Search found 797 matches

by OnTrack
Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BlackRock Expands Proxy Voting Choice to Retail IVV Shareholders
Replies: 4
Views: 821

Re: BlackRock Expands Proxy Voting Choice to Retail IVV Shareholders

I received emails from Vanguard and State Street via Schwab inviting me to participate in proxy voting. There are links in the email to click on in order to participate.

There is a general admonition to never click links in email. So I called Schwab and after checking, the representative advised me to forward the email to a phishing address and delete the email. When I asked how to participate, the representative could not give me an answer.
by OnTrack
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Replies: 60
Views: 5036

Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?

h82goslw wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:09 am The whole “I don’t want to be the green texter with ALL my friends” is enough to keep me on iPhone….for now.
Seems like a good reason to switch to a non-iPhone.
by OnTrack
Wed Jul 05, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carfax says my car is overdue for service
Replies: 14
Views: 1988

Re: Carfax says my car is overdue for service

I have been getting emails from the car dealer where I bought my car and where I have it serviced. The emails contain a Carfax report that says the car is overdue for an oil change. However, when I click the link is says the car has 9 months left for the oil change but that it is overdue for a brake inspection. In any case, I just had the car serviced at that dealer 2 1/2 months ago and asked them to do whatever was scheduled. I am concerned that if I want to sell the car in the future that the Carfax report will show the car was not serviced properly. I do keep my receipts, but I suspect people are not going to go through a stack of old receipts and will just take the Carfax report at face value. I also consider it a violation of privacy ...
by OnTrack
Wed Jul 05, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carfax says my car is overdue for service
Replies: 14
Views: 1988

Carfax says my car is overdue for service

I have been getting emails from the car dealer where I bought my car and where I have it serviced. The emails contain a Carfax report that says the car is overdue for an oil change. However, when I click the link is says the car has 9 months left for the oil change but that it is overdue for a brake inspection. In any case, I just had the car serviced at that dealer 2 1/2 months ago and asked them to do whatever was scheduled. I am concerned that if I want to sell the car in the future that the Carfax report will show the car was not serviced properly. I do keep my receipts, but I suspect people are not going to go through a stack of old receipts and will just take the Carfax report at face value. I also consider it a violation of privacy t...
by OnTrack
Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure
Replies: 60
Views: 6127

Re: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure

I’m posting to this thread from last year because I ran across a New York Times article on the topic. The title of the article is “ You May Need That Procedure. But Do You Really Need an Escort?” It is by Paula Span and the date is Mar. 25, 2023. Here are some links from the article: - Friendship Works (Boston) https://fw4elders.org/ - TimeBank Boulder (Boulder, CO) https://timebankboulder.org/ (can earn credits by volunteering) -The Village Movement https://www.vtvnetwork.org/ (supports aging in place) - The National Volunteer Caregiving Network https://nvcnetwork.org/wp/ (connects about 700 community organizations nationwide, most of which provide door-through-door transportation without charge) - Shepherd’s Centers of America https://www...
by OnTrack
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home maintenance list for first time home owners
Replies: 24
Views: 2894

Re: Home maintenance list for first time home owners

If you have a sump pump it is a good idea to check that it works once every year.

If you have gutters that drain into pipes that carry the water away (under a sidewalk for example), check that the pipe isn’t clogged by running water through it with a hose once per year.

Lubricate moving parts, tracks and springs on garage doors once per year with garage door spray lubricant.

Aerate lawn once or twice per year.

If you have automatic lawn sprinklers and/or drip irrigation, schedule blowout in the fall. You probably can turn it on yourself in the spring.

If you have storm doors, plan on changing glass for screens or vice versa twice each year.

Yes, there are services that will clean gutters.
by OnTrack
Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]
Replies: 2482
Views: 214085

Re: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]

New York Times 30 minutes ago, Erin Griffith:
“ Tim Mayopoulos, the new chief executive of Silicon Valley Bank, held a call with venture capital firms last night to stress that the bank is open for business”
by OnTrack
Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Bad Experience With Angie's List
Replies: 46
Views: 8581

