Search found 1102 matches

by Hockey10
Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to keep money in a main checking account safe?
Replies: 57
Views: 3473

Re: Best way to keep money in a main checking account safe?

The only time I have ever had fraud in my checking account was when I mailed a check in the blue mailbox outside the post office. The check was stolen and the criminal changed the payee and deposited it. I caught the problem the day it cleared by looking at the image of the check online. I immediately closed the account. I got my money back about 2 weeks later from my bank.

I now only write checks as a last resort.
by Hockey10
Sat Feb 17, 2024 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4476

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

It is possible that your SSN, birthdate, and email address were already floating around on the dark web, so this incident might not create any new problems except for your Wells Fargo card.

Definitely start using a password manager. I switched from LastPass to 1Password over a year ago and have been very satisfied with it.

Review the Wiki page for Credit Freeze. You may have already done some of these steps.

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Credit_freeze
by Hockey10
Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
Replies: 40
Views: 4170

Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?

This brand is not on the list of ones approved by your insurance company, but I have been very happy with the Yolink / EcoNet Controls system. See link below from a different thread.

viewtopic.php?p=7602553#p7602553
by Hockey10
Sun Jan 21, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Digitizing old photographs
Replies: 15
Views: 1602

Re: Digitizing old photographs

A few years ago, we used LegacyBox for some old photos and we were happy with the service.

https://legacybox.com
by Hockey10
Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2835

Re: New Runner Seeking Advice

A few questions: 1. How quickly can I ramp up the longer runs? I started with 4 then 6 then close to 8. At 8, I noticed some pain on one of my ankles. I took a week off, got fitted with new shoes, and now starting to run again. Is it OK to run with some discomfort? 2. Is there an optimal range of miles to run that will get the most benefit and minimize the risk of injuries? 3. How do you keep motivated and run for the long haul? 1. The rule of thumb I use for increasing distance is no more than 10% per week. So 3-3-4 this week, then 3-3-5 next week, etc...When I had my last running injury 2 years ago, I went to some Physical Therapy sessions. The therapist told me that when you have some discomfort, on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the wo...
by Hockey10
Thu Jan 11, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc
Replies: 58
Views: 5597

Re: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc

I had a Black & Decker purchased in the late 1980s. It lasted over 30 years, but boy was it loud.

Since I already had a bunch of Ryobi tools (and batteries), I bought the Ryobi battery powered pump. I know you said you don't want a battery pump, but after using it, I would never go back to a corded one. (Used to drag my extension cord all around the garage and driveway). The battery powered pump can go anywhere.
by Hockey10
Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's travel pants recommendation.
Replies: 76
Views: 8910

Re: Men's travel pants recommendation.

Another vote for Bluffworks. They run sales several times per year, so sign up for their mailing list. The Ascender pants are lightweight and have lots of secure pockets.
by Hockey10
Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YoLink Smart Wireless Freezer Temp Alarm
Replies: 9
Views: 1121

Re: YoLink Smart Wireless Freezer Temp Alarm

I installed a Yolink system recently for an automatic water main shutoff valve. I have been very impressed with the system. Yolink partnered with a company named EcoNet Controls that makes a bulldog valve, which the homeowner can attach to the water main shutoff without having to call a plumber. You need to have a ball valve shutoff. The system will not work with a gate valve. I did get the Yolink hub and a bunch of the white hockey puck water sensors. The Yolink app on my phone allows me to see the status of the hub, the water main valve (open or closed), and all of the pucks. If there is a leak detected, the valve shuts off and I get an alert on my phone telling me which puck detected water. I can turn the water main on or off from my pho...
by Hockey10
Sat Dec 09, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?
Replies: 33
Views: 4884

Re: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?

I have had a dedicated rep from the local office for about the last 3 - 4 years. He calls twice per year and is friendly to talk with. I have asked him some questions about things I was unsure of and he was helpful. He also convinced me (and my wife) to stop into the office and sign the Fidelity POA form for each other. I am glad we did this. His picture used to show up on the Fidelity page when I signed in. But after the most recent call when I declined to participate in the Fidelity product that he was pitching, his picture disappeared from the page. He wanted me to sign up for a product where Fidelity will invest in hundreds of stocks for me and automatically do tax loss harvesting. I forget what they call it, but I declined. Investing i...
by Hockey10
Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
Replies: 185
Views: 32745

Re: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?

