[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - TurboTax question. mod mkc]
At this time of year I get a Turbo Tax CD from the local Staples. Because of my investments in stocks I feel I need to purchase the more expensive Premier edition. My buddy told me that if I get the Basic edition and I download my financial data from the financial firms it will automatically fill out all the required tax forms. Has any BHer tried this? If so does it work OK?
Search found 100 matches
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Question about Turbo Tax
- Replies: 8
- Views: 730
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:46 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2449
Re: The classic dilemma between income and growth... Where should I be?
Just curious about your $1,500 monthly living expenses. Not to be flip but are you living in your parents basement? I am 76 years ole and I cannot ever recall having such a low amount of living expenses once I left my parents home. If you can continue at that level of expense I think you can be a lot more aggressive in your investments.
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2194
Re: Blocking callers on Iphone
I want to thank all who responded to my topic. Did not know about being able to silence non-contact callers on IPhone. This should provide some relief. Thanks for the tech support.
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: SNOW blower Toro Vs Arien (24")
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2114
Re: SNOW blower Toro Vs Arien (24")
I live on Cape Cod and only need my snow blower once or twice per year. My electric start 24"Arien is 4 years old and it has served me perfectly. After the winter is long gone I start the engine, drain the gas tank while it is running, and let it stop itself from lack of fuel. Next year it starts right up.
My only regret was that I did not buy snow chains. Being frugal I thought I could get by without buying tire chains. Big mistake, spend the added $80 and you will be thanking yourself every time you use it. After our last storm two weeks ago, it was a heavy, wet 4" storm and my tires were spinning all over the place. Finally broke down and ordered the chains.
My only regret was that I did not buy snow chains. Being frugal I thought I could get by without buying tire chains. Big mistake, spend the added $80 and you will be thanking yourself every time you use it. After our last storm two weeks ago, it was a heavy, wet 4" storm and my tires were spinning all over the place. Finally broke down and ordered the chains.
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2194
Blocking callers on Iphone
I am at my wits end. For the past several months I have been getting multiple calls daily wanting to send me new updated benefits provided by Medicare. I know these are scams and once you provide your medicare number its off to the races. My Iphone allows me to block future calls by the calling number. So far I must have blocked over 150 phone numbers but they still come up with new numbers to call me on. I am just curious, how can a scam artist come up with so many new phone numbers? Also, I am sure other Bogleheads have had this experience. Have you come up with a way to stop these irritating calls? If so let me know how. In the beginning I use to speak with these callers and I would let them know they are the rodents of the earth and use...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:04 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is your favorite book?
- Replies: 187
- Views: 20531
Re: What is your favorite book?
In my 75 years of life I have read a lot of books and a few I consider to be in the pantheon of reading. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles comes to mind. I am sure there are a few others but my brain cells cannot open that file drawer yet.
This book may have been recommended previously but there are so many suggestions I did not read them all. My apologies.
This book may have been recommended previously but there are so many suggestions I did not read them all. My apologies.
- Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How best to dry off passenger seat
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3374
How best to dry off passenger seat
We are getting ready to drive to Florida from Mass. and the other day my wife left the passenger side window open a few inches. It rained pretty heavy that night and now we have a soggy wet seat and arm rest. Other than leaving the car in the sun and using a hair dryer are there any other options we can consider?
- Sat Dec 31, 2022 9:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Senior Living Facilities in St. Augustine, FL
- Replies: 2
- Views: 635
Senior Living Facilities in St. Augustine, FL
My elderly sister is considering moving into an Assisted Living Facility around St. Augustine, Florida and she is looking to me (her baby brother) for help. Since I live in Massachusetts I have no idea what facilities are like in Florida. Just wondering if there are any Bogleheads who can comment of the quality of assisted living facilities in the St. Augustine, Fl. area. I will be contacting the local Council on Aging and seeking their input but I also value the independent comments of Boglehead members.
- Sat Nov 12, 2022 8:14 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Just wondering your opinion of cause of inflation
- Replies: 3
- Views: 528
Just wondering your opinion of cause of inflation
When I took college Economics 101 back in the 1960's I learned the cause of inflation was simply "...demand exceeds supply..". But now I am not so sure. I constantly read articles in the web site Real Clear Markets as to the various opinions on causes of inflation. There are certain knowledgeable individuals that I follow religiously and they seem to have a different take on causes of inflation. Individuals such as John Tammy seem to feel that government spending and excessive government debts are not the culprits of inflation. Rather, they state inflation is more due to lack of manufacturing production. Their theory is that govt. spending and govt. debt is a tax on the private sector and reduces the available monies for growth. S...