Re: My Bad Experience With Angie's List

Angie's List, Yelp, Diamond Certified, BBB --- these are all "pay to play" type of sites. A business can be listed free on BBB. I used to find Angie's List useful when it was a service paid for by the consumer. Since it became a free service to the consumer, I don't find it useful. I have had good luck hiring plumbers, locksmiths, etc. using BBB. It's fine to hire companies that are listed free (i.e., that are not BBB accredited). https://www.eversparkinteractive.com/how-to-get-listed-with-the-better-business-bureau/ "There’s a common myth that you have to pay to be listed on the BBB. That’s not exactly true—a paid account comes with serious benefits, but you can get listed for free if you prefer. Here are the differences: -...
by OnTrack
Mon Mar 13, 2023 11:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]
Replies: 2482
Views: 214085

Re: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]

I looked up some SEC filings from the SVB Financial Group which was the holding company for the Silicon Valley Bank. There have been a flurry of filings recently. I'll quote from an FWP dated 3/8/23 below. Free Writing Prospectus Filed pursuant to Rule 433 Relating to the Preliminary Prospectus Supplements each dated March 8, 2023 to the Prospectus dated March 2, 2023 Registration No. 333-270229 I thought this was an interesting statement: "We are experienced at navigating market cycles and are well positioned to serve our clients through market volatility, with a high-quality, liquid balance sheet and strong capital ratios." It mentions 4 businesses of which 1 is the bank: "Over the last several years, we’ve made significant...
by OnTrack
Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Did your TD Ameritrade a/c move to Schwab this weekend?
Replies: 31
Views: 5360

Re: Did your TD Ameritrade a/c move to Schwab this weekend?

I suppose there will be a both a TD Ameritrade and a Schwab 1099 for the year of the move. Also, I’m guessing any alerts or watch lists will be lost after the move.
by OnTrack
Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Colorado zoning vs assessor classification
Replies: 6
Views: 713

Re: Colorado zoning vs assessor classification

A few comments. If she knows the number of acres in “the big field” then she should be able to calculate the dollars per acre of rent. If it has not been surveyed separately from the rest of the property, maybe it would be sufficient to estimate the acreage? The deed should have a legal description, but again it might not be specified separately from the rest of the property. Do the renters, come and cut the hay and take it away or do the horses come and graze directly in the field? The way I see it, she is essentially selling hay to feed animals. If the horses are not grazing or boarding on the property itself, then I would argue that the specific paragraph regarding horses doesn’t apply. If the hay were used for feeding livestock, then th...
by OnTrack
Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12624

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

Not sure how he's building for $150 sq ft when typical pricing is $200 - $250 sq ft before upgrades when I've priced out in different areas we were looking to build. I'd make sure to get a detailed materials list and have everything outlined in conract. There's a few things I'd highly recommend you get. - Minimum 10" floor joists 16" on center. Preferably 12" - 3/4 tongue and groove plywood for floors. I personally like liquid nails caulk on every floor joist on top of using screws to help prevent future squeaking. Nails on floor plywood have a tendency to work themselves loose over time. - 3/4 plywood for roof - 5/8" OSB for house wrap - Tyvek house wrap - 2x6 exterior walls - 3 1/2 Grip Right coated screws for exterio...
by OnTrack
Wed Feb 15, 2023 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan
Replies: 117
Views: 12624

Re: Building a House -- Criticize My Decision and Floor Plan

I agree with getting rid of dormers since they appear to be non-functional and it would allow for solar panels. I would also get rid of the window in the garage attic if it is only decorative (less initial cost and less future maintenance). a more flat front would allow more light - Yes, but in summer you might appreciate the shade provided by the first floor setback; I’m not sure how much sun you would get in the winter, you should get more since the sun is lower in the winter; you might ask the architect. Also, with the house setback from the garage, the front windows will get shade later in the day as the sun moves to the west (I’m assuming based on the floor plan that the garage is on the west side, not the east as indicated by the exte...
by OnTrack
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5829

Re: US Customs

Let's put it another way. Had CBP levy a $300 fine for bringing a fruit into Preclearance and you did proactively declare it, you would pay the fine (and not appeal) knowing that it was not policy to levy it in the first place? Moot, because I would never be in this situation. Why would anyone consciously bring fruit into Customs (preclearance or otherwise) and then declare it as though this makes it OK? Intending to eat it on the subsequent flight is not a justification--- for Customs purposes the preclearance area is the US border, and the subsequent flight is a domestic flight. Maybe the rules say you should not have been fined, but why poke the bear in the first place? Anyway, if the above happened to someone, that person should certai...
by OnTrack
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5829