I am not smart enough to know the difference between cheap and expensive wine, so my strategy is to simply buy wine at Costco that costs less than $10 per bottle.
by Hockey10
Fri Dec 08, 2023 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Exercises for physical balance]
Replies: 43
Views: 5833

Re: physical balance

MP173 wrote: Fri Dec 08, 2023 3:01 pm Also find myself standing on one leg frequently with my right leg quite stable...up to 45 seconds once while left leg is difficult to reach 5 seconds.

Ed
I started doing the stand on one leg exercise a couple of years ago. At first, had no problem with left leg. But with the right, I constantly lost my balance. After a few months of doing this exercise 3 times per week, the right leg eventually got as good as the left.
by Hockey10
Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beach Umbrella for Windy Days
Replies: 24
Views: 2650

Re: Beach Umbrella for Windy Days

There are several recommendations for cabanas in this thread. Some beaches do not allow them to be used. So before you purchase one, check the rules for the beach where you will use it. (I have a Cool Cabana and it very good).
by Hockey10
Tue Oct 31, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?
Replies: 130
Views: 12658

Re: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?

It is easier to do routine PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks & Services) inside the garage. Don't have to worry about rain or snow when doing this inside.
by Hockey10
Sat Sep 23, 2023 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airport parking in Philly
Replies: 9
Views: 1062

Re: Airport parking in Philly

Express Park South. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Have always received good service from the drivers. Used to park at their North lot, which was closer to PHL, but that is now closed. On their website, if you click on the link to the North lot, you can print a coupon for a free day at the South lot.

https://www.expresspark.net/south/
by Hockey10
Sat Aug 26, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard funds in Fidelity account
Replies: 14
Views: 5464

Re: Vanguard funds in Fidelity account

My IRA consists of Vanguard ETFs held at Fidelity. I have been using this setup for several years without any problems.
by Hockey10
Fri Aug 25, 2023 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A lesson in not churning bank bonuses. MidFirst Bank Data Breach - Leaked SS#s? How does one best manage this?
Replies: 10
Views: 1769

Re: A lesson in not churning bank bonuses. MidFirst Bank Data Breach - Leaked SS#s? How does one best manage this?

See the Credit Freeze page from the Bogleheads Wiki:

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Credit_freeze

Earlier this week I received a letter from a bank saying that my application for their credit card was still pending until I unfroze my credit report at Transunion. I have never heard of this bank and did not apply for their card. Although it is disconcerting at first to receive such a letter, having all credit reports frozen provides a strong defense against the identity thieves.
by Hockey10
Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: security setup tips for vacationers?
Replies: 16
Views: 1648

Re: security setup tips for vacationers?

Set up your accounts to send you a text message for every transaction.
by Hockey10
Wed Aug 02, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PHL Airport Transportation
Replies: 14
Views: 967

Re: PHL Airport Transportation

It would help if you told us what town you are going to.
by Hockey10
Fri Jul 28, 2023 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advantage of managed accounts that do TLH over VTI
Replies: 11
Views: 1266

Re: Advantage of managed accounts that do TLH over VTI

My advisor tried to sell me on the same thing a few months ago. I politely declined. This new product seems like it would be an accounting and tax nightmare if you like a simple portfolio like mine.
by Hockey10
Sun Jul 23, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to place a dehumidifier in the basement
Replies: 14
Views: 1960

Re: where to place a dehumidifier in the basement

Swansea wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 12:40 pm Just hooked mine up, and having the water drain into the sump pump. The hose I bought is too long, and touches the bottom of the well. Should I cut off the excess hose so water will not run into accumulated water as the well fills up?
Before you cut the hose, make sure you are comfortable with the location of the dehumidifier. No need to cut it today and realize tomorrow that you need to move it a few feet farther away.
by Hockey10
Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Money Lockdown
Replies: 20
Views: 2666

Re: Fidelity Money Lockdown

Very easy to use. Have been using it for years with no problems.
by Hockey10
Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity 2-factor authentication by VIP Access
Replies: 30
Views: 3479

Re: Fidelity 2-factor authentication by VIP Access

I have been using it for years without any problems. If you get a new phone, you call Fidelity and they authenticate you based on your voice. Then you give them the "Credential ID" on the VIP Access screen and you are set.
by Hockey10
Sat Jul 15, 2023 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogles in 40s and 50s, how should I spend 30s
Replies: 91
Views: 15069

Re: Bogles in 40s and 50s, how should I spend 30s

Spend quality time with your parents. When I was 30, both of my parents and both of my wife's parents were alive. By age 40, 3 of the 4 were gone and the 4th required lots of medical care.
by Hockey10
Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity check fraud hassle?
Replies: 44
Views: 5777

Re: Fidelity check fraud hassle?

