Search found 609 matches

by AntsOnTheMarch
Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Supermarket are you?
Replies: 155
Views: 12835

Re: Which Supermarket are you?

Only the ones I can walk to.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Jun 14, 2018 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Changing DNS service to provide more security
Replies: 14
Views: 1983

Re: Changing DNS service to provide more security

Pancakes-Eggs-Bacon wrote: Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:11 pm
CULater wrote: Wed Jun 13, 2018 5:32 pmThe other devices on the network are an Obi 200 VOIP device and my smartphone when it is connected to WiFi. Not sure if the Obi is affected, but guess my smartphone would be when I have a WiFi connection, right?
Yeah, if you change the DNS on your router, your computer, Obi 200, and smartphone should still defer to your router for all DNS decision making.
I changed it on my router but also on mobile devices for when I’m out and use other WiFi.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Year Old Leftover Car
Replies: 15
Views: 3167

Re: Two Year Old Leftover Car

Dealer: No difference between 2017 and 2018.
You: Great! I’ll take the 2018 and you can sell the 2017 to someone else just as easy.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed Jun 13, 2018 5:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Year Old Leftover Car
Replies: 15
Views: 3167

Re: Two Year Old Leftover Car

TPMS light being on may mean that one or more wheel sensors are bad.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon Jun 11, 2018 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Light Camping Trailer
Replies: 59
Views: 8952

Re: Light Camping Trailer

alex_686 wrote: Mon Jun 11, 2018 12:10 pm AntsOnTheMarch, yes, the 13ft Scamp is on our list. Also maybe some type of teardrop trailers. A pop-up may be too minimal - my wife loves to cook.

And yes, I am somewhat leery of buying a camping trailer new. This would be a bit of a shift in our lifestyle and trailers depreciate fast.

Any suggestions on what to look for in a used one? How does one tell if the trailer has "good bones"?
Sorry, Alex. Other than my friends telling me how Much love the scamp, I have no other info for you. I saw it when they purchased it used and it looked like new. They said a couple bought it new and maybe took 3 trips before they realized the lifestyle wasn’t for them.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon Jun 11, 2018 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Light Camping Trailer
Replies: 59
Views: 8952

Re: Light Camping Trailer

Our friends bought a used 13’ (like new) scamp and love it. They use for national parks and also to visit family when housing is tight. They tow it with a Subaru Forrester. I have heard from many campers that there’s a good used market. People buy them expecting a certain lifestyle and barely use them when they discover it’s not for them. They had to travel many miles across states to pick theirs up once they located it.

https://www.scamptrailers.com/showroom/ ... out-1.html

Another friend bought a pop up camper but he was restricted from storing a normal camper on his property due to HOA. He likes that as well but I can’t recall the make/model.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed Jun 06, 2018 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't make the mistake I made (Telemarketing hell)
Replies: 67
Views: 10596

Re: Don't make the mistake I made (Telemarketing hell)

AlohaJoe wrote: Wed Jun 06, 2018 11:02 am
AntsOnTheMarch wrote: Wed Jun 06, 2018 6:34 am
AlohaJoe wrote: Wed Jun 06, 2018 1:24 am Only old people answer the phone these days.
Not even. I’m old and I only answer from known numbers.
"Only old people answer the phone" doesn't mean "all old people answer the phone". :D
:sharebeer
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed Jun 06, 2018 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't make the mistake I made (Telemarketing hell)
Replies: 67
Views: 10596

Re: Don't make the mistake I made (Telemarketing hell)

Only old people answer the phone these days. Not even. I’m old and I only answer from known numbers. My battle plan: - No land line. - I have the iPhone announce the caller. Phone rings and caller is not in my contacts it announces “unknown caller,” I immediately use the power button to send it right to voice mail. 9+ times out of 10 robocallers don’t leave a message. When they do, it’s good for a laugh. I got a bunch of “immediate action required, call right away” messages recently. One was “IRS is pursuing legal action against you” and the other was “your Windows system has been infected.” - I have a timed do disturb on my iPhone so it will never ring before I wake up unless it’s a family member. - If I have to give out my number to a qu...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tool board for basement - plywood or pegboard?
Replies: 29
Views: 4587

Re: Tool board for basement - plywood or pegboard?

