renewal. Awesome Texas. After "ice week" we decided to put in solar panels. Went we a local company and it was a great experience, $16K after rebates. Our electric bill for March and April was less than $10. And that includes a main house and a mother-in-law house, with 3 people home all day, one of which works from home running computer equipment. Next purchase will be battery storage, in case we have another "minor weather event". :D Unless you have an unusual configuration, when the grid goes down your solar PV goes down? Yes a battery will give you (some) relief in the event of a longer outage. However: - average home in TX probably uses c 50 kwhr/ day (15k kwhr...
by lws6772
Fri Jun 10, 2022 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TX electricity rates
Replies: 88
Views: 9643

Re: TX electricity rates

I’m seeing ~53% increase in rates for my next contract renewal. Awesome Texas. After "ice week" we decided to put in solar panels. Went we a local company and it was a great experience, $16K after rebates. Our electric bill for March and April was less than $10. And that includes a main house and a mother-in-law house, with 3 people home all day, one of which works from home running computer equipment. Next purchase will be battery storage, in case we have another "minor weather event". :D Unless you have an unusual configuration, when the grid goes down your solar PV goes down? Yes a battery will give you (some) relief in the event of a longer outage. However: - average home in TX probably uses c 50 kwhr/ day (15k kwhr...
by lws6772
Fri Jun 10, 2022 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TX electricity rates
Replies: 88
Views: 9643

Re: TX electricity rates

I’m seeing ~53% increase in rates for my next contract renewal. Awesome Texas. After "ice week" we decided to put in solar panels. Went we a local company and it was a great experience, $16K after rebates. Our electric bill for March and April was less than $10. And that includes a main house and a mother-in-law house, with 3 people home all day, one of which works from home running computer equipment. Next purchase will be battery storage, in case we have another "minor weather event". :D Solar panel is still a luxury thing. With $16k cash outlay, I can pay our electric bills for at least 13 years. To me, it's not a value proposition. Living in Houston for most of our lives, we are too familiar with hurricanes. We deal...
by lws6772
Fri Jun 10, 2022 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TX electricity rates
Replies: 88
Views: 9643

Re: TX electricity rates

Hola wrote: Thu Jun 09, 2022 5:13 pm I’m seeing ~53% increase in rates for my next contract renewal. Awesome Texas.
After "ice week" we decided to put in solar panels. Went we a local company and it was a great experience, $16K after rebates. Our electric bill for March and April was less than $10. And that includes a main house and a mother-in-law house, with 3 people home all day, one of which works from home running computer equipment. Next purchase will be battery storage, in case we have another "minor weather event". :D
by lws6772
Wed Jun 08, 2022 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Declining Part B Question
Replies: 15
Views: 1826

Re: Declining Part B Question

Makes sense, thanks!
by lws6772
Wed Jun 08, 2022 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Declining Part B Question
Replies: 15
Views: 1826

Declining Part B Question

I will be declining Medicare Part B(for now) and on the back of the card it informs you to "sign here" if you do not want Part B. There is also a spot for the signature of witness. Can the witness be your spouse or does it need to be someone else? Thanks very much for any help.
by lws6772
Mon May 16, 2022 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State pension credit purchase question
Replies: 14
Views: 1221

Re: State pension credit purchase question

delamer wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 5:12 pm According to this article, it’s possible to do a direct rollover from a qualified plan: https://retirementlc.com/purchasing-ser ... efit-plan/

But it doesn’t mention IRAs.
Thanks for finding that.
by lws6772
Mon May 16, 2022 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State pension credit purchase question
Replies: 14
Views: 1221

Re: State pension credit purchase question

Herekittykitty wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 4:57 pm Is it possible to roll over money from the traditional IRA directly into the system to purchase pension credits without creating a taxable event?''

(I haven't seen that addressed in this thread and I don't know the answer.)
That was exactly what I was wondering. Thank you so much for pointing that out.
by lws6772
Mon May 16, 2022 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State pension credit purchase question
Replies: 14
Views: 1221

Re: State pension credit purchase question

DavidW wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 4:09 pm I could be wrong but I understand that you can transfer funds directly from a 401k plan without having to "cash out" to pay for it. I believe CalPers offers that. You may want to confirm with the administrator
I previously had a 403b, but I transferred those funds(after a quad by-pass) into a trad ira about 18 years ago(dumb mistake). So I would be paying for the state service credit from that trad ira or from savings. It seems like a good idea to buy the credit, since it is a state pension. The payback break even for me is right at 10 years. I will be 65 soon, but my beneficiary is younger than me and she should be around for another 20 years or more(who knows the future right?).
by lws6772
Mon May 16, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State pension credit purchase question
Replies: 14
Views: 1221

