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.
Search found 1102 matches
- 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: 3544
- 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: 4562
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
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
- Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4209
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
viewtopic.php?p=7602553#p7602553
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 7:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Digitizing old photographs
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1613
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
https://legacybox.com
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Runner Seeking Advice
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2935
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...
- 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: 5935
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.
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.
- Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Men's travel pants recommendation.
- Replies: 76
- Views: 9286
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.
- Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: YoLink Smart Wireless Freezer Temp Alarm
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1142
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...
- 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: 46
- Views: 6423
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...
- Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wine - what are we paying more for … ?
- Replies: 185
- Views: 33182
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.
- Fri Dec 08, 2023 3:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [Exercises for physical balance]
- Replies: 43
- Views: 5954
Re: physical balance
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.
- Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Beach Umbrella for Windy Days
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2698
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).
- 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: 12903
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.
- Sat Sep 23, 2023 12:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Airport parking in Philly
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1078
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/
https://www.expresspark.net/south/
- Sat Aug 26, 2023 1:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard funds in Fidelity account
- Replies: 14
- Views: 5790
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.
- 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: 1779
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.
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.
- Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: security setup tips for vacationers?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1665
Re: security setup tips for vacationers?
Set up your accounts to send you a text message for every transaction.
- Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax strategies for taxable accounts -bogle newbie
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1557
- Wed Aug 02, 2023 2:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PHL Airport Transportation
- Replies: 14
- Views: 978
Re: PHL Airport Transportation
It would help if you told us what town you are going to.
- Fri Jul 28, 2023 4:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Advantage of managed accounts that do TLH over VTI
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1279
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.
- Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do you keep your credit account "frozen" at the Big 3? (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Replies: 77
- Views: 5774
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 6:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: where to place a dehumidifier in the basement
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1996
Re: where to place a dehumidifier in the basement
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.
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity Money Lockdown
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2740
Re: Fidelity Money Lockdown
Very easy to use. Have been using it for years with no problems.
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity 2-factor authentication by VIP Access
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3556
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.
- Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What items not to store in attic and garage? Items not worth storing long term?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2449
Re: What items not to store in attic and garage? Items not worth storing long term?
Batteries - store these inside the home at room temperature.
- 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: 15238
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.
- Thu Jun 22, 2023 7:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity check fraud hassle?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5920
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...
- 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: 1453
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.
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.
- Thu Jun 15, 2023 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: using a barber when bald?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3414
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.
- Fri Jun 09, 2023 5:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wireless Earpiece for Quarterback
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1918
Re: Wireless Earpiece for Quarterback
Just let him call his own plays.
- Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Power outlets off and on
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4867
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.
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.
- Fri Jun 02, 2023 2:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Possible gas leaks? (Update and new questions)
- Replies: 55
- Views: 3755
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.
- Wed May 31, 2023 11:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bird Problem
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1527
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.
- Sat May 27, 2023 3:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Philly People - Good Jewish Delis?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1488
Re: Philly People - Good Jewish Delis?
Have done this more times than I care to remember in my younger days....Target2019 wrote: ↑Sat May 27, 2023 10:22 am
Wawa is average meats on a sub-standard roll. But whatever, if you have to...
- Sat May 27, 2023 3:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: POA for digital assets?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 649
Re: POA for digital assets?
For Apple, you can set up a "Legacy Contact" who can access your account after your death.
- 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: 9315
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.
- Sat May 20, 2023 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car oil leaking?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1984
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.
- Wed May 10, 2023 7:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3065
- Mon May 08, 2023 3:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Property auction due to non-payment of property taxes
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3065
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.
- Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9303
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...
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirement Snowbird Own vs. Rent
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2577
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.
- 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: 3287
Re: Most affordable way to back-up all the photos on your iPhone?
+1anon_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.
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.
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Restaurant recommendations for Rome/Florence
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2130
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.
- Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:07 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
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.
- Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which Honda dealer should I believe?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5143
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.
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.
- Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: US -> Europe this summer - Airline Recommendations
- Replies: 15
- Views: 924
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.
- Fri Mar 03, 2023 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Best software to estimate taxes 2023 and beyond
- Replies: 4
- Views: 737
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
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax_estimation_tools
- Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Selling property in a far away state
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2266
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 ...
- Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
- Replies: 61
- Views: 5074
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.
- 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: 9337
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUYODQB_2wQ