No votes for magnetic strips? I’m not a fan of pegboard. Expensive and doesn’t hold up and work as well as you’d think. A piece of plywood is cheap and great for customizable holders. Much preferred in my book.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Sat Jun 02, 2018 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving UHaul
Replies: 20
Views: 3155

Re: Driving UHaul

Rented uhalls a couple of times. Use common sense! Be aware of where you need to drive and park and how difficult it will be to maneuver, back up, etc. Be aware that certain roads are off limits to trucks. I made the mistake of going through a park closed to trucks and was pulled over. Thankfully the cop didn’t ticket me.

Whenever a long move is planned it’s also good consider the option to give away or sell bulky items to reduce cargo and vehicle size and just buy new furniture as needed. Last move, wife and I downsized and moved in a Honda Fit (multiple trips as it was close by). Other than a couple of cheap Ikea purchases we haven’t replaced most items many years later. We don’t need all the stuff the we think we need.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed May 30, 2018 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Router hack, have you acted?
Replies: 101
Views: 12096

Re: Router hack, have you acted?

Here’s a purely what if question for the techies. What’s the timeline for suggesting a reboot and password change? Say you changed the password 2 months ago. Or say you rebooted the router a month ago, or a week ago, or 2 days ago, or 10 minutes before this announcement was made public. Why would rebooting today make it more secure? Or is this one of those pieces of advice based on the assumption that people never change the factory set password and never reboot? Never mind. I see what’s going on now. How would pressing a button on your router help, though? According to the FBI, rebooting your router will destroy the part of the malware that can do nasty things like spy on your activities, while leaving the install package intact. And when...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed May 30, 2018 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Router hack, have you acted?
Replies: 101
Views: 12096

Re: Router hack, have you acted?

Here’s a purely what if question for the techies. What’s the timeline for suggesting a reboot and password change? Say you changed the password 2 months ago. Or say you rebooted the router a month ago, or a week ago, or 2 days ago, or 10 minutes before this announcement was made public. Why would rebooting today make it more secure? Or is this one of those pieces of advice based on the assumption that people never change the factory set password and never reboot?
by AntsOnTheMarch
Wed May 30, 2018 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Router hack, have you acted?
Replies: 101
Views: 12096

Re: Router hack, have you acted?

My AirPort Extreme is not on the list so I’m doing nothing. It’s already got the latest firmware and a robust password. I make it a practice to assign unique, robust passwords to any new device/login and keep all relevant info in my password manager. Next on my list is to keep up on security updates. I learn of any exploits from the inter-webs and decide on a case by case basis. I didn’t change my twitter password for example, after the latest kerfuffle because I determine that it was FUD.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 28, 2018 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering iPad to replace failing Nexus tablet
Replies: 60
Views: 6304

Re: Considering iPad to replace failing Nexus tablet

I think that the iPad is awesome and that you will love working with it. I use mine way more than I do my laptop these days. I got the first model iPad when it came out and upgraded to the iPad Air 2 in 2014. It’s still going gangbusters. I have zero issues with performance or multitasking. I will probably upgrade again in a year or so when the new iOS comes out. I believe that there is a bias against the iPad because it doesn’t fit people’s definition of a “computer”—thus the strong preference for chromebooks in many threads. Imo, the iPad is an underrated and underutilized device due to this bias. I do most of my spreadsheet work and other computer tasks on my iPad. The native apps have improved tremendously over the years but you can alw...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Tue May 22, 2018 5:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany
Replies: 105
Views: 9364

Re: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany

protagonist wrote: Mon May 21, 2018 10:34 pm There's a pretty interesting town a few miles east of Newark and easily accessible by train. I forget its name. But if I remember correctly they have a baseball team, and I think Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel wrote songs about it. It's kind of like Albany but bigger. If you are flying from California and happen to be in Newark anyway, you might check it out.
I would agree but I’d say NYC is a visit all by itself whereas the trip up to Albany can be turned into a string of discrete little stops along the way. Also, I believe the OP asked about small towns and that’s definitely not NYC.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 21, 2018 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany
Replies: 105
Views: 9364

Re: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany

hoops777 wrote: Mon May 21, 2018 3:46 pm Should we visit the Berkshires since we have added a couple of days?
I would. It will take you slightly away from your “as the crow flies” path but not by much. I’d look at Lenox, MA (Tangelwood, The Mount [Edith Wharton’s home]) and North Adams, MA. Others will contribute more suggestions, I suspect. Whenever I visit a new area, I start my research at TripAdvisor and branch out from there.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 21, 2018 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany
Replies: 105
Views: 9364