We had a check stolen last year from the mailbox outside the post office. I notified the police and our regional bank the day it happened. The bank said it could take months to get the money back, but it took only about 2 weeks. Here is our current strategy concerning check writing: 1. Write as few checks as possible. Use a gel pen. 2. When using a check, either hand it to the payee, or mail it at the box inside the post office. 3. Keep a minimal amount of $ in the checking account. If writing a large check, transfer the $ into the account immediately before writing the check. 4. Use a separate checking account to pay the majority of bills (such as credit cards). Never write a check from this account. 5. Have alerts on checking account that...
by Hockey10
Wed Jun 21, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Attempted bank hack? How and what next... Rethinking security.
Replies: 14
Views: 1440

Re: Attempted bank hack? How and what next... Rethinking security.

1. Call the bank and tell them what happened.

2. Use the most robust form of 2FA on all financial accounts.

3. Do you use that username on other accounts? Maybe customer info was hacked at a different company and they got the username that you use at the bank.
by Hockey10
Thu Jun 15, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: using a barber when bald?
Replies: 31
Views: 3397

Re: using a barber when bald?

For trimming the back of my neck, I get my wife to do it at about the mid-point between haircuts. She uses the razor that I use to shave with. For the eyebrows, I use a Wahl trimmer. One time I took a big chunk out of the eyebrows by accident, but it grew back quickly.
by Hockey10
Fri Jun 09, 2023 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless Earpiece for Quarterback
Replies: 17
Views: 1914

Re: Wireless Earpiece for Quarterback

Just let him call his own plays.
by Hockey10
Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Power outlets off and on
Replies: 40
Views: 4782

Re: Power outlets off and on

We once had a similar problem. The electrician came out and recommended that we install a new circuit breaker box, as ours was very old. I had been planning on replacing it anyway, so we had him install a new one.

But, the same intermittent power outage happened again a few days later. I called the electric utility this time. The electric company technician said that there was a loose connection where the wire from the telephone pole connects to the house. He spent a few minutes fixing that connection and that solved the problem.
by Hockey10
Fri Jun 02, 2023 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible gas leaks? (Update and new questions)
Replies: 55
Views: 3694

Re: Possible gas leaks?

During an energy audit, the auditor detected a tiny leak in the gas pipe going into our heater. (I could not smell any sign of natural gas). He asked that I call the local gas utility immediately. The utility guy showed up within 10 minutes and fixed the leak. No charge. I was impressed with the service from both the energy auditor and the gas company employee.
by Hockey10
Wed May 31, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird Problem
Replies: 23
Views: 1497

Re: Bird Problem

Maybe move the lines underground? You would need to hire an electrician who would coordinate the move with the electric company. Have no idea how much this would cost however.
by Hockey10
Sat May 27, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Philly People - Good Jewish Delis?
Replies: 11
Views: 1475

Re: Philly People - Good Jewish Delis?

Target2019 wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 10:22 am
Wawa is average meats on a sub-standard roll. But whatever, if you have to...
Have done this more times than I care to remember in my younger days....
by Hockey10
Sat May 27, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: POA for digital assets?
Replies: 6
Views: 647

Re: POA for digital assets?

For Apple, you can set up a "Legacy Contact" who can access your account after your death.
by Hockey10
Sat May 27, 2023 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?
Replies: 69
Views: 9258

Re: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?

We are perfectly happy living in the same home that we have owned since the 1990s. Our kids are all still close by. Being close to the kids is more important than any other consideration for us.
by Hockey10
Sat May 20, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car oil leaking?
Replies: 19
Views: 1981

Re: Car oil leaking?