Re: US Customs

You are correct, that is not what the article says. However, my personal experience is in fact different. I entered a pre-clearance area in a foreign country on my way back to the U.S. I did declare some fruit that I had brought to eat on the plane. At that point, I was escorted by a US customs agent to a room and held there for some time (I think about 15 or 20 minutes) while they decided what to do. They told me that entering the pre-clearance area was essentially the same as entering the United States and that once I entered the area with the fruit that I was in violation. They decided to just give me a warning but the informed me that I could have been fined. Perhaps they were not following official policy or maybe the policy has chang...
by OnTrack
Mon Feb 13, 2023 1:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1374
Views: 167054

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

My parents got another call from a person pretending to be a grandchild. Thankfully they didn’t fall for it. Where do these scammers get the info in the first place - they obviously somehow are able to target older people. Where do they find the info for their targets? Any ways to reduce their visibility / profile? In many cases they can get all the information they need from social media posts such as facebook. I’m sure many grandchildren post enough information to be able to convince the grandparents that it is a real situation. They will even claim to put the “grandchild” on the phone and since the story is that the grandchild injured his or her nose in an accident, that would explain why the voice is different. They will sometimes also...
by OnTrack
Mon Feb 13, 2023 1:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5829

Re: US Customs

This is almost certainly incorrect. You should likely proactively declare it to the immigration officer at the desk you pass post GE There is no immigration officer post GE, at least in Chicago. You go unimpeded to the luggage carousel. (I know every airport is different for some reason.) There is a Customs officer after collecting luggage, however. Trusted travelers are expected to proactively declare before leaving federal inspection area even when not explicitly asked if anything to declare. From: https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-avoid-getting-fined-when-you-go-through-us-customs “ What happens if you get caught with prohibited items at customs . . . Get ready for extra screenings on future trips For several months, prepare to recei...
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1374
Views: 167054

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

Do any of you report the scam on the Better Business Bureau site? If I get a phone number, I report it and hope they build up a case. I can only hope that the BBB has leverage to get the phone companies to identify the purchasers behind the phone numbers swapping to get to the "businesses" making those calls. BBB only helps with legitimate businesses. Reporting scammers who aren't part of an established business to them won't do any good. A better option in this case would be to report to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ “Report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice. For ideas of what you might report to the FTC, check out consumer.ftc.gov for more information and advice, or take a look at the F...
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 11, 2023 1:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US Customs
Replies: 59
Views: 5829

Re: US Customs

From: https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-av ... us-customs

“ What happens if you get caught with prohibited items at customs . . .
Get ready for extra screenings on future trips
For several months, prepare to receive secondary customs screening when returning to the United States from abroad.”

Also, be aware that when returning to the US, some foreign airports have pre-clearance with US customs agents at the foreign airport. If you were thinking of taking a prohibited food item onto the plane and eating it before arriving in the US, you could be subject to a fine. The moment you enter the pre-clearance area with the food, you are in violation, even before you get to the customs agent.
by OnTrack
Sat Dec 31, 2022 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Very Thorough List of Secure 2.0 Changes - Which One Will Have Greatest Impact on You?
Replies: 95
Views: 13065

Re: Very Thorough List of Secure 2.0 Changes - Which One Will Have Greatest Impact on You?

Regarding: Section 302, Reduction in excise tax on certain accumulations in qualified retirement plans.
Section 302 reduces the penalty for failure to take required minimum distributions from 50 to 25 percent. Further, if a failure to take a required minimum distribution from an IRA is corrected in a timely manner, as defined under this Act, the excise tax on the failure is further reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent. Section 302 is effective for taxable years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.

Does this apply to the 50% penalty for failure to take all funds out of an inherited IRA within 10 years?
by OnTrack
Thu Dec 15, 2022 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Vehicle Family Driving Mileage Strategies
Replies: 26
Views: 2485

Re: Two Vehicle Family Driving Mileage Strategies

My auto insurance gives a discount for a car driven less than 7,500 miles per year. There may be a marginal advantage in terms of auto insurance premiums to keep one car at a lower mileage.
by OnTrack
Thu Dec 15, 2022 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance paperwork, statute of limitations
Replies: 2
Views: 520

Umbrella insurance paperwork, statute of limitations

There are numerous umbrella insurance policy threads regarding whether it is needed, how much coverage to buy and how much it costs. My question is different though. Although one would normally expect a lawsuit to be filed soon after the incident, it might be possible that someone would file much later. Based on my internet search, the statute of limitations in most states for civil lawsuits is 1 to 3 years (South Dakota is 6 years for wrongful death). Furthermore, there is “tolling” which can extend the statute of limitations; for example, a minor child may be able to sue for the wrongful death of a parent after the child turns 18 even if that is past the normal statute of limitations (for example, the death occurred when the child was 12)...
by OnTrack
Sun Oct 02, 2022 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TD Bank Teller Requesting Account Pin for Cash Withdrawal
Replies: 20
Views: 3027