- Wed Sep 21, 2022 8:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mini vacation to Albany, NY
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1424
Mini vacation to Albany, NY
Wife & I are getting bored with daily routine and are looking at going on a no stress mini vacation. Thought of seeing how far a one day drive would take us and Albany, NY came up. I also have a warm & fuzzy feeling about visiting state capitals due to their history and governmental institutions.
If there are Bogleheads that know Albany well can you share places and eateries to visit. We would only be staying two or three days. Lodging recommendations would also be appreciated providing they are on the frugal (not cheap) side. Thank you for any thoughts you are willing to share.
If there are Bogleheads that know Albany well can you share places and eateries to visit. We would only be staying two or three days. Lodging recommendations would also be appreciated providing they are on the frugal (not cheap) side. Thank you for any thoughts you are willing to share.
- Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need opinion on pork ribs
- Replies: 43
- Views: 3582
Need opinion on pork ribs
I have only cooked ribs once or twice for myself and was not concerned as to type of rib. However, I volunteered to cook ribs for a social group (20-25 members) in a few weeks and I am on the fence as to which type of ribs would be best for this group. From reading the internet I have narrowed the choicest to baby back, spareribs, and St. Louis ribs. For those BH with vast experience in oven cooking ribs I would like your opinion as to which is the easiest to cook in an oven. I am not looking for a recipe here, just your opinion as to what rib you would serve a group of 20 or so and why.
- Sun Dec 12, 2021 9:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1433
Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
In Itunes Did you do "A Restore From Backup"?travelspot wrote: ↑Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:00 pm I transferred all of my music from a 6s to an 11. Including thousands of songs from CDs along with the ones purchased on iTunes.
I didn’t have a problem, and think the difference is that I didn’t rely on the Cloud. I believe the Cloud won’t allow transfers of non-iTunes songs. But, I backed up my entire 6s into my desktop Mac harddrive (via iTunes), then plugged my new 11 into the Mac and followed the prompts to push it all onto the new phone.
- Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1433
Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Apple iPhone are blu tooth compatible. I was able to transfer all apps, data, contacts, etc. except music. My music was bought the old fashion way, at retail stores. I copied to laptop and downloaded to my 6S iPhone. No can do with iPhone 11
- Sun Dec 12, 2021 8:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1433
Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
Went online and looked at CopyTrans. Not sure if it solves my dilemma. I already have music on my laptop, that is how I got it to the 6S iPHone. My problem is getting the music to my new iPhone 11. The CopyTrans narrative gives a clue as to why I cannot transfer music from my laptop. Appears the music industry was afraid of music sharing and was able to have Apple block this option.
- Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1433
Re: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
With my 6S iPhone I did use iCloud for storage. But I cannot figure out why the music did not download. I still think because I did not buy the music from Apple it will not transfer.
- Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1433
Transfer music from iPhone 6S to iPhone 11
My phone carrier (Tracfone) recently informed me they would no longer support my iPhone 6S. I am very happy with my 6S and would keep it forever if I could. However, I did bite the bullet and purchased a new unlocked iPhone 11 from Apple. For the most part Apple makes it very simple to transfer data from the 6S to the 11. Here is the but, I had a number of albums on my 6S but the music files did not transfer to the 11. I am thinking because I did not purchase the music from iTunes, it was blocked electronically. I was able to get the music on my 6S by copying a CD to my laptop and exporting it to my 6S. I am looking for a work around to get my albums from the 6S to the iPhone 11. I saw on the internet some apps to do this, but I am somewhat...
- Wed Sep 15, 2021 6:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Why is my golf watch so far off?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3077
Why is my golf watch so far off?
A few months ago I purchased a Garmin S10 golf watch that measures the yardage distance to the next green. I play a couple of times a week with three other guys who also have golf watches. One guy has a more expensive Garmin watch, while the other two guys have a different brand golf watch. I notice that on many holes all four watches are pretty much in agreement on the distance to the green, but on certain holes my watch is 8 to 10 yards higher in yardage distance. The other three watches always seem to be in agreement. Can someone explain why if all watches are using satellites to calculate the distance to the green, why is my watch so far off? Do watches access different satellites?