State pension credit purchase question

Turns out I'm eligible to buy back 4 years state service at a price just under $17K. The money can come from various eligible retirement plans, a trad ira or even cash. My question is, if I just write them a check will it create any negative tax consequences or a problem with the IRS? I'm not good at these things and trying not to complicate things. Thanks very much for any insight.
by lws6772
Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shingle Roof Replacement Insurance Question
Replies: 20
Views: 1687

Re: Shingle Roof Replacement Insurance Question

My wife says we paid the deductible to the roofer. I assumed we had paid it to the insurance company. Knowing this, and based on what you guys are saying, I will not be paying them any more money. Sorry for the late reply, I have been painting said house(houses). Thanks very much for all the replies. Once again Bogleheads helped save me money. :sharebeer
by lws6772
Sun Oct 31, 2021 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shingle Roof Replacement Insurance Question
Replies: 20
Views: 1687

Shingle Roof Replacement Insurance Question

After 39 years of owning houses we just filed our first insurance claim on a roof. The roofing company did an excellent job, replacing the roof and gutters on our main house and also a mother-in-law house. The manager told me they don't really have big profit margins on jobs our size, only about a $1000 dollars. They also upgraded us from 3 tab to architectural or laminated shingles. He said after all said and done that they lost money on us, because the insurance company shorted them about $1800 dollars(basically our deductible). In the middle of the whole process our insurance agent quit and handed the claim off to the new guy. The roofing manager thinks this had something to do with the shortfall. He also said our insurance company is on...
by lws6772
Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Outlets in preparation for electric cars?
Replies: 100
Views: 8680

Re: What Outlets in preparation for electric cars?

p14175 wrote: Tue Mar 23, 2021 2:56 pm I was reading that all electric homes with 100A service might have a problem with EV chargers?
After what I saw this winter, I think my power grid might also have a problem when everyone decides to plug in their cars. :oops:
by lws6772
Sun Jan 31, 2021 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shower Knob Screw Rusted
Replies: 17
Views: 2293

Re: Shower Knob Screw Rusted

NavyIC3 wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:58 am What does RBD stand for?
Maybe "regional building department".
by lws6772
Sun Jan 31, 2021 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shower Knob Screw Rusted
Replies: 17
Views: 2293

Re: Shower Knob Screw Rusted

Good advice on using stainless steel set screws that secure those handles. Another trick I have been using for years(especially if you don't have stainless screws at the time) - put a dap of plumber's grease on set screws. I lubricate faucet handle set screws(and make sure they're not too tight) when I do routine maintenance or at least once a year, which ever comes first. Also do this as soon as possible when moving into a new house.
by lws6772
Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak
Replies: 16
Views: 2516

Re: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak

flyingaway wrote: Sat Sep 26, 2020 4:53 pm How could you get a big one out of the water if you are on a kayak?
I fish in fresh water mostly for bass species, so the fish aren't usually that big. I have caught hybrid striped bass over 2 foot long fishing out of a float tube. Anything bigger than that, just work him to the shallows.
by lws6772
Sat Sep 26, 2020 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak
Replies: 16
Views: 2516

Re: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak

Liam Friend wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 8:04 pm I’m close to 63 and regularly fish from a kayak. Most of my fishing is in small rivers. When water is shallow, I’ve heard pedal drive kayaks can be a problem in rivers/creeks. I use a Crescent Lite Tackle after finding it easy to paddle even upstream.
I really like the look of the Crescent Lite and Ultralite. The simple uncluttered deck seems a very good design and I also like the chair.
by lws6772
Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak
Replies: 16
Views: 2516

Re: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak

beernutz wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:08 pm I'm not yet 63 but close so I'll answer. I use a Field & Stream Eagle Claw kayak I bought several years ago from Dicks. It works pretty well for river fishing. I use an anchor pole and added a removable basket made from a plastic milk carton and another rod holder plus I have a cheapo portable fish/depth finder on it.

We also own a Hobie inflatable kayak which would be amazing for fishing except that I'm paranoid about hooking it. The seat is super comfortable for hours and you can propel yourself with the pedals leaving your hands free so one day I might try it.