Re: TD Bank Teller Requesting Account Pin for Cash Withdrawal

In the past I have had customer service at Sirius XM ask me my password. I thought that was inappropriate but they insisted it was their policy.
by OnTrack
Thu Sep 22, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medical insurance discount for procedure not covered?
Replies: 5
Views: 572

Medical insurance discount for procedure not covered?

Under ACA individual (not employer) a scan is covered, but only every 2 years. The doctor wants a scan after one year. I’m fine with paying out of pocket, but I would like to know if I can still get the in-network price? How does that work? Based on the previous EOB for the scan, the discounted price for having insurance was about 25% of the price submitted to the insurance company.
by OnTrack
Thu Aug 18, 2022 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 198
Views: 31158

Re: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!

manuvns wrote: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:57 pm what is the best sugar free dark chocolate ? how does walmart brand sams choice compare to anything else ?
I bought some Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa, Stevia Sweetened, no sugar added at Walmart, but I haven’t tried it yet, so I can’t render an opinion on it yet.
by OnTrack
Sat Jul 30, 2022 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing tires on car - when?
Replies: 30
Views: 2772

Re: Replacing tires on car - when?

stocknoob4111 wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:51 pm A bit surprised why these tires wore out so fast, at 24K. I check inflation regularly. The tires on my previous truck lasted 80K before replacement. I know various tires have different wear characteristics but that is a huge difference. Car has only 184 hp and I don't drive aggressively and rotate tires every 6 months which for me is under 2-3K miles.
What is the treadwear grade encoded on the sidewall?
by OnTrack
Sat Jul 30, 2022 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whole house water softener question
Replies: 31
Views: 3490

Re: Whole house water softener question

JDave wrote: Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:55 pm Be sure you get a bypass valve installed, so you can have unsoftened water if you want (such as for watering the lawn).
Agree that you should have a bypass valve. Also suggest having exterior spigots and irrigation plumbing completely bypass the water softener so you don't need to switch the valve every time the lawn is watered.
by OnTrack
Sat Jul 16, 2022 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finding out your Power of Attorney is useless
Replies: 275
Views: 42188

Re: Finding out your Power of Attorney is useless

What I find really annoying is that the form the medical insurance company I deal with to authorize another person to communicate on the patient's behalf must be renewed every year. And even if the form has been submitted, the customer service representatives seem to never be able to confirm that the form is on file (even though it is on file).
by OnTrack
Wed Jul 13, 2022 12:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any recent experience with id.me at I.R.S. ?
Replies: 28
Views: 2403

Re: Any recent experience with id.me at I.R.S. ?

I'm surprised that the IRS doesn't use (at least optionally) log in using the government's own standardized authentication: login.gov. This is used for the SSA as an alternative to ID.me and I use login.gov myself for things like Global Entry, passports, FBI uses, etc. I was never comfortable with ID.me because when logging in to a site that uses them the ID.me main page (a junk page, IMO) would come up. It was very confusing due to its promoting all sorts of unrelated gimmicks. Somehow I was able to bypass that with a setting change about a year ago and now it's "clean and transparent". Still, I would like to see login.gov used. (login.gov "The public’s one account for government.") Agreed. IIRC, I used login.gov for s...
by OnTrack
Sun Jun 19, 2022 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a VPN?
Replies: 82
Views: 7729

Re: Do you use a VPN?

A number of replies state that VPNs are not needed because most websites are now encrypted. However, the ISP can still figure out the domain name of each site their customers visit. Exactly. Many domain names contain clues if not outright identification of the content of the website. Until websites start using domain names like www .random.com, an individual browsing the web is going to be telegraphing their personal interests, political affiliations, vehicle type, health issues, etc. So you just decide to give all that information to the VPN provider instead? Absolutely not. I purchase a gift card with cash, then pay for the VPN with the gift card. Some VPN providers accept cash through the mail (not something I'd do) and some except cryp...
by OnTrack
Sun Jun 19, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?
Replies: 133
Views: 14283

Re: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?