Re: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany

dm200 wrote: Mon May 21, 2018 3:33 pm
Forgive me if this is a stupid question but driving only one way from Albany to Newark are their issues seeing the towns because of what side of the river you are on?
Yes - different sites - some on one side of the Hudson River and some on the other. However, there are multiple bridges over the Hudson along the way.
True. For example, while visiting FDR library, you are not far from West Point and Storm King. They are on other side of Hudson River but you can cross over bridge nearby.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 21, 2018 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What’s your phone/internet bill?
Replies: 92
Views: 9584

Re: What’s your phone/internet bill?

XFINITY/Comcast broadband internet 100 mbps: $49.95/mo.
XFINITY mobile phone (2 phones, 1-3 gigs combined data/mo.):

Image
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 21, 2018 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany
Replies: 105
Views: 9364

Re: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany

Lots of good suggestions which are worth repeating and confirming. October would be my most favorite month to do this. If you have the time to drive up on Rt. 9 on the east side of the Hudson River and make many stops (with some layovers), you’d be traveling in an area rich in attractions. It seems circuitous but I’d probably to go up the garden state parkway to 287 and across the new bridge (was Tappan Zee Bridge, now the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) , then up Rt. 9. You will have to cross back over the Hudson to see some of these but it’s a trivial matter. Nope, the bridge is still called the Governor Malcom Wilson bridge, saw it prominently displayed on the Rockland Cty bound span a few weeks ago. I believe you are technically correct bu...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Sun May 20, 2018 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany
Replies: 105
Views: 9364

Re: Road trip Newark NJ to Albany

Lots of good suggestions which are worth repeating and confirming. October would be my most favorite month to do this. If you have the time to drive up on Rt. 9 on the east side of the Hudson River and make many stops (with some layovers), you’d be traveling in an area rich in attractions. It seems circuitous but I’d probably to go up the garden state parkway to 287 and across the new bridge (was Tappan Zee Bridge, now the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge), then up Rt. 9. You will have to cross back over the Hudson to see some of these but it’s a trivial matter. Here are a few attractions that I can personally recommend: - Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, NY - Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Pk - Vanderbilt Ma...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Tue May 15, 2018 5:10 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Yes, I'm 89 all right! [Jack Bogle]
Replies: 126
Views: 20697

Re: Yes, I'm 89 all right! [Jack Bogle]

Thanks for everything! Happy birthday and I wish you many more!
:sharebeer
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu May 10, 2018 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transferring data from old iphone to new
Replies: 7
Views: 955

Re: Transferring data from old iphone to new

I’ve used my iCloud backups (wife and myself) exclusively for backup and data transfer to new devices for many years. It’s the easiest way to go (as opposed to backing up devices to computer via iTunes).

If you need the extra space pay the 99¢ ($1.00 with tax). There’s a great family deal if you’re backing up more than one device. I think it’s 2.99 but check out the details. You can cancel or downgrade your iCloud plan at any time so you can use a temporary upgrade if you intend to only use the extra space for this one transfer of data but I recommend to just keep it and keep backing up automatically instead of messing around with alternative back up plan to save a buck (literally).
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 07, 2018 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to buy new underwear?
Replies: 86
Views: 9081

Re: When to buy new underwear?

Caduceus wrote: Mon May 07, 2018 5:40 am My partner says underwear has to be changed out every year, but that does not make any sense to me.
A sure sign that your partner’s mind has been taken over by consumerist propaganda.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Mon May 07, 2018 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: most compelling TV character ever
Replies: 260
Views: 32625

Re: most compelling TV character ever

Lots of good picks but this is hopeless. Where would I start? Maybe I missed them but I don’t see Ed Norton from The Honeymooners or Oscar, Felix and Murray the cop from The Odd Couple or Herman Munster and Grandpa. I like that Earnest T. Bass and Floyd the barber are here. What about Gomer, Opie (and Leon, his brother in real life who made rare but notable appearances in a cowboy outfit, spoke no lines and offered his sandwich to whomever he come across)? And I’m not even scratching he surface. Maybe look for a few here. Mrs. Peel fans, see second video. https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=FLCQ5f-3NQ7h7Lpx9uCshylA&v=VeEs6e0FdwU https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=FLCQ5f-3NQ7h7Lpx9uCshylA&params=EAEYATgBYgtWZUVzNmUwRmR3VWgR&v=lPj3SJcx...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Sat May 05, 2018 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!
Replies: 129
Views: 17702

Re: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!