What is magic about 63?
Nothing magic about 63(at least not for me), that's just my age and I wanted the input from an older crowd.
by lws6772
Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak
Replies: 16
Views: 2516

Re: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak

Shallowpockets wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:04 pm Hobie Mirage series. Foot peddle kayaks. Hard or inflatable.
This way you don’t have to stop fishing and put down or pick up a paddle.
The pedal kayaks are appealing. I fished out a float tube with swim fins for decades and that's what I really liked, never having to stop fishing.
by lws6772
Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak
Replies: 16
Views: 2516

For those over 63 and who fish from a kayak

What kayak do you use? Thanks for any input.
by lws6772
Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike Recommendation
Replies: 75
Views: 7018

Re: Bike Recommendation

Didn't have BMX bikes when I was a kid, so I don't have any experience with them. But I would like to buy a good one also. Currently riding a 26" urban man single speed beach cruiser bike made by Firmstrong. Bought it on Craigslist several years ago for $100 in like new condition. Has been bullet proof and simple. My brain has yet to register "too old" will be 63 this month and ride every day. Here's to never being "too old". :sharebeer
by lws6772
Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online cheap eyeglass prescription lenses...
Replies: 24
Views: 2752

Re: Online cheap eyeglass prescription lenses...

Ykcor wrote: Sun Sep 06, 2020 10:28 pm Need a second pair to play tennis in. I have good titanium frames already. Just don’t want to pay the High cost of Of local optical dispensaries. Anyone have any experience and recommendations.
P.S. we don’t have a local Costco
Great experience with Zenni. Here was my cost - Frame = $6.95, Lens(prescription, single vision) = Free, AR coating = $4.95, Shipping = $4.95. Total bill = $16.85. My cheapest cost in the last 50 years of buying eye glasses. Good bye to brick and mortar(except for eye exams) forever. :sharebeer
by lws6772
Mon Jun 22, 2020 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus Key Fob Issue
Replies: 42
Views: 3715

Re: Lexus Key Fob Issue

SVariance1 wrote: Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:25 am I can confirm that it is not the keyfob and not the battery. There is something wrong with the car and I will likely need to call the dealer.
How old is your car battery and when was the last time the cable connections were cleaned?
by lws6772
Fri May 01, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A 40% drop could hit by next year , FACT or FICTION?
Replies: 33
Views: 3299

Re: A 40% drop could hit by next year , FACT or FICTION?

Yes, that's true there could be a 40% drop next year, and the year after that and the year after that, and the year after that.... And it's fiction until it happens and no one I know can tell you when that will be, which is a fact. :D
by lws6772
Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Go or no go on Carnival cruise
Replies: 116
Views: 9103

Re: Go or no go on Carnival cruise

Chuck107 wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:44 pm
gwe67 wrote: Sat Apr 25, 2020 5:31 pm We have to decide very soon whether to pay the remaining cost for a one-week Mexico cruise in late July. We can bail out now and lose $100 deposit. This trip would not involve flying on an airline. Thoughts?
Seriously? I would never go one a cruise before, now? Not if it were free.
No doubt, they would have to pay me, more than they could afford I'm betting. :D
by lws6772
Sat Mar 28, 2020 11:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [NY Times:] I Became a Disciplined Investor Over 40 Years. The Virus Broke Me In 40 Days.
Replies: 56
Views: 10680

Re: I Became a Disciplined Investor Over 40 Years. The Virus Broke Me In 40 Days.

watchnerd wrote: Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:38 am We're not even at -50% yet.

The Long Bull has made investors soft.
+ 29,551.42
by lws6772
Thu Mar 19, 2020 9:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold [why is it dropping?]
Replies: 72
Views: 4126

Re: Gold [why is it dropping?]

TJSI wrote: Thu Mar 19, 2020 5:22 am I think gold has been replaced by toilet paper. People use to buy gold when there was fear running wild. Now they buy toilet paper.
I am trying to think of a good name for a portfolio that has 25% toilet paper. Suggestions?
Lifecycle Wipe? Or does that sound like crap? :twisted:
by lws6772
Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social security now or latet
Replies: 19
Views: 2053

Re: Social security now or latet

Trader Joe wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:27 pm
HappyJack wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:24 pm With all the uncertainty regarding the solvency and the politics surrounding Social Security I am wondering if I would be better to grab mine at 66 rather than the traditional advice to wait until 70. Thoughts? Concerns? Thanks
I am not sure what "uncertainty" that you are referring to. My plan is to take Social Security the very first day that I am eligible.
When you say first day, are you referring to age 62?
by lws6772
Thu Mar 14, 2019 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: United Economy class and personal item bringing on plane
Replies: 23
Views: 3207

Re: United Economy class and personal carry on

Be careful using the term of "carry on" when you say "personal carry on". The correct term is "Personal Item", not to be confused with "Carry-on bag". Assuming that you really mean personal item and not carry-on bag, the test is if it will fit under the seat in front of you. The overhead bin sizing is related to the Carry-On bag, not the Personal Item. Although you state that United defines a Personal Item as 36 inches, but they actually issue maximum dimensions as 17"x10"x9", and that includes wheels and handles. They typically aren't very strict. However, a case that's 2"x2"x32" might not pass muster as a Personal Item. Thanks for making that distinction. You made me r...
by lws6772
Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you eat lab grown meat?
Replies: 64
Views: 2795

Re: Would you eat lab grown meat?