- Thu Aug 19, 2021 1:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need advice on motor for Delta table saw
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1139
Need advice on motor for Delta table saw
I have a 3 hp 220v Delta table saw. I bought it about 25 years ago. It has run great until I tried to use it this morning. The motor would not start. There is juice to the outlet. The thought of taking the saw apart to free up the motor for bringing it to a repair shop is daunting as well as a lot of work.
Does anyone have ideas as to what I could do to troubleshoot the electrical problem before I take it all apart? All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Does anyone have ideas as to what I could do to troubleshoot the electrical problem before I take it all apart? All suggestions greatly appreciated.
- Fri May 07, 2021 6:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1076
Re: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
I wish to thank all those who responded to my posting. I went to the Amazon site as suggested and they had what looks to be the perfect answer. I am surprised that the salesperson I spoke with at Best Buy did not offer such a suggestion. Any way, it seems my problem is solved.
- Fri May 07, 2021 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1076
DIY pedestal for flat screen TV
Looking to buy new 40" to 50"flat screen TV but the chicken legs on these new models are too far apart to sit on our existing console. I spent about 6 months and a few hundred $ building a custom wood console to fit our existing TV so I do want to be able to use it. The wall above the TV will not allow for wall hanging. Has any handy Boglehead come up with a pedestal type structure ( preferably made out of wood) that securely holds the TV in place and is small enough to fit on a 28" surface? One of my concerns are the speakers located on the underneath side which might interfere with securing the TV to the pedestal. Before I buy the new TV I want to be assured there is a way to secure the TV without using the chicken legs. An...
- Fri Apr 16, 2021 9:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Replacing gas fired furnace
- Replies: 1
- Views: 307
Replacing gas fired furnace
Recently had a plumber visit me to give a quote on replacing my 15 year old natural gas hot water tank. The first thing he said when he saw my heating system was that I needed to replace my boiler and should consider having an indirect hot water storage tank. He checked the tag on my boiler and confirmed it was manufactured in 1996 which would make it around 21 years old. Is 21 years old for a gas fired boiler? Also, is it more efficient & economical to have one boiler heat both home heating & hot water? I am waiting for a final formal quote but he gave a ball park amount of between $3,500 to $4,500 for this system. This plumber is an employee, not the boss who does the estimating. I contacted a 2nd plumber for a quote and he emaile...
- Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking to download password free chess game
- Replies: 6
- Views: 519
Re: Looking to download password free chess game
As suggested by xenial I went to the Lichess web page and played one simple game. It looks like a winner for me. Very simple to navigate, no password required, no ads. I believe this will do the trick. Looking forward to getting to know the site better. Thank you very much for the suggestion.
- Tue Feb 09, 2021 11:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking to download password free chess game
- Replies: 6
- Views: 519
Looking to download password free chess game
Past 12 months I have been playing computer card games to while away the boredom. Looking to change my routine and maybe improve my primitive chess skills. If possible I would like to download a free chess app that does not require setting up a separate account. My primary desire is play against the computer and hopefully, not have to create another pw account. I have more than enough pw accounts now. Am I asking for too much? If not, can someone suggest a chess game app to download to my laptop. I did a search of the BH archive but did not find a similar thread.
- Sun Dec 06, 2020 1:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1143
Re: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
When plumber came to purge my system I did mention that my expansion tank sounded full of water when I tapped it. I do not remember if he said anything about it before he left. Sounds like the expansion tank is the culprit. Will have plumber check it out.
- Sun Dec 06, 2020 11:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1143
Re: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
I replaced the original pressure relief valve with a similar valve. Since the original valve did not drip there is no reason for a similar valve to not be an improper rated valve. I did omit one bit of info, it is not a constant drip. The bulk of the water seems to occur early in the morning when my house thermostat tells the boiler it is time to bring the house heat up to the designated setting. Night setting is at 64F while the daytime setting is 69F.
- Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Reason for dripping safety relief valve
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1143
Reason for dripping safety relief valve
I have a gas fired hot water boiler for my furnace. Age is around 20 years. A few months ago I noticed some water puddling directly beneath the safety valve extension pipe. I changed the valve and the problem went away. However, a few weeks ago I had a plumber purge my system of air in the pipes. A few days after I again noticed puddling under the safety valve extension pipe. So I changed the safety valve again. Unfortunately, I still see water under the extension pipe. The amount of water is around 1/4 cup per 24 hour period. I monitored the boiler pressure & heat for several days. The temp ranged from 120F to 175F degrees while the pressure was in the range of 20 to 35 lbs. In my opinion (I am not a plumber) this range in temp & p...
- Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ideas needed on work boots
- Replies: 9
- Views: 765
Re: Ideas needed on work boots
I go in and out of my house several times a day so I'd rather not have to take off my boots every time I enter my home.
- Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ideas needed on work boots
- Replies: 9
- Views: 765
Ideas needed on work boots
Awhile ago I purchased a pair of good quality work boots. As a retired individual I do not have a need for work boots but I thought they would be an advantage over a soft shoe like sneakers while I work in my garden or putz around on my concrete cellar floor. I have found them very comfortable and am quite happy with their performance. Now here is the "but"... I do find that the lug sole does pack in mud, dirt, etc., in the indentations, which I eventually bring into my home. I am thinking of filling the lug sole with some sort of composite material to make a smooth sole surface. Does anyone have ideas on a material I can purchase to fill the indentations on my lug sole with?
- Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
- Replies: 96
- Views: 7544
Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs
Went to the David Pelz videos as suggested by a couple of BH's above. I can see where they can be of help. Thanks for the suggestion.
- Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
- Replies: 96
- Views: 7544
Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs
Unless I can take the pro around the golf course with me I am not convinced lessons are the best choice for me at this time. Hitting shots from a practice tee can only reveal so much. My problems start after I hit the ball off the T box.
- Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
- Replies: 96
- Views: 7544
What can I expect from new golf clubs
Several years ago when I retired I took up the game of golf. My brother-in-law had some clubs he never used and gave them to me. After playing for the past several years I find my game has not improved to the level I feel I should be at. I am 72 years old and in good health. My golf handicap is around 26, but I feel I should be around 18 to 20. Hitting for distance is not an issue, my biggest concern is accuracy and consistency. Some folks have suggested a new set of clubs might make a big difference. My current clubs I am guessing are around 20 years old or more. I try to play once or twice a week. Not sure if my problems are due to lack of sufficient playing time; my lack of ability; or the age of my clubs. Before I shell out a +$1,000 or...
- Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3273
Re: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
Just want to thank all who took the time to respond to my original posting. Would not have guessed at the level of technical support these announcers have while calling balls & strikes. I am always amazed as to the knowledge & experience of the Boglehead folks. Thanks again.
- Mon Aug 03, 2020 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3273
A Simple Baseball Question, Maybe
Being retired and staying at home waiting for the Covid virus to disappear sometimes makes my mind wander to places I never knew I had in my brain. For example, while watching our beloved Red Sox do what they are paid to do it got me to wondering how the announcers are able to (with 100% certainty) identify the type of pitch it was. They instantly report the pitch as being either slider, cut fastball, curve, split finger, etc. Now this year these announcers are located in the TV studios around 10 miles away from Fenway Park. So I am guessing they are seeing the same TV screen that I am seeing. I am sure there are enough Bogelheads to fill a stadium that can explain how these announcers identify the type of pitch in a fraction of a second. P...
- Fri Jul 10, 2020 4:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: At crossroads with 2003 Ford Ranger
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1088
At crossroads with 2003 Ford Ranger
Recently noticed stains in my driveway so I peaked under my Ranger and saw drips of oil collecting at base of oil pan. Brought to local mechanic who I have a decent amount of faith in. They needed to put a dye in the fluid in order to confirm source of leak. Appears leak is due to oil pan gasket. Because of this Ford Ranger design, the motor needs to come out in order to access the bolts to remove the oil pan. This is an all day project and we are looking at around $1200 bill. Called the local Ford dealer for a 2nd opinion and the service manager said he would not touch this truck due to its age. He advise to bring it to a local garage. My local mechanic also suggested that since the motor is out I should consider replacing the gasket on th...
- Fri May 22, 2020 7:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What to look for when buying a table saw?
- Replies: 53
- Views: 4874
Re: What to look for when buying a table saw?
I have been a hobby wood worker for close to 30 years and I would strongly suggest you research the various sources and make your selection based on proven quality. Price should be the last criteria. I doubt the cheaper table saws can cut a true straight line. When I purchased my table saw back in the 1990's it seemed that Delta & Powermatic were the quality table saws on the retail market. I ended up buying a 10" Delta 3 hp with a Biesemeyer fence. My only regret is that I did not buy the 5 hp model. If you are looking to do serious cabinet work, I would not get anything less than a 3 hp. I'd say the hysteria around safety should not deter you from choosing a table saw. In most wood working establishments the table saw is the work...