Sugar is the new bogeyman. I noticed it when all my obese friends and relatives started telling me about it because of Katie Couric. Yet they refuse to follow simple, time tested advice like eat more fruit and veggies. Also, when people say stuff like “studies are beginning to suggest,” it’s like saying “because science.” Science is saying no such thing and cherry picking studies doesn’t make it so. We have voluminous evidence for example, that eating more servings of whole fruit reduces all cause mortality, cancer and chronic diseases. If you examine why people in the US have gotten more obese over the decades, you will discover that the answer is wait for it...more calories (about 500 per day and counting). And where are those calorie co...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Fri May 04, 2018 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!
Replies: 129
Views: 17702

Re: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!

Sugar is the new bogeyman. I noticed it when all my obese friends and relatives started telling me about it because of Katie Couric. Yet they refuse to follow simple, time tested advice like eat more fruit and veggies. Also, when people say stuff like “studies are beginning to suggest,” it’s like saying “because science.” Science is saying no such thing and cherry picking studies doesn’t make it so. We have voluminous evidence for example, that eating more servings of whole fruit reduces all cause mortality, cancer and chronic diseases. If you examine why people in the US have gotten more obese over the decades, you will discover that the answer is wait for it...more calories (about 500 per day and counting). And where are those calorie com...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Fri May 04, 2018 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!
Replies: 129
Views: 17702

Re: Have you quit eating sugar? Tell me how!

Teague wrote: Fri May 04, 2018 11:58 am
Whole food plant based vegan here.
Just out of curiosity, can a vegan be other than plant-based?
No, but to be more precise...

Vegan usually implies ethical vegan, no animal products. You can drink beer and eat potato chips and be a vegan.

Plant-based = health-minded plant based diet which may or may not include animal products. Some plant-based people (myself included) self-identity as whole food plant based (WFPB). In my case, I sometimes eat seafood and dairy but in de minimums amounts.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Sat Apr 21, 2018 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms
Replies: 32
Views: 5197

Re: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms

anoop, You are not tied to yahoo or any email service provider but you are tied to the university service which may change terms tomorrow. Same thing for registering domain and paying for it. Nothing is truly free and you should always think that whatever data you store will get compromised. The best way is to minimize your personal data just like minimizing your belongings will free your life. Registration of a domain name is not in any way the same as having an email at a university. In return for a small yearly charge, you own the name and can move it to another registrar whenever you like. You do provide contact info when you register the domain and are responsible for keeping it up to date—the same way you do when you sign up for auto...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms
Replies: 32
Views: 5197

Re: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms

anoop wrote: Thu Apr 19, 2018 4:24 pm
Now let's say Bob doesn't like his university and doesn't want to be reminded of it. He can instead, as mentioned by someone else above, register a domain name, e.g. bobsdomain.com. He can then set things up so that email sent to bob@bobsdomain.com will go to either his yahoo or gmail account. I have never registered a domain name so I can't speak for exactly what is involved there. Suffice to say, there is cost involved in registering a domain name.

In some cases, the alias can be forwarded to multiple addresses.
This is very simple to do. Registering a domain may cost you ~$20 per year depending on type of domain and registrar. Any registrar I’ve ever used has had an option to forward email with many options.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 19, 2018 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “The Smell of Retiree Mon$y...”
Replies: 57
Views: 12237

Re: “The Smell of Retiree Mon$y...”