Valuethinker wrote: Sun Jun 19, 2022 10:44 am
To block solar insolation, you need the shutters etc to be *outside* the house. Shades are just not as good.
Agreed. Although probably not practical for an apartment and they are expensive, exterior motorized shades on windows that get a lot of sun in the summer can help.
Video of such shades:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3XuRHG4JesI

Also, where practical, houses should have overhangs that shade south windows in the summer when the sun is high and allow the sun to shine on the windows in the winter when the sun is low in the sky. Many houses built these days do not have wide enough overhangs.
by OnTrack
Sun Jun 19, 2022 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?
Replies: 133
Views: 14283

Re: As summer electric bills go up, has anyone invented an air conditioner that doesn't use as much electricity?

This product might allow you to keep the thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter while you are sleeping. I haven't used it myself but looks like a good idea.

BedJet cooling and warming sleep system.
https://bedjet.com
by OnTrack
Sun Jun 19, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a VPN?
Replies: 82
Views: 7729

Re: Do you use a VPN?

A number of replies state that VPNs are not needed because most websites are now encrypted. However, the ISP can still figure out the domain name of each site their customers visit.

As far as not needing a VPN because it is included in a browser or a service such as iCloud, then maybe you don't need a separate VPN because you already have one (or the equivalent).
by OnTrack
Sat Jun 18, 2022 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a VPN?
Replies: 82
Views: 7729

Re: Do you use a VPN?

In 2017, a US federal law was passed preventing privacy rules that were passed in 2016 from coming into effect which prevented internet providers from selling their browsing data. See the document: A Look at What ISPs Know About You: A must-read report from the FTC https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2021/10/look-what-isps-know-about-you-must-read-report-ftc Some info from the study: - First, many of the ISPs in our study have access to 100% of consumers’ unencrypted internet traffic. ... even with encryption, many ISPs in our study continue to store the IP addresses that their customers access and thereby collect the domain names of the websites they visit. - Second, several of the ISPs in our study are able to verify and know the i...
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rodents out of engine compartment?
Replies: 28
Views: 2452

Re: How to keep rodents out of engine compartment?

On an automobile, I've had good luck keeping pack rats out by opening the hood when parked in an area where this is a problem.
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

Re: IRS request for form 1095-A

muddlehead wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:44 am I'm now over 65 - medicare. Prior years, ever since Affordable Care Act started, I often received a letter like yours. I just mailed in a copy of the monthly table of insurance info back to the IRS. Took about 5 mins start to finish. Moved on.
I would like to move on if their fax machine would take my call or if they would open my mail sooner than 1 year. I've been waiting over a year for my 2020 refund. In years past, the IRS was not nearly as back logged as they are now.
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

Re: IRS request for form 1095-A

You probably overlooked the question: Did you have insurance (yes, for the whole year; yes, for part of the year; no) or something to that effect. If there are others on the return, it likely asked about it for them, too. Then it asks how you were covered: Medicare, employer plan, Medicaid, Veterans, ACA. Here is what they said: "We haven't received information from the Health Insurance Marketplace indicating you or anyone listed on your tax return was enrolled in a qualified health plan through the Marketplace. Send us a copy of your forms 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to show your enrollment and support the amounts you reported on form 8962." They said I could fax it to 844-254-2836. That fax constantly rings ...
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody else wondering why we still need car dealerships?
Replies: 48
Views: 4331

Re: Anybody else wondering why we still need car dealerships?

I definitely want to see, touch and test drive a car before I buy it. Would a system where the manufacturer has showrooms and sells directly to the consumer be cheaper? I don't know. Sometimes paying less means getting less service as well. I do think that historically, some dealers gave themselves a bad reputation, for example by adding fees at signing that were not previously disclosed (for example documentation fees) or by charging extra for things that were basically useless (etched windows?). I've seen less of that more recently.
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

Re: IRS request for form 1095-A

I contacted my state exchange and they say they do not provide form 1095-A to the IRS, so if that is true, I don't know how the IRS would have a copy. Also, I talked by phone today to someone at the IRS and that person said that the exchange does not send the IRS copies of 1095-A. Seems odd considering there isn't an "unless you don't want to" exception to the Health Insurance Marketplaces must file Form 1095-A instructions.... That is very informative. Perhaps, the individual I communicated with at the state exchange was misinformed and the state does actually send them to the IRS. On the other hand, it appears that the IRS does not have mine for at least 2 tax years in a row. It's hard to imagine that a state exchange would be ...
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