- Fri May 22, 2020 9:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
- Replies: 7
- Views: 532
Re: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
My first choice is always to go to You Tube no matter what my DIY project is. However, I have been to You Tube and most of the videos has to do with replacing the air filter under the hood. I am looking to fix the rattling noise in the cabin blower fan. Just about all the videos show the cabin air filter located behind the glove box. My Ranger does not have that configuration. I have been to other internet sites and they usually want me to buy the repair manual. Not happening at this time. I will research the sources provided by atikovi. Thanks for the help
- Thu May 21, 2020 4:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
- Replies: 7
- Views: 532
Access to cabin blower fan for 2003 Ford Ranger
Turned on my cabin blower fan this morning and there was this annoying rattling sound, like a bunch of leaves were in the fan blades. Thought it was an easy job to pop off the glove box and remove the air filter to see if there was any obstructions. Come to find out, this model Ranger does not have a cabin air filter. Has any Bogleheads had a similar experience and if so what the cause may be? Is this a DIY project or bring to a garage project?
- Thu May 14, 2020 5:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Secrets to a great lawn
- Replies: 65
- Views: 7104
Re: Secrets to a great lawn
In the past I have used Scotts Weed & Feed and got decent results. Also, I live in the Northeast near the coast so we do not experience extreme heat during summer. But I do try to avoid cutting my lawn from late June to middle August which is normally the hot dry period. I do not have a sprinkler system. Wife isn't too keen on the looks but, funny how when you start to mow the grass again in August it looks pretty good and nobody remembers to tall uncut grass of July. Last Fall I was listening to a garden call in show on the radio. The radio host is very knowledgeable about garden stuff and lawns. She suggested we learn to embrace the dandelions and clover. At first I thought NO WAY! However I am re-thinking my earlier position and ever...
- Mon May 11, 2020 6:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need advice on replacing boiler pressure relief valve
- Replies: 7
- Views: 607
Need advice on replacing boiler pressure relief valve
The other day I went into my basement and noticed water puddling around my gas fired hot water furnace. I quickly saw the source of the water was a dripping coming from the pressure relief valve extension pipe. Since my system is around 20 years old I figured it is due to crud getting into the valve. I wish to replace the valve myself, it does not look complicated. However the existing valve does not indicate the pressure rating. There is a label on the furnace that has some PSI numbers but I cannot tell how they apply to my furnace. I went to the local plumbing supply warehouse and saw a variety pressure sizes of valves. Can someone tell me how to determine what size pressure valve I need. Also, some of the You Tube videos suggest I should...
- Thu May 07, 2020 4:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Where do you back up your important data?
- Replies: 104
- Views: 7830
Re: Where do you back up your important data?
I try to keep it simple. Only data I back up is: passwords, and financial statements. I make a copy to a thumbdrive. Easy to store and carry around. I do not have confidence in Cloud storage
- Thu May 07, 2020 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Will a vpn complicate or improve my internet experience?
- Replies: 55
- Views: 5931
Will a vpn complicate or improve my internet experience?
Received an email from the folks at McAfee offering free vpn service. A casual internet search indicates I would be better off going with a fee for service vpn provider. While I am comfortable using a computer I still hesitate installing or dealing with any new software. Can someone advise me as to the degree to which a vpn will complicate my life or improve the quality of my internet experience?
- Tue Jun 25, 2019 2:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is this overkill on construction work
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2265
Is this overkill on construction work
I have an interest in a house in Northern New Hampshire. This winter's snowfall created excess weight on the front porch roof and part of the porch pulled away from the main building as well as sank a few inches. Part of the original house was built in the late 1800's. A lot of the house has been updated, but unfortunately, some areas still has that old world charm. The contractor who is doing the repairs has shown me areas where the upgraded work is pretty shoddy. For example the support post for the porch simply rest on a dirt surface. No provision was made for digging below the frost line and pouring a concrete slab. The contractor is proposing to dig three holes (one for each support post) 30" X 30" 4' deep and pour a 14"...