Open the hood and look at the oil fill cap on the top of the engine block. Maybe it is loose or missing. That happened to me once.
by Hockey10
Wed May 10, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes
Replies: 22
Views: 2582

Re: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes

MrsRoos wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 11:26 am There is a water meter,
I once bought a vacant lot and much to my surprise, I started to receive a regular bill from the local water utility. It was not a lot of money, but was one of the aggravating things about owning a vacant lot.
by Hockey10
Mon May 08, 2023 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes
Replies: 22
Views: 2582

Re: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes

I suggest you consult with the best real estate attorney that you can find in your city/county.
by Hockey10
Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
Replies: 71
Views: 9220

Re: Exercise planning for first year of retirement

Don't do too much too soon. Gradually increase your distance and difficulty of exercise, The key is to be consistent. Maybe do one type of exercise Mon, Wed, and Fri, then another on Tue, Thu, and Sat. Rest at least one day per week. Find a local park, whether it be state, county, city, and start walking there. I find that driving a couple of miles to a park then exercising in nature is more relaxing than starting out at home and walking around the neighborhood. (We live in a small neighborhood that is surrounded by busy roads, so avoiding the car traffic is one of the main reasons I drive to the parks). Start using an app to track your activity on your phone or watch. After a few months, look back at how much you were doing at the start co...
by Hockey10
Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement Snowbird Own vs. Rent
Replies: 17
Views: 2549

Re: Retirement Snowbird Own vs. Rent

Suggest that you rent in the warm area when you initially retire. Try it for 6 months and see what you think. Then you will have a better perspective on whether or not you should buy in the warm area. Living in the area for 6 months might feel a lot different than occasional short visits that you may be doing now.
by Hockey10
Sat Apr 01, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most affordable way to back-up all the photos on your iPhone?
Replies: 26
Views: 3246

Re: Most affordable way to back-up all the photos on your iPhone?

anon_investor wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:58 am If you have an Amazon Prime membership it includes unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos. You can have your photos automatically backed up from your phone if you install the app. It works with iPhones or Android phones.
+1

I use my Amazon Prime account for free unlimited photo storage. For videos, 5GB are included with Prime. There is a $20 annual charge to store an extra 100GB of videos.
by Hockey10
Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
Replies: 27
Views: 2088

Re: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence

I have had good results in both of these cities by asking at the front desk of the hotel. Sometimes they will give you a map and mark the location of their preferred restaurants. I have been to Rome 3 times and Florence once and don't recall ever having a bad meal.
by Hockey10
Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home maintenance list for first time home owners
Replies: 24
Views: 2839

Re: Home maintenance list for first time home owners

Check your circuit breaker panel to see if you have a whole house surge protector. If not, hire an electrician to have one installed. If there is a major power surge and you don't have a whole house surge protector, you can lose big $$$ due to fried appliances. This has happened several times in my neighborhood.
by Hockey10
Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Honda dealer should I believe?
Replies: 32
Views: 5107

Re: Which Honda dealer should I believe?

I bought an Accord last year. The dealer told me that you can't order a specific car. Instead, the factory "allocates" a certain number of cars to each dealer. The allocated cars are then matched up with the customer waiting list. If the customer in the number 1 spot does not like the color or trim that just arrived, then they call customer number 2.

I told them my trim choice and several color choices and gave a deposit. The salesman said it would take about 2 months. I got lucky, as the exact color and trim I wanted came in early, after about 6 weeks.
by Hockey10
Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US -> Europe this summer - Airline Recommendations
Replies: 15
Views: 912

Re: US -> Europe this summer - Airline Recommendations

I also use Google Flights. My strategy is to take a non-stop trans-Atlantic flight to a major airport in Europe as the first flight.
by Hockey10
Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best software to estimate taxes 2023 and beyond
Replies: 4
Views: 733

Re: Best software to estimate taxes 2023 and beyond

From the Bogleheads Wiki. Not sure how many of these go beyond 2023.

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax_estimation_tools
by Hockey10
Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling property in a far away state
Replies: 29
Views: 2220

Re: Selling property in a far away state

I once sold a vacant lot in NC, long after I had moved out of NC. I first hired a local appraiser to tell me what the lot was worth. I then visited the property. To my surprise, there was a brand new home on the lot next door. I knocked on the door and had a pleasant conversation with the wife. The husband was not home, but I gave my number and he later called me. After going back and forth a couple of times, we agreed on a price that was in the ballpark of the appraisal. For the settlement, I took a shot in the dark and hired a local attorney in NC based on an ad that I saw for him. I did not attend the settlement. To the OP - see of there is a way to contact the adjacent property owners and determine if they are interested in buying your ...
by Hockey10
Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 4894

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

We used to have a lot of rabbits in the yard. Then we starting seeing a fox in the yard on a daily basis. No more rabbits after that.
by Hockey10
Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key? [iPhone security discussion]
Replies: 138
Views: 9166

Re: Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key?

The WSJ also posted a video on their Youtube channel yesterday which was done in conjunction with the article that is behind the paywall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUYODQB_2wQ