Re: IRS request for form 1095-A

I don't know why the IRS is asking for that form unless they can't find their own copy. No reason not to oblige and send them a copy though. I contacted my state exchange and they say they do not provide form 1095-A to the IRS, so if that is true, I don't know how the IRS would have a copy. Also, I talked by phone today to someone at the IRS and that person said that the exchange does not send the IRS copies of 1095-A. Unfortunately, the call dropped before I could get further clarification and when I called back a recording said they were too busy to take calls. I agree that I should send the form; I have no problem with that. In fact I did send one today by fax. Then when I tried to send the other (to a different fax number; different nu...
by OnTrack
Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

Re: IRS request for form 1095-A

FiveK wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:36 pm Might have something to do with IRS Reject F8962-070, that is new this year, although your situation doesn't fit exactly.
Thanks for the info, however, as you say, mine doesn't fit exactly. Looks like that error is for the case that form 8962 wasn't included when it should have been. I included 8962 for both 2020 and 2021. Also, that error is new for 2021 and they are asking for both 2020 and 2021.
by OnTrack
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS request for form 1095-A
Replies: 16
Views: 2090

IRS request for form 1095-A

Recently (Apr. 2022), I received 2 letters from the IRS each asking me to send a copy of form 1095-A (Health insurance marketplace statement), one for 2020 and one for 2021. Has anyone else received such a request? Was I supposed to send a copy when filing the returns? I use HR Block software and the filing instructions did not say to send it. In case it matters, I live in a state the has its own exchange. Maybe this is a random check and I was unlucky to get picked (twice)? My returns did include form 8962 (premium tax credit).
by OnTrack
Wed Apr 20, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tiny house question
Replies: 25
Views: 3526

Re: tiny house question

Will it be connected to utilities such as water, sewer or electricity?
by OnTrack
Sat Mar 26, 2022 10:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Diversification and haystacks
Replies: 45
Views: 4485

Re: Diversification and haystacks

See YouTube of Intel CEO Gelsinger congressional testimony on March 23, 2022.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K-nXemGs3YY
See 1:25:00 on the YouTube video. The statement is made that currently American companies are expected to stop doing business with Russia. Then the statement is made that the same thing will happen when communist China decides to invade Taiwan. If this plays out as suggested, it could certainly be a problem for Americans with investments in the PRC.
by OnTrack
Fri Mar 04, 2022 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kaspersky and Ukraine
Replies: 79
Views: 16851

Re: Kaspersky and Ukraine

coachd50 wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:34 pm
wfrobinette wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:32 pm ...
Maybe I am naive and taking a risk but one would expect that the feds wouldn't even let the software in the US if they were that concerned that it could be used in a cyber attack against us.
That was another part of my confusion. If a product seemed to cause that much worry, why is it easily accessible to US citizens.
One might think that the government would outlaw a lot of harmful products that are widely available. I wouldn't assume that a product is safe just because the government hasn't banned it.
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 26, 2022 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you not purchasing due to inflation?
Replies: 284
Views: 26050

Re: What are you not purchasing due to inflation?

Glad I'm not a politician because I would fail the question from reporters asking how much a gallon of gas or a gallon of milk costs. Then I'd be labeled as out of touch with the average American. So I couldn't say off the top of my head how much such items have increased in cost lately.

I have noticed though that some items are packaged in smaller quantities. One I noticed lately was Fage yogurt. Previously it came in a 35.3 oz (1000 g) container and it is now 32 oz (907 g). I know this because I still have one of the older containers.
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 26, 2022 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 50282

Re: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?

59Gibson wrote: Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:58 pm e filed in July and still waiting on refund. Cannot access where's refund for 2020 any longer. I tried to get transcripts online but the ID.me hoops are just too much, I really do not want to have the transcripts mailed- that just opens up more potential problems with lost mail. So I have no choice but to wait it out.
I gave up on ID.me also after providing my SS number and a picture of my driver's license. What is disturbing is that the very next day I got an email from my credit monitoring service that said my SS number and my driver's license were linked on the dark web.
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 26, 2022 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insurance Trying Not to Pay because of Walk Out
Replies: 32
Views: 5157

Re: Insurance Trying Not to Pay because of Walk Out

I would have thought the insurance company would be glad that you walked out before incurring even more charges.
by OnTrack
Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 50282

Re: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?

It's 2/26/22 and I am still waiting on my 2020 refund for tax return filed in April 2021.