Personally, If anyone put me in a position where I was even considering threatening to disinherit them, i would disinherit them without any threats or warnings. This. Option #2 Write a note. Thank them for their concern for YOUR money and inform them that you are concerned about THEIR impatience to get their hands on it. Tell them that you feel for how it’s causing them consternation. Tell them that should they ask again, you will relieve them of their burden by changing your will. This way, they will never again have this dilemma about YOUR money because it will be left to some OTHER needy charity. Mention that it’s terrible that the world has so many needy people but one good thing about it is that there are endless charities competing f...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 19, 2018 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Honda Fit EX
Replies: 33
Views: 4479

Re: 2018 Honda Fit EX

My logic for asking now about a car I may buy in a couple of years is to find out the problems that hopefully will be addressed by then. I have heard and read from several places about the loud inside noise when driving on a highway. Also the uncomfortable seats on long trips. Since I probably will buy it before I head across the country, these are definitely areas I hope are addressed before I buy. Thanks and keep them coming! Seats are a very personal preference. I think the Fit seats are great. It’s not especially quiet but not especially noisy either. Others disagree. Hondas are built for economy / gas mileage. They are not known for especially quiet cabins. The Fit has been around a long time as the Jazz abroad and now over 10 years i...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 19, 2018 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Honda Fit EX
Replies: 33
Views: 4479

Re: 2018 Honda Fit EX

I have 2010 Fit Sport, 5 speed manual transmission. I love it! Don’t know what differences there might be between my older fit and a 2018 though. Complaints I’ve heard from people who don’t like their fits are noisy ride, paint not being durable. My response: it’s an economy car. I test drove all many competitors before I bought and at the time, it wasn’t even close.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms
Replies: 32
Views: 5197

Re: Do you use Yahoo? New Privacy Terms

One for the first things I did after getting on the internet back in the 90s was to register a domain name. I then made my email myname@mydomainname.com. I’ve used this ever since. At first I had a website and I dealt with my emails through my web host provider. But eventually I got rid of the website and I just use a forwarder to whatever email I have now (Apple currently). All my registrations on websites such as vanguard are myname@mydomainname.com. If I were to change from Apple to gmail as my email provider, I wouldn’t have to do a thing other than log onto my domain registrar and change the forwarding email. So if you change emails, consider this approach. No matter which email provider you choose, it may not serve you a few years dow...
by AntsOnTheMarch
Tue Apr 17, 2018 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please suggest a file folder type
Replies: 21
Views: 2446

Re: Please suggest a file folder type

I also live in an an apartment. I second a digital solution that will fit your needs. I don’t store much paper anymore but when I do, I find that I like the flexibility of expanding file folders like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Straight-C ... B001L1RFOG

You can drop in papers or sub categorize them by using regular file folders within the expanding file folder. Once you accumulate a bunch of them, store them in a file folder box. Boxes can be stacked or stored just about anywhere there is free space.

https://www.amazon.com/Bankers-Storage- ... B000XPAIV8

Rinse, repeat. Pretty simple, cheap, and flexible.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New faster DNS - 1.1.1.1 by CloudFlare
Replies: 97
Views: 14591

Re: New faster DNS - 1.1.1.1 by CloudFlare

Enkidu wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 5:30 pm Does anyone know if changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 in the ISP router will change the DNS for all devices that use the router?

Do you have to change DNS address for each device, and the router?

What if the router is set for the ISP DNS but you change a device to the 1.1.1.1 What takes prescience, router or device?
My understanding is that if you change the router, it’s good for every device accessing it. If you change a device, it takes precedence over router for that device only. I tested on one device and when satisfied, changed router without changing the rest of the devices.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?
Replies: 92
Views: 13611

Re: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?

walletless wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:19 pm I'll also add that Amazon Prints (AmazonPrints.com) will print a 4x6 for just 9 cents. If you're ok waiting few weeks to ship, it's actually a cheap option that doesn't go through corporate bullshit that drugstores try to make you pay more for.
I’d rather pay slightly more and get them the same day. I didn’t encounter any corporate BS.

- Upload prints
- Choose store PU location
- Pick up prints in a few hours
- Apple Pay
Done!

https://photo.walgreens.com/store/prints
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund
Replies: 5
Views: 715

Re: Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund

livesoft wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 1:07 pm Do you see how to find these on your own? You may want to investigate all the other [ultra] short-term bond funds available on the no commission ETF list.
I think that SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF will be fine for me for the small amount of $$$ I’m thinking about.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?
Replies: 92
Views: 13611

Re: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?

AntsOnTheMarch wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:54 am Haven’t read the responses...

I used the following iOS app to successfully create passport photos for wife and myself a couple of years ago. Worked like a charm.

ID PhotoPrint: US passport photos, delivered by Tinkertanker
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id-phot ... 88006?mt=8
Seeing some of the comments, I thought that I’d add this...