I would try it. For someone who rarely eats meat, I could see where lab grown meat could easily provide all of my meat allocation.
by lws6772
Sun Jan 13, 2019 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do I stop jeans from ripping in the thighs?
Replies: 70
Views: 9181

Re: How do I stop jeans from ripping in the thighs?

Maybe buy tougher jeans. I have had good luck with Wrangler jeans and now you can get them with flex(2% spandex) added. I do everything in Wrangler 4 way flex jeans(loose fit) and have never had a rip. $11 at Walmart on Black Friday, that's what us old timers call "a bargain". :sharebeer
by lws6772
Sun Jan 13, 2019 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Duffel Bag vs Wheeled Stand Up traveling
Replies: 78
Views: 6070

Re: Duffel Bag vs Wheeled Stand Up traveling

quantAndHold wrote: Sun Jan 13, 2019 11:32 am
Trism wrote: Sun Jan 13, 2019 10:05 am 2018: 100,000 miles, 80 flights, 20 cities.

If it doesn't roll - or attach to something that does - it stays home.
Exactly. How many of the people who are carrying a bunch of stuff on their shoulders are over 40? Or women? Or fly more than 100k?

I suspect very few.
How about over 60? No wheels hasn't been a problem so far, just the opposite actually. But yes, definitely in the extreme minority.
by lws6772
Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Duffel Bag vs Wheeled Stand Up traveling
Replies: 78
Views: 6070

Re: Duffel Bag vs Wheeled Stand Up traveling

Keepcalm wrote: Sat Jan 12, 2019 9:14 am Talking to a guy who commutes to Asia multiple times a month for work. He said something that caught my attention. He said that die hard commuters are starting to trend towards duffel bags and look at traditional carryons as "stone age".

Has anyone seen any validity to this?
I use an "18 duffel back that fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. $10 at Academy, got mine on sale for $8. Works great, light durable and fast.
by lws6772
Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY question - leaky faucet - change stem valve or o-rings?
Replies: 20
Views: 7563

Re: DIY question - leaky faucet - change stem valve or o-rings?

I know that back in the day the general rule of thumb was; a leak out of the spout was usually due to stem washer wear, sometimes debris between the washer and stem seat and sometimes on older faucets wear or damage on the brass seat itself. A leak out from around the faucet main body(coming out below the faucet handle) was due to stem packing nut wear and sometimes just a loose packing nut or worn O-rings. Pretty much all of our current faucets are washerless. I buy a large package of the rubber parts with accompanying springs so we always have them on hand. When I take a faucet apart I always do a visual inspection with a flashlight inside the faucet body and clean out any debris/calcium carbonate build up. I also lubricate parts and surf...
by lws6772
Sat Jan 05, 2019 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carryon for 7-day FL vacation?
Replies: 63
Views: 3822

Re: Carryon for 7-day FL vacation?

Keepcalm wrote: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:18 pm Am I dreaming to think I can get away with a carryon?
I once flew to Seattle for 7 days(Feb) with nothing but the clothes on my back and what I could carry in my pockets. A few years ago we went to Rome, Paris and London for 15 days, all I used was half the space in a child's size luggage. I was stopped at customs in Dallas and the inspector commented that I didn't have much for a 2 week(Dec) trip. My wife piped up and said, "you should see him travel in the summer". I now only travel with what I can place under the seat in front of me. Jack Reacher doesn't have much on Grandpa. :D
by lws6772
Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Dripping-Potential Leak Question
Replies: 20
Views: 3058

Re: Bathroom Dripping-Potential Leak Question

Sometimes the vent pipe for the exhaust fan/light can accumulate water condensate and cause a drip.
by lws6772
Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why do people buy- performance cars?
Replies: 67
Views: 3564

Re: Why do people buy- performance cars?

Endorphins.
by lws6772
Fri Dec 14, 2018 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth Details Question
Replies: 5
Views: 571

Re: Roth Details Question

You are confusing tIRA to Roth conversions with an annual Roth contribution limit. With a Roth conversion, there is no limit except what makes sense in terms of taxable income for you during the year of the conversion (counts as AGI and thus taxable income). In a Roth contribution, the 2018 limit is $6500 (if over 50) for MFJ but this is separate from the conversion. You can do both in a tax year if it makes sense for you and you have earned income to be eligible for the Roth contribution. I stated the limits, because that's all the information I can find. But if I want do a conversion do I just tell my credit union to move the money($45k or whatever amount)? And then are there any special tax forms(for a conversion) or do you just pay the...