- Tue Jun 18, 2019 11:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: IPhone 6 - showing some age
- Replies: 100
- Views: 12928
Re: IPhone 6 - showing some age
I also have an Iphone 6 which has a battery issue. Took it to a phone repair shop in a strip mall. His test confirmed the battery had degraded substantialy. He would replace the battery for $75 and it would take only 20 minutes. Only problem was that the waterproof feature of the phone would be compromised. Even though I do not go near the water with my Iphone, I could not pull the trigger and have him replace the battery. So I just re-charge my phone every other day or so. This inconvenience is worth keeping my Iphone in original condition for a few more years.
- Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I buy Euros from local bank or use ATM in Europe
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3903
Should I buy Euros from local bank or use ATM in Europe
Wife & I are planning a Fall trip to Portugal/Spain. Doing some planning and in reading Rick Steves travel guide he suggests buying the Euros with our debit card when we arrive at the airport in Portugal/Spain. This would avoid high exchange fees by our local bank. Normally I would exchange all our required currency at a local bank rather than deal with ATM's and European banks. Curious as to whether travel savvy Bogelheads would agree with this advice.
- Sun May 26, 2019 12:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need help with landline service
- Replies: 8
- Views: 936
Need help with landline service
A few weeks ago I learned that when friends called us on our Comcast landline they got the message: "answering service not available". Because our phone hardware was several years old I figured I needed to upgrade. However, after buying a new AT&T landline 3 handset answering system, I just found out callers at times get the same message that the answering service is not available. The curious thing though, this malfunction seems to be intermittent. Our landline service with Comcast is part of a bundle along with internet and TV.
Has anyone else experienced a similar issue with their landline phone answering system? More importantly, can anyone tell me if the problem is with Comcast service or my phone hardware?
Has anyone else experienced a similar issue with their landline phone answering system? More importantly, can anyone tell me if the problem is with Comcast service or my phone hardware?
- Sun Apr 21, 2019 8:04 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
- Replies: 3
- Views: 342
Re: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
I get that companies at times need additional capital to finance certain activities such as purchasing capital equipment/buildings, creating an employee stock option plan, or buying another going concern. But to issue additional shares for primarily motivating and compensating highly paid executive is somewhat questionable. I would think a mature successful company would already have highly paid motivated executives.
- Sun Apr 21, 2019 3:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
- Replies: 3
- Views: 342
Proxy vote for additional authorized shares
That time of the year when I get mail for my proxy vote. Being the nerd that I am, I do try to at least read the proposals up for vote. It seems that one popular proposal is to increase the number of shares authorized. The reason for the increase is generally to provide added incentives for the executives to properly manage the company. As a matter of principle I usually vote against such a proposal. I just cannot understand why a company would need to take this action to motivate executives. I feel my shares would be diluted. I realize I am at a disadvantage since I do not have particular knowledge of the situation. Can anyone provide some insight as to when an increase in total authorized shares would be in my best interest. What should I...
- Sat Feb 09, 2019 11:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Expanding sound of Amazon Echo Dot
- Replies: 6
- Views: 516
Expanding sound of Amazon Echo Dot
Just got an Amazon Echo Dot two days ago and so far my wife & I think it is a real hoot. Took awhile for the tech stuff to sink in but feel much more confident with each passing day. Feels pretty weird when you find yourself saying "please" & "thank you" to a piece of furniture (Alexa). Would like to have sound throughout our first floor living area and thinking of getting an Echo speaker ($69) and putting it in another room and syncing it with the Echo Dot. We do not need high performance sound, just background music to keep us company. Has any Boglehead tried a similar deal to spread music around the living area? Is there a better alternative?
- Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cleaning cast iron skillet
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3522
Cleaning cast iron skillet
After much use, our cast iron skillet had a rough cooking surface and to get a smooth surface I sanded it with emory cloth. It sure came out smooth and clean. However the wife says I ruined the finish and we should think about getting a new one. I feel we just need to re-season the pan and it will be as good as new. Belatedly, I looked around the internet and most sites advised to only use a stiff plastic type brush for cleaning. I'd like opinions as to whether putting emory cloth to cast iron is OK and a simple seasoning process will do or should I consider a new one?
- Wed Nov 28, 2018 1:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Changing coolant on 2012 CR-V
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2917
Re: Changing coolant on 2012 CR-V
Based on the DIY comments I am now thinking of doing it myself. No comments in regards to flushing the system. Just curious as to whether flushing the system is necessary and if so how difficult is it.