One reason I wanted an app is that my wife hates all her photos and we experimented with this app and used the best of the bunch. IIRC, the app created a contact sheet with a few photos. I don’t remember if I printed it out myself or sent it to Walgreens (I upload my prints to their website and pick up at local store). Either way it would have cost pennies.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund
Replies: 5
Views: 715

Re: Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund

jhfenton wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:03 pm I would stick to the either or both of the dirt-cheap, commission-free short-term bond options. Replicating VFSUX would require a mix of the two, but in an HSA, I'd probably just pick one. There are other commission-free options, but they are at least 2-3x as expensive, and in short-term bonds every basis point counts.

SPTS - SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF - 0.06% ER
SPSB - SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF - 0.07% ER
Thank you! No reason to replicate VFSUX so one of these should be fine. I will check them out.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?
Replies: 92
Views: 13611

Re: Passport photo DIY - anyone done it easily?

Haven’t read the responses...

I used the following iOS app to successfully create passport photos for wife and myself a couple of years ago. Worked like a charm.

ID PhotoPrint: US passport photos, delivered by Tinkertanker
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id-phot ... 88006?mt=8
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund
Replies: 5
Views: 715

Suggest “TDA available” short term bond fund

I have an HSA with TDA option. I would like buy a low cost, short term bond ETF similar to this:

VFSUX - Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares https://personal.vanguard.com/us/funds/ ... IntExt=INT

This is for AA purposes and a small part of portfolio so it doesn’t have to be perfect match.

Any suggestions?
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FB
Replies: 356
Views: 43001

Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?

Calico wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:15 am I haven't been able to watch any of the proceedings, but did they explain "How" they are collecting data on non-Facebook users?
I watched it and still have no idea. I think Zuckerberg was willfully evading certain questions and congress people were not up to speed on tech enough to challenge. Imagine trying to pin down your car mechanic on what he’s doing to your car and why it’s justified and you have no idea how a car works.

This hearing was a complete waste of time, IMO and Zuckerberg pulled an Eddie Haskell on them. “You have a lovely home here, Mrs. Cleaver.”
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?
Replies: 9
Views: 848

Re: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?

seawolf21 wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:44 am Merchant is required to post refund transaction within 7 days.
:sharebeer

Good to know!
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?
Replies: 9
Views: 848

Re: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?

jhfenton wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:12 am
AntsOnTheMarch wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:31 am Thanks for the responses. I am looking at my transactions in real time on the website (including pending and posted transactions). There is no sign that the credit/refund is in the works anywhere that I can see.
For some reason, unlike charges, I never see pending credits. They appear when they post, and it usually takes at least 3-5 days. I would concur on waiting at least a week before questioning the theater about it. At two weeks, I would dispute the original charge.
Thanks, that’s helpful. I will definitely wait until next week. It’s more just making sure it happens than the timing, so I’ll put it on my calendar so I don’t forget it.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?
Replies: 9
Views: 848

Re: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?

Silk McCue wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 10:02 am
AntsOnTheMarch wrote: Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:31 am Thanks for the responses. I am looking at my transactions in real time on the website (including pending and posted transactions). There is no sign that the credit/refund is in the works anywhere that I can see.
Good to know. From my experience these credits always take longer to post and yes it can be frustrating wondering whether it will actually happen. I would wait until Monday before pursuing especially since the charge just posted today.

Cheers
Ok, thanks. Will do.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?
Replies: 9
Views: 848

Re: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?

Thanks for the responses. I am looking at my transactions in real time on the website (including pending and posted transactions). There is no sign that the credit/refund is in the works anywhere that I can see.
by AntsOnTheMarch
Thu Apr 12, 2018 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?
Replies: 9
Views: 848

How long do you wait for CC credit/refund to post?

I had a charge at a movie theater on April 8. A credit/refund was issued less than 1 hour later due to technical problems with the projection of the film. I was told by the manager that it would take a couple days to clear. The original charge has posted to my account and as of today, I see no sign of a credit/refund (I have the receipt of the credit/refund). Should I wait a while longer or contact CC? It’s perplexing to me that I get charged instantly but credits need to go through a “special slow boat.”
by AntsOnTheMarch
Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New faster DNS - 1.1.1.1 by CloudFlare
Replies: 97
Views: 14591

Re: New faster DNS - 1.1.1.1 by CloudFlare

I trust many small companies more than Comcast, Facebook, google